Okay, TIFU. Let me give you some background: I recently moved into a new room in a rather rundown house, sharing it with a bunch of roommates. Here's where the chaos begins. Our kitchen sink has not one, but two mesh traps. These traps have seen better days and are clogged beyond belief. Now, here comes my moment of brilliance – I thought it would be a great idea to remove the drain traps while I cooked, just so the sink wouldn't clog up while I was cleaning my cooking utensils while making dinner. I decided to make some spaghetti. Here's the catch: I forgot to bring a strainer when I moved in. No worries, I thought, I'll just use the good ol' "hold the lid while straining" technique. However, the pot I was using was oversized and incredibly awkward to handle, making the whole situation a recipe for disaster.
Naturally, at some point, my grip faltered and the pot slipped right out of my hand, diving headfirst into the sink. Now, remember the part where I mentioned removing the drain guards? Yeah. My entire pot of perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles disappeared into the dark abyss of the drain in less than a second. When I mustered up the courage to check, not a single noodle remained. It was a horrifying, tragic, and utterly disappointing sight. I stood there, in shock, utterly bewildered about what to do next.
Literally, as I sat here in my room hiding, typing this. I get a knock and its my landlord, who barely speaks English, saying my name. She asked if I put noodles in the sink and I said yes. Luckily, I have one great older roommate with a plunger who started going to town and saved my ass. We plunged up every noodle down there. Im pretty sure my landlord thought I threw the noodles down the sink as a garbage disposal though because she didn't understand my explanation. Oh well, I am thoroughly embarrassed but relieved.
​
TL;DR: a pot of noodles was swallowed by my drain. I hid in my room. Landlord happened to be here, sink happened to not be draining. I was saved by a roommate with a plunger who helped me plunge my noodles up. Landlord did not understand my explanation of how it happened.

Aloha everyone!
It’s been awhile since we put together a list of events. With so many things happening in the month of June and throughout the summer time, I thought it’d be nice to have a monthly community calendar again.
If there’s anything exciting that you know of happening in June ~ feel free to share it in the comments!

• Hawaiʻi Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival ~ June 9-11th ~

A celebration of Hawaiʻi Island and its beauty as a cultural melting pot. This 3 day event will be packed with food, fashion, cultural expressions, keiki hula, cultural workshops and the islandʻs only Fireknife competition. The event begins Friday with the opening celebration - including protocol from the various cultures represented and a hula hōʻike (celebration). Saturday is filled with a wearable arts exhibit, arts & crafts and a Samoan fire knife competition. Sunday enjoy a delicious culinary experience a the Taste of Pacific & Asia.
The festival is a culturally based experience for both local residents and visitors. It is organized as a combined multi generational effort including members of the community from all spheres of influence - providing them with a platform to showcase the gifts and talents of those cultures present in Hawaii. Presentations of cultural dance expression, culturally based education programs, food, music, fashion and art will be held throughout the three day event.
https://www.hikuauli.com

• King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade in Historic Kailua Village ~ June 10th ~

Join us on Saturday morning, June 10, 2023, for the annual King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade in Historic Kailua Village. Throughout the day, the community of West Hawai‘i will gather to honor the great ali‘i, King Kamehameha I, who established the first capital of the united Hawaiian Kingdom here in Kailua-Kona at Kamakahonu.
Adorned in the flowers and colors of the Hawaiian Islands, regal pāʻū riders on horseback will represent each of the eight islands, led by their respective princesses and the pāʻū queen. The floral parade will also feature hula hālau, equestrian units, marching bands, a horse-drawn carriage and more.
After the parade, enjoy a ho‘olaule‘a (music and art festival) at Hulihe‘e Palace, including a free concert featuring top Hawaiian recording artists. Then take time to visit the many shops, galleries and historic landmarks of Historic Kailua Village.
https://konaparade.org

• King Kamehameha Day Celebration Ho‘olaule‘a at the Hulihe‘e Palace ~ June 10th ~

Join us for the annual King Kamehameha Day Ho‘olaule‘a beginning at 11:00 AM following the King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade! We are excited to open the doors and welcome kama‘āina and visitors to: tour the Palace, enjoy the grounds, and support local vendors and artisans, while enjoying musical entertainment and ‘ono food.
All proceeds from the Day go towards the historic preservation, maintenance and operations of the Palace and grounds.
https://daughtersofhawaii.org/events/hoolaulea/

• 50th annual Kamehameha Day canoe regatta at the Kailua Pier ~ June 10th ~

On June 10, join the Kai ‘Opua Canoe Club as they host the 50th annual Kamehameha Day canoe regatta at the Kailua Pier. Racing action starts at 8 a.m. as canoe clubs from around the Hawai‘i Island come together at the Kailua Pier for all day racing.
Ka‘ahumanu Place will be closed on Saturday for the annual Kamehameha Day canoe regatta craft fair with exciting vendors, a food booth and more.
https://bigislandnow.com/2023/05/16/50th-annual-kamehameha-day-canoe-regatta-coming-to-kailua-pie

• North Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration ~ June 11th ~

Every June 11th, thousands of people gather on the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii to honor Kamehameha I, the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795. Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai'i, but North Kohala is a very special place to celebrate. Kamehameha I was born in North Kohala, where residents played a prominent role in saving his life as an infant.
Although North Kohala is a small community, each year on June 11th it puts forth a large grassroots effort to present a full day of celebration and tribute to King Kamehameha I. Visitors are welcomed to the North Kohala towns of Hawi and Kapa'au on Sunday, June 11, 2023 to take part in this unique local event. All events are free.

• Procession of Royal Societies 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. There are four Royal Societies: The Royal Order of Kamehameha, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu, Hale o Nā Aliʻi and Māmakakaua (Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors). The four Royal Societies will lead, followed by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, the ʻAhahui Kaʻiulani and Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
  
• Lei Draping Ceremony and Tradition Paʻu Parade 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: See the original statue of King Kamehameha I in all its holiday glory. The statue in Kapa'au is decorated with many 20-foot-long floral lei created in tribute to the King. Watch a traditional pa'u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9:00 AM the road closes while Honorees and Pa'u riders make their way from Kohala High and Elementary School to the statue and Kamehameha Park in Kapa'au. Parade to begin promptly at 9:00 AM.
  
• Hana Noeʻau 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy "hands-on"education exhibits that ends the dayʻs festivities at the statue.
  
• ʻAha 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Join us as we celebrate the Kohala Festivities and the ceremonial release of KŪKULU, A Tribute to the Pillars of Mauna a Wākea, a compilation CD acknowledging, recognizing and honoring all who stand for Mauna Kea and places everywhere around the world.
  

http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org/#:~:text=Every%20June%2011th%2C%20thousands%20of,very%20special%20place%20to%20celebrate

• Hawaiʻi Island LGBTQ Pride ~ June 24th ~

First celebrated in 2013, this yearʻs Hawai’i Island LGBTQ Pride will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023 in Hilo. This annual gathering brings together members of the LGBTQ community and supporters in a fun, casual setting to affirm LGBTQIA+ peopleʻs fundamental rights and place in a free society. Join the celebration and experience the creativity, love and power of the unique LGBTQIA+ ʻohana on Hawai’i Island.
https://hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com/events/hawaiʻi-island-lgbtq-pride/

• June Events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park ~

The longer days of summer are here and that means more daylight to enjoy Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Mark your calendar for the following June events.
All events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Check the park calendar for more information.

• Battle of Midway: A Japanese Perspective – The Battle of Midway, June 4 – 7, 1942, marked a turning point in World War II. The U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy would stand toe-to-toe battling for control of the Pacific. From the first decoded messages to the strategic decisions that would alter the course of history, Ben Hayes, historian and program manager for the park’s Interpretation & Education team, takes us through this epic conflict from a different perspective. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
  
  • When: June 6 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
• Ulana Lau Hala Demonstration – Learn to weave lau hala with practitioners from ʻAha Pūhala o Puna. Hawaiians have used hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful and beautiful items for centuries. Learn to weave lau hala and take home your own small piece of lau hala art. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
  
  • When: June 14 from 10 a.m. to noon
  • Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)
• Saving Wahi Pana (Storied Places) in Kaʻū – Discover how the County of Hawaiʻi Public Access, Open Space, Natural and Cultural Resource Commission (PONC) program and your tax dollars are preserving public access, open space, and natural and cultural resources in Kaʻū. Presented by Alexandra Kelepolo and Jodie Rosam. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’ ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs and sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Free admission, and Kaʻū coffee will be available for sale.
  
  • When: June 17 at 9:30 a.m.
  • Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station
• Bert Naihe in Concert – Come be entertained by the Hawaiian music of Bert Naihe. Born and raised in Hilo, Bert enjoys the art of Hawaiian music and performs with Hālau o ka Ua Kanilehua and Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho. Bert’s first CD, “You’re the One,” was released in 2014 and features his own catchy versions of longtime favorites. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing Nā Leo Manu Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
  
  • When: June 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
• Uēkahuna, Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory – For decades, the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum has welcomed people from all over the world, sharing volcano science and Hawaiian culture adjacent to the awe-inspiring view that is Kīlauea volcano. The earthquakes of the 2018 eruption and summit collapse damaged the foundations of the historic buildings beyond repair. Join Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura, Ph.D., as she takes us on a journey through the past of this sacred place known as Uēkahuna. The evolution of the area will be shared on the eve of the park’s efforts to restore a more natural landscape and provide a dramatic viewing area and rest stop for locals and visitors alike. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
  
  • When: June 20 at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
• Artist-in-Residence Comics Journalist Andy Warner Returns – Join the park in welcoming back New York Times bestselling comics journalist, author and artist Andy Warner as the artist in residence for June. Come meet Andy as he presents the creative mind behind the art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the National Parks Arts Foundation. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
  
  • When: June 27 at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
• Explore Kahuku – The Kahuku Unit, one of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s best-kept secrets, is open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s free! Guided ranger programs and talks are offered on the weekends, check the park calendar for more info. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes.
  
  • When: Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Enter Kahuku on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5
• A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar – Walk back to 1939 and talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. You’ll learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up a free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. This program is subject to cancellation during inclement weather. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.
  
  • When: Fridays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Each performance is about an hour
  • Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center
• Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration – Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment with written consent is required. Visit the park website for details.
  
  • When: June 2, 10, 16, 24 & 30. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
  • Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates
• Explore the Summit and Other Ranger-Led Walks – Discover Kīlauea volcano on an easy one-hour, ranger-led walk offered daily. Other ranger-led programs may be offered; check with rangers at Kīlauea Visitor Center for additional programs.
  
  • When: Explore the Summit is offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

https://bigislandnow.com/2023/05/15/june-2023-events-at-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/

Hi everyone, I'm a FTM and have found the community here so wonderful. I would truly appreciate any feedback on anything I'm missing or should remove! We do plan on having 3 kids so some of the items are more of a splurge/investment ie. Artipoppe Baby Carrier, Tripp Trapp.
Strollers & Car Seats

• Cybex Gazelle S Stroller Modular Double Stroller
• Nuna PIPA RX Car Seat & Base

Nursery Furniture

• HALO BassiNest 3.0 Baby Bassinet
• IKEA Sniglar Crib

Nursery Bedding & Essentials

• QuickZip Crib Sheet Set
• NATUREPEDIC Organic 2-Stage Mattress & Cover Bundle

Feeding

• Regular Mouth Mason Jar 8 oz [Set of 12]
• Mason Bottle Silicone Nipples: Slow Flow for 0-3 Months
• Masontops Tough Band - Regular Mouth Mason Jar Screw Bands
• Plastic REGULAR Mouth Mason Jar Lids [18 Pack]
• Tripp Trapp High Chair
• Stokke ® Tripp Trapp® Newborn Set
• green sprouts Stay-dry Baby Bibs (10 pack)
• Synrroe Muslin Burp Cloths 4 Pack Large 20" by 10"
• Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® Anti-Colic Options+™ Narrow Glass Baby Bottles 4 oz/120 mL, with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipple, 2 Pack, 0m+
• Dr. Brown's Reusable Sponge Baby Bottle Cleaning Brush
• Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Preemie Flow Narrow Baby Bottle Silicone Nipple, Slowest Flow, 0m+, 100% Silicone Bottle Nipple, 6 Pack

Nursing

• SILVERETTE XL
• haakaa Colostrum Collector Set
• haakaa Manual Breast Pump Collector
• Boppy Nursing Pillow
• Lansinoh Soothies Cooling Gel Pads
• Motherlove Nipple Cream
• Natural Cocoon – We Are Amma

Diapering

• The Honest Company Clean Conscious Diapers
• Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
• Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream
• A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment
• Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale

Bathing

• Skip Hop Bath Spout Cover
• HIPHOP PANDA Bamboo Hooded Baby Towel
• Angelcare Baby Bath Support
• Pottery Barn Gingham Washcloths

Health & Baby Care

• Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Floor Stand
• Ninni Co Breastfeeding Promoting Pacifier
• Exergen Temporal Scan Forehead Artery Baby Thermometer
• OCCObaby Baby Nasal Aspirator
• Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Nail Clipper

Activity & Gear

• Fisher-Price Baby Playmat
• BABYBJÖRN Bouncer
• Boppy Baby Carrier
• Artipoppe Tweed BW Zeitgeist Baby Carrier

Toys & Books

• Infantino Link & Go Activity Pals

Baby Clothing

• Love to Dream Swaddle UP Self-Soothing Sleep Sack 8-13 lbs
• Love to Dream Swaddle UP Self-Soothing Sleep Sack 13-19 lbs

Other

• Retrospec Luna Exercise Ball
• Red Light Therapy Panel

All images uploaded for this post will be included here:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNv-U01HWODjMDJVo5l9VbVSGuClM8KIYj7jaFD65Vezu5L0mFVrSOfBJayrtaTiQ?key=b2VHWlcyMjhneUVQWjM0TW5XSjV2djR4Ym1wZHZn
​
Shipping is USPS Priority Mail. Items will be placed in bubble wrap and shipped inside boxes. Tracking and insurance are included. Add the following to all orders (except pre-made bundles, shipping is included in their prices):

• $10.00 for small boxes (1-2 games)
• $15.00 for medium (multiple games, small bundles)
• $20.00 for large (consoles, large bundles)

​
Tables:

1. GAMES
2. MANUALS ONLY
3. AMIIBOS
4. CONSOLES
5. PRE-MADE BUNDLES

​
Things of note:

• Prices are negotiable for individual items and custom bundles. Pre-made bundle prices are firm. All price negotiations and initial contact should be via comments per this sub's rules/suggestions.
• "Condition" is based on my most recent check of item. If you are concerned about a potential missing item (insert, manual, etc.), reach out and I will confirm if it is included/not included. List should be accurate but sometimes things get missed. Will also provide confirmed testing of items upon request.
• Images of specific items available upon request. There are just too many to do big sweeping images and my place is small. Just reach out and I'll be happy to take a shot or two of any items.
• All disc games will come in plastic cases, even if listed as "loose".
• If you see anything in the list that you believe may be an error (typo, game listed twice, etc.) please let me know and I will double-check and correct any mistakes. As previously said, list should be accurate but sometimes things get missed.
• Priority will be given to buyers that are bundling the most items together, anyone purchasing a pre-made bundle, or anyone purchasing the largest/multiple pre-made bundles.
• Lastly, I work 8am-5pm CST Mon-Fri. If commenting during those hours, please allow for a delay in response time.

​
1. GAMES

Console	Game	Condition	Price
3DS	Animal Crossing: New Leaf	CIB - Complete In Box	$14.00
3DS	Disney Magical World	CIB - Complete In Box	$13.00
Atari 2600	Dragonfire	CIB - Complete In Box	$24.00
Atari 2600	Missile Command	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
Atari 2600	Space Jockey	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$3.00
Atari 2600	Space War	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
Atari 2600	Video Chess	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
Atari 2600	Warplock	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
Game Boy	Asteroids	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$9.00
Genesis	Columns	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
NDS	Lego Batman: The Videogame	CIB - Complete In Box	$4.00
NDS	Lunar: Dragon Song	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$8.00
NDS	Spectrobes	Boxed - Cartridge/Discs with Box (No Manual/Extras)	$9.00
NES	Deadly Towers	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$5.00
NES	Donkey Kong Classics	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$15.00
NES	Double Dragon	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$9.00
NES	Gauntlet II	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$6.00
NES	Gyromite [5 Screw]	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$5.00
NES	Ironsword: Wizards & Warriors II	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
NES	Karate Champ [5 Screw]	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
NES	Ninja Gaiden	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$9.00
NES	Section-Z [5 Screw]	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$6.00
NES	The Bard's Tale	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$19.00
NES	The Immortal	Loose+ - Cartridge/Discs with Manual	$16.00
PC	Final Fantasy VIII	Loose+ - Cartridge/Discs with Proper Disc Sleeve	$10.00
PS Vita	Dungeon Hunter: Alliance	Boxed - Cartridge/Discs with Box (No Manual/Extras)	$12.00
PS1	Final Fantasy VIII	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$9.00
PS1	Gex: Enter the Gecko	Loose+ - Cartridge/Discs with Manual	$25.00
PS1	Spawn: The Eternal	CIB - Complete In Box	$20.00
PS1	Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$8.00
PS1	Tekken [Long Box]	Boxed - Cartridge/Discs with Box (No Manual/Extras)	$13.00
PS1	Test Drive: Off-Road	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
PS1	Test Drive: Off-Road 2	CIB - Complete In Box	$3.00
PS1	Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation	CIB - Complete In Box	$7.00
PS2	ATV Offroad Fury 2 [Not for Resale]	CIB - Complete In Box	$4.00
PS2	Devil May Cry 2	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
PS2	EverQuest Online Adventures	Boxed - Cartridge/Discs with Box (No Manual/Extras)	$5.00
PS2	Final Fantasy X	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$5.00
PS2	Final Fantasy XII	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
PS2	Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories	CIB - Complete In Box	$8.00
PS2	Ultimate Board Game Collection	CIB - Complete In Box	$3.00
PS3	Diablo III	CIB - Complete In Box	$4.00
PS3	Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition	Boxed - Cartridge/Discs with Box (No Manual/Extras)	$14.00
PS3	Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX	CIB - Complete In Box	$6.00
PS3	Mass Effect 2	CIB - Complete In Box	$2.00
PS3	Mass Effect 3	Sealed	$7.00
PS3	Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe [Greatest Hits]	CIB+ - Complete In Box Including Extras	$7.00
PS3	Red Dead Redemption	Boxed - Cartridge/Discs with Box (No Manual/Extras)	$13.00
PS3	Tomb Raider	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
PS3	Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Game of the Year) [Greatest Hits]	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
PS3	Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Game of the Year) [Greatest Hits]	CIB - Complete In Box	$3.00
PS3	White Knight Chronicles: International Edition	CIB - Complete In Box	$7.00
PS4	Destiny	CIB - Complete In Box	$3.00
PS4	Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition	CIB - Complete In Box	$10.00
SNES	WWF Super WrestleMania	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$6.00
Switch	Harvest Moon: Light of Hope SE - Complete	CIB - Complete In Box	$13.00
Wii	Disney Epic Mickey	CIB - Complete In Box	$4.00
Wii	Donkey Kong Country Returns	CIB - Complete In Box	$10.00
Wii	Donkey Kong Country Returns	CIB - Complete In Box	$10.00
Wii	Elebits	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
Wii	Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition	CIB - Complete In Box	$9.00
Wii	Super Mario Galaxy	Boxed - Cartridge/Discs with Box (No Manual/Extras)	$12.00
Wii U	Disney Infinity	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
Wii U	Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
Wii U	Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze	CIB - Complete In Box	$8.00
Wii U	Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze	CIB - Complete In Box	$8.00
Wii U	Kirby and the Rainbow Curse	CIB - Complete In Box	$32.00
Wii U	Mario Party 10	CIB - Complete In Box	$17.00
Wii U	Splatoon	CIB - Complete In Box	$9.00
Wii U	The Wonderful 101	CIB - Complete In Box	$8.00
Xbox 360	Alone in the Dark	CIB - Complete In Box	$6.00
Xbox 360	Batman: Arkham City	CIB - Complete In Box	$3.00
Xbox 360	BioShock	Loose+ - Cartridge/Discs with Behind the Scenes Disc	$3.00
Xbox 360	BioShock 2	CIB - Complete In Box	$4.00
Xbox 360	Borderlands	CIB - Complete In Box	$2.00
Xbox 360	Borderlands 2	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
Xbox 360	Burnout Paradise	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
Xbox 360	Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
Xbox 360	Devil May Cry 4	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$5.00
Xbox 360	Enemy Territory: Quake Wars	CIB - Complete In Box	$6.00
Xbox 360	Fallout: New Vegas	CIB - Complete In Box	$4.00
Xbox 360	Halo 3	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$5.00
Xbox 360	Kinect Adventures!	CIB - Complete In Box	$3.00
Xbox 360	LEGO Batman: The Videogame	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$3.00
Xbox 360	LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7	CIB - Complete In Box	$4.00
Xbox 360	LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga	CIB - Complete In Box	$7.00
Xbox 360	Lost Planet: Extreme Condition	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$3.00
Xbox 360	Mass Effect	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
Xbox 360	Mass Effect 2	CIB - Complete In Box	$4.00
Xbox 360	Mass Effect 3	CIB - Complete In Box	$4.00
Xbox 360	Plants vs. Zombies	CIB - Complete In Box	$6.00
Xbox 360	Pure	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
Xbox 360	Rocksmith	CIB - Complete In Box	$7.00
Xbox 360	SoulCalibur IV	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
Xbox 360	Star Wars: The Force Unleashed	CIB - Complete In Box	$5.00
Xbox 360	The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion -- Game of the Year Edition	CIB - Complete In Box	$7.00
Xbox 360	The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	CIB - Complete In Box	$2.00
Xbox 360	The Orange Box	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$14.00
Xbox 360	Turok	Boxed - Cartridge/Discs with Box (No Manual/Extras)	$9.00
Xbox 360	Unreal Tournament III	Loose - Cartridge/Discs Only	$4.00
Xbox 360	Viva Pinata	Loose+ - Cartridge/Discs with Manual	$3.00
Xbox 360	Your Shape: Fitness Evolved	CIB - Complete In Box	$3.00
Xbox One	Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition	CIB - Complete In Box	$6.00

​
2. MANUALS ONLY

Console	Manual	Price
GBA	Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Prophecy	$7.00
GBA	Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World	$7.00
GBA	Wario Land 4	$10.00
PS1	Brave Fencer Musashi	$27.00
PS1	Breath of Fire III	$21.00
PS1	Final Fantasy Origins	$6.00
PS1	Intelligent Qube	$12.00
PS1	Vagrant Story	$21.00
PS1	Wild Arms	$14.00

​
3. AMIIBOS
Note: All Amiibos are "loose". Images included in the link at the top of the post.

Amiibo	Price
Bowser	$13.00
Diddy Kong	$17.00
Donkey Kong	$25.00
Dr. Mario	$13.00
Fox	$9.00
Kirby	$14.00
Link	$31.00
Link - Majora's Mask	$40.00
Link - Toon	$24.00
Lucario	$13.00
Luigi	$17.00
Mario	$13.00
Mario - 30th, Classic	$10.00
Mario - 30th, Modern	$11.00
Marth	$11.00
Mega Man	$15.00
Pac-Man	$12.00
Peach	$11.00
Pikachu	$9.00
Princess Zelda	$28.00
Samus	$13.00
Samus - Zero Suit	$13.00
Sheik	$24.00
Simon	$19.00
Snake	$31.00
Sonic	$26.00
Yarn Yoshi - Blue	$15.00
Yoshi	$21.00

​
4. CONSOLES

Console	Notes	Price
Nintendo 3DS XL Pokemon XY Red Limited Edition	Comes with charging cable & 32gb PNY SD Card. Will be factory reset prior to send.	$157.00
Nintendo 3DS XL Black & Red	Comes with charging cable & grip. Boots directly into custom firmware. Will remove NNID prior to shipping. Will come with a 128gb SanDisk SD Card.	$135.00
PlayStation Vita Slim Console	Comes with charging cable. Factory reset. No memory card. May have Custom Firmware installed already.	$135.00
Xbox 360 Console Gears of Wars 3 Edition	Comes with power cable, HDMI cable, and 2 Gears of War controllers (no rechargable battery packs, but the backplates are there and the controllers can hold normal batteries).	$90.00
Playstation 3 Slim System	Comes with power cable, HDMI cable, and at least 1 official controller (rubber in thumbsticks may feel sticky) and may include bonus official or third party controllers for free. System is loaded with CFW and boots directly into it. System has new thermal paste and rubber block installed that helps apply pressure to the CPU/Heatsink to additionally reduce temperatures and prolong system lifespan.	$90.00
Playstation 2 System (Phat)	Comes with power cable, PS2-to-HDMI adapter, HDMI cable, 1 official PS1 memory card, 1 official PS2 memory card, and 1 official controller (rubber in thumbsticks may feel sticky). System is modded and comes with 1TB HDD. Shell has an area on the side that is broken from a drop but all internals are unharmed and system has been tested and works perfectly. May include additional memory cards for free.	$90.00

​
5. PRE-MADE BUNDLES
Note: Some bundles unavailable due to purchases of items within the bundle. Bundles will be updated periodically as time permits and prices adjusted to account for sold items.

Pre-Made Bundles	Included	Non-Bundle Shipped Price	Bundle Shipped Price
Atari Gamer	All 6 Atari games.	$63.00	$40.00
Dual-Screen Collector	Both 3DS XL consoles, both 3DS games, and all 3 NDS games.	$360.00	$300.00
NES Gamer	All 11 NES games.	$118.00	$100.00
Vita Collector	PS Vita console & Dungeon Hunter: Alliance.	$167.00	$125.00
PS1 Gamer	All 8 PS1 games.	$110.00	$100.00
PS2 Gamer	All 7 PS2 games.	$53.00	$45.00
PS2 Collector	PS2 (Phat, modded) console and all 7 PS2 games.	$143.00	$120.00
PS3 Gamer	All 11 PS3 games.	$93.00	$80.00
PS3 Collector	PS3 Slim console and all 11 PS3 games.	$183.00	$170.00
Wii	All 6 Wii games.	$70.00	$60.00
Wii U	All 8 Wii U games.	$112.00	$100.00
Xbox 360 Gamer	All 32 Xbox 360 games.	$175.00	$150.00
Xbox 360 Collector	Gears of War Xbox 360 and all 32 Xbox 360 games.	$265.00	$200.00
Manuals	All 9 manuals.	$145.00	$100.00
Extras	GB-Asteroids, Genesis-Columns, PC-Final Fantasy VIII, SNES-WWF Super Wrestlemania, PS4-Destiny, PS4-Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition, Switch-Harvest Moon: Light of Hope SE (Complete), Xbox One-Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition	$81.00	$70.00
Amiibo Collector	All 28 Amiibos.	$518.00	$450.00
Console Collector	All 6 consoles.	$717.00	$650.00
Game Collector	All 103 games.	$775.00	$700.00
Absolutely Everything	Every individual item in this post.	$2095.00	$1800.00

​

I was formulating a response to a comment on another thread and it got away from me and turned into a much bigger thing that I feel compelled to share here. Maybe we can discuss it. I feel like it's kinda out there...
I've been pondering the question of reincarnation for years. There's a lot of actual scientific evidence for reincarnation (google Dr. Ian Stevenson and the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia School of Medicine), but there are some "logical" arguments against it that come up over and over. The one that seems to hold the most water for folks is the idea that population growth disproves reincarnation. But, this is only logical if one assumes that our spirits are born into only human lives, in only this reality, and on only this planet sequentially. Those are a lot of assumptions about a universe we haven't even begun to understand. This viewpoint does not even consider the idea that we could have lived a "past" life in the future. Or even a past life concurrently with this one, just in another reality.
Enter the idea of reality shifting and I've fallen down the rabbit hole: I had never considered the idea of a sort of grander me...an uber me or higher self (subconscious, if you will) that exists outside of space and time until I started reading about manifesting, reality shifting, and the like. I feel as if it has caused my ponderings about reincarnation to head into the unknown. Right now, I'm chewing on an idea-that the part of me that experiences linear time is just a sort of avatar for the uber me. My uberself (and of course I also mean everyone else's uberself) experiences countless lives (and all of the moments that those lives contain) all at the same time. They exist right now, every moment, already occurring/having occurred/will be occurring, a body of various points in an ocean of moments.
I've always had a deep conviction that we are here to learn how to love unconditionally, without threat of punishment or promise of reward, which is why any evidence for a greater God is sparse without belief/faith. We develop empathy, and then unconditional love, for others through suffering and if you already know what has happened, is happening, and will happen, there is no learning, because there is no suffering. It could be that, in order to grow or learn, life needs to be experienced in a linear fashion, with the past informing choices and the future largely unknown. Therefore, our eternal self needs a way to experience reality in a linear way. What we perceive to be us, might just be a sort of sense organ for a much larger, eternal entity. Like to see the world, we need to have eyes. To hear it we need ears. Our higher selves have something like a sense that interprets linear time and that's what we think of as ourselves. But, what we're understanding as us is just a small part of a much greater organism.
If this is true, when we shift realities, we're not leaving behind a soulless shell. We're just moving our attention to another part of an immense, eternal creature which is also a grander...us. We may shift our focus from one life to another, but our essence is still present in every life. It's as if we are just shifting our focus from one part of our body to the other. Like we can focus on our pinkie toe, but the rest of us still exists.
This would also explain things like the population growth argument against reincarnation. It might also explain things like deja vu and other reality weirdnesses (precognition, clairsentience, etc).
Maybe I'm totally crazy or maybe this is already understood by everyone. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

TL;DR: Normally have chest pain that’s a 3-4/10. Had a flare up today at work while exerting myself pretty hard that was an 8/10. Any idea what it could have been? It was really quick, like an arrow through my heart.
I had a scary moment at work today and I don’t know what to make of it. Chest pain is by far my biggest symptom and seems to fit the bill for angina. It gets worse with exertion and usually better with rest. It typically starts out as pressure and then builds into an aching pain, followed by a sharper pain that can then spread into the left side of my chest and my left shoulder and arm. I typically get shortness of breath when it’s that severe too.
I admittedly wasn’t being careful at work this afternoon and pushed myself too hard doing one of the most strenuous parts of my job. That was when I felt a horrendous pain spike in my chest, unlike what I normally feel. It felt like someone had shot an arrow through my heart. My typical chest pain sits around a 3-4 out of 10 when I’m going about my day. This was probably an 8? It was very sudden and only lasted a moment, so it’s hard to say. But it caused me to drop the sample I was working on and grip the edge of the table to try to steady myself. It only happened that one time, but I felt pretty weird afterwards and have been exhausted since then.
I know most of us aren’t medical professionals, but has anyone one else experienced something like this? And if so, what was it? All of my heart tests have come back clear, so I don’t have much to go off of. I’ve been investigating microvasculaendothelial issues recently, but I don’t know if that would cause this sort of thing? Any ideas or info would be appreciated!

I have had the Vivobarefoot Geo Racers now for over a month, and at this point wear them for most things, jogging, walks and gym. I wanted a pair of Barefoot shoes which would work better for walking and hiking, so after looking around i got a pair of the Knit Primus Trail FG. Wanting that FG Sole with more grip.
They came in yesterday, and I got around to going on a walk with them today. After about a mile I start feeling some pain in the back of my heels, moreso the right. I cut the walk off early about 1.5 miles, and take my shoes off to find skin peeling off on the back of my heel (about 2 inches off the ground. Is this an issues others have had with these shoes? they feel significantly less flexible than the racers, especially in that back of the heel area, this plus the loose fit really isn't working well.
Note: I have the racers in size 12, but opted to get the Trails in 12.5 since i find the racers to be a bit snug and I don't get as much toe room as i feel like I'm supposed to with the barefoot style. The new ones feel more free, but at the cost of my heel feeling more free too, which is having it rub against the heel support of the shoe.
Maybe I'll get used to it, and the shoe will wear in and it will be fine. But I figured I'd ask if others have faced an issue like this, with these or similar shoes. Thanks!

Hello - my partner and I are struggling financially for a variety of personal reasons; they've been unemployed for several months but have no desire to go back to a 9-5 job. I make just a little too little for them to be a stay at home parent, which is honestly what I would prefer, but we're also dealing with legal issues, paying lawyers, supporting kids half time, etc etc - I do not need them to be making a full time salary but if they could make like $1k a month doing goPuff or similar that would make life a million times easier. We do not need this to be any kind of primary income for the family, just a bit of a supplement.
They haven't done their first shift yet but they're planning to tomorrow night after I'm done with work and they no longer have the kids. First question - are we going to get in trouble if I go with them and just chill in the car while they pick stuff up/make deliveries?
Second question - do y'all have any tips for maximizing profits and/or anything you wish you'd known when you started that you learned the hard way?
Thank you so much for your input. I don't know if $1k a month is realistic in any way but it's not like goPuff is the ONLY thing they can do, it just seems like one of the chillest ways for them to dip their toes back in the water, especially if they want to make their own schedule, etc. Even if that goal isn't realistic without full time+ hours any money at all would be great - even if we could just pay the lawyer bills we'd be okay.
Please don't be judgey about them being a deadbeat or anything like that, we're both incredibly stressed and if I had someone who was willing to keep me afloat during a very hard time in my life I would fully accept that, albeit maybe feel a bit guilty, which they very much do. I've been at my job which is pretty cushy for over a decade and it's enough to support myself under normal circumstances, and so far we've made it well enough. Just a little extra income would make things so much easier, though, and it's not that they're unwilling to work, just that we've been making it okay enough for now and we're both struggling with being generally overwhelmed. We suddenly owe another $2,300 in lawyer's fees (hopefully on a payment plan) right now though, on top of $5k we're already paying off that we can't really afford together until the case progresses a little more and then we'll be good for a long time.
Sorry for probably giving way too much personal information.
TL;DR what are your tips for a new driver that you wish you had known sooner? is it against the rules to have someone ride along with you?

Brace yourselves, this is gonna be a long one.
Table of Contents
1…… The Main Goal
2…… What I’m Seeking
3…… Personality
4…… Interests
5…… Physical Characteristics (with pics)
6…… Expectations of You
7…… Living Situation
8…… Deal Breakers
9…… Closing Remarks
(1)
The Main Goal:
Well if you’re browsing this subreddit then much like me, you were alone this weekend and I’m sure you’d like to change that as much as me. I won’t lie, I am going through a rough part of my life right now. It’s difficult for me to find the energy for anything at the moment and I’m just really seeking affection in general, anything that will give me a push. I don’t want to be that person who brings everyone down but I could really use someone to talk to right now. I’d really like to find someone who’s similar to me so much to the point that we do everything together and talk about everything while not having to pretend to be interested. I want someone with whom we can mutually spew our emotions onto and have those feelings reciprocated. Not an emotional punching bag, but an emotional teddy bear to hug and cuddle until everything feels better as many times as we need. There’s people who I’m sure have told you the same, they’ll be there no matter how many times you need the support, no matter how many times the insecurities and bad thoughts come back but they don’t mean it. I will be the exception, I’m not so ignorant to think some nice words and tales of relating to you will magically forever heal whatever ails you then get mad when you seek the same support again. Mental ailments are rarely temporary and I don’t care about someone because they’re perfect, caring about someone means being there no matter how many times they need you to be. It doesn’t feel like a chore, it doesn’t get old, and it never will.
(2)
(2.a)
What I'm Seeking:
I will upfront let you know if I’m clicking better with someone else or if you’re the one, I’m not here to tread the sea of fish or keep my options open, I’m here for one singular person.
(2.b)
Relationship:
A relationship is difficult for me right now, it’s been nearly half a year since I got out of my last relationship and the reasons for it ending are partially responsible for how I’ve been feeling and why it’s so hard for me to seek the comfort I so desperately crave. I will tell you about it but for the sake of not treating the entirety of the internet as my therapist, it’ll be in private. I really need the comfort of intimacy and the warmth of someone who cares. I'm not going to feel better if I just sulk and don’t move on. This is my attempt to get better, I’ll admit I’m not great right now and I don’t expect you to be either. If we can help each other heal, then I’d be more than happy :) A relationship isn’t just being there for when someone’s at their best. Even if a relationship is hard at the moment, I do want a life partner and I don’t want to be alone. Things aren’t going to get easier without you so I don’t want to hesitate. I view my other as an equal, I don’t like categorizing us into specific roles. We take care of each other and treat each other how we like to be treated, whatever that is, it's as simple as that. I don't care if you're "successful" or not, living simple lives with our days filled with love is the ultimate measure of success to me.
(3)
Personality:
(3.a)
On the Surface:
As you can tell I can be rather… stoic but that’s largely due to my current stressors, I truthfully am goofy and fun loving but I just can’t find it in me right now. I want to return to that but without someone to light up my world it’s been difficult to just have fun and enjoy stuff. I’m definitely more introverted, you won’t catch me at any parties or really outside at all. I definitely prefer being home though the occasional outing is not out of the question and one day I’d like to travel to other countries because I think that kind of perspective is important.
(3.b)
The Core of My Being:
I like being a spectator to it all and if we bear witness to humanity burning or its miraculous recovery, I want to watch it with you. I enjoy watching humanity advance, less so when it devolves but I want to watch it to the end nonetheless. I’m both a realist and someone who lives with my head in the clouds dreaming of scenarios or worlds that don’t exist. I’m saying that I enjoy a good narrative and can suspend my disbelief to enjoy something but you won’t catch me refusing vaccines or ignoring blatant facts for the sake of some pseudo science or witch doctor’s remedy. I’m an atheist but I do not rule out existence after death, not because I’m agnostic but because due to the nature of potentially infinite time at some point after how many googol years with a googol amount of 0s after that, something’s bound to replicate your consciousness perfectly at some point. It’s actually a really fascinating topic I like talking about. If infinite time and infinite possibilities exist, does non existence exist? Though that’s an awfully existentially dreadful thought process considering the ramifications of infinite existence and infinite possibilities during said infinite existence. I would say I’m confidently left leaning and I don’t think I could truly get along with anyone right leaning, at least America’s definition of right leaning. Left and right seems to have just become; do people deserve to suffer or do they deserve to live good lives? Being political is not something I expected to become but how can you not be when crimes against human rights are being passed on a daily basis and at the end of the day, everything’s political. Oftentimes I imagine the perfect moment as relaxing with my significant other playing games or cuddling in a cold room under blankets.
I value that special someone above all of the existential thoughts, the bad of the world, the good of the world, they practically become my world. So many worries wash away when I’m with them. I don’t know if that’s the defense mechanism my brain created to not feel bad 24/7 but if it is, I’m currently without it.
(3.c)
Insecurities:
I talk of philosophy and politics here but really I spend most of my time just playing games, watching stuff, and trying to not be sleep deprived. I’m also nowhere near as well spoken, heck sometimes I feel like my speech is broken. I won’t claim to be something I’m not, I sit at home while I complain about the world doing nothing about it wishing I had someone here with me. I’m not noble nor do I really want to be, I have morals I uphold but much like most other hypocrites I acknowledge that my comfortable life is built on the suffering of others without doing anything about it. Why? My sleep problems? Am I depressed? Is that why I have no energy to do anything? Do I just think nothing I could do could help? I can’t nail it down myself, maybe it’s a mix of everything, maybe I’m just a bad person. I have always told myself that if I had wealth I would help people but if I get that kind of wealth will I just become a wealth hoarder who tries to justify my riches as something I earned rather than something given to me through incredibly lucky circumstances? If I do help people is it because I’m a good person or out of guilt? Will I die alone? I feel like I drive everyone away with my clinginess, I get paranoid often and need reassurance often. It’s something I want to work on, something I’ve been trying to work on. Hearing that someone cares about me just never gets old. I value self awareness even if it’s painful.
(3.d)
Socializing:
I’m definitely a socially anxious/awkward mess, especially around strangers. I do feel a large amount of anxiety in public, people can’t tell by looking at my face since I kind of go stone faced in an attempt to block everything out but yeah you’ll notice that if we go out in public. Growing up my pediatrician said I was probably autistic, never got a formal diagnosis so that’s just great. But yeah that explains why I can’t make eye contact with people, I kinda just stare at the ground and avoid their gaze at all costs. A lot of these social struggles go away to a great degree once I know you for a bit but yeah I apologize for how terrible I am at socializing at first. Don’t let my social struggles fool you though, I love cuddling and being close with my person.
(3.e)
Sexuality:
I am a heterosexual male, though I’m not very masculine like at all. I may even be a bit feminine sometimes. Not that I believe any activity or manner of acting belongs to a gender but I don’t know how else to describe it. I’m definitely super affectionate and love it when my partner is too. I am open to dating demi people but I do have a libido so I don't think asexual would work out.
(4)
Interests:
(4.a)
Video Games:
As stated before, I do spend a lot of my time playing video games. It’s been hard lately with me having no energy but I really do want to play more games and have a good time playing them with you! I primarily play on PC though I do have a switch. I’m primarily into platform fighters, roguelikes, open world, survival, and sandbox games. As for single player story games, I enjoy watching them through twitch or youtube but for the most part I don’t play them myself. I’d watch you play them though!
Here’s a list of games we can play:
-Minecraft (Java)
-Risk of Rain 2
-Gunfire Reborn
-Roboquest
-7 Days to Die
-Phasmophobia
-Rust
-Unturned
-Bloons TD 6
-Platform fighters: Super Smash Bros. Melee, Slap City, Multiversus, Flash Party, Fraymakers
Whatever you want to play I’ll give it a shot! I will say that League bores me to death but I’ll play it for you :) I try to avoid MMOs, not because I don’t like them but because of how addicted I can get to them. I enjoy learning games in-depth so MMOs can be a fast track to addiction.
I recently got Kerbal Space Program 2 and ehhh not really worth it right now but hopefully later it will be? I’m super excited for Tears of the Kingdom! In the far off future I’m excited for Rivals of Aether 2 which is a platform fighter releasing in 2024, let me know of your most anticipated releases and I’ll see if I could play them with you!
Also I never got into FPS games but I could totally see myself playing like CoD with you or Escape From Tarkov. Any FPS really, I’m down.
I am a fan of Pokemon but with how things have been lately I don’t know how long that will last. Pixelmon is a common Pokemon mod I play for Minecraft if you want to play that! Also if I say I want to play something with you I mean it but there are often times when no matter how much I want to I'm just drained and can do little more than lay in bed so please don't think I'm making an excuse.
(4.b)
Science:
I really enjoy keeping up with the latest advances in pretty much everything, it could be biology, technology, astronomy, anything! I love seeing progression and I love talking about it! Really I could go on and on about what I’m obsessing about that day. I particularly love technology, ask me for my laptop specs I dare you. When I was little I always wanted to be a scientist of any kind but then insomnia and fear of college stuff hit me like a truck aaaand that’s the end of that dream.
(4.c)
Anime:
You got me, I like anime but I’d like to think my tastes are benign.
Here’s some of my favorites I can list from the top of my head:
- To Your Eternity
- Vinland Saga
- Spice and Wolf
- Re:Zero
- Mob Psycho
- Dr. Stone
- Attack on Titan
- Spy x Family
- My Hero Academia
- Ranking of Kings
- Demon Slayer
Okay I can go on and on but I will say I don’t like pointless fan service and the spamming of cliche anime moments. I mostly enjoy action and anything well animated if it doesn’t have a potato story. Heck Demon Slayer could be my top 3 out of season 2’s animation alone. I don’t watch slice of life often or romance but I would with you!
(4.d)
Misc:
I’m not going to go on and on about the tiniest little things when the main ones are covered but I’ll watch pretty much any show with you and anything really. I like random youtube videos that explain some kind of lore or mystery, sometimes mini documentaries too.
As for food I looove sushi and I’m a sucker for fast food. Okay and candy, definitely candy.
I used to play tennis but haven’t really had the opportunity nor friends to play it with and I’m way too socially anxious to seek it out. Also I will say that when we move to something like discord I type waaaay more casually. I’m not going to expect long paragraphs back and forth like we’re writing English papers for each other, I do enjoy long conversations but seriously don’t worry about having to put the utmost effort into every response, I just like making good first impressions I guess.
(5)
(5.a)
My Physical Characteristics:
I’m 5’8 (172cm), 128 pounds (58kg), with curly brown hair and blue eyes. I like keeping my hair long in the winter and cutting it in the summer. I’m pretty slim in general so if you’re looking for someone large, that’s not me. I don’t work out but my work is pretty physical so at least I’m not totally inactive. I don’t have the urge to work out or gain muscle but I do want to maintain my slim figure so if I start losing control of that I’ll work out. I like to keep my face shaved because I don’t think I look good with a beard/mustache so if you’re into those I apologize. I have an average amount of body hair? I’d prefer to be completely shaved but it’s easy to lose motivation with that battle, if you prefer shaved then I’d have no problem complying. Anyways here’s what I look like: https://imgur.com/a/MZZgf2t
(5.b)
My Physical Preferences:
Having physical preferences makes me feel shallow, if I could make myself not have them I would but unfortunately that’s now how that works. I don’t care if you’re shorter or taller than me and I don’t care if you weigh more or less than me. All I ask is that you’re slim-average weight. I would never ask for someone to be something I’m not. I don’t care about tattoos or piercings.**(6)Expectations of You (Relationship Only):**I am not looking for someone “exciting” or someone to “keep me on my toes” I’m not looking for someone to cater to my every whim or anything like that. I don’t care if you’re “boring” or if you aren’t “successful”. I know it’s a common thing for people to not want a “boring” relationship and to seek something argumentative or something with constant challenges but I just want to be with you. During the exciting times, the boring times, and everything in-between, all of it will be great with you! Maybe we do argue sometimes or maybe there will be challenges but that will never be something I purposefully seek out and I don’t want that to be something you seek out either. I will not play tricks on you and I will not play mind games, I expect the same from you. We all have personal measures of success we may or may not have lived up to but what I care about most is our commitment to each other. If we have each other we can get through tough times, near the ends of our lives I want us to look back and feel that this life together was worth more than anything. That’s not saying I want us to be haphazard, I don’t want us to make poor decisions for the sake of yolo and I want us to always be rational, especially with each other. I want you to be someone I can trust to make decisions and weigh the options with a level head, I’ll try my best to live up to the same for you. Most of all I want empathy, understanding, someone to feel the utmost comfort and trust in.
(7)
Living Situation:
Currently my life is pretty relaxed, I work 3 times a week as a night shift stocker. I currently live in a 2 bedroom apartment with my roommate but we’re looking to move into someplace larger by the end of the year if everything works out. The internet is weirdly great for Ohio too like I have fiber and later this year we’re supposed to be getting dedicated fiber so that’s neat. I’m not attached to Ohio so the ultimate goal living location wise is probably moving to a country that won’t send you into a lifetime of dealing with the repercussions from one medical emergency.
(8)
Deal Breakers:
Might as well make this simple and make it a list.
- Anti-vaxxers
- Unironically believing astrology
- Right wingers
- Hard drugs (occasional 420 and alcohol is fine, may even join you)
- Wanting children, there was a time when I was younger when I wanted children but with the state of the word that’s a definite no and I feel like I wouldn’t be able to handle the stress. I’d love a stress free life with as much time with you as possible.
- Homophobic
- Transphobic
- Racist
- Super Religious
- Don’t be a bigot and don’t deny facts.
(9)
Closing Remarks:
Well you made it, I was thinking that finding someone I’d be willing to put a lifetime of effort into at least required this much effort. If I think of anything more I’ll update the post. Also about timezones, it really doesn’t matter where in the world you are. I don’t have a sleep schedule and I have most of the week off from work so it really doesn’t matter.
I request that in your response you do put effort into it, it doesn’t have to be anywhere near as long as this but at least enough so I know that you read this and enough about you so I know why you saw potential compatibility. I will seriously read all of it and respond the best I can. I do also request a pic included in your response (sfw please) or one soon after we start talking to prove identity, I’ll send identity proving pics too. As long as this post is up, you can send a reply!

My favourite Polley shoes from Dr. Martens fell apart, and to be honest I wasn't really happy with their quality and definitely not happy with my doc martens boots either. I have decided I will probably not buy from them again unless it was some crazy sale.
I'm looking for something like a black mary jane but I'm not super married to that style, I just want to get a classic closed toe not-heeled shoe that goes with anything and can withstand the rain/water.
Can y'all tell me your experience with both brands? I love the fluevog style, and my friends have had great experiences with Maguire. Both brands are pretty expensive though so I'm looking to get all opinions before I invest either way.

Welcome to Green Valley

Four Merry Jaunts Through in the Bumpkin Quest Campaign

It’s a big world filled with far off folks who have far off problems. In the quaint farming town of Hills Furrow that has certainly not been the case. Here life is simple, local, and paced by the seasons. There ain’t been a need for “Venturers” and their ilk since your Papaw was just a sprout. However, the winds of change are blowin, and things are about to git just a bit more exciting round these parts.
Welcome to Green Valley, The down-home home of Rural Fantasy Misadventures and Grass-Roots Shenanigans. The Valley is Filled with Colorful Characters, Brimming with Odd Ball Neighbors, and has more than a few Local Yokels. Welcome to Bumpkin Quest. These adventures are intended to be a series of silly adventures that all go awry in some way or another and stir up trouble throughout a peaceful little village that has in many ways been overlooked by the troubles of the world “outside”.
CHAPTER 1: Green Tide CHAPTER 2: A Cartload of Chickens CHAPTER 3: Marvin the Magnificent CHAPTER 4: High Society
ADVENTURE MECHANICS - Target Character Level: Commoners - Level 1 - Target Party Size: Four Players - Average Adventure Playtime: 1-2 Hours - Tone: Rural Misadventures
I’ve also put these adventures into a PDF that includes our Bumpkin Quest: Campaign Guide which fills in the details of Green Valley pretty thoroughly. The quests are simple enough to be run in any setting you choose, but if you're interested in more the Guide as over a dozen Custom Maps, 70+ NPCs, Location Descriptions, 20+ Local Legends, and Scores of Adventure and Event Ideas. You can grab the PDF Free at the link above.

Hills Furrow

At the center of the Valley sits a patch of small grassy hills, through which the Slow Water meanders through. Built into these hills is the Village of Hills Furrow. Celebrated by everyone living in The Valley and boasting a whopping population of almost 150, Hills Furrow is the center of commerce and social importance. Well, at least as far as the locals are concerned. Realistically it would be less than a blip on the grand scale of things, a mere kernel of wheat in the silo of civilization, but to those who live here, there is nothing quite like living in the “city”.
The Village itself, like the Valley, is predominantly Halfling, and their fancy dwellings are burrowed into the hillsides as often as possible. These dwellings have been family owned for generations only becomeing available if there are no heirs to pass them along to. Other folk live in well kept two story shingled buildings, most of which house a business on the lower floor and house the Shopkeepers and their families above their workplaces, though a few live in nearby homes. There aren’t many “rental” spaces in town, as property is usually bought up quickly by the Halfling Families, but there are long term options at either of the Inns in town.
Hills Furrow: Locations 1) The Crocked Crow (Inn and Tavern) 2) The Dancing Lamb (Inn and Tavern) 3) The Moaning Toad (Tavern) 4) Granny's Groceries (General Market) 5) Get Nailed (Hardware and Distilery) 6) Gimdurh's Hammer (Smithy) 7) Brenra's Mechanicals (Tinker) 8) Hjoldren's Home Goods (Carpenter) 9) Standard Industries (Office) 10) Fit to be Dyed (Tailor) 11) The Last Loaf (Baker) 12) The Cloudy Cleaver (Butcher) 13) Nature's Medecine (Apothecary) 14) Sheriff's Office 15) Green Valley School House 16) The Waterwheel 17) The Windmill 18) The Undercloak Estate 19) Truefoot Burrow 20) The Meadows Family Hill
The people themselves are hospitable and friendly enough, but they do not really trust outsiders. Folks from foreign places are good for trade, news, and little else. Those that come through are treated well enough as long as they don’t wear out their welcome. Locals, well, that’s a bit of a different story. The city and area doesn’t operate under a written caste system or social structure, but there is clearly a pecking order, and family heritage matters a great deal to folks in Hills Furrow. Most locals, whether they’ve gotten an education or not, can easily be classified as simple. It isn’t that they are slow of mind or unintelligent, but more that they are unconcerned with matters the outside world considers important. This sentiment has created a general, but friendly, dislike between those that consider themselves Highfalutin and those that clearly are not.
Well now that I've given you the fifty cent tour. Shall we get on to adventure?

CHAPTER 1: Green Tide

We will open our journeys in the Green Valley at Green Tide, the annual celebration of Winter’s End. This adventure is designed to give a tour of Hills Furrow and introduce them to the locals. It will begin with some chores around their house to prepare for the festival and end with a battle involving an enchanted broom. If you did not do Session Zero, this chapter may take a bit longer as we get to know everyone and their characters.

ACT 1: Pre-Festival

The locals spend the week cleaning out their houses and farms. They gather old junk and unused items to be used later in the festival. They also begin preparing what food is left from winter to be used in a celebration and feasts.
Things to do! - Have the Players clean up junk around the house - Have them Find something strange (Perhaps used for a later mystery?) - Have them Decorate their Broom - Have them run a Household Errand (Meet an NPC)

ACT 2: Sweeping Day

A merry festival celebrating Spring cleaning and putting the past behind them. They form a parade, with one member from each house carrying a brightly decorated broom and using it to symbolically “Sweep Away Winter”. The rest of the family marches their winter’s trash and unused goods down to the Fairgrounds. The goods are often traded, while the trash is piled in the fire pit to await burning later. The entire day is filled with fun outdoor activities. Households also symbolically bring their problems to the bonfires to burn them later.
Things to do! - March in the Parade - Carry Junk to the Bonfire - Meet more of the Locals
EVENT: I Love a Parade
The parade will march North from near the Cross Roads in the South up around the hill and back again to the South where it will head for the Fairgrounds. There isn’t anything particularly challenging about this event, but it would be a wonderful place to start leaning into or building local rivalries.
EVENT: Never Seen a Broom Do That… As they come into the home stretch of the Parade one of the local’s Brooms will animate and take off. It will chase folks around the parade. The players can attempt to stop it, but the broom will flee soon after being attacked. It will fly up into the air, attack a flock of geese, and chase them off until it can’t be seen anymore. They can go and collect a fallen goose if they wish. I highly recommend giving it a motorcycle type sound as it flies around hitting folks. Maybe even going as far as giving it a rough gravel angry voice and letting it insult people.

ACT 3: Winter’s End

Winter’s End is a Combination of Groundhog’s Day and Fasnacht, this day gets a little wild. The Festival kicks off at dawn with the Great Gopher Hunt. Gophers are well known spies for The Voice of Winter and thus need to be hunted before they can tell The Voice to delay Spring. Gophers themselves are quite tasty, and are notoriously bad for crops, so this works out economically all around. Throughout the rest of the day families continue to contribute to the Bonfire Pile which often gets quite large. At dusk a large effigy of The Voice of Winter is placed on top of the pile. Once the sun has fully set they light the fire and burn the Effigy. Folk usually dress darkly during the day and brightly at night. After the burning they feast on sweets and treats that were made from goods saved up from winter storage.
Things to do! - The Great Gopher Hunt - Carry Junk to the Bonfire - Meet more of the Locals - The Fairground’s Activities
EVENT: The Great Gopher Hunt The Hunt begins at dawn and takes place all over the Valley. Locals race to collect as many Gophers as possible. It is easiest to kill the Gopher, but there are some that find that distasteful. Instead they live trap the critters. It is a bit tougher to do so, but an option should your players wish. This is most easily played out as a series of appropriate Skill Checks, in which the higher they score the more gophers they obtain.
EVENT: Trash Removal They may find some locals willing to pay them to help cart junk down to the bonfire pile. Not a lot of skill involved in this, but it is a great opportunity to meet locals, and you could throw a runaway cart at them.
Fair Activities They will probably want to take part in Fairground Activities. Players love these types of challenges. Here are a few ideas you can build on. - Axe Throwin: Basic attack rolls on a Round Target. Higher scores equal Higher points. - Bow Shootin: Basic attack rolls on Moving Targets. Higher scores equal Higher points. - Pig Chasin: Catch the greased Pig! Medium DC Challenge requiring three success before three Failures. - Mud Wrastlin: Nothing says bumpkin like a good Mud Wrastlin Pit. Contested Skill Challenges. - Sausage Eating Contest: Increasingly difficult DC Challenge. Eat till you puke! Can also be Pies or Ribs or Little Fish… you know whatever someone wants to stuff dozens of in their gullet. - Tug O’War: Team Strength Challenge. Three to Five Contested Rolls with opposing teams. - Gopher BBQ Cook Off: A Hard Culinary Challenge to see who can BBQ the best Gopher! - Races: Foot and Mount Races based on Three to Five Contested Rolls. I usually include a few odd mounts like a Giant Chicken or some such nonsense.

ACT 4: Day of Ashes

The Day of Ashes is a day of rest, recovery, and reflection. Locals take the ashes from the bonfires and rub their hands in them to symbolize the end of a hard year’s work and hardships of the past. The day ends with a large family feast, typically Pork. Activities this day are light, but many folks head to the Temple for the Calling of Spring Blessings. They put on their fancies and head down to ask forgiveness for over-indulging in the festival and for worship. Well sort of…
Unfortunately, a lot of folks take this as an opportunity to peacock about and practice their one-upmanship over other locals. If you’re looking for inspiration for their outfits look to older photos of the Kentucky Derby. Over the years this troubling practice has caused more than one fight to break out after the service.
*Things to do! * - Go to Temple and Meet More Locals - Pick a Local Patron!
EVENT: Temple Services
The majority of the town comes to Temple on this day. The service is usually longer, and a bit more “Where have most of you been all year?” But otherwise it is a call for the Divine Blessings to touch their crops and protect their lives. It ends with a ceremony in which the locals put their hands into the ashes from yesterday’s bonfire. Once services end they will head outside, where the trouble will begin. Two of the wealthier families will get into it with each other. Starting with a couple of veiled insults, probably before service and continuing afterward. If one of your players is from a local Rich Folk family then they can be right in the middle of it all, otherwise they will have to pick a side. This choice will determine their house Patron moving forward. Tension will increase until folks start drawing up sides, and then someone will throw a rotten tomato at one of the House Matrons. That will blow the lid off the incident and a yokel brawl will break out. For comedy purposes I recommend the instant appearance of several food carts filled with expired products, and maybe a six year old hustler selling big sticks for wacking folks with. As the locals brawl call for perception checks. Who ever rolls highest begins to hear… The Broom returning!
ENCOUNTER: Stick In The Eye
The broom returns ready to whoop some ash. It will be absolutely bent on cleaning anyone and everyone who is even the slightest bit dirty! If it successfully attacks a character they will have to make a Strength Saving throw or be knocked to the ground and swept clean by the broom. As this would be an awful omen for the year folks are terrified and will be running around screaming. Absolute mass hysteria. If the players were lucky enough to hear it coming they can avoid being surprised by the broom. Otherwise the broom will get a full round to attack before they have a chance to do anything. They’ll have to beat the broom into submission any way they can before it sweeps the whole town into chaos!

CLOSING

After defeating the broom things will settle back down again. Bumpkins are quick to return to normal when things go awry. However, they will have gotten the attention of one of the Wealthy Families in the area and be offered jobs. Which family is really, based on what will work best for them and you as the DM. For gags you might be tempted to have the Yokels pick them up, but that is a hard bit to sustain, and you may be better served keeping them on the side as a comic foil rather than up front. Completely up to you. The session should end with them being invited to meet their new patron tomorrow someplace important.

CHAPTER 2: A Cartload of Chickens

After successfully defeating the Enchanted Broom, our Bumpkins have gained the attention of a possible local Patron. This individual has summoned them to a nearby farm to discuss future work. That work includes proving themselves capable and not just lucky.

ACT 1: Meet the Boss

In this Act the players will meet with their new patron, one of the Family Heads, who that is entirely depends on their choices from the last game. This entire side branch is designed to flavor the background of the campaign, but if you’d rather just have them stay freelancing and independent that’s fine as well. There is also the possibility of “competing” offers should they have second thoughts for any reason. Once they arrive at the meeting spot their Patron will ask them some questions about their ambitions (Class Goals), they will then hand them off to their new “boss” who will assign them their task. They will take them to a nearby barn.
NEW NPC: “Boss”
Needs a fitting name for the Family they work for...
Character wise, what we got here is a standard “Ranch Foreman” character. They’re tough, A little mean, and completely loyal to their employer. They almost certainly chew tobacco (by the handful), have a tattoo of the Ranch’s Brand, and know where all the bodies are buried. They also have a huge and obvious scar on the side of their head where a Giant Chicken pecked a hole in their skull, so they’re not as bright as they used to be, not at all truthfully. Nor are they actually the Foreman anymore, but no one has a heart to tell them. They’ve been quietly downgraded to Chicken Handler, which is something they seem to remember quite well, but the brain damage keeps them from realizing all that. They can be found wandering the Farm giving strange orders to other Hands. These Hands nod politely and then go back to what they are doing.
Things To Do! - Meet Their Patron - Discuss Their Future - Meet Their New “Boss”

ACT 2: Chicken Dance

Boss will lead them into the odd looking barn. This building is filled with Giant Chickens. These two-three foot fouls have extremely exaggerated features, spiky looking beaks with sharp tooth like edges, big darting eyes, bumpy cracked skin, long gnarled talons, and dirty mottled feathers. They’re more beast than bird. But, they’re good for eatin! These creatures should have a stat block similar to an Axe Beak. When the players enter into the Barn the Chickens will go nuts, obviously deeply bothered by the intrusion. Boss will throw in some deer haunches and the birds will tear them apart in a feeding frenzy. They will then put on a Chicken Suit and begin a flapping dance. (Google Magnificent Riflebird) It should be absolutely captivating and the chickens will become mesmerized, watching every move. Boss will then load two dozen chickens onto a large wagon and lock it. They will have the players push the wagon out while he keeps the Chickens calm. Once outside they’ll hang heavy tarps on the sides of the wagon, and remove the suit. He will then explain to them that they need to keep the tarps on the wagon, and keep the birds well fed, or the chickens will get restless and become violent. When they do need to interact with them someone will have to wear the suit and dance to keep them calm. The bigger the person in the suit the better. Boss will then give them a Map of Green Valley and instruct them to drop off two chickens at each of the outer settlements. They have two days to get this done.
Things To Do! - Head into the barn - Witness The Dance of The Chicken - Push the Wagon out - Get the Costume and Delivery Instructions

ACT 3: Bumpy Roads

They will be off to deliver the Chickens to various locations. There is no specific order to this delivery, they just need to pick a route and go. If they’re short on time they can take the country roads that lead between the outer settlements, but these aren’t as well kept as the main roads are. Whatever road they take and wherever they decide to stop for the night there are problems they will encounter along the way. You can make them random or pick the ones that best suit your players. Most of these should at some point require someone putting on the suit and dancing for the chickens to keep them calm. I would also increase the difficulty of each event. If they fail a dance the Chickens will become restless and start attacking the cart until they are calmed down. Too many failures and the wagon’s cage will break and the remaining chickens escape. They will then have to be rounded up and the cage repaired.
Things to Do - Decide the delivery route - Deliver the chickens - Keep the Chickens calm
Possible Road Events 1) Rough roads cause problems 2) Yokels attempt to see what’s in the cart 3) Bad Weather swamps the road or scares the chickens 4) Pack of Coyotes causes trouble. 5) Chicken Rustlers! Protect the Flock! 6) Wagon breaks and needs repair 7) Cows in the road, someone’s herd is out. 8) Broken Bridge, not gone, just broken

ACT 4: Final Delivery

They’re now closing in on the final delivery. Something needs to happen here to cause them to put the suit on. Or maybe they never took it off! I love that idea, that one of your players just loves the suit and wants to be a chicken… lol… Anyway I’m a fan of having them need to get out of the suit for some reason, maybe a bathroom break, or they stand on a fire ant hill, or a snake slithers up their leg. You know something silly and fun. BUT the zipper is stuck! So they’ll have to try and unstick it and fast! Whatever happens they’re going to get shot at by some hunters looking for a big score who have mistaken the flailing caused by the stuck zipper to be the chicken attacking. After dealing with the Hunters they can go ahead and make the final drop. And head home.
Things to Do! - Head for the final delivery - Get shot at! - Deliver the last chickens
ENCOUNTER: That’s a BIG Chicken!
Having two hunters in the field is more than enough to cause a problem for the players. The hunters will almost certainly surprise the players, but you can allow them a perception check, if they succeed they’ll see the hunters just before the muskets go off. It would be OK to down the Chicken Player here if the hunters successfully hit it. They’ll have healer’s kits on hand because, well, this seems to happen to them a lot out here. After the initial attack the players can decide to attack back or try and talk the hunters down. A basic Bandit or Scout stat block should do will for the hunters. If you’re looking for a bit more mayhem, if the hunters miss the players you could have them hit the cage, and you know, bust it open. This may be especially tempting if they
POSSIBLE ENCOUNTER: Big Ol' Frog
So there is a giant frog hiding in the mud down in the creek. If a player takes cover behind the banks there is a good chance that the frog will attempt to nab the player as a snack. If it is successful in grabbing a player with its tongue it will immediately head down river, and they'll have to chase it to get their friend back.

CLOSE

When they return, Boss will reward them. How much will depend on how successful they were delivering the birds. If they did a descent job, they will be paid two day’s wages each. If they were completely successful they can have a bonus. However, if the wagon is in bad shape they might have some money deducted. After they’re paid out, they will be dismissed, and told to expect a new assignment next week.

CHAPTER 3: Marvin the Magnificent

After successfully delivering chickens Boss is going to trust them with a more important task. Their employer has requested an item to be created by Marvin the Magnificent. This is a farming community so having enchanted Farming Equipment is extremely desirable. Marvin has done a lot of basic enchantments over the years, but this new one, an The Stone Skipper, a plough whose blade goes ethereal while in contact with stones too large to push away, has really put him to the test. He needs some help with the final enchantments. The players will have to travel to the Ethereal Plane and hit the Blade of the plow with large rocks. But there’s a problem, they’re going to have mischievous Ethereal Sprites attempting to stop them! If they’re successful, which they should be, they get to take the plough for a test drive, and deal with the strange side effects of the enchantment. Angry goats that blink in and out of existence.

ACT 1: To the Tower

They’ll be summoned out to the Ranch where they’ll meet with Boss again. Once there they will notice a large pile of bent and dinged up plows. Boss will explain to them that a recent land acquisition has become problematic. The Fields are filled with large stones just under the topsoil and they’ve damaged a lot of Plow Blades. The Smithing costs are getting out of hand and so their Patron is looking for an alternate solution to the problem. He is sending them to help Marvin the Magnificent, who has taken the job, but run into some complications and needs some help. They may ask about Marvin. Or perhaps the fields that were purchased, so be ready to answer these types of questions. Once they’re done here they can head to Marvin’s Tower, which is just north of town.
Things to Do! - Meet Boss again - Ask some Informational Questions - Head for the Tower
NPC: Marvin the Magnificent

ACT 2: Marvin the Magnificent

As they approach the tower they should see an explosion at the peak of the structure. It should look similar to a fireworks mishap. When it clears there will be no visible damage to the tower, But Marvin will plummet to the earth just off to the side of them, landing in a small pond. He will then come charging out of the pond, laughing hysterically, and riding on a large turtle. Once he gets a few feet away from the pond the turtle will disappear and he will tumble to the ground right in front of the players. He will leap up quickly and turn toward the players. “Behold Travelers, You stand in the presence of Marvin the Magnificent! And everything you have witness was mostly intended!” He will then strike a cool pose with his wand pointed to the sky! “Now why do you approach my tower!?”
Once Marvin finds out they’ve been sent about the plow he will become more nervous looking. “I see, well follow me. We have work to do.” He will then start walking toward the tower… his boots squishing out water. This should give them a little time to ask a few questions. Marvin will be a little subversive about what they need to do. He will attempt to frame it very mysteriously, saying things like “All will be revealed soon.” and “Save your questions! All Answers await us… in the future!” If they ask him about what they witnessed outside, he will tell them he was working on a mount summoning spell designed for lakes and rivers.
Things to Do! - Head toward the Tower - Meet Marvin - Ask Questions

ACT 3: The Cabinet of Mysteries

The inside of the Wizard’s Tower will be far more mundane than they likely expect. At least on the first floor. It will have a sitting room, dining room, and kitchen, as well as a few odds and ends about. Nothing special at all. The second floor, are Marvin’s personal quarters and some room for study, but it is the third floor, where Marvin will lead them, and it will be more of what one would expect in a Wizard’s tower. There will be books shelves, arcane equipment, and storage for components. In the middle of the room will be a tall cabinet.
:
Marvin will explain to them that the Cabinet is a transportation device, and that he will need them to enter into it with a plow that he has recently enchanted. They will be taken to the Ethereal Plane, and once there they’ll need to take the plow outside and begin hitting it with large field stones. There is a large pile of stones just on the north edge of the tower. They’ll have to do this quickly, before the “others” show up. Who are the others? Hard to say, but there are things that live in the Ethereal Plane that don’t like intruders. The idea is to imbue the Plow with Ethereal Powers so it can pass through large stones while plowing fields. Once they return with the Enchanted Plow, Marvin will have them load it on a cart, pulled by a very smart Donkey, and send them on their way.
Skill Challenge: Enchant the Plow This skill challenge will require five successes before they’re incapacitated by the others. However they decide to do it, they’ll have to successfully hit the plow with five large stones. Failures will result in strange indiscernible entities attacking them. They do minimal damage but could knock people out if there are enough failures.
Things to Do! - Move Through Marvin’s Tower - Enter the Cabinet - Enchant the Plow

ACT 4: Blinking Goats

Upon returning to Boss with the Plow they will be happily greet and paid. Their Patron will be there and will be very pleased with their success. He will ask them to demonstrate the plow’s abilities. Once they get set up out in the field and begin plowing something weird will happen. Every time they hit a stone and the plow’s power activates an Ethereal Goat will manifest and kick or ram the plow, and then disappear. It will feel very similar to what they encountered in the Ethereal Plane. They’ll have to find a way to deal with the manifestations.
ENCOUNTER: Ethereal Goats These goats should function very similarly to Blink Dogs, but I would trim the HP and AC a little to put them in line with the party’s. They will be intent on breaking the Plow not the party, although they will attack the party if they can’t get to the Plow.
Things to Do! - Deliver the Plow - Drive the Plow - Defeat the Ethereal Goats

CLOSE

Once defeated the Boss will come over to yell at them, but the Patron will find the entire thing amusing and more importantly, another impressive demonstration of the player’s skills. He will invite them to the “House” for an important party next week.

Chapter 4: High Society

They've definitely been noticed now and have impressed with their ability, unconventional as it may be. They are invited to their patron's home, but not as guests. Though, they might think they were actually invited as guests! They have been brought in to help work the event held out at the Party Field. They will have to gather party supplies, help put up the tent, and then serve the actual guests. During the evening’s entertainment a hypnotist “The Great Dr Hypnotika” will mesmerize the crowd and attempt to rob them all. Hopefully the players don’t fall victim to her schemes. And if they do oh well, they’ll be entertained all the same.

ACT 1: Special Delivery

The players arrive at the Patron’s very nice property. They will be greeted by a properly dressed servant with a clipboard, the Party Planner. The Planner will be rigid and direct. They will immediately begin tasking them about. If they mention that they were invited to the party the servant will laugh “You didn’t think you were a guest? Oh dear, how embarrassing. You’re the help! It is still a great honor to be tasked to help at the Party, but you’re not guests. Now as for your current task. Head into town and gather these supplies. Bring them to the field by noon.” After the instructions are given the servant will go back to their tasks and expect the players to do the same. They will have three stops; The Crocked Crow for Food and Beer, Get Nailed for the Tent and Spirits, and Shalana Proud-Breed’s Tailor Shop to pick up the Dry Cleaning. Feel free to make any and all of these go sideways! Its a good place to toss in some shenanigans as well! They should also be introduced to Dr Hypnotika and her associates.
Things To do! - Go to their Patron’s Home - Meet the Party Planner and Dr Hypnotika - Run their Errands
NPC: Dr Hypnotika
Dr Hypnotika and her group will perform for the party. Hypnotica is a Tiefling Mezmerist and illusionist. She has an obnoxiously high charisma and some pretty serious skills to back up her claims. However, she uses those skills to beguile her guests, robbing them blind while they are under her spells. She wears a fine robe with a bedazzled headwrap. She has dark upward spiraling horns, light purple skin, and matching eyes. She wears a monocle and walks with a ceremonially carved staff depicting the "Struggles of the Universe". She is extremely persuasive and even more deceptive. Even if someone were to grow suspicious she can easily talk her way out of trouble.
NPCs: Clapper and Bob Hypnotika brings with her two assistants. Clapper the suit wearing Kenku who will perform wondrous displays of mimicry and slight of hand, and her strongman Bob the Kobold. Bob wears a leopard print strongman's outfit and is amazingly swole, particularly for a kobold, and capable of lifting upwards of 400lbs. Bob doesn't do much else other than get hit with things. in the act.

ACT 2: Put up the Tent

After they finish running their errands they will be tasked with putting up a large party tent. This Act is an ongoing Skill Challenge and should have a constantly distracted feel to it. First they have to unpack the tent. Then they have to realize some pieces are missing, they’ll have to form a solution to that problem. After that wind should cause some problems as the tent is at least being pulled up. This is a great moment for some wondrous tom-foolery.
Things To do! - Unpack the tent - Deal with missing parts - Secure the tent during the wind gusts

ACT 3: Put These On

After they finish putting up the tent they’ll be sent to the Servant’s Quarters to bathe and change. They’ll get a little time to explore and snoop if they wish. Afterward they’ll be tasked with helping in the kitchen, but unfortunately the cooks are going to have been playing a drinking game all afternoon and are no longer fully capable of doing their jobs. This would make a great moment for some sort of mini-game where the players have to determine whether or not the cooks are doing the right things. Once the dinner has been completed they will have to serve the guests. This is a good place to insert gossip and help them meet a few other folks.
Things To do! - Get changed for the party - Deal with the drunk cooks - Serve the guests drinks and food

ACT 4: An Evening to Remember

At some point in the evening things are going to start sliding downhill. Some of the locals will have become extremely inebriated and will need to be encouraged to leave, or just moved off to the side as they’ve already passed out, before the show begins. Once the show begins the locals will become fixated on the goings on. “The Great Dr Hypnotika” will have put an additive in the drinks for the that will make everyone more susceptible to her powers of persuasion. Once the show starts she will have them all doing silly things, those who drank have disadvantage on saves against her powers. She will end the show asking the guests to display their most valuable treasure, a with a hypnotic pattern and then send her assistants out to collect those treasures. The players will have to “do something” about the thieves.
Things To do! - Deal with Drunks - Watch the Show - Stop the Criminals
ENCOUNTER: Hypnotika's Gang This encounter doesn't have to be a fight. If Hypnotika is caught she may claim it was all part of the act and simple return the valuables with a "no harm, no foul" type attitude. This will be he go to in an attempt to avoid a fight, but if the character persist in some kind of retribution or punishment the situation will devolve into a combat. Hypnotica herself is an Illusionist Wizard but is low on spells after the show. Clapper is a low level rogue and Bob a Barbarian, and should play out as such. Even with Skills they are combat adverse and will be looking for an opportunity to flee rather than fight. They do have a getaway wagon out front that they'll be headed for if things go south.

CLOSING

We’re assuming the Bumpkins at least attempted to stop the robbery. This will draw a lot of attention to them. Their Patron will be well pleased with them, and let them know they will be getting much more important jobs in the future. The guests will also take note and will begin treating them all a bit better. They’re all essentially Folk Heroes at this point for secondary backgrounds. Their Patron should reward them with something very nice as the party kicks back in. They will need to finish out the nights work of course.

Quest-line Closing

Congratulations! Your Players have completed their first Quest-line! Hopefully it was a delightful experience. But now that they've finished what comes next? Well, here are some ideas.
*Reward Them! * They've been doing some rather Adventurous things lately, and therefore should now have a Class Level under their belt, so the real D&D world now opens to them! Maybe it is time for some real adventuring gear. No more sticks, stones, and burlap sack armor.
Folk Heroes? There's a good chance that the Valley is Speaking the News about them and their exploits while drinking in the taverns. They may have even earned the actual Folk Hero Feat! Maybe someone would be interested in giving them a task!
Simply Go Exploring! There are a lot of places in Green Valley that we only dipped our toes into. You could have them head down to Stinkmarsh, or maybe climb up the cliffs of Longridge. The world (Well, the Valley) is wholly open to them.
Explore Local Legends There are lots of local legends they can look into! Hopefully they search out something that isn't too far over their heads!
Continue Working for their Patron It would be an easy DM go to simply to have them continue working for their current Patron. They've probably been impressive enough fo a family to be interested in keeping them on.
Establish Themselves as Adventurers! Maybe they want to set up a Adventurers for Hire business? This "Heroes Guild" approach is really appealing to a lot of players and absolutely plays into Bumpkin Quest. Just remember, this is a place of low key problems that locals make really big deals out of. So the idea of slaying dragons shouldn't really be on the table... that is until an actual dragon shows up! Which one day absolutely should.

Amid a galaxy of brutal chaos there are stories to be told, tales of valor and justice, of fear and despair. But amid these stories are the guttering flames of adventures untold, the potential for a universe of entertainment and savage joyous fun. The Oblivion Cycle embodies just this kind of crafted chaos, creating the potential for creative exploits and raucous tales. If you are new to the TOC setting feel free to join the community at TheOblivionCycle to check out some of the background lore or to discuss themes with other readers. I thank you all for your support and continued willingness to read, as always, Please Enjoy!
+ Chapter 1 + Previous + Next +
_____________________________________
Chapter 27
Max-imum Surprise
He stood atop a wooden platform in the branches of the highest tree in the jungle. His heart beating fast in his chest as he looked out into that endless blue expanse of sky above. He blinked, suddenly there was no jungle. In front and below him was only more of that same endless sky.
He should have been afraid, should have cowered from that endless void in terror, but he found that he felt none of these things. Instead he smiled and spread his arms wide. He felt free, freer than he could ever remember feeling before.
He looked down at his bare feet, the polished red wood of the platform solid beneath his toes. Taking a deep breath he began to run. The edge of the platform seemed to stretch away from him, the harder he ran the faster it seemed to pull away.
He yelled at it to stop, to wait for him. But it did not. Instead it expanded outwards from him at the speed of light, encompassing him in a giant sphere of darkness that then seemed to press in on all sides. He felt a terrible pressure on his chest and cried out for someone to save him.
Suddenly he stopped as a profound sense of love and warmth seemed to wrap around him. It wasn't the same crushing weight as before. Before the pressure had been malicious, cruel and painful. Now the pressure was soft and tender, he embraced the feeling with his mind and smiled again. He suddenly realized that he was floating once more in that endless blue sky. Or was he falling? It made little difference, he spread his arms experimentally and found he could fly.
He laughed in childlike wonder as he began to soar through the endless clouds, doing loops and tricks to his heart's content. He had thought himself free before. He had been a slave, shackled to the ground and forever denied the truth.
He growled in anger at the thought, twisting dark branches reaching out like fingers to ensnare him as his mood darkened once more. He flitted and dodged through them with an agility that surprised even himself.
Then suddenly in the distance he heard a wailing sound, almost like that of a storm siren, but deeper in tone and altogether more sinister. In the sky overhead a darkness formed, taking a strange and terrifying form that he was unable to describe. It was as if the tendrils of darkness continued on forever, though he could not see them he knew they were there. Burrowing through reality as a worm would an apple.
He frowned, intrigued by the spectacle and unafraid. It seemed familiar, like an old acquaintance many years forgotten. It struck him as neutral, not evil or good, but somewhere in the middle. A mix of the two. He shook like a leaf in a storm as a hot wind began to blow over him and the sky split open to reveal a burning orange eye the size of eternity. He felt fear now, a terrible bone wrenching fear that spoke of primordial terrors and cosmic threats beyond mortal comprehension. But still he remained, no longer flying as he stood upon a tower of dark basalt stone blocks.
He looked at the eye and it looked at him, it seemed to look deeper than his skin. It felt as if it were peeling back the layers of his flesh and looking to his very soul, the gestalt of his core.
He jerked as a voice seemed to echo through his mind “You are not the one.”
He shook his head in confusion and shouted up to the burning sky “I’m not what one? What do you mean?”
The eye didn't reply, instead began to close. Leon raised his fists and shouted to the sky “One what? Answer me! I need to know.”
Again the voice spoke in his mind, this time quieter and growing more faint by the second till it trailed off into silence. “It is not yet time, you are not the one.”
As the eye closed the sky went dark, so did everything else. He felt himself falling again, looking down he saw a bright light far below. Squinting he saw it looked like a hospital room. The scene grew closer and more defined as he approached it at rapid speed. He looked at the bed and gasped in surprise, for in the bed he saw himself. But not as he remembered himself, but pale and seemingly without life. To his side he saw Dr. Kimathi and Joice frantically messing with something next to the bed his body lay in. It was a defibrillator.
He watched in growing fascination as he fell towards himself at incredible speeds. Joice lifted his body’s shirt and applied the paddles while Dr. Kimathi shouted something. He didn't have a chance to hear it as he slammed into his body.
He grunted in pain and convulsed as his eyes shot open. Coughing violently he tried to sit up and found he could not. Laying back in bed a bit dazed he tried to remember what had just happened.
He stopped, his mind a whirl of impossible images and sensations, and over it all a voice like thunder echoed in his mind. “You are not the one.”
“I am not the one.” He muttered to himself.
“Leon, Leon can you hear me? What did you just say? Nevermind it's not important, Leon I need you to tell me if you can hear me.” A female voice said from close to his ear.
He looked around blearily, was he Leon? ‘I am.’ he decided to himself. With his newfound identity chosen he decided to move onto his next issue.
He tried to sit up but found he couldn't. Flailing around weakly he heard a voice shout for assistance and then felt multiple hands holding him still.
“He is seizing.” Someone said, his mind assigned the voice a name. Dr. Kimathi.
Another voice, this one male, spoke up saying “I think he’s okay now. He stopped struggling.” This time his mind said the name Taylor.
He blinked a few times, trying to clear his mind. What had happened? Why couldn't he remember anything? He thought hard, his face screwing up from the stress. He remembered mud and a loud noise. But that was it.
Dr. Kimathi stood next to him and shined a penlight into his eyes while saying “Pupil response is normal, no intracranial swelling then. Leon, Leon look at me.” she said sternly.
He looked at her, his vision focusing on the dark skinned woman’s eyes. She nodded and then put up a single finger. “I want you to follow my finger, okay Leon?”
He tried to speak but all that came out was a half strangled croak. She frowned but moved her finger. He did his best to keep locked onto it. Maybe if he did what she asked she would tell him what happened to him. She moved it a few more times, first slowly and then more rapidly. He followed along and she nodded before marking something on the small datapad she was holding.
He coughed as he tried again to speak and he heard Taylor say “I'll go get Natalia. She will want to know he’s awake.”
Dr. Kimathi raised a hand. Glancing at him she hissed quietly. “I don't know if that’s a good idea. He seems to be suffering from acute memory loss. I can’t explain it, no head injury, not cranial trauma of any kind. It’s like something reached in there and scrambled his brains around, resonance scans are all over the place. It's like there was some kind of interference.”
Leon frowned at her words, again the dim memory of a powerful voice echoed through the corner’s of his mind and the vague impression of a nebulous darkness crossed his mind. But he quickly suppressed it.
“Where am I?” he croaked.
Dr. Kimathi's head whipped towards him and she rushed to his side. “Leon, you are in the infirmary. What do you remember?”
Leon frowned again, hadn't she already asked him that? He couldn't remember. Instead of asking he said “I remember mud, lots of mud. And then, trees? That makes no sense, I'm sorry.” he apologised quickly. They would think he was insane if he kept talking. Then he would end up in the loony pen with Aden.
He sat bolt upright as things started rushing back into place. The planetary landing, the attack on Oliver, the strange dream he had experienced. It all came back in a rush that made his vision swim and his head pound. Clutching his head he groaned “I remember everything… Ough, why does it hurt so much?”
Taylor looked at Dr. Kimathi and asked “What about now?” to which the woman just nodded. Taylor rushed off, presumably to grab Natalia, Leon speculated.
Leon knew that he only had a few moments before everyone else came rushing back and so clutched at Dr. Kimathi’s arm.
“Wait, I have to tell you something.” He said urgently.
Dr. Kimathi looked around the room quickly before nodding and asking “Ok then Leon, what is it?”
He held the long sleeve of her white lab coat and began determinedly. He told her of his dream and the voice, of the eye and the darkness. After he had finished he released her arm and sat back with a wince. Only now did he notice his bare chest was wrapped, an ugly yellow and blue bruise peeking from beneath the bandage.
Dr. Kimathi shook her head slowly and said “You are starting to sound like Aden. Are you sure you are alright Leon? I have some antipsychotics I can prescribe if you…”
Leon cut her off with a right handed wave, his left arm hurting too much to move it about. “No, please, no more medication. I take enough of that shit to sink a battleship already. Some painkillers wouldn't be bad though, please?” He asked her.
She smiled slightly and handed him three small pills from her pocket and a bottle of water with a straw. “Careful on the water.” She warned him as he started to suck it down.
He coughed a few times as her warning did not come fast enough and some slipped down the wrong pipe, Dr. Kimathi leaned over to pat his back as he tried to expel the excess liquid. He was still coughing lightly as a familiar and very welcome face walked around the corner.
Natalia rushed to his side and hugged him as he was still trying to settle his lungs. The result was another coughing fit followed by her rapidly apologizing for hurting him.
Leon waved a hand weakly and said “No it’s fine Nat, I was just drinking water too fast. It is really good to see you.” he said softly.
She smiled sadly and nodded, a few tears welling in her eyes. “When you stopped breathing I thought…” She started to say but he shushed her and extended an arm.
Natalia sat by his side and leaned on his shoulder gently as he put his arm around her waist. “Don’t talk like that. I’m not going anywhere. I'm way too stubborn to do anything like that, much less the effect I know it would have on you.” he said, wiping a tear from her cheek.
Dr. Kimathi spoke “Well, I am glad to see you feeling better Leon. And she’s right, we nearly lost you there a few times.”
Leon nodded and pulled Natalia’s head down before planting a tender kiss on the top of her head. “I’m sorry Nat, I won’t let my pride get in the way of my common sense again.” He turned to Dr. Kimathi as she tapped on her datapad. “How is Oliver? Is he alright?”
She finally smiled, a small tight lipped thing. “Thanks for asking Leon, I was hoping you would. Oliver is going to be physically fine, he woke up from the antivenom treatment a few days ago.”
Leon jerked up before the pain in his side dragged him back down to the dismay of both women. “A few days!” he shouted.
Natalia pushed him back down gingerly while Dr. Kimathi shot him a pointed look. She lowered her datapad and explained “Yes, a few days. You were in a medically induced coma Leon, severe lack of oxygen almost killed you before we could get you out of your suit. You had a collapsed lung and multiple fractures, not to mention a partially dislocated collarbone. It was kind of touch and go for a while.” she finished with a gesture to his bandages.
Leon winced again and asked “What happened after I blacked out?”
Dr. Kimathi shook her head and said “A whole hell of a lot. Natalia can fill you in on the details, I need to go check on something. Don’t do anything stupid while I'm gone Leon, okay?” She told him. Leon just nodded and watched the stern woman exit the examination room.
Natalia answered his question “Well, you passed out on the way up to the ship. By the time they got you out of your environmental suit you were already in full respiratory arrest. Your heart was beating but your lungs were not working.” she said emotionally.
Leon hugged her close again and whispered to her softly “It’s okay now though. I’m better. Please, tell me what happened next?”
Natalia sucked in a shuddering breath and nodded jerkily. With a slight tremble in her voice she continued speaking “We had to rush you and Oliver to the infirmary. Blessing hooked you up to a portable respirator after applying the chest tube to help drain the built up fluid. But even then you were barely breathing, she said she had to drain the excess fluid from your lungs, something she couldn't do in the microgravity core. So we used one of the lift rigs and lowered you down the access shaft to the medical ring. By that point Oliver had been rendered unconscious as well and Blessing had enlisted both Taylor and Myung to help.” she paused for breath and Leon reached for the water bottle on his bedside.
She smiled at him as he handed it to her and she took a drink. Replacing it on the table he bade her to continue. The horrid fascination making it impossible for him to ignore the terrible events.
She took another deep breath before she spoke, this one steadier as she got further into the story. “Well, after some struggling we finally got you and Oliver into the intensive suite. While Blessing worked on synthesizing an antivenom from Max, Myung and Taylor monitored your condition. Did you know Taylor had medical training? Apparently he had been a volunteer responder before he moved into military signal analysis.”
She was about to continue when he waved his arms. “Wait a minute, hold on. Who the hell is Max? What did…” he stopped. He crossed his arms again and apologised as she gave him a disapproving look.
“I was getting to that, fasten up those horses buster.” She chastised him. Her annoyance was short lived however as she shook her head and continued. “Well, when you captured that creature on the planet's surface, you placed it into a bag. The bag seemed to have calmed the thing down because as they finally got to unpacking it the little thing was as timid as a mouse. I don’t know why, but it seemed to respond in a non-hostile manner to both the venom extraction and continued observation.” she said.
Leon shook his head in disbelief. “That still doesn't explain who Max is, wait. Don’t tell me.” he said as he saw her smile widely.
She nodded her head and said “Yeah, Oliver responded to the antivenom and woke up, madder than hell. He wanted to chop the little beast up till he saw it. He looked into its little puppy dog eyes and immediately forgave them. He named her Max and almost immediately tried to feed it.”
Leon again shook his head in disbelief. Only the crazy Australian could want to adopt something that had nearly killed him as a pet. “He named it Max? What, is it a dog now?” he asked her jokingly.
She just smiled harder and replied “She might as well be. The two are nearly inseparable now.” He shot her a surprised look and opened his mouth to comment but she cut him off. “Yes he keeps a close eye on her, and no Max hasn’t attacked anyone else. Not even tried. Oliver said that the only reason that she bit him was because he stepped on her. She was just lashing out in self defense, same as when you grabbed her. Once Max realized that we were not trying to kill her she seemed to mellow right out.”
Leon still couldn't hardly believe it. The same murderous creature that had nearly cost both his and Oliver's lives, was now the ship's mascot? He couldn't take it and chuckled “Okay, I see what’s going on here. Ha ha ha, very good. I will admit you had me going with that story, Max.” he said, another slightly wheezing laugh escaping him.
She just gave him that same serious stare from earlier. He opened his mouth and threw his arms out to the side. “Oh come on, you really expect me to believe that the same murder rope that I nearly died to grab is now everyone’s favorite little cuddle buddy?”
She shook her head and said in an exasperated tone “Well I never, have I ever been untruthful with you Leon?”
He cocked his head and raised a finger. “Well, if we are counting, then… There was that time with the bean patty you told me was a hamburger that had been preserved in the cold storage for the whole trip. Had me excited as a pig in shit for that one. Then there was that other time when you called me to the observation deck for an emergency but in reality it was just you wearing that skimpy little…” She cut him off by putting her hand over his mouth and looking around to see if anyone had overheard.
She hissed “Okay I get it. And you told me you wouldn't hold that over me.” she pouted.
He chuckled lightly and shook his head “I’m sorry, but this is just too incredible. Please, humor me and skip the Max related stuff for the moment. What happened after oliver woke up, not the thing.” he pleaded.
Natialia gave him an unreadable look but continued on saying “Ok, Oliver woke up. He was a bit weak from the venom but took it well. He and Blessing took some samples of… The creature.” she paused to gauge his reaction. Leon just blinked, waiting for her to proceed. “Well, they took some samples and found something remarkable. The lifeforms on the planet have a disturbingly similar chemical and molecular makeup to Earthly animals.”
“How similar?” he asked her, interrupting her train of thought. “Sorry, continue.” he muttered as she waved a hand in the air annoyedly.
She returned to her tale “Well, they did some tests and found that the lifeforms of the world, which we named Terrelia while you were out by the way sorry.” she shrugged as he frowned. “Well, Ma… The creature is able to not only digest Earth proteins, but seems able to metabolize them as well. It has red, iron based blood with a protein ominously similar to hemoglobin as its oxygen carrier. That’s why the venom worked on Oliver so fast, it was like he had been bitten by a cobra from back on Earth. Joice and Myung couldn't make heads or tales of it, but that's the truth. I guess life in the universe isn't so alien after all.” she said with a casual shrug.
Leon just sat back in his bed, the bruises on his chest and arm smarting despite the painkillers he had taken earlier. It all seemed rather baseless to him, though he couldn't in good faith call her a liar. She would never have made up something so fantastic and then claimed it was true that vehemently. No, it must be truth. The only other option was mass hysteria in which case he had a lot more to worry about than a pet alien snake.
He wrung his hands together and looked around the small room. The walls and ceiling were white, a few cabinets above clinical countertops and a single LED light fixture completed the display. He thought about what she had said. That alien life might not be so alien afterall.
He nodded and said “I think I want to get up.”
Natalia gave him a concerned look and placed a single hand on his bandaged chest. “I’m not sure that is a great idea yet Leon. You are still recovering.”
“Yes I am. But a little walking does the body good. How many days was I out?” He asked her as he gingerly sat up on the edge of the bed. He slowly swung his legs over the side of the bed towards the floor. He winced as his leg twinged and his side smarted, but it wasn't enough to deter him from his current course of action.
Natalia stood in front of him and bounced slightly in nervousness. “Oh man, Blessing isn’t going to like this.”
Leon waved a hand in a dismissive way and asked “And since when have I let her opinion on my health keep me down? How many days Nat?”
She looked him in the eyes and said “Four days. You were gone for four days Leon. Four days in which I was lost, almost completely.” She took a deep breath as the emotions she was suppressing threatened to tear their way free. “I can’t tell you how bad it felt seeing you like that Leon. I thought I had lost you.” She said in a wavering tone.
Leon stood shakily and embraced her. He ran a hand through her hair as she buried her face in his chest. “I do know. I have felt lost too, but I have you now. And nothing is going to make me let you go.”
She looked up at him and asked suddenly “Well, you are up. It's too late to turn back now. Want to go meet Max? She really is swe…”
Leon groaned and she stopped talking. He saw her frown slightly and caved “Okay. But don't get upset if the little bastard bites you or someone else.”
He saw her roll her eyes before she led him slowly and deliberately out of the room.
Leon walked slowly, not really hurting but more sore than he had felt in years. Every step was a chore but he continued on determinedly. It was better to be up and smarting than stagnating in bed.
As they walked down the corridor that led to the main hallway Leon asked her “Are we still in orbit of the planet?”
She shook her head. “No, Joice made the call while you were incapacitated. The planet was dangerous, there might be another incident if we had decided to make another surface run.”
Leon shrugged. That seemed like the best course of action he could think of too. The planet's surface was a swamp which made it impossible to see where one was truly stepping. Oliver wouldn't have stepped on the creature if he had known it was there. The entire stupid situation might have been avoided entirely.
“Yea, that sounds fair.” Was all he said in response though. He was curious about what she thought but didn't ask. He could tell by the way she frowned that she hadn't been a fan of the situation.
Letting it go he said “We need different protocols for this kind of situation. I think the crew should have more of a say in what happens from now on.” Leon mused out loud. Natalia just patted his shoulder silently.
The kept walking a little farther till they reached the medical labs portion of the ring. Leon slowed as he heard voices emanating from the rooms ahead. Turning a corner through a doorway he stopped.
In the room were three people, Oliver, Joice and Dr. Kimathi. Joice and Dr. Kimathi were sitting at a table looking at a computer and discussing its data. What really captured his attention however was Oliver sitting across from the two women. Or rather, the long creature wrapped around the man's neck and upper torso.
Leon cocked his head, it was indeed the same creature from the planet. He looked at it again and was a bit taken aback by its appearance.
While he had not had much chance to grasp its true form on the planet he still had gotten a decent look at it. It was indeed long and snake-like in appearance, its body tubelike and covered in thousands of tiny mosaic scales in a blueish green pattern, but that's where the similarities ended.
It’s head was long and almost had a canine look to it with pronounced jaw muscles and what looked like small horns. The body was long and had a small fin-like frill moving down its center similar to an eel. All along its sides it had much larger scale looking structures that seemed to be raised off its surface. As he tried to guess as to their function he noticed some of them move. Looking closer he realized they were rows of fins all along its sides, just tucked close to the body in the absence of water. That would explain how it was able to wriggle free from him on the planet.
Joice saw them and glanced at Dr. Kimathi, saying something. Dr. Kimathi looked at him sharply and demanded “Leon, why are you out of bed? Natalia, I told you to keep him in bed.”
Natalia hung her head sheepishly and said “It’s hard to make Leon do something he doesn't want to do.”
Leon glanced at her and then said “It was my fault, I didn't listen to her. I needed to move, to get active. I’m sorry Dr. Kimathi.”
Natalia squeezed his hand and he gave her a slight nod. Joiced motioned for them and said “Well as long as you are here, come take a look at these readings. Myung and I took some samples of Max’s blood and the results are both remarkable and confusing in equal measure.” The blond woman finished excitedly.
Leon nodded and made a pointed effort not to look at the thing Oliver was holding. He took the seat that Joice had just vacated and looked at the results she had posted to the computer. After a moment he asked “Well, what does it all mean?”
Joice shook her head and motioned at a few bits of randomly squirming data points. To him they looked like so much gibberish but Joice spoke animatedly while gesturing to the readouts “If you look here you can see a partially decoded splice of their DNA. That was the first thing that struck me as odd, I expected something similar to our DNA system to give the cells guidance, but not this similar. Look, four base pairs just like us, and whats more the base pairs are astonishingly similar as well. If i didn’t know any better I would be tempted to say that this creature evolved from a common ancestor to Earthly creatures.” she paused to let the bombshell sink in.
Leon just shook his head “What is so remarkable about that. Isnt there a word for this kind of thing. Convergent evolution right?”
Joice shook her head and pointed at Oliver’s new friend. “No, not like this. Convergent evolution is more about the form and function, not the composition. This is too close to be accidental, this is… This is wrong is what it is. Its not possible, and yet here I am telling you that its not only possible, but that its happened.”
She threw her arms up in the air while giving a small groan of frustration. Leon heard a quiet quacking noise and looked at Oliver. The man grinned and reached his hand towards the creature's powerful wedge shaped head. Leon tensed, ready for the thing to snap his fingers off or worse, but instead it met his hand for pets. Emitting a soft gurgling purr it stroked the man’s hand with its head lovingly and closed its eyes in what looked like pleasure to him.
“Aww, you are the cutest little terror in the whole galaxy aren't you Max.” he heard Oliver mutter. Looking around his mouth opened. Everyone else in the room was smiling, a look of endearment on their faces.
Leon was once more incredulous. What on Earth had he missed for the thing to go from being a murderous pest to being a beloved part of the ship's small crew.
Oliver saw him staring and smiled. “Oh hey Leon, you just woke up right?” Leon nodded a little unsure of the man’s point. Oliver continued “Well, then you haven't met Max, well, not politely at least. Here, want to hold her?” he asked, extending an inviting arm out towards Leon.
Leon shook his head “No, I don't think that's a good idea.”
Joice spoke up “Oh come’on Leon, the creature is perfectly safe. Its venom is no longer a hazard, Dr. Kimathi made more antivenom. She doesn't bite, well at least she hasn't yet.”
Leon was about to say no again when he felt another hard hand squeeze from Natalia. Looking at her she gave him an encouraging smile and said “Watch.” Before Leon could stop her she strode right up to Leon and reached out towards Max. He watched in silent dread as Natalia's hand approached that razor fang filled maw.
“Nat, wait!” he said, taking a step forward then stopped in his tracks. Max was nuzzling her just as they had Oliver, apparently completely at peace with its environment. ‘What the hell?’ he thought to himself.
Natalia scritched the alien under the chin and laughed happily as it lolled its tongue out in happiness while emitting that same gurgling purr. He frowned at the sight. It seemed that his fears might be unfounded after all.
Approaching cautiously he looked at Oliver and said “How should I do it, should I let it sniff me first?” He had no idea how people were supposed to handle snakes, well, alien serpents at least.
Oliver shrugged “If you like. She is pretty docile.”
Swallowing in nervousness he reached out his right hand towards the creature. Almost as soon as he started Max hissed angrily and flared all her fins in a threatening way, trying to puff up like an angry cat.
Leon snatched his hand back while taking a few steps in the opposite direction of the creature. Oliver jerked back in alarm as Natalia shouted. Max drew back into the protection of Oliver’s body and gave Leon the most acidic glare he had ever seen from an animal.
“Oliver. What the actual fuck was that? I thought you said that thing was safe.” He said loudly, stepping back even further.
The Australian stroked his charge calmly, whispering soothing words to her and then said more loudly “Well, she never did that before. She must remember you grabbing her on the planet.”
Leon shook his head “Remember what? It’s a fucking animal Oliver.”
Joice raised her hand at his comment and said “Yes she is, but an animal with the intelligence capability of a dog at the very minimum. Im suspecting she is much smarter than that though, maybe even as smart as a corvid. My preliminary scans show that her species' neural pathways are much larger than they have any right to be. It's as if she has a brain that runs the length of her spine.”
Leon just waved and said “Alright, maybe she holds a grudge then. I've seen stranger things on this trip than a vengeful snake.”
“She isnt a snake, Leon. I have decided to name her species Terrelian Swamp Gliders.” Oliver said in response to Leon’s comment.
Leon just shook his head silently, beyond words at the moment.
Natalia walked over to his side and said “I think we have taken a long enough walk, I will see you all in a bit. Bye Oliver.” she said as she began to guide him back into the hall.
“Why me…” Leon bemoaned quietly to himself.
Natalia must have heard his cry as she tutted and said “You are in charge of what is possibly the greatest experiment in all of human history Leon. It makes sense that things would not always go according to plan. Don't fret though, I will always be here for you.” she told him with a kiss to his grizzled cheek.
Leon looked at her as they reentered the room he had been in before. “I know I do. And I respect that you see the world differently than I do. That's one of the reasons I love you so much.”
She smiled and leaned in for a kiss. He sighed as she helped him back onto the bed. “Leon, I’m worried.” she said suddenly as she sat down by his side.
Looking up at the ceiling he asked her “What are you worried about?”
She paused and then shifted her position, laying down on top of the covers next to him she said “I’m worried about us, the ship. Everyone else. What’s going to happen if we get into trouble and can’t fix it like we have managed every time so far? We don't have anyone to help us, we would be totally alone.”
Leon shook his head and pulled her close, lifting the covers so she could scoot right to his side. Wrapping his arms around her he held her tight as he said “No, we won't. As long as we have each other we will never be alone.” he closed his eyes, the slow beat of her heart and rhythmic breathing bringing him a profound sense of peace and comfort. He felt himself drifting off into sleep, the pains and worries of the day floating up and away from his mind as he entered the realm of unconsciousness.
==End of Transmission==

I am truly at a loss...
My bf (24m) and I (26f) have a female friend, Jenna (f 28) (name's changed). I met her when we started dating nearly 3 years ago as she was a friend of his and part of a shared friend group that I am now also a part of. She has always been very sweet and welcoming, but I was wary as her relationship with my bf was emotionally close. The would hang out and confide in one another about emotional issues ( thought these 1v1 hangouts stopped when she started dating her ex shortly after my bf and I started dating). On top of that, she was very affectionate toward him in group settings. She was also something of a pick me, not in that she put other women down but in that she primarily seeks male validation and friendships over the friendship and validation of her female friends.... when she's single. She and I get along great and I consider her a close friend now . I realize that she isn't malicious at all, but also notice that she wears her heart 100% on her sleeve and allows herself to get attached easily. She is also just a *bit* self-interested when it comes to her relationships. Another friend in the group who's bf is also friends with Jenna had brought up organically that she felt the same way as I did, and that Jenna lacked boundaries with her bf as well. When she'd addressed it with Jenna, Jenna had evidently brushed it off said something to the effect of " I don't see why its an issue".
Fast forward to a year or so later, Jenna's bf completely breaks her heart. Throughout this time of being broken up she continually tries to get my bf to hang out with her one on one, my bf has been gently avoiding it except for one time they went out to dinner together. I ended up having to have a talk with my bf afterward when he told me things had gotten emotional and a boundary was crossed. He respected that it had happened and apologized to me, promising it wouldn't happen again.
Recently, her ex got engaged to someone new in a very quick shift and while hanging out I had invited her, on two separate occasions, to come and do something with my bf and I on the date of the wedding so that she wouldn't feel alone. She seemed appreciative, but moved on without accepting both times. So I assumed she wasn't interested and didn't bring it up with my bf. Well yesterday I get a text from my bf letting me know she had texted him privately asking him to hang out on that day. Immediately I was rubbed the wrong way and let him know I had already offered for the BOTH of us to hang out with her on that day more than once. He immediately saw the issue and called her out. She then texted me, asking if I would want all of us to hang out on that day. Her text was lackluster, lacking any enthusiasm, not even a question mark at the end of the 'invitation'. She only did because my bf called her out. I agreed for his sake.
I do not want to.. I don't want to go hang out with her for plans she was obligated to invite me to after getting called out. I have no idea how to feel or behave. I love Jenna, she's a wonderful person by most accounts. And I know she doesn't mean anything by it. But her lack/ blatant disregard for boundaries and inadvertent shadiness just continues to bother me over and over again. I am tired of having these conversations with my bf. I don't know what to do. I KNOW that I can trust her to not pursue my bf in any sort of romantic way while he's dating me.. but her self-interest and lack of emotional boundaries means I cannot trust her to not let herself get attached to him. That, and the little moments of casual disrespect.... I am starting to get sick of it. I don't want to ruin his or my friendship with her. I just want her to back off a little bit and to respect me and the boundaries of men who are already in relationships.
What do I do??? Please help..
TL;DR: My bf and I have a friend, we are both close with her but she lacks emotional boundaries. She is not malicious, but frequently steps on the toes of her female friends who are in relationships with her male friends as she "doesn't' see an issue" with crossing those boundaries. Her behavior with my bf makes me uncomfortable and she frequently does things that are mildly disrespectful to me as his gf. I want to remain her friend and want my bf and her to remain friends as well, but I am continually bothered and frequently having to have conversations with him about her.

There is alot going on so this may be long. It has been 5 years since his old dr has retired and he was assigned a new dr. That dr helped him figure out he has a cyst on his spine and a cyst on his liver. Over the last 2 years, I have never known someone to make and go to so many Dr's appointments. He made about 9 just in the last year. Every single day he is mentioning a pain in his head, most of the time a headache but the rest is just an uncomfortable feeling or shooting pain. He gets light headed and feels like he could pass out. Sometimes he will ask me to drive because his head feels funny and he's terrified of losing consciousness while driving with me in the truck. He has seen his dr a few times because of his headaches and he has not done any tests what so ever to figure out the cause. He just says "I think you're having migraines" and then prescribes him pills he doesn't want to take. My husband wants to find the root of the problem and not mask the problem and pain with pills. This man doesn't even take Tylenol or advil. He has asked for bloodwork, a CT, MRI. And nothing is ever done, he just sends him on his way.
He has also seen his dr alot about his back pain. Its been hurting alot after doing any kind of lifting or bending over. Sometimes when he is sitting, it doesnt matter if its straight or not, his legs go numb and so he has to get up to walk around. Yet nothing is done. He mentioned to his dr about how his last dr said there was a cyst on his spine and all he has said is "this isn't the reason you made the appointment for today so let's just stick with the headahces" even tho previous appointments nothing was ever done about his back.
He also sees a dermatologist. He seems to be the most helpful. My husband is very very moley. He has moles on his arms, his legs, his chest, in between 2 toes, on his neck, back, his nose, everywhere. He has had maybe 6 or 7 removed in the last few years because of precancerious cells. He is so terrified of getting melanoma that he always wears a hat and a long sleeve shirt.
His skin is also so oily which he thinks is because of his liver (fatty liver) he breaks out alot. Always on his neck and back, sometimes chest. They are always so big and cyst like, they get inflamed and look so painful.
He also has mentioned that his poops look funny and like they are scraping on something.
He was tired of his dr not doing anything so we took him to a walk in clinic. The dr actually finally ordered him a CT which is in June thank goodness and got some bloodwork done, which luckily everything came back normal.
His dr has said time and time again "I think you have medical anxiety" but never does any tests or anything to help him. I live with this man every single day and I hate seeing him like this. There is something wrong. We really want to figure out what is going on with him. All of this is making it difficult for him to work.
If anyone has any info, help, opinions, please share
He is terrified that he has a tumor, or melanoma or cancer of some sort, he is scared something is wrong with his spine, he is really worried about the headahces and head pain. I understand why this may be thought of as medical anxiety but when he says and believes that something is wrong, I'm his wife, I believe him. I want to figure out what is going on with him.

Long term relationship fell apart a year ago, and after a year of being single and dating I’ve managed to meet someone and fall in love again. I feel exceptionally lucky for it to happen so fast (maybe that’s relevant to the below..).
She’s a little different to me, quite cool with occasional bursts of affection whereas I’m quite open and regular with mine and perhaps a little on the needy spectrum- but I’m older and have been around enough to control it. After a few months of dating we made it official which she instigated - happy days.
We all play little imaginary scenarios in our heads don’t we - like marriages or dates or sex etc. However - I’ve found myself playing out BREAKUP scenarios: planning and even writing out things I would say if it came down to it. I have no idea why I do this, but it feels like a form of copium? I have to admit it makes me “feel better” if ever she’s being a bit quiet or dry over text (we’re slightly long distance atm). Wtaf?
She’s made no indication she wants to leave, and when I think it through she’s only ever shown interest and effort. We’ve discussed the future including moving in together and have planned holidays etc. Met the families and all that.
It feels extremely unhealthy and I can’t put my finger on why I do it? I’ve thought through all the possible amateur psychology stuff like I’m afraid of further heartbreak, is she inherently not right and this is my subconscious telling me blah blah etc but I dunno.
Wondering if anyone else does this, has an explanation or can tell me to get a fucking grip?
TL:DR - love a girl and keep imagining what I’d say/do if she decided to leave, but has given no indication she will. WTF is wrong with me guys?

This is the best tl;dr I could make, original reduced by 87%. (I'm a bot)

A wildfire in the eastern Canadian city of Halifax has led to mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of homes.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage has described the fire situation as "Unprecedented" and "Dangerous." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the wildfire situation in Nova Scotia "Incredibly serious" and has offered federal support and assistance.
The eastern Canadian city of Halifax has been gripped by a relentless and "Incredibly serious" wildfire that has prompted the mandatory evacuation of thousands of homes.
The devastating wildfire in Halifax serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change.
The Halifax wildfire is a sobering example of the urgent need for proactive measures to address climate change and build resilience in vulnerable areas.
In conclusion, the devastating wildfire in Halifax and the ongoing fires across Canada are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the increasing threat of wildfires in a warming world.

Summary Source FAQ Feedback Top keywords: wildfire^#1 Halifax^#2 fire^#3 evacuation^#4 affected^#5
Post found in /worldnews.
NOTICE: This thread is for discussing the submission topic. Please do not discuss the concept of the autotldr bot here.

Original post: https://www.reddit.com/lfg/comments/13gfsqa/online5eetutc4_the_stranger_cosmic_horro (graciously reviewed and approved by the subreddit mods)This is Post (3/4), we're posting this four weeks in a row before making final picks.
Preface
This is a long post - crazy long even. That's because we care so much to find those just as impassioned as we are about this amazing hobby. We love high quality D&D campaigns, and we believe it takes effort and time to make it happen. If you take the effort to get through learning about us in this post, reading every word with care and interest, we will do the same with your application.
Our commitments:

• We will respond personally to each and every application, giving constructive feedback and/or move you to the next stage!

How to Apply

• Application Link: https://www.avarra.world
• Promo Video: https://youtu.be/RbfQWegafX8
• Sample session: https://youtu.be/FDNHxkNXM5Y?t=13120 (We're doing something new for the next campaign, and while not quite full-effort, this is a closer example of what we're going for)
• Ask a question about the lore or world in the comments! And we'll respond in character (from one of our many current character). Thumbs us up or down this post, interact to help us be visible!
• The rest are provided after application has been submitted.
• Need to get in touch privately? My discord is Wes#8045.

World Preface

In the enchanted realm of Avarra, where high magic weaves its intricate web through the fabric of existence, a burgeoning form of sorcery takes root. Secluded on the island city of Crowperch, the pursuit and mastery of void magic are richly rewarded, enticing arcanists from the farthest reaches of the world to unravel its mysteries. Yet, the enigmatic allure of Crowperch extends beyond the arcane; a diverse tapestry of industry, history, and craftsmanship entwines the island's very essence.
Beneath the surface, the island's riches reveal themselves: the mines and quarries, abundant with untapped potential, and the surrounding seas, offering bounties from the ocean's depths. Ancient archaeological sites whisper secrets of bygone eras, while artisans ply their remarkable skills on the bustling city streets. Tales of a long-forgotten, rumored treasure continue to captivate the imaginations of adventurers and sightseers alike.
But one must pay a steep price for this wealth of opportunity and intrigue. It is wise to avert one's gaze from the iron grip of autocratic rule and the unyielding scrutiny that looms over the island's denizens. For those who venture to Crowperch, a single obligation remains: seek your heart's desire, and then depart – for the island's enigmatic embrace is not meant to last forever.

Application Overview
In this sacred fellowship, we stand steadfast in the face of the dreaded D&D group killers. Our commitment to this game is unwavering, for it is not just a hobby, but a way of life - an appointment that must be kept at all costs. For us, the work does not end with character creation or worldbuilding. Nay, we strive for a deep understanding of each character, for their hopes and dreams, their fears and flaws, so that we may weave a complex and enthralling campaign that will leave you breathless. We implore you, dear adventurer, to show up regularly and with a burning passion in your heart. Let your excitement be infectious, let your dedication be unwavering.
Overview

• Game Day: Saturday
• Players: 6 (5 Regular, 0-1 Floating/Guest)
• DM(s): 2 (1 Regular, 0-1 Floating/Guest)
• Game Length: 3 Months mini-arc, then decide whether to continue. However accommodate for 1-2 years on your schedule.
• Start Date: First week of September (Yes, 5 months away)

Selection Criteria (In order of importance)

• Qualification: TTRPG Experience, RP/Improv Ability
• Questionnaire answers
• Participation in One-Shots & Community so we can get to know you.

Investment
This campaign is getting some big investment. All players will get custom commissions of their characters, animated. Additionally, we are commissioning all maps, tokens, flairs, and elements to make this truly something special.
Campaign Preface

As twilight descended upon the restless sea, the ancient ship, Her Royal Rose, creaked under the weight of its cargo. Its passengers, a motley assortment of scholars, fisherman, guard and others with business on the island of Crowperch, sit tightly in cramped quarters. Even as the tempestuous winds moaned through crevasse and open windows, the opportunities and tasks that beckon them to the island keep them going, a siren's call that drowned out the ocean's roar.
The skies above were an oppressive tapestry of writhing clouds, their tendrils suffocating the last vestiges of daylight as if to obscure the path to the island. A shroud of mist swallowed the horizon, leaving the ship to navigate through a nebulous labyrinth, its destination only guaranteed by Captain Alaric Thorne.
As Her Royal Rose inched closer to Sove, the air grew heavy with mist and sea salt which deposited itself gradually on the railings, sails and masts. Little Henry Williams, the ship's messenger runs throughout the halls pattering on each door, "The captain has an announcement, all to the deck. The captain has an announcement, all to the deck." The clacking of his wooden foot pattering one after another with each step, a disfigurement he earned while working aboard Her Royal Rose.
Captain Alaric Thorne stood on the deck, the salty wind tugging at his weathered features. His voice rang out, its timbre heavy with authority and unease, as he addressed the gathered passengers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I must bring to your attention an unfortunate turn of events. It seems the Saturation has arrived earlier than anticipated this year. As many of you know, this phenomenon causes an unnaturally heavy accumulation of salt in the air, resulting in deposits that weigh down our vessel."
He paused, letting the gravity of the situation settle upon his passengers before continuing, "This unexpected occurrence has forced us to halt our usual schedule, for the safety of both the ship and her passengers. Once Her Royal Rose arrives, she will remain anchored at Sove until the Saturation clears, as navigating these treacherous waters under such conditions would be inviting disaster."
A murmur of concern rippled through the crowd, many who were on this voyage planned their departure prior to The Saturation. The captain raised his hand to quell their rising unease. "I understand this may cause you some inconvenience, but I assure you, we will resume our journey as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, you may continue your research, tasks and exploration on the island. Sove is well stocked and very hospitable to travelers especially those displaced during our seasonal shifts."
With that, Captain Thorne turned away, leaving the passengers to ponder the implications of his words as the first tendrils of salt-laden mist began to coil around the ship, heralding the arrival of the Saturation.
In the dimly lit corners of their minds, the passengers could sense a truth they dared not confront: Their voyage to Crowperch was going to be a lot longer than they had hoped. As the ship drew nearer to the island, the shadows beneath the spires of the fortress atop the mountain loomed over the ship, casting a shadow over what little moonlight illuminated the darkness.

Technology

• D&D Beyond: We own ALL books on D&D Beyond, and all of them will be at your disposal for your campaign.
• Owlbear Rodeo 2.0: This new VTT is extremely promising, and has the customization ability for us to do VERY interesting unique things. We're switching here from Roll20.
• Discord: Voice chat & messenger for our campaigns. Video is required, however is not recorded. Offline RP included!
• Obsidian: How players track the world's expanding lore, and how we the DM's keep track of things. You don't have to use this, but it's a highly recommended tool for note taking.
• Recorded Sessions: Sessions will be recorded, edited and posted online. Proceeds from monetization will be used to level up our recording, roleplaying, technology and setup, get commissions, maps and such. Players will not be paid for participation, however this is possible for the future if we grow. Sessions are recorded using OBS.

Monetization
So we are still small, so monetization isn’t at the top of our list. That said, our goal is to

1. Play Excellent D&D
2. Donate to charity
3. Re-invest to make better content and
4. Compensate players to allow them to play more D&D.

How specifically that all happens is still obscured by the mists of time. By participating in this campaign players release all intellectual property created for the campaign to Roll for Impact and related brands. Please note that this is meaningless while we're still small, but consider this hopeful thinking for our success. The next campaign is getting SO much effort, so we want to stay safe.
Campaign Rules

• Backstory: Crafting a compelling backstory for your character is essential for a great adventure. By providing a reason for your character to be adventuring with others and offering plot hooks for the DM to work with. Rather than focusing on build concepts, take this opportunity to create a real, relatable character. Who knows what unexpected twists and turns your backstory might bring to the campaign? So, let's get to writing - your character's fate is in your hands!
• Stats: Ah, stats - the bread and butter of any adventurer's character sheet. But let's face it, nobody likes a Mary Sue or a Jim The Commoner. That's why we're going to be rolling 4d6 drop the lowest, but with a twist! Each player will only generate one stat, which will then be compiled into one array for everyone to use. That way, you still get the fun of rolling, but we won't have any lopsided parties where one person is carrying the whole team. Because let's be real, nobody wants to be stuck playing the equivalent of a wet noodle while someone else is shooting laser beams out of their eyes. So, roll those dice and let fate decide your fate!
• Starting Level: Starting our campaign at level 3 makes sense because many classes get their major features at level 3, avoiding the issue of players missing out on the fun stuff. This also prevents weird mid-game transformations that can come from certain builds and allows for multiclass combos right out of the gate. So, let's start the adventure with confidence and balance, knowing that we've got all the good stuff from the get-go!

Homebrew

• Free Feat: We're giving you an extra feat at first level, but with a catch - it must tie into your backstory or character design in a compelling way. By doing this, we hope to reduce the cookie-cutter nature of low level characters and encourage backstory development. Rather than just taking a feat because you need it, we want you to create a unique and interesting character from the get-go. So, let's spice things up and see what kind of story you can bring to the table!
• Healing Potions: Get the max benefit as an action, or use a bonus action to get the rolled benefit.
• Flanking: Flanking now grants a +2 to hit instead of advantage, and you can't flank someone if you're being flanked yourself. But that's not all - if three or more combatants are flanking a single enemy, that enemy is officially Surrounded, and you get a +5 to melee weapon attacks. So, let's get out there and show those enemies what it means to be surrounded by a bunch of hyped-up adventurers! (But remember, enemies get the same benefit too.)
• Zero HP & Exhaustion: Everyone takes the homebrew feat Battle Fatigue. This homebrew rule makes repeated downs more punishing on players in a campaign. You may be downed (Con Modifier) times before receiving one point of exhaustion. Each time this ticker fills up, reset it and add one point of exhaustion.
• Starting Common Magic Item: At first level, all characters get a common magic item of their choice. Similar to feats, this must be related to your backstory.
• Dual Wielding: RAW, DW doesn't allow you to add the modifier to the attack, so we add the modifier to the roll like a normal roll. You still get a weaker weapon, but now at least you get to get more power from the attack.
• Resurrection: (Modified Critical Role Rules) Resurrection isn't easy, folks - you'll need to pass a DC of 10 just to be brought back. But that's just the beginning. The party can all contribute to aiding in your resurrection with multiple ability checks, and even sacrifices in the deceased's name. The Dungeon Master determines the DC for each check and makes a final resurrection roll to see if the ritual is successful. The DC for this final roll depends on how many times the character has been resurrected before and how successful the contributions were. So, bring your A-game (and maybe a goat or two) if you want to make it back from the great beyond. Each resurrection adds +5 to the DC, before party contributed modifiers.
• Death Saving Throws: These are rolled privately to the DM.
• Slow Natural Healing: Characters don't regain hit points at the end of a long rest. Instead, a character can spend Hit Dice to heal at the end of a long rest, just as with a short rest. A long rest allows the use of up to half of your total Hit Dice, +1 for sleeping somewhere comfortable, +1 for having a meal/ ration. Order: The character regains half their hit dice, then they can spend their hit dice to recover hit points.
• Silvery barbs: Silvery barbs is a second level spell.

Table Homebrew

• Turn Time Limits: We're keeping things moving with turn time limits, folks. Pay attention on other player's turns and avoid flipping through your PHB or counting dice ad nauseam. Exceptions are made for new players or chaotic combat, but we want you to look up spells and rules off-turn whenever possible. Slow combat leads to mental check-outs and boredom, so let's keep things snappy. If your turn takes too long, someone else will jump in front of you. It's like musical chairs, but with spells and swords instead.
• New Homebrew: If you've got some hot new content you want to play with, I'm your guy. Just slide into my DMs and let me take a look. Now, I'm not saying I'm gonna approve everything - I mean, some of you are out here trying to create a race of sentient cheese wheels (looking at you, Matt) - but I'll do my best to give you clear, concise well informed ruling on it.

Scheduling

• Session Length: ~7 Hours
• Scheduling Firm Up: Sessions are scheduled concretely, but we will firm up every 4 weeks on the next month's schedule for conflicts. Exceptions are always made for life events or serious circumstances. Life happens, and we understand that sometimes we or you may need to cancel. This is always fine, provided it is not regularly occurring. Our schedules are made every 4 weeks in advance. If your game days are always difficult to schedule, this may not be the campaign for you. In regards to scheduling, you must be able to open a clear line of communication between the DM throughout the week, in case of any emergency schedule changes or conflicts. If you are a hard person to get in touch with every week, again, this may not be the campaign or group for you.

Session Structure

• Start: Everyone arrives to the table and calls in on Discord. Players should also take this time to open up all the required programs and have all their materials ready. We also suggest getting some snacks here too! Bonus points for a tasty beer as well!
• Recap & Warmup (30 min): After arriving and having all our materials prepared, we begin our first activity of the session: Player Recaps! We will do this every single week, and it should be a great tool for getting insight into each character’s head and getting us caught up. We may play warm up games, and roleplay challenges.
• Session (2.5 hours): Well, this is of course where the magic happens! We roll dice, we laugh, the DM laughs, the dice laugh, the dice are mimics, oh no…
• Break (30 min): These breaks do not include bio breaks or your need to use the restroom. If you ever need to run to the bathroom or refill your glass real quick, you’re good!
• Session Continued (2.5 hours): We’ll carry on through the second part of the session!
• Session Recap (30 min): We'll discuss what happened during the session, as well as what we plan to do next session, while we finalize session notes.

Playstyle

• Roleplay: Get ready for some serious roleplaying, folks, because that's what we're all about. We're looking at a 70/30 split of roleplay to combat, maybe even heavier on the roleplay. It's all about immersing ourselves in the world of Avarra and telling a great story together. Sure, there may be some deviations depending on the scenarios and encounters, but we're here to communicate and engage with each other and the world on a deeper level. So, let's put on our acting hats and dive headfirst into the magical realm of Avarra.
• Hyper immersion: We're not just here to hack and slash our way through this world - we're here to really get into the nitty-gritty details. I'm talking about the flavors in each mug of ale or wine at the local tavern (because let's be real, nobody likes a bland drink), cooking around the campfire under a tree during a cool and rainy night, and even delving into the plot of that book you just picked up on your way out of town. And let's not forget about forming real relationships with your fellow characters. After all, who wants to adventure with a bunch of strangers? We're here to create meaningful connections and really bring this world to life. And to all you hack-and-slashers out there - sorry, but this might not be the group for you.
• Note Taking: The pen is mightier than the sword! And let me tell you, if you want to get the most out of Avarra, it's better to be a note taker. Especially in this next campaign! We're talking about a world that's drenched in complexity and nuance, from the setting to the story to the characters that inhabit it. And let's not forget about those intricate and subtle webs that outline the machinations of the antagonists. Oh yeah, we're going deep. But here's the deal - nothing is handed to you on a silver platter in this campaign. You're gonna have to work for it. That means constantly paying attention, working with each other, and using those note-taking skills to uncover all the hidden secrets this world has to offer. And who knows, maybe you'll even uncover some secrets about your fellow adventurers along the way. (Hey, it's possible, right?) So grab your pens, folks, because we've got a lot of worldbuilding to do.
• Teamwork: teamwork makes the dream work! We're not just a bunch of individual characters running around doing our own thing - we're building a story together that encompasses every player and character. This isn't just your story, and it's not just the DM's story. This is OUR story, and we're all playing a crucial role in it. That means you need to be a team player and work together to overcome the challenges ahead. Trust me, you're gonna need each other to survive this campaign. And hey, who knows - maybe you'll even make some lifelong friends along the way.
• Immersion: If you can be in character, you should be in character! Roleplaying is all about improv, saying yes, and going with the flow. And let's be real, the best roleplay experiences can't happen if people are constantly breaking character for no reason. I mean, that's just not good improv, folks. So, here's the deal - we expect our players to remain in character as often as possible at the table. This is theater, after all, and we need to act like we're on stage. So let's embrace our inner thespians, folks, and get ready to bring this story to life like never before.
• Rules and Terms & Conditions: Excluding homebrew, the overall rules of “gameplay” are pretty standard and in accordance with RAW.
• Milestone Leveling: You'll level up according to the story. This means that we can focus less on the grind and more on a steady progression as the story builds. And let's be real, who wants to spend all their time grinding anyway? (Not me, that's for sure. #worldbuilding).
• Table Etiquette: Be willing to listen to others and grow. I mean, let's be real - part of growing close to others and forming real relationships is learning that you can't just have carbon copies of yourself. And let's face it, none of us are perfect. So, here's the deal - emotions might flare up, idiosyncrasies might arise, and sometimes, there might be a little friction. But that's all part of being human, folks. And to be a truly good friend and player, you must always be willing to listen to your peers and adapt accordingly. I mean, that's just part of being an adult. And who knows - maybe you'll learn a thing or two about yourself along the way. (Or maybe you'll just learn that you're really bad at listening. Either way, it's a learning experience.) So let's embrace our humanity, folks, and get ready to form some real relationships at this table.
• Communication: Poor scheduling and bad communication are like the kryptonite of D&D campaigns. And we don't want any kryptonite around here, do we? (No, we do not.) So, if you're part of this group, that means you've gotta keep those communication lines open. If you're someone who likes to manipulate your availability or you're just plain untrustworthy when it comes to communication, well, let's just say that you'll be removed faster than a married paladin in a brothel. (Okay, maybe that's not the best analogy, but you get the idea.)
• Showtime: Alright folks, it's time to shine! When we all arrive at the table, it's like the lights come on and the show begins! I mean, we take a lot of pride and care with our performance here, and we treat it like real theater most of the time. (No, we don't have an intermission or a concession stand, but we're working on it.) It's okay if you're not the best voice actor or you don't have a Shakespearean-level monologue prepared. (Although if you do, please share. We're always looking for some high-quality entertainment.) What matters to us is that you tried and put in the effort. Because at the end of the day, that's what makes this campaign special - the effort and enthusiasm that we all bring to the table.
• Pay attention: When someone's consistently getting distracted it's easy to derail the immersion and fun, it's like throwing a wrench in the whole machine. And let me tell you, it's not a fun sound. That's why we have specific policies in place to make sure everyone's time and effort is being respected. And listen, we all get it - sometimes the outside world can be pretty darn distracting. (Have you seen TikTok lately? It's a black hole, I tell ya.) But here's the deal - we hold each other accountable for paying attention and staying focused, because we all want to have a good time and make the most of this campaign.
• Spotlight: Do you find yourself hogging the spotlight/air every session? Are you someone who constantly talks over others? Are you selfish about the story and really only care about where your character is going every episode? Are you hoarding all the gold and being a murder hobo? This group isn’t for you.

What We Expect & Ask of You

• As the Dungeon Master, I want to make it clear that we're not just looking for players - we're looking for friends. Our aim is to build real, lasting friendships through this game. We've been playing together for a while and plan on playing for even longer. As we add more people to our community, we hope to grow together as a team!
• We don't want any satellite players here. We want active members who will contribute to the group beyond just showing up and playing.
• Honesty is crucial to us. We demand that everyone in our group has integrity not only for us, but for themselves as well. Whether it's scheduling conflicts, personal issues, or anything in between, we want friends who will be honest with each other. As the saying goes, "If you don't heal your wounds, you end up bleeding on others you might care for."
• Players are here to play, not watch. We want everyone at the table to engage with the world, the DM, and their fellow players. If you're taking up a seat at this table, you must actively participate in the story every session. You cannot sit back and listen to it.
• This campaign is meant to be challenging. It's supposed to be deep, confusing, and enthralling around every corner. There are no billboards telling you where to go next, no tutorials, and no easy modes. The intricate web being spun by the many powers of this story and world will take all of your combined minds to figure out. Our group wants a game that keeps us on our toes, so if you think you can just "fight" your way to victory, you'll be dead by morning light.
• Lastly, we love theory crafting. We want everyone to give their input and help us figure out the best moves for the group. Part of being an active player here is contributing to the campaign and helping us navigate this crazy world. So let's get ready to play and work together to make this an unforgettable campaign!

Timeline:

• Stage 2 Interviews: 5/29/23-6/22/23
• Public Applications Close: 6/12/23
• Stage 3 Interviews: 6/23/23-7/1/23
• Final Picks: 7/15/23 (or as soon as possible)
• Campaign Start Date: 8/5/23 or 8/6/23

I realize this might seem like a very intensive process, however we're being very thorough. Because we have gotten so many excellent applicants, we are going to have no choice but to make some hard decisions.
Picks:

• 1 Full-time Player
• 5-6 Guest Players; These will play notable NPC/PCs for dedicated sections or arcs. Arcs will be designed with YOU in mind. We might expand this list depending on how this goes with the first few people, and how many sessions it takes to close out an arc.
• (Maybe) some Alt/Guest DMs; These will voice one or more characters, recurring antagonists, etc.

Are you a dungeon master?
Making campaigns like these is our passion. We love going HIGH production value, HIGH quality. If this is something that you love too and you want to dungeon master in our world, we would LOVE to talk to you. As you can tell from this post, there's not enough dungeon masters out there doing this (clearly way overboard) level of effort.

So ive tried on some pairs of arizonas and i love them but my issue with slides of all kinds is that i feel a constant need to grip with my toes so that it doesnt fly off my foot as im walking. I wanted to see if anyone else has had this issue or not with slides or with the arizonas. I know the double strap could potentially counter that issue that other slides give so i figured i would ask anyone with first hand experience. Right now im leaning towards milanos instead. Also, i have a high arch and was wondering if the soft is as supportive as the normal food bed? High arch, fore foot issues. So its tough. Anyways thanks for reading!

Hello good folks of Reddit specifically my brothers and sisters of NoFap! This journey has been a long one. Going back to the first time I ever watched porn/adult movie being at 7 or 8 years old. After stumbling upon my brothers dvd collection and popping a porn movie into the dvd player basically opening up Pandora’s box for me creating a sad journey of insecurity, anxiety, and depression that I never knew would happen as an innocent child. Throughout those years of self doubt and low self esteem/confidence I always chalked it up to all women are just stupid and kind of becoming an incel throughout middle school. Little did I know the reason behind it was the crippling addiction I had to porn. It’s led to me masturbating in school bathrooms, getting viruses on my family home computer and a lot more things I don’t want to think about. Going into high school I developed a different mindset. I started realizing it wasn’t the women around me that was the issue (yeah no shit). This made me reflect and ponder over what had been really dragging me down. It was around this time when I had joined the basketball team, and also gotten a job. My freshman year brought a good amount of impact on my social life both in a positive and negative way. After all, I’m starting an entirely new journey. I still couldn’t change my addiction however. Sophomore year I started to work on myself even more, getting more dates with girls and doing more natural things a high schooler at that age would do. And over the next two years I would slowly become a little bit better version of myself, not that I didn’t do degenerate things (lost my virginity, had sex with girls I had absolutely no emotional feelings for just out of spite and hornyness). It was once I got out of high school when the lowest point hit, PMO on an average of 3 times a day. I gained a good amount of weight, didn’t take care of myself in terms of hygiene, and overall was an emotional wreck. After around 2 years when I turned 19 I looked myself in the mirror and desperately needed to change. I had a small social circle and had no contact with women outside of the occasional match on tinder that I ended up putting on a pedestal. I started NoFap and would relapse every time I started a streak of around 4 days. But at 20 I really made an attempt to better myself. I started NoFap with the goal of eliminating degeneracy and PMO completely from my life, taking the grip it had over my life away. It started with reading books, eventually getting a job I enjoyed, and going to the gym on a consistent basis. Fast forward to a PMO free personal best 217 days after a couple of streaks were short-lived. During those 217 days I couldn’t tell you how much I loved life. Everything around me has become so much more enjoyable. Whether it was reading a book, having a chat with anyone regardless if it was a man or woman, older or younger, and simple things like a sunset or a nice view. I also did find out about the phenomenon that people call a “superpower”. It’s literally just the vibe you give out. Most people who excessively PMO and have those symptoms will wear it, where as if you don’t and become content with yourself those will be the vibrations and feelings you give out. I’ve had a couple of relationships here and there that didn’t work out but were mutually enjoyed by both parties. I have recently relapsed but I can and will restart my journey with the same positivity I have come to love and yearn for in life. I can’t express how much help it has been to be in this community knowing people are going through the same thing as me and fighting the same uphill battle as I am. If there’s any takeaways I would want people to have from this is: life is always going to be challenging but that doesn’t mean you have to beat yourself up over the little things and develop these habits that will dictate and ruin your life. Along with freeing yourself from the degeneracy that is pornography you become a better individual in all aspects and gain an understanding of discipline. Your life will change for the better. To any of my brothers and sisters fighting the good fight, keep at it. You will overcome the demonizing grip of porn and we will come out on top!
Love you all and remember: DONT PEAK!
TL;DR: went from being a degenerate PMO goblin averaging 3 times a day to changing my life for the better through the help and guidance of the NoFap community. Now living a life of happiness and joy after a personal best of 217 days.
Feel free to comment about your successes and shortcomings. I would love to hear your guys’ stories as well.