Can am x3 transmission oil capacity
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
2013.05.03 19:15 CatWranglerr Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
In December 2019, a novel coronavirus strain (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in the city of Wuhan, China. This subreddit seeks to monitor the spread of the disease COVID-19, declared a pandemic by the WHO. This subreddit is for high-quality posts and discussion. Please be civil and empathetic.
2012.06.07 00:35 Nightshade3312 For the bladesmiths, beauty and destruction, art and skill.
A subreddit for the metalworkers who specialize in forging knives and other blade tools. Swords, daggers, kitchen cutlery, carving chisels, etc. Come in, look around, ask a question, learn, and have fun.
2012.03.04 21:28 chip16 Knife makers and fans welcome
The world of Knifemaking
2023.06.05 02:30 SierraTheWolfe Child Diagnosed with ADHD and keeps getting into trouble. Need advice.
My child 8f has been diagnosed with ADHD / ADD and keeps getting into trouble at school and at home. She has high amounts of energy, breaks a lot of rules, cannot stay focused, argues, fights, can't sit or stand still and gets overly emotional or attached to things in an unhealthy way. All of this has happened towards her friends, teachers, people of authority and us (myself and spouse). I am at all ends with our child and tried everything from meditation, breathing exercises, exercise, cutting certian foods and addititves, herbal therapy, essential oils therapy, punishments (example: timeout, no TV or video games) and etc. None have worked. Talking with her just goes over her head. We recently got a medication chart and now we have come to this. We have another child along the way and we fear this could extend towards other family members. So parents who are having to deal with this which medication or treatments have worked well for you? She can be a smart sweet girl, but lord have mercy we need some help before this leads her into further trouble or harms herself or someone else. Let us know what can be done please. Any advice or suggestions that are helpful will be appreciated.
submitted by SierraTheWolfe to Parents [link] [comments]
2023.06.05 02:25 foreveryqueen This is why I'm upset...
I am a big sister. I am a team-mate. I have spent a lot of time with young women in a coaching capacity and as a older cousin and sibling.
We watch Romantic Comedies, all the time. We know their ins and out we know their stories. It is something we enjoy with other women but as also a comfort to ourselves.
Because I don't know if there is awareness out there for how hard it is for young women to find suitable partners these days, or to experience a positive interaction with a man in a romantic situation. It is bad, we are giving up.
Now, along comes a romantic comedy that you can put on on a Friday night, not so that it teaches you about love, but so that it doesn't feel so bad to have passed up another opportunity for an incredibly bad date. Or having to waste your time emotionally healing another person who comes into your space, without having them do the same thing for you.
Or we didn't want to go out with our girl friends for the umpteenth time to the same bar again. We are not conditioned by these stories we are comforted by them. They help us get through the night so that when the sun comes up we can leave our houses again, you know, since leaving at night has become more dangerous lately, also because of men.
Then to take our stories, make them about men and tell the mostly female romantic comedy viewing audience that they were conditioned, and that no romantic indications were present in the writing is so harmful to young women, whose stories were just taken and used to help men.
There are a lot of young women who have just been called conditioned by the writers of their favorite show, when even they themselves admit that there were floodgates Ted and Rebecca were holding back.
So what was behind those floodgates?
So what about these young women in Ted Lasso's mental health plan?
Does their happiness get sacrificed for the benefit of young men?
The writers have given this space, tacit approval to crap all over anyone who thought there was anything there in the first place and I'm calling bullshit.
To uplift the men in this scenario and denigrate the women for being fooled by their clever writing is bad business and indicative of the thin, barey there message of the show. As long as the majority are OK, we don't have to care about them?
In a world where men are clearly going through their own struggles, and women are doing the best they can as well, how bout we not shit all over the people who helped social media engagement. Who propped up those Twitter numbers to help get the endorsement deals. Social media numbers are all important these days, how many of them thought that they were watching a romantic show? Did FIFA count them?
Romantic comedies are not the blue print for love or how women think life should be, they are a way to sustain for one more day until the life you know is waiting for you finally meets you where you are.
For anyone who spent time and effort thinking that Ted and Rebecca would help love feel a little closer, or that you could get through one more bullshit date because writers had actually given you a love story that was respectful of your knowledge and your experience of films and television, I hear you, I'm pissed off as well and this isn't even about women and men, it's about respect for the viewer and the unintentional effects of the story you created.
And having to deal with those effects no matter what.
Had they just said a different time a different place, then I would have easily rested my head. But to say we were conditioned and taking things personally instead of acknowledging the effects of the stories you used for your own benefit is just so disappointing and sexist that I don't know if I'm even a fan of the show any longer. And that's what needed to be said.
submitted by foreveryqueen to TedLasso [link] [comments]
We watch Romantic Comedies, all the time. We know their ins and out we know their stories. It is something we enjoy with other women but as also a comfort to ourselves.
Because I don't know if there is awareness out there for how hard it is for young women to find suitable partners these days, or to experience a positive interaction with a man in a romantic situation. It is bad, we are giving up.
Now, along comes a romantic comedy that you can put on on a Friday night, not so that it teaches you about love, but so that it doesn't feel so bad to have passed up another opportunity for an incredibly bad date. Or having to waste your time emotionally healing another person who comes into your space, without having them do the same thing for you.
Or we didn't want to go out with our girl friends for the umpteenth time to the same bar again. We are not conditioned by these stories we are comforted by them. They help us get through the night so that when the sun comes up we can leave our houses again, you know, since leaving at night has become more dangerous lately, also because of men.
Then to take our stories, make them about men and tell the mostly female romantic comedy viewing audience that they were conditioned, and that no romantic indications were present in the writing is so harmful to young women, whose stories were just taken and used to help men.
There are a lot of young women who have just been called conditioned by the writers of their favorite show, when even they themselves admit that there were floodgates Ted and Rebecca were holding back.
So what was behind those floodgates?
So what about these young women in Ted Lasso's mental health plan?
Does their happiness get sacrificed for the benefit of young men?
The writers have given this space, tacit approval to crap all over anyone who thought there was anything there in the first place and I'm calling bullshit.
To uplift the men in this scenario and denigrate the women for being fooled by their clever writing is bad business and indicative of the thin, barey there message of the show. As long as the majority are OK, we don't have to care about them?
In a world where men are clearly going through their own struggles, and women are doing the best they can as well, how bout we not shit all over the people who helped social media engagement. Who propped up those Twitter numbers to help get the endorsement deals. Social media numbers are all important these days, how many of them thought that they were watching a romantic show? Did FIFA count them?
Romantic comedies are not the blue print for love or how women think life should be, they are a way to sustain for one more day until the life you know is waiting for you finally meets you where you are.
For anyone who spent time and effort thinking that Ted and Rebecca would help love feel a little closer, or that you could get through one more bullshit date because writers had actually given you a love story that was respectful of your knowledge and your experience of films and television, I hear you, I'm pissed off as well and this isn't even about women and men, it's about respect for the viewer and the unintentional effects of the story you created.
And having to deal with those effects no matter what.
Had they just said a different time a different place, then I would have easily rested my head. But to say we were conditioned and taking things personally instead of acknowledging the effects of the stories you used for your own benefit is just so disappointing and sexist that I don't know if I'm even a fan of the show any longer. And that's what needed to be said.
2023.06.05 02:20 Zestyclose-Land-6137 DAE wipe their lips with a wet napkin after eating as opposed to a dry one?
I am well aware this question is stupid but bear with me. I have gone my whole life not caring about this, except for the fact I'm starting to wear lip makeup and reapplying it I've come to find that sometimes it's very unpleasant to apply fresh product over lips that are greasy or smell like food after eating - plus the applicator is probably getting nasty. Dry napkins don't seem to get rid of all the oil and of course licking lips is bad for the skin and also doesn't seem to work all that well. I never see anyone else have to wet a napkin, especially not the cloth ones at upscale restaurants. It's just so awkward having to do that. I searched Google - no one is mentioning this either. Am I going horribly wrong somewhere?
I should also specify I'm neurodivergent so the sensory aspect can be bothersome. Especially foods that have peanut butter, sesame oil, garlic, or spicy sauce. It's like that lingers for so long.
submitted by Zestyclose-Land-6137 to DAE [link] [comments]
I should also specify I'm neurodivergent so the sensory aspect can be bothersome. Especially foods that have peanut butter, sesame oil, garlic, or spicy sauce. It's like that lingers for so long.
2023.06.05 02:19 bsthebug I am so scared of all this misinformation.
Hello folks. This is my first time in a very long while posting about DissociaDID. 3 years ago, I created this throwaway account to get my thoughts across about their flagrant mistreatment around the discussion of race and the presentation of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Quick background, I am a POC and have been diagnosed with the disorder. I have been in intensive treatment for DID, along with other diagnoses, and am about to embark on the journey of getting my Masters in Psychology, with a focus on clinical and health psychology - as I am particularly interested in the long term effects that PTSD has on the development of chronic illnesses (particularly those involving autoimmunity.) Anyway, this is all to say, I really value having nuanced yet well-informed conversations about DID. The diagnosis itself is still controversial, and there are various reasons as to way. I obviously believe in it, considering I am diagnosed!!! However, I think the professional community has an obligation to establish clear semantics around the symptoms and presentation of the disorder... DD is a perfect reason as to why I think this. Let me explain.
In the most recent video, which I must admit to only seeing snippets of, I picked up on something that made me very worried. I am worried because DD has a large, impressionable audience, many of whom are using them as a sole source of information on this complicated disorder. In the clips they shared of Nin and Kyle talking about "fusing," and talking to each other, Nin uttered something that I think is explicitly anti-recovery and dangerous. She (I believe her pronouns as Nin were She/Her, I am trying to respect that part) said that there were moments where her and Kyle felt so close they were almost one person. The entire thing had an atmosphere of regret and sadness, and, almost, fear of perceiving and being perceived as one. I understand that there are people who are attached to their parts, I also understand that functional multiplicity is the most viable and healthy form of integration for many people with the disorder - I am not trying to discredit that. However, I firmly believe that healing requires some level of respecting that the parts are just that, parts of a whole. The reason I believe this is two (maybe even three) fold.
Parts are not equipped to access all skills, responses, and memories at the same time. This is their very function, by my understanding. They are truncated in order to facilitate functionality of the entire person. Yes, they are highly complex, capable of having completely unique volitions, desires, and self-efficacies. However, by design, they cannot access the entire scope of the person... Assertion may be present in one part, while the capacity to experience sadness will be more prominent in another - hypervigilance may find its way in a few parts, and be completely absent from others. Some may be able to socialize, some may withdraw and focus on self-soothing. Other still may hold certain positive associations while their counterparts are locked in an ancient memory. This is all very valid, and normal, per my understanding of how DID works. However, in order to foster adaptive behaviors, I firmly believe one must be able to access all of these learned skills and conditions at all times, without severe dissociation. Whether that be through parts interacting and smoothly utilizing each other's honed abilities, or through completely erasing the gap between said self states and having the entire breath of reactions and responses and feelings available at all times, it does not change the fact that this unison promotes healing! The reason is because all the parts make up one person (and I need to explicitly state that I understand the profound feelings of friendship and camaraderie that can occur within someone who has DID). These necessary learned processes within the brain are inaccessible due to dissociative barriers, but they are still occurring within one brain. The development of that unison was merely interrupted by horrendous circumstances.
This is all to say, Kya's most recent video did not adequately promote healing - at least from the segments I was privy to. They lacked the nuance and dialectical approach that is required when discussing such a complicated and misunderstood disorder. Furthermore, their words stigmatize the valid choice that is fully removing all dissociative barriers. This is my goal, and I am sure many people who have this distressing and difficult disorder's goal. I am not saying that we need to demonize it. I am for destigmatizing the disorder completely. But I do not feel we should normalize it, or encourage it, because the things that cause the disorder or neither normal, nor should they EVER be encouraged.
submitted by bsthebug to DissociaDID [link] [comments]
In the most recent video, which I must admit to only seeing snippets of, I picked up on something that made me very worried. I am worried because DD has a large, impressionable audience, many of whom are using them as a sole source of information on this complicated disorder. In the clips they shared of Nin and Kyle talking about "fusing," and talking to each other, Nin uttered something that I think is explicitly anti-recovery and dangerous. She (I believe her pronouns as Nin were She/Her, I am trying to respect that part) said that there were moments where her and Kyle felt so close they were almost one person. The entire thing had an atmosphere of regret and sadness, and, almost, fear of perceiving and being perceived as one. I understand that there are people who are attached to their parts, I also understand that functional multiplicity is the most viable and healthy form of integration for many people with the disorder - I am not trying to discredit that. However, I firmly believe that healing requires some level of respecting that the parts are just that, parts of a whole. The reason I believe this is two (maybe even three) fold.
Parts are not equipped to access all skills, responses, and memories at the same time. This is their very function, by my understanding. They are truncated in order to facilitate functionality of the entire person. Yes, they are highly complex, capable of having completely unique volitions, desires, and self-efficacies. However, by design, they cannot access the entire scope of the person... Assertion may be present in one part, while the capacity to experience sadness will be more prominent in another - hypervigilance may find its way in a few parts, and be completely absent from others. Some may be able to socialize, some may withdraw and focus on self-soothing. Other still may hold certain positive associations while their counterparts are locked in an ancient memory. This is all very valid, and normal, per my understanding of how DID works. However, in order to foster adaptive behaviors, I firmly believe one must be able to access all of these learned skills and conditions at all times, without severe dissociation. Whether that be through parts interacting and smoothly utilizing each other's honed abilities, or through completely erasing the gap between said self states and having the entire breath of reactions and responses and feelings available at all times, it does not change the fact that this unison promotes healing! The reason is because all the parts make up one person (and I need to explicitly state that I understand the profound feelings of friendship and camaraderie that can occur within someone who has DID). These necessary learned processes within the brain are inaccessible due to dissociative barriers, but they are still occurring within one brain. The development of that unison was merely interrupted by horrendous circumstances.
This is all to say, Kya's most recent video did not adequately promote healing - at least from the segments I was privy to. They lacked the nuance and dialectical approach that is required when discussing such a complicated and misunderstood disorder. Furthermore, their words stigmatize the valid choice that is fully removing all dissociative barriers. This is my goal, and I am sure many people who have this distressing and difficult disorder's goal. I am not saying that we need to demonize it. I am for destigmatizing the disorder completely. But I do not feel we should normalize it, or encourage it, because the things that cause the disorder or neither normal, nor should they EVER be encouraged.
2023.06.05 02:11 Forsaken-Log-607 I've forgotten how to skincare...I think... [Routine Help]
So years ago, I dived headfirst into the world of skincare, like ADHD hyper fixated dived in. I learned everything that I could, I cleared up my skin, and it became like a hobby. However, at some point, I stopped. Not necessarily stopped a skincare routine, but the learning. And because I've not still doing the learning part, I've forgotten a ton of things like which ingredients don't work together and such. I'm doing my best getting back into the learning part.
Because of that, my skincare routine has been silly. Just throwing ish on my face at times. I was dealing with some acne and with my current routine, my skin has gotten a ton better, but I know I'm doing something wrong. I must be.
My biggest concern right now is aging. I've entered my 30s and I've noticed some fine lines. Most of the lines are from facial tension, so I've started using a gua sha tool and I also use Frownies at night. I want to try to do whatever I can before I go to a dermatologist to ask about Tretinoin. I'll note here, I do reapply sunscreen often. I might lapse over the 2 hour mark here and there, but I do reapply multiple times a day when I'm at work and such.
Any help with my routine would be greatly appreciated! I have normal type skin but I do get hormonal acne. I also do my best to use cruelty free brands as well.
AM
-Water Rinse
-BlissPro Liquid Exfoliant (once a week)
-I'm From Rice Toner
-Cosrx Advance Snail 96 Mucin Essence or Byoma Hydrating Serum
-Benton Frementation Eye Cream or The Inkey List Brighten-i Eye Cream
-iUNIK Cantella Calming Gel Cream
-Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen
PM
-Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser
-Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Face Wash UK verison
-I'm From Rice Toner
-Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence
-Benton Fermentation Eye Cream ( The Inkey List Retional Eye Cream, every other night with retinol)
-The Inkey List Retinol Serum (every other night)
-Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
-The Ordinary Rose Hip Oil
Thank you to anyone who read through all of that! I have trouble being short sometimes.
submitted by Forsaken-Log-607 to SkincareAddiction [link] [comments]
Because of that, my skincare routine has been silly. Just throwing ish on my face at times. I was dealing with some acne and with my current routine, my skin has gotten a ton better, but I know I'm doing something wrong. I must be.
My biggest concern right now is aging. I've entered my 30s and I've noticed some fine lines. Most of the lines are from facial tension, so I've started using a gua sha tool and I also use Frownies at night. I want to try to do whatever I can before I go to a dermatologist to ask about Tretinoin. I'll note here, I do reapply sunscreen often. I might lapse over the 2 hour mark here and there, but I do reapply multiple times a day when I'm at work and such.
Any help with my routine would be greatly appreciated! I have normal type skin but I do get hormonal acne. I also do my best to use cruelty free brands as well.
AM
-Water Rinse
-BlissPro Liquid Exfoliant (once a week)
-I'm From Rice Toner
-Cosrx Advance Snail 96 Mucin Essence or Byoma Hydrating Serum
-Benton Frementation Eye Cream or The Inkey List Brighten-i Eye Cream
-iUNIK Cantella Calming Gel Cream
-Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen
PM
-Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser
-Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Face Wash UK verison
-I'm From Rice Toner
-Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence
-Benton Fermentation Eye Cream ( The Inkey List Retional Eye Cream, every other night with retinol)
-The Inkey List Retinol Serum (every other night)
-Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
-The Ordinary Rose Hip Oil
Thank you to anyone who read through all of that! I have trouble being short sometimes.
2023.06.05 02:09 KayakingHedgehog 36 [M4F] NC - Did I take your breath way, or was it the hay fever?
It’s that time of year again! Love is in the air along with all the plant jizz, and I am looking for the someone who is willing to venture out into this yellow, dusty mess with me, and then come home and just take a nap before our sinuses close up in anger and we cough ourselves to sleep. I am looking for someone to vent my mundane troubles too, someone that I know would be there to help with whatever may come up, and someone that I can laugh with, someone to cry with, someone that would just run with a crazy idea without hesitation.
Enough about me! Let’s talk about what you may be looking for! Are you looking for that special someone? You know, the one that laugh with on a daily basis. The one that you can have an entire conversation with using nothing but funny pictures? Are you looking for the creepy and the kooky? What about the mysterious and spooky? Would that someone be a person with a mohawk that is forever changing colors? How about a neatly trimmed beard that smells of sandalwood? What about the smell of Old Spice? Would that person also happen to have a few piercings and tattoos? Do you like the twang of a Southern accent? What if that accent was happen to be from a guy who is open minded? Do you enjoy a quick wit? How about being fluent in smartassary? How about a guy that is taking care of way too many fish? How about a guy who is starting to find grey hairs in his beard and is embracing the chance to become a silver fox?
Would you like for that person to be able to build a computer and change your oil all in the same day? How about having your tires rotated, breaks changed? I can even do headlights and air filters! Does the thought of helping turtles cross a busy road and helping tiny tadpoles stay safe with a pool of water during the summer tickle your fancy? Would you like to come home and have a pot roast and chocolate cake waiting for you? How about coming home to that random piece of IKEA furniture fully assembled? What about someone who would help while you built the IKEA? Does the idea of a guy who has reached the level of old that he enjoys puzzles intrigue you? How about if he has a love for cats that like to sit on said unfinished puzzles? Are you looking for a guy who can change your oil, replace your brakes, and cook you dinner in the same day? How about a guy who is good with his hands and knows it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the nerdy home maker package is for you! Who doesn’t want help around the house, basic maintaince taken care of, and some good dick?
Do you have an endless supply of DIY ideas? Well look no further because I do too! Ever wanted a stylish bat house or raised garden bed? I have made both! Would you want a greenhouse? I have plenty of ideas for that! Do you like watching a guy get dirty restoring canoes or building trailers? Do you have a Mad Max fantasy you want to live out? Do you want a house straight from the shire? I have the skills and the 3d printers to make you swoon with possibilities! If you answered yes to any of these questions, the glistening geek package is for you! What’s not to love about watching someone you like getting sweaty while watching your ideas come to life?
For a limited time, if you pick both packages, I will add in the nerdy outdoorsman package for no extra charge! Want to stay in one weekend and marathon Doctor Who, Star Trek, or Futurama? Do you want to play Don’t Starve Together, DnD, or Civ 6? How about Nerf gun fight, or a game of Mario for bragging rights? Feel like staying up late bundled under a load of blankets watching B movies or playing all manor of video, board, or card games? Feel like getting outdoors instead? I can offer spontaneous adventures that may include wondering aimlessly, hiking, and floating blissfully down a river which singing the PACMAN theme song! Random acts of hilarity that could include striking poses and quoting pop culture references! Are you more of a night owl? I can offer you a view of the stars with my telescope!
How about it? Wanna get itchy eyes and a runny nose with me?
submitted by KayakingHedgehog to r4r [link] [comments]
Enough about me! Let’s talk about what you may be looking for! Are you looking for that special someone? You know, the one that laugh with on a daily basis. The one that you can have an entire conversation with using nothing but funny pictures? Are you looking for the creepy and the kooky? What about the mysterious and spooky? Would that someone be a person with a mohawk that is forever changing colors? How about a neatly trimmed beard that smells of sandalwood? What about the smell of Old Spice? Would that person also happen to have a few piercings and tattoos? Do you like the twang of a Southern accent? What if that accent was happen to be from a guy who is open minded? Do you enjoy a quick wit? How about being fluent in smartassary? How about a guy that is taking care of way too many fish? How about a guy who is starting to find grey hairs in his beard and is embracing the chance to become a silver fox?
Would you like for that person to be able to build a computer and change your oil all in the same day? How about having your tires rotated, breaks changed? I can even do headlights and air filters! Does the thought of helping turtles cross a busy road and helping tiny tadpoles stay safe with a pool of water during the summer tickle your fancy? Would you like to come home and have a pot roast and chocolate cake waiting for you? How about coming home to that random piece of IKEA furniture fully assembled? What about someone who would help while you built the IKEA? Does the idea of a guy who has reached the level of old that he enjoys puzzles intrigue you? How about if he has a love for cats that like to sit on said unfinished puzzles? Are you looking for a guy who can change your oil, replace your brakes, and cook you dinner in the same day? How about a guy who is good with his hands and knows it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the nerdy home maker package is for you! Who doesn’t want help around the house, basic maintaince taken care of, and some good dick?
Do you have an endless supply of DIY ideas? Well look no further because I do too! Ever wanted a stylish bat house or raised garden bed? I have made both! Would you want a greenhouse? I have plenty of ideas for that! Do you like watching a guy get dirty restoring canoes or building trailers? Do you have a Mad Max fantasy you want to live out? Do you want a house straight from the shire? I have the skills and the 3d printers to make you swoon with possibilities! If you answered yes to any of these questions, the glistening geek package is for you! What’s not to love about watching someone you like getting sweaty while watching your ideas come to life?
For a limited time, if you pick both packages, I will add in the nerdy outdoorsman package for no extra charge! Want to stay in one weekend and marathon Doctor Who, Star Trek, or Futurama? Do you want to play Don’t Starve Together, DnD, or Civ 6? How about Nerf gun fight, or a game of Mario for bragging rights? Feel like staying up late bundled under a load of blankets watching B movies or playing all manor of video, board, or card games? Feel like getting outdoors instead? I can offer spontaneous adventures that may include wondering aimlessly, hiking, and floating blissfully down a river which singing the PACMAN theme song! Random acts of hilarity that could include striking poses and quoting pop culture references! Are you more of a night owl? I can offer you a view of the stars with my telescope!
How about it? Wanna get itchy eyes and a runny nose with me?
2023.06.05 02:08 KayakingHedgehog 36 [M4F] NC - Did I take your breath away, or was it the hay fever?
It’s that time of year again! Love is in the air along with all the plant jizz, and I am looking for the someone who is willing to venture out into this yellow, dusty mess with me, and then come home and just take a nap before our sinuses close up in anger and we cough ourselves to sleep. I am looking for someone to vent my mundane troubles too, someone that I know would be there to help with whatever may come up, and someone that I can laugh with, someone to cry with, someone that would just run with a crazy idea without hesitation.
Enough about me! Let’s talk about what you may be looking for! Are you looking for that special someone? You know, the one that laugh with on a daily basis. The one that you can have an entire conversation with using nothing but funny pictures? Are you looking for the creepy and the kooky? What about the mysterious and spooky? Would that someone be a person with a mohawk that is forever changing colors? How about a neatly trimmed beard that smells of sandalwood? What about the smell of Old Spice? Would that person also happen to have a few piercings and tattoos? Do you like the twang of a Southern accent? What if that accent was happen to be from a guy who is open minded? Do you enjoy a quick wit? How about being fluent in smartassary? How about a guy that is taking care of way too many fish? How about a guy who is starting to find grey hairs in his beard and is embracing the chance to become a silver fox?
Would you like for that person to be able to build a computer and change your oil all in the same day? How about having your tires rotated, breaks changed? I can even do headlights and air filters! Does the thought of helping turtles cross a busy road and helping tiny tadpoles stay safe with a pool of water during the summer tickle your fancy? Would you like to come home and have a pot roast and chocolate cake waiting for you? How about coming home to that random piece of IKEA furniture fully assembled? What about someone who would help while you built the IKEA? Does the idea of a guy who has reached the level of old that he enjoys puzzles intrigue you? How about if he has a love for cats that like to sit on said unfinished puzzles? Are you looking for a guy who can change your oil, replace your brakes, and cook you dinner in the same day? How about a guy who is good with his hands and knows it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the nerdy home maker package is for you! Who doesn’t want help around the house, basic maintaince taken care of, and some good dick?
Do you have an endless supply of DIY ideas? Well look no further because I do too! Ever wanted a stylish bat house or raised garden bed? I have made both! Would you want a greenhouse? I have plenty of ideas for that! Do you like watching a guy get dirty restoring canoes or building trailers? Do you have a Mad Max fantasy you want to live out? Do you want a house straight from the shire? I have the skills and the 3d printers to make you swoon with possibilities! If you answered yes to any of these questions, the glistening geek package is for you! What’s not to love about watching someone you like getting sweaty while watching your ideas come to life?
For a limited time, if you pick both packages, I will add in the nerdy outdoorsman package for no extra charge! Want to stay in one weekend and marathon Doctor Who, Star Trek, or Futurama? Do you want to play Don’t Starve Together, DnD, or Civ 6? How about Nerf gun fight, or a game of Mario for bragging rights? Feel like staying up late bundled under a load of blankets watching B movies or playing all manor of video, board, or card games? Feel like getting outdoors instead? I can offer spontaneous adventures that may include wondering aimlessly, hiking, and floating blissfully down a river which singing the PACMAN theme song! Random acts of hilarity that could include striking poses and quoting pop culture references! Are you more of a night owl? I can offer you a view of the stars with my telescope!
How about it? Wanna get itchy eyes and a runny nose with me?
submitted by KayakingHedgehog to R4R30Plus [link] [comments]
Enough about me! Let’s talk about what you may be looking for! Are you looking for that special someone? You know, the one that laugh with on a daily basis. The one that you can have an entire conversation with using nothing but funny pictures? Are you looking for the creepy and the kooky? What about the mysterious and spooky? Would that someone be a person with a mohawk that is forever changing colors? How about a neatly trimmed beard that smells of sandalwood? What about the smell of Old Spice? Would that person also happen to have a few piercings and tattoos? Do you like the twang of a Southern accent? What if that accent was happen to be from a guy who is open minded? Do you enjoy a quick wit? How about being fluent in smartassary? How about a guy that is taking care of way too many fish? How about a guy who is starting to find grey hairs in his beard and is embracing the chance to become a silver fox?
Would you like for that person to be able to build a computer and change your oil all in the same day? How about having your tires rotated, breaks changed? I can even do headlights and air filters! Does the thought of helping turtles cross a busy road and helping tiny tadpoles stay safe with a pool of water during the summer tickle your fancy? Would you like to come home and have a pot roast and chocolate cake waiting for you? How about coming home to that random piece of IKEA furniture fully assembled? What about someone who would help while you built the IKEA? Does the idea of a guy who has reached the level of old that he enjoys puzzles intrigue you? How about if he has a love for cats that like to sit on said unfinished puzzles? Are you looking for a guy who can change your oil, replace your brakes, and cook you dinner in the same day? How about a guy who is good with his hands and knows it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the nerdy home maker package is for you! Who doesn’t want help around the house, basic maintaince taken care of, and some good dick?
Do you have an endless supply of DIY ideas? Well look no further because I do too! Ever wanted a stylish bat house or raised garden bed? I have made both! Would you want a greenhouse? I have plenty of ideas for that! Do you like watching a guy get dirty restoring canoes or building trailers? Do you have a Mad Max fantasy you want to live out? Do you want a house straight from the shire? I have the skills and the 3d printers to make you swoon with possibilities! If you answered yes to any of these questions, the glistening geek package is for you! What’s not to love about watching someone you like getting sweaty while watching your ideas come to life?
For a limited time, if you pick both packages, I will add in the nerdy outdoorsman package for no extra charge! Want to stay in one weekend and marathon Doctor Who, Star Trek, or Futurama? Do you want to play Don’t Starve Together, DnD, or Civ 6? How about Nerf gun fight, or a game of Mario for bragging rights? Feel like staying up late bundled under a load of blankets watching B movies or playing all manor of video, board, or card games? Feel like getting outdoors instead? I can offer spontaneous adventures that may include wondering aimlessly, hiking, and floating blissfully down a river which singing the PACMAN theme song! Random acts of hilarity that could include striking poses and quoting pop culture references! Are you more of a night owl? I can offer you a view of the stars with my telescope!
How about it? Wanna get itchy eyes and a runny nose with me?
2023.06.05 02:07 emthebridge Please help explain redox of metal ions! Electrochemistry is confusing.. (FL1 C/P #27, #53 )
Hi all! I've scoured the internet a bit for a simple explanation of what I think is an easy/fixable knowledge gap, but not finding the right sources :( I never properly learned electrochem in uni and am struggling! Would appreciate baby steps explanations as I assume at least 1 electrochem passage will come up in my exam...
So my brain starts with OIL RIG: Oxidation = loss of electrons, Reduction = gain of electrons; like in biochem, NAD+ NADH can be explained as "NAD+ is reduced to NADH", etc. NAD+ is *gaining* electrons (from the H) when being reduced. Further, reducing agents donate their electrons (/protons), therefore getting oxidized, etc.
But, in a couple electrochemistry problems in FL#1, a couple statements contradict the above...
#27: The answer choice of A., "At a potential of –0.4 V, as pH increases, Fe2+ is reduced and precipitates as Fe(OH)3." is incorrect with the explanation that: "The conversion of Fe2+ to Fe(OH)3(s) represents an oxidation." (Forget the fact that the graph indicates Fe(OH)3 isn't possible, but Fe(OH)2, I'm focusing on the redox aspect of the justification.)
But isn't Fe2+ gaining e- with the addition of the OH groups? Isn't this reduction?
Further, #53:
https://preview.redd.it/0peg91pfb34b1.png?width=1692&format=png&auto=webp&s=f8340dd733fb6cb785582aef48eb8b6a3123034e
I put A because I thought of the reaction as:
Al(s) + 2HCl(aq) AlCl2(aq?) + H2(g)
(which of course could be wrong- thoughts?) Wherein the addition of two Cl to Al is a reduction (of Al), and hydrogen existing as H+ in aq bonded H2 means H was oxidized (gained e-). But the answer is the opposite...
Would appreciate clarity on which the OILRIG rules seem to be opposite in these problems, any suggestions on how to rethink these... thanks so much!!
submitted by emthebridge to Mcat [link] [comments]
So my brain starts with OIL RIG: Oxidation = loss of electrons, Reduction = gain of electrons; like in biochem, NAD+ NADH can be explained as "NAD+ is reduced to NADH", etc. NAD+ is *gaining* electrons (from the H) when being reduced. Further, reducing agents donate their electrons (/protons), therefore getting oxidized, etc.
But, in a couple electrochemistry problems in FL#1, a couple statements contradict the above...
#27: The answer choice of A., "At a potential of –0.4 V, as pH increases, Fe2+ is reduced and precipitates as Fe(OH)3." is incorrect with the explanation that: "The conversion of Fe2+ to Fe(OH)3(s) represents an oxidation." (Forget the fact that the graph indicates Fe(OH)3 isn't possible, but Fe(OH)2, I'm focusing on the redox aspect of the justification.)
But isn't Fe2+ gaining e- with the addition of the OH groups? Isn't this reduction?
Further, #53:
https://preview.redd.it/0peg91pfb34b1.png?width=1692&format=png&auto=webp&s=f8340dd733fb6cb785582aef48eb8b6a3123034e
I put A because I thought of the reaction as:
Al(s) + 2HCl(aq) AlCl2(aq?) + H2(g)
(which of course could be wrong- thoughts?) Wherein the addition of two Cl to Al is a reduction (of Al), and hydrogen existing as H+ in aq bonded H2 means H was oxidized (gained e-). But the answer is the opposite...
Would appreciate clarity on which the OILRIG rules seem to be opposite in these problems, any suggestions on how to rethink these... thanks so much!!
2023.06.05 02:05 Grimm1947 Fighting for my life😮💨
Sunday June 4th, 2023 12pm:
I clocked into my shift expecting to spend yet another day making drinks and helping customers, but today it was different.
After a couple hours of being on the floor my shift manager said that we were going to try the new Oleato drinks. I have to admit I was a little intrigued about it. How good can olive oil and coffee be.
The first sip was pleasant but left a residue on my tongue and lips. I ignored the feeling and drank on.
By the time I finished the short cup it was already too late.
1pm:
I was making drinks when my coworker said to me that their stomach was hurting. “Maybe I’m just getting sick” they said. I respond back in an appropriate manner and turn to look at the latte I’m making when I feel it.
I think I just need to use the bathroom and excuse myself. But that was only the beginning.
2pm:
At this point every 5 minutes one of us is using the bathroom. My intestines were screaming at me.
3pm:
I finally finish my shift and begin to head home and that’s when the horror really starts.
The pain I am feeling is approaching colonoscopy prep. I press my foot on the gas, praying I will make it home in time. Every red light makes my heart beat faster and my ass clench tighter.
I will not shit myself in the car.
One red light later, I come to the realization that I will not be able to make it home. I make the quick decision to turn towards the gas station.
I waddled through those doors like I’ve never waddled in my life. Every step my bowels closer to eruption.
I slam the door to the bathroom closed barely remembering to lock it. I get to the toilet and rip my pants off. The flood gates opened. The sound of my bowels reached Krakatoa levels.
I throw my shirt off and collapse down on my legs.
Soon after my shoes and pants follow.
I sit in this dirty bathroom naked with liquid gushing out of my ass.
I pray that it will end soon.
10 minutes later:
I collect myself and throw my clothes back on. A man is on the other side of the door and I apologize to him.
I quickly hop in my car and race back home.
Currently:
I sit here from the toilet writing this. I’m feeling a bit better and silently cursing that tiny drink.
The only thing I have to offer is this. Only drink this if you have no where to be in the next few hours or else you’ll end up like me.
Naked, hunched over in a gas station toilet, while satan leaves your body.
submitted by Grimm1947 to starbucks [link] [comments]
I clocked into my shift expecting to spend yet another day making drinks and helping customers, but today it was different.
After a couple hours of being on the floor my shift manager said that we were going to try the new Oleato drinks. I have to admit I was a little intrigued about it. How good can olive oil and coffee be.
The first sip was pleasant but left a residue on my tongue and lips. I ignored the feeling and drank on.
By the time I finished the short cup it was already too late.
1pm:
I was making drinks when my coworker said to me that their stomach was hurting. “Maybe I’m just getting sick” they said. I respond back in an appropriate manner and turn to look at the latte I’m making when I feel it.
I think I just need to use the bathroom and excuse myself. But that was only the beginning.
2pm:
At this point every 5 minutes one of us is using the bathroom. My intestines were screaming at me.
3pm:
I finally finish my shift and begin to head home and that’s when the horror really starts.
The pain I am feeling is approaching colonoscopy prep. I press my foot on the gas, praying I will make it home in time. Every red light makes my heart beat faster and my ass clench tighter.
I will not shit myself in the car.
One red light later, I come to the realization that I will not be able to make it home. I make the quick decision to turn towards the gas station.
I waddled through those doors like I’ve never waddled in my life. Every step my bowels closer to eruption.
I slam the door to the bathroom closed barely remembering to lock it. I get to the toilet and rip my pants off. The flood gates opened. The sound of my bowels reached Krakatoa levels.
I throw my shirt off and collapse down on my legs.
Soon after my shoes and pants follow.
I sit in this dirty bathroom naked with liquid gushing out of my ass.
I pray that it will end soon.
10 minutes later:
I collect myself and throw my clothes back on. A man is on the other side of the door and I apologize to him.
I quickly hop in my car and race back home.
Currently:
I sit here from the toilet writing this. I’m feeling a bit better and silently cursing that tiny drink.
The only thing I have to offer is this. Only drink this if you have no where to be in the next few hours or else you’ll end up like me.
Naked, hunched over in a gas station toilet, while satan leaves your body.
2023.06.05 02:03 dogsbeforedishonor First my KP reset and then my entire game vanished. What just happened?
I’ve been playing Conan in pretty much every spare moment for the last two weeks. Earlier today I was done playing so I quit the game and put the PlayStation 5 in rest mode. Came back like usual and suddenly I’m overburdened. I’m putzing around my camp trying to figure out what I’m holding that’s so heavy and realize that my armor is now half my carrying capacity. And I have 253 available knowledge points. And I’m a level 0 suddenly instead of 46 so I can’t build anything new. Or do much of anything useful.
Restarted the game, naturally, aaaaand my whole save is gone. Toast. Nowhere in sight. Restarted the PlayStation and nada. Straight to character creation every time.
Am I SOL? Or can I undo this somehow?
submitted by dogsbeforedishonor to ConanExiles [link] [comments]
Restarted the game, naturally, aaaaand my whole save is gone. Toast. Nowhere in sight. Restarted the PlayStation and nada. Straight to character creation every time.
Am I SOL? Or can I undo this somehow?
2023.06.05 01:45 graceandstuffs Cat threw up around 5 times after eating, please help
I recently started my 9 year old cat on wet food and have been slowly adding in other things to the bowl. She never had an issue with the wet food, tuna broth, and hip/joint supplement (oil). Today I added 3 instinct raw freeze dried toppers when they recommend 1/4 a cup, so a lot less than the recommendation. After eating she played a tiny bit but then vomited ALL of it up. I mean so much. I’ve had her for 9 years and I don’t think I’ve even seen her throw up. After that she puked two more times (just brown liquid). About 10 minutes go by and she pukes two more times, still brown liquid. I am beyond concerned and sick to my stomach worried about her. I can’t get over how much she threw up the first time, it was so much.
Any advice would be so greatly appreciated, she’s my everything.
submitted by graceandstuffs to AskVet [link] [comments]
Any advice would be so greatly appreciated, she’s my everything.
2023.06.05 01:28 ANAL-MDPV How to avoid a panic attack at work.
I don't know if I have the capacity to do this, but if I can't show up then I am literally not going to survive.
I am brain damaged, and my neurology is wired dysfunctionally, and my senses are a constant bombardment. I have DPDR. Picture being dead in a visceral psychological hell. That's my life.
I cannot do this. I am going to suffocate. I'm gonna pass out or be unable to communicate or puke on the floor. There is no drug I can take that will relieve this anxiety. It is not a difficult job, but there are people.
I know you have the instinct to say "hey, it's just anxiety, it's not gonna kill you", but it literally fucking will. It will. I will lose this job due to sheer dysfunctionality and fucking die.
The person who buys me food is me. The person who pays my rent is me. The person who guides me through life is me. The person who notices when I'm backsliding is me. The person I ask for help is me. The person who has to comfort me when my mind is a horrible place is me.
I literally do not have the privilege to take some time to work on myself. There is no world where I can be unemployed and sleep indoors. There is nobody to take care of me but myself. If I cannot take care of myself, then I will simply not be taken care of.
submitted by ANAL-MDPV to confidence [link] [comments]
I am brain damaged, and my neurology is wired dysfunctionally, and my senses are a constant bombardment. I have DPDR. Picture being dead in a visceral psychological hell. That's my life.
I cannot do this. I am going to suffocate. I'm gonna pass out or be unable to communicate or puke on the floor. There is no drug I can take that will relieve this anxiety. It is not a difficult job, but there are people.
I know you have the instinct to say "hey, it's just anxiety, it's not gonna kill you", but it literally fucking will. It will. I will lose this job due to sheer dysfunctionality and fucking die.
The person who buys me food is me. The person who pays my rent is me. The person who guides me through life is me. The person who notices when I'm backsliding is me. The person I ask for help is me. The person who has to comfort me when my mind is a horrible place is me.
I literally do not have the privilege to take some time to work on myself. There is no world where I can be unemployed and sleep indoors. There is nobody to take care of me but myself. If I cannot take care of myself, then I will simply not be taken care of.
2023.06.05 01:24 Drakolf Dragon Rising- 15. Redirect:
Being told to deal with the Sorcerers now by the shadowy cabal of Asgorath-worshiping monks, I proceeded to do just that.
Well, more specifically, I looked for wherever the hell they holed themselves up in.
The faithful of Bahamut shot me frosty glares as I walked around the city unimpeded, though I did very pointedly give them a very strongly worded letter about spying on me and ambushing me, and that if Nakk wasn't going to tolerate their shit, he wasn't going to tolerate mine.
Hopefully, that bought me some breathing room.
Now, the Sorcerers hadn't fucked off elsewhere, or I would have gotten a lot of questions as to where they went. They still operated in the town, still used their magic appropriately, so it wasn't like they were being assholes about it.
But, considering I was being warned about them specifically, shit was about to go down.
Now, I didn't go alone. Not specifically. I had my Warlocks move about, searching for any clues as to the whereabouts of the Sorcerers.
Naturally, they were extremely dodgy about where they were going.
But, the more we looked, the more we found clues, the more we got closer until we realized they were gathering under the Council Chamber.
So there they were, all nine of them, not counting the however many probably awoke due to my machinations. Nine Sorcerers, Nine Warlocks, and me.
They were gathered around some sort of sacrificial altar that was stained with blood, on which they were very pointedly bleeding on.
"You know-" I said, startling them and causing them to look at me. "-If you'd just been respectful to my Master, you might have gotten more than you could have ever dreamed of."
"Ruuk, what are you doing here!?" Goss hissed.
"Looking for you before you get yourselves killed." I said. "I've been warned twice that you were getting into some shit, and here I find you bleeding all over an altar that isn't even configured right, you fucking idiots."
They shared looks, first shocked, then angry. They started yelling, my Warlocks screamed into their heads to shut up, which caused them all to rub their heads.
"Which one of you has the highest Level?" I asked. "Goss? Taklak? Kashak?"
"I am a solid Level 4!" Molo bragged.
"That's it?" I asked. "Fuck's sake, I'm Level 6. I've been out there busting my fucking ass. We got invaded while you were playing fucking secret society! People died!"
"We wouldn't have lost anyone, if Kurtulmak gave us power!" Hagnar snapped.
"No, we would have lost more." I said. "If you actually cared about the Warren, you would have been out there, leading rather than plotting."
"Says the man who's clearly getting boosted by Kurtulmak!"
I strode toward them, my patience wearing thin. "I want to make something very clear now." I said. "You've wasted more time trying to get stronger than it took me. You think hard work hardly works? Hit me." I removed my armor. "I'm wide open."
They didn't do anything, they just stared at me with wide eyes. "Oh, this? This isn't armor." I said. "It's a sign of my fealty to my Master. Now, Hit me."
The spells were flung at me, and most of them did hurt. "Nine of you." I said, grinning. "And you couldn't even hit me properly. Kneel."
They began backing away.
"I said kneel!" I roared.
They all fell over themselves as they tried to kneel. They all looked terrified.
"I am going to give you exactly one chance to make up for your foolish behavior." I said. "I will call you out one by one, you will approach, you will kiss my hand, and you will swear your undying loyalty to me, your Imperator, and the Empire that our Master will raise. If you refuse, I will end your pathetic excuse for a life right then and there. And if even one of you attacks me, my Warlocks will make that scream in your mind feel like a gentle tickle."
I held my hand out. "Goss." He scrambled over to me and knelt. He took my hand and kissed it. "I swear my loyalty to you, my Imperator, and the Empire our Master will raise." He said.
"Good. Stand among my Warlocks. Arix."
One by one I called their names, and they came. They spoke their vows, all nine of them.
I put my armor back on and said, "Excellent. From this moment on, every hour, one of you will go to my Tower, you will pledge your fealty to our Master, and you will allow him to mark you such that you can never disobey him again." I looked at them. "And if even one of you tries to escape, I will track you down as easily as I have now. You are marked, each and every one of you. I will make your deaths as slow and miserable as I see fit. My Empire has no room for traitors."
"Yes, Imperator!" They said.
"Dismissed."
They all left, clearly trying not to piss themselves or run. I felt a wonderfully powerful sense of pleasure and smiled. "Warlocks." I said. "Continue about your day."
I cleaned up the mess the Sorcerers had made left the Councilor Chamber. I ran into Tallyn on the way out.
"Brother." He said.
"Sibling." I replied.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"The Sorcerers were trying to summon a Demon for power." I said. "Considering they tried to petition my Master for power as well- he denied them, rightly noticing they did not care how they got power- I threatened to kill them if they kept trying, ordered them to submit to my Master, whereupon they will be marked such that they will no longer be a threat to the Warren."
He stared at me in utter shock. "Did you-? Do you hear yourself?" He asked in a horrified whisper.
"Brother." I said. "This is an outright Demon we're talking about. We're lucky they're fucking idiots and didn't make their altar correctly, so they were just bleeding on a fucking slab of rock with pentagrams and shit on it. They attacked me. That on top of your fellow Paladins ambushing me and accusing me of conspiracy-" I gave him a pointed look, "-my capacity of mercy is very low at the moment."
"Ruuk... What happened to you?" He asked.
"You and your Temple tried to kill me." I replied. "For the sins of compassion and mercy." I shrugged. "I've tried meeting you and yours half way, I sought atonement out of guilt, to rectify what I had done. I've tried to walk the path of good, and the cold, simply truth is, you and your order have not given me much incentive to continue to walk that path."
He was silent.
"Tallyn." I said, taking hold of his hands. "I miss the days when you were the good brother." I was able to see the exact moment when his heart ripped right in half. I walked right past him. I was tired of his shit, and at that moment, I wasn't going to play his or his Temple's game anymore.
I took a deep breath to try and center myself, as I started heading back for my Tower.
"Has it become your mission in life to leap merrily from the slippery slope?" A familiar voice asked me. I turned around, coming face to face with a gray-scaled Kobold, behind him were seven others with ruddy yellow scales.
"You've certainly changed since I last saw you." Bahamut stated. "A turn for the worse, it would seem."
I gave him a reverential bow. "I take it the Fizban persona wouldn't work now." I remarked.
"No, it wouldn't." He said. "All your doing, it would seem."
"Indeed. My doing." I couldn't help but smile.
"And with such pride as well. Walk with me, and understand I speak with you only because what I have to say is important."
I nodded and walked beside him, his seven companions following as inconspicuously as a septet of yellow Kobolds could- which I had to admit was surprisingly good.
"I am not happy." He stated.
"I sincerely doubt you would." I replied.
"With you, I expected it." He remarked dryly. "My followers have been playing fast and loose with their morals, day by day, their actions speak louder than their affirmations of faith, and what they say is, 'We are only concerned with our own power'. Does that amuse you?"
"No." I replied. "In fact, it pisses me off."
"The gradual corruption of a sect of holy warriors disgusts you?" He asked, his tone carrying a hint of surprise. "For all your posturing about, you still manage to get things done, even if they're via less morally sound standpoints."
"Is there a purpose to this beyond chatting?" I asked.
"Yes." He said. "One way or another, this Warren will become a theocratic nation, your faith spreads like wildfire, while the faith of my followers tapers off. You've manipulated events such that you are winning, and my followers have nobody to blame but themselves."
We stopped in front of the Temples, he looked at them. "Kurtulmak is relapsing." He said. "And you are walking a narrow rope between good and evil. Between judicious rule and tyranny." He looked at me. "And unfortunately, in spite of my best efforts, it is becoming harder and harder to maintain contact with this world."
He paused, then added, "I will, of course, be supporting my faithful, trying to keep them on the correct path, but in the event they utterly fail, and the only option left is you, I would rather the lesser evil of you win than the greater evil that is my sister. This is not tolerance, this is ensuring that no matter what, the forces of good can always pick up the pieces."
"I understand." I said. "And Bahamut... I am sorry things turned out this way."
"Your apology is sincere." He remarked, surprised. "I am sorry for the way I treated you in Darastrixthurhi, I chose the wrong course of action."
"You don't deal in words, but actions." I said. "Therefore your apology is sincere."
"Within the mines, there is a yet-untouched vein of platinum in your Warren's mine, enough to supply enough holy symbols for my Clerics, and to forge one sword, fifth level down, three lefts, and at the far end. I leave it up to you how you will handle that information. And Ruuk, remember the entire point of you remaining down there was because you believed Kurtulmak could be redeemed. Do not forget that can apply to you as well."
He walked away, followed by his cadre of Kobolds.
'I sure as hell don't like his followers...' I thought as I headed for the mines. 'But I definitely respect him a lot more.'
My gear compelled me to do good, and right now, I was in a better mood. I gathered a few miners and told them to follow me. They did so hesitantly, but dug where I indicated. I watched as they dug maybe a half-mile before they yapped.
"There's ore here!"
"I know." I said. "Mine out the entire vein and take it to the Artificers. It's platinum, they're going to need it soon."
I left them to their work and headed for the Artificers. Once there, I had them gather around.
"You will be receiving a shipment of Platinum, once it comes in, you are to create enough Holy Symbols of Bahamut to equip each Cleric, as well as one sword. Once they have finished, you will deliver them immediately to my Tower. Do not tell anyone what they are. Understood?"
"Sure, but why?"
"Simple." I said. "I need them to get the fuck off my case and start realizing they're only hurting the Warren. Their God saw fit to speak with me, so it's in my hands whether or not they continue to measure out rope to hang themselves with."
It was several hours before the crates came in. I wordlessly picked them up and carried them to the Temple.
The Paladins were, of course, pissed when they saw me approaching. "Stop right there!" They snapped. "By the High Priest's orders, you are not allowed in here!"
"Your weapons and your faith isn't enough to stop me." I said. "Fucking try me."
I walked straight up to them, and my attempt at intimidation worked, as they backed away while I walked in.
Galax immediately noticed my entry, as did every Cleric and Paladin in the room.
"Who let you in!?" Galax roared. "I have expressly forbidden you from entry!"
"I let myself in." I said. I walked toward him, glanced around, and sighed. "Do you guys just not believe in tables, or is the whole ascetic aesthetic really this fucking sparse?"
"I am warning you, Stingtail, if you do not leave this Holy Temple, I will have no choice but to kill you."
I wreched the top off the crate I brought in, he glanced at them, then his eyes widened in complete shock. "What..? Those are..."
"Holy symbols to Bahamut, made from the vein of platinum I directed the workers to." I said. He stared at me, clearly incapable of comprehending what I'd done.
"Why..?" He asked.
"Because you've been playing fast and loose with your morals." I said, paraphrasing what Bahamut stated. "Even though you preach Bahamut's words, you've forgotten that actions are how you pray. You've become so enamored with bringing about the perfect theocratic kingdom of Bahamut, that you don't even realize you're telling the people you're only concerned with power."
I handed him the sword crate, which he opened.
"I want you to understand, Galax." I said. "Bahamut came to me and told me where the platinum was. I could have kept it secret, or I could have used it for literally anything else. Because as much as Bahamut was disappointed in you, he wasn't giving up on you. And as much as he's rooting for you, he understands if you fall, it's either the lesser evil in me, or the greater evil in Tiamat. And honestly? I'll gladly leap headlong into Hell if it means keeping this Warren safe. This is your last chance from Bahamut, and your last warning from me. Understood?"
"I understand." He said soberly. He approached me and hugged me. "Ruuk, oh Ruuk... I thought we had lost you."
"You did." I said. "And I'm not coming back into your fold." He let go of me. "I don't know what the fuck you need a platinum sword for, but whatever it is, if it's aimed anywhere near me, I'm exploding people's heads."
I turned around and left the Temple.
Returning to my Tower, I felt the anger I'd been holding in just melt away. I went upstairs and smiled when I was my Emperor was finishing up another armor set.
"That makes seven." He said. "Still far too little, but it's more than we had before."
"Tireless and industrious." I remarked as I approached him. I knelt. "I have news, some you likely won't like."
"Tell me this bad news first." He said.
"Bahamut decided to speak with me." I said. He tensed, his eyes widened as he looked at me. "Thus far, he's not particularly pleased with my... progress, but he's at least indicated he'd rather us winning over Tiamat." I paused. "He also told me of the location of some platinum. I deigned to give his worshipers holy symbols and a sword, as he had directed. As nice as it would be to have them fall under their own stupidity, we still need them."
My Emperor nodded. "There was no correct way." He said. "Keeping Bahamut less inclined to try and smite us is better than his Temple getting holy symbols. Was there anything else?"
"Yeah. I told them what he told me, he wasn't pleased with what they were doing, that they were acting like they only care about power, and that Bahamut came to me rather than them."
"I see." He said. "That devious old bastard."
"What is it, my Emperor?" I asked.
"It's unimportant." He said. "Was there anything else?"
I told him about the ambush, the Shadowscale Clan, and the Sorcerers- he indicated that a few had shown up and pledged their fealty to him, and that due to their transgressions, he ensured they would never disobey him.
"I made them some collars." He said, smirking. "Any time they go against my will, or they try something that will harm the Warren, it chokes them long enough to make them stop." He leered at me and added, "I should have done the same to yours. I'd never have it choke you, but the knowledge alone would have excited you, yes?"
"Not really, my Emperor." I admitted. "I'm terrified of choking."
"Is that so? All the better that I didn't, then." He looked thoughtful. "Tell me, was there any particular logic to your choice of giving Bahamut's Clerics holy symbols and a sword?"
I shrugged. "I don't like his followers." I said. "I told you what I said to Tallyn, I'm sick and tired of them being paranoid about me. Like, yeah, I admit that they have every right to be at this point, but when it was just you and me, they didn't even really give me a chance. It just felt like them going mask off and showing themselves to be no different than any other religion I've had the unfortunate experience to try."
"Yet you respect their God." He mused.
"Yeah." I said. "I do. Everything I've done out of spite was because of those hypocrites, every good word I've spoken to them was a challenge for them to get their shit together. I've never once done anything to spite Bahamut himself- though whether that was simple pragmatism on my part, or some latent desire to serve the first God to accept my challenge to prove they exist... I don't know. All I know is that I don't regret choosing you."
"As should be." He remarked. "These Monks, these followers of Asgorath, have you any thoughts on them?"
"As long as they are true to their word, I could see them having a place in our Empire." I said. "Having a group that's willing to deal with you if you go off the deep end and start oppressing the very people you started out wanting to protect is useful. At the very least, I'll potentially have a warning."
"And do you think Bahamut's Temple has a place in our Empire?" He asked.
"Maybe if they got their shit together." I replied. I looked at him. "My Emperor, was there ever a point you honestly considered compromise?"
"Yes, in honor of a fool who would choose to consign his life to a God he barely knew, simply out of compassion. I am ruthless, yes, I may be a liar when it is convenient for me, and I most assuredly will twist such compromise such that the letter, but not the spirit, is carried out. But when I make a solemn vow, I hold true to it. If you cannot keep a promise, nobody will believe you again."
"And nudging me toward evil?" I asked.
"You took the first step." He said. "Some actions transcend morality. Kindness to one's family, it is not merely good. It is an act that ensures survival, an act that builds trust. There is always room for kindness when it is deserved."
I nodded. "My Emperor... Do you see a place for Bahamut's Temple in our Empire?" I asked.
"Anything can have its place." He replied. "The only grudge I have held for him is that he- self-proclaimed Justicemaker- did nothing simply because our people were born of Chromatic Dragons. Perhaps in those days, we were born into evil, perhaps in those days, we were enemies... Yet they raged, knowing what Garl did was wrong... heinous even. It was targeted retaliation for something his children did first, for the natural result of- I believe the term is 'fucking around and finding out'."
"Good old FAFO." I remarked.
I heard the door open, followed by Molo meekly coming up the stairs. When he saw me, he looked terrified. He approached my Emperor and pledged himself, was collared, and sent on his way.
"Seven out of nine so far." My Emperor mused.
"Good, it means most of them got the memo." I replied. I heard the door open, then shut, followed by footsteps approaching us.
It was the Rogue from earlier. He knelt and said, "Master, Imperator, I am here to report that we have successfully managed to leave beyond the wall and enter our enemies' base of operations. We have managed to do this without being spotted. Our Leader is waiting for you."
I nodded. "By your leave, my Emperor." I said.
My Emperor nodded and I followed the Rogue down a street I've been on countless times, one that was open and public. I recognized the house I was led to as Nakk's, the rogue knocked, and the door opened.
"Councilor Ruuk, thank you for coming. I'm sorry to divert you just to fix some of my stuff." Nakk said amiably, gesturing for me to enter.
I simply nodded and went inside. The moment the door shut, he dropped the amiable demeanor and said, "Thank you for coming, Imperator. This way."
He led me into his house, then into a closet. I didn't expect the floor to move underneath us, but it led us down into a large room.
"You have a basement." I observed.
"This is my base of operations." He said. "This was where our sewer system used to be, cleaning it out was a headache and a half, but since we moved onto more sustainable means of addressing waste- Merti's idea to use it as fertilizer and the Artificers' Guild designing a means of filtering and cleansing urine being particularly inspired- we decided to make use of the existing architecture to ensure our stealthy movement through the town."
"That explains why nobody's really wised up to how you've been spying on everyone." I remarked. "What were your plans, before I found our Emperor?"
"Keep everything stable." He replied. I noticed there were a few Kobold Monks present among the dozens of Rogues. "Rogue, Monk, we're all Shadowscale." He said. "That being said, our Monks are strictly neutral, they made it clear they won't align themselves to a singular ideal, their only interest is ensuring the Warren does not devolve into infighting."
"As I've already seen." I remarked.
"They're happy with how you handled the Temple, though they can't fathom how you found the platinum."
"Bahamut visited me." I said. "I honestly thought he was being obvious."
"That would explain it." I didn't notice the Monk walking on my other side, but it sure as hell startled me. "You are here regarding the recent mission's success, we ensured nobody was detected."
"Our Monks do not identify themselves." Nakk spoke. "I don't understand it, but it's what they agreed was the right course of action, so we just go along with it."
"For the sake of convenience, you may call me Fox." The Monk spoke. "And before you ask, we have all elected to live apart from the Warren. We may walk the streets, but until things have achieved equilibrium, we will continue to observe from the shadows."
I nodded.
We came over to an area where a handful of Rogues were sat. They stood up as soon as they noticed us, and began casting spells to show the interior of our enemy's base of operations. It felt like a punch to the gut, seeing not only electricity clearly being supplied to them, but also having established sinks and refrigerators.
They glut themselves on what we struggled to provide for ourselves, things that needed miracles just to sustain us. Through tears of hatred, I spat out my incantation.
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submitted by Drakolf to DrakolfsWritings [link] [comments]
Well, more specifically, I looked for wherever the hell they holed themselves up in.
The faithful of Bahamut shot me frosty glares as I walked around the city unimpeded, though I did very pointedly give them a very strongly worded letter about spying on me and ambushing me, and that if Nakk wasn't going to tolerate their shit, he wasn't going to tolerate mine.
Hopefully, that bought me some breathing room.
Now, the Sorcerers hadn't fucked off elsewhere, or I would have gotten a lot of questions as to where they went. They still operated in the town, still used their magic appropriately, so it wasn't like they were being assholes about it.
But, considering I was being warned about them specifically, shit was about to go down.
Now, I didn't go alone. Not specifically. I had my Warlocks move about, searching for any clues as to the whereabouts of the Sorcerers.
Naturally, they were extremely dodgy about where they were going.
But, the more we looked, the more we found clues, the more we got closer until we realized they were gathering under the Council Chamber.
So there they were, all nine of them, not counting the however many probably awoke due to my machinations. Nine Sorcerers, Nine Warlocks, and me.
They were gathered around some sort of sacrificial altar that was stained with blood, on which they were very pointedly bleeding on.
"You know-" I said, startling them and causing them to look at me. "-If you'd just been respectful to my Master, you might have gotten more than you could have ever dreamed of."
"Ruuk, what are you doing here!?" Goss hissed.
"Looking for you before you get yourselves killed." I said. "I've been warned twice that you were getting into some shit, and here I find you bleeding all over an altar that isn't even configured right, you fucking idiots."
They shared looks, first shocked, then angry. They started yelling, my Warlocks screamed into their heads to shut up, which caused them all to rub their heads.
"Which one of you has the highest Level?" I asked. "Goss? Taklak? Kashak?"
"I am a solid Level 4!" Molo bragged.
"That's it?" I asked. "Fuck's sake, I'm Level 6. I've been out there busting my fucking ass. We got invaded while you were playing fucking secret society! People died!"
"We wouldn't have lost anyone, if Kurtulmak gave us power!" Hagnar snapped.
"No, we would have lost more." I said. "If you actually cared about the Warren, you would have been out there, leading rather than plotting."
"Says the man who's clearly getting boosted by Kurtulmak!"
I strode toward them, my patience wearing thin. "I want to make something very clear now." I said. "You've wasted more time trying to get stronger than it took me. You think hard work hardly works? Hit me." I removed my armor. "I'm wide open."
They didn't do anything, they just stared at me with wide eyes. "Oh, this? This isn't armor." I said. "It's a sign of my fealty to my Master. Now, Hit me."
The spells were flung at me, and most of them did hurt. "Nine of you." I said, grinning. "And you couldn't even hit me properly. Kneel."
They began backing away.
"I said kneel!" I roared.
They all fell over themselves as they tried to kneel. They all looked terrified.
"I am going to give you exactly one chance to make up for your foolish behavior." I said. "I will call you out one by one, you will approach, you will kiss my hand, and you will swear your undying loyalty to me, your Imperator, and the Empire that our Master will raise. If you refuse, I will end your pathetic excuse for a life right then and there. And if even one of you attacks me, my Warlocks will make that scream in your mind feel like a gentle tickle."
I held my hand out. "Goss." He scrambled over to me and knelt. He took my hand and kissed it. "I swear my loyalty to you, my Imperator, and the Empire our Master will raise." He said.
"Good. Stand among my Warlocks. Arix."
One by one I called their names, and they came. They spoke their vows, all nine of them.
I put my armor back on and said, "Excellent. From this moment on, every hour, one of you will go to my Tower, you will pledge your fealty to our Master, and you will allow him to mark you such that you can never disobey him again." I looked at them. "And if even one of you tries to escape, I will track you down as easily as I have now. You are marked, each and every one of you. I will make your deaths as slow and miserable as I see fit. My Empire has no room for traitors."
"Yes, Imperator!" They said.
"Dismissed."
They all left, clearly trying not to piss themselves or run. I felt a wonderfully powerful sense of pleasure and smiled. "Warlocks." I said. "Continue about your day."
I cleaned up the mess the Sorcerers had made left the Councilor Chamber. I ran into Tallyn on the way out.
"Brother." He said.
"Sibling." I replied.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"The Sorcerers were trying to summon a Demon for power." I said. "Considering they tried to petition my Master for power as well- he denied them, rightly noticing they did not care how they got power- I threatened to kill them if they kept trying, ordered them to submit to my Master, whereupon they will be marked such that they will no longer be a threat to the Warren."
He stared at me in utter shock. "Did you-? Do you hear yourself?" He asked in a horrified whisper.
"Brother." I said. "This is an outright Demon we're talking about. We're lucky they're fucking idiots and didn't make their altar correctly, so they were just bleeding on a fucking slab of rock with pentagrams and shit on it. They attacked me. That on top of your fellow Paladins ambushing me and accusing me of conspiracy-" I gave him a pointed look, "-my capacity of mercy is very low at the moment."
"Ruuk... What happened to you?" He asked.
"You and your Temple tried to kill me." I replied. "For the sins of compassion and mercy." I shrugged. "I've tried meeting you and yours half way, I sought atonement out of guilt, to rectify what I had done. I've tried to walk the path of good, and the cold, simply truth is, you and your order have not given me much incentive to continue to walk that path."
He was silent.
"Tallyn." I said, taking hold of his hands. "I miss the days when you were the good brother." I was able to see the exact moment when his heart ripped right in half. I walked right past him. I was tired of his shit, and at that moment, I wasn't going to play his or his Temple's game anymore.
I took a deep breath to try and center myself, as I started heading back for my Tower.
"Has it become your mission in life to leap merrily from the slippery slope?" A familiar voice asked me. I turned around, coming face to face with a gray-scaled Kobold, behind him were seven others with ruddy yellow scales.
"You've certainly changed since I last saw you." Bahamut stated. "A turn for the worse, it would seem."
I gave him a reverential bow. "I take it the Fizban persona wouldn't work now." I remarked.
"No, it wouldn't." He said. "All your doing, it would seem."
"Indeed. My doing." I couldn't help but smile.
"And with such pride as well. Walk with me, and understand I speak with you only because what I have to say is important."
I nodded and walked beside him, his seven companions following as inconspicuously as a septet of yellow Kobolds could- which I had to admit was surprisingly good.
"I am not happy." He stated.
"I sincerely doubt you would." I replied.
"With you, I expected it." He remarked dryly. "My followers have been playing fast and loose with their morals, day by day, their actions speak louder than their affirmations of faith, and what they say is, 'We are only concerned with our own power'. Does that amuse you?"
"No." I replied. "In fact, it pisses me off."
"The gradual corruption of a sect of holy warriors disgusts you?" He asked, his tone carrying a hint of surprise. "For all your posturing about, you still manage to get things done, even if they're via less morally sound standpoints."
"Is there a purpose to this beyond chatting?" I asked.
"Yes." He said. "One way or another, this Warren will become a theocratic nation, your faith spreads like wildfire, while the faith of my followers tapers off. You've manipulated events such that you are winning, and my followers have nobody to blame but themselves."
We stopped in front of the Temples, he looked at them. "Kurtulmak is relapsing." He said. "And you are walking a narrow rope between good and evil. Between judicious rule and tyranny." He looked at me. "And unfortunately, in spite of my best efforts, it is becoming harder and harder to maintain contact with this world."
He paused, then added, "I will, of course, be supporting my faithful, trying to keep them on the correct path, but in the event they utterly fail, and the only option left is you, I would rather the lesser evil of you win than the greater evil that is my sister. This is not tolerance, this is ensuring that no matter what, the forces of good can always pick up the pieces."
"I understand." I said. "And Bahamut... I am sorry things turned out this way."
"Your apology is sincere." He remarked, surprised. "I am sorry for the way I treated you in Darastrixthurhi, I chose the wrong course of action."
"You don't deal in words, but actions." I said. "Therefore your apology is sincere."
"Within the mines, there is a yet-untouched vein of platinum in your Warren's mine, enough to supply enough holy symbols for my Clerics, and to forge one sword, fifth level down, three lefts, and at the far end. I leave it up to you how you will handle that information. And Ruuk, remember the entire point of you remaining down there was because you believed Kurtulmak could be redeemed. Do not forget that can apply to you as well."
He walked away, followed by his cadre of Kobolds.
'I sure as hell don't like his followers...' I thought as I headed for the mines. 'But I definitely respect him a lot more.'
My gear compelled me to do good, and right now, I was in a better mood. I gathered a few miners and told them to follow me. They did so hesitantly, but dug where I indicated. I watched as they dug maybe a half-mile before they yapped.
"There's ore here!"
"I know." I said. "Mine out the entire vein and take it to the Artificers. It's platinum, they're going to need it soon."
I left them to their work and headed for the Artificers. Once there, I had them gather around.
"You will be receiving a shipment of Platinum, once it comes in, you are to create enough Holy Symbols of Bahamut to equip each Cleric, as well as one sword. Once they have finished, you will deliver them immediately to my Tower. Do not tell anyone what they are. Understood?"
"Sure, but why?"
"Simple." I said. "I need them to get the fuck off my case and start realizing they're only hurting the Warren. Their God saw fit to speak with me, so it's in my hands whether or not they continue to measure out rope to hang themselves with."
It was several hours before the crates came in. I wordlessly picked them up and carried them to the Temple.
The Paladins were, of course, pissed when they saw me approaching. "Stop right there!" They snapped. "By the High Priest's orders, you are not allowed in here!"
"Your weapons and your faith isn't enough to stop me." I said. "Fucking try me."
I walked straight up to them, and my attempt at intimidation worked, as they backed away while I walked in.
Galax immediately noticed my entry, as did every Cleric and Paladin in the room.
"Who let you in!?" Galax roared. "I have expressly forbidden you from entry!"
"I let myself in." I said. I walked toward him, glanced around, and sighed. "Do you guys just not believe in tables, or is the whole ascetic aesthetic really this fucking sparse?"
"I am warning you, Stingtail, if you do not leave this Holy Temple, I will have no choice but to kill you."
I wreched the top off the crate I brought in, he glanced at them, then his eyes widened in complete shock. "What..? Those are..."
"Holy symbols to Bahamut, made from the vein of platinum I directed the workers to." I said. He stared at me, clearly incapable of comprehending what I'd done.
"Why..?" He asked.
"Because you've been playing fast and loose with your morals." I said, paraphrasing what Bahamut stated. "Even though you preach Bahamut's words, you've forgotten that actions are how you pray. You've become so enamored with bringing about the perfect theocratic kingdom of Bahamut, that you don't even realize you're telling the people you're only concerned with power."
I handed him the sword crate, which he opened.
"I want you to understand, Galax." I said. "Bahamut came to me and told me where the platinum was. I could have kept it secret, or I could have used it for literally anything else. Because as much as Bahamut was disappointed in you, he wasn't giving up on you. And as much as he's rooting for you, he understands if you fall, it's either the lesser evil in me, or the greater evil in Tiamat. And honestly? I'll gladly leap headlong into Hell if it means keeping this Warren safe. This is your last chance from Bahamut, and your last warning from me. Understood?"
"I understand." He said soberly. He approached me and hugged me. "Ruuk, oh Ruuk... I thought we had lost you."
"You did." I said. "And I'm not coming back into your fold." He let go of me. "I don't know what the fuck you need a platinum sword for, but whatever it is, if it's aimed anywhere near me, I'm exploding people's heads."
I turned around and left the Temple.
Returning to my Tower, I felt the anger I'd been holding in just melt away. I went upstairs and smiled when I was my Emperor was finishing up another armor set.
"That makes seven." He said. "Still far too little, but it's more than we had before."
"Tireless and industrious." I remarked as I approached him. I knelt. "I have news, some you likely won't like."
"Tell me this bad news first." He said.
"Bahamut decided to speak with me." I said. He tensed, his eyes widened as he looked at me. "Thus far, he's not particularly pleased with my... progress, but he's at least indicated he'd rather us winning over Tiamat." I paused. "He also told me of the location of some platinum. I deigned to give his worshipers holy symbols and a sword, as he had directed. As nice as it would be to have them fall under their own stupidity, we still need them."
My Emperor nodded. "There was no correct way." He said. "Keeping Bahamut less inclined to try and smite us is better than his Temple getting holy symbols. Was there anything else?"
"Yeah. I told them what he told me, he wasn't pleased with what they were doing, that they were acting like they only care about power, and that Bahamut came to me rather than them."
"I see." He said. "That devious old bastard."
"What is it, my Emperor?" I asked.
"It's unimportant." He said. "Was there anything else?"
I told him about the ambush, the Shadowscale Clan, and the Sorcerers- he indicated that a few had shown up and pledged their fealty to him, and that due to their transgressions, he ensured they would never disobey him.
"I made them some collars." He said, smirking. "Any time they go against my will, or they try something that will harm the Warren, it chokes them long enough to make them stop." He leered at me and added, "I should have done the same to yours. I'd never have it choke you, but the knowledge alone would have excited you, yes?"
"Not really, my Emperor." I admitted. "I'm terrified of choking."
"Is that so? All the better that I didn't, then." He looked thoughtful. "Tell me, was there any particular logic to your choice of giving Bahamut's Clerics holy symbols and a sword?"
I shrugged. "I don't like his followers." I said. "I told you what I said to Tallyn, I'm sick and tired of them being paranoid about me. Like, yeah, I admit that they have every right to be at this point, but when it was just you and me, they didn't even really give me a chance. It just felt like them going mask off and showing themselves to be no different than any other religion I've had the unfortunate experience to try."
"Yet you respect their God." He mused.
"Yeah." I said. "I do. Everything I've done out of spite was because of those hypocrites, every good word I've spoken to them was a challenge for them to get their shit together. I've never once done anything to spite Bahamut himself- though whether that was simple pragmatism on my part, or some latent desire to serve the first God to accept my challenge to prove they exist... I don't know. All I know is that I don't regret choosing you."
"As should be." He remarked. "These Monks, these followers of Asgorath, have you any thoughts on them?"
"As long as they are true to their word, I could see them having a place in our Empire." I said. "Having a group that's willing to deal with you if you go off the deep end and start oppressing the very people you started out wanting to protect is useful. At the very least, I'll potentially have a warning."
"And do you think Bahamut's Temple has a place in our Empire?" He asked.
"Maybe if they got their shit together." I replied. I looked at him. "My Emperor, was there ever a point you honestly considered compromise?"
"Yes, in honor of a fool who would choose to consign his life to a God he barely knew, simply out of compassion. I am ruthless, yes, I may be a liar when it is convenient for me, and I most assuredly will twist such compromise such that the letter, but not the spirit, is carried out. But when I make a solemn vow, I hold true to it. If you cannot keep a promise, nobody will believe you again."
"And nudging me toward evil?" I asked.
"You took the first step." He said. "Some actions transcend morality. Kindness to one's family, it is not merely good. It is an act that ensures survival, an act that builds trust. There is always room for kindness when it is deserved."
I nodded. "My Emperor... Do you see a place for Bahamut's Temple in our Empire?" I asked.
"Anything can have its place." He replied. "The only grudge I have held for him is that he- self-proclaimed Justicemaker- did nothing simply because our people were born of Chromatic Dragons. Perhaps in those days, we were born into evil, perhaps in those days, we were enemies... Yet they raged, knowing what Garl did was wrong... heinous even. It was targeted retaliation for something his children did first, for the natural result of- I believe the term is 'fucking around and finding out'."
"Good old FAFO." I remarked.
I heard the door open, followed by Molo meekly coming up the stairs. When he saw me, he looked terrified. He approached my Emperor and pledged himself, was collared, and sent on his way.
"Seven out of nine so far." My Emperor mused.
"Good, it means most of them got the memo." I replied. I heard the door open, then shut, followed by footsteps approaching us.
It was the Rogue from earlier. He knelt and said, "Master, Imperator, I am here to report that we have successfully managed to leave beyond the wall and enter our enemies' base of operations. We have managed to do this without being spotted. Our Leader is waiting for you."
I nodded. "By your leave, my Emperor." I said.
My Emperor nodded and I followed the Rogue down a street I've been on countless times, one that was open and public. I recognized the house I was led to as Nakk's, the rogue knocked, and the door opened.
"Councilor Ruuk, thank you for coming. I'm sorry to divert you just to fix some of my stuff." Nakk said amiably, gesturing for me to enter.
I simply nodded and went inside. The moment the door shut, he dropped the amiable demeanor and said, "Thank you for coming, Imperator. This way."
He led me into his house, then into a closet. I didn't expect the floor to move underneath us, but it led us down into a large room.
"You have a basement." I observed.
"This is my base of operations." He said. "This was where our sewer system used to be, cleaning it out was a headache and a half, but since we moved onto more sustainable means of addressing waste- Merti's idea to use it as fertilizer and the Artificers' Guild designing a means of filtering and cleansing urine being particularly inspired- we decided to make use of the existing architecture to ensure our stealthy movement through the town."
"That explains why nobody's really wised up to how you've been spying on everyone." I remarked. "What were your plans, before I found our Emperor?"
"Keep everything stable." He replied. I noticed there were a few Kobold Monks present among the dozens of Rogues. "Rogue, Monk, we're all Shadowscale." He said. "That being said, our Monks are strictly neutral, they made it clear they won't align themselves to a singular ideal, their only interest is ensuring the Warren does not devolve into infighting."
"As I've already seen." I remarked.
"They're happy with how you handled the Temple, though they can't fathom how you found the platinum."
"Bahamut visited me." I said. "I honestly thought he was being obvious."
"That would explain it." I didn't notice the Monk walking on my other side, but it sure as hell startled me. "You are here regarding the recent mission's success, we ensured nobody was detected."
"Our Monks do not identify themselves." Nakk spoke. "I don't understand it, but it's what they agreed was the right course of action, so we just go along with it."
"For the sake of convenience, you may call me Fox." The Monk spoke. "And before you ask, we have all elected to live apart from the Warren. We may walk the streets, but until things have achieved equilibrium, we will continue to observe from the shadows."
I nodded.
We came over to an area where a handful of Rogues were sat. They stood up as soon as they noticed us, and began casting spells to show the interior of our enemy's base of operations. It felt like a punch to the gut, seeing not only electricity clearly being supplied to them, but also having established sinks and refrigerators.
They glut themselves on what we struggled to provide for ourselves, things that needed miracles just to sustain us. Through tears of hatred, I spat out my incantation.
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2023.06.05 01:12 TheGooseGirl There's a g̶r̶e̶a̶t̶ ̶b̶i̶g̶ ̶l̶o̶s̶e̶r̶ I mean 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚂𝙶𝙸 𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 who *loves* to say "Every accusation is a confession." Let's take a look at just a ℓιттℓє of what his beloved Ikeda ₴Ɇ₦₴Ɇł has "confessed" to!
😁
This is so fun! 😄
So here we go!!
So that's just a few examples from just ONE of the FIVE "Lectures on Buddhism" volumes - and there's PLENTY MORE Ikedaaccusations confessions in there!
submitted by TheGooseGirl to sgiwhistleblowers [link] [comments]
This is so fun! 😄
So here we go!!
The Tenrikyo [rival New Religion] lures people with the bait of a grand edifice, the largest in Japan. - Ikeda, "Open an Attack on the Tenrikyo" speech, May 8, 1960, from Lectures on Buddhism Vol. I, The Seikyo Press, Tokyo, 1962, p. 11.Tell us about the Sho-Hondo, Grandpa Icky!!
Not just in Japan! Nice about-face, Scamsei!! Wanna tell us all about "expedient means" again??At the time it was built, the Sho-Hondo was the largest capacity religious building in the world, with seating for 6,000 people. Source
The devil is the Rissho Koseikai. - Ikeda, "Attack the Rissho Koseikai" speech, May 10, 1960, from Lectures on Buddhism Vol. I, The Seikyo Press, Tokyo, 1962, p. 23.You don't say, Icky!
People in general know nothing. ... Our critics are wildly jealous of the remarkable progress of our Society. - Ikeda, "Be a Wonderful Lady" speech, July 4, 1960, from Lectures on Buddhism Vol. I, The Seikyo Press, Tokyo, 1962, p. 124.So who's "jealous", Icky?
In reality, they know nothing about Buddhism or religion at all. They only pretend to know everything. - Ikeda, "Nichiren Shoshu, the Supreme Buddhism" speech, June 17, 1960, from Lectures on Buddhism Vol. I, The Seikyo Press, Tokyo, 1962, p. 135.We already KNEW that about YOU, Icky! TRY HARDER!!
Long years ago, Mohammed conquered the Middle Eastern countries with the Koran in his right hand and with a sword in his left. The Koran is a heretical doctrine and the sword is the symbol of violence. - Ikeda, "Advance With the Greatest Philosophy" speech, September 11, 1960, from Lectures on Buddhism Vol. I, The Seikyo Press, Tokyo, 1962, p. 179.😬
When Mr. Toda said that "We should not be men of religion," he meant those who live lives of greed, seeking their own fame and interests. ... We, the executives of this Society, have not the slightest intention of utilizing religion or organization for making our own living - Ikeda, "Be Happy Women" speech, November 20, 1960, from Lectures on Buddhism Vol. I, The Seikyo Press, Tokyo, 1962, pp. 238-239.SURE, Daisaku! Now it's official: Everything in Soka Gakkai/SGI is Ikeda's personal property - down to the pencils - WOW!! How did 𝚃𝙷𝙰𝚃 happen???
These people do not discriminate between right and wrong, nor do they have a clear sense of what is good or bad. In these days, when there are so many evil men, the world falls into the depths of misery and people are unhappy, distressed and afflicted with serious diseases. - Ikeda, "Experimental Proof of Divine Favor" speech, November 24, 1960, from Lectures on Buddhism Vol. I, The Seikyo Press, Tokyo, 1962, pp. 251.Sounds like the SGI membership to me!
When Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda were alive, there were persons that ridiculed the Sokagakkai and drifted away from the Society, trying to appear smart, worrying about their reputations or fortunes. Unfortunately, all of them have sunk into misery. - Ikeda, "Experimental Proof of Divine Favor" speech, November 24, 1960, from Lectures on Buddhism Vol. I, The Seikyo Press, Tokyo, 1962, p. 254.Aw! POOR Daisaku!! So SAD!! 😭
Those who criticize the Sokagakkai and believers of Nichiren Shoshu usually have pale faces and glaring eyes. Those who hate and bear grudges against the believers look dismal and spiteful, no matter who sees them. They cannot feel the exultation and delight of faith. Everything reaveals it's [sic] actuality, as stated by the word Shoho-jisso in Buddhism. No one can conceal his actual nature. - Ikeda, "Four Kinds of Hobo" speech, November 24, 1960, from Lectures on Buddhism Vol. I, The Seikyo Press, Tokyo, 1962, p. 289.Has someone spent too much time staring into that "clear mirror", Icky???? Anybody else remember the supposedly "eternal" 1990 "clear mirror guidance"???
When we cherish that person with the same profound reverence as we would the Buddha, the Buddha nature in his or her life functions to protect us. On the other hand, if we belittle or regard that person with contempt, as though our actions are being reflected in a mirror, we will be disparaged in return.He who smelt it DEALT it! SCAMSEI SAYS!!
In short, the environment that you find yourself in, whether favorable or not, is the product of your own life. Most people, however, fail to understand this and tend to blame others for their troubles. ... The Gosho reads: "These people do not recognize their own belligerence but instead think that I, Nichiren, am belligerent. They are like a jealous woman who glares with furious eyes at a courtesan and, unaware of her own loathsome expression, complains that the courtesan’s gaze is frightening" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 1450). ...reflected in the mirror of the world of the Mystic Law, such people see only their own faults, ambitions and greed, and therefore slander their own reflections. To a person who is possessed by the lust for power, even the most selfless, benevolent actions of others will appear as cunning moves undertaken to gain power. Similarly, to a person who has a strong desire for fame, actions based on conviction and consideration will be seen as publicity stunts. Those who have become slaves of money simply cannot believe that there are people in the world who are strangers to the desire for wealth. In contrast, an unusually kind and good-natured person will tend to believe that all others are the same. To a greater or lesser extent, all people tend to see their own reflection in others. - Ikeda, the short-lived "eternal" clear mirror guidanceWe see you, Icky 👀
So that's just a few examples from just ONE of the FIVE "Lectures on Buddhism" volumes - and there's PLENTY MORE Ikeda
2023.06.05 01:09 tracee_ Do we reconsider boundaries or de-escalate our relationship?
Background: my primary/nesting partner and I have been together for about 10 years and open for about 5. I have a secondary partner, as does she and she also has other partners she sometimes hooks up with/plays with. I am currently at capacity, nurturing my two relationships.
When we opened our relationship, we put together a Boundaries and Agreements doc, brainstorming possible situations and laying out solutions that we both agreed on. Last revision to this doc was December of 2021.
Last weekend, my partner went away on a trip with a group that she camps/backpacks with. On this trip, she hooked up with her tent mate.
Now, we have a boundary that states we will let each other know if we plan on having sex with someone and will only engage in sexual activity after we’ve informed each other. She did not alert me that this was a possible situation with the person she’d hooked up with - only let me know a few weeks ago that she’d like to cuddle/make out with this person.
When she told me, she said she thought that I would be more understanding as she didn’t have reception while she was gone. I feel that she should’ve expressed to the other person that she has a boundary with her primary partner and can’t engage in sexual activity until it’s discussed and maybe planned for a fun hook up at a later date.
While she understands why I am upset after I explained to her that no reception isn’t an excuse, I am deeply bothered by her actions as this isn’t the first time my trust has been a bit shattered due to decisions she has decided to make in the past (making out with one of our good friends and not telling me for a week; sleeping with someone and never having the intention of telling me because “she assumed I knew”; making plans to go away with past partners before informing me - we have agreed to communicate everything to one another and in the past, she has opted to leave things out).
This has caused a deep strain on our relationship over the course of several years and every time something else happens, I feel resentment and disgust creeping back in, after I do so much work to overcome these emotions.
We have plans to rediscuss our boundaries and agreements but I wonder if this is the right move. I feel if we end up adjusting things, it will be to suit her desires and less about me feeling safe in our relationship.
I have wondered if de-escalating away from being primary partners will help our situation; I would feel much less desire to know what she’s doing or be alerted when she wants to sleep with someone. I wouldn’t feel it was my place to know every detail.
Financially, I’m not in a place to get my own apartment and continue a relationship, so we are living together for the foreseeable future.
Any advice??
submitted by tracee_ to polyamory [link] [comments]
When we opened our relationship, we put together a Boundaries and Agreements doc, brainstorming possible situations and laying out solutions that we both agreed on. Last revision to this doc was December of 2021.
Last weekend, my partner went away on a trip with a group that she camps/backpacks with. On this trip, she hooked up with her tent mate.
Now, we have a boundary that states we will let each other know if we plan on having sex with someone and will only engage in sexual activity after we’ve informed each other. She did not alert me that this was a possible situation with the person she’d hooked up with - only let me know a few weeks ago that she’d like to cuddle/make out with this person.
When she told me, she said she thought that I would be more understanding as she didn’t have reception while she was gone. I feel that she should’ve expressed to the other person that she has a boundary with her primary partner and can’t engage in sexual activity until it’s discussed and maybe planned for a fun hook up at a later date.
While she understands why I am upset after I explained to her that no reception isn’t an excuse, I am deeply bothered by her actions as this isn’t the first time my trust has been a bit shattered due to decisions she has decided to make in the past (making out with one of our good friends and not telling me for a week; sleeping with someone and never having the intention of telling me because “she assumed I knew”; making plans to go away with past partners before informing me - we have agreed to communicate everything to one another and in the past, she has opted to leave things out).
This has caused a deep strain on our relationship over the course of several years and every time something else happens, I feel resentment and disgust creeping back in, after I do so much work to overcome these emotions.
We have plans to rediscuss our boundaries and agreements but I wonder if this is the right move. I feel if we end up adjusting things, it will be to suit her desires and less about me feeling safe in our relationship.
I have wondered if de-escalating away from being primary partners will help our situation; I would feel much less desire to know what she’s doing or be alerted when she wants to sleep with someone. I wouldn’t feel it was my place to know every detail.
Financially, I’m not in a place to get my own apartment and continue a relationship, so we are living together for the foreseeable future.
Any advice??
2023.06.05 01:04 Stavrogin78 Amphibia stopping - suspect the balance, does this make sense?
Every now and then I tinker with this Amphibia (2416B movement) to see if I can get it running again. The other day it was ticking, and I wore it for about 16 hours, then it stopped again randomly. (The watch isn't old, I just got it last February, brand new). It sort of consistently does this - sometimes it runs for ten seconds, sometimes for ten hours, but it always stops, despite winding.
When I open it up, I notice that if it's not running, and I tweak the balance wheel, it oscillates weakly for a few seconds and then stops - but it stops SUDDENLY, like it's oscillating then comes to a dead stop. It doesn't oscillate more and more weakly until there's just no motion left, it just comes to a dead stop once the amplitude drops below a certain point.
If I put just a tiny bit of pressure onto the powertrain, the amplitude ramps right up and it keeps running as long as I maintain a bit of pressure on the powertrain.
Am I right in thinking the balance is the culprit here? In a properly functioning watch, should that balance be free enough to stay in motion until it runs right out of energy from the hairspring?
I'm willing to try disassembling this watch but I'm thinking it might need a complete clean and re-lubricate, so I'd need to get oils and oilers and a hand puller and all that. Just wondering if I'm right in thinking the balance itself, probably not the powertrain, is the issue? I don't see any wobble in the balance when it is running, though, so I don't think the balance staff is bent.
Any help appreciated. Thanks!
submitted by Stavrogin78 to watchmaking [link] [comments]
When I open it up, I notice that if it's not running, and I tweak the balance wheel, it oscillates weakly for a few seconds and then stops - but it stops SUDDENLY, like it's oscillating then comes to a dead stop. It doesn't oscillate more and more weakly until there's just no motion left, it just comes to a dead stop once the amplitude drops below a certain point.
If I put just a tiny bit of pressure onto the powertrain, the amplitude ramps right up and it keeps running as long as I maintain a bit of pressure on the powertrain.
Am I right in thinking the balance is the culprit here? In a properly functioning watch, should that balance be free enough to stay in motion until it runs right out of energy from the hairspring?
I'm willing to try disassembling this watch but I'm thinking it might need a complete clean and re-lubricate, so I'd need to get oils and oilers and a hand puller and all that. Just wondering if I'm right in thinking the balance itself, probably not the powertrain, is the issue? I don't see any wobble in the balance when it is running, though, so I don't think the balance staff is bent.
Any help appreciated. Thanks!
2023.06.05 01:04 themitichris Separate home NAS from Cloud Server
Hi, this is my first post on Reddit. I currently have a HP ProDesk 600 G2 (i7 6700/16GB), being my first server I preferred to install Unraid for multi-purpose use.
The current config consist of 3x4TB WD Red (2 for pool [xfs] +1 for parity) and 128GB SDD Cache [BTRFS].
Right now I'm managing some smb shares (2 for personal data, 2 for nextcloud and other minor), some docker containers (2 Nextcloud (will be 3), Collabora CODE, Cloudflare tunnel, Swag, minidlna, Transmission ecc), Wireguard, and sometimes a W10 VM.
I have the option of moving the server to a place with a much better connection, 1gbps fiber vs my current 50mbps network speed. The idea is to keep all personal files at home and move all services to the new place.
Considering that in the NAS they will mainly be transferred and "worked" with Lightroom/Photoshop photos (photos of events, minimum 600 RAW files of about 15/20MB at a time, currently there are 4TB of files), while in the two nextcloud shares about 250GB (Photos delivered), what's the best move to make?
I already know that I will have use another pc and to buy more storage but how many, hdd or ssd, in which configuration for the purpose?
I've already documented how to remove a disk from the unraid pool
After 1 year of experience with Unraid, I was researching Proxmox and I must say that by comparing the operations I did on Unraid I can understand them, it would also expand my knowledge on this new system, as well as avoid buying another Unraid license.
Premises:
-Both systems currently have only parity disk "protection"; -I would like to create a backup solution; -Currently the home network is Gigabit, the main PCs are a Macbook air m1 and a Desktop x299; -Nextcloud has 100+ users, 95% view-only guest users.
Priority:
NAS: VPN, capacity, local network transfer speed and backup. Server: speed of service, being able to create VMs and add more containers in future.
I have:
-A 1-slot Synology NAS that I don't use -1 3TB HDD (Consumer Seagate) that I don't use -1 x 1TB HDD (Consumer Seagate) currently containing files that can be moved to an existing share -Some low spec PCs
Thank u
submitted by themitichris to selfhosted [link] [comments]
The current config consist of 3x4TB WD Red (2 for pool [xfs] +1 for parity) and 128GB SDD Cache [BTRFS].
Right now I'm managing some smb shares (2 for personal data, 2 for nextcloud and other minor), some docker containers (2 Nextcloud (will be 3), Collabora CODE, Cloudflare tunnel, Swag, minidlna, Transmission ecc), Wireguard, and sometimes a W10 VM.
I have the option of moving the server to a place with a much better connection, 1gbps fiber vs my current 50mbps network speed. The idea is to keep all personal files at home and move all services to the new place.
Considering that in the NAS they will mainly be transferred and "worked" with Lightroom/Photoshop photos (photos of events, minimum 600 RAW files of about 15/20MB at a time, currently there are 4TB of files), while in the two nextcloud shares about 250GB (Photos delivered), what's the best move to make?
I already know that I will have use another pc and to buy more storage but how many, hdd or ssd, in which configuration for the purpose?
I've already documented how to remove a disk from the unraid pool
After 1 year of experience with Unraid, I was researching Proxmox and I must say that by comparing the operations I did on Unraid I can understand them, it would also expand my knowledge on this new system, as well as avoid buying another Unraid license.
Premises:
-Both systems currently have only parity disk "protection"; -I would like to create a backup solution; -Currently the home network is Gigabit, the main PCs are a Macbook air m1 and a Desktop x299; -Nextcloud has 100+ users, 95% view-only guest users.
Priority:
NAS: VPN, capacity, local network transfer speed and backup. Server: speed of service, being able to create VMs and add more containers in future.
I have:
-A 1-slot Synology NAS that I don't use -1 3TB HDD (Consumer Seagate) that I don't use -1 x 1TB HDD (Consumer Seagate) currently containing files that can be moved to an existing share -Some low spec PCs
Thank u
2023.06.05 01:02 Tar-_-Mairon Thoughts?
I had made a post about a trilogy of books which had slavery, and other things in it. It was my first gay novel, I won’t get into the details of it. Anyways, I had stated that through those books I finally emotionally comprehend the abhorrent nature of slavery. I made a comment about the British Empire, how it was the only defining factor to the end of the Slave Trade. Someone replied, and it just made me angry and boil.
This was my response, what are your thoughts on it?
[Every country throughout human history has, at one point, been implicated in the institution of slavery. Yet, at the zenith of its power, the British Empire abolished slavery - a move not dictated by coercion but underpinned by Christian principles. The British people did not finish paying the compensation for the emancipation of slaves from their owners until around 2014 or perhaps 2015. Up until then, 40% of our national debt was attributed to the emancipation of slaves. Additionally, nearly one million British natives collectively lost their lives in the struggle against the Slave Trade. We established the first human rights organisation in history, and it was only due to the unrivalled strength of the British Empire that the French and Spanish Empires were compelled to reform - not immediately, but gradually.
These are the facts as I understand them.
I do not deny that the empire of my people has been responsible for some abhorrent acts. However, given the choice of which empire to reside within, it would unequivocally be the British Empire. We did not segregate by colour, and we treated women with respect. We enforced the death penalty for those who inflicted harm upon women, ended the savagery of cannibalism, and halted the practice of Indian widows being burnt alive, under threat of death and land confiscation.
Admittedly, we have committed terrible actions. The atrocities of the opium trade and imperialism have left indelible stains on our history. However, one monumental action outweighs all: Queen Victoria’s imperial decree in 1833, which outlawed slavery. With this decree, the empire embarked on a war, a war I can declare, with complete sincerity, as the only righteous war against a trade that was undeniably and entirely evil. Wars are seldom straightforward, but this particular war was unambiguously so. We waged this war alone, without any materialistic motivations, guided only by justice and righteousness – the path Christ would have desired for the liberation of men from such cruel oppression.
Neither France nor Spain, the other significant empires, desired to free themselves from slavery, nor from the evil and abhorrence that it represented. They were consumed by greed and showed no remorse. Consequently, we resolved to wage war against them - against any who refused to take a stand against slavery. The choice was clear: you were either with us or against us.
This aspect of my history was never taught in school. I had to learn it on my own.
Regarding the book - have you ever experienced or understood empathy? If so, you would comprehend my admission that I can now partially grasp the emotional malevolence and wickedness of slavery. I conceded that I could only empathise to a limited extent. Apparently, you lack such a capacity for emotion… my younger self would find this amusing. There was a time when I was devoid of empathy, remorse or compassion.
I am aware of my history and acknowledge that my people, like all others, are not without flaws. Nevertheless, we were the pioneers in questioning the ethics of slavery, and we did so because we possessed the power, because we were Christians and, above all, because we were British!
Today, the world has largely forgotten the sorrow of traditional slavery since it was a practice of a bygone era. A few malevolent countries still engage in slavery, although they do not openly admit to it. Today’s Britain lacks the power to intervene. If we still possessed the strength we once had, countries like China and others engaging in enslavement and oppression would have been held accountable.
My life has not been a bed of roses. At the age of 13, I made a statement in a history class that my peers could not comprehend: “Without Hitler’s heinous acts, the world would not be as peaceful as it is today. Hunger and starvation would be more widespread. The robust global viewpoint against human rights violations wouldn’t exist. The discourse and yearning to avoid wars wouldn’t be as intense. Yes, conflicts and confrontations will always exist, but not on the scale previously witnessed. The Five Powers of the world will avoid such wars if possible. Without the atrocities of Hitler, without the suffering and evil in that war, would the world be as peaceful? I don’t believe so.” My classmates accused me of supporting Hitler, despite my statement suggesting nothing of the sort. I assessed his actions with emotional detachment, acknowledging the malevolence of his deeds, but still noting their causality and effect.
I don’t have an ordinary perspective. My observations often diverge from others’ due to their emotional attachments.
You might be swept up in the current of anti-British sentiment. I bear no ill will towards you for this. Rather, I encourage you to delve into the history of how the British Empire abolished slavery and what that entailed. Consider how this action shaped the world as we know it, and ponder what the world might look like if the British Empire had not existed.]
submitted by Tar-_-Mairon to Lotuseaters_com [link] [comments]
This was my response, what are your thoughts on it?
[Every country throughout human history has, at one point, been implicated in the institution of slavery. Yet, at the zenith of its power, the British Empire abolished slavery - a move not dictated by coercion but underpinned by Christian principles. The British people did not finish paying the compensation for the emancipation of slaves from their owners until around 2014 or perhaps 2015. Up until then, 40% of our national debt was attributed to the emancipation of slaves. Additionally, nearly one million British natives collectively lost their lives in the struggle against the Slave Trade. We established the first human rights organisation in history, and it was only due to the unrivalled strength of the British Empire that the French and Spanish Empires were compelled to reform - not immediately, but gradually.
These are the facts as I understand them.
I do not deny that the empire of my people has been responsible for some abhorrent acts. However, given the choice of which empire to reside within, it would unequivocally be the British Empire. We did not segregate by colour, and we treated women with respect. We enforced the death penalty for those who inflicted harm upon women, ended the savagery of cannibalism, and halted the practice of Indian widows being burnt alive, under threat of death and land confiscation.
Admittedly, we have committed terrible actions. The atrocities of the opium trade and imperialism have left indelible stains on our history. However, one monumental action outweighs all: Queen Victoria’s imperial decree in 1833, which outlawed slavery. With this decree, the empire embarked on a war, a war I can declare, with complete sincerity, as the only righteous war against a trade that was undeniably and entirely evil. Wars are seldom straightforward, but this particular war was unambiguously so. We waged this war alone, without any materialistic motivations, guided only by justice and righteousness – the path Christ would have desired for the liberation of men from such cruel oppression.
Neither France nor Spain, the other significant empires, desired to free themselves from slavery, nor from the evil and abhorrence that it represented. They were consumed by greed and showed no remorse. Consequently, we resolved to wage war against them - against any who refused to take a stand against slavery. The choice was clear: you were either with us or against us.
This aspect of my history was never taught in school. I had to learn it on my own.
Regarding the book - have you ever experienced or understood empathy? If so, you would comprehend my admission that I can now partially grasp the emotional malevolence and wickedness of slavery. I conceded that I could only empathise to a limited extent. Apparently, you lack such a capacity for emotion… my younger self would find this amusing. There was a time when I was devoid of empathy, remorse or compassion.
I am aware of my history and acknowledge that my people, like all others, are not without flaws. Nevertheless, we were the pioneers in questioning the ethics of slavery, and we did so because we possessed the power, because we were Christians and, above all, because we were British!
Today, the world has largely forgotten the sorrow of traditional slavery since it was a practice of a bygone era. A few malevolent countries still engage in slavery, although they do not openly admit to it. Today’s Britain lacks the power to intervene. If we still possessed the strength we once had, countries like China and others engaging in enslavement and oppression would have been held accountable.
My life has not been a bed of roses. At the age of 13, I made a statement in a history class that my peers could not comprehend: “Without Hitler’s heinous acts, the world would not be as peaceful as it is today. Hunger and starvation would be more widespread. The robust global viewpoint against human rights violations wouldn’t exist. The discourse and yearning to avoid wars wouldn’t be as intense. Yes, conflicts and confrontations will always exist, but not on the scale previously witnessed. The Five Powers of the world will avoid such wars if possible. Without the atrocities of Hitler, without the suffering and evil in that war, would the world be as peaceful? I don’t believe so.” My classmates accused me of supporting Hitler, despite my statement suggesting nothing of the sort. I assessed his actions with emotional detachment, acknowledging the malevolence of his deeds, but still noting their causality and effect.
I don’t have an ordinary perspective. My observations often diverge from others’ due to their emotional attachments.
You might be swept up in the current of anti-British sentiment. I bear no ill will towards you for this. Rather, I encourage you to delve into the history of how the British Empire abolished slavery and what that entailed. Consider how this action shaped the world as we know it, and ponder what the world might look like if the British Empire had not existed.]
2023.06.05 00:56 StrongHealthyMINMO Confused individual seeking help about vital strike math
95% of the tabletop games I've played have never really gone above level 10, so when my DM said he's going to run WotR, I knew I would inevitably encounter an issue where I feel like I'm doing the math wrong, so I am going to scream my calculations into this void and hope someone can tell me if and where I have made a mistake.
I just hit level 11 and got improved vital strike, so, I am going to break this down:
My normal damage is 2d6+12+3, IE: Base weapon damage, 1.5x my attacking stat because I am two handing (7+(7/2)) = 10.5 rounded down to 10, and then +2 due to weapon specialization, and my enchantment bonus of +3. Easy enough. I can also include my level to damage, as per CavalieSamurai challenge feature, so 2d6+12+3+11.
Now, if I were to use improved vital strike, with mythic vital strike, my math is something like this: 6d6+36+9 with an optional +33 if the target is challenged. IVS+MVS means basically I triple everything involved here. Though I'm not sure if I'm meant to just roll 2d6 three times ala 6d6 or do a 2d6*3, but I assume the former.
I'm, for the most part, confident this is all right thus far. But now I'm a little confused when I crit, because my character has a decent threat range. So far I have calculated it like this:
Assuming I crit a challenged target with MVS+IVS with my x3 weapon, I will, through my own calculations, be rolling: (2d6+12+3+11)*3+4d6+24+6+22, as I am under the impression that any vital strike crit should just be treated as if you crit with a single regular attack and any bonus damage you would be getting from vital strike normally does not apply to crits.
With this math finished, I have a few questions:
1) If I get Mythic Improved Vital Strike, would any of my calculations actually benefit from it at all? I assume I need some sort of enchantment based damage like a +1d6 bonus damage enchantment or some form of precision damage.
2) As a follow up to question 1, if I were to get an icy burst enchantment, how would this apply? I would assume I would get an extra 1d6 cold per vital strike 'tier', so 3d6 with MIVS, but what about the 2d10 on crits?
3) More of a general mechanic thing I'd like to clear up: If Vital strike is a standard action to perform, I cannot perform anything else that would require a standard action? IE: Another type of special attack that wants me to specifically use a standard action to do it. I haven't been doing this but I'm mostly just curious.
Thank you for reading and any help you could provide is appreciated.
submitted by StrongHealthyMINMO to Pathfinder_RPG [link] [comments]
I just hit level 11 and got improved vital strike, so, I am going to break this down:
My normal damage is 2d6+12+3, IE: Base weapon damage, 1.5x my attacking stat because I am two handing (7+(7/2)) = 10.5 rounded down to 10, and then +2 due to weapon specialization, and my enchantment bonus of +3. Easy enough. I can also include my level to damage, as per CavalieSamurai challenge feature, so 2d6+12+3+11.
Now, if I were to use improved vital strike, with mythic vital strike, my math is something like this: 6d6+36+9 with an optional +33 if the target is challenged. IVS+MVS means basically I triple everything involved here. Though I'm not sure if I'm meant to just roll 2d6 three times ala 6d6 or do a 2d6*3, but I assume the former.
I'm, for the most part, confident this is all right thus far. But now I'm a little confused when I crit, because my character has a decent threat range. So far I have calculated it like this:
Assuming I crit a challenged target with MVS+IVS with my x3 weapon, I will, through my own calculations, be rolling: (2d6+12+3+11)*3+4d6+24+6+22, as I am under the impression that any vital strike crit should just be treated as if you crit with a single regular attack and any bonus damage you would be getting from vital strike normally does not apply to crits.
With this math finished, I have a few questions:
1) If I get Mythic Improved Vital Strike, would any of my calculations actually benefit from it at all? I assume I need some sort of enchantment based damage like a +1d6 bonus damage enchantment or some form of precision damage.
2) As a follow up to question 1, if I were to get an icy burst enchantment, how would this apply? I would assume I would get an extra 1d6 cold per vital strike 'tier', so 3d6 with MIVS, but what about the 2d10 on crits?
3) More of a general mechanic thing I'd like to clear up: If Vital strike is a standard action to perform, I cannot perform anything else that would require a standard action? IE: Another type of special attack that wants me to specifically use a standard action to do it. I haven't been doing this but I'm mostly just curious.
Thank you for reading and any help you could provide is appreciated.
2023.06.05 00:55 koopelstien James Li's scientific consensus video is inappropriate and misleading
This video was just released on Breaking Points today.
The FLAWS Of The Scientific Consensus
The video leaves the impression that current medical science consensus is being corrupted by those in power at agencies like the NIH for monetary gain. And that we, as laymen, need to be more skeptical of the scientific consensus in general. James Li makes this argument by stringing together extremely tenuously related articles and an example from the past of authority crushing a scientific hypothesis that could have saved many lives.
James Li says: "Handwashing was not always 'scientific consensus'... in the mid-19th century", an eye-rolling start. A tactic many science 'skeptics' will use is to point to times often in the distant past, when scientific consensus was wrong or combative against a theory that was actually true: plate tectonics, heliocentrism, germ theory. The implication being that if the theory was not accepted right away then there must have been corruption of some kind forcing out new ideas. The reality is almost always much more banal, these theories when they are initially proposed have little evidence for them. They are debated and rejected at first and then ultimately accepted as evidence for it grows. The scientific method and the standards of the scientific community do a lot to make sure that human biases are not effecting the conclusions of a scientific community, but of course there will always be instances of humans being human, of jealousy and defensiveness. This will always be the case, you will always be able to point to instances where a scientist behaved inappropriately but it is an easy pitfall of logic to then jump to questioning all scientific consensus and its value.
I am sure that in the 1860s European medical community there was some narrow-thinking people in positions of authority, and this may have slowed the acceptance of Semmelweis's ideas. But to say that "the medical community felt that there status was being challenged" and so they ran a "smear campaign" on him that resulted in a nervous breakdown seems to be pushing the truth to the edge. His ideas were debated and rejected, he did not have a fleshed out theory of the transmission of "childbed fever" and there were legitimate questions among the community about how the transmission could work. His theory would be proved by Louis Pasteur 20 years later.
Most of this video is about contemporary medical science, the first part about Semmelweis seems to just introduce skepticism about the motivations of scientific authorities. The meat of the video is really about questions surrounding "third-party" payments made to NIH scientists. An organization called "Open the books" made a FOIA request and subsequently sued NIH to release a database of payments made to the NIH and NIH scientists. James Li quotes Fox News which quotes Open The Books referring to them as "hidden, secret payments". A hearing is referenced by the CEO of Open the Books who says that the director of the NIH agreed that there was an appearance of a conflict of interest. But if you watch the full video of this you will see that he only accepts that he could see how it could appear as a conflict of interest. The full questioning shows him explaining that there are firewalls in place to ensure that there aren't conflicts of interest. And that as far as the royalties goes they are simply following the Bayh–Dole Act, which allows non-profits to retain rights to an invention which was funded by a government agency. Scientists who work on these inventions may someday work at the NIH being active members of the medical science community.
Is there anything improper happening here? Nothing improper is referenced in this video, there is only innuendo. Maybe there is improper conflict of interest at the NIH related to these payments, but nothing so far has been shown. But James Li labels this "a crime". Where is the crime? And what does any of this have to do with scientific consensus? But James Li says that all this shows how "consensus is established and enforced in the scientific community through a series of lucrative and secret financial arrangements". Nothing like this is evidenced in the video. The "secret financial arrangements" are the normal payments made to inventors from their work. No conflicts of interest are referenced, only implied. Payments made to Fauci and other heads of health agencies are shown. Rand Paul is shown questioning Fauci about these royalty payments, the full video shows Fauci attempting to explain that there are committees that make these recommendations.
Are there conflicts of interest at the NIH and other health agencies? Maybe there is and I definitely agree that there should be more transparency, but this video is inappropriate. A more appropriate video would be titled "The NIH needs transparency", and would focus on that. Li says we should "set aside the culture war" while he clearly is leaning into it. The title and the overarching narrative is something one side of the culture war wants to hear, Breaking Points needs to be careful about audience capture.
"What is it with our seemingly blind obsession with scientific consensus?" Li asks. Maybe there is a good video to make that starts that way but this isn't it. There is a good portion of our society who already is primed to accept this message. Many thousands have died due to this skepticism of health authorities. I don't think confusing videos of fear mongering innuendo help one iota.
Also, I wanted to mention the California law he cites. This law says that physicians can not tell their patients information that isn't scientific consensus on the topic of covid-19. You may disagree with this law but this does not effect scientific consensus itself like is implied in the video. A conversation between you and your physician does not effect scientific consensus. Your physician is still capable of disagreeing with the consensus and having that debate with the scientific community. The latter half of this video again begins to talk about scientific consensus, giving the impression that all of the NIH stuff was also talking about consensus but none of that directly had to do with scientific literature, where consensus is formed. The video needed to have defined scientific consensus and made concrete examples, but many people will be less informed after watching this.
submitted by koopelstien to BreakingPoints [link] [comments]
The FLAWS Of The Scientific Consensus
The video leaves the impression that current medical science consensus is being corrupted by those in power at agencies like the NIH for monetary gain. And that we, as laymen, need to be more skeptical of the scientific consensus in general. James Li makes this argument by stringing together extremely tenuously related articles and an example from the past of authority crushing a scientific hypothesis that could have saved many lives.
James Li says: "Handwashing was not always 'scientific consensus'... in the mid-19th century", an eye-rolling start. A tactic many science 'skeptics' will use is to point to times often in the distant past, when scientific consensus was wrong or combative against a theory that was actually true: plate tectonics, heliocentrism, germ theory. The implication being that if the theory was not accepted right away then there must have been corruption of some kind forcing out new ideas. The reality is almost always much more banal, these theories when they are initially proposed have little evidence for them. They are debated and rejected at first and then ultimately accepted as evidence for it grows. The scientific method and the standards of the scientific community do a lot to make sure that human biases are not effecting the conclusions of a scientific community, but of course there will always be instances of humans being human, of jealousy and defensiveness. This will always be the case, you will always be able to point to instances where a scientist behaved inappropriately but it is an easy pitfall of logic to then jump to questioning all scientific consensus and its value.
I am sure that in the 1860s European medical community there was some narrow-thinking people in positions of authority, and this may have slowed the acceptance of Semmelweis's ideas. But to say that "the medical community felt that there status was being challenged" and so they ran a "smear campaign" on him that resulted in a nervous breakdown seems to be pushing the truth to the edge. His ideas were debated and rejected, he did not have a fleshed out theory of the transmission of "childbed fever" and there were legitimate questions among the community about how the transmission could work. His theory would be proved by Louis Pasteur 20 years later.
Most of this video is about contemporary medical science, the first part about Semmelweis seems to just introduce skepticism about the motivations of scientific authorities. The meat of the video is really about questions surrounding "third-party" payments made to NIH scientists. An organization called "Open the books" made a FOIA request and subsequently sued NIH to release a database of payments made to the NIH and NIH scientists. James Li quotes Fox News which quotes Open The Books referring to them as "hidden, secret payments". A hearing is referenced by the CEO of Open the Books who says that the director of the NIH agreed that there was an appearance of a conflict of interest. But if you watch the full video of this you will see that he only accepts that he could see how it could appear as a conflict of interest. The full questioning shows him explaining that there are firewalls in place to ensure that there aren't conflicts of interest. And that as far as the royalties goes they are simply following the Bayh–Dole Act, which allows non-profits to retain rights to an invention which was funded by a government agency. Scientists who work on these inventions may someday work at the NIH being active members of the medical science community.
Is there anything improper happening here? Nothing improper is referenced in this video, there is only innuendo. Maybe there is improper conflict of interest at the NIH related to these payments, but nothing so far has been shown. But James Li labels this "a crime". Where is the crime? And what does any of this have to do with scientific consensus? But James Li says that all this shows how "consensus is established and enforced in the scientific community through a series of lucrative and secret financial arrangements". Nothing like this is evidenced in the video. The "secret financial arrangements" are the normal payments made to inventors from their work. No conflicts of interest are referenced, only implied. Payments made to Fauci and other heads of health agencies are shown. Rand Paul is shown questioning Fauci about these royalty payments, the full video shows Fauci attempting to explain that there are committees that make these recommendations.
Are there conflicts of interest at the NIH and other health agencies? Maybe there is and I definitely agree that there should be more transparency, but this video is inappropriate. A more appropriate video would be titled "The NIH needs transparency", and would focus on that. Li says we should "set aside the culture war" while he clearly is leaning into it. The title and the overarching narrative is something one side of the culture war wants to hear, Breaking Points needs to be careful about audience capture.
"What is it with our seemingly blind obsession with scientific consensus?" Li asks. Maybe there is a good video to make that starts that way but this isn't it. There is a good portion of our society who already is primed to accept this message. Many thousands have died due to this skepticism of health authorities. I don't think confusing videos of fear mongering innuendo help one iota.
Also, I wanted to mention the California law he cites. This law says that physicians can not tell their patients information that isn't scientific consensus on the topic of covid-19. You may disagree with this law but this does not effect scientific consensus itself like is implied in the video. A conversation between you and your physician does not effect scientific consensus. Your physician is still capable of disagreeing with the consensus and having that debate with the scientific community. The latter half of this video again begins to talk about scientific consensus, giving the impression that all of the NIH stuff was also talking about consensus but none of that directly had to do with scientific literature, where consensus is formed. The video needed to have defined scientific consensus and made concrete examples, but many people will be less informed after watching this.
2023.06.05 00:53 Excellent_Cookie8524 Demons inside me? CT with contrast my last chance.
All this nonsense was after I'm started as soon as I left my country (Russia). It wasn’t really a day like I wake up and this started. It was slightly getting worse for 7 months. I got sick in Armenia, with god know what, and I wasn’t suspecting Covid at that time. after 1 round of antibiotics, I thought I'm fine. I was in the rush to help myself to heal, as I’m coming to Mexico in 2 weeks. Then suddenly all my hotels started to decline in like 2 weeks to head to OAE. 1 week in UAE was fine, I was with my brother, but we started to argue like crazy, because he got the tournament in sports in active mode, and seems like he didnt wanted to spend time with me. We was living separately, because first agreed to live in the hotel my Mom booked for me, but it’s has been declined, so he switched to his BJJ team option, and was living with them. So I booked super expensive hotel because it was F1 started in abu - Dhabi. No way I have this bad luck bro…and all hotels was stuffed with tourists. End up sleeping in a small room no windows god know who’s been there, not a safely sterile place to be. I was mad at my brother and never talked to him again for a 2 months until I’m back to hometown. Out there started noticing that I’m tolerate to Arabic smells. It was strange but I just let it go cuz I have bigger thing on my check list. I was feeling like I’m not completely come off this condition as it was in Armenia. But I let it go. Then suddenly on my departure day, the guard don’t let me go to the flight on Abu - Dhabi - Paris - Cancun flight, out of nowhere, because I have Russian docs leaving Armenia territory? I started noticed something is ain’t right with my Carma or something. I’m flying to Turkey to fly from there. I’m already was feeling exhausted from that day. And I think it’s the virus started to kick in as cytokine storm. Successfully departured and dropped in Cancun. Migracion control don’t let me go out for 30 minutes (only in my case), all of the passengers entered In the country with no issues. 3 days in was very beautiful! Breathing good, no issues. Swimming in ocean, USA on the way, life is great and full of opportunities. Then this wild sh with sinusitis happend, 37,7 temperature for a whole month, really crazy breathing pattern? I thought I’m having asthma as I’m in new side of world? No. Moved to matamoris, I was also been finnesed 3 times while in Mexico. Why me? Body itching, brain fog started. I was the only one who was waited THAT long to cross the border (I was with the church method, it’s paid, and usually they let u cross in 1-2 week). I was waiting 1,5 month. Then stomach problems, then can't tolerate any high in histamine food. I’m guessing at that time i was having pneumonia but it was unnoticed. When I was crossing the border man… let me tell that…. I was SICK. I was red, temperature 38, cough started. While in USA, owners kicked me out of rented apartments multiple times out of no where… then I went to ER and they find pneumothorax with pleuritis out of nowhere… 4 times in ER… then somebody try to snatch me and human trafficked me. What’s that all about? Got luck to be alive and dropped on the Irvine highway. many doctors… run out of money… flight back to Russia without of doubts. My body betrayed me and my plans. Somebody playing with my soul and I have no Luck living as an immigrant, near to death experience. In my hometown, all the tests came back normal. I’m out of mind thinking I’m tweaking cuz of that. Ct scans of lungs - but without contrast - clean. Ultrasound of the heart clean, thyroid clean, ECG clean, visits to gastroenterologist - same pills, same treatment that don’t work.. PPI f up my stomach even more. except for spirometry, it was awful like I have COPD pattern?! 63% of the lung capacity. Constricted airways? Pulmonologist didn’t say nothing at all. My cognitive functions seems disappeared, I can’t remember things, slurping my words, can’t thinks of multiple thing of one time, I’m hearing sounds ridiculously weird, like they on the foreground, my movement not stable, I’m not feeling time at all, like I’m an alien. I can’t breathe. Like I’m breathing continuously in brochoconstriction. My chest is tight and I’m out of breath and have crazy dyspnea walking place to place. Still walking 5 km a days and don’t wanna be a sick dude. I do it, my principals don’t let me be bed bounded. Even some days I bed bounded like crazy. That's crazy cuz I was thinking I had lung cancer. Still do sometimes. But later I catch on, thats a LONG COVID. Tried COPD inhalers and whole lotta asthmatic stuff, only improvement cuz of COPD inhaler. Spirometry slightly improved in 3 month. But right now I'm still feeling like I can't breathe normal, like it’s in spasm all the time, even vapes with nicotine… the nicotine not even absorbing in mu lungs? Just tried it tho. like I’m not connected to this universe, I can’t feel my body, I’m starting to have suicidal thoughs. I tried antidepressants, almost 2 months slightly improved my fatigue and miserableness. feels like my bronchi constricted all the time, I can’t even control it.. I look like a completely healthy person to people and they don’t know what’s wrong with me. Either I have COPD because of COVID (I don't cough at all) or I have lung embolism (never did a CT with constrast). Or somebody f… me up and I got demons or whatever., month of arguing with my pulmonologist, now he's done referred me to it. I also have POTS, MCAS. feeling like I'm high all the time. Also GERD just pissing me off, it's so annoying. I never the same as way back…. On my treatment plan is basic supplements like vitamin D,C, Magnesium, Antihistamines 3 times a week, I theanine + glutamine (very helping me with flare ups and I can even drink coffee without feeling V stoopid and brain fog), NMD, trying nattokinase for the first time (got a slight flare up for about 2-3 hours, then feeling okay, I can breathe more), and I'm waiting for ivermectin and oregano oil pills. But what help me the most, it’s the masseur who did something with energy … 4 days in a row now I feel like my consciousness get back to me! But not 100%. Still can’t breathe tho.
What do I do? I hate me for this mistake! to leave my country as a 100% healthy educational kid with a purpose and motivation > only to spend like 40 racks and catch a deadly autoimmune disease, to be miserable and only research what’s wrong with me on daily basis. Help.
submitted by Excellent_Cookie8524 to LongCovid [link] [comments]
What do I do? I hate me for this mistake! to leave my country as a 100% healthy educational kid with a purpose and motivation > only to spend like 40 racks and catch a deadly autoimmune disease, to be miserable and only research what’s wrong with me on daily basis. Help.
2023.06.05 00:45 Psychological-Load-2 Is there a way to fix my Turbo Fuel factory without drastically changing its design
 | I recently built a turbo fuel factory aimed towards producing 3000 Turbo Fuel per minute. It's been massively underperforming. This is primarily because I am feeding oil into the refineries from below. I just watched a video saying this design flaw will significantly hinder fluid manifold designs. submitted by Psychological-Load-2 to SatisfactoryGame [link] [comments] Set of 40 Refineries producing rubber with default rubber recipe. Each side of 20 has a pipe of 600 crude oil per minute. Multiple refineries are not running because of a lack of crude oil, even though I am gathering enough from around the world and have well over the needed pump headlight. https://preview.redd.it/4x1tbo83w24b1.png?width=3440&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=e8b420050fcb753f17d6b925d6380502d0bc22e2 This set of refineries above is doing better than the set previously shown, but there are still some offline. https://preview.redd.it/ewcfjvp8w24b1.png?width=3440&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=5b905cc161d16bc80cf6b92d08fedd9b158edc7c Here is how the oil is fed into the refineries. Also, the image won't load for some reason, but I have pumps with access to MULTIPLE full industrial buffers and the train stations to which those buffers are connected. They will only pump 200-300 crude oil per minute, even though they should be pumping more because refineries need more, and the pumps have the resources to provide that. In the same video I mentioned in the beginning, I heard that You should keep your oil intake at the same level or from above. While I would have happily incorporated that into the design when I started this factory, I technically finished it a while ago and am coming back to see if I can fix its shortcomings. I'd only partially reorganized the factory to change the manifold design. Can I fix this while changing the factory minimally? This is not an issue regarding misplaced logistics but rather the funky way fluid acts in this game. Thanks in advance. I'd appreciate any help. :) |