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2023.06.03 17:19 6aldeem Pasta
"Fuck it all!" said Stalin. "Atomic bomb! Beria modestly lowered his eyes. Kurchatov was a little late, but he also lowered his gaze and nervously tugged at his beard.
"So, does it explode?" Stalin asked, tapping the pipe against the iron side of the bomb.
"Of course, Comrade Stalin!" Kurchatov replied, feeling that the question was directed at him. "How... How it will!"
"How it will fucking blow!" Beria chimed in.
"They've really invented something," Stalin said, exhaling. "And tell me, does it explode powerfully?"
"I'm telling you, Comrade Stalin, it will blow as much as it can!"
"How it will fucking blow!" Beria supported again, making scary eyes behind his glasses, as if to say that if it blows, it will really blow.
"And what does Comrade Zhukov think?"
Zhukov seemed to have dozed off, but woke up just in time.
"It's a useful thing," the marshal said, jingling his medals. "The army needs it."
"Right," Stalin wisely remarked. "But it needs to be tested. Right, Comrade Voroshilov?"
"Definitely, Koba," the iron commissar supported.
"And on whom? The Jews?"
"It's not worth it on the Jews," Beria boldly said. "We've already tested gases on them. It's not fair."
"Indeed, indeed," Stalin pondered, releasing puffs of smoke. "The Jews might take offense. Thank you, Comrade Beria, for the timely remark. By the way, will you yourself not be a Jew, Comrade Beria? Stalin, as usual, made a successful joke, and everyone laughed. Kalinin and Kurchatov laughed, shaking their beards, Zhukov giggled, Voroshilov laughed out loud, and Beria smiled subtly and said:
"No, Comrade Stalin, I'm Mingrelian."
"Mingrelian, warmed his cock on the stove," Stalin joked again successfully, and the company laughed a little more. Finally, Stalin tapped the bomb with the pipe and remarked:
"It's good that we had a laugh, but we haven't decided yet on whom to test our atomic bomb."
"On the Japanese?" Voroshilov asked questioningly. "We have plenty of Japanese prisoners, and the war isn't over yet, we can catch more. There are still Germans left from that war too."
"Germans and Japanese are a well-tested people," Stalin said. "We've already fought Germans and Japanese. But the atomic bomb should be tested on a nation that we haven't studied yet from the perspective of a battle. Am I right, Comrade Kurchatov?"
Fuck would Kurchatov object.
The bomb was loaded onto the plane and they set off to drop it. In the plane, there were pilots: three-time Hero of the Soviet Union Comrade Kozhedub and three-time Hero of the Soviet Union Comrade Pokryshkin. Kozhedub was the commander of the crew because he shot down 62 enemy planes during the war, while Pokryshkin only shot down 59. That's why Kozhedub rudely told Pokryshkin, who was talking to the technicians:
"Stop talking nonsense, Comrade Pokryshkin! It's time to fly and drop the bomb!"
"Sorry, Comrade Kozhedub," Pokryshkin said and climbed into the plane.
Kozhedub turned the ignition key, pressed the pedals, pulled the levers, and the red-starred plane sped along the concrete strip of the secret airfield.
"They've taken off," Voroshilov said, wiping away a tear.
The plane flew very high. Kozhedub even dozed off from the monotony of the scenery outside the window, while Pokryshkin, out of boredom, started reading poetry:
Late autumn. The crows have flown away. The forest is bare, the fields are empty. Only one narrow strip is not compressed. It brings a sad thought...
"What kind of poetry are you reading, Comrade Pokryshkin?" Kozhedub asked without opening his eyes.
"Poetry by Comrade Stalin, whose else," Pokryshkin replied.
"Well, well. You take the controls for now, and I'll take a nap. Is it still a long way to fly?"
"About a thousand five hundred kilometers," Pokryshkin said, checking the map.
"Alright, then I'll doze off. Wake me up when it's time to drop the bomb."
"And fuck you," Pokryshkin thought vengefully.
The decision was made to drop the bomb on America, it was a great idea of Comrade Stalin. However, he had no idea that Truman had also built an atomic bomb and they were bringing it to drop on the USSR. Not just on the USSR, but on Moscow, to kill Comrade Stalin and the Politburo. But Truman had no way of knowing that Comrade Stalin and the Politburo had already left for a large underground bunker that was built precisely in the hope that the bastard Truman would decide to drop an atomic bomb. The plane, under the control of American pilots, named "Enola Gay," was flying directly toward the Soviet plane. It was called "Enola Gay" because there were faggots on board. That's not surprising, because America has always had many faggots, so finding suitable ones among the pilots was not a problem. It was Truman's subtle mockery of the Soviet people. Like, the Americans would fly in, drop the bomb, and Stalin and the entire Politburo would perish. The Russian people would learn about it from the newspapers the next morning and say to each other, "Did you hear? The Americans bombed Comrade Stalin and the entire Politburo!" - "What faggots!" And indeed, there were faggots there. What a humiliating incident. In short, the faggots were flying toward the Soviet plane of Kozhedub and Pokryshkin, listening to Glenn Miller, and the Soviet pilots had no idea. The flight paths of the planes intersected somewhere over Japan.
"Look, Comrade Kozhedub!" Pokryshkin said, nudging his commander with his foot. "Look... a plane!"
"What is this?" Kozhedub wondered, opening his eyes. Indeed, a large plane was flying towards them, seemingly American.
"These are Americans flying, Comrade Kozhedub," Pokryshkin reinforced his suspicions. "They're flying in our direction! And behind us is Moscow!"
"Let's ask them," Kozhedub decided and opened the window.
"Hey, guys!" he shouted in English, sticking his head out. "Where are we headed?"
"That's what we'll tell him," the Americans thought, but said aloud, "Just around. Taking a ride."
"So are we," Kozhedub lied, and to himself, he noted that there was a big bomb hanging under the tail of the American plane, probably atomic. After hiding back inside, he said to Pokryshkin, "They're bringing an atomic bomb, those faggots. Call Comrade Stalin."
Comrade Stalin sat in the underground bunker and argued with Voroshilov whether the bomb would explode or not, when a telephone operator approached and said, "It's for you, Comrade Stalin."
Stalin asked sternly, "Who is it?"
"It's Pokryshkin, Comrade Stalin!" the pilot hurriedly spoke on the phone. "The Americans are here, Comrade Stalin! Those bastards are also carrying a bomb!"
"Why did you become dumbfounded over it?" Stalin asked.
"We're flying, Comrade Stalin! We just got delayed. It doesn't look good..."
"Hmm... Well, wait a little there, I'll consult with my comrades."
Covering the phone with his hand, Stalin said, "Pokryshkin is calling. He says the Americans are also carrying a bomb, bastards."
"We'll shoot them down," Voroshilov said. "We'll send the fighter squadron immediately."
"I wish you'd shoot them all," Stalin grumbled. "Even a fool can do that."
Here's what we'll do. Get Truman on the other line for me. And he opened the line himself and said to Pokryshkin, "Keep them detained for a while, and we'll make a decision."
"Yes, Comrade Stalin!"
Pokryshkin covered the phone with his hand and said to Kozhedub, "Do whatever you want, Comrade Kozhedub, but we need to detain the American plane. Comrade Stalin will make the decision."
Kozhedub leaned out of the window again and said, "Hey, guys! What's hanging under your tail?"
"A bomb," the Americans said.
"Why is it so big?"
"Just because," the Americans replied, "no big deal. What about you?"
"We have one too," Kozhedub said.
Down below, the Japanese were gathered, wondering what was happening. They tried firing their anti-aircraft guns, but it was all in vain—the planes were too high. Emperor Hirohito called upon the kamikaze pilots, ordering them to fly and shoot down the enemy planes. But the kamikaze, as expected, took their time with the ritualistic songs, drank sake, and tied headbands... The Japanese, what can I say.
In the meantime, Stalin was connected with Truman. "Hello, Mr. Truman?" "Mr. Stalin? How are you, and how's the weather?" "Thanks to your prayers. Here's the thing—a little plane of ours was flying over Japan..." "Well, that's good for you." "But then yours was coming towards it..." "Well, we're at war with them." "But why the bomb?" "Well, we're at war with them! And besides, you have a bomb too." The Americans, those bastards, also called Truman, of course. "We're at war with them," said Stalin. "We'll drop a bomb on them now." "Then go ahead." "No, you go first!" "And you'll deceive us." "We?! Have we ever deceived anyone?!" "Oh, plenty." "And you, even more so." "And you communists, one can't trust communists." "And you bourgeois, one can't trust bourgeois either. Lenin said so. " "Your Lenin is an idiot!" "And your Lincoln is a Jew and a faggot, and Washington is a fool, and Jefferson is a moron, wipe your ass with your constitution on Independence Day. And in general, fuck off." Stalin wisely said, "I'll hang up now." Truman couldn't find anything to say and fell silent. "Alright, Mr. Stalin," he said. "We'll drop the bomb. But you drop one too!" "We'll drop it, we'll drop it," Stalin assured him. The Americans did drop the bomb, and they flew back home. The bomb fell, and it exploded! The next morning, the Japanese went out all over the country, reading newspapers and telling each other, "Did you hear? The Americans dropped a bomb on Hiroshima!" - "Those bastards!" And indeed, they were bastards. What a shameful incident, even for the Japanese, despite being a yellow-faced people. And our planes kept flying over Japan. Then Truman called Stalin and said angrily, "Hello! Mr. Stalin, this isn't fair!" "You got screwed! You got screwed!" Stalin rejoiced. "This is unworthy," Truman said. "Well, who cares." "We didn't agree on this." "So what?" "You promised to drop the bomb too!" "But we didn't. We'll drop it on you now, haha!" "Then we'll drop another one on you! We still have it!" "Wait a moment, Mr. Truman, I need to consult with the Politburo," Stalin said, getting serious. "It's quite possible that they have another bomb," Beria said, after listening. "Don't we have one?" Stalin asked. "Not yet, Comrade Stalin," Kurchatov was scared. "But we'll make one soon!" "Too late," Stalin waved his hand. "So, what should we do?" "Let's drop it there. I suggested testing it on the Japanese," Voroshilov proposed. "Alright, but not right away. Let Truman squirm a little," Stalin said and contacted Truman again. "Hello, Mr. Truman? Well, we're considering it."
The Red Star plane circled above Japan, running low on fuel. The heroic crew finished their last can of canned meat when a message finally came from the ground: "Drop it closer. Stalin." "What do we have there?" unshaven Kozhedub rejoiced, pulling the map closer. "Let's see... Osaka... Yokosuka... Nagasaki..." "They're all bitches and bastards over there," Pokryshkin said, licking the can from the inside. "Which bastard was the last one?" "Nagasaki," read Kozhedub. "Well, fuck 'em then," said Pokryshkin, pressing the button.
Thus, in 1945, there was no nuclear war between the two great powers.
submitted by 6aldeem to copypasta [link] [comments]
"So, does it explode?" Stalin asked, tapping the pipe against the iron side of the bomb.
"Of course, Comrade Stalin!" Kurchatov replied, feeling that the question was directed at him. "How... How it will!"
"How it will fucking blow!" Beria chimed in.
"They've really invented something," Stalin said, exhaling. "And tell me, does it explode powerfully?"
"I'm telling you, Comrade Stalin, it will blow as much as it can!"
"How it will fucking blow!" Beria supported again, making scary eyes behind his glasses, as if to say that if it blows, it will really blow.
"And what does Comrade Zhukov think?"
Zhukov seemed to have dozed off, but woke up just in time.
"It's a useful thing," the marshal said, jingling his medals. "The army needs it."
"Right," Stalin wisely remarked. "But it needs to be tested. Right, Comrade Voroshilov?"
"Definitely, Koba," the iron commissar supported.
"And on whom? The Jews?"
"It's not worth it on the Jews," Beria boldly said. "We've already tested gases on them. It's not fair."
"Indeed, indeed," Stalin pondered, releasing puffs of smoke. "The Jews might take offense. Thank you, Comrade Beria, for the timely remark. By the way, will you yourself not be a Jew, Comrade Beria? Stalin, as usual, made a successful joke, and everyone laughed. Kalinin and Kurchatov laughed, shaking their beards, Zhukov giggled, Voroshilov laughed out loud, and Beria smiled subtly and said:
"No, Comrade Stalin, I'm Mingrelian."
"Mingrelian, warmed his cock on the stove," Stalin joked again successfully, and the company laughed a little more. Finally, Stalin tapped the bomb with the pipe and remarked:
"It's good that we had a laugh, but we haven't decided yet on whom to test our atomic bomb."
"On the Japanese?" Voroshilov asked questioningly. "We have plenty of Japanese prisoners, and the war isn't over yet, we can catch more. There are still Germans left from that war too."
"Germans and Japanese are a well-tested people," Stalin said. "We've already fought Germans and Japanese. But the atomic bomb should be tested on a nation that we haven't studied yet from the perspective of a battle. Am I right, Comrade Kurchatov?"
Fuck would Kurchatov object.
The bomb was loaded onto the plane and they set off to drop it. In the plane, there were pilots: three-time Hero of the Soviet Union Comrade Kozhedub and three-time Hero of the Soviet Union Comrade Pokryshkin. Kozhedub was the commander of the crew because he shot down 62 enemy planes during the war, while Pokryshkin only shot down 59. That's why Kozhedub rudely told Pokryshkin, who was talking to the technicians:
"Stop talking nonsense, Comrade Pokryshkin! It's time to fly and drop the bomb!"
"Sorry, Comrade Kozhedub," Pokryshkin said and climbed into the plane.
Kozhedub turned the ignition key, pressed the pedals, pulled the levers, and the red-starred plane sped along the concrete strip of the secret airfield.
"They've taken off," Voroshilov said, wiping away a tear.
The plane flew very high. Kozhedub even dozed off from the monotony of the scenery outside the window, while Pokryshkin, out of boredom, started reading poetry:
Late autumn. The crows have flown away. The forest is bare, the fields are empty. Only one narrow strip is not compressed. It brings a sad thought...
"What kind of poetry are you reading, Comrade Pokryshkin?" Kozhedub asked without opening his eyes.
"Poetry by Comrade Stalin, whose else," Pokryshkin replied.
"Well, well. You take the controls for now, and I'll take a nap. Is it still a long way to fly?"
"About a thousand five hundred kilometers," Pokryshkin said, checking the map.
"Alright, then I'll doze off. Wake me up when it's time to drop the bomb."
"And fuck you," Pokryshkin thought vengefully.
The decision was made to drop the bomb on America, it was a great idea of Comrade Stalin. However, he had no idea that Truman had also built an atomic bomb and they were bringing it to drop on the USSR. Not just on the USSR, but on Moscow, to kill Comrade Stalin and the Politburo. But Truman had no way of knowing that Comrade Stalin and the Politburo had already left for a large underground bunker that was built precisely in the hope that the bastard Truman would decide to drop an atomic bomb. The plane, under the control of American pilots, named "Enola Gay," was flying directly toward the Soviet plane. It was called "Enola Gay" because there were faggots on board. That's not surprising, because America has always had many faggots, so finding suitable ones among the pilots was not a problem. It was Truman's subtle mockery of the Soviet people. Like, the Americans would fly in, drop the bomb, and Stalin and the entire Politburo would perish. The Russian people would learn about it from the newspapers the next morning and say to each other, "Did you hear? The Americans bombed Comrade Stalin and the entire Politburo!" - "What faggots!" And indeed, there were faggots there. What a humiliating incident. In short, the faggots were flying toward the Soviet plane of Kozhedub and Pokryshkin, listening to Glenn Miller, and the Soviet pilots had no idea. The flight paths of the planes intersected somewhere over Japan.
"Look, Comrade Kozhedub!" Pokryshkin said, nudging his commander with his foot. "Look... a plane!"
"What is this?" Kozhedub wondered, opening his eyes. Indeed, a large plane was flying towards them, seemingly American.
"These are Americans flying, Comrade Kozhedub," Pokryshkin reinforced his suspicions. "They're flying in our direction! And behind us is Moscow!"
"Let's ask them," Kozhedub decided and opened the window.
"Hey, guys!" he shouted in English, sticking his head out. "Where are we headed?"
"That's what we'll tell him," the Americans thought, but said aloud, "Just around. Taking a ride."
"So are we," Kozhedub lied, and to himself, he noted that there was a big bomb hanging under the tail of the American plane, probably atomic. After hiding back inside, he said to Pokryshkin, "They're bringing an atomic bomb, those faggots. Call Comrade Stalin."
Comrade Stalin sat in the underground bunker and argued with Voroshilov whether the bomb would explode or not, when a telephone operator approached and said, "It's for you, Comrade Stalin."
Stalin asked sternly, "Who is it?"
"It's Pokryshkin, Comrade Stalin!" the pilot hurriedly spoke on the phone. "The Americans are here, Comrade Stalin! Those bastards are also carrying a bomb!"
"Why did you become dumbfounded over it?" Stalin asked.
"We're flying, Comrade Stalin! We just got delayed. It doesn't look good..."
"Hmm... Well, wait a little there, I'll consult with my comrades."
Covering the phone with his hand, Stalin said, "Pokryshkin is calling. He says the Americans are also carrying a bomb, bastards."
"We'll shoot them down," Voroshilov said. "We'll send the fighter squadron immediately."
"I wish you'd shoot them all," Stalin grumbled. "Even a fool can do that."
Here's what we'll do. Get Truman on the other line for me. And he opened the line himself and said to Pokryshkin, "Keep them detained for a while, and we'll make a decision."
"Yes, Comrade Stalin!"
Pokryshkin covered the phone with his hand and said to Kozhedub, "Do whatever you want, Comrade Kozhedub, but we need to detain the American plane. Comrade Stalin will make the decision."
Kozhedub leaned out of the window again and said, "Hey, guys! What's hanging under your tail?"
"A bomb," the Americans said.
"Why is it so big?"
"Just because," the Americans replied, "no big deal. What about you?"
"We have one too," Kozhedub said.
Down below, the Japanese were gathered, wondering what was happening. They tried firing their anti-aircraft guns, but it was all in vain—the planes were too high. Emperor Hirohito called upon the kamikaze pilots, ordering them to fly and shoot down the enemy planes. But the kamikaze, as expected, took their time with the ritualistic songs, drank sake, and tied headbands... The Japanese, what can I say.
In the meantime, Stalin was connected with Truman. "Hello, Mr. Truman?" "Mr. Stalin? How are you, and how's the weather?" "Thanks to your prayers. Here's the thing—a little plane of ours was flying over Japan..." "Well, that's good for you." "But then yours was coming towards it..." "Well, we're at war with them." "But why the bomb?" "Well, we're at war with them! And besides, you have a bomb too." The Americans, those bastards, also called Truman, of course. "We're at war with them," said Stalin. "We'll drop a bomb on them now." "Then go ahead." "No, you go first!" "And you'll deceive us." "We?! Have we ever deceived anyone?!" "Oh, plenty." "And you, even more so." "And you communists, one can't trust communists." "And you bourgeois, one can't trust bourgeois either. Lenin said so. " "Your Lenin is an idiot!" "And your Lincoln is a Jew and a faggot, and Washington is a fool, and Jefferson is a moron, wipe your ass with your constitution on Independence Day. And in general, fuck off." Stalin wisely said, "I'll hang up now." Truman couldn't find anything to say and fell silent. "Alright, Mr. Stalin," he said. "We'll drop the bomb. But you drop one too!" "We'll drop it, we'll drop it," Stalin assured him. The Americans did drop the bomb, and they flew back home. The bomb fell, and it exploded! The next morning, the Japanese went out all over the country, reading newspapers and telling each other, "Did you hear? The Americans dropped a bomb on Hiroshima!" - "Those bastards!" And indeed, they were bastards. What a shameful incident, even for the Japanese, despite being a yellow-faced people. And our planes kept flying over Japan. Then Truman called Stalin and said angrily, "Hello! Mr. Stalin, this isn't fair!" "You got screwed! You got screwed!" Stalin rejoiced. "This is unworthy," Truman said. "Well, who cares." "We didn't agree on this." "So what?" "You promised to drop the bomb too!" "But we didn't. We'll drop it on you now, haha!" "Then we'll drop another one on you! We still have it!" "Wait a moment, Mr. Truman, I need to consult with the Politburo," Stalin said, getting serious. "It's quite possible that they have another bomb," Beria said, after listening. "Don't we have one?" Stalin asked. "Not yet, Comrade Stalin," Kurchatov was scared. "But we'll make one soon!" "Too late," Stalin waved his hand. "So, what should we do?" "Let's drop it there. I suggested testing it on the Japanese," Voroshilov proposed. "Alright, but not right away. Let Truman squirm a little," Stalin said and contacted Truman again. "Hello, Mr. Truman? Well, we're considering it."
The Red Star plane circled above Japan, running low on fuel. The heroic crew finished their last can of canned meat when a message finally came from the ground: "Drop it closer. Stalin." "What do we have there?" unshaven Kozhedub rejoiced, pulling the map closer. "Let's see... Osaka... Yokosuka... Nagasaki..." "They're all bitches and bastards over there," Pokryshkin said, licking the can from the inside. "Which bastard was the last one?" "Nagasaki," read Kozhedub. "Well, fuck 'em then," said Pokryshkin, pressing the button.
Thus, in 1945, there was no nuclear war between the two great powers.
2023.06.03 16:56 philamignon Ironing board cover for Costco board
 | Hi folks, submitted by philamignon to Costco [link] [comments] I know this is a long shot ask, but I purchased a great ironing board from Costco about 20 years ago. It was made by some Italian company. There was a flyer telling me how to order replacement covers but I’ve since lost it. The company making them may not be in business anymore. But perhaps one of you recognizes it and can offer any info? |
2023.06.03 16:54 Proletlariet Kamen Rider Ichigo - Main Body
Takeshi Hongo, Kamen Rider Ichigo
"Rider… Henshin!"♫ Let's Go!!! Rider Kick ♫ - ♫ Kamen Rider no Uta ♫
Takeshi Hongo was a genius biochemist and motorcycle racer working at Johnan University in Tokyo when he was kidnapped by the evil secret organization Shocker. Hongo was transformed into a cyborg intended to serve Shocker as a super soldier in their quest for world dominance. Rebelling against his would-be masters, Hongo takes the moniker of Kamen Rider and vows to fight for justice, a promise that takes him across the world and inspires generations of successors to follow in his footsteps.
Feats will be marked with the source.
Note for scaling: Shocker Combatmen are humans who have been enhanced by Shocker cybernetics, though not to the extent of the elite Shocker cyborgs like Kamen Rider or the various kaijin he fights. The Kamen Rider Official Zukan says that they have several times the physical ability of regular humans.
Untransformed
While superhuman thanks to Shocker's cybernetics, Hongo can't access his full power without transforming.Strength
- Breaks a stone pillarV33
- Seemingly breaks a headstoneE78
- Snaps out of chains
- Tears out of manaclesE53
- Accidentally rips off a sink knobE1
- Breaks out of restraintsV34
- Swiftly takes down two Shocker CombatmenE53
Durability/Resistance
Blunt
- Takes several hits from Ambassador Hell who can swing and throw a cyborg and damage the ground
- Takes hits from Canarycobra's Cobra Hand, which breaks an I-beam and reinforced concrete in halfE89
- Takes hits from Spiderond, who can burrow through the groundE57
- Takes a long fall off of a cable carE71
- Shrugs off getting hit by a carE95
Other
- Immobilized but otherwise unaffected by a Gel Shocker trap that lowers his temperature to absolute zeroE97
- Hardly slowed down by nerve gasE4
- Recovers from sleeping gas 10x faster than a normal humanE6
- Withstands soundwaves that damage his apartment and blow apart a Shocker CombatmanE64
- Has his blood sucked by Mosquilas, who can drain a normal man down to a skeleton, and is still in fighting shapeE72
- Unaffected by Roseranga's rose, which contains a potent poison that knocks out and mind controls its victimsE75
- Unharmed after being shocked with 100,000 volts by JellywolfE82
Speed/Agility
- Dodges Cicadaminga's soundwavesE64
- Dodges Spider Man's dartE1
- Ducks Gilliera's dartE56
- Dodges finger-mounted darts from a group of Shocker CombatmenE1
- Swats away a thrown knifeE4
- Swats away a thrown swordE83
- Dodges a knife thrown by an unseen foeE78
- Dodges a ring thrown by Worm ManE59
- Dodges Fiddler Crabking's explosive foamE73
- Dodges Ratcondor's attacks with damaged eyesE90
- Dodges attacks from NamazuguillerE61
- Dodges attacks from GuilgarasE52
- Dodges Sea Dragon I's lashesE76
- Dodges a whip strike from Ambassador Hell then jumps up to a balconyE56
- Avoids Shocker Combatmen trying to hit him with motorcycles then jumps to the top of a hillE53
- Jumps to the top of a hillE93
- Jumps over Cockroach Man onto a carE55
- Jumps from his motorcycle to the canopy of a truck he's chasingE64
Skill/Misc
Combat
- Defeats a group of Gel Shocker Combatmen armed with swordsE83
- Defeats Destron Combatmen armed with spearsV33
- Defeats Gel Shocker CombatmenE95
- Defeats a group of Gel Shocker Combatmen on motorcyclesE83
- Even while he's sick and in his 60s he can throw down with human goons and Shocker CombatmenKO
- Throws a sword into a Gel Shocker Combatman's heartE83
Biochemistry/Science
- Performs surgery on Shiro Kazami to turn him into the cyborg Kamen Rider V3V1
- Analyzes a mysterious powder and identifies it as scales from a foreign butterflyE56
- Analyzes a thorn of Roseranga's rose and creates an antidote for the poison it containsE75
- Creates a vaccine for a plague engineered by Gel ShockerE90
- Analyzes coffee to determine what kind of poison was in itV1
General
- Has 600 IQ and superb athleticism according to ShockerE1
- Decodes a Shocker messageE54
- Correctly deduces that a man was killed with a lightning bolt after examining a piece of his clothes that was left behindE82
- Sennin says that his spiritual presence complete dwarfs Kamen Rider Ghost's and he is able to instantly tell that Ghost is deadKO
- Hears an electric current emanating from a manE82
- Uses his lighter and some money to destroy a cache of poison capsules while stuck in a cellE56
- Sneaks up on a Shocker Combatman, takes him out, then infiltrates the group while disguised as himE6
- Sneaks up on a Gel Shocker Combatman E86
- Somehow escapes a room filled with poison gasJT
- Escapes a Gel Shocker trapE80
- Stops his breathing to play deadE82
- Climbs Mount FujiJT
- Prepared landmines in a dune just in case Shocker planned to ambush himE79
Original Form
Kamen Rider's original form from early in the series.Stats Page (Kamen Rider Official Zukan)
Strength
Rider Kick
- Kills Spider Man with his first Rider KickE1
- Kicks a hillside, knocking down rocksE13
- Breaks rock with a kickE3
- Kills SarracenianE4
- Kills Mantis ManE5
- Kills Bee WomanE8
- Kills Cobra ManE9
- [Lightning Rider Kick] Kicking with both feet, which he says should double the power, shatters a rockE13
- [Lightning Rider Kick] Kicks the bomb Tokageron kicked back at himE13
- Kills Rider World alongside Kamen Rider Blades' finisherSZ
Throwing
- Throws Shocker Combatmen off of buildingsE2
- [Rider Throw] Kills Bat ManE2
- [Rider Throw] Kills Cobra ManE10
- [Rider Scissors] Kills Scorpion ManE3
Other
- [Rider Chop] Kills Chameleon Man after hitting him with a Rider KickE7
- Tears out of iron chainsE1
- Runs straight through a wall in a Shocker baseE13
- Leaps through the ceiling of Shocker's laboratoryE1
- Leaps through the ceiling of a Shocker cellE7
Durability
- Hit by a rock kicked at him by TokageronE13
- A revolver bullet bounces off his chestE7
- Unharmed by a bomb set off next to himE5
- Unharmed after stepping on a landmineE9
- Tumbles down a hill untransformed and reappears at the top unscathed and transformedE3
- A large amount of electricity is channeled through his body with no damageE1
- Heals a wound on his hand quicklyE8
Speed/Agility
Dodging/Movement
- Dodges multiple shots from the Danger Light, a laser weaponE12
- Ducks a thrown knifeE4
- Catches a boomerang thrown by a Shocker CombatmanE12
- Dodges a rock kicked at him by TokageronE13
- Dodges a snake arm strike from Cobra ManE9
- Dodges Cobra Man's fire breathE10
- Dodges attacks from Shocker Combatmen
- Runs towards a group of Shocker Combatmen, who then lose sight of him before he reappears behind themE3
Agility
- Leaps a very far distance to engage Shocker minionsE1
- Leaps up to a platform to cut off Man Spider's escapeE1
- Leaps to the roof of an apartment building from the streetE2
- While training, leaps ~49 mE3
- Leaps up and down a hillE3
- Jumps up to grab a tree branchE7
- Jumps up several stories of a buildingE9
Skill/Misc
Combat
- Defeats the Revived Monster Corps, made up of 13 revived Shocker cyborgs he had previously killed, all at onceE13
- Defeats a group of Shocker CombatmenE1
- Defeats a group of Shocker Combatmen all armed with bladed boomerangsE12
- Beats Bee Woman in a swordfightE8
- Defeats a group of Shocker Combatmen with a sword
- Leaps onto the shoulders of a Shocker Combatman then takes him downE3
Accuracy
- Throws a sword to pin a man's arm to a treeE7
- Throws a sword to cut off Bee Woman's wingE8
- Throws a sword to hit a Shocker Combatman in the stomachE8
Senses
- His hearing is many times better than a normal human'sE6
- He can hear sounds from 4 km in all directions, which he uses to track an enemy moving undergroundE9
- Hears a conversation inside a hospital from outsideE6
- Tracks the sound a device is emitting back to its sourceE8
- He can hear higher frequencies than humansE8
General
- The transformation into Kamen Rider occurs so quickly that a bomb going off in front of him activates his belt before the explosion can hit him in his untransformed stateE5
- Accurately takes down Shocker Combatmen who are hiding beneath the sandE3
- Figures out where Chameleon Man is standing while he's invisible in order to hit himE7
- Dug up Hitler's secret treasure, emptied it into the ocean, then hid himself in the box and somehow buried it again in order to ambush ShockerE7
Sakurajima
Kamen Rider's upgraded form that he used temporarily, named after the region of Japan it first appeared in. From this form on, Kamen Rider no longer required a wind source to transform and could do so at will.Strength
Rider Double Kick
All performed with Kamen Rider Nigo- Kills SnowmanE40
- Kills GhostarE41
- Kills IsoguinchackE49
- Kills UnicornosE51
- Kills ZanjiohVS
- Kills GuilgarasE52
Other
- Beats Arigabari to deathVS
- [Rider Hammer Kick] Kills PranodonVS
- Punches out Shocker CombatmenE52
Durability
- Takes several hits from Kamen Rider Nigo during their fight, including his Rider KickE41
- Takes several hits from Ghostar, who's strong enough to lift and throw a large rockE41
- Takes hits from DokuganderVS
Speed/Agility
- Dodges blasts from DokuganderVS
- Dodges attacks from IsoguinchackE49
- Jumps to the top of a hillE40
- Jumps into and out of a ravineVS
- Performs the Rider Wheel with Kamen Rider NigoE49
Skill/Misc
- Defeats groups of Shocker Combatmen with a swordE41
- Has a telepathic link with Kamen Rider Nigo, which Nigo uses to free him of Shocker's mind controlE41
- Disguises himself as a professorVS
New Kamen Rider Ichigo
Kamen Rider's most used and most iconic form, an upgrade over his previous forms.Stats Page (Kamen Rider Official Zukan)
Strength
Rider Kick
- Album of killing monsters and making them explode but not causing any significant collateral damage
- Rhinogang says that the Rider Kick is 10x stronger than his own imitationE66
- Defeats Kamen Rider KivaHS
- Hits Kamen Rider Gaim, pushing him back and breaking the rock beneath him until his guard is brokenHS
- Kills the Nazca Dopant L3FO
- Kills Spiderond, causing an explosion that destroys a nearby buildingE57
- Breaks Bearded Dragon's tongue, which broke steel barsE58
- Kills Worm Man, causing an explosion that destroys Shocker's underwater baseE59
- Worm Man was given the characteristics of a creature that survived hydrogen bomb testingE59 (personally, I believe this is in reference to an ability to withstand radiation rather than meaning it's durable enough to survive a nuclear explosion but I would be remiss not to include it)
- Kills Namazuguiller, causing an explosion that destroys a large mirror array and causes Shocker's underground base to cave inE61
- Kills Gillercricket with a knee, causing an explosion that destroys a nearby buildingE69
- Kills Armadig, who withstood Skyrider ramming him with his motorcycle, which can drive through metal doorsGO
- Kills Spiderbaban and Golden Jaguar at the same timeSO
- Destroys a group of Badan CombatroidsHS
- Breaks off Franken Bat's wingFR
- Kicks Eaglemantis' blade back at him, cutting him in halfE86
- Kicks Catgecko, somehow curing him of the brainwashing/cyborg surgery Gel Shocker performed on himE88
- [Rider Screw Kick] Breaks through a barred windowE69
- [Rider Lunar Kick] Kills Crowox who withstood a mineE95
- [Rider Double Kick] Kills Rattlander, launching him back hard enough to carve two small trenches in the groundDS
- [Rider Double Kick] Overpowers Shocker Greed's blasts, launching him hard enough to damage stone and killing himLG
- With the other Seven Legendary Riders, knocks over a giant monsterK54
- Joins all Kamen Riders up to Decade in performing a barrage of Rider Kicks that destroy Dai-Shocker's castleDS
Rider Punch
- Album of killing monsters and making them explode but not causing significant collateral damage
- Shatters a window that can withstand a bazooka blastE65
- Punches Rattlander into a cave wall hard enough to make a craterLG
- Punches through a concrete wallE85
- Overpowers Moreyurtle's shell attack, which broke a treeE85
- Breaks off Mantiskid's hornJT
Misc Striking
- Destroys a box truck with NigoBT
- Punches the ground, blowing away the Shocker Combatmen surrounding himBG
- Punches out Gel Shocker Combatmen, when one is still conscious after an explosion that destroys his motorcycleE80
- Punches Moreyurtle's head, causing it to explodeE85
- Breaks Canarycobra's cobra armE89
- Breaks a machineE54
- 2V1
- Breaks manaclesE58
- Breaks a bear trap Taki was caught inE86
- Breaks chainE66
- Breaks Crowox's hornsE95
- Chops off Cactusbat's fingersE96
- Sends a Shocker Combatman flying with a kickE56
- [Rider Crush] Stomps through the roof of a Shocker baseE60
- [Rider Chop] Breaks the remote control in Squidevil's headE68
- [Rider Flying Chop] Kills SpiderlionE87
Throwing
- Album of killing monsters and making them explode but not causing significant collateral damage
- [Rider Head Crusher] Throws Jaguarman over a hill, causing him to explodeE53
- [Rider Hammer] Throws Owl Man to the top of a hillE60
- [Rider Drill Shoot] Throws Mantiskid, causing an explosion that destroys the Shocker graveyardE66
- Throws Hedgehozuras up a hillE62
- Throws Mosquilas a great distance onto a bridge from the river belowE72
- Throws off the Shocker monsters and Combatmen that dog pile himE66
Other
- Pushes a bus uphill against Rhinobeetron pushing itE65
- Kills Crabbat by jumping into himE80
- Overpowers Canarycobra's Cobra HandE89
- Catches and pushes back Gaim's swordHS
- With Kamen Rider Nigo, runs through a door that withstood their punchesE98
- [Rider Head Crusher] Slams Bearded Dragon's head to the ground and causes him to explodeE58
- Jumps off of a cliff with Centigerpede, slamming him to the ground and killing himE91
- Says that he can easily break metal spikes as he rips two out of the floorE87
- Swings a stake attached to a rope into a cliffsideE70
- Cuts off Moreyurtle's head with a swordE85
- With Nigo, tears a metal door out of its frameS38
- Contributes to the [X Rider Super Five Kick], which results in Franken Bat being kicked onto a pile of monsters that all blow upFR
Durability
Blunt
- Takes hits from Neo-Shocker's Great Leader, whose strikes make earthquakes that affect TokyoK54
- Takes hits from Centigerpede, who overpowers the Rider Kick with a punchE91
- Takes hits from Shocker Rider 1, who matches him in strengthE92
- Takes hits from Rattlander, who downed Kamen Rider DiEnd with one strikeDS
- Takes hits from Rhinobeetron, who is strong enough to push a busE65
- Takes hits from Kamen Rider Sango, who punched a hole in a shipping container and a concrete wallGP
- Takes hits from Sawsharkus, who can punch through a stone wall, while suffering the effects of a gas designed to destroy cyborgsE67
- Takes hits from Mantiskid, who punches through a concrete floorJT
- Takes hits from Bearded Dragon, who breaks through a wallE66
- Gets thrown down a hill and kicked by Squidevil, who burst through the groundE68
- Tanks punches from Sea Snake ManE54
- Takes some blows from SpiderondE57
Piercing
- Slashed by Kamen Rider GaimHS
- Gilliera's dart bounces off his chestE56
- Uncut by Sea Dragon II's sword armE76
Energy
- Blasted by Shocker's Great LeaderLG
- Blasted by giant Ackdos Gill and Warz GillSH
- Blasted by Grand Zairus' eye beams that destroy fighter jetsR44
- Blasted by Shocker Greed, who destroyed a wood towerLG
- Takes Owl Man's x-ray attack which reduces normal humans to skeletonsE60
Heat
- Designed to withstand temperatures of several thousand degreesE60
- Hit by OOO's Latorahta combo heat blastLG
- Unharmed by Urchidogma's flamethrowerE78
Explosives
- Withstands Turtle Bazooka blowing up Destron's base with him insideV1
- Takes a bomb that blows up a bridge and is fineS38
- Gets blasted by KingdarkDS
- Tanks a barrage of bombs from Taiho Buffalo that kills all of the cyborgs he was fightingDM
- Takes one of Hegehozuras' needles which completely destroys a manE62
- Either escapes or withstands a Shocker building explodingJT
- Either escapes or withstands Gel Shocker's underwater base explodingE98
Other
- Takes a point blank nuclear explosion,V2 then contacts V3 to tell him that he's fine and in AustraliaV21 and shows up perfectly fine laterDM
- Hit by Grand Zairus in fireball form, which is over 1000º and destroyed an artificial island
- Fine after being hit by meteorites called down by Shocker, which blew up an observatory and burned a man to deathE68
- Gets shocked by Namazuguiller, who was enhanced from his base electrical charge of 100,000 voltsE61
- Shocked by JellywolfE82
- Withstands Badan's Space Break System, which obliterates people and buildingsBT
- Bearded Dragon's venom only makes his body numb where it melts normal peopleE58
- Takes extended soundwaves from Gillercricket, which can blow up CombatmenE69
- Withstands Newtgeth's tongue, which reduced a woman to ashE77
- Jumps off of a cliff and reappears unharmedE62
- Jumps off a cliff with Centigerpede, causing it to explode, then shows up fine later
- Falls from a great height inside an ambulance that explodes and emerges some time later stunned but otherwise unharmedE95
Speed/Agility
Reaction/Dodging
- Dodges Owl Man's x-ray attackE60
- Jumps out of the blast zone of an explosion as the bomb goes off in front of himE84
- Dodges gunfire on CycloneGP
- Dodges Cicadaminga's soundwavesE64
- Dodges Gillercricket's soundwavesE69
- Dodges attacks from Kamen Rider GaimHS
- Dodges Moreyurtle's smog while chained to a cross, somehow freeing himself and jumping to the top of a nearby cliff without being seenE85
- Dodges Turtle Bazooka's missilesV1
- Dodges Crowox's finger missilesE95
- Intercepts Shocker Greed's blasts before they can hit Den-OLG
- Dodges Hedgehozuras' needlesE62
- Dodges Rinhogang's flamethrowerE63
- Dodges Sawsharkus' flamethrower and appears on a ledge above himE67
- Dodges Anemonaguar's poisonE84
- Dodges Squidevil's attacksE68
- Dodges Rattlander's attacksE79
- Dodges an attack from Sea Snake ManE54
- Dodges Jellywolf's attacksE82
- Dodges Bearded Dragon's tongue attacksE58
- Swats away Worm Man's ringsE59
- Catches a grenade thrown by a Shocker Combatman and throws it backE59
- Dodges Rhinobeetron's foam sprayE65
- Dodges Louscule's acid sprayE74
- Dodges lasers and electricity in order to prepare for a fightR42
Movement
- Jumps across a rooftop to kick a knife out of Cockroach Man's hand before he can cut a ropeE55
- Jumps to catch a poison capsule thrown by Gilliera before it can hit the waterE56
- Appears from out of nowhere to stop Bosgun mid-swing before he can kill RXR44
Agility
- Jumps a far distance inland from the coastE61
- Jumps to the top of a damE56
- Jumps to the top of a waterfall after being thrown offE54
- Jumps onto a helicopter in mid flight
- Jumps around the giant Delzer Great Leader's mountain bodyS39
- Jumps from the bottom of a ravine to a bridgeE58
- Jumps from a bridge to a boat in the river belowE72
- Jumps to the top of a hillE61
- Jumps on top of a buildingE69
- Jumps a fair distance to the top of a mansionE75
- Jumps up a few stories
- Jumps up to a platformE70
- Jumps off of a building then backflips back up a few stories as soon as he hits the groundE76
- Flips out of the grasp of some Shocker CombatmenE54
- Jumps onto Sea Snake Man's shoulders, then jumps both of them into the air, transitioning into suplexing himE54
- Leaps into the air after Gilliera, transitioning into a rider kick to hit herE56
- Jumps while being constrained by Anemonaguar's tentacles, kicking off of him to free himselfE84
- Jumps between motorcycles while fighting a group of Shocker CombatmenE63
- Jumps out of the way while tangled up in rope from Gel Shocker Combatmen, causing them to crash into and kill each otherE84
- Jumps over a fence out of the way of a carE55
- Jumps to grab a balloon that's floating awayE55
- Leaps to grab Taki after he's thrownE90
- Leaps to grab a vial thrown by Shocker Rider 1E92
- Leaps onto a car that's driving away from him
- Jumps onto a roller coasterE98
- Catches a man that fell from the skyE95
Skill/Misc
Combat Skill
- Defeats 6 revived monsters he previously killed, all at onceE66
- Defeats a group of Shocker Combatmen with a staffE55
- With a swordE56
- Defeats a group of Gel Shocker Combatmen with a swordE83
- With a staffE96
- Defeats a group of Gel Shocker CombatmenE87
- Beats up some DustardsFO
- Fights off a group of Shocker Combatmen on horsebackJT
- Defeats Ratcondor while not being able to seeE90
- With Kamen Rider Nigo, tricks the Shocker Riders into destroying each otherE94
Stealth
- Escapes a Shocker trap without being seen by the Shocker forces presentE62
- Either escapes or withstands a Shocker building explodingJT
- Either escapes or withstands Gel Shocker's underwater base explodingE98
- Sneaks behind Marshal Machine and frees Kamen Rider Stronger without being seenS38
- Sneaks into Gel Shocker's school and switches out the drug they were going to feed some kids with flour without being caughtE91
- Sneaks up on Destron CombatmenV1
General
- Claims that he is always growing strongerE88
- Has 20x better vision that humans, allowing him to see the footprints left behind by Spiderond, which were invisible to humansE57
- Throws a sword precisely to destroy a transmitter in Gillercricket's headE69
- Throws a stake to stab into a monster that he threw into the airE70
- Uses his scarf to grab onto a window and pull himself up to kick itE69
- Hits Leechameleon after he turns invisibleE98
- Can make his eyes glowE79
- Speaks telepathically with V3 alongside Nigo, giving V3 advice in a fightV2
- Has a secret base in ArizonaR41
- His and Nigo's presence clears the other Kamen Riders of Shocker's brainwashingGP
- Once he used something called Rider Power to break a ring he was not able to break with his regular strengthE59
Rider Combinations
Kamen Rider can join his power with other Showa Riders to- Performs some kind of move with Nigo to paralyze Turtle BazookaV2
- Joins power with the other Seven Legendary Riders to enter into the giant Delzer Great Leader's mountain bodyS39
- Joins power with the other Seven Legendary Riders and Skyrider to carry a giant monster and a bomb into spaceK54
- Performs Rider Synchro with the other Seven Legendary Riders, Skyrider, Super-1, and ZX to stun Ambassador Darkness and destroy Badan's Space Break SystemBT
- Performs Rider Synchro with the Showa Riders to change a picture and let a ghost visit his parents before returning to the land of the deadHS
"As long as evil exists in this world… Kamen Rider will be there to fight for justice!"
2023.06.03 16:11 Popculturefan99 Why A24 would be the perfect studio to distribute LAIKA’s movies.
So A24 has really made a splash in the indie movie scene, with s-tier movies like everything everywhere all at once, horror movies like hereditary, and especially Marcel the shell with shoes on. Marcel is now popular like their other movies (and for good reason)…
Which brings me as to why I think A24 would be the perfect distributor for LAIKA’s movies. They both have similar business practices — where they don’t care about money and always put the artists first, and are committed to writing a good story, characters more than money. A24’s movies were distributed by Focus Features, which 3 out of the 4 movies Focus distributed for them (case in point, paranorman, boxtrolls, and kubo and the two strings) and focus barely even marketed them, so they left laika in the dust and then went to Annapurna pictures to distribute Missing Link — which ironically enough was a big box office bomb for Annapurna, not even making a QUARTER of its budget (24.5M on a 100M budget), and Annapurna, like focus, barely promoted missing link.
Which is a reason I think A24 would be perfect for LAIKA. Most of the people who love A24 movies loved/still love LAIKA’s movies, and both have a reputation for being “weird” or “creepy”. A24 I think would give their movies the proper marketing it deserves, and the A24 fandom too would catapult LAIKA into the spotlight unlike any other — and they’d probably make more money at the box office too. Hell it could even be an opportunity for laika to make adult animation. So therefore, I think both companies, if laika makes a deal with them, they’d go hand in hand perfectly.
submitted by Popculturefan99 to laika [link] [comments]
Which brings me as to why I think A24 would be the perfect distributor for LAIKA’s movies. They both have similar business practices — where they don’t care about money and always put the artists first, and are committed to writing a good story, characters more than money. A24’s movies were distributed by Focus Features, which 3 out of the 4 movies Focus distributed for them (case in point, paranorman, boxtrolls, and kubo and the two strings) and focus barely even marketed them, so they left laika in the dust and then went to Annapurna pictures to distribute Missing Link — which ironically enough was a big box office bomb for Annapurna, not even making a QUARTER of its budget (24.5M on a 100M budget), and Annapurna, like focus, barely promoted missing link.
Which is a reason I think A24 would be perfect for LAIKA. Most of the people who love A24 movies loved/still love LAIKA’s movies, and both have a reputation for being “weird” or “creepy”. A24 I think would give their movies the proper marketing it deserves, and the A24 fandom too would catapult LAIKA into the spotlight unlike any other — and they’d probably make more money at the box office too. Hell it could even be an opportunity for laika to make adult animation. So therefore, I think both companies, if laika makes a deal with them, they’d go hand in hand perfectly.
2023.06.03 16:09 gweleif Thirteen game concepts
Today's games repulse me with their copycat, timid and shallow character. Though it seems like there is a variety of concepts flashing around, in practice games revolve around the same half-dozen tropes. Their hallmark sign is that it is nothing that is not seen on TV. If the game's idea is not a reflection of the modern world from someone who, by all appearances, has never read a real book or has experience to share, then it's Pirates in Some Carribean, or the Victorian Age When Jack the Ripper Roamed in a Black Cab, or the Middle Ages with Standard Treachery, or Abstract Space Exploration. I was sick and tired of this a few years ago, now I have all but given up on this art form. Even when the concept is interesting, it is rarely taken far or with force. Neutered developers are afraid to give offense and as a result make bland, short-breathing stuff, but I think the sharp edges are never there to begin with anymore. I don't know anybody who sets out to defy the world, stand apart from its simulations and blandishments and spit a good gob in its ugly square face.
I have never had an opportunity to make a game of my own (it takes a team besides everything else), but I have made mods for a very old RPG for years - new mechanics, plots, magic, quests, effects, scripts, writing and so on. I have more or less put that old engine on its head, though I know hardly anyone will ever find out about my efforts. This is to say that I am not a pure theorist. Some time in the winter, bored and exasperated, I decided to do a quick marathon of game ideas - for RPG, quests, simulations, something in-between - and see how many I can whip out on the run. I would like something from here picked up by a company, but I am not advertising. I realize that is probably not something that might happen. It was a good exercise for me, however. Here are the results for all to see. I did ten first, then three more occurred to me.
1 ) Circa Caotica
You play the role of Jabsh, a clown of a traveling circus, who suddenly discovers that he is no orphan but the son (Raka, daughter for female players) of the director, Maestro Leotardi. Minutes later after making the sobbing confession the boss is swallowed by the Crocodile Man in a suspicious accident. You have to own up to the unexpected legacy and step into the tight and tall boots of the director. Your responsibility is to keep the circus going by fine-tuning and inventing acts based on ideas solicited over regular all-troupe brainstorming sessions despite little starting respect from the others, who have decided to unionize as well (the mentalist takes notes). You must keep drawing in crowds to avert the bankruptcy, earn respect and manipulation points and find the truth behind Leotardi's death and the disappearance of the Big Green cashbox with everyone's last year salary and the medallion that supposedly bears the face of your mother the same evening. All the while you still have to perform in regular clown acts with your partner. You can play as a red clown or a white clown, and the other type will be your foil.
2) Nachtwaffe
"Ah, count. Decided to join me for a walk?" Vampires steal planes from the Nazi airforce to zoom through the dark skies over the Balkans and turn humans to make more of their own. You start out as a single nosferatu, converted from an arrogant German, and must find and raid small airports and landing strips across the forests and mountains of Roumania, impersonate a living officer to get supplies and fuel, avoid communist guerillas, find and build places to hide during the day and choose which humans to turn to expand your force. Naturally, it is all quite a dead end, as the war is bound to finish sooner or later, which radio broadcasts confirm, and what then will happen to the vampiric empire? But this is something that the gameplay begins to convey to the player gradually. Hopefully the fate of someone who has no future but still does his all will touch some dormant strings in players' hearts.
3) Yuck!
The sleepy Tibetan village of Dongtso is unaware of what lurks in the bushes and the mountains: you, the desperately lonely yak-man. Born with a big head and two horns, you have only one connection to civilization: the gold ring in your nose. Squinting cross-eyed, you can just make out some kind of symbols on it, and a banner over the village shrine features ones like them. This must be the key. You have to lurk about the supersititious hamlet, helping the folk at night and out of sight with small chores and evesdropping on their reactions and conversations until you can pick up a few words, including, at some point, "Hello." Since this is a game about Tibet and shaping up something rebellious, let the tongue be one of Tibet's many and accompanied by Tibetan script. You can train to pronounce the words when you dare show yourself to children, old people and widows, to improve from mooing to legible speech, but until then you have to dodge men's hunting parties and survive. With enough good deeds and a few friends, you might win the folk's confidence and stand before the village council so that someone might teach you to read. The quest becomes complicated, however, by the appearance of the army of People's Republic of China that establishes a base in the village in its push to subdue Tibet. The year is 1952. One of the newcomers is a local - a renegade llama who, the villagers say, has been on many supernatural journeys in the mountains, even to Shangri-La, but is now wearing the uniform of Tibet's conquerors. The writing on the ring, deciphered, identifies him as your father. What will happen next?
4) Footlocker
This is a soccer-themed RPG, but you view the sport from the point of view of a bookie besieged on all sides by mafia. To pay back his debt he resolves on a colossal set-up: first get control of an underdog team, then bring them at least to the regional semi-finals and, with the bets in their favor, make them lose in a big way. The thugs are ready to provide cash handouts, leg-breaking, knuckle sandwiches, addictive opioids and more to get the right people on the team and stubborn elements out, but at the cost of increased control and cut of the profits. You must balance their appetities with placating sports authorities, the press, sponsors and police. In the final match a dilemma presents itself: go through with the plan and ruin the team or defy the gangsters and take your chances on the right side of the tracks?
5) And See It Again For the First Time
Starting out from your homeland on three caravels, you unfurl the sails and set out to circumnavigate the world. The globe is randomly generated every time and rolls away at the horizon, with the map, continents and straits unknown beforehand, in the manner of River Raid. Your characters are the three ships and their crews, condition and supplies are their stats. Dropping anchor at strange shores and dealing with natives will be necessary but dangerous as they fight with each other, shuffle and migrate like microbes. Loss of crew can't be repaired. At least one of the ships must find the passages and make it to the fabulous Gate of Makhamedi, enter it from the far side and begin the journey home.
6) The Person and the Essence
In the beginning chapter you play Sauqin, second-in-command to general Varziranga, head of the army of the Arcolan Empire sent to quash the rebellion of Panlaa, who has tried to bring his province to secede. The imperial army has crushed Panlaa'a troops a fortnight ago and has got him shut in the Ravine of the Gold Specks. Complete victory is near, but the commander has been acting strangely since the battle. On this decisive night his behavior spins out of control just as Panlaa makes a sudden sally from his trap, causing great confusion. As his lieutenant, it falls to you to maintain order in dealing with the various officers as well as the clerics of the One, who insist that Panlaa, a lapsed pagan, be given to them for execution once he is captured. The ending of the chapter will determine whether Panlaa ends in the emperor's prison in the capital, Hotharsoom, alive or dead at the clerics' hands, whether Varziranga will be simply demoted or disgraced.
Chapter two will take place in the capital city. You will have been promoted to a top military command for your performance, only to become embroiled in an intrigue involving the emperor's controlling mother, a consequential schism in the church of the One over whether the head of state is eternally the same person reincarnated or a series of persons, demagogues in the public and lurking pagans with unclear motives. Other chapters will follow, and the endings will determine who sits on the throne and who stands behind it, whether state policy is in principle subject to revision and criticism or not and whether the pagan faiths are crushed without mercy or adopted into the church of the One. The material here is Byzantium, Egypt with the notion of the pharaoh as incarnate Horus and the empires of southeast Asia. Some early Christian heresies also deserve to be revivified.
7) Of Rats and Men
You are a rat trapped in the gears of the Trumpet of Doom, the hugest, heaviest and most advanced steam ship ever to paddle the Grumuous Sea. This basin is famously salty enough to let even an iron float for a time, which, the public money finally gathered, made it the perfect road to carry the 25-inch-gunned ("24 + 1 for Paterland!") Trumpet to the shores of Festaly and at last give those Festalians what for! The citizenry is cheering with patriotic joy, the brass bands are blowing. The ship rats are less happy, especially you, who were captain Reissenpouf's pet before you managed to scramble through a porthole and below the desk as he was buttering a toast. You are nearly panicky with fright. Unlike the locals there, you have spent time locked with the diagrams in the captain's safe and know that the battleship is very weakly armored below the waterline. Someone must have made a good bit of business during the construction selling the metal. When the Trumpet comes up against the Festalians with their triton suicides or their rumored counterpart ship, the Rough Musician, not even the Grumuous Sea will keep it from ending up as a gigantic, barnacled wreck on the ocean floor.
To avoid this fate you only have so much time to organize the other rats for systematic sabotage. The game's world is the enormous ship below and above the deck. The humans of the crew are, of course, adamant in their resolve to get themselves killed, so they will repair the servos, the cables turning the massive gears, the ball bearings, the hydraulics and the rest almost as quickly as those are destroyed. This effort will be headed by the near-transparent, monochrome spindle of a man, Admiral Hel, the leader of the expedition, always of his private high deck, sipping his black milk and staring through his spectacles ahead to where TOD's fate awaits it. If all of you ratfolk together gnaw through and spoil enough of the ship's devices, however, the captain might just have the authority to radio Kaiser Walzer of the decision to turn back... though you personally may also have to sneak back into his cabin to sit on his pillow and intone suggestions as he sleeps. The fact that you are an albino rat and at first come across as a crazy visionary doesn't help, and neither does being a female rat and having to give birth to a litter every so often. The current mate can be deputied on tasks while lactating. Other ships may sometimes be encountered in the sea, with different results, and you may improve your reputation in the murine community by predicting these encounters, if you check the looking glass often enough. The length of the game, and hence the difficulty, depends on the distance to Festalian waters - from two weeks' journey to three months.
8) Cosmic Choir
You play as one of the planets of the solar system. The other actors and your partners are the thieving and scurrilous Mercury, the lusty and sly Venus, the militant braggart Mars and so on. And you are the meh-in-the-middle Earth, and in this group of strong personalities stand out with your unique ability of Rational Decision (it would be nice to get Woody Allen for the voice acting, were he younger). Other planets have other powers, and all of them certain characteristics and appetites (for tasty meteorites, for more intimate or more standoffish orbits and so on). The plot revolves around the announcement of the Sun that it has had enough of burning hydrogen and wants to retire, going immediately into the red giant phase, which would, of course, burn up all of the inner planets and kick the outer planets way out. For this the star has recruited a planet-sized asteroid, large enough to pull most of the star fuel away so that the moribund transformation may be set in motion. The euthanatic dark planet is whirring ever closer. Before it gets on a near enough orbit to disrupt the Sun the other planets must find out what caused this sudden depression and persuade their ruler and source of life otherwise. (The answer is that the Sun has always dreamt of going nova but lacks substance.) Playing as the only inhabited planet, you must also keep the life forms on you alive through all of the maneuvering. If you can get Mars to cooperate, however, you may shorten the distance enough for humanity and some of the ecosystems to make the leap and found Musk City there, and then you won't have to care about your surface anymore.
9) Paris, 1245 A.D.
A meticulously researched simulation of the criminal underworld of medieval Paris and the worlds that abutted on it: those of the church, guilds, city watch, the university, lepers, the court and so on. No shortcuts and simplifications for babies who can't tell a Benedictine from a Cistercian. A dynamically filled encyclopedia may be included, though, and remain permanently unlocked for later replays. The main character is a vagrant and a thief. This may be a persistent sandbox, possibly a multiplayer RPG, or it may have a plot, but strictly within historical realities.
10) The Last Supper
You play the role of Jesus, son of God, in the company of the twelve disciples. The game should probably be in first person. (The Sermon of the Mount and such may be shown in cutscenes, or they may be challenges in quiz form.) The time period is your wanderings in Judea after the baptism and until the last night before the arrest. The background is the Judaic society at the time and its Roman controllers, somewhat historically accurate. This is a detective story, a wholldoit where you need to figure out who is best suited to betray you in due time so that you may prep him for the job and finally give him the impetus to "do it quicker" at the Last Supper. For Christ certainly needed someone to betray him. It's not always Judas: the identity of the potential traitor, along with his motives, will vary randomly between playthroughs. Incidents and encounters along the road, both recorded in the Bible and invented, will liven up the experience and better inform you about the personalities of the disciples, building on but going beyond what is known (Peter with his short temper, the lofty John an so on).
11) Cuadrophobia
Ships and the sea again. This time you are a typical sailor with an atypically strong survival instinct on one of the vessels in a colossal game of Battleship between Our Guy and the Other Player. Accordingly, there are two grids firing at each other: your side's and the enemy's, though you only get to travel across your own. The ship you begin on is chosen at random: it may be anything in size from a single-squarer to a five-squarer. Smaller ships are less likely to be hit, of course, but when a ship is finished, it sinks, and you with it. The purpose of the game is to survive until Our Guy's victory, which programmatically is likely but not guaranteed and happens about 70% of the time. To do this you must desert on a regular basis, setting out in a dinghy to a ship more favored in the current situation. However, the dinghy only travels three squares per turn, and you can only spend two turns in the open sea before dying. You also need time on board ships to access their radio broadcasts, which, besides playing some inspirational propaganda, update the picture of the grid as the battle rages. Without it you are limited to paddling to vessels that you can directly see. The role-playing element comes from dealing with ship commanders, who all take their duties and titles - captain of Cruiser! captain of Battleship! - very seriously, from picking up supplies in floating debris and from acquiring special abilities that let you, for example, paddle an extra square farther. Is war evil? Is it to be hated, or is our side to be cheered on? After all, if Our Guy loses, this will all have been in vain.
12) Standardom
In this game of life, dedicated to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), you must pass through all of the Gates of Conformity to win your ultimate prize - death from old age, as opposed to suicide. The option to kill yourself is always available in the menu. Being the hero and chickenshit that you are, though, you are determined to submit to every humiliation just so you can press forward. The world of the game is a vertical platform that moves with you along the Y axis, which represents time from some random year forwards: you may begin at 100 B.C., 1824 A.D., 12749 j-Spec and so on. It is really all the same where on the timeline you are dropped off. As with other platformers, once the screen has moved, there is no going back. You can walk freely to the left and right, however, pick up bonuses, disarm threats and converse with characters. Going up, every so often the screen is intersected by a wall with a gate in it. Your character's silhouette must either match the cut of the gate or be smaller to pass through. You start out small as a baby, a little circle, but very soon handicaps such as Discovery of Talent, Unusual Upbringing, Independent Spirit or Love of Sex will begin to rush at you to complicate your silhouette with Г, & and other such protrusions. You will also grow in size until your late 20s. Luckily, opportunities will also present themselves to prune some of this exotica: Family, Steady Job, Political Engagement, Puppy, Human Interest and other bonuses can be found or obtained from conversations to simplify your puzzle to a manageable cut until such time as the years pile on and the worst is behind you. You will become smaller and smaller and able to rush through the checkpoints one after the other to the finish line.
13) Six Handshakes to Liberty
The country is suffering under a cruel dictatorship. Ar-Parason, the president-for-life, has wrung the last of resources from the nation and has now thrown it into a disastrous war. In his palace he is surrounded by guards armed to the teeth and without a shred of conscience to shoot the bastard. What can you, a humble microbiologist living in the suburbs, do about this? Nothing, it seems, until you discover a strain of bacteria that is absolutely deadly within weeks and immune to all known antibiotics except one, still not fully developed. The microbe is passed along by touch. Alas, you discover it when you become infected with it. You still have the resources to finish the research on the antibiotic and save yourself, but now you realize that you possess the perfect secret weapon to rid the country of the tyrant. Although you can't get so close to Ar-Parason in person, someone must enjoy that intimacy...
Every day you do your research at the computer, look through the press, then put on gloves and go out in search of people in contact with other people who will, you hope, ultimately carry the strain to its target. You have to follow news to figure out whose hands to shake and who to sleep with - secretaries, daughters of generals, corrupt officials - and many times the scheme will fall short of success. The chain of handshakes will terminate early somewhere, and these intermediaries will just die. But all those sacrifices are worth it, aren't they? You keep several intrigues going at once, determined to see one of them to the end. Meanwhile an epidemic is beginning in the country, Ar-Parason is starting to take precautions, and your own remaining time that could be spent on finishing the antibiotic is also running short. What is more important: life, revenge, justice, survival, honor? Your actions will be your decisions.
submitted by gweleif to gamedev [link] [comments]
I have never had an opportunity to make a game of my own (it takes a team besides everything else), but I have made mods for a very old RPG for years - new mechanics, plots, magic, quests, effects, scripts, writing and so on. I have more or less put that old engine on its head, though I know hardly anyone will ever find out about my efforts. This is to say that I am not a pure theorist. Some time in the winter, bored and exasperated, I decided to do a quick marathon of game ideas - for RPG, quests, simulations, something in-between - and see how many I can whip out on the run. I would like something from here picked up by a company, but I am not advertising. I realize that is probably not something that might happen. It was a good exercise for me, however. Here are the results for all to see. I did ten first, then three more occurred to me.
1 ) Circa Caotica
You play the role of Jabsh, a clown of a traveling circus, who suddenly discovers that he is no orphan but the son (Raka, daughter for female players) of the director, Maestro Leotardi. Minutes later after making the sobbing confession the boss is swallowed by the Crocodile Man in a suspicious accident. You have to own up to the unexpected legacy and step into the tight and tall boots of the director. Your responsibility is to keep the circus going by fine-tuning and inventing acts based on ideas solicited over regular all-troupe brainstorming sessions despite little starting respect from the others, who have decided to unionize as well (the mentalist takes notes). You must keep drawing in crowds to avert the bankruptcy, earn respect and manipulation points and find the truth behind Leotardi's death and the disappearance of the Big Green cashbox with everyone's last year salary and the medallion that supposedly bears the face of your mother the same evening. All the while you still have to perform in regular clown acts with your partner. You can play as a red clown or a white clown, and the other type will be your foil.
2) Nachtwaffe
"Ah, count. Decided to join me for a walk?" Vampires steal planes from the Nazi airforce to zoom through the dark skies over the Balkans and turn humans to make more of their own. You start out as a single nosferatu, converted from an arrogant German, and must find and raid small airports and landing strips across the forests and mountains of Roumania, impersonate a living officer to get supplies and fuel, avoid communist guerillas, find and build places to hide during the day and choose which humans to turn to expand your force. Naturally, it is all quite a dead end, as the war is bound to finish sooner or later, which radio broadcasts confirm, and what then will happen to the vampiric empire? But this is something that the gameplay begins to convey to the player gradually. Hopefully the fate of someone who has no future but still does his all will touch some dormant strings in players' hearts.
3) Yuck!
The sleepy Tibetan village of Dongtso is unaware of what lurks in the bushes and the mountains: you, the desperately lonely yak-man. Born with a big head and two horns, you have only one connection to civilization: the gold ring in your nose. Squinting cross-eyed, you can just make out some kind of symbols on it, and a banner over the village shrine features ones like them. This must be the key. You have to lurk about the supersititious hamlet, helping the folk at night and out of sight with small chores and evesdropping on their reactions and conversations until you can pick up a few words, including, at some point, "Hello." Since this is a game about Tibet and shaping up something rebellious, let the tongue be one of Tibet's many and accompanied by Tibetan script. You can train to pronounce the words when you dare show yourself to children, old people and widows, to improve from mooing to legible speech, but until then you have to dodge men's hunting parties and survive. With enough good deeds and a few friends, you might win the folk's confidence and stand before the village council so that someone might teach you to read. The quest becomes complicated, however, by the appearance of the army of People's Republic of China that establishes a base in the village in its push to subdue Tibet. The year is 1952. One of the newcomers is a local - a renegade llama who, the villagers say, has been on many supernatural journeys in the mountains, even to Shangri-La, but is now wearing the uniform of Tibet's conquerors. The writing on the ring, deciphered, identifies him as your father. What will happen next?
4) Footlocker
This is a soccer-themed RPG, but you view the sport from the point of view of a bookie besieged on all sides by mafia. To pay back his debt he resolves on a colossal set-up: first get control of an underdog team, then bring them at least to the regional semi-finals and, with the bets in their favor, make them lose in a big way. The thugs are ready to provide cash handouts, leg-breaking, knuckle sandwiches, addictive opioids and more to get the right people on the team and stubborn elements out, but at the cost of increased control and cut of the profits. You must balance their appetities with placating sports authorities, the press, sponsors and police. In the final match a dilemma presents itself: go through with the plan and ruin the team or defy the gangsters and take your chances on the right side of the tracks?
5) And See It Again For the First Time
Starting out from your homeland on three caravels, you unfurl the sails and set out to circumnavigate the world. The globe is randomly generated every time and rolls away at the horizon, with the map, continents and straits unknown beforehand, in the manner of River Raid. Your characters are the three ships and their crews, condition and supplies are their stats. Dropping anchor at strange shores and dealing with natives will be necessary but dangerous as they fight with each other, shuffle and migrate like microbes. Loss of crew can't be repaired. At least one of the ships must find the passages and make it to the fabulous Gate of Makhamedi, enter it from the far side and begin the journey home.
6) The Person and the Essence
In the beginning chapter you play Sauqin, second-in-command to general Varziranga, head of the army of the Arcolan Empire sent to quash the rebellion of Panlaa, who has tried to bring his province to secede. The imperial army has crushed Panlaa'a troops a fortnight ago and has got him shut in the Ravine of the Gold Specks. Complete victory is near, but the commander has been acting strangely since the battle. On this decisive night his behavior spins out of control just as Panlaa makes a sudden sally from his trap, causing great confusion. As his lieutenant, it falls to you to maintain order in dealing with the various officers as well as the clerics of the One, who insist that Panlaa, a lapsed pagan, be given to them for execution once he is captured. The ending of the chapter will determine whether Panlaa ends in the emperor's prison in the capital, Hotharsoom, alive or dead at the clerics' hands, whether Varziranga will be simply demoted or disgraced.
Chapter two will take place in the capital city. You will have been promoted to a top military command for your performance, only to become embroiled in an intrigue involving the emperor's controlling mother, a consequential schism in the church of the One over whether the head of state is eternally the same person reincarnated or a series of persons, demagogues in the public and lurking pagans with unclear motives. Other chapters will follow, and the endings will determine who sits on the throne and who stands behind it, whether state policy is in principle subject to revision and criticism or not and whether the pagan faiths are crushed without mercy or adopted into the church of the One. The material here is Byzantium, Egypt with the notion of the pharaoh as incarnate Horus and the empires of southeast Asia. Some early Christian heresies also deserve to be revivified.
7) Of Rats and Men
You are a rat trapped in the gears of the Trumpet of Doom, the hugest, heaviest and most advanced steam ship ever to paddle the Grumuous Sea. This basin is famously salty enough to let even an iron float for a time, which, the public money finally gathered, made it the perfect road to carry the 25-inch-gunned ("24 + 1 for Paterland!") Trumpet to the shores of Festaly and at last give those Festalians what for! The citizenry is cheering with patriotic joy, the brass bands are blowing. The ship rats are less happy, especially you, who were captain Reissenpouf's pet before you managed to scramble through a porthole and below the desk as he was buttering a toast. You are nearly panicky with fright. Unlike the locals there, you have spent time locked with the diagrams in the captain's safe and know that the battleship is very weakly armored below the waterline. Someone must have made a good bit of business during the construction selling the metal. When the Trumpet comes up against the Festalians with their triton suicides or their rumored counterpart ship, the Rough Musician, not even the Grumuous Sea will keep it from ending up as a gigantic, barnacled wreck on the ocean floor.
To avoid this fate you only have so much time to organize the other rats for systematic sabotage. The game's world is the enormous ship below and above the deck. The humans of the crew are, of course, adamant in their resolve to get themselves killed, so they will repair the servos, the cables turning the massive gears, the ball bearings, the hydraulics and the rest almost as quickly as those are destroyed. This effort will be headed by the near-transparent, monochrome spindle of a man, Admiral Hel, the leader of the expedition, always of his private high deck, sipping his black milk and staring through his spectacles ahead to where TOD's fate awaits it. If all of you ratfolk together gnaw through and spoil enough of the ship's devices, however, the captain might just have the authority to radio Kaiser Walzer of the decision to turn back... though you personally may also have to sneak back into his cabin to sit on his pillow and intone suggestions as he sleeps. The fact that you are an albino rat and at first come across as a crazy visionary doesn't help, and neither does being a female rat and having to give birth to a litter every so often. The current mate can be deputied on tasks while lactating. Other ships may sometimes be encountered in the sea, with different results, and you may improve your reputation in the murine community by predicting these encounters, if you check the looking glass often enough. The length of the game, and hence the difficulty, depends on the distance to Festalian waters - from two weeks' journey to three months.
8) Cosmic Choir
You play as one of the planets of the solar system. The other actors and your partners are the thieving and scurrilous Mercury, the lusty and sly Venus, the militant braggart Mars and so on. And you are the meh-in-the-middle Earth, and in this group of strong personalities stand out with your unique ability of Rational Decision (it would be nice to get Woody Allen for the voice acting, were he younger). Other planets have other powers, and all of them certain characteristics and appetites (for tasty meteorites, for more intimate or more standoffish orbits and so on). The plot revolves around the announcement of the Sun that it has had enough of burning hydrogen and wants to retire, going immediately into the red giant phase, which would, of course, burn up all of the inner planets and kick the outer planets way out. For this the star has recruited a planet-sized asteroid, large enough to pull most of the star fuel away so that the moribund transformation may be set in motion. The euthanatic dark planet is whirring ever closer. Before it gets on a near enough orbit to disrupt the Sun the other planets must find out what caused this sudden depression and persuade their ruler and source of life otherwise. (The answer is that the Sun has always dreamt of going nova but lacks substance.) Playing as the only inhabited planet, you must also keep the life forms on you alive through all of the maneuvering. If you can get Mars to cooperate, however, you may shorten the distance enough for humanity and some of the ecosystems to make the leap and found Musk City there, and then you won't have to care about your surface anymore.
9) Paris, 1245 A.D.
A meticulously researched simulation of the criminal underworld of medieval Paris and the worlds that abutted on it: those of the church, guilds, city watch, the university, lepers, the court and so on. No shortcuts and simplifications for babies who can't tell a Benedictine from a Cistercian. A dynamically filled encyclopedia may be included, though, and remain permanently unlocked for later replays. The main character is a vagrant and a thief. This may be a persistent sandbox, possibly a multiplayer RPG, or it may have a plot, but strictly within historical realities.
10) The Last Supper
You play the role of Jesus, son of God, in the company of the twelve disciples. The game should probably be in first person. (The Sermon of the Mount and such may be shown in cutscenes, or they may be challenges in quiz form.) The time period is your wanderings in Judea after the baptism and until the last night before the arrest. The background is the Judaic society at the time and its Roman controllers, somewhat historically accurate. This is a detective story, a wholldoit where you need to figure out who is best suited to betray you in due time so that you may prep him for the job and finally give him the impetus to "do it quicker" at the Last Supper. For Christ certainly needed someone to betray him. It's not always Judas: the identity of the potential traitor, along with his motives, will vary randomly between playthroughs. Incidents and encounters along the road, both recorded in the Bible and invented, will liven up the experience and better inform you about the personalities of the disciples, building on but going beyond what is known (Peter with his short temper, the lofty John an so on).
11) Cuadrophobia
Ships and the sea again. This time you are a typical sailor with an atypically strong survival instinct on one of the vessels in a colossal game of Battleship between Our Guy and the Other Player. Accordingly, there are two grids firing at each other: your side's and the enemy's, though you only get to travel across your own. The ship you begin on is chosen at random: it may be anything in size from a single-squarer to a five-squarer. Smaller ships are less likely to be hit, of course, but when a ship is finished, it sinks, and you with it. The purpose of the game is to survive until Our Guy's victory, which programmatically is likely but not guaranteed and happens about 70% of the time. To do this you must desert on a regular basis, setting out in a dinghy to a ship more favored in the current situation. However, the dinghy only travels three squares per turn, and you can only spend two turns in the open sea before dying. You also need time on board ships to access their radio broadcasts, which, besides playing some inspirational propaganda, update the picture of the grid as the battle rages. Without it you are limited to paddling to vessels that you can directly see. The role-playing element comes from dealing with ship commanders, who all take their duties and titles - captain of Cruiser! captain of Battleship! - very seriously, from picking up supplies in floating debris and from acquiring special abilities that let you, for example, paddle an extra square farther. Is war evil? Is it to be hated, or is our side to be cheered on? After all, if Our Guy loses, this will all have been in vain.
12) Standardom
In this game of life, dedicated to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), you must pass through all of the Gates of Conformity to win your ultimate prize - death from old age, as opposed to suicide. The option to kill yourself is always available in the menu. Being the hero and chickenshit that you are, though, you are determined to submit to every humiliation just so you can press forward. The world of the game is a vertical platform that moves with you along the Y axis, which represents time from some random year forwards: you may begin at 100 B.C., 1824 A.D., 12749 j-Spec and so on. It is really all the same where on the timeline you are dropped off. As with other platformers, once the screen has moved, there is no going back. You can walk freely to the left and right, however, pick up bonuses, disarm threats and converse with characters. Going up, every so often the screen is intersected by a wall with a gate in it. Your character's silhouette must either match the cut of the gate or be smaller to pass through. You start out small as a baby, a little circle, but very soon handicaps such as Discovery of Talent, Unusual Upbringing, Independent Spirit or Love of Sex will begin to rush at you to complicate your silhouette with Г, & and other such protrusions. You will also grow in size until your late 20s. Luckily, opportunities will also present themselves to prune some of this exotica: Family, Steady Job, Political Engagement, Puppy, Human Interest and other bonuses can be found or obtained from conversations to simplify your puzzle to a manageable cut until such time as the years pile on and the worst is behind you. You will become smaller and smaller and able to rush through the checkpoints one after the other to the finish line.
13) Six Handshakes to Liberty
The country is suffering under a cruel dictatorship. Ar-Parason, the president-for-life, has wrung the last of resources from the nation and has now thrown it into a disastrous war. In his palace he is surrounded by guards armed to the teeth and without a shred of conscience to shoot the bastard. What can you, a humble microbiologist living in the suburbs, do about this? Nothing, it seems, until you discover a strain of bacteria that is absolutely deadly within weeks and immune to all known antibiotics except one, still not fully developed. The microbe is passed along by touch. Alas, you discover it when you become infected with it. You still have the resources to finish the research on the antibiotic and save yourself, but now you realize that you possess the perfect secret weapon to rid the country of the tyrant. Although you can't get so close to Ar-Parason in person, someone must enjoy that intimacy...
Every day you do your research at the computer, look through the press, then put on gloves and go out in search of people in contact with other people who will, you hope, ultimately carry the strain to its target. You have to follow news to figure out whose hands to shake and who to sleep with - secretaries, daughters of generals, corrupt officials - and many times the scheme will fall short of success. The chain of handshakes will terminate early somewhere, and these intermediaries will just die. But all those sacrifices are worth it, aren't they? You keep several intrigues going at once, determined to see one of them to the end. Meanwhile an epidemic is beginning in the country, Ar-Parason is starting to take precautions, and your own remaining time that could be spent on finishing the antibiotic is also running short. What is more important: life, revenge, justice, survival, honor? Your actions will be your decisions.
2023.06.03 15:45 poullange97 Stock enthusiasts! I've got some hot firefly AI knowledge to drop on you, and it's all about why Adobe stock is about to skyrocket (I hope)!
Word on the street is that Adobe ($ADBE) has been playing some sly games to maintain its market dominance. Rumor has it they've been strategically seeding the internet with pirated copies of Photoshop, making it a breeze to crack. This tactic has allowed them to establish an iron grip on the industry, while turning a blind eye to the pirates dancing around with their illicit copies. It's no wonder the phrase "that's Photoshopped!" has become synonymous with digital trickery. Talk about keeping the competition at bay!
But hold on tight, because there's a game-changer in town. Introducing Firefly AI, the surprise superstar of Photoshop (BETA). This AI-powered tool is an absolute game-changer, my friends. Nothing else out there can match its capabilities right now, and mark my words, it's only going to get better. Brace yourselves for mind-blowing photo mash-ups that will blow your artistic socks off. The momentum it's generating is sending shockwaves through the creative universe!
But wait, there's a catch. Firefly AI isn't letting the pirates hitch a free ride. Nope, it demands a Creative Cloud subscription. This move by Adobe is their way of forcing those pirates to dock their ships and join the legal party. And guess what? The subscription model is the key to their positive revenue. When those earnings reports hit, expect financial fireworks like never before.
Speaking of subscriptions, Adobe has got it all figured out. They've got options for everyone. Choose the cheap version with a cancellation fee (50%) if you bail out before a year, or go for the more expensive one that allows you to cancel whenever you please. They're giving you the flexibility to keep those revenue streams flowing like a mighty river.
Here's the secret sauce: While other AI art companies are drowning in copyright claims, Adobe is sailing through those stormy waters unscathed. How? They own a massive stock gallery that's exclusively theirs. And guess what again? When you've got a Creative Cloud subscription, those little checkboxes that ask if it's okay to send product usage information are automatically checked. It's like an all-access pass for Adobe to make their AI even better, utilizing that data to refine and enhance the Firefly AI experience. Talk about an unfair advantage in the art AI arena!
So, my fellow masters of the stock universe, let's hop aboard our spaceships and ride the Adobe rocket to the moon together. Let's do this!
Personally, I bought stocks at $370 and have call options expiring on the 23rd of June with a strike price of $500. I don't see it as the next Nvidia, but hopefully, something joyful will be presented at the earnings call on the 15th of June.
Inspired by Token. If you know, you know.
submitted by poullange97 to stocks [link] [comments]
But hold on tight, because there's a game-changer in town. Introducing Firefly AI, the surprise superstar of Photoshop (BETA). This AI-powered tool is an absolute game-changer, my friends. Nothing else out there can match its capabilities right now, and mark my words, it's only going to get better. Brace yourselves for mind-blowing photo mash-ups that will blow your artistic socks off. The momentum it's generating is sending shockwaves through the creative universe!
But wait, there's a catch. Firefly AI isn't letting the pirates hitch a free ride. Nope, it demands a Creative Cloud subscription. This move by Adobe is their way of forcing those pirates to dock their ships and join the legal party. And guess what? The subscription model is the key to their positive revenue. When those earnings reports hit, expect financial fireworks like never before.
Speaking of subscriptions, Adobe has got it all figured out. They've got options for everyone. Choose the cheap version with a cancellation fee (50%) if you bail out before a year, or go for the more expensive one that allows you to cancel whenever you please. They're giving you the flexibility to keep those revenue streams flowing like a mighty river.
Here's the secret sauce: While other AI art companies are drowning in copyright claims, Adobe is sailing through those stormy waters unscathed. How? They own a massive stock gallery that's exclusively theirs. And guess what again? When you've got a Creative Cloud subscription, those little checkboxes that ask if it's okay to send product usage information are automatically checked. It's like an all-access pass for Adobe to make their AI even better, utilizing that data to refine and enhance the Firefly AI experience. Talk about an unfair advantage in the art AI arena!
So, my fellow masters of the stock universe, let's hop aboard our spaceships and ride the Adobe rocket to the moon together. Let's do this!
Personally, I bought stocks at $370 and have call options expiring on the 23rd of June with a strike price of $500. I don't see it as the next Nvidia, but hopefully, something joyful will be presented at the earnings call on the 15th of June.
Inspired by Token. If you know, you know.
2023.06.03 15:45 nerduhlicious [CHAT] How many WIPs at one time is too many? How many do you work simultaneously?
![[CHAT] How many WIPs at one time is too many? How many do you work simultaneously?](https://preview.redd.it/b36zq9sm4t3b1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=44c932be33486d0ccc9b17e131e795c94f23acc2 "[CHAT] How many WIPs at one time is too many? How many do you work simultaneously?") | Bought these on vacation last week. I love The Posy Collection patterns! I already have 2 WIPs and I'm not sure I should start another yet. submitted by nerduhlicious to CrossStitch [link] [comments] |
2023.06.03 15:29 sakatcher Can anyone tell me about this vintage wrought iron outdoor dining table set (and accompanying chaise and ottoman)? Maker? Era? I was told it was from the 40s or earlier. Thanks!
 | submitted by sakatcher to Mid_Century [link] [comments] |
2023.06.03 15:12 _Triple_ [STORE] 900+ KNIVES/GLOVES/SKINS, 50.000$+ INVENTORY. M9 Fade, M4 Poseidon, BFK Freehand, Crimson Kimono, Nomad Fade, Skeleton, Kara Lore, Bayo Autotronic, AWP Fade, Kara Damas, BFK Ultra, Kara Freehand, Kara Bright, M9 Damas, Omega, Tiger Strike, Flip MF, Bayo Tiger, Deagle Blaze, Talon & More
Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory
Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.
All Buyouts are listed in cash value.
KNIVES
★ Butterfly Knife Freehand FN #1, B/O: $2500
★ Butterfly Knife Ultraviolet FT, B/O: $822
★ Butterfly Knife Scorched FT, B/O: $616
⎯★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth MW #1, B/O: $1300
★ Bayonet Autotronic FN, B/O: $1050
★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth MW, B/O: $629
★ Bayonet Bright Water FT, B/O: $326
★ Bayonet Safari Mesh BS, B/O: $233
⎯★ Karambit Lore FT, B/O: $1110
★ Karambit Damascus Steel FT, B/O: $840
★ Karambit Freehand MW, B/O: $784
★ Karambit Bright Water MW, B/O: $759
⎯★ M9 Bayonet Fade FN, B/O: $1801
★ M9 Bayonet Fade FN, B/O: $1801
★ M9 Bayonet Damascus Steel FN, B/O: $751
⎯★ Nomad Knife Fade FN, B/O: $1156
★ Nomad Knife Slaughter MW, B/O: $544
★ Nomad Knife Blue Steel WW, B/O: $318
⎯★ Flip Knife Marble Fade FN, B/O: $646
★ Flip Knife Doppler (Phase 4) FN, B/O: $574
★ Flip Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 1) MW, B/O: $552
★ Flip Knife Case Hardened FT, B/O: $257
★ Flip Knife Freehand FT, B/O: $255
★ StatTrak™ Flip Knife Bright Water FN, B/O: $287
⎯★ Huntsman Knife Lore FN, B/O: $461
★ Huntsman Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 4) FN, B/O: $436
★ Huntsman Knife Doppler (Phase 3) FN, B/O: $353
★ Huntsman Knife Autotronic FT, B/O: $212
★ Huntsman Knife Bright Water FT, B/O: $129
★ Huntsman Knife Forest DDPAT MW, B/O: $129
★ Huntsman Knife Forest DDPAT BS, B/O: $123
★ StatTrak™ Huntsman Knife Rust Coat BS, B/O: $127
⎯★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 2) FN, B/O: $375
★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 1) FN, B/O: $363
★ Bowie Knife Tiger Tooth FN, B/O: $269
★ Bowie Knife Crimson Web WW, B/O: $192
★ Bowie Knife Bright Water FN, B/O: $159
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet FT, B/O: $126
⎯★ Stiletto Knife Slaughter FN, B/O: $616
★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web FT, B/O: $412
★ StatTrak™ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe FT, B/O: $227
⎯★ Falchion Knife Lore FT, B/O: $214
★ Falchion Knife Autotronic FT, B/O: $192
★ Falchion Knife Scorched WW, B/O: $105
⎯★ Survival Knife Crimson Web BS, B/O: $216
★ Survival Knife Case Hardened FT, B/O: $198
★ Survival Knife Scorched FT, B/O: $111
⎯★ Shadow Daggers Fade FN, B/O: $368
★ Shadow Daggers Doppler (Phase 3) FN, B/O: $228
★ Shadow Daggers, B/O: $201
★ Shadow Daggers Damascus Steel FT, B/O: $108
★ Shadow Daggers Ultraviolet FT, B/O: $105
★ Shadow Daggers Black Laminate FT, B/O: $99
★ Shadow Daggers Forest DDPAT FT, B/O: $85
⎯★ Gut Knife Doppler (Sapphire) MW #1, B/O: $1700
★ Gut Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 1) FN, B/O: $223
★ Gut Knife Marble Fade FN, B/O: $203
★ Gut Knife Doppler (Phase 2) FN, B/O: $191
★ Gut Knife Case Hardened BS, B/O: $127
⎯★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Phase 4) FN, B/O: $199
★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Phase 4) FN, B/O: $199
★ Navaja Knife, B/O: $138
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel FN, B/O: $111
⎯★ Classic Knife Urban Masked FT, B/O: $146
★ StatTrak™ Classic Knife Stained BS, B/O: $168
⎯★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Phase 3) FN, B/O: $476
★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $375
⎯★ Skeleton Knife, B/O: $1137
★ Talon Knife, B/O: $608
★ Paracord Knife, B/O: $305
★ Survival Knife Forest DDPAT FT, B/O: $97
GLOVES
★ Moto Gloves Transport MW, B/O: $204
★ Moto Gloves Polygon BS, B/O: $142
★ Moto Gloves Blood Pressure BS, B/O: $84
★ Moto Gloves Blood Pressure BS, B/O: $84
★ Moto Gloves 3rd Commando Company BS, B/O: $63
★ Moto Gloves 3rd Commando Company BS, B/O: $63
⎯★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Kimono WW, B/O: $1215
★ Specialist Gloves Tiger Strike FT, B/O: $672
★ Specialist Gloves Lt. Commander FT, B/O: $305
★ Specialist Gloves Lt. Commander BS, B/O: $140
★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web BS, B/O: $137
★ Specialist Gloves Buckshot FT, B/O: $75
⎯★ Driver Gloves Crimson Weave FT, B/O: $359
★ Driver Gloves Imperial Plaid BS, B/O: $229
★ Driver Gloves Overtake BS, B/O: $77
★ Driver Gloves Racing Green FT, B/O: $48
⎯★ Sport Gloves Omega FT, B/O: $739
★ Sport Gloves Amphibious BS #2, B/O: $733
★ Sport Gloves Arid BS, B/O: $292
⎯★ Hand Wraps Giraffe MW, B/O: $212
★ Hand Wraps Leather FT, B/O: $160
★ Hand Wraps Desert Shamagh MW, B/O: $101
⎯★ Broken Fang Gloves Yellow-banded MW, B/O: $185
★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point FT, B/O: $67
★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point WW, B/O: $59
⎯★ Hydra Gloves Case Hardened BS, B/O: $65
★ Hydra Gloves Emerald FT, B/O: $65
★ Hydra Gloves Emerald BS, B/O: $62
WEAPONS
AK-47 Case Hardened BS, B/O: $130
AK-47 Bloodsport MW, B/O: $79
AK-47 Fuel Injector BS, B/O: $76
AK-47 Fuel Injector BS, B/O: $76
AK-47 Bloodsport FT, B/O: $70
AK-47 Neon Rider MW, B/O: $60
StatTrak™ AK-47 Aquamarine Revenge FT, B/O: $72
⎯AWP Fade FN, B/O: $1039
AWP Asiimov FT, B/O: $139
AWP Asiimov FT, B/O: $139
AWP Wildfire MW, B/O: $95
AWP BOOM MW, B/O: $93
AWP BOOM MW, B/O: $93
AWP Duality FN, B/O: $81
AWP Asiimov BS, B/O: $79
AWP Asiimov BS, B/O: $79
AWP Chromatic Aberration FN, B/O: $60
StatTrak™ AWP Hyper Beast FT, B/O: $68
StatTrak™ AWP Hyper Beast FT, B/O: $68
StatTrak™ AWP Electric Hive FT, B/O: $55
⎯Desert Eagle Blaze FN, B/O: $623
Desert Eagle Emerald Jörmungandr FN, B/O: $241
Desert Eagle Cobalt Disruption FN, B/O: $81
Desert Eagle Cobalt Disruption FN, B/O: $81
Desert Eagle Cobalt Disruption FN, B/O: $81
Desert Eagle Printstream FT, B/O: $54
⎯M4A1-S Blue Phosphor FN, B/O: $434
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Bright Water MW, B/O: $55
⎯M4A4 Poseidon FN, B/O: $1465
M4A4 Asiimov BS, B/O: $55
M4A4 Hellfire MW, B/O: $50
⎯USP-S Kill Confirmed MW, B/O: $72
USP-S Printstream FT, B/O: $69
StatTrak™ USP-S Kill Confirmed FT, B/O: $139
⎯AUG Flame Jörmungandr FN, B/O: $234
P90 Run and Hide FT, B/O: $147
Five-SeveN Candy Apple FN, B/O: $61
Trade Offer Link - Steam Profile Link - My Inventory
Some items on the list may no longer be available or are still locked, visit My Inventory for more details.
Send a Trade Offer for fastest response. I consider all offers.
Add me for discuss if there is a serious offer that needs to be discussed.
2023.06.03 15:03 UnDead_Ted Morning and Evening Saturday, June 3rd 2023
 | 06/03/2023 submitted by UnDead_Ted to TheDailyDose [link] [comments] MorningThey were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah; they stayed there and worked for the king. — 1 Chr 4:23Potters were not the very highest grade of workers but “the king” needed potters, and therefore they were in royal service, although the material upon which they worked was nothing but clay. We, too, may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord’s work but it is a great privilege to do anything for “the king”; and therefore we will abide in our calling, hoping that, “although we have laid among the pots—yet shall we be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” The text tells us of those who dwelt among plants and hedges, having rough, rustic, hedging and ditching work to do. They may have desired to live in the city, amid its life, society, and refinement but they kept their appointed places, for they also were doing the king’s work. The place of our habitation is fixed, and we are not to remove from it out of whim and caprice but seek to serve the Lord in it, by being a blessing to those among whom we reside. These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they dwelt “with the king” and although among hedges and plants, they dwelt with the king there. No lawful place, or gracious occupation, however lowly, can debar us from communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarming lodging-houses, workhouses, or jails—we may go with the king. In all works of faith we may count upon Jesus’ fellowship. It is when we are in His work that we may reckon upon His smile. You unknown workers who are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low, be of good cheer, for jewels have been found upon dunghills before now, earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and ill weeds have been transformed into precious flowers! Dwell with the King for His work, and when He writes His chronicles—your name shall be recorded. 06/03/2023 EveningHe humbled himself. — Phil 2:8Jesus is the great teacher of lowliness of heart. We need daily to learn of Him. See the Master taking a towel and washing His disciples feet! Follower of Christ, will you not humble yourself? See Him as the Servant of servants and surely you cannot be proud! Is not this sentence the compendium of His biography, “He humbled Himself”? Was He not on earth always stripping off first one robe of honor and then another—until, naked, He was fastened to the cross, and there did He not empty out His inmost self, pouring out His life-blood, giving up for all of us, until they laid Him penniless in a borrowed grave? How low was our dear Redeemer brought! How then can we be proud? Stand at the foot of the cross, and count the purple drops by which you have been cleansed; see the thorn-crown; mark His scourged shoulders, still gushing with encrimsoned rills; see hands and feet given up to the rough iron, and His whole self to mockery and scorn; see the bitterness, and the pangs, and the throes of inward grief, showing themselves in His outward frame; hear the horrid shriek, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me!” If you do not lie prostrate on the ground before that cross—you have never seen it! If you are not humbled in the presence of Jesus—you do not know Him. You were so lost that nothing could save you but the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son. Think of that, and as Jesus stooped for you—bow yourself in lowliness at His feet. A sense of Christ’s amazing love to us—has a greater tendency to humble us than even a consciousness of our own guilt. May the Lord bring us in contemplation, to Calvary, then our position will no longer be that of the pompous man of pride but we shall take the humble place of one who loves much—because much has been forgiven him. Pride cannot live beneath the cross! Let us sit there and learn our lesson and then rise and carry it into practice. |
2023.06.03 15:00 themaltesefalcons Iil the In Good Company soundtrack to kickstart a weekend morning
The movie In Good Company is by no means a classic. But 19 years later in my view the soundtrack is. It's my go to in the morning for making breakfast on the weekend. A great combo of songs that are upbeat and just feel good.
Naked As We Came; Iron and Wine Glass, Concrete and Stone; David Byrne Solsbury Hill; Steely Dan Sunset Soon Forgotten; Iron and Wine
Recommend me similar soundtracks/albums/playlists that can kick start a weekend and good chill vibes.
submitted by themaltesefalcons to ifyoulikeblank [link] [comments]
Naked As We Came; Iron and Wine Glass, Concrete and Stone; David Byrne Solsbury Hill; Steely Dan Sunset Soon Forgotten; Iron and Wine
Recommend me similar soundtracks/albums/playlists that can kick start a weekend and good chill vibes.
2023.06.03 14:51 HarpGuy68 What the F happened ?
I used to be a consistent 15 hdcp. I basically stopped golfing, and played 10-20 times a year. Im not expecting to be a 15 again any time soon. I had TM P790s. They were too much club. I hit a bunch of new GI clubs and LOVED the T300s. I found a good deal and bought them. Correct shafts. Killed it at the range. I went to an outing yesterday and I should have been the best in my group and I was the worst. I couldn't hit ANY iron shots, any drives, or even freaking wedge shots. I needed to play decent so I could get invited to the fall open where all my companies big wigs are. I also went from standard grips to midsize and at the range they felt fantastic. I was also hitting big draws at the range and basically straight on the course. Completely different shot shapes. My driver has always been inconsistent. I hit a 260yard 3 wood yesterday that we needed badly.
P.s. when did the range get so God damned expensive? $27 for 120 balls!
Do I just need to get used to my new irons? Did I change too much at once (irons, grips, shit even new shoes) ? Should I sell my clubs and concentrate on fishing?
TLDR New clubs and grips ruined my outing. Should I quit?
submitted by HarpGuy68 to golf [link] [comments]
P.s. when did the range get so God damned expensive? $27 for 120 balls!
Do I just need to get used to my new irons? Did I change too much at once (irons, grips, shit even new shoes) ? Should I sell my clubs and concentrate on fishing?
TLDR New clubs and grips ruined my outing. Should I quit?
2023.06.03 14:49 chuckhustmyre [TH] Mirror Image
By Chuck Hustmyre
William Bailey's forehead shattered the mirror like a sledgehammer. The last thing he remembered before he blacked out was the feeling that he was falling through the mirror. Sub-cranial hematoma, a concussion, maybe even a cracked skull--that had to be the reason for the strange feeling. The mirror was mounted on the wall just to the right of the bar, four feet tall by about three feet wide. As consciousness slipped away, common sense and his strong belief in the rational world told him that he couldn't fall through the mirror. He must have bounced his head off the wall and be falling toward the floor.
It seemed like just a second or two before William's eyes popped open. He lay on his back, on the hard wood floor of Fausto's, with Johnny Davis towering over him. Big Johnny probably wanted to finish him off, maybe kill him, and finally end their twenty-year-old feud. Either Big Johnny Davis and the ceiling lights above him were spinning, or William's head was spinning, but either way something wasn't right.
He raised his head and looked to his left, toward the bar. Except the bar wasn't there. Instead, he was staring at the bathrooms. That didn't make sense. It must be his brain that had gotten spun around. William turned his head and peered over his size-ten wingtips at the busted mirror. The wooden frame and most of the glass still clung to the wall, the rest sat broken on the ground. The bar had to be on his left. He looked again, and still saw the bathrooms. A brain bruise, maybe some fluid pressure building up might be the cause of it.
"Get up!" Big Johnny Davis said.
William looked up at him. Johnny stood behind him, just beyond his shoulders. Perfect place for him to stomp my head into the plank floor. Except Johnny Davis was holding out his hand.
"Come on, we've got to get out of here."
Davis looked scared. It was the first time William Bailey could ever remember Johnny Davis looking scared. William had always been scared of Big Johnny, but Big Johnny wasn't scared of anything or anyone.
Police sirens wailed in the distance.
Johnny glanced over his shoulder. William craned his neck to look where Johnny was looking, saw he was staring at the front door like a man terrified something bad was going to come through it. Big Johnny looked down at him again and pumped his hand. "Come on, get up. They'll be here any second."
"Who?" William asked. "Who'll be--" But before he finished, Big Johnny Davis reached down, grabbed him by both arms, and jerked him to his feet.
As he was dragged toward the door by the only man in town who truly hated him, William glanced up and saw the rusted metal sign nailed above the door. He had to have a concussion, probably severe; that had to be it, because the letters on the sign were backward. It said TUO.
As Johnny Davis pulled him out the door, William heard tires skid on the pavement.
"Where's your car?" Johnny asked.
William twisted away from the big man's grip, then turned to his left. "In the alley." He started to run, still not sure exactly what he was running from.
Behind him, Big John shouted, "The alley's over here."
William kept running but turned his head back toward Johnny. "I know where the alley--"
Something hit him across the midsection and toppled him to the ground. He got his hands up just in time to break his fall and managed to keep his head from slamming into the sidewalk. When he looked up he saw a shopping cart tumbled onto its side.
Once again, William found himself lying flat on his back, this time amid the spilled contents of the cart. It had been filled with junk: paper bags full of dirty clothes, canned food, bags of potato chips, a diamond shaped, orange road sign, and other trash that looked like it had been collected from back alley garbage bins.
The homeless man who'd been pushing the cart was scrawny, and wafer thin. His skin was the color of old shoe leather, and he wore a long gray beard, tangled and matted with food and bits of filth. He was sprawled on the ground next to his cart, half sitting up, staring at William with his bright blue eyes.
Car doors slammed, men shouted.
"You better get going," the homeless man said, as he cocked his head. "The police after you?"
Police!
Before William could assure the old man that the police weren't after him--he was a respected businessman and family man--someone behind him grabbed him under both arms and pulled him to his feet. William turned and found himself staring into the face of Johnny Davis. "The alley's that way," Johnny said, pointing to the other side of Fausto's. With one hand gripping William's jacket, Johnny dashed across the front of the bar toward the alley. The alley--right there, plain as day--on the other side of Fausto's, right where it shouldn't be, where it couldn't be. William had been here a thousand times. As you stepped out of the bar, the alley was on the left, Brockton's Ace Hardware on the right. Now everything was mixed up and in the wrong place.
Johnny Davis turned down the alley, dragging William behind him. After just a few steps, a spotlight flashed in front of them.
"Stop!" a voice commanded. "Get on the ground."
William couldn't see because Johnny was in his way. "Who's that yelling?" he asked.
Big Johnny stopped and William plowed into his back.
"Get on the ground," the voice boomed again.
William poked his head out from behind Johnny Davis's back. The blinding white light was in his face. He couldn't see a thing.
POP! POP! POP!
Gunshots.
Big Johnny sagged, then crashed to his knees. Instinctively, William bent forward and grabbed hold of Johnny. "What's the matter?"
More pops.
Johnny's big hand reached out and shoved William back toward the street. "Back door," he wheezed, then plunged forward onto his face.
William stood alone. Behind the white spotlight he saw blue police lights flashing. He was totally exposed.
POP! POP!
He saw flashes--little yellow spurts of flame--as something tugged at his jacket.
William had said "back door." What back door? Fausto's had a back door, but it didn't lead anywhere except to the open space behind the building used for trash and deliveries. Twenty feet of asphalt between the bar and the back of the building on the next block. William had parked his car at the end of the alley, but the police cars--or whatever they were--had the alley blocked off. The building behind Fausto's also had an alley that ran alongside it, but the owner had closed it off to keep the bums out. He'd put up a gate, padlocked it, and topped it with razor wire. It was a dead end.
Two more pops. Dead end or not it was better than standing here and getting shot. William turned and ran. He burst through the front door of Fausto's, dashed through the bar, past the shattered mirror, hit the back door at a dead run, and was outside behind the bar within seconds.
He could see the tail end of his car sticking out from the corner of the building, but with the cops blocking the alley, his car was useless to him. William glanced across the open space to the alley that ran next to the other building. The gate, the padlock, the razor wire--all still in place. To his right an overflowing garbage dumpster sat beside the back of Fausto's, jammed against the fire ladder.
The fire ladder.
An iron ladder bolted to the cinderblock wall.
William looked up. The top of the ladder was lost in shadow, but he knew it went up two stories to the roof. Last summer, when the toilet had stopped up, he'd come out back to take a leak and had stood behind the dumpster, peeing against the wall like a kid, one hand draped over the bottom rung of the ladder.
He slipped behind the dumpster. The smell made him gag. The bottom of the ladder was four feet from the ground. William reached up as high as he could, grabbed hold of the third rung, then hauled himself up.
Through the partially open back door came the sounds of heavy feet pounding on the hard wood floor of the bar.
Halfway up the ladder, he was exhausted--and scared. Shaking, he white-knuckled the ladder. Being more than ten feet off the ground terrified him. He needed a break, just a second or two to catch his breath. There was enough moonlight so he could see into one of the second story windows. Inside, junk was piled everywhere. Old barstools, a busted jukebox, furniture stacked almost to the ceiling. Years ago, old man Fausto lived on the second floor, but Jake, who'd bought the place from the old man and had decided to keep the name, used it for storage.
Below him, William heard the back door thrown open so hard it banged against the wall. He scrambled up until he reached the top of the ladder, then hoisted himself over the edge of the roof. Down on the ground a voice shouted, "There he is, up there."
Another gunshot. What the hell was going on?
The unmistakable sound of feet--fast feet, in shape feet, boot shod feet--scurrying up the ladder. Standing on the tar and pebble roof, William glanced around for something he could use as a weapon, shocked he was even thinking of such a thing. A five gallon plastic bucket was all there was. It stood upright, filled with rainwater. He picked it up and peered over the edge. A uniformed policeman was three quarters of the way up the ladder. Two more cops were right behind him.
William looked at the heavy bucket in his hands, thought about just dumping the water onto them but knew it wouldn't stop them. There was only one way to stop them, and that was to knock them off the ladder. He thought about warning them, maybe trying to scare them away. But they were cops. You couldn't scare them away.
So why had they shot Johnny Davis, and why were they shooting at him?
The first officer looked up and saw William staring down at him with the bucket in his hands. Their eyes locked for just a second and the cop stopped. In those eyes that stared back at him, William saw an almost maniacal determination that sent a shiver down his spine. The officer held his grip on the ladder with his right hand while his left dropped to the pistol resting in his gleaming leather holster. In one smooth motion he drew his gun and raised it toward William.
William Bailey tossed the bucket down the ladder. A shot rang out an instant before the heavy bucket thudded into the cop's head. Like a gruesome traffic accident happening before his eyes, William couldn't help but watch as the policeman fell, taking his two partners down with him. The last thing William saw before he turned away was a jumbled heap of black uniforms resting on the concrete below the ladder.
* * *
Hiding in the shadow of a telephone booth, thinking. Home. He had to get home. Had to get back to Marge and the kids. Maybe somehow he could explain what had happened. Vincent, his attorney, he would know what to do--maybe--but he was a civil lawyer not a criminal attorney. He wrote contracts and did personal injury on the side; he didn't get people out of jail who'd killed a cop by dropping a bucket of water on his head and knocking him and his buddies off the side of a building.
As the cab he'd been waiting for pulled up, William stepped out from the dark and climbed into the back seat.
The driver turned around. "Where to?"
William pulled the door shut. "Uptown. 1721 Audubon Court."
"Fare's gonna be about fifteen dollars. After dark, I gotta have the money up front."
"What?"
"Company policy." The cabbie shrugged. "A lot of drivers been getting stiffed."
William opened his wallet, pulled out a twenty and handed it across the seat. The driver took it and almost slipped it into his cash box, then took a second look at the bill. His face tightened. "What the hell is this?"
"Huh?"
With the bill stretched between his hands, the cabbie stared at it for a second then looked up at William. "You're either the dumbest counterfeiter who ever lived or you've been had."
"What you are talking about?"
The driver faced the bill toward William but didn't hand it back to him. "It's printed backwards."
William looked at the twenty-dollar bill in the man's hand. It looked like--it was--an almost brand new bill, nothing wrong with it as far as he could tell.
"Get out of my cab," the driver said.
William didn't know what the man was talking about but knew he didn't want to get out. This cab was his only way home. He reached for the twenty. "If you don't like that one I've got another--"
The driver pulled his hands away. "I ain't giving this back. I got to turn it in to the police." He dropped one hand behind his seat back, then came up clutching a pistol, an old German Luger by the looks of it, the muzzle aimed straight at William's face. "In fact, I bet they give me a reward if I bring you in with it."
William jerked the door handle and rolled out into the street. He sprang to his feet and ran, the driver's yells just background noise. Has everyone gone crazy or is it just me?
Home. He had to get home.
* * *
Rain. Driving, relentless rain. William was just two blocks from Fausto's. In two hours, that's as far as he'd gotten--one block an hour. Police cars prowled the neighborhood, shinning spotlights into every nook and cranny, lighting up every shadow. Everyone in Fausto's knew his name. He'd been going there three or four nights a week after work for years. The cabbie had his address. William had given it to him when he told the hack driver where to drop him.
Ten o'clock at night, with nowhere to go and no way to get there, William sat behind the closed Goodwill store, under an overhang that barely kept the rain off of him.
Huddled in the dark, head sunk between his knees, he hadn't heard anyone approach.
"You don't look so good."
Startled, William looked up, prepared to run again. It was the homeless man he'd knocked over outside the bar. The one with the shopping cart and the leathery skin. William relaxed a little. "Excuse me?"
The man pushed his cart closer. "You're not supposed to be here."
William looked around. "Why not?"
The old man grinned, half his teeth gone.
William found it nearly impossible to tell his age. The guy could be forty and maybe had lived a hard life, or perhaps he was a well-preserved seventy, pickled by a lifetime of booze. William waved him off, expecting a plea for money. "I can't help you."
The old man stopped just a few feet away. "Everything's out of place isn't it?" He had a strange lilting voice. Almost like an accent.
And he was right. Everything was out of place--from Johnny Davis to the cab driver--everything was wrong.
Strapped to the back of the old man's shopping cart was a plastic sign about the size of a loaf of bread. William recognized the sign, the words, the colors, the logo of a local supermarket chain, all were familiar to him, but the letters were backward, unreadable.
Rainwater ran down William's face. He pointed to the sign. "Why's it written like that?"
The old man looked at the sign then back at William. "Like what?" he said, then shuffled away behind his basket.
* * *
The rain came down even harder. William slouched in a darkened doorway across the street from Fausto's. Nothing made sense. Everything was messed up, backward, out of whack. Almost like this wasn't his home, like he was a stranger seeing it for the first time.
But that was crazy. He'd grown up here, gone to Brother Martin High School, dated Jenny Underhill who went to Cabrini, lost her to Johnny Davis, then got her back only to lose her again the first year of college to some kid who drove a Mustang. Two years later William married Marge at Saint Luke's. They had two kids.
This town was his home. He recognized it. He knew the people here, Big Johnny and Zeke, the bartender at Fausto's. But things were different, little things. John Davis for one. In trying to help him, the big man had gotten himself killed. That wasn't John Davis--at least not the one William Bailey had known since seventh grade. Everything looked the same but wasn't. Nothing was quite right.
But they knew him--or someone like him.
A strange sensation crept over him that made the hair on the back of his neck rise. Maybe he didn't belong here. Maybe everything wasn't as it appeared. Maybe this wasn't his home. But if that were true, then whose home was it? Another thought, even scarier seeped through his brain. If he was here, who was there--at his home?
Crazy.
William dropped his head into his hands. Just considering such nonsense was a waste of time. Yet, here he was scanning the street, thinking of going back inside Fausto's, back to that mirror.
Not much time to think about it. The bar closed at three AM and it was already two-thirty. When he'd left--run for his life with Big Johnny--most of the mirror was still in the frame hanging on the wall.
Something about that damned mirror.
But Fausto's was dangerous, so a couple of hours ago William had found another mirror. In the men's room of a twenty-four hour gas station. The Chevron on North Rampart.
He had approached it cautiously, afraid he was going mad. As he peered over the sink into the mirror, he saw what he always saw, his own reflection. Holding up his left hand, he looked at the image in the mirror, at the watch strapped to his wrist. He noticed that the man in the mirror wore his watch on his right hand. Just the opposite.
William stood in the gas station bathroom for twenty minutes before he worked up his nerve. Finally, he took a deep breath, leaned back, then slammed his forehead into the dirt-streaked mirror. The glass shattered and cut his head. Blood dribbled off the tip of his nose into the sink. His reflection stared out at him from the other side of the mirror, blood running down his face, too.
I have gone crazy!
So the gas station hadn't worked out. Ducking police cruisers, William had wandered the streets, his head reeling. What was he doing?
On the sidewalk, he found a sopping wet magazine that the wind had blown up against the side of a newspaper machine. The cover caught his eye. He picked it up. It was printed backwards, the letters reversed, words running right to left. The spine was on the right. As he flipped through the pages, he couldn't read a thing. Then William had an idea.
In the bathroom of an all night restaurant he held the wet magazine up to the mirror. Perfect. The reflected image was normal, spine on the left, words running left to right, all the letters printed correctly. He could read it clearly. But what did it mean?
Then he drove his head into that mirror. The glass cracked. Someone walked in, a skinny waiter wearing an apron. He stood gawking as William leaned over the sink with tears of pain filling his eyes.
The waiter looked at the broken mirror, then jabbed a finger at William's bloody forehead. "What the hell are you doing?"
"An accident," he mumbled, pressing his fingers against the fresh cut.
The waiter turned. "I'm calling the cops."
William Bailey ran.
Now he was huddled in the rain staring at Fausto's across the street. Because he had nowhere else to go.
He stood and walked toward Fausto's. When he was halfway across the street, a police car glided around the corner, headlights reflecting off the wet pavement. The cops in no hurry, just cruising. William forced himself to keep walking, not to run. One foot in front of the other. In the downpour, odds were that the cops wouldn't even recognize him.
But they did recognize him.
The police car slid to a stop as its high beams clicked on and its blue strobe lights started popping. Both front doors flew open.
Like a sinner seeking the sanctuary of a church, William ran straight for Fausto's door. As he burst inside, Zeke looked up from behind the bar. "William! What the hell are you doing here?"
He ignored the bartender, running right past him, eyes focused on the broken mirror and its busted frame hanging on the wall.
Zeke again, "The cops been looking all over for you. Say you killed two officers and--"
Behind him the front door banged against the wall. "Police!" a voice behind him commanded. "Stop."
But William didn't stop. He kept running--running straight for the mirror. Reflected in its fragmented pieces he saw two uniformed police officers behind him, heard their boots pounding on the wooden floor. Just ten feet separated him from the mirror. At full speed he took two strides then dove. He stretched his arms out overhead and tucked his chin into his chest as his feet left the floor.
He felt one hand hit wall and the other strike broken glass. Then his head hit. More glass cracked, more skin split.
Darkness.
* * *
William's eyes popped open. He was staring at the ceiling. Rough voices, even rougher hands. They rolled him over onto his stomach and jerked his arms behind his back. He felt cold steel on his wrists and heard the metallic ratcheting as the handcuffs tightened and bit into his skin.
He tilted his head up and rested his chin against the floor. Blood poured down the side of his face; he watched it pool on the floor then seep between the wooden planks. By rolling his eyes up he could just see the empty spot on the wall where the mirror had hung. Lying on the floor, three feet from his head, was the broken frame and the rest of the glass.
The two cops grabbed his arms and yanked him to his feet, sending waves of pain through his shoulders and wrists. As they spun him toward the door, one of the officers said, "You're under arrest."
"Why?" William asked.
The officer pressed his face into William's. "Murdering your family for starters."
"My...my family." William felt his stomach cinch and his bowels turn to ice. A thought he'd had earlier in the night echoed inside his head. If he was here, who was there--at his home.
As the cops dragged him across the floor, William glanced up and saw the rusted metal sign nailed above the door.
OUT.
He was home.
THE END
submitted by chuckhustmyre to shortstories [link] [comments]
William Bailey's forehead shattered the mirror like a sledgehammer. The last thing he remembered before he blacked out was the feeling that he was falling through the mirror. Sub-cranial hematoma, a concussion, maybe even a cracked skull--that had to be the reason for the strange feeling. The mirror was mounted on the wall just to the right of the bar, four feet tall by about three feet wide. As consciousness slipped away, common sense and his strong belief in the rational world told him that he couldn't fall through the mirror. He must have bounced his head off the wall and be falling toward the floor.
It seemed like just a second or two before William's eyes popped open. He lay on his back, on the hard wood floor of Fausto's, with Johnny Davis towering over him. Big Johnny probably wanted to finish him off, maybe kill him, and finally end their twenty-year-old feud. Either Big Johnny Davis and the ceiling lights above him were spinning, or William's head was spinning, but either way something wasn't right.
He raised his head and looked to his left, toward the bar. Except the bar wasn't there. Instead, he was staring at the bathrooms. That didn't make sense. It must be his brain that had gotten spun around. William turned his head and peered over his size-ten wingtips at the busted mirror. The wooden frame and most of the glass still clung to the wall, the rest sat broken on the ground. The bar had to be on his left. He looked again, and still saw the bathrooms. A brain bruise, maybe some fluid pressure building up might be the cause of it.
"Get up!" Big Johnny Davis said.
William looked up at him. Johnny stood behind him, just beyond his shoulders. Perfect place for him to stomp my head into the plank floor. Except Johnny Davis was holding out his hand.
"Come on, we've got to get out of here."
Davis looked scared. It was the first time William Bailey could ever remember Johnny Davis looking scared. William had always been scared of Big Johnny, but Big Johnny wasn't scared of anything or anyone.
Police sirens wailed in the distance.
Johnny glanced over his shoulder. William craned his neck to look where Johnny was looking, saw he was staring at the front door like a man terrified something bad was going to come through it. Big Johnny looked down at him again and pumped his hand. "Come on, get up. They'll be here any second."
"Who?" William asked. "Who'll be--" But before he finished, Big Johnny Davis reached down, grabbed him by both arms, and jerked him to his feet.
As he was dragged toward the door by the only man in town who truly hated him, William glanced up and saw the rusted metal sign nailed above the door. He had to have a concussion, probably severe; that had to be it, because the letters on the sign were backward. It said TUO.
As Johnny Davis pulled him out the door, William heard tires skid on the pavement.
"Where's your car?" Johnny asked.
William twisted away from the big man's grip, then turned to his left. "In the alley." He started to run, still not sure exactly what he was running from.
Behind him, Big John shouted, "The alley's over here."
William kept running but turned his head back toward Johnny. "I know where the alley--"
Something hit him across the midsection and toppled him to the ground. He got his hands up just in time to break his fall and managed to keep his head from slamming into the sidewalk. When he looked up he saw a shopping cart tumbled onto its side.
Once again, William found himself lying flat on his back, this time amid the spilled contents of the cart. It had been filled with junk: paper bags full of dirty clothes, canned food, bags of potato chips, a diamond shaped, orange road sign, and other trash that looked like it had been collected from back alley garbage bins.
The homeless man who'd been pushing the cart was scrawny, and wafer thin. His skin was the color of old shoe leather, and he wore a long gray beard, tangled and matted with food and bits of filth. He was sprawled on the ground next to his cart, half sitting up, staring at William with his bright blue eyes.
Car doors slammed, men shouted.
"You better get going," the homeless man said, as he cocked his head. "The police after you?"
Police!
Before William could assure the old man that the police weren't after him--he was a respected businessman and family man--someone behind him grabbed him under both arms and pulled him to his feet. William turned and found himself staring into the face of Johnny Davis. "The alley's that way," Johnny said, pointing to the other side of Fausto's. With one hand gripping William's jacket, Johnny dashed across the front of the bar toward the alley. The alley--right there, plain as day--on the other side of Fausto's, right where it shouldn't be, where it couldn't be. William had been here a thousand times. As you stepped out of the bar, the alley was on the left, Brockton's Ace Hardware on the right. Now everything was mixed up and in the wrong place.
Johnny Davis turned down the alley, dragging William behind him. After just a few steps, a spotlight flashed in front of them.
"Stop!" a voice commanded. "Get on the ground."
William couldn't see because Johnny was in his way. "Who's that yelling?" he asked.
Big Johnny stopped and William plowed into his back.
"Get on the ground," the voice boomed again.
William poked his head out from behind Johnny Davis's back. The blinding white light was in his face. He couldn't see a thing.
POP! POP! POP!
Gunshots.
Big Johnny sagged, then crashed to his knees. Instinctively, William bent forward and grabbed hold of Johnny. "What's the matter?"
More pops.
Johnny's big hand reached out and shoved William back toward the street. "Back door," he wheezed, then plunged forward onto his face.
William stood alone. Behind the white spotlight he saw blue police lights flashing. He was totally exposed.
POP! POP!
He saw flashes--little yellow spurts of flame--as something tugged at his jacket.
William had said "back door." What back door? Fausto's had a back door, but it didn't lead anywhere except to the open space behind the building used for trash and deliveries. Twenty feet of asphalt between the bar and the back of the building on the next block. William had parked his car at the end of the alley, but the police cars--or whatever they were--had the alley blocked off. The building behind Fausto's also had an alley that ran alongside it, but the owner had closed it off to keep the bums out. He'd put up a gate, padlocked it, and topped it with razor wire. It was a dead end.
Two more pops. Dead end or not it was better than standing here and getting shot. William turned and ran. He burst through the front door of Fausto's, dashed through the bar, past the shattered mirror, hit the back door at a dead run, and was outside behind the bar within seconds.
He could see the tail end of his car sticking out from the corner of the building, but with the cops blocking the alley, his car was useless to him. William glanced across the open space to the alley that ran next to the other building. The gate, the padlock, the razor wire--all still in place. To his right an overflowing garbage dumpster sat beside the back of Fausto's, jammed against the fire ladder.
The fire ladder.
An iron ladder bolted to the cinderblock wall.
William looked up. The top of the ladder was lost in shadow, but he knew it went up two stories to the roof. Last summer, when the toilet had stopped up, he'd come out back to take a leak and had stood behind the dumpster, peeing against the wall like a kid, one hand draped over the bottom rung of the ladder.
He slipped behind the dumpster. The smell made him gag. The bottom of the ladder was four feet from the ground. William reached up as high as he could, grabbed hold of the third rung, then hauled himself up.
Through the partially open back door came the sounds of heavy feet pounding on the hard wood floor of the bar.
Halfway up the ladder, he was exhausted--and scared. Shaking, he white-knuckled the ladder. Being more than ten feet off the ground terrified him. He needed a break, just a second or two to catch his breath. There was enough moonlight so he could see into one of the second story windows. Inside, junk was piled everywhere. Old barstools, a busted jukebox, furniture stacked almost to the ceiling. Years ago, old man Fausto lived on the second floor, but Jake, who'd bought the place from the old man and had decided to keep the name, used it for storage.
Below him, William heard the back door thrown open so hard it banged against the wall. He scrambled up until he reached the top of the ladder, then hoisted himself over the edge of the roof. Down on the ground a voice shouted, "There he is, up there."
Another gunshot. What the hell was going on?
The unmistakable sound of feet--fast feet, in shape feet, boot shod feet--scurrying up the ladder. Standing on the tar and pebble roof, William glanced around for something he could use as a weapon, shocked he was even thinking of such a thing. A five gallon plastic bucket was all there was. It stood upright, filled with rainwater. He picked it up and peered over the edge. A uniformed policeman was three quarters of the way up the ladder. Two more cops were right behind him.
William looked at the heavy bucket in his hands, thought about just dumping the water onto them but knew it wouldn't stop them. There was only one way to stop them, and that was to knock them off the ladder. He thought about warning them, maybe trying to scare them away. But they were cops. You couldn't scare them away.
So why had they shot Johnny Davis, and why were they shooting at him?
The first officer looked up and saw William staring down at him with the bucket in his hands. Their eyes locked for just a second and the cop stopped. In those eyes that stared back at him, William saw an almost maniacal determination that sent a shiver down his spine. The officer held his grip on the ladder with his right hand while his left dropped to the pistol resting in his gleaming leather holster. In one smooth motion he drew his gun and raised it toward William.
William Bailey tossed the bucket down the ladder. A shot rang out an instant before the heavy bucket thudded into the cop's head. Like a gruesome traffic accident happening before his eyes, William couldn't help but watch as the policeman fell, taking his two partners down with him. The last thing William saw before he turned away was a jumbled heap of black uniforms resting on the concrete below the ladder.
* * *
Hiding in the shadow of a telephone booth, thinking. Home. He had to get home. Had to get back to Marge and the kids. Maybe somehow he could explain what had happened. Vincent, his attorney, he would know what to do--maybe--but he was a civil lawyer not a criminal attorney. He wrote contracts and did personal injury on the side; he didn't get people out of jail who'd killed a cop by dropping a bucket of water on his head and knocking him and his buddies off the side of a building.
As the cab he'd been waiting for pulled up, William stepped out from the dark and climbed into the back seat.
The driver turned around. "Where to?"
William pulled the door shut. "Uptown. 1721 Audubon Court."
"Fare's gonna be about fifteen dollars. After dark, I gotta have the money up front."
"What?"
"Company policy." The cabbie shrugged. "A lot of drivers been getting stiffed."
William opened his wallet, pulled out a twenty and handed it across the seat. The driver took it and almost slipped it into his cash box, then took a second look at the bill. His face tightened. "What the hell is this?"
"Huh?"
With the bill stretched between his hands, the cabbie stared at it for a second then looked up at William. "You're either the dumbest counterfeiter who ever lived or you've been had."
"What you are talking about?"
The driver faced the bill toward William but didn't hand it back to him. "It's printed backwards."
William looked at the twenty-dollar bill in the man's hand. It looked like--it was--an almost brand new bill, nothing wrong with it as far as he could tell.
"Get out of my cab," the driver said.
William didn't know what the man was talking about but knew he didn't want to get out. This cab was his only way home. He reached for the twenty. "If you don't like that one I've got another--"
The driver pulled his hands away. "I ain't giving this back. I got to turn it in to the police." He dropped one hand behind his seat back, then came up clutching a pistol, an old German Luger by the looks of it, the muzzle aimed straight at William's face. "In fact, I bet they give me a reward if I bring you in with it."
William jerked the door handle and rolled out into the street. He sprang to his feet and ran, the driver's yells just background noise. Has everyone gone crazy or is it just me?
Home. He had to get home.
* * *
Rain. Driving, relentless rain. William was just two blocks from Fausto's. In two hours, that's as far as he'd gotten--one block an hour. Police cars prowled the neighborhood, shinning spotlights into every nook and cranny, lighting up every shadow. Everyone in Fausto's knew his name. He'd been going there three or four nights a week after work for years. The cabbie had his address. William had given it to him when he told the hack driver where to drop him.
Ten o'clock at night, with nowhere to go and no way to get there, William sat behind the closed Goodwill store, under an overhang that barely kept the rain off of him.
Huddled in the dark, head sunk between his knees, he hadn't heard anyone approach.
"You don't look so good."
Startled, William looked up, prepared to run again. It was the homeless man he'd knocked over outside the bar. The one with the shopping cart and the leathery skin. William relaxed a little. "Excuse me?"
The man pushed his cart closer. "You're not supposed to be here."
William looked around. "Why not?"
The old man grinned, half his teeth gone.
William found it nearly impossible to tell his age. The guy could be forty and maybe had lived a hard life, or perhaps he was a well-preserved seventy, pickled by a lifetime of booze. William waved him off, expecting a plea for money. "I can't help you."
The old man stopped just a few feet away. "Everything's out of place isn't it?" He had a strange lilting voice. Almost like an accent.
And he was right. Everything was out of place--from Johnny Davis to the cab driver--everything was wrong.
Strapped to the back of the old man's shopping cart was a plastic sign about the size of a loaf of bread. William recognized the sign, the words, the colors, the logo of a local supermarket chain, all were familiar to him, but the letters were backward, unreadable.
Rainwater ran down William's face. He pointed to the sign. "Why's it written like that?"
The old man looked at the sign then back at William. "Like what?" he said, then shuffled away behind his basket.
* * *
The rain came down even harder. William slouched in a darkened doorway across the street from Fausto's. Nothing made sense. Everything was messed up, backward, out of whack. Almost like this wasn't his home, like he was a stranger seeing it for the first time.
But that was crazy. He'd grown up here, gone to Brother Martin High School, dated Jenny Underhill who went to Cabrini, lost her to Johnny Davis, then got her back only to lose her again the first year of college to some kid who drove a Mustang. Two years later William married Marge at Saint Luke's. They had two kids.
This town was his home. He recognized it. He knew the people here, Big Johnny and Zeke, the bartender at Fausto's. But things were different, little things. John Davis for one. In trying to help him, the big man had gotten himself killed. That wasn't John Davis--at least not the one William Bailey had known since seventh grade. Everything looked the same but wasn't. Nothing was quite right.
But they knew him--or someone like him.
A strange sensation crept over him that made the hair on the back of his neck rise. Maybe he didn't belong here. Maybe everything wasn't as it appeared. Maybe this wasn't his home. But if that were true, then whose home was it? Another thought, even scarier seeped through his brain. If he was here, who was there--at his home?
Crazy.
William dropped his head into his hands. Just considering such nonsense was a waste of time. Yet, here he was scanning the street, thinking of going back inside Fausto's, back to that mirror.
Not much time to think about it. The bar closed at three AM and it was already two-thirty. When he'd left--run for his life with Big Johnny--most of the mirror was still in the frame hanging on the wall.
Something about that damned mirror.
But Fausto's was dangerous, so a couple of hours ago William had found another mirror. In the men's room of a twenty-four hour gas station. The Chevron on North Rampart.
He had approached it cautiously, afraid he was going mad. As he peered over the sink into the mirror, he saw what he always saw, his own reflection. Holding up his left hand, he looked at the image in the mirror, at the watch strapped to his wrist. He noticed that the man in the mirror wore his watch on his right hand. Just the opposite.
William stood in the gas station bathroom for twenty minutes before he worked up his nerve. Finally, he took a deep breath, leaned back, then slammed his forehead into the dirt-streaked mirror. The glass shattered and cut his head. Blood dribbled off the tip of his nose into the sink. His reflection stared out at him from the other side of the mirror, blood running down his face, too.
I have gone crazy!
So the gas station hadn't worked out. Ducking police cruisers, William had wandered the streets, his head reeling. What was he doing?
On the sidewalk, he found a sopping wet magazine that the wind had blown up against the side of a newspaper machine. The cover caught his eye. He picked it up. It was printed backwards, the letters reversed, words running right to left. The spine was on the right. As he flipped through the pages, he couldn't read a thing. Then William had an idea.
In the bathroom of an all night restaurant he held the wet magazine up to the mirror. Perfect. The reflected image was normal, spine on the left, words running left to right, all the letters printed correctly. He could read it clearly. But what did it mean?
Then he drove his head into that mirror. The glass cracked. Someone walked in, a skinny waiter wearing an apron. He stood gawking as William leaned over the sink with tears of pain filling his eyes.
The waiter looked at the broken mirror, then jabbed a finger at William's bloody forehead. "What the hell are you doing?"
"An accident," he mumbled, pressing his fingers against the fresh cut.
The waiter turned. "I'm calling the cops."
William Bailey ran.
Now he was huddled in the rain staring at Fausto's across the street. Because he had nowhere else to go.
He stood and walked toward Fausto's. When he was halfway across the street, a police car glided around the corner, headlights reflecting off the wet pavement. The cops in no hurry, just cruising. William forced himself to keep walking, not to run. One foot in front of the other. In the downpour, odds were that the cops wouldn't even recognize him.
But they did recognize him.
The police car slid to a stop as its high beams clicked on and its blue strobe lights started popping. Both front doors flew open.
Like a sinner seeking the sanctuary of a church, William ran straight for Fausto's door. As he burst inside, Zeke looked up from behind the bar. "William! What the hell are you doing here?"
He ignored the bartender, running right past him, eyes focused on the broken mirror and its busted frame hanging on the wall.
Zeke again, "The cops been looking all over for you. Say you killed two officers and--"
Behind him the front door banged against the wall. "Police!" a voice behind him commanded. "Stop."
But William didn't stop. He kept running--running straight for the mirror. Reflected in its fragmented pieces he saw two uniformed police officers behind him, heard their boots pounding on the wooden floor. Just ten feet separated him from the mirror. At full speed he took two strides then dove. He stretched his arms out overhead and tucked his chin into his chest as his feet left the floor.
He felt one hand hit wall and the other strike broken glass. Then his head hit. More glass cracked, more skin split.
Darkness.
* * *
William's eyes popped open. He was staring at the ceiling. Rough voices, even rougher hands. They rolled him over onto his stomach and jerked his arms behind his back. He felt cold steel on his wrists and heard the metallic ratcheting as the handcuffs tightened and bit into his skin.
He tilted his head up and rested his chin against the floor. Blood poured down the side of his face; he watched it pool on the floor then seep between the wooden planks. By rolling his eyes up he could just see the empty spot on the wall where the mirror had hung. Lying on the floor, three feet from his head, was the broken frame and the rest of the glass.
The two cops grabbed his arms and yanked him to his feet, sending waves of pain through his shoulders and wrists. As they spun him toward the door, one of the officers said, "You're under arrest."
"Why?" William asked.
The officer pressed his face into William's. "Murdering your family for starters."
"My...my family." William felt his stomach cinch and his bowels turn to ice. A thought he'd had earlier in the night echoed inside his head. If he was here, who was there--at his home.
As the cops dragged him across the floor, William glanced up and saw the rusted metal sign nailed above the door.
OUT.
He was home.
THE END
2023.06.03 14:41 X_Marcie_X Beware the Birchwood-Creeper
I grew up within a small village on the edge of a relatively small but still thick and often dark forest under the hand of my late grandfather. For the sake of privacy, I wont share neither his name nor my own. The exact location of where we live also sadly does not matter for reasons that will hopefully be apparent later as I go on.
After my supposed "father" left us behind and my mother died during childbirth, my grandfather took me in and raised me. I've known him my entire life because of this and I came to know him as a strict, reclusive but fair man who cares more than he would like to let on to.
At night, he would often call me to the warm fireplace within our livingroom to tell me a new horror story. He did this ever since I was a small child and while, for some, this may Sound questionable, I'm certain that this is where my love and interest for all things creepy originates from.
As a child, his stories would terrify me and haunt my dreams, centering around strange and malicious entities that stalk you from within the darkness around you until it is time for them to make their move and drag you to wherever they came from. My grandfather would often tell me the same collection of stories, but always adding more details as I got older and older. As a child, I sometimes tried to avoid listening to his stories, but he insisted that I would have to hear them. Later, I began to doubt his stories but he insisted that they where true, much to my annoyance. Back then, I did not know how right he truly was.
The story I remember the most vividly is that of an entity called the "Birchwood-Creeper". For some context on the name, we unofficially refer to our local forest as the "Birchwoods" due to the abundance of beautiful birchtrees that make up most of the forest. The "Birchwood-Creeper" is an ancient local folktale, speaking of an entity residing in our forest.
According to my grandfather, the Birchwood-Creeper is a tall, lanky humanoid creature with leathery skin as pale as chalk draped tightly around long, thin bones. It's arms and legs are almost as long as an average person can be tall, and it's fingers end in razorsharp claws. It's feet end in sharp talons and upon it's neck sits the featherless head of an owl, complete with soulless, black eyes as dark as the deepest void. It blends in with the sorrounding birchtrees and can move at unseen speed and nearly without just the slightest sound as it stalks it's chosen prey throughout the months to come before finally dragging them into the deepest parts of the forest.
Admittedly, the details for his story are oddly specific and precise, which is why I first started to doubt my grandfather's stories when I got older. But he promised he would reveal everything to me once, in his own words, the time was right. I did not know what He meant by that and I doubt i'll ever learn, as he died three years ago due to a heart-failure while I was away for the weekend. He died and his secrets died with him.
After his death, I stayed in the Village for a few years to follow, beginning to drown my grief from his loss within criminology research, with cases of disappearances especially peeking my interest. And as I learned during my research, there where a lot of known disappearances, both recent and decades ago, within and around Birchwood and my village.
Growing curious, I started to notice that I never actually went into the woods and decided that it would be a fun adventure to just go into the forest and explore. Of course, I wasnt really expecting to encounter or find any missing people or paranormal entities within. Planning to be back by daylight, I only took a small backpack with me, carrying a small knife, a flashlight, some food and some water. I also decided to leave my phone at home, as I wanted to retreat, still griefing, and didnt really want to be disturbed during my trip. And with everything packed up, I ventured into the woods as soon as sun began to set.
I wandered for hours, coming across various areas within the Birchwoods that seemed almost totally undisturbed by humans, almost making me question wether I was the first person to venture to them. The most interesting sight for me thus far, however, was a large boulder with deep scratchmarks within it. At the time, I simply chalked it up to a deer attempting to either sharpen or shorten their antlers.
For most of my time, I was undisturbed. The cries of owls nearby keeping me company as I ventured forward, enjoying the trip more than I honestly thought I would. As I kept walking, I couldnt help myself but joke about how the supposed owls may just be the faint cries of the Birchwood-Creeper my grandfather told me about. And although I almost laughed out loud a few times, these jokes brought valuable memories back to me.
Sadly, all the joy was interrupted when I came across a disemboweled deer that, somehow, was hanging on a taller tree by it's antlers. I will spare you the gruesome details, but the animal was half-eaten and almost left there as a trophy of some sort. It first, I was horrified, then more confused. There where no animals in these woods that could have done this, and even for a human this would have been hard to position!
Ultimately, I decided to make a report to a local wildlife protection service once I got home, and continued onward for the time being. I was slightly on edge now, confused as I tried to wrap my head around how what I found would be possible. It was almost like a silent jumpscare to me and now that im writing this, im left to wonder why I didnt see it sooner from afar.
Seeing a deer, even if dead, however calmed my nerves when I started to hear fallen branches break and plants move into another around me as I continues my path forward. The deer was the prove that there are animals in this forest, and so where the constant cries of the owls, and that put me at ease when the sorrounding sounds startled me. And suddenly, the noises found an end.
It was silent. There was nothing. No insects chirping in the grass, no branches cracking, not even a squirrel jumping between trees. It was as if everything but me either died in an instant or hid itself as best as possible to avoid such a fate. Then, again, the silence was broken by the cry of an owl. An owl, that sounded though as if it was sitting right next to me! Yet when I looked around, I saw nothing but a thick cluster of trees around me. And, besides the occasional cry of the owl, the silence persisted. I grabbed my knife, even if just for comfort, and continued onward. I do not know why, but continueing deeper into the forst felt both right and wrong at the same time, as if something wanted me to go further and further while something made me feel like as if I should have run home long ago. The cries of the owls persisted, feeling as if following me. I did no longer feel alone. I felt watched, I felt followed. And I was hoping it was just the owl. And to some extend, I was right.
My adventure came to an end as I came across a large, thick tree unlike any other I came across within this forest. It was taller than anything else within these woods, thicker than any birchtree I've come across. And for a lack of a better description, it felt wrong. There was something off about this tree, something foul and dark. Something sinister and malicious.
The cries of the owls fell silent, leaving me alone with what I came across. I do not know what compelled me to do so, but I looked at the knife within my hands and began to cut off a tiny piece of bark from the tree. It came off easily, as if rotten away, and smelled terrible. And I learned where the smell came from. Within the tree, somehow, a decomposing human hand was sitting within a tiny hole. The hand appeared loose, yet almost as if this hole was made specifically for it! I turned my gaze away and almost vomited, unable to handle what I just came across as the knife dropped out of my hands. The feeling of being watched grew more intensely as I trembled in shock, before finally gaining my composure. I took a deep breath, the foul smell entering my nostrils, and turned around to once again face what I came across. What I saw was right. A severed and decomposing human hand within the giant, rotting birchtree, somehow beneath it's bark. Then, the familiar cries of the owls came onto me again, sounding as if sitting right above me on the tree. I looked up, somehow hoping for answers or comfort from the bird. But all I received was shock.
Within the branches of the tree, looking directly at me, the creature my grandfather described to me so often, sat gently nesting above me. It was almost positioned like a spider of sorts, it's long limbs all grabbing onto a different branch. It's head moved in all sorts of positions as the creature slowly crawled around the branches above me, approaching me. I was in shock. I couldnt move, couldnt scream. The creature my grandfather told me about, warned me about, was despite my doubts real and it's black, empty eyes where staring directly at me!
Finally breaking my fear, I started to run deep into the forest and back the way I came from! Looking over my shoulder for just a second, I could see the creature stare at me, then leap off of the rotten tree and land onto the floor several feet away on all fours before jumping up into the other trees, following me from above. I ran as fast as I could, almost tripping over roots and rocks as I kept my eyes forward. I attempted to avoid gazing upwards, scared of seeing the creature jump at me at any moment if I do. But I didnt have to look up just to see it. It was faster than me, far more agile. And it got past me. I almost ran straight into it as I made my way through the birchtrees, the creature's stature and skin camouflaging it almost perfectly. I quickly turned sideways, narrowly avoiding it's grasp as I heard it make the familiar cry of an owl once more. The chase had not ended, for neither of us.
I do not know how I made it, but somehow I got out of the forest and back to the village. I dared to turn around one more time as I came into the light of a street lamp, glaring in fear at the edge of the forest I ran out of just mere seconds ago. It was standing there. The Birchwood-Creeper was standing there, almost hidden within the trees and the shadows but barely visible. It stared at me, the dark and empty eyes bleeding shadows darker than the darkness of the night itself. For a second, I thought myself safe underneath the streetlight. Then, I remembered the disappearances and how they werent limited to just the forest itself. I slowly stepped backwards, attempting to catch my breath before running home as fast as I can. The creature slowly stepped out of the darkness shrouding it and I began to run once more.
I made it home, unlocked my door, threw myself in and locked it as fast as I could. I ran around the house, making sure to lock every door and every window on both levels. While doing so, I caught glimpses of the creature through my windows every now and then. Finally, when I was done, I retreated myself into by bedroom on the upper level and, much like I did as a child, hid myself under my blanket. Everything grew silent and, after a while, I decided to take a slow look out of my window. The creature was standing there, looking directly at me. Then, it slowly dissappeared back into the woods. I sighed in relief, thinking I escaped it, but did not dare to sleep the following three days.
I decided to not share this story with any locals as of yet, due to not having any evidence. I dont expect they'll believe me when I tell them that a local folktale is actually true. So I just sat around, feeling helpless and useless. Occasionally, I would catch glimpses of the Birchwood-Creeper again. I would see it standing at the edge of the forest, observing me. Another time, while getting a few things from my local grocery store, I could see it staring at me within a dark alleyway. One time, I even awoke at the middle of the night to see it hang on my bedroom window, staring through it directly at me!
I would find scratchmarks on the outside if my walls, windows and doors and occasionally hear the familiar cry of what I just assumed to be a regular owl. I plan on moving out of my area as soon as I can afford it, but I do not know how much this will help. I feel that any area that has birchtrees and forests may be within this being's territory. If there even is just one of them. I do not know how far I actually have to run to be safe, nor do I know if I can ever feel comfort at the howls of an owl ever again. What is worse is that it doesnt just have one victim at any given time. Local news reported last week about a school a few miles away that was enclosed within a thick metal fence. Apparently, someone or something slashed itself through that fence and since then, two children have gone missing.
I am sorry for ever doubting my grandfather and I deeply hope that no one who is reading this has to suffer at the hands of this creature.
submitted by X_Marcie_X to nosleep [link] [comments]
After my supposed "father" left us behind and my mother died during childbirth, my grandfather took me in and raised me. I've known him my entire life because of this and I came to know him as a strict, reclusive but fair man who cares more than he would like to let on to.
At night, he would often call me to the warm fireplace within our livingroom to tell me a new horror story. He did this ever since I was a small child and while, for some, this may Sound questionable, I'm certain that this is where my love and interest for all things creepy originates from.
As a child, his stories would terrify me and haunt my dreams, centering around strange and malicious entities that stalk you from within the darkness around you until it is time for them to make their move and drag you to wherever they came from. My grandfather would often tell me the same collection of stories, but always adding more details as I got older and older. As a child, I sometimes tried to avoid listening to his stories, but he insisted that I would have to hear them. Later, I began to doubt his stories but he insisted that they where true, much to my annoyance. Back then, I did not know how right he truly was.
The story I remember the most vividly is that of an entity called the "Birchwood-Creeper". For some context on the name, we unofficially refer to our local forest as the "Birchwoods" due to the abundance of beautiful birchtrees that make up most of the forest. The "Birchwood-Creeper" is an ancient local folktale, speaking of an entity residing in our forest.
According to my grandfather, the Birchwood-Creeper is a tall, lanky humanoid creature with leathery skin as pale as chalk draped tightly around long, thin bones. It's arms and legs are almost as long as an average person can be tall, and it's fingers end in razorsharp claws. It's feet end in sharp talons and upon it's neck sits the featherless head of an owl, complete with soulless, black eyes as dark as the deepest void. It blends in with the sorrounding birchtrees and can move at unseen speed and nearly without just the slightest sound as it stalks it's chosen prey throughout the months to come before finally dragging them into the deepest parts of the forest.
Admittedly, the details for his story are oddly specific and precise, which is why I first started to doubt my grandfather's stories when I got older. But he promised he would reveal everything to me once, in his own words, the time was right. I did not know what He meant by that and I doubt i'll ever learn, as he died three years ago due to a heart-failure while I was away for the weekend. He died and his secrets died with him.
After his death, I stayed in the Village for a few years to follow, beginning to drown my grief from his loss within criminology research, with cases of disappearances especially peeking my interest. And as I learned during my research, there where a lot of known disappearances, both recent and decades ago, within and around Birchwood and my village.
Growing curious, I started to notice that I never actually went into the woods and decided that it would be a fun adventure to just go into the forest and explore. Of course, I wasnt really expecting to encounter or find any missing people or paranormal entities within. Planning to be back by daylight, I only took a small backpack with me, carrying a small knife, a flashlight, some food and some water. I also decided to leave my phone at home, as I wanted to retreat, still griefing, and didnt really want to be disturbed during my trip. And with everything packed up, I ventured into the woods as soon as sun began to set.
I wandered for hours, coming across various areas within the Birchwoods that seemed almost totally undisturbed by humans, almost making me question wether I was the first person to venture to them. The most interesting sight for me thus far, however, was a large boulder with deep scratchmarks within it. At the time, I simply chalked it up to a deer attempting to either sharpen or shorten their antlers.
For most of my time, I was undisturbed. The cries of owls nearby keeping me company as I ventured forward, enjoying the trip more than I honestly thought I would. As I kept walking, I couldnt help myself but joke about how the supposed owls may just be the faint cries of the Birchwood-Creeper my grandfather told me about. And although I almost laughed out loud a few times, these jokes brought valuable memories back to me.
Sadly, all the joy was interrupted when I came across a disemboweled deer that, somehow, was hanging on a taller tree by it's antlers. I will spare you the gruesome details, but the animal was half-eaten and almost left there as a trophy of some sort. It first, I was horrified, then more confused. There where no animals in these woods that could have done this, and even for a human this would have been hard to position!
Ultimately, I decided to make a report to a local wildlife protection service once I got home, and continued onward for the time being. I was slightly on edge now, confused as I tried to wrap my head around how what I found would be possible. It was almost like a silent jumpscare to me and now that im writing this, im left to wonder why I didnt see it sooner from afar.
Seeing a deer, even if dead, however calmed my nerves when I started to hear fallen branches break and plants move into another around me as I continues my path forward. The deer was the prove that there are animals in this forest, and so where the constant cries of the owls, and that put me at ease when the sorrounding sounds startled me. And suddenly, the noises found an end.
It was silent. There was nothing. No insects chirping in the grass, no branches cracking, not even a squirrel jumping between trees. It was as if everything but me either died in an instant or hid itself as best as possible to avoid such a fate. Then, again, the silence was broken by the cry of an owl. An owl, that sounded though as if it was sitting right next to me! Yet when I looked around, I saw nothing but a thick cluster of trees around me. And, besides the occasional cry of the owl, the silence persisted. I grabbed my knife, even if just for comfort, and continued onward. I do not know why, but continueing deeper into the forst felt both right and wrong at the same time, as if something wanted me to go further and further while something made me feel like as if I should have run home long ago. The cries of the owls persisted, feeling as if following me. I did no longer feel alone. I felt watched, I felt followed. And I was hoping it was just the owl. And to some extend, I was right.
My adventure came to an end as I came across a large, thick tree unlike any other I came across within this forest. It was taller than anything else within these woods, thicker than any birchtree I've come across. And for a lack of a better description, it felt wrong. There was something off about this tree, something foul and dark. Something sinister and malicious.
The cries of the owls fell silent, leaving me alone with what I came across. I do not know what compelled me to do so, but I looked at the knife within my hands and began to cut off a tiny piece of bark from the tree. It came off easily, as if rotten away, and smelled terrible. And I learned where the smell came from. Within the tree, somehow, a decomposing human hand was sitting within a tiny hole. The hand appeared loose, yet almost as if this hole was made specifically for it! I turned my gaze away and almost vomited, unable to handle what I just came across as the knife dropped out of my hands. The feeling of being watched grew more intensely as I trembled in shock, before finally gaining my composure. I took a deep breath, the foul smell entering my nostrils, and turned around to once again face what I came across. What I saw was right. A severed and decomposing human hand within the giant, rotting birchtree, somehow beneath it's bark. Then, the familiar cries of the owls came onto me again, sounding as if sitting right above me on the tree. I looked up, somehow hoping for answers or comfort from the bird. But all I received was shock.
Within the branches of the tree, looking directly at me, the creature my grandfather described to me so often, sat gently nesting above me. It was almost positioned like a spider of sorts, it's long limbs all grabbing onto a different branch. It's head moved in all sorts of positions as the creature slowly crawled around the branches above me, approaching me. I was in shock. I couldnt move, couldnt scream. The creature my grandfather told me about, warned me about, was despite my doubts real and it's black, empty eyes where staring directly at me!
Finally breaking my fear, I started to run deep into the forest and back the way I came from! Looking over my shoulder for just a second, I could see the creature stare at me, then leap off of the rotten tree and land onto the floor several feet away on all fours before jumping up into the other trees, following me from above. I ran as fast as I could, almost tripping over roots and rocks as I kept my eyes forward. I attempted to avoid gazing upwards, scared of seeing the creature jump at me at any moment if I do. But I didnt have to look up just to see it. It was faster than me, far more agile. And it got past me. I almost ran straight into it as I made my way through the birchtrees, the creature's stature and skin camouflaging it almost perfectly. I quickly turned sideways, narrowly avoiding it's grasp as I heard it make the familiar cry of an owl once more. The chase had not ended, for neither of us.
I do not know how I made it, but somehow I got out of the forest and back to the village. I dared to turn around one more time as I came into the light of a street lamp, glaring in fear at the edge of the forest I ran out of just mere seconds ago. It was standing there. The Birchwood-Creeper was standing there, almost hidden within the trees and the shadows but barely visible. It stared at me, the dark and empty eyes bleeding shadows darker than the darkness of the night itself. For a second, I thought myself safe underneath the streetlight. Then, I remembered the disappearances and how they werent limited to just the forest itself. I slowly stepped backwards, attempting to catch my breath before running home as fast as I can. The creature slowly stepped out of the darkness shrouding it and I began to run once more.
I made it home, unlocked my door, threw myself in and locked it as fast as I could. I ran around the house, making sure to lock every door and every window on both levels. While doing so, I caught glimpses of the creature through my windows every now and then. Finally, when I was done, I retreated myself into by bedroom on the upper level and, much like I did as a child, hid myself under my blanket. Everything grew silent and, after a while, I decided to take a slow look out of my window. The creature was standing there, looking directly at me. Then, it slowly dissappeared back into the woods. I sighed in relief, thinking I escaped it, but did not dare to sleep the following three days.
I decided to not share this story with any locals as of yet, due to not having any evidence. I dont expect they'll believe me when I tell them that a local folktale is actually true. So I just sat around, feeling helpless and useless. Occasionally, I would catch glimpses of the Birchwood-Creeper again. I would see it standing at the edge of the forest, observing me. Another time, while getting a few things from my local grocery store, I could see it staring at me within a dark alleyway. One time, I even awoke at the middle of the night to see it hang on my bedroom window, staring through it directly at me!
I would find scratchmarks on the outside if my walls, windows and doors and occasionally hear the familiar cry of what I just assumed to be a regular owl. I plan on moving out of my area as soon as I can afford it, but I do not know how much this will help. I feel that any area that has birchtrees and forests may be within this being's territory. If there even is just one of them. I do not know how far I actually have to run to be safe, nor do I know if I can ever feel comfort at the howls of an owl ever again. What is worse is that it doesnt just have one victim at any given time. Local news reported last week about a school a few miles away that was enclosed within a thick metal fence. Apparently, someone or something slashed itself through that fence and since then, two children have gone missing.
I am sorry for ever doubting my grandfather and I deeply hope that no one who is reading this has to suffer at the hands of this creature.
2023.06.03 13:40 Then_Marionberry_259 AUG 18, 2021 DEC.V DECADE'S DRILLING INTERSECTS NATIVE SILVER, ACANTHITE (SILVER SULPHIDE) AND NATIVE GOLD IN ARGO/LG ZONES AT DEL NORTE PROPERTY, GOLDEN TRIANGLE, BC
 | https://preview.redd.it/w8bgtutgis3b1.png?width=3500&format=png&auto=webp&s=194e9266ceb4b87584f0da85aaba7bd0eb3de4c2 submitted by Then_Marionberry_259 to Treaty_Creek [link] [comments] Stewart, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 18, 2021) - Decade Resources Ltd (TSXV: DEC) ("Decade" or the Company) announces that it has completed a Phase 1 program consisting of ten holes at depths up to 250m on the Del Norte property. The property is situated within BC's "Golden Triangle", 34 kilometres east of Stewart, BC. Highlights of the recent drilling include:
The drilling is testing the contact of felsic volcanic rocks of the Hazelton Group and sedimentary rocks of Salmon River Formation. This is the same horizon that hosts the Eskay Creek mine 60km north of Stewart. Drilling is from drill stations located on rock islands (nunataks) within the South Nelson Glacier. The 2021 drilling has successfully tested for extensions of 2020 gold-silver drill hole intersections. Highlights of 2020 exploration of the Argo zone include:
The Del Norte property was optioned from Teuton Resource Corp. in January of 2020 with terms allowing the Company to earn up to a 55% interest in the property by spending $4 million over a five year period. The Company can an earn an additional 20% interest by carrying the property to commercial production. Private Placement The Company is undertaking a $600,000.00 flow through and non-flow through financing to fund a phase 2 program and continued exploration. The flow-through is at at a price of seven cents per flow-through unit. Each flow-through unit will comprise one flow-through common share and one transferable non-flow-through common share purchase warrant, with each warrant being exercisable for the purchase of one additional common share, at a price of ten cents per share, for a two-year period. The offering of non-flow-through units will be at a price of five cents per unit. Each unit will comprise one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant, each warrant being exercisable for the purchase of one additional common share, at a price of eight cents per share, for a two-year period. The proceeds from the sale of the flow-through units will be expended on the company's properties located in British Columbia and the proceeds from the sale of non-flow-through units will be used for working capital purposes. Certain directors and officers of the company may participate in the private placement. Qualified Person Ed Kruchkowski, P. Geo., a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 is responsible for the contents of this release. E. Kruchkowski is not independent of Decade as he is the president of the Company. About Decade Decade Resources Ltd. is a Canadian based mineral exploration company actively seeking opportunities in the resource sector. Decade holds numerous properties at various stages of development and exploration from basic grass roots to advanced ones. Its properties and projects are all located in the "Golden Triangle" area of northern British Columbia. For a complete listing of the Company assets and developments, visit the Company website at www.decaderesources.ca which is presently being updated. For investor information please call 250-636-2264 or Gary Assaly at 604-377-7969. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DECADE RESOURCES LTD. "Ed Kruchkowski" Ed Kruchkowski, President "Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." "This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements." Figure 1 https://preview.redd.it/faw4fxvgis3b1.jpg?width=1429&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51cfbe5196269c11b2f12212fdc413554af965ae Figure 2 https://preview.redd.it/288otbxgis3b1.jpg?width=1431&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5151bdd0200a4e7402aa7644dea888b04d0c5790 Figure 3 https://preview.redd.it/dssdn2zgis3b1.jpg?width=1430&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=45e7b1ea2b21d910a00f967d614b6a93499cf886 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/93558 https://preview.redd.it/p0oar60his3b1.png?width=4000&format=png&auto=webp&s=160003c3fc334de2499cfa9df98d4342607f6816
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2023.06.03 13:40 Then_Marionberry_259 AUG 26, 2021 DEC.V DECADE'S DRILLING INTERSECTS FURTHER NATIVE SILVER, ACANTHITE (SILVER SULPHIDE) AND NATIVE GOLD IN DDH-DN-21-12 ON THEARGO/LG ZONES AT DEL NORTE PROPERTY, GOLDEN TRIANGLE, BC
 | https://preview.redd.it/a74albofis3b1.png?width=3500&format=png&auto=webp&s=decf2e0ab44aab9b789220c022a17e4dc4c52363 submitted by Then_Marionberry_259 to Treaty_Creek [link] [comments] Stewart, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2021) - Decade Resources Ltd (TSXV: DEC)("Decade" or the Company) announces that it has intersected further native silver, acanthite (silver sulphide) and native gold in DDH-DN-21-12 on theArgo/LG zones at the Del Norte property. The property is situated within BC's "Golden Triangle", 34 kilometres east of Stewart, BC. Highlights of the recent drill hole include:
Mineralization is located within pyrite-rich, black mud lapilli tuffs with sub-intervals of dacite lapilli tuffs. Sulphides include pyrite, sphalerite, galena and tetrahedrite along with visible gold and silver in the 2021 drill holes. The Del Norte property was optioned from Teuton Resource Corp. in January of 2020 with terms allowing the Company to earn up to a 55% interest in the property by spending $4 million over a five year period. The Company can an earn an additional 20% interest by carrying the property to commercial production. Private Placement The Company has undertaken a $600,000.00 flow through and non-flow through financing to continue funding a phase 2 program and continued exploration. The flow-through is at a price of seven cents per flow-through unit. Each flow-through unit will comprise one flow-through common share and one transferable non-flow-through common share purchase warrant, with each warrant being exercisable for the purchase of one additional common share, at a price of ten cents per share, for a two-year period. The offering of non-flow-through units will be at a price of five cents per unit. Each unit will comprise one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant, each warrant being exercisable for the purchase of one additional common share, at a price of eight cents per share, for a two-year period. The proceeds from the sale of the flow-through units will be expended on the company's properties located in British Columbia and the proceeds from the sale of non-flow-through units will be used for working capital purposes. Certain directors and officers of the company may participate in the private placement. Qualified Person Ed Kruchkowski, P. Geo., a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 is responsible for the contents of this release. E. Kruchkowski is not independent of Decade as he is the president of the Company. About Decade Decade Resources Ltd. is a Canadian based mineral exploration company actively seeking opportunities in the resource sector. Decade holds numerous properties at various stages of development and exploration from basic grass roots to advanced ones. Its properties and projects are all located in the "Golden Triangle" area of northern British Columbia. For a complete listing of the Company assets and developments, visit the Company website at www.decaderesources.ca which is presently being updated. For investor information please call 250-636-2264 or Gary Assaly at 604-377-7969. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DECADE RESOURCES LTD. "Ed Kruchkowski" Ed Kruchkowski, President "Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." "This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements." Figure 1 https://preview.redd.it/nd81u6qfis3b1.jpg?width=1432&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4326c8faf4be77bc69fc009a33458b710db43b1 Figure 2 https://preview.redd.it/pd7bjarfis3b1.jpg?width=1365&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b72ee8f8779ad4054936d4f744d9b08629ea2431 Figure 3 https://preview.redd.it/jqd6desfis3b1.jpg?width=1406&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c833e7270f85c7bdfe882808d651e651e66c9b14 Figure 4 https://preview.redd.it/8wk93btfis3b1.jpg?width=1429&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c0b4320b7735b2001963df6021a0fe745c1cf79 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/94492 https://preview.redd.it/n81y8eufis3b1.png?width=4000&format=png&auto=webp&s=e32ea443acbeb99cda39c5f6cb1bab9bb6518c87
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2023.06.03 13:27 Atomshchik Do other countries have firefighter training companies owned by firefighters? Seems like the amount of "fire training LLC" have increased significantly in US.
Over the past twenty years, it seems like there has been a dramatic increase in the number of firefighter-owned training companies. If they have a YouTube channel they may have promo videos set to motivational music. If they have a website they may have a store where you can buy merchandise, perhaps a trucker hat with their logo. The logo may have a skull, traditional helmet, mustache, irons, etc.
If you are in the US: Does your state license or regulate firefighter training companies? Or, can anyone create an LLC, say they are an instructor, and start marketing their services to fire departments?
If you are not in the US: Are there similar training companies in your country that are firefighter owned? Do you know if these companies are regulated? If you don't have these companies, do you know why not? No need?
Would love to learn more about this. Thank you.
submitted by Atomshchik to Firefighting [link] [comments]
If you are in the US: Does your state license or regulate firefighter training companies? Or, can anyone create an LLC, say they are an instructor, and start marketing their services to fire departments?
If you are not in the US: Are there similar training companies in your country that are firefighter owned? Do you know if these companies are regulated? If you don't have these companies, do you know why not? No need?
Would love to learn more about this. Thank you.
2023.06.03 12:45 ur_volkswagen_sux "Amid all the finger-pointing and fear-fanning, the truth hides in the corner, too scared to emerge. The truth is that we are supposed to think critically, weigh evidence from both sides and then make up our own minds. Instead, we’ve become a country hell bent on..."
Why does my drinking Bud Light offend you?
May 30, 2023 4:39 pm • Last Updated: May 30, 2023 4:41 pm
By Mike DiMauro
Day Assistant Sports Editor
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
News item: Anthony Bass, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, shared a video Monday via Instagram endorsing an anti-LGBTQ boycott of brands such as Target and Bud Light.
"Here's the reason biblically why I believe Christians have gotta be boycotting Target, Bud Light, and any other corporation that's pushing the things they're pushing,” Bass said. “I think a lot of people make this into a political issue, or they say, 'Oh, what's the big deal?’
“This is evil, this is demonic, we won't stand for it, we're not going to go to the stores anymore and we're not going to give you our money.”
It would be impolite to wish that Mr. Bass, who throws a ball for a living, blows out his elbow. Perhaps then he could simply blow it out his tailpipe.
Because I’ve grown tired of sanctimonious and hypocritical moral outrage over what Target and Bud Light are “pushing,” while it’s permissible that Bass and his ilk get to “push” their beliefs on the rest of us.
Example: In the last two months or so, I’ve been questioned a half dozen times in public as to why I’m drinking Bud Light. Seems people like Bass have objected to Anheuser Busch’s marketing partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Their boycott of Bud Light has led to a decrease in sales both locally and nationally. (Local bar and restaurant owners say Bud Light sales are down almost 30 percent.)
It is their right, of course, to boycott the product. I’m just curious as to why what I’m drinking is their business. I drink Bud Light because I like it. And I’m still drinking Bud Light because I will not marginalize people based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. I’m respectful enough to support someone else’s desire to evolve into another gender. And I’m not stupid enough to believe that my decision to drink Bud Light changes who I am or what I stand for in any possible way.
But I wonder why it’s so important for people — and the questions to me haven’t all come from men — to announce their disdain for a bottle of beer, tacitly implying their sexuality is “normal.” Remember this one and write it down: If you are truly comfortable with who you are, you needn’t announce anything to anyone.
And yet to further illustrate how screwed up this country really is, there’s this: Anheuser-Busch hasn’t merely been accused of alienating its traditional customer base with the partnership, but some LGBTQ+ campaigners have also criticized the company for not defending its ties with Mulvaney.
Amid all the finger-pointing and fear-fanning, the truth hides in the corner, too scared to emerge. The truth is that we are supposed to think critically, weigh evidence from both sides and then make up our own minds. Instead, we’ve become a country hell bent on legislating whatever cause we think is right and just, while burying the other side from all consideration.
It’s political tribalism. All or nothing. One side or the other. If you’re not in agreement with every morsel of the transgender movement, you are a snarling, hating, infidel. If you’re not in total agreement with Anthony Bass and his beliefs, you’re going to wither in hell.
But what if — and hold on to your ascots here — two conflicting positions can still be true? Example: What if I support Bud Light’s decision to use a transgender influencer, but also believe that transgender high school athletes belong in their own division?
I disagree with the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference’s policy complying with a state law that requires all high school students be treated according to their gender identity. We should consider a sports-centric law that acknowledges sports' unique challenges and accommodates the physical component for success that exists virtually nowhere else in society.
Sex discrimination in education, health care, housing and financial credit have no place in this country. But we must — must — realize and accept that sports require a physical component to succeed that calls for different guidelines.
Put it this way: Applying to a school or for health care, housing or financial credit requires no physical component to succeed. Sports require speed, strength and agility and do not fit under the same umbrella. And yet sports are routinely shoved into the same arguments about unfair treatment. Injustices get piled on for rhetorical usefulness, even though they're not applicable.
The male born composition has inherent physical advantages, rare exceptions noted. But in the aggregate, there are physiologic differences between biological males and females. I don’t believe writing that makes me transphobic. We should respect a person’s pronoun of choice. But that doesn't mean we have to blindly agree with claims that are not supported by science.
Yet that appears to be the new end game in this country. Blind agreement. Their side or yours. And here I sit, sipping my Bud Light, trying to figure out why so many of us act like the last three letters of Anthony Bass’ last name.
This is the opinion of Day sports columnist Mike DiMauro
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.
READER COMMENTS
Philip BroseJune 1, 2023 at 16:30Report
Robin great points the right can’t even keep track on who to be mad at. Why are they so sensitive? I here Chick-fil-a is evil now for they “ensuring equal access,” “valuing differences,” and “creating a culture of belonging,” under the title, “Committed to being Better at Together.” what monsters!
Philip BroseJune 1, 2023 at 16:27Report
William Peter the guidance councilor?
Joseph B De La CruzJune 1, 2023 at 15:15Report
This article pretty much sums up exactly how I feel about the situation. Bud Light basically sent someone a can with her image celebrating a milestone. The fact it turned the beer into enemy number one doesn’t surprise me considering the vitriol that has become commonplace in our country. I have had plenty of private messages regarding a video I posted supporting a beer, and more importantly a human being. Most have been vehemently against my support of both and relish the chance to send me a screen shot of Bud Lights stock on a daily basis with a “Go woke, Go broke” ending. I believe much of the vitriol comes from news and talk radio which is why Spotify now fills my vehicle with music instead of talk. I ask everyone to limit their news intake to 30 minutes per day regardless of your party affiliation to center your life. Sometimes my radio will land on a “news station”, and I can feel my blood pressure rise as the most divisive topic of the day is being discussed with a majority of the facts not being considered. I am not recommending folks to ignore what’s happening in our world, but would point out that our country has survived many decades without the need for “up to the second” news reports. Most of the things we worry about will never happen and it seems our country is living in a constant state of fear which is certainly to blame for the vitriol. There will never be a point where everyone in the country will collectively say we are all happy with everything, but I still have a deep believe that with constructive conversations and true empathy we can get us close. When I get my boat in the water I would love to have an ice cold Bud Light while listening to my relaxing boat playlist, and of course talking with my favorite sports writer. That’s an invitation Mike. Great article.
Robin DaudaJune 1, 2023 at 13:41Report
“Bud Light sales are down between 26% and 35% nationwide additionally Budweiser and other AB brands (Michelob Ultra, Busch Light and Natural Light to name a few) have also taken a hit of around 11%.”
All the more reason to explain what set this off. Completely unhinged.
“My take, buy Coors stock now”
And that statement reinforces my point since Coors has been a decades long supporter of LGBT rights probably the biggest supporter (it all began with a workegay alliance boycott ironically… or not)
“Coors Light has been a sponsor of The Center and Denver PrideFest for decades,” says Rex Fuller, CEO of The Center on Colfax. “The work we have been able to do at The Center over the last four decades would not be possible without this support and we are grateful for it.”
Beyond supporting Denver PrideFest, Molson Coors has a distinguished history of supporting LGBTQ communities across the country, with significant support for organizations such as Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Matthew Shepard Foundation, National Amateur Gay Athletics Association of America, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, LGBT Victory Institute, Out & Equal, and One Colorado.
In addition to these partners, Molson Coors works with local LGBTQ organizations in key communities through its Tap Into Change program. Annually, the summer program donates more than $100,000 to these organizations with a consistent growth in impact each year. Events take place in each city to help raise additional funds, awareness, and support for the missions of these local organizations. Over the past 10 years, Tap Into Change has raised nearly $600,000 for local LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS nonprofits.
https://denverpride.org/coors-light-supports-the-lgbtq-community/
This is even though like 2006, 2010 and 2014 they had to go through boycotts for this. And they did shrink back in response, but also came right back and didn’t move backwards for long.
And what will I do?
Continue drinking Corona because I drink what I drink.
It’s damn near impossible to do a successful boycott long term. The web of corporate connections means when you think you’re hurting one, it’s actually benefitting another one connected to it.
The beverage brand that owns Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois, is suing US beer-maker Constellation Brands for using the Corona brand name in a hard seltzer, according to a lawsuit filed Monday.
Beverage giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) acquired Corona’s parent company, Grupo Modelo, in 2013, but US antitrust regulators required it to sell the company’s US-based business to Constellation. AB InBev retained rights to the products in other markets, and the deal gave Constellation the rights to produce Corona and other Modelo brands in the US.
William PeterJune 1, 2023 at 13:36Report
The virtue signalers didn’t like my harmless comment. I guess being offended by an opposing view is reason enough to silence someone in 2023
Richard GoldenJune 1, 2023 at 12:57Report
Robin- not certain this article nor all the comments will move the needle. Bud Light sales are down between 26% and 35% nationwide additionally Budweiser and other AB brands (Michelob Ultra, Busch Light and Natural Light to name a few) have also taken a hit of around 11%. Bud Light has been the best selling beer in the USA for over 20 years and the normal volume of sales is 27 million barrels a year or 1134 million gallons. A 30% drop equals a loss of 340 million gallons a year. My take, buy Coors stock now
Chris JawakaJune 1, 2023 at 10:12Report
People are allowed to drink or not drink whatever beer they want and for whatever reason they choose. End of story.
Robin DaudaJune 1, 2023 at 09:05Report
Do people realize that Bud Light sent a pack of specially made cans with the person’s face on it and did a minute long or so bit released on like TicTok? It wasn’t some big nationwide PR campaign yet it rubbed someone the wrong way (or so they would like us to think) and it snowballed into this.
I don’t ever want to hear about people calling “the libs” snowflakes or use their center liberal stances as a weakness. These champions of “conservatives” are gullible whiny babies.
I watched in real time a bunch of idiots blow something up out of nothing and then saw them flocking to the internet people with their influencer pages and podcasts and publications where immediately they were being hawked “anti-woke” beer and all these other wares, often made by the same places they are boycotting for double the price.
There is a whole market opening up to people that will only get their businesses off the ground (temporarily for a quick cash grab) by using these outrage tactics and capitalizing (literally) on impaired brains that as Mr. DiMauro correctly observed “Blind agreement. Their side or yours”
Bless your little void of empathy and common sense hearts. Don’t spend all your money in one place now, spread the wealth to these people selling you overpriced junk.
Paul LevasseurJune 1, 2023 at 07:47Report
Mike is discussing one of this election cycles right wing culture war hot spots.
If you can’t get elected because of your governing skills you’re going to have to try to get elected by getting people angry and hateful. The right wing loves doing that. It’s their bread and butter.
TOM DONNEEJune 1, 2023 at 06:46Report
Preaching hate and preaching tolerance ARE NOT the same Evan
DANIEL STORMSJune 1, 2023 at 05:56Report
I always liked this formulation: “In the first place, what makes it any of you business? And in the second place, my reasons for saying yea to [whatever it is that offends you] are at least as valid (and maybe more so) than yours for nay. And in the third place, what makes it any of your sodding business in the first place?” I agree wholeheartedly with your plea for reason and tolerance. Not to seem argumentative but rather to add information to the discussion, though, you might be interested in this blog post from a biologist about the supposed physiologic advantages a trans man or woman has over a cis athelete: https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2023/05/31/we-hunted-the-rabbit/
Evan AndriopolousJune 1, 2023 at 03:10Report
For me… Bud Light as a “beer” sucks. I would rather support local breweries that provide far better beers. As far as this column… as far as AB selecting this influencer in their campaign I have no opinion on it or that person. Up to each to decide for themselves.
Regarding this column actually Mike what you are writing is basically the same as the boycott and the changes in attitudes (political divide) of the country. Often used by politicians on BOTH sides of the aisle screaming to be open, defending one´s right to choose, freedom of speech etc.. and this is the most important part..”unless it does not validate their opinion or view”. This is exactly what you are writing. So if someone elects to boycott something and we know the WOKE police and Leftists enjoy not only condemning opposing viewpoints to the point of boycotting, attacking employers for the “views” of their employees etc… and demanding they be removed from the position their are in. So if someone boycotts something let them… I would ask you… why does it offend you that others are using their constitutional right by boycotting (freedom of speech). I always respect other´s opinions and even when we do not agree. Sadly we live in a world where people are afraid to speak up due to the potential ramifications. None of us will always agree and I know the powers to be are trying to “force” us to all be uniform in our opinions which is sad. And btw Bud Light is terrible anyway… How about you focus on sports.
Benoit BenoitMay 31, 2023 at 20:12Report
Ironic you drink because you like it but will continue to drink it because “ I will not marginalize people based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.” Not just because you like it.
William PeterMay 31, 2023 at 17:46Report
This comment has been removed for violating The Day’s commenting policy.
JAY DEMPSEYMay 31, 2023 at 16:53Report
TY Mike….. I drink Bud Light most all the time unless in Ireland…and support Levine Distributors in our area and my friends that work there. I think the cancel culture is terrible whatever your political party of choice is. Very sad that social media has done this to us. I have good friends that I can no longer talk politics with because of the “great divide” that enriches social media giants.
ROBERT WARNERMay 31, 2023 at 16:45Report
I suppose a similar question could be asked, “Why does a person wearing a MAGA hat bother some people?”
David NowakowskiMay 31, 2023 at 14:30Report
great column, Mike. I’d like to think there are far more folks who see this subject and all its nuances the way you do…but you are probably right again in saying that it is tough to go against your chosen tribe on any component, regardless of how you might actually feel. thanks again!
Andrew RogersonMay 31, 2023 at 13:33Report
Mike DiMauro – well said sir, on all counts.
Lynn YoungMay 31, 2023 at 13:28Report
Drink what you like. Be who you are. Live and let live.
Richard GoldenMay 31, 2023 at 12:36Report
Light Beer is like Sex on the Beach….****ing near water.
Paul NUNESMay 31, 2023 at 11:44Report
Does anyone remember the first light beer and the commercial featuring a slice of bread?
THOMAS MORIARTYMay 31, 2023 at 11:05Report
Richard, must have been some other brand light. Bud Light? It was probably 10 years ago. But he could have been messing with me.
Richard GoldenMay 31, 2023 at 10:17Report
Malcolm- The moral of the story is; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Richard GoldenMay 31, 2023 at 10:16Report
Thomas- as far as I knew and as far as I can tell Guinness is the most popular beer in Ireland holding a full 25% of the market share. Bud Light does not even show up in the top ten (https://www.beer100.com/best-selling-beers-ireland/) I think the guy was pulling your leg. Bud Light only became available in Ireland in 2020.
Malcolm JulesMay 31, 2023 at 09:32Report
A corporation decided to target one of their products to a specific community and failed….end of story.
Margaret KliseMay 31, 2023 at 09:12Report
Agree/agree. Good article, Mike.
SUSAN HOTCHKISSMay 31, 2023 at 09:06Report
I always enjoy Mike’s opinion pieces. In total agreement about the transgender athlete issue.
THOMAS MORIARTYMay 31, 2023 at 09:00Report
Tom, hope all is well with your daughter.
THOMAS MORIARTYMay 31, 2023 at 08:57Report
A Bud Light story: Several years ago while in Ireland my son and I toured the Guinness brewery. Of course there’s a pub on the top floor and while getting a pint of Guinness the bar I notice several taps Bud Light. I asked the bartender “why in God’s name are you serving THAT stuff in here?” He replied that it’s the best selling beer in Ireland. Go figue!
THOMAS MORIARTYMay 31, 2023 at 08:51Report
Good column Mike. These anti “woke” zealots claim to support democracy but would be no different from the Taliban if they had their way.
Richard GoldenMay 31, 2023 at 08:42Report
All this talk of beer makes me thirsty…but I have found that drinking beer has become an unwelcome undertaking. No beer allowed at the beach, nor while night fishing in Waterford, nor surf fishing at Avery Point, nor at any state boat launch, nor is state parks- try walking down the street with a cold one….
Chris JawakaMay 31, 2023 at 08:08Report
IMO The left loves their cancel culture but gets all grumpy when the right does the same. Hey it can go both ways. That said I really don’t care about the Bud thing. Its not like they sold beer with its face on it.
Matther TookerMay 31, 2023 at 07:35Report
Thoughtful piece as always Mike. Perhaps the best offset for the 30% decrease in Bud Light sales would be a 30% increase in church attendance. I am betting that won’t happen. (Matt Tooker)
KEITH J. ROBBINSMay 31, 2023 at 06:11Report
You drinking Bud-Lite does not offend me, although it is a horrible beer. What is my concern is a guy using the ladies room that my nieces use!
TOM DONNEEMay 31, 2023 at 05:55Report
Agree Phil. Well done Mike!! Waiting for my daughter to come out of surgery. Then we’ll stop for a cold one, think I’ll make it a Bud Lite!!!
Philip BroseMay 30, 2023 at 16:59Report
Mr. DiMauro is always thoughtful and intelligent. The best writer at the day. Give the guy a raise.
submitted by ur_volkswagen_sux to NewLondonCounty [link] [comments]
May 30, 2023 4:39 pm • Last Updated: May 30, 2023 4:41 pm
By Mike DiMauro
Day Assistant Sports Editor
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
News item: Anthony Bass, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, shared a video Monday via Instagram endorsing an anti-LGBTQ boycott of brands such as Target and Bud Light.
"Here's the reason biblically why I believe Christians have gotta be boycotting Target, Bud Light, and any other corporation that's pushing the things they're pushing,” Bass said. “I think a lot of people make this into a political issue, or they say, 'Oh, what's the big deal?’
“This is evil, this is demonic, we won't stand for it, we're not going to go to the stores anymore and we're not going to give you our money.”
It would be impolite to wish that Mr. Bass, who throws a ball for a living, blows out his elbow. Perhaps then he could simply blow it out his tailpipe.
Because I’ve grown tired of sanctimonious and hypocritical moral outrage over what Target and Bud Light are “pushing,” while it’s permissible that Bass and his ilk get to “push” their beliefs on the rest of us.
Example: In the last two months or so, I’ve been questioned a half dozen times in public as to why I’m drinking Bud Light. Seems people like Bass have objected to Anheuser Busch’s marketing partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Their boycott of Bud Light has led to a decrease in sales both locally and nationally. (Local bar and restaurant owners say Bud Light sales are down almost 30 percent.)
It is their right, of course, to boycott the product. I’m just curious as to why what I’m drinking is their business. I drink Bud Light because I like it. And I’m still drinking Bud Light because I will not marginalize people based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. I’m respectful enough to support someone else’s desire to evolve into another gender. And I’m not stupid enough to believe that my decision to drink Bud Light changes who I am or what I stand for in any possible way.
But I wonder why it’s so important for people — and the questions to me haven’t all come from men — to announce their disdain for a bottle of beer, tacitly implying their sexuality is “normal.” Remember this one and write it down: If you are truly comfortable with who you are, you needn’t announce anything to anyone.
And yet to further illustrate how screwed up this country really is, there’s this: Anheuser-Busch hasn’t merely been accused of alienating its traditional customer base with the partnership, but some LGBTQ+ campaigners have also criticized the company for not defending its ties with Mulvaney.
Amid all the finger-pointing and fear-fanning, the truth hides in the corner, too scared to emerge. The truth is that we are supposed to think critically, weigh evidence from both sides and then make up our own minds. Instead, we’ve become a country hell bent on legislating whatever cause we think is right and just, while burying the other side from all consideration.
It’s political tribalism. All or nothing. One side or the other. If you’re not in agreement with every morsel of the transgender movement, you are a snarling, hating, infidel. If you’re not in total agreement with Anthony Bass and his beliefs, you’re going to wither in hell.
But what if — and hold on to your ascots here — two conflicting positions can still be true? Example: What if I support Bud Light’s decision to use a transgender influencer, but also believe that transgender high school athletes belong in their own division?
I disagree with the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference’s policy complying with a state law that requires all high school students be treated according to their gender identity. We should consider a sports-centric law that acknowledges sports' unique challenges and accommodates the physical component for success that exists virtually nowhere else in society.
Sex discrimination in education, health care, housing and financial credit have no place in this country. But we must — must — realize and accept that sports require a physical component to succeed that calls for different guidelines.
Put it this way: Applying to a school or for health care, housing or financial credit requires no physical component to succeed. Sports require speed, strength and agility and do not fit under the same umbrella. And yet sports are routinely shoved into the same arguments about unfair treatment. Injustices get piled on for rhetorical usefulness, even though they're not applicable.
The male born composition has inherent physical advantages, rare exceptions noted. But in the aggregate, there are physiologic differences between biological males and females. I don’t believe writing that makes me transphobic. We should respect a person’s pronoun of choice. But that doesn't mean we have to blindly agree with claims that are not supported by science.
Yet that appears to be the new end game in this country. Blind agreement. Their side or yours. And here I sit, sipping my Bud Light, trying to figure out why so many of us act like the last three letters of Anthony Bass’ last name.
This is the opinion of Day sports columnist Mike DiMauro
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.
READER COMMENTS
Philip BroseJune 1, 2023 at 16:30Report
Robin great points the right can’t even keep track on who to be mad at. Why are they so sensitive? I here Chick-fil-a is evil now for they “ensuring equal access,” “valuing differences,” and “creating a culture of belonging,” under the title, “Committed to being Better at Together.” what monsters!
Philip BroseJune 1, 2023 at 16:27Report
William Peter the guidance councilor?
Joseph B De La CruzJune 1, 2023 at 15:15Report
This article pretty much sums up exactly how I feel about the situation. Bud Light basically sent someone a can with her image celebrating a milestone. The fact it turned the beer into enemy number one doesn’t surprise me considering the vitriol that has become commonplace in our country. I have had plenty of private messages regarding a video I posted supporting a beer, and more importantly a human being. Most have been vehemently against my support of both and relish the chance to send me a screen shot of Bud Lights stock on a daily basis with a “Go woke, Go broke” ending. I believe much of the vitriol comes from news and talk radio which is why Spotify now fills my vehicle with music instead of talk. I ask everyone to limit their news intake to 30 minutes per day regardless of your party affiliation to center your life. Sometimes my radio will land on a “news station”, and I can feel my blood pressure rise as the most divisive topic of the day is being discussed with a majority of the facts not being considered. I am not recommending folks to ignore what’s happening in our world, but would point out that our country has survived many decades without the need for “up to the second” news reports. Most of the things we worry about will never happen and it seems our country is living in a constant state of fear which is certainly to blame for the vitriol. There will never be a point where everyone in the country will collectively say we are all happy with everything, but I still have a deep believe that with constructive conversations and true empathy we can get us close. When I get my boat in the water I would love to have an ice cold Bud Light while listening to my relaxing boat playlist, and of course talking with my favorite sports writer. That’s an invitation Mike. Great article.
Robin DaudaJune 1, 2023 at 13:41Report
“Bud Light sales are down between 26% and 35% nationwide additionally Budweiser and other AB brands (Michelob Ultra, Busch Light and Natural Light to name a few) have also taken a hit of around 11%.”
All the more reason to explain what set this off. Completely unhinged.
“My take, buy Coors stock now”
And that statement reinforces my point since Coors has been a decades long supporter of LGBT rights probably the biggest supporter (it all began with a workegay alliance boycott ironically… or not)
“Coors Light has been a sponsor of The Center and Denver PrideFest for decades,” says Rex Fuller, CEO of The Center on Colfax. “The work we have been able to do at The Center over the last four decades would not be possible without this support and we are grateful for it.”
Beyond supporting Denver PrideFest, Molson Coors has a distinguished history of supporting LGBTQ communities across the country, with significant support for organizations such as Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Matthew Shepard Foundation, National Amateur Gay Athletics Association of America, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, LGBT Victory Institute, Out & Equal, and One Colorado.
In addition to these partners, Molson Coors works with local LGBTQ organizations in key communities through its Tap Into Change program. Annually, the summer program donates more than $100,000 to these organizations with a consistent growth in impact each year. Events take place in each city to help raise additional funds, awareness, and support for the missions of these local organizations. Over the past 10 years, Tap Into Change has raised nearly $600,000 for local LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS nonprofits.
https://denverpride.org/coors-light-supports-the-lgbtq-community/
This is even though like 2006, 2010 and 2014 they had to go through boycotts for this. And they did shrink back in response, but also came right back and didn’t move backwards for long.
And what will I do?
Continue drinking Corona because I drink what I drink.
It’s damn near impossible to do a successful boycott long term. The web of corporate connections means when you think you’re hurting one, it’s actually benefitting another one connected to it.
The beverage brand that owns Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois, is suing US beer-maker Constellation Brands for using the Corona brand name in a hard seltzer, according to a lawsuit filed Monday.
Beverage giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) acquired Corona’s parent company, Grupo Modelo, in 2013, but US antitrust regulators required it to sell the company’s US-based business to Constellation. AB InBev retained rights to the products in other markets, and the deal gave Constellation the rights to produce Corona and other Modelo brands in the US.
William PeterJune 1, 2023 at 13:36Report
The virtue signalers didn’t like my harmless comment. I guess being offended by an opposing view is reason enough to silence someone in 2023
Richard GoldenJune 1, 2023 at 12:57Report
Robin- not certain this article nor all the comments will move the needle. Bud Light sales are down between 26% and 35% nationwide additionally Budweiser and other AB brands (Michelob Ultra, Busch Light and Natural Light to name a few) have also taken a hit of around 11%. Bud Light has been the best selling beer in the USA for over 20 years and the normal volume of sales is 27 million barrels a year or 1134 million gallons. A 30% drop equals a loss of 340 million gallons a year. My take, buy Coors stock now
Chris JawakaJune 1, 2023 at 10:12Report
People are allowed to drink or not drink whatever beer they want and for whatever reason they choose. End of story.
Robin DaudaJune 1, 2023 at 09:05Report
Do people realize that Bud Light sent a pack of specially made cans with the person’s face on it and did a minute long or so bit released on like TicTok? It wasn’t some big nationwide PR campaign yet it rubbed someone the wrong way (or so they would like us to think) and it snowballed into this.
I don’t ever want to hear about people calling “the libs” snowflakes or use their center liberal stances as a weakness. These champions of “conservatives” are gullible whiny babies.
I watched in real time a bunch of idiots blow something up out of nothing and then saw them flocking to the internet people with their influencer pages and podcasts and publications where immediately they were being hawked “anti-woke” beer and all these other wares, often made by the same places they are boycotting for double the price.
There is a whole market opening up to people that will only get their businesses off the ground (temporarily for a quick cash grab) by using these outrage tactics and capitalizing (literally) on impaired brains that as Mr. DiMauro correctly observed “Blind agreement. Their side or yours”
Bless your little void of empathy and common sense hearts. Don’t spend all your money in one place now, spread the wealth to these people selling you overpriced junk.
Paul LevasseurJune 1, 2023 at 07:47Report
Mike is discussing one of this election cycles right wing culture war hot spots.
If you can’t get elected because of your governing skills you’re going to have to try to get elected by getting people angry and hateful. The right wing loves doing that. It’s their bread and butter.
TOM DONNEEJune 1, 2023 at 06:46Report
Preaching hate and preaching tolerance ARE NOT the same Evan
DANIEL STORMSJune 1, 2023 at 05:56Report
I always liked this formulation: “In the first place, what makes it any of you business? And in the second place, my reasons for saying yea to [whatever it is that offends you] are at least as valid (and maybe more so) than yours for nay. And in the third place, what makes it any of your sodding business in the first place?” I agree wholeheartedly with your plea for reason and tolerance. Not to seem argumentative but rather to add information to the discussion, though, you might be interested in this blog post from a biologist about the supposed physiologic advantages a trans man or woman has over a cis athelete: https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2023/05/31/we-hunted-the-rabbit/
Evan AndriopolousJune 1, 2023 at 03:10Report
For me… Bud Light as a “beer” sucks. I would rather support local breweries that provide far better beers. As far as this column… as far as AB selecting this influencer in their campaign I have no opinion on it or that person. Up to each to decide for themselves.
Regarding this column actually Mike what you are writing is basically the same as the boycott and the changes in attitudes (political divide) of the country. Often used by politicians on BOTH sides of the aisle screaming to be open, defending one´s right to choose, freedom of speech etc.. and this is the most important part..”unless it does not validate their opinion or view”. This is exactly what you are writing. So if someone elects to boycott something and we know the WOKE police and Leftists enjoy not only condemning opposing viewpoints to the point of boycotting, attacking employers for the “views” of their employees etc… and demanding they be removed from the position their are in. So if someone boycotts something let them… I would ask you… why does it offend you that others are using their constitutional right by boycotting (freedom of speech). I always respect other´s opinions and even when we do not agree. Sadly we live in a world where people are afraid to speak up due to the potential ramifications. None of us will always agree and I know the powers to be are trying to “force” us to all be uniform in our opinions which is sad. And btw Bud Light is terrible anyway… How about you focus on sports.
Benoit BenoitMay 31, 2023 at 20:12Report
Ironic you drink because you like it but will continue to drink it because “ I will not marginalize people based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.” Not just because you like it.
William PeterMay 31, 2023 at 17:46Report
This comment has been removed for violating The Day’s commenting policy.
JAY DEMPSEYMay 31, 2023 at 16:53Report
TY Mike….. I drink Bud Light most all the time unless in Ireland…and support Levine Distributors in our area and my friends that work there. I think the cancel culture is terrible whatever your political party of choice is. Very sad that social media has done this to us. I have good friends that I can no longer talk politics with because of the “great divide” that enriches social media giants.
ROBERT WARNERMay 31, 2023 at 16:45Report
I suppose a similar question could be asked, “Why does a person wearing a MAGA hat bother some people?”
David NowakowskiMay 31, 2023 at 14:30Report
great column, Mike. I’d like to think there are far more folks who see this subject and all its nuances the way you do…but you are probably right again in saying that it is tough to go against your chosen tribe on any component, regardless of how you might actually feel. thanks again!
Andrew RogersonMay 31, 2023 at 13:33Report
Mike DiMauro – well said sir, on all counts.
Lynn YoungMay 31, 2023 at 13:28Report
Drink what you like. Be who you are. Live and let live.
Richard GoldenMay 31, 2023 at 12:36Report
Light Beer is like Sex on the Beach….****ing near water.
Paul NUNESMay 31, 2023 at 11:44Report
Does anyone remember the first light beer and the commercial featuring a slice of bread?
THOMAS MORIARTYMay 31, 2023 at 11:05Report
Richard, must have been some other brand light. Bud Light? It was probably 10 years ago. But he could have been messing with me.
Richard GoldenMay 31, 2023 at 10:17Report
Malcolm- The moral of the story is; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Richard GoldenMay 31, 2023 at 10:16Report
Thomas- as far as I knew and as far as I can tell Guinness is the most popular beer in Ireland holding a full 25% of the market share. Bud Light does not even show up in the top ten (https://www.beer100.com/best-selling-beers-ireland/) I think the guy was pulling your leg. Bud Light only became available in Ireland in 2020.
Malcolm JulesMay 31, 2023 at 09:32Report
A corporation decided to target one of their products to a specific community and failed….end of story.
Margaret KliseMay 31, 2023 at 09:12Report
Agree/agree. Good article, Mike.
SUSAN HOTCHKISSMay 31, 2023 at 09:06Report
I always enjoy Mike’s opinion pieces. In total agreement about the transgender athlete issue.
THOMAS MORIARTYMay 31, 2023 at 09:00Report
Tom, hope all is well with your daughter.
THOMAS MORIARTYMay 31, 2023 at 08:57Report
A Bud Light story: Several years ago while in Ireland my son and I toured the Guinness brewery. Of course there’s a pub on the top floor and while getting a pint of Guinness the bar I notice several taps Bud Light. I asked the bartender “why in God’s name are you serving THAT stuff in here?” He replied that it’s the best selling beer in Ireland. Go figue!
THOMAS MORIARTYMay 31, 2023 at 08:51Report
Good column Mike. These anti “woke” zealots claim to support democracy but would be no different from the Taliban if they had their way.
Richard GoldenMay 31, 2023 at 08:42Report
All this talk of beer makes me thirsty…but I have found that drinking beer has become an unwelcome undertaking. No beer allowed at the beach, nor while night fishing in Waterford, nor surf fishing at Avery Point, nor at any state boat launch, nor is state parks- try walking down the street with a cold one….
Chris JawakaMay 31, 2023 at 08:08Report
IMO The left loves their cancel culture but gets all grumpy when the right does the same. Hey it can go both ways. That said I really don’t care about the Bud thing. Its not like they sold beer with its face on it.
Matther TookerMay 31, 2023 at 07:35Report
Thoughtful piece as always Mike. Perhaps the best offset for the 30% decrease in Bud Light sales would be a 30% increase in church attendance. I am betting that won’t happen. (Matt Tooker)
KEITH J. ROBBINSMay 31, 2023 at 06:11Report
You drinking Bud-Lite does not offend me, although it is a horrible beer. What is my concern is a guy using the ladies room that my nieces use!
TOM DONNEEMay 31, 2023 at 05:55Report
Agree Phil. Well done Mike!! Waiting for my daughter to come out of surgery. Then we’ll stop for a cold one, think I’ll make it a Bud Lite!!!
Philip BroseMay 30, 2023 at 16:59Report
Mr. DiMauro is always thoughtful and intelligent. The best writer at the day. Give the guy a raise.
2023.06.03 11:44 xiaolii [H] Lots of Games [W] Trade for Games or Paypal (EU)
Last Updated List: 03/06/2023
I'm primarily looking to trade for games from my wishlist, otherwise I am also open to selling them. I am not interested in games I already have and all games I'm getting are for me and activated on my own account. Other than that feel free to offer your list of Steam games and something I may not have and fulfills my criteria I could/would be willing to trade for it/them.
Info:
I kindly ask of you is to be reasonable when making offers to make it a fair trade for both of us.
Let's have a good exchange/trade!
NEWLY ADDED:
List of games:
submitted by xiaolii to GameTrade [link] [comments]
I'm primarily looking to trade for games from my wishlist, otherwise I am also open to selling them. I am not interested in games I already have and all games I'm getting are for me and activated on my own account. Other than that feel free to offer your list of Steam games and something I may not have and fulfills my criteria I could/would be willing to trade for it/them.
- To trade you must respond to this thread first, I will not respond or accept anyone outside of this thread, only exception are unless we've traded more than once before.
- Only interested in trading for games on Steam.
- I don't do Humble gifts whether receiving or giving, all my keys are in unrevealed form right after purchase.
- No interest in any keys from an unofficial retailesource (aka grey market), curatoreviewer keys (aka beta/reviewebeta-testing/etc.), abandonware, keys for games that are already free on Steam itself, Steam profile-limited keys, and only slight interest in VR-titles and/or de-listed games.
- Anything marked as wishlist/paypal, it's self-explanatory and I won't look through lists.
- All my keys are EU keys, if you are outside of EU, make sure you double check for any region locks for your country. For quite a few which I was aware of I already listed the region lock, however this is not my responsibility as I did specify the key's region.
- When buying, I only accept payments in Euro's. Minimum purchase of €1,00. Fees are on buyer.
Info:
- Region (and keys region): Europe
- IGS Rep Page
- SteamTrades
- SteamRep
I kindly ask of you is to be reasonable when making offers to make it a fair trade for both of us.
Let's have a good exchange/trade!
NEWLY ADDED:
- Blasphemous (Region Lock: EU/US only)
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Haiku, the Robot (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Hollow Knight (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Lost Ruins (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Rain World
List of games:
- 16bit Trader
- 4089: Ghost Within
- 911 Operator
- Afterparty
- Alien Breed 2: Assault
- Amnesia: Rebirth
- Ampersat
- An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
- Anomaly II
- Anomaly: Warzone Earth
- Apparition
- Arcade Spirits
- As Far As The Eye
- Ashina: The Red Witch
- Autonauts vs PirateBots
- AVICII Invector
- Back 4 Blood (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Backstage Pass
- Banners of Ruin
- BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION
- Beholder 2
- Bendy and the Dark Revival
- Bighead Runner
- Bionic Commando
- Biped
- bit Dungeon
- bit Dungeon II
- bit Dungeon III
- Blackguards
- Blasphemous (Region Lock: EU/US only)
- Blind Fate: Edo no Yami
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
- Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
- Carton
- CastleStorm
- Caveblazers
- Chicago 1930 : The Prohibition
- Chronicon (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Close to the Sun
- Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
- Colortone
- Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines
- Company of Heroes 2
- Company of Heroes 2 - Ardennes Assault
- Company of Heroes 2 - The Western Front Armies: Oberkommando West
- Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor
- Cook, Serve, Delicious!
- Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
- Cosmic Star Heroine
- Crash Drive 2
- Crazy Machines 3
- Curse: The Eye of Isis
- Cybercube
- Danger Scavenger
- Dead Island Definitive Edition
- Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
- Death Squared
- Devil's Hunt
- Dicey Dungeons
- Dishonored
- DOOM II
- Double Kick Heroes
- Drawful 2
- Driftland: The Magic Revival
- Dungeons
- Dungeons 2
- Dungeons 3
- Eldest Souls
- Endorlight
- Eternal Edge +
- Eternal Threads (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Euro Truck Simulator 2
- Evoland Legendary Edition
- Fallout 1: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
- Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Feel-A-Maze
- Fight'N Rage
- First Class Trouble
- Frederic: Evil Strikes Back
- Fury Unleashed
- Garfield Kart
- Garfield Kart - Furious Racing
- Generation Zero
- Gloria Victis
- Going Under
- Golf Club Wasteland
- Good Night, Knight
- Gotham Knights (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Gray Dawn (wishlist or Paypal only)
- GRIP: Combat Racing
- GRIP: Combat Racing
- Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
- Guts and Glory
- Haegemonia: Legions of Iron
- Haiku, the Robot (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Hamilton's Great Adventure
- Heads Will Roll
- Hellbound
- Hero's Hour
- Hollow Knight (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?!
- Home Sweet Home
- Homeworld Remastered Collection
- Horizon Chase Turbo
- Hue
- Iron Fisticle
- ITORAH (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Jack Move (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Jagged Alliance: Rage!
- JUMANJI: The Video Game
- Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
- Killing Floor 2 Digital Deluxe Edition
- King Arthur Collection (Sub ID 25825)
- King of Dragon Pass
- Kingdom Wars 2: Definitive Edition
- Kingdom Wars 4
- Kyle is Famous: Complete Edition
- Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager
- Leisure Suit Larry 7 - Love for Sail
- Lila’s Sky Ark
- Linked
- Little Orpheus
- Lord of the Dark Castle
- Lost Planet 3 Complete Pack
- Lost Ruins (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Lucius III
- Mafia III: Definitive Edition (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Mago
- Main Assembly
- MARSUPILAMI - HOOBADVENTURE (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Medieval Kingdom Wars
- Mega Man Legacy Collection
- Men of War
- Metamorphosis
- MirrorMoon EP
- Monaco
- Moon Hunters
- Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
- Music Racer
- Mystery of Unicorn Castle: The Beastmaster
- Necronator: Dead Wrong
- NecroWorm
- Neighbours back From Hell
- Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl
- Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix
- Nihilumbra
- Nomad Survival
- NUTS
- Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
- Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
- Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
- One Finger Death Punch 2
- Operation Tango
- Orbital Racer
- Out of Space
- Papo & Yo
- Party Hard 2
- PAYDAY 2
- Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition (Region Lock: Sub ID)
- Pizza Connection 3
- Planes, Bullets and Vodka
- Police Stories
- POSTAL 2
- QUAKE II
- RAD
- Rad Rodgers Radical Edition
- Radio Commander
- Railway Empire
- Rain World
- Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered
- Red Faction: Armageddon
- Red Solstice 2: Survivors
- Regions Of Ruin
- Remnants of Naezith
- Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Retrowave
- Reventure
- River City Ransom: Underground
- Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos
- Röki
- Rustler
- S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
- Salt and Sanctuary
- Sands of Aura
- Scarlet Tower
- Sense - 不祥的预感: A Cyberpunk Ghost Story
- Serious Sam Double D XXL
- Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
- Shadows: Awakening
- Shape of the World
- She Sees Red - Interactive Movie
- Shift Happens
- Shing!
- Shut Up And Dig
- Sid Meier's Ace Patrol
- Sine Mora EX
- Sigma Theory: Global Cold War
- Sinking Island
- Skeletal Avenger
- Skydrift Infinity
- Small World + 1 DLC
- Sneak Thief
- SONG OF HORROR COMPLETE EDITION
- Sonic Adventure 2 Battle (DLC)
- Sorry, James
- Soul Grabber
- Soulblight
- Space Crew: Legendary Edition
- Sparkle 2 Evo
- Spirit of the Island (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
- STAR WARS Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy
- STAR WARS Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast
- Stacking
- Starblast
- Starpoint Gemini 2 Gold Pack
- Starpoint Gemini Warlords
- STASIS
- Stick Fight: The Game
- Steel Rats
- Strange Brigade
- Streets of Fury EX
- Strider
- Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
- SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Suite 776
- Sunlight
- Super Indie Karts
- Super Magbot
- Super Meat Boy
- Supraland
- Surfingers
- Swag and Sorcery
- Switchball HD
- Syberia
- Synergia
- System Crash
- Tacoma
- Tainted Grail: Conquest (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Tesla Force
- The Anacrusis
- The Amazing American Circus
- The Citadel
- The Dark Eye: Memoria
- The Darkest Tales
- The Divine Invasion
- The Dream Machine: Chapter 1 & 2
- The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
- The eXceed Collection: Aural Brutality Edition
- The Falconeer
- THE GAME OF LIFE
- The Initiate
- The Initiate 2: The First Interviews
- The Inner World
- The Invisible Hours
- The Moment of Silence
- The Quarry – Horror History Visual Filter Pack (DLC)
- The Sexy Brutale
- The Smurfs - Mission Vileaf
- The Town of Light
- This War of Mine
- Those Who Remain
- Ticket to Ride
- Timberman
- Time Lock VR
- Titan Quest Anniversary Edition
- Totally Reliable Delivery Service
- Tower of Time
- Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
- Train Simulator Classic + 2 DLCs
- Tropico 3 Gold Edition
- Tropico 4 Collector's Bundle
- Unity of Command Trilogy
- Unshaded
- Verdun
- Violett Remastered
- VirtuaVerse
- Wargroove
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf
- Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2
- Weable
- Weaving Tides
- Where The Water Tastes Like Wine
- Windosill
- Within Skerry
- Within the blade
- Worms Rumble
- Yoku's Island Express
- XCOM 2
- XEL
- X-Morph: Defense Complete Pack
- Youtubers Life
- Zombie Army Trilogy
- Zombie Driver HD
2023.06.03 11:44 xiaolii [H] Lots of Games [W] Trade for Games or Paypal (EU)
Last Updated List: 03/06/2023
I'm primarily looking to trade for games from my wishlist, otherwise I am also open to selling them. I am not interested in games I already have and all games I'm getting are for me and activated on my own account. Other than that feel free to offer your list of Steam games and something I may not have and fulfills my criteria I could/would be willing to trade for it/them.
Info:
I kindly ask of you is to be reasonable when making offers to make it a fair trade for both of us.
Let's have a good exchange/trade!
NEWLY ADDED:
List of games:
submitted by xiaolii to indiegameswap [link] [comments]
I'm primarily looking to trade for games from my wishlist, otherwise I am also open to selling them. I am not interested in games I already have and all games I'm getting are for me and activated on my own account. Other than that feel free to offer your list of Steam games and something I may not have and fulfills my criteria I could/would be willing to trade for it/them.
- To trade you must respond to this thread first, I will not respond or accept anyone outside of this thread, only exception are unless we've traded more than once before.
- Only interested in trading for games on Steam.
- I don't do Humble gifts whether receiving or giving, all my keys are in unrevealed form right after purchase.
- No interest in any keys from an unofficial retailesource (aka grey market), curatoreviewer keys (aka beta/reviewebeta-testing/etc.), abandonware, keys for games that are already free on Steam itself, Steam profile-limited keys, and only slight interest in VR-titles and/or de-listed games.
- Anything marked as wishlist/paypal, it's self-explanatory and I won't look through lists.
- All my keys are EU keys, if you are outside of EU, make sure you double check for any region locks for your country. For quite a few which I was aware of I already listed the region lock, however this is not my responsibility as I did specify the key's region.
- When buying, I only accept payments in Euro's. Minimum purchase of €1,00. Fees are on buyer.
Info:
- Region (and keys region): Europe
- IGS Rep Page
- SteamTrades
- SteamRep
I kindly ask of you is to be reasonable when making offers to make it a fair trade for both of us.
Let's have a good exchange/trade!
NEWLY ADDED:
- Blasphemous (Region Lock: EU/US only)
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Haiku, the Robot (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Hollow Knight (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Lost Ruins (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Rain World
List of games:
- 16bit Trader
- 4089: Ghost Within
- 911 Operator
- Afterparty
- Alien Breed 2: Assault
- Amnesia: Rebirth
- Ampersat
- An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
- Anomaly II
- Anomaly: Warzone Earth
- Apparition
- Arcade Spirits
- As Far As The Eye
- Ashina: The Red Witch
- Autonauts vs PirateBots
- AVICII Invector
- Back 4 Blood (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Backstage Pass
- Banners of Ruin
- BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION
- Beholder 2
- Bendy and the Dark Revival
- Bighead Runner
- Bionic Commando
- Biped
- bit Dungeon
- bit Dungeon II
- bit Dungeon III
- Blackguards
- Blasphemous (Region Lock: EU/US only)
- Blind Fate: Edo no Yami
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
- Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
- Carton
- CastleStorm
- Caveblazers
- Chicago 1930 : The Prohibition
- Chronicon (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Close to the Sun
- Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
- Colortone
- Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines
- Company of Heroes 2
- Company of Heroes 2 - Ardennes Assault
- Company of Heroes 2 - The Western Front Armies: Oberkommando West
- Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor
- Cook, Serve, Delicious!
- Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
- Cosmic Star Heroine
- Crash Drive 2
- Crazy Machines 3
- Curse: The Eye of Isis
- Cybercube
- Danger Scavenger
- Dead Island Definitive Edition
- Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
- Death Squared
- Devil's Hunt
- Dicey Dungeons
- Dishonored
- DOOM II
- Double Kick Heroes
- Drawful 2
- Driftland: The Magic Revival
- Dungeons
- Dungeons 2
- Dungeons 3
- Eldest Souls
- Endorlight
- Eternal Edge +
- Eternal Threads (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Euro Truck Simulator 2
- Evoland Legendary Edition
- Fallout 1: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
- Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Feel-A-Maze
- Fight'N Rage
- First Class Trouble
- Frederic: Evil Strikes Back
- Fury Unleashed
- Garfield Kart
- Garfield Kart - Furious Racing
- Generation Zero
- Gloria Victis
- Going Under
- Golf Club Wasteland
- Good Night, Knight
- Gotham Knights (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Gray Dawn (wishlist or Paypal only)
- GRIP: Combat Racing
- GRIP: Combat Racing
- Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
- Guts and Glory
- Haegemonia: Legions of Iron
- Haiku, the Robot (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Hamilton's Great Adventure
- Heads Will Roll
- Hellbound
- Hero's Hour
- Hollow Knight (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?!
- Home Sweet Home
- Homeworld Remastered Collection
- Horizon Chase Turbo
- Hue
- Iron Fisticle
- ITORAH (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Jack Move (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Jagged Alliance: Rage!
- JUMANJI: The Video Game
- Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
- Killing Floor 2 Digital Deluxe Edition
- King Arthur Collection (Sub ID 25825)
- King of Dragon Pass
- Kingdom Wars 2: Definitive Edition
- Kingdom Wars 4
- Kyle is Famous: Complete Edition
- Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager
- Leisure Suit Larry 7 - Love for Sail
- Lila’s Sky Ark
- Linked
- Little Orpheus
- Lord of the Dark Castle
- Lost Planet 3 Complete Pack
- Lost Ruins (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Lucius III
- Mafia III: Definitive Edition (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Mago
- Main Assembly
- MARSUPILAMI - HOOBADVENTURE (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Medieval Kingdom Wars
- Mega Man Legacy Collection
- Men of War
- Metamorphosis
- MirrorMoon EP
- Monaco
- Moon Hunters
- Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
- Music Racer
- Mystery of Unicorn Castle: The Beastmaster
- Necronator: Dead Wrong
- NecroWorm
- Neighbours back From Hell
- Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl
- Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix
- Nihilumbra
- Nomad Survival
- NUTS
- Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
- Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
- Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
- One Finger Death Punch 2
- Operation Tango
- Orbital Racer
- Out of Space
- Papo & Yo
- Party Hard 2
- PAYDAY 2
- Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition (Region Lock: Sub ID)
- Pizza Connection 3
- Planes, Bullets and Vodka
- Police Stories
- POSTAL 2
- QUAKE II
- RAD
- Rad Rodgers Radical Edition
- Radio Commander
- Railway Empire
- Rain World
- Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered
- Red Faction: Armageddon
- Red Solstice 2: Survivors
- Regions Of Ruin
- Remnants of Naezith
- Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Retrowave
- Reventure
- River City Ransom: Underground
- Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos
- Röki
- Rustler
- S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
- Salt and Sanctuary
- Sands of Aura
- Scarlet Tower
- Sense - 不祥的预感: A Cyberpunk Ghost Story
- Serious Sam Double D XXL
- Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
- Shadows: Awakening
- Shape of the World
- She Sees Red - Interactive Movie
- Shift Happens
- Shing!
- Shut Up And Dig
- Sid Meier's Ace Patrol
- Sine Mora EX
- Sigma Theory: Global Cold War
- Sinking Island
- Skeletal Avenger
- Skydrift Infinity
- Small World + 1 DLC
- Sneak Thief
- SONG OF HORROR COMPLETE EDITION
- Sonic Adventure 2 Battle (DLC)
- Sorry, James
- Soul Grabber
- Soulblight
- Space Crew: Legendary Edition
- Sparkle 2 Evo
- Spirit of the Island (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
- STAR WARS Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy
- STAR WARS Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast
- Stacking
- Starblast
- Starpoint Gemini 2 Gold Pack
- Starpoint Gemini Warlords
- STASIS
- Stick Fight: The Game
- Steel Rats
- Strange Brigade
- Streets of Fury EX
- Strider
- Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
- SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Suite 776
- Sunlight
- Super Indie Karts
- Super Magbot
- Super Meat Boy
- Supraland
- Surfingers
- Swag and Sorcery
- Switchball HD
- Syberia
- Synergia
- System Crash
- Tacoma
- Tainted Grail: Conquest (wishlist or Paypal only)
- Tesla Force
- The Anacrusis
- The Amazing American Circus
- The Citadel
- The Dark Eye: Memoria
- The Darkest Tales
- The Divine Invasion
- The Dream Machine: Chapter 1 & 2
- The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
- The eXceed Collection: Aural Brutality Edition
- The Falconeer
- THE GAME OF LIFE
- The Initiate
- The Initiate 2: The First Interviews
- The Inner World
- The Invisible Hours
- The Moment of Silence
- The Quarry – Horror History Visual Filter Pack (DLC)
- The Sexy Brutale
- The Smurfs - Mission Vileaf
- The Town of Light
- This War of Mine
- Those Who Remain
- Ticket to Ride
- Timberman
- Time Lock VR
- Titan Quest Anniversary Edition
- Totally Reliable Delivery Service
- Tower of Time
- Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
- Train Simulator Classic + 2 DLCs
- Tropico 3 Gold Edition
- Tropico 4 Collector's Bundle
- Unity of Command Trilogy
- Unshaded
- Verdun
- Violett Remastered
- VirtuaVerse
- Wargroove
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf
- Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2
- Weable
- Weaving Tides
- Where The Water Tastes Like Wine
- Windosill
- Within Skerry
- Within the blade
- Worms Rumble
- Yoku's Island Express
- XCOM 2
- XEL
- X-Morph: Defense Complete Pack
- Youtubers Life
- Zombie Army Trilogy
- Zombie Driver HD
2023.06.03 11:30 marcoxnt93 [H] Full Killer 26 Bundle and a lot good games [W] Offers
https://www.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/cg1p8marcoxnt93s\_igs\_rep\_page/
An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
Banners of Ruin
Biped
CORPSE FACTORY
DUSK ’28: ULTIMATE EDITION
Dead Island Definitive Edition
Dishonored
Eldest Souls
Gedonia
Hero’s Hour
Lamentum (HL 4,70 zł)
Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager
Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee
Oddworld: New 'n’ Tasty with Alf & Abe DLC Packs
Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD
Rain World
Röki
THE GAME OF LIFE
The Ascent
The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
Trolley Problem, Inc.
Fanatical Mystery Bundles Leftovers
Noitu Love 2: Devolution x 2
OUTBUDDIES DX
Vambrace: Cold Soul
Adventures of Chris
Serial Cleaner
Dark Devotion
Kingdom Rush Frontiers
Everhood
The Town of Light x 2
Crumble
Dead End Job x 2
Valfaris
Garbage x 2
Alchemy Garden
Double Kick Heroes x 2
Nihilumbra
Dub Dash
Stick it to The Man!
SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell
Reventure
Iron Marines
Beasts of Maravilla Island
Weaving Tides
Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic
White Night
Hidden Shapes - Trick or Cats
tiny & Tall: Gleipnir
Doodle Derby
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
Omen Exitio: Plague
Tesla Force
The Black Heart
Police Stories
From Space
DESOLATE
Just Die Already
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
TIER 0
Back 4 blood eu
Destiny 2 Planet of Peace Exclusive Emblem
Dirt Rally 2.0 + 3 DLC
F1 2012
F1 2019 Anniversary
Grand Theft Auto Vice City
Remnant from the Ashes
Road to Guangdong - Story-Based Indie Road Trip Driving Game
the wolf among us
TIER 1
Absolver
Bloodstained Ritual of the Night
borderlands Game of the year enhanced Edition
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection EU
Darksiders genesis
Doom Eternal
Duke Nukem Manhattan Project
Elex
Endless Space 2 – Deluxe Edition
friday the 13th
Geometry Wars 3 Dimensions Evolved Mystery
Genital Jousting
Grid Autosport
Grid ultimate edition
Golf With Friends
GoNNER BLüEBERRY EDiTION
guild wars 2 heroic edition
guild wars nightfall
Hitman Absolution
House Flipper
Just cause 3 XXL
Kingdom Rush
Kerbal Space Program x 2
Legend Of Grimrock
Lego Marvel 2 Deluxe
Little Dragons Cafe
Mafia III: Definitive Edition
MAIN ASSEMBLY
Maneater
Mordhau
Orn the tiny forest sprite
Outward US x 2
Overcooked 2 + Surf and Turf + Too Many Cooks
pathfinder wrath
PGA TOUR 2k21 x 2
Phantasmagoria
Portal Knights
Pro cycling manager 2019
Project Cars
Project CARS 2 + Japanese Cars Bonus Pack
Risen
Sairento VR
Scum
Second Extinction
Sonic Forces
Spyro Reignited Trilogy x 2
Starbound
Star Trek Bridge Crew
State of Decay 2
streets of rogue
Summer in Mara
Superhot VR
Tales of Zestiria
Team Sonic Racing
Tekken 7
The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion GOTY
The Division + DLC US
Tomb Raider GOTY
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
TRINE 2 Complete Story
TRINE 3 The Artifacts of Power
Tracks - The Train Set Game
WARHAMMER 40,000: Gladius- Relics of War
Warhammer 40000 : Mechanicus
Wasteland 2 Directors Cut
Wasteland 3
valkyria chronicles IV Complete
X-com 2
TIER 2
ABZU
Armello x 3
asterix obelix xxl3
Band of Defenders
batman arkham knight
Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Beyond Blue
BioShock Infinite
Book of Demons
CHAOS CODE -NEW SIGN OF CATASTROPHE-
Choice Chamber
Chess Ultra
Cities skylines
civilization IV Complete Edition
Civilization 5
Dead by Daylight
Degrees of Separation
Drake Hollow
Driftland: The Magic Revival x 2
Endless Space 2
Europa Universalis IV
eXperience 112
FEZ
Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China - Deluxe Edition
Forced
From Space
Gamedec
Gato Roboto
Golf With Friends
Gunman Tales
Hotshot Racing
human fall flat
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1
Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition
Just Cause 3
Killing Floor 2
King's Bounty: Crossworlds
King’s Bounty: Warriors of the North - The Complete Edition
Last Oasis
Manhunt
Megadimension Neptunia VII
Men of War: Assault Squad 2 - War Chest Edition
METAL SLUG 3
Metro Last Light Redux
Miscreated
MO:Astray
Morphopolis
Motorcycle Mechanic Simulator 2021
Natural Selection 2
NecroWorm
Neo Cab
NEOVERSE
Not For Broadcast
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
Odyssey - The Story of Science
OF MICE AND SAND -REVISED-
One Step From Eden
Opus Magnum
Overcooked
Overgrowth
PATHOLOGIC 2
Pillars Of Eternity
Phoenix Point Year one edition
Planespace Torment Enhanced Edition
Plunge
Quantum League
Quest of Dungeons
Railroad tycoon 3
Rise of Industry
River City Melee Mach
Roarr! The Adventures of Rampage Rex
Sanctuary RPG: Black Edition
Scribblenauts Unmasked
Scythe Digital Edition
Serious Sam 3 BFE
Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut
Shing!
Skullgirls
Sinking Island
Slinger VR
SNIPER GHOST WARRIOR CONTRACTS
Sonic All Stars Transformed Collection
Sparkle 2
Sparkle Unleashed
Starbound
Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds Saga
STAR WARS Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy
STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast
STAR WARS The Force Unleashed Ultimate Sith Edition
Star Wars Kotor 2
Star Wolves 3: Civil War
stick fight the game
Stronhold Crusader 2
Struggling
Styx Master of Shadows
SUPER TIME FORCE ULTRA
SurrounDead
Surviving Mars x 2
Swords of Gurrah
Tannenberg
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII STEAM EDITION
The Technomancer
tilt brush
Titan Quest Anniversary Edition
The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut
The Beast Inside
The Gardens Between
The Incredible Adventures of Van Hesing
the long dark survival Edition
The Stillness of the Wind
The Swords of Ditto: Mormo’s Curse
The town of light
The walking dead the new frontier
The Wild Eight
Train Valley 2
Trüberbrook
Tropico 5
Tsioque
Unto The End
Valfaris
Voidship: The Long Journey
volcanoids
Wargroove
WARSAW
West of Dead x 2
Wizard Of Legends x 2
Worms Clan Wars
Without Within 3
XCOM: Chimera Squad
Yooka Laylee
Zwei: The Arges Adventure
Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection
TIER 3
112 Operator
911 Operator
Acorn Assault: Rodent Revolution
Ageless
AI War 2
Alan Wake's American Nightmare
Alien Shooter 2 Conscription
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
angry video game nerd
Arcana Hearts 3
Armada 2526 Gold Edition
arma X
As Far As The Eye
Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation
Atari Vault
AVEN COLONY
Before we Leave
Belladonna
BLACKHOLE
Blitzkrieg Anthology
Boomerang Fu
Bomber Crew - Deluxe Edition
Boreal Blade
Borealis
Bridge Constructor Playground
Broken Age x 3
Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons
Bunker Punks
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
Cally's caves 3
Callys Caves 4
Capitalism 2
Carmageddon Max Damage
Cast of the Seven Godsends
Cepheus Protocol
Chaos Reborn
City Siege: Faction Island
COLT CANYON
Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
Crazy Belts
crazy machines 3
Creeping Terror
Crowntakers
Crying Suns
CTU: Counter Terrorism Unit
Cybarian: The Time Travelling Warrior
Cyber Hook
Dad Quest x 2
Dark Heritage: Guardians of Hope
Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage
Darksiders Warmastered Edition
Dark Strokes The Legend of the Snow Kingdom Collectors Edition
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
Death to Spies: Moment of Truth
Death Squared
DESOLATE
Detached
Deus Ex: Invisible War
Dimension Drifter
Distrust : Polar Survival
Double Dragon IV
Draw Slasher
Duke Nukem Forever x 2
Dungeons 3
Dungeon Siege II
DV: Rings of Saturn
EarthNight
EarthX
Eliza
Enforcer: Police Crime Action
ENSLAVED™: Odyssey to the West™ Premium Edition
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Etherborn
Etherlords I & II
Evergarden
evoland
F1 2018
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Farming World
Fire
Fort Triumph
Fury Unleashed x 2
Garfield Kart
Gas Guzzlers Extreme
Goat simulator
Golf Gang
God's Trigger
Go Home Dinosaurs
Going Under
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
Grim Legends 2: Song of the Dark Swan
GRIP: Combat Racing
Guilty Gear Sign
Gunscape Standard Edition
Hacknet + DLC
Heaven’s Vault
Heavy Burger
Heroes of Annihilated Empires
Hexologic
Hidden Object Bundle 5 in 1
Hidden Object 6in1 bundle
Hive Jump
Hopiko
HORACE
Hue
Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
In Between
Innerspace
INMOST
Inside My Radio
Iris and the Giant
Iron Fisticle
John Wick
Just Die Already
ken follet
Kingdom: Classic
King Oddball
Knights of Pen & Paper 2
Knight's Retreat
Labyronia RPG
Labyronia RPG 2
Laser Disco Defenders
Leisure Suit Larry 7 - Love for Sail
Lemuria Lost in Space
Levelhead
LIBERATED
Little Misfortune
Livelock
Lostwinds
Lovecraft’s Untold Stories
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Lust for Darkness
Luxor 3
Mages of Mystralia
Magrunner: Dark Pulse
Masquerade: The Baubles of Doom
Medieval Kingdom Wars
Mini Ninjas
MirrorMoon EP
Monaco: What’s Yours Is Mine
Moon Hunters
MotoGP 15
Morkredd
MOUNT & BLADE
MXGP - The Official Motocross Videogame
My Memory of Us
Mystery Loss
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels
Nba Playgrounds
Neon Chrome
Newt One
Nex Machina
Neverending Nightmares
Neverout
Niffelheim
Night Call
Nowhere Prophet
Odallus: The Dark Call
Of Orcs And Men
Offworld Trading Company + Jupiter's Forge Expansion Pack
Omen Exitio: Plague
Orbital Racer
Out of Space
Overload
Overlord II x 2
Pac-Man 256
PAC-MAN™ CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION 2
Paper Fire Rookie
Paperbark
Paradigm
Particula
Pathway
Pawnbarian
Payday 2
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
Perfect Universe
Pesterquest
Pickers
Pikuniku
Pirate Pop Plus
Pixel Heroes
Pixplode
Planet Alpha
Planet of the Eyes
Police Stories
port royale 3 gold
Post Master
POPUP DUNGEON
Prehistoric Tales
Quantum Conundrum
Radio Commander
Rapture Rejects
Rebel Galaxy
red orchestra 2
Re-Legion
REMOTHERED: BROKEN PORCELAIN
Remnants of Naezith
RESIDENT EVIL HD
Rezrog
Retimed
Ring of Pain
Road Redemption
ROCK OF AGES 3: MAKE & BREAK
Röki
Roombo: First Blood
Rover Mechanic Simulator
RRRR
Rustler
Sakura Agent
Sakura Angels
Sakura Beach
Sakura Beach 2
Sakura Fantasy
Sakura Magical Girls
Sakura Shrine Girls
Sakura Spirit
Samorost 3
Serial Cleaner
Seven enchanted edition
Sigma Theory: Global Cold War
SIMULACRA + SIMULACRA 2
Sins Of The Demon
Shadowrun Hong Kong Extended Edition
Shoppe Keep
Shoppe Keep 2
Smile For Me
SKULLY
Smoke and Sacrifice
Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing
Soulblight
Space Pilgrim Academy: Reunion
space run galaxy
Speedrunners
Spellspire
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
StarCrossed
State of mind
Stealth 2: A Game of Clones
Stealth Bastard Deluxe x 2
Steamburg
Still Life 2
Storm Of Spears
Strider
Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
Sudden Strike 4
Sundered
Super Hexagon
Supraland
Super Mutant Alien Assault
Super Panda Adventures
Swag and Sorcery
Syberia
Syberia II
Syberia 3
System Shock: Enhanced Edition
Tabletop Playground
Tales from Candlekeep: Tomb of Annihilation
Teleglitch Die More Edition
Telefrag VR
Teslagrad
Testament of Sherlock Holmes
Time Mysteries 3: The Final Enigma
The Amazing American Circus
Tharsis
The Ball
The Deed
The dropping of the dead
The Dwarves
The Hex
The King's Bird
The Last Door: Season 2 - Collector's Edition
The Lost Crown
The Purring Quest
There Came An Echo
The Haunted Island, A Frog Detective Game
The Signal From Tölva
Think of the Children
This War of Mine
ToeJam & Earl Back in the Groove
Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation
Tomb Raider V: Chronicles
Tomb Raider Legend
Tomb Raider Underworld
Tooth and Tail
Train Station Renovation
Treasure Hunter Simulator
Tropico 4
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
Underhero
Unrest
Valnir Rok Survival RPG
Vane
Velocity Ultra Deluxe
Vertiginous Golf
Viking Saga The Cursed Ring
Wanderlust: Travel Stories
Wandersong
warlock 2
war tech fighters
Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest
Without Within 2
Whispers of a machine
Wings of Vi
Yoku's Island Express
Youropa
Zoo Park
TIER 4
Acceleration of SUGURI 2
Age of Wonders III
Alien Spidy
Almost There: The Platformer
Angvik
A New Beginning – Final Cut
AtmaSphere
Battle vs chees
Circuit Breakers
Corridor Z
CreaVures
Cubicle Quest
Dagon – The Eldritch Box DLC
Dashing Dinos
Death Fungeon
Drawful 2
DungeonUp x 2
Earth 2150 Trilogy
Enclave
Endless Space – Collection
Evergarden
Formula Car Racing
Fluffy Horde
Gorky 17
Guts And Glory
Hacknet Deluxe Edition
Haegemonia: The Solon Heritage
HIVESWAP: Act 1
Holy Potatoes a Spy Story
Homefront
Horizon Shift
Joggernauts
Journey of a Roach
Learn Japanese to survive Hiragana Battle
Left in the Dark: No One on Board
Leisure Suit Larry 5 - Passionate Patti Does a Little Undercover Work
Leisure Suit Larry 6 - Shape Up Or Slip Out
Little Racers STREET
Lock Parsing 2
Love is Dead
Midnight Mysteries 3: Devil on the Mississippi
Memoria
Moss Destruction
NAIRI: Tower of Shirin
NeuroVoider
No Time to Explain Remastered
One Finger Death Punch
OneShift
Out of Reach: Treasure Royale
Pesterquest
Purrfect Date – Visual Novel/Dating Simulator
Raceland
Regions Of Ruin
Regular Human Basketball x 2
Rencounter
Renoir
Return to Mysterious Island
Resort Boss: Golf
Rym 9000
Seraph
Shooting Stars!
Silence
Sky Break
Space Pilgrim Episode III: Delta Pavonis
Space Pilgrim Episode IV: Sol
Spandex Force: Champion Rising
Steel Rats
Super Daryl Deluxe
Sword Legacy Omen
Taxi
The Adventure Pals x 3
The Deed: Dynasty
The Emerald Maiden: Symphony of Dream
The Spiral Scouts
The Uncertain - The Last Quiet Day
Tiny Troopers
ttv2
Twilight City Love as a Cure
Two Worlds: Epic Edition
Tumblestone
Unhack
Unhack 2
Viking Saga The Cursed Ring
White Noise Online
World Keepers Last Resort
Zombie Party x 2
submitted by marcoxnt93 to GameTrade [link] [comments]
An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
Banners of Ruin
Biped
CORPSE FACTORY
DUSK ’28: ULTIMATE EDITION
Dead Island Definitive Edition
Dishonored
Eldest Souls
Gedonia
Hero’s Hour
Lamentum (HL 4,70 zł)
Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager
Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee
Oddworld: New 'n’ Tasty with Alf & Abe DLC Packs
Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD
Rain World
Röki
THE GAME OF LIFE
The Ascent
The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
Trolley Problem, Inc.
Fanatical Mystery Bundles Leftovers
Noitu Love 2: Devolution x 2
OUTBUDDIES DX
Vambrace: Cold Soul
Adventures of Chris
Serial Cleaner
Dark Devotion
Kingdom Rush Frontiers
Everhood
The Town of Light x 2
Crumble
Dead End Job x 2
Valfaris
Garbage x 2
Alchemy Garden
Double Kick Heroes x 2
Nihilumbra
Dub Dash
Stick it to The Man!
SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell
Reventure
Iron Marines
Beasts of Maravilla Island
Weaving Tides
Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic
White Night
Hidden Shapes - Trick or Cats
tiny & Tall: Gleipnir
Doodle Derby
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
Omen Exitio: Plague
Tesla Force
The Black Heart
Police Stories
From Space
DESOLATE
Just Die Already
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
TIER 0
Back 4 blood eu
Destiny 2 Planet of Peace Exclusive Emblem
Dirt Rally 2.0 + 3 DLC
F1 2012
F1 2019 Anniversary
Grand Theft Auto Vice City
Remnant from the Ashes
Road to Guangdong - Story-Based Indie Road Trip Driving Game
the wolf among us
TIER 1
Absolver
Bloodstained Ritual of the Night
borderlands Game of the year enhanced Edition
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection EU
Darksiders genesis
Doom Eternal
Duke Nukem Manhattan Project
Elex
Endless Space 2 – Deluxe Edition
friday the 13th
Geometry Wars 3 Dimensions Evolved Mystery
Genital Jousting
Grid Autosport
Grid ultimate edition
Golf With Friends
GoNNER BLüEBERRY EDiTION
guild wars 2 heroic edition
guild wars nightfall
Hitman Absolution
House Flipper
Just cause 3 XXL
Kingdom Rush
Kerbal Space Program x 2
Legend Of Grimrock
Lego Marvel 2 Deluxe
Little Dragons Cafe
Mafia III: Definitive Edition
MAIN ASSEMBLY
Maneater
Mordhau
Orn the tiny forest sprite
Outward US x 2
Overcooked 2 + Surf and Turf + Too Many Cooks
pathfinder wrath
PGA TOUR 2k21 x 2
Phantasmagoria
Portal Knights
Pro cycling manager 2019
Project Cars
Project CARS 2 + Japanese Cars Bonus Pack
Risen
Sairento VR
Scum
Second Extinction
Sonic Forces
Spyro Reignited Trilogy x 2
Starbound
Star Trek Bridge Crew
State of Decay 2
streets of rogue
Summer in Mara
Superhot VR
Tales of Zestiria
Team Sonic Racing
Tekken 7
The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion GOTY
The Division + DLC US
Tomb Raider GOTY
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
TRINE 2 Complete Story
TRINE 3 The Artifacts of Power
Tracks - The Train Set Game
WARHAMMER 40,000: Gladius- Relics of War
Warhammer 40000 : Mechanicus
Wasteland 2 Directors Cut
Wasteland 3
valkyria chronicles IV Complete
X-com 2
TIER 2
ABZU
Armello x 3
asterix obelix xxl3
Band of Defenders
batman arkham knight
Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Beyond Blue
BioShock Infinite
Book of Demons
CHAOS CODE -NEW SIGN OF CATASTROPHE-
Choice Chamber
Chess Ultra
Cities skylines
civilization IV Complete Edition
Civilization 5
Dead by Daylight
Degrees of Separation
Drake Hollow
Driftland: The Magic Revival x 2
Endless Space 2
Europa Universalis IV
eXperience 112
FEZ
Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China - Deluxe Edition
Forced
From Space
Gamedec
Gato Roboto
Golf With Friends
Gunman Tales
Hotshot Racing
human fall flat
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1
Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition
Just Cause 3
Killing Floor 2
King's Bounty: Crossworlds
King’s Bounty: Warriors of the North - The Complete Edition
Last Oasis
Manhunt
Megadimension Neptunia VII
Men of War: Assault Squad 2 - War Chest Edition
METAL SLUG 3
Metro Last Light Redux
Miscreated
MO:Astray
Morphopolis
Motorcycle Mechanic Simulator 2021
Natural Selection 2
NecroWorm
Neo Cab
NEOVERSE
Not For Broadcast
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
Odyssey - The Story of Science
OF MICE AND SAND -REVISED-
One Step From Eden
Opus Magnum
Overcooked
Overgrowth
PATHOLOGIC 2
Pillars Of Eternity
Phoenix Point Year one edition
Planespace Torment Enhanced Edition
Plunge
Quantum League
Quest of Dungeons
Railroad tycoon 3
Rise of Industry
River City Melee Mach
Roarr! The Adventures of Rampage Rex
Sanctuary RPG: Black Edition
Scribblenauts Unmasked
Scythe Digital Edition
Serious Sam 3 BFE
Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut
Shing!
Skullgirls
Sinking Island
Slinger VR
SNIPER GHOST WARRIOR CONTRACTS
Sonic All Stars Transformed Collection
Sparkle 2
Sparkle Unleashed
Starbound
Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds Saga
STAR WARS Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy
STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast
STAR WARS The Force Unleashed Ultimate Sith Edition
Star Wars Kotor 2
Star Wolves 3: Civil War
stick fight the game
Stronhold Crusader 2
Struggling
Styx Master of Shadows
SUPER TIME FORCE ULTRA
SurrounDead
Surviving Mars x 2
Swords of Gurrah
Tannenberg
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII STEAM EDITION
The Technomancer
tilt brush
Titan Quest Anniversary Edition
The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut
The Beast Inside
The Gardens Between
The Incredible Adventures of Van Hesing
the long dark survival Edition
The Stillness of the Wind
The Swords of Ditto: Mormo’s Curse
The town of light
The walking dead the new frontier
The Wild Eight
Train Valley 2
Trüberbrook
Tropico 5
Tsioque
Unto The End
Valfaris
Voidship: The Long Journey
volcanoids
Wargroove
WARSAW
West of Dead x 2
Wizard Of Legends x 2
Worms Clan Wars
Without Within 3
XCOM: Chimera Squad
Yooka Laylee
Zwei: The Arges Adventure
Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection
TIER 3
112 Operator
911 Operator
Acorn Assault: Rodent Revolution
Ageless
AI War 2
Alan Wake's American Nightmare
Alien Shooter 2 Conscription
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
angry video game nerd
Arcana Hearts 3
Armada 2526 Gold Edition
arma X
As Far As The Eye
Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation
Atari Vault
AVEN COLONY
Before we Leave
Belladonna
BLACKHOLE
Blitzkrieg Anthology
Boomerang Fu
Bomber Crew - Deluxe Edition
Boreal Blade
Borealis
Bridge Constructor Playground
Broken Age x 3
Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons
Bunker Punks
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
Cally's caves 3
Callys Caves 4
Capitalism 2
Carmageddon Max Damage
Cast of the Seven Godsends
Cepheus Protocol
Chaos Reborn
City Siege: Faction Island
COLT CANYON
Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
Crazy Belts
crazy machines 3
Creeping Terror
Crowntakers
Crying Suns
CTU: Counter Terrorism Unit
Cybarian: The Time Travelling Warrior
Cyber Hook
Dad Quest x 2
Dark Heritage: Guardians of Hope
Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage
Darksiders Warmastered Edition
Dark Strokes The Legend of the Snow Kingdom Collectors Edition
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
Death to Spies: Moment of Truth
Death Squared
DESOLATE
Detached
Deus Ex: Invisible War
Dimension Drifter
Distrust : Polar Survival
Double Dragon IV
Draw Slasher
Duke Nukem Forever x 2
Dungeons 3
Dungeon Siege II
DV: Rings of Saturn
EarthNight
EarthX
Eliza
Enforcer: Police Crime Action
ENSLAVED™: Odyssey to the West™ Premium Edition
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Etherborn
Etherlords I & II
Evergarden
evoland
F1 2018
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Farming World
Fire
Fort Triumph
Fury Unleashed x 2
Garfield Kart
Gas Guzzlers Extreme
Goat simulator
Golf Gang
God's Trigger
Go Home Dinosaurs
Going Under
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
Grim Legends 2: Song of the Dark Swan
GRIP: Combat Racing
Guilty Gear Sign
Gunscape Standard Edition
Hacknet + DLC
Heaven’s Vault
Heavy Burger
Heroes of Annihilated Empires
Hexologic
Hidden Object Bundle 5 in 1
Hidden Object 6in1 bundle
Hive Jump
Hopiko
HORACE
Hue
Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
In Between
Innerspace
INMOST
Inside My Radio
Iris and the Giant
Iron Fisticle
John Wick
Just Die Already
ken follet
Kingdom: Classic
King Oddball
Knights of Pen & Paper 2
Knight's Retreat
Labyronia RPG
Labyronia RPG 2
Laser Disco Defenders
Leisure Suit Larry 7 - Love for Sail
Lemuria Lost in Space
Levelhead
LIBERATED
Little Misfortune
Livelock
Lostwinds
Lovecraft’s Untold Stories
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Lust for Darkness
Luxor 3
Mages of Mystralia
Magrunner: Dark Pulse
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2023.06.03 11:30 LiseEclaire [Leveling up the World] - Academy Arc - Chapter 759
Out there - Patreon (for all those curious or wanting to support :))
At the Beginning
Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Previously on Leveling up the World…
This is somewhat nostalgic, the armadil shield said.
“Walking through copyette ruins?” Dallion’s opinion differed. “Hardly.”
You patched up things with Eury here, I remember.
The comment made Dallion slow his pace. That was indeed true. The first time their relationship had been on the rocks, searching the ruins had helped patch things up. It also helped that the entire city was under threat of destruction.
“There’s nothing to patch up,” he said adamantly.
Right. It’s the world that’s keeping you apart.
Reaching the staircase to the city above, Dallion hastened his pace. Half a dozen cleric guards stood at the higher levels, making sure no one without permission went up or down. Aware of the mage’s authority, they quickly stepped back, letting him pass. Some of them mumbled the obligatory “initiate”—a title Dallion cared little about.
A second half dozen was placed in the arena corridor, just beyond the stairwell. Feeling in a good mood after his magic level up, Dallion was about to let them know that he was done, when he spotted something that made him stop. At the end of the corridor, surrounded by his ever-present fury bodyguards, stood the general.
Damn it! Dallion said to himself. He had hoped that he’d manage to leave the city without having to talk to the snobbish snake. If there was someone he wanted to avoid at all costs, that was it.
“What a pleasant surprise to find you here, Dal,” the general said with his superior smile. Dallion’s rank in society might have increased since the last time the two had spoken, but it didn’t matter. He still had a debt to pay, and if there was one thing the general was good at, it was collecting. “Or should I say mage Dallion?”
“Nice to see you too, General.” Dallion remained calm. “I was considering seeing you,” he lied.
For a moment, he considered whether to blow him off completely. Being a mage, he had the authority to do so. Sadly, in the short turn, that would create more trouble than it was worth.
“Delightful. I’d invite you to my usual room, but it’s being redecorated.” The general tapped his chin with a finger. “I decided to go with something a lot more imperial in mind.”
“I see.”
“On the other hand, the arena field is empty right now. Maybe we could have a brief talk there?”
It was made to look like an amicable invitation, but there wasn’t a person in the corridor who couldn’t tell it was a threat.
The countess was moved out of the city, and yet this squirmy toad remains behind? Dallion grumbled internally. Worse than a cockroach.
Leaving his furies behind, the general went along the halls and corridors to the arena field. Despite it and the stands being meticulously well kept, a sense of emptiness emanated from everywhere. There were times when it was filled with dozens of challengers and enough crowds to fill a medium-sized town. Dallion had seen it from both sides of the fence: he had taken part in the tournament as well as observed it from afar.
“Feels strange, doesn’t it?” The general looked around. “If there was one thing about the countess that everyone will miss, it’s the Nerosal Festival. That was an event to remember. Even the northern provinces were envious, even if they’d never admit it. Tell me, is the Academy still holding its tournament?”
“No.”
“Ah, a shame. I was told that they, too, were rather magnificent. I’ve seen echo recreations, of course, but it could never beat the real thing.”
Dallion remained silent, patiently waiting.
“In a way, you can say that everything started here,” the general continued. “If a member of the imperial family hadn’t died that day, none of the following calamities would have taken place.”
“Doubtful.” Dallion tried his best not to smirk. “Another excuse would have turned up.”
“Oh, that’s definitely true. With the toys Adzorg had been playing, it was inevitable that something would follow. Who knows, if he had been just a bit luckier, the city might have been destroyed well before the Star had the chance to drag it into the wilderness. Makes you think, doesn’t it?”
“What do you want?” Dallion pressed. “I don’t have time for your usual performance.”
“My, my.” The general’s smile widened. “I guess it’s true that magic makes one arrogant. But you’re right. Both of us are busy people, so I’ll get straight to the point.” He paused for a few moments. “I think I can help you.”
Using that line already? Each time the snob had used it, Dallion had ended up worse off.
“Everyone knows you’re hunting Adzorg.”
“Not hunting,” Dallion corrected. “And I expect you to know where he is?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea. The man has managed to elude the Academy and the Order’s best. There’s no way I could find him. However, I can help you find the thing he seeks.”
“Sounds too good to be true.”
“Everyone makes mistakes, even former archmages.” The general’s tone shifted. “In this case, the mistake was made years ago. The old man had grown impatient and came to me asking for a specific item. It was believed to be difficult to find and impossible to get. In fact, I was planning to use you to find it for me. It was quite unfortunate that some of my other associates failed to do their part.”
“Let me guess—they ran off with the item in question.”
“Didn’t even find it. Needless to say that our business relations came to an end. Anyway, the important thing is that Adzorg never got the piece.”
“And you know where it is.” Dallion crossed his hands. “What makes you sure that he hasn’t found it by now?”
“Nothing.”
The response made Dallion arch an eyebrow.
“I’ve narrowed down its location, but there’s no guarantee that he hadn’t found it. The reason I’m assuming he hasn’t is because the world is still here.”
“So, you have nothing to offer?”
“You seem to be confused, mage. It’s you who owe me. The debt you have is guaranteed by your Moon vow. I’ve been generous enough leaving you run around, but even my patience has its limit.”
Dallion would hardly call what he’d been doing “running around.” Unfortunately, he was the one with the debt.
Confident he had made his point, the general took out a small scroll from beneath his shirt and handed it to Dallion. Unrolling it revealed the picture of a very peculiar and well-crafted gear wheel. More precisely, it was a stack of gear wheels arranged like a cone.
“The item is said to be the size of a large shield,” the general said. “It’s made of a combination of sea iron, sun gold, and moon platinum. The materials alone will make every hunter want to have it. According to Adzorg, it’s hidden in a large clay or stone statue. Find it first and you’ll find your ex-mage.”
“Thanks,” Dallion grumbled.
“And just to be sure, there are no misunderstandings. I want the item.”
“You’re thinking of taking on the Order? Now I’m impressed.”
“Don’t act stupid, it doesn’t become you. The item is useless on its own. Owning a piece of something that could enslave all humanity, though… Now, that’s priceless. Bring me my prize and your debt is paid.” The man turned around. “What you do with the old man isn’t my business.”
Dallion folded the scroll and added it to the pile of things he was carrying. This was exactly the sort of “help” he had expected. The only positive thing was that he could be fairly sure that Adzorg had at least one piece missing.
“Oh, one last thing,” the general said over his shoulder. “Some of my associates were convinced that the statue is located in the dwarf kingdom of Alor, or at least it had been before the poison plague broke out.”
The kingdom of Alor. From what Dallion could remember, that was a small kingdom relatively close to the empire’s northwest province. The issue was that it was also close to the Azure federation.
“I wish you the best of luck.” The snob waved.
Mentally Dallion clenched his fists. A single spell would be enough to reduce the general to cinders. And yet the Moon vow wouldn’t allow it.
I told you to avoid the arena, the armadil shield said.
“Not now, shield.” Dallion hissed, then cast a flight spell. Even with all the positives he had achieved in the last hour, the conversation with the general left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth. How could someone be so arrogant to gamble with the fate of cities? He had practice, that was for certain, constantly relying on someone else taking one for the team and dealing with the consequences of his actions.
The flight to the Gremlin’s Timepiece lasted less than a minute. As he approached, Dallion instantly spotted several air currents coming from the inn. Living under the countess had taught Diroh to be careful. That was good.
No longer bothering to remain incognito, Dallion flew directly to the inn door and stepped inside. He expected a crowd to start forming, but the place was remarkably empty. The only people present were Hannah and Diroh. Even Pan had remained in the kitchen, preferring not to get involved.
“Take everything you want to bring along,” Dallion said unceremoniously. “We’re leaving.”
The fury stood up to protest, when Hannah gave her a sign not to.
“Go, Di,” she said in a calm voice. “Only the things you’ll miss.”
“You’re letting him take me? Why? I thought—”
“Just do it, Di. He might be a jackass, but he’s right—people have already noticed and until we get a strong lord mayor, you’ll be safer with Dal than with someone else.”
A bouquet of emotions emanated from Diroh. There was a lot of disapproval, anger, and rebellion, of course, but also a bit of eagerness and joy as well subtly hidden. Walking deliberately slowly, she made her way to her room. Dallion and Hannah kept looking at each other, not saying a word the entire time the fury was there. Once gone, the innkeeper drew a dagger from beneath the counter and slashed all the air-currents Diroh had “forgotten” behind.
“If something happens to her…” the woman began.
“I won’t be alive to defend myself if it does,” Dallion finished for her. “Besides, she’s learned a trick or two.”
“She only had a year. You had five.”
Had it been five already? Dallion had lost track.
“I’ll make her my apprentice,” he said. “Once she has the title, no one will be able to harm her.”
“Other than all the mages that joined the other sides.” Hannah returned the dagger to its place. “Do you have enough authority? She’s not a full mage.”
“She’s close enough. Besides, I’m owed a few favors. She’ll become my apprentice, and with a bit of help from the Academy, a lot more.”
For several long seconds, Hannah kept on glaring straight into his eyes, then shook her head.
“I never thought you'd turn into this.”
“That’s not true. You knew it from the moment you saw me.” Dallion glanced briefly at the kitchen door. “I bet you knew how all of us would turn out. Is that part of your curse?”
“Heh.” The woman grabbed a bottle from the nearby shelf, then poured herself a glass. “My curse.” She gulped it down in one go. “They say that every awakened who lives in Nerosal but isn’t born there has a curse. Mine was to help people I knew would move on. Eury, Jiroh, you…”
“You still have Pan.”
“Only because his curse is even worse than mine. I didn’t expect you to chase after Captain Adzorg like a pup of the Academy, but I knew you’d hurt me.” She filled her glass once more and drank it. “And still, you’re the safest bet that girl has. Pan doesn’t think so, neither does March, but they don’t know you as well as I do.”
“I bet you say that to every otherworlder.”
“When I look at you, I see a hurricane of change. You’ll hurt a lot, more than you have hurt already. You’ll scar the world itself.”
“In that case, why put Di under my care?” Dallion felt a slight chill at the back of his neck.
“Because as long as she’s with you, she’ll be in the eye of the hurricane.”
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, consider joining my patreon or check out my other stories on redditserials:
The Scuu Paradox (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Cassandrian Theory (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Impeccable Adventure of the Reluctant Dungeon (Dungeon Core Adventure Comedy)
Uncharted Waters (An Urban Fantasy Detective Noir)
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Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Previously on Leveling up the World…
This is somewhat nostalgic, the armadil shield said.
“Walking through copyette ruins?” Dallion’s opinion differed. “Hardly.”
You patched up things with Eury here, I remember.
The comment made Dallion slow his pace. That was indeed true. The first time their relationship had been on the rocks, searching the ruins had helped patch things up. It also helped that the entire city was under threat of destruction.
“There’s nothing to patch up,” he said adamantly.
Right. It’s the world that’s keeping you apart.
Reaching the staircase to the city above, Dallion hastened his pace. Half a dozen cleric guards stood at the higher levels, making sure no one without permission went up or down. Aware of the mage’s authority, they quickly stepped back, letting him pass. Some of them mumbled the obligatory “initiate”—a title Dallion cared little about.
A second half dozen was placed in the arena corridor, just beyond the stairwell. Feeling in a good mood after his magic level up, Dallion was about to let them know that he was done, when he spotted something that made him stop. At the end of the corridor, surrounded by his ever-present fury bodyguards, stood the general.
Damn it! Dallion said to himself. He had hoped that he’d manage to leave the city without having to talk to the snobbish snake. If there was someone he wanted to avoid at all costs, that was it.
“What a pleasant surprise to find you here, Dal,” the general said with his superior smile. Dallion’s rank in society might have increased since the last time the two had spoken, but it didn’t matter. He still had a debt to pay, and if there was one thing the general was good at, it was collecting. “Or should I say mage Dallion?”
“Nice to see you too, General.” Dallion remained calm. “I was considering seeing you,” he lied.
For a moment, he considered whether to blow him off completely. Being a mage, he had the authority to do so. Sadly, in the short turn, that would create more trouble than it was worth.
“Delightful. I’d invite you to my usual room, but it’s being redecorated.” The general tapped his chin with a finger. “I decided to go with something a lot more imperial in mind.”
“I see.”
“On the other hand, the arena field is empty right now. Maybe we could have a brief talk there?”
It was made to look like an amicable invitation, but there wasn’t a person in the corridor who couldn’t tell it was a threat.
The countess was moved out of the city, and yet this squirmy toad remains behind? Dallion grumbled internally. Worse than a cockroach.
Leaving his furies behind, the general went along the halls and corridors to the arena field. Despite it and the stands being meticulously well kept, a sense of emptiness emanated from everywhere. There were times when it was filled with dozens of challengers and enough crowds to fill a medium-sized town. Dallion had seen it from both sides of the fence: he had taken part in the tournament as well as observed it from afar.
“Feels strange, doesn’t it?” The general looked around. “If there was one thing about the countess that everyone will miss, it’s the Nerosal Festival. That was an event to remember. Even the northern provinces were envious, even if they’d never admit it. Tell me, is the Academy still holding its tournament?”
“No.”
“Ah, a shame. I was told that they, too, were rather magnificent. I’ve seen echo recreations, of course, but it could never beat the real thing.”
Dallion remained silent, patiently waiting.
“In a way, you can say that everything started here,” the general continued. “If a member of the imperial family hadn’t died that day, none of the following calamities would have taken place.”
“Doubtful.” Dallion tried his best not to smirk. “Another excuse would have turned up.”
“Oh, that’s definitely true. With the toys Adzorg had been playing, it was inevitable that something would follow. Who knows, if he had been just a bit luckier, the city might have been destroyed well before the Star had the chance to drag it into the wilderness. Makes you think, doesn’t it?”
“What do you want?” Dallion pressed. “I don’t have time for your usual performance.”
“My, my.” The general’s smile widened. “I guess it’s true that magic makes one arrogant. But you’re right. Both of us are busy people, so I’ll get straight to the point.” He paused for a few moments. “I think I can help you.”
Using that line already? Each time the snob had used it, Dallion had ended up worse off.
“Everyone knows you’re hunting Adzorg.”
“Not hunting,” Dallion corrected. “And I expect you to know where he is?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea. The man has managed to elude the Academy and the Order’s best. There’s no way I could find him. However, I can help you find the thing he seeks.”
“Sounds too good to be true.”
“Everyone makes mistakes, even former archmages.” The general’s tone shifted. “In this case, the mistake was made years ago. The old man had grown impatient and came to me asking for a specific item. It was believed to be difficult to find and impossible to get. In fact, I was planning to use you to find it for me. It was quite unfortunate that some of my other associates failed to do their part.”
“Let me guess—they ran off with the item in question.”
“Didn’t even find it. Needless to say that our business relations came to an end. Anyway, the important thing is that Adzorg never got the piece.”
“And you know where it is.” Dallion crossed his hands. “What makes you sure that he hasn’t found it by now?”
“Nothing.”
The response made Dallion arch an eyebrow.
“I’ve narrowed down its location, but there’s no guarantee that he hadn’t found it. The reason I’m assuming he hasn’t is because the world is still here.”
“So, you have nothing to offer?”
“You seem to be confused, mage. It’s you who owe me. The debt you have is guaranteed by your Moon vow. I’ve been generous enough leaving you run around, but even my patience has its limit.”
Dallion would hardly call what he’d been doing “running around.” Unfortunately, he was the one with the debt.
Confident he had made his point, the general took out a small scroll from beneath his shirt and handed it to Dallion. Unrolling it revealed the picture of a very peculiar and well-crafted gear wheel. More precisely, it was a stack of gear wheels arranged like a cone.
“The item is said to be the size of a large shield,” the general said. “It’s made of a combination of sea iron, sun gold, and moon platinum. The materials alone will make every hunter want to have it. According to Adzorg, it’s hidden in a large clay or stone statue. Find it first and you’ll find your ex-mage.”
“Thanks,” Dallion grumbled.
“And just to be sure, there are no misunderstandings. I want the item.”
“You’re thinking of taking on the Order? Now I’m impressed.”
“Don’t act stupid, it doesn’t become you. The item is useless on its own. Owning a piece of something that could enslave all humanity, though… Now, that’s priceless. Bring me my prize and your debt is paid.” The man turned around. “What you do with the old man isn’t my business.”
Dallion folded the scroll and added it to the pile of things he was carrying. This was exactly the sort of “help” he had expected. The only positive thing was that he could be fairly sure that Adzorg had at least one piece missing.
“Oh, one last thing,” the general said over his shoulder. “Some of my associates were convinced that the statue is located in the dwarf kingdom of Alor, or at least it had been before the poison plague broke out.”
The kingdom of Alor. From what Dallion could remember, that was a small kingdom relatively close to the empire’s northwest province. The issue was that it was also close to the Azure federation.
“I wish you the best of luck.” The snob waved.
Mentally Dallion clenched his fists. A single spell would be enough to reduce the general to cinders. And yet the Moon vow wouldn’t allow it.
I told you to avoid the arena, the armadil shield said.
“Not now, shield.” Dallion hissed, then cast a flight spell. Even with all the positives he had achieved in the last hour, the conversation with the general left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth. How could someone be so arrogant to gamble with the fate of cities? He had practice, that was for certain, constantly relying on someone else taking one for the team and dealing with the consequences of his actions.
The flight to the Gremlin’s Timepiece lasted less than a minute. As he approached, Dallion instantly spotted several air currents coming from the inn. Living under the countess had taught Diroh to be careful. That was good.
No longer bothering to remain incognito, Dallion flew directly to the inn door and stepped inside. He expected a crowd to start forming, but the place was remarkably empty. The only people present were Hannah and Diroh. Even Pan had remained in the kitchen, preferring not to get involved.
“Take everything you want to bring along,” Dallion said unceremoniously. “We’re leaving.”
The fury stood up to protest, when Hannah gave her a sign not to.
“Go, Di,” she said in a calm voice. “Only the things you’ll miss.”
“You’re letting him take me? Why? I thought—”
“Just do it, Di. He might be a jackass, but he’s right—people have already noticed and until we get a strong lord mayor, you’ll be safer with Dal than with someone else.”
A bouquet of emotions emanated from Diroh. There was a lot of disapproval, anger, and rebellion, of course, but also a bit of eagerness and joy as well subtly hidden. Walking deliberately slowly, she made her way to her room. Dallion and Hannah kept looking at each other, not saying a word the entire time the fury was there. Once gone, the innkeeper drew a dagger from beneath the counter and slashed all the air-currents Diroh had “forgotten” behind.
“If something happens to her…” the woman began.
“I won’t be alive to defend myself if it does,” Dallion finished for her. “Besides, she’s learned a trick or two.”
“She only had a year. You had five.”
Had it been five already? Dallion had lost track.
“I’ll make her my apprentice,” he said. “Once she has the title, no one will be able to harm her.”
“Other than all the mages that joined the other sides.” Hannah returned the dagger to its place. “Do you have enough authority? She’s not a full mage.”
“She’s close enough. Besides, I’m owed a few favors. She’ll become my apprentice, and with a bit of help from the Academy, a lot more.”
For several long seconds, Hannah kept on glaring straight into his eyes, then shook her head.
“I never thought you'd turn into this.”
“That’s not true. You knew it from the moment you saw me.” Dallion glanced briefly at the kitchen door. “I bet you knew how all of us would turn out. Is that part of your curse?”
“Heh.” The woman grabbed a bottle from the nearby shelf, then poured herself a glass. “My curse.” She gulped it down in one go. “They say that every awakened who lives in Nerosal but isn’t born there has a curse. Mine was to help people I knew would move on. Eury, Jiroh, you…”
“You still have Pan.”
“Only because his curse is even worse than mine. I didn’t expect you to chase after Captain Adzorg like a pup of the Academy, but I knew you’d hurt me.” She filled her glass once more and drank it. “And still, you’re the safest bet that girl has. Pan doesn’t think so, neither does March, but they don’t know you as well as I do.”
“I bet you say that to every otherworlder.”
“When I look at you, I see a hurricane of change. You’ll hurt a lot, more than you have hurt already. You’ll scar the world itself.”
“In that case, why put Di under my care?” Dallion felt a slight chill at the back of his neck.
“Because as long as she’s with you, she’ll be in the eye of the hurricane.”
The Scuu Paradox (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Cassandrian Theory (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Impeccable Adventure of the Reluctant Dungeon (Dungeon Core Adventure Comedy)
Uncharted Waters (An Urban Fantasy Detective Noir)