This is a lecture series by the Viktor Wynd museum in the UK. I have watched a couple so far and they are excellent.
Here is the link for the date/time of the zoom lecture
It gives a brief description of what the lecture covers:
"
An Introduction to Witch Bottles: Decoys, Spirit Traps or Counter - Witchcraft Measure? by Wayne Perkins
The witch bottle is one of the most immediately recognizable magical objects found among the repertoire of intentionally concealed items. Archaeologists are now systematically recording ritual deposits comprising stoneware bellarmine (or bartmaan) jugs from ancient buildings contexts. Witch bottles are often found buried in the inverted position either under the fireplace hearth or under the principal threshold of 16th and 17th century buildings.
Their squat, anthropomorphic form, accentuated by the fearsome bearded face (or mask) gives the bulbous salt-glazed jug an almost human appearance.
Their contents, often comprising human urine and nail cuttings - combined with bent pins and nails – have all the hallmarks of a non-Christian, even heretical ‘ritual’ act. However, closer examination of their contents has shown that there is a far greater variety of constituent ingredients than hitherto appreciated. And it is the contents which provide a clue as to the agency behind their intended use…
The nature of the contents and the processes involved suggests that their creation would not have been undertaken lightly and it is likely that it would have required the engagement of a local cunning man or wise woman to do so.
Their association with the ritual protection of the house is clear - but was the intent that they were meant to act as a decoy to divert evil influences, to function as a spirit trap or to work as a counter-witchcraft measure designed to fend off the possibility of psychic attack or bewitchment?
This illustrated talk will act as both an introduction to the current understanding of their use as well as outlining a number of different ways in which they were deployed over time
Bio:
Wayne Perkins has been an archaeologist for over 22 years, seven of those spent excavating in France. He is a member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists."
You get a recording of the lecture in case you miss it as well, I cannot recommend this museum enough for these lectures by acclaimed researchers and scholars.

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Many have theorized Kendra quickly fell under Drusilla’s hypnosis due to her weak “sense of self.” She had no identity outside of being a slayer.
Do you think Buffy would have been trapped just as easily?
She was able to overcome the Master’s psychic abilities in the s1 finale. Moreover, she broke free of Dracula’s thrall after just three encounters. Also, Drusilla’s at a large disadvantage; of the two, Buffy’s the superior fighter and would never let Drusilla get close enough to flex her parlor trick. Still, Drusilla might be successful if Buffy was mentally preoccupied and experiencing big feelings…
The first couple days of college? The afternoon she found Joyce’s body on the couch? Depression after being torn from heaven?
Drusilla could have slipped in and had what Spike called a “good day.”

Hi all,
I have heard some folks mention that they are "sensitive" to things when pertaining to witchcraft. The answer might depend on the individual (and I should probably just ask them), but what do you all consider yourselves sensitive towards? I thought some people might mean psychic abilities, empathy, etc., but wanted to gauge your responses.
Further, can you be a witch and not be sensitive to these kinds of things? As in, can you participate in witchcraft and not possess "abilities" like clairvoyance, clairaudience, etc.? Sorry if this was confusing, but thank you in advance for any information!

I’m hoping someone can guide me to a few queries. Very new to witchcraft here and had a few questions regarding if someone pays/gets someone else to do a spell for them (for ex: a banishing or mirror spell). Please correct me/forgive me if I’m wrong.
Does a person who’s going to be paying for the spell still need protection? Since they’re not the one casting it? And does karma come their way as well (whether good or bad)?
Also, I’ve been researching about people having scary experiences with spirits and psychic attacks and much more after a spell they casted or a spell was cast on them. In this case, let’s take a banishing spell. Even though a banishing spell to my knowledge is only meant to remove someone like an unreasonable bully/harasser or something from your life (without any karma?), would they still get experiences even though they are innocent and just trying to get a bully out of their lives? Thank you! BB :)

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Hello, how is everyone doing? This is an idea I had in mind for a while, thanks to reading some stories in certain subreddits that exists in here. I got inspired by them! At the end of the ad, there's the description of the full general idea I had but, to summarize, let's say that the general idea is the next: In the distant future, when humans are capable of easily traveling through the stars, what would happen if I human finds himself lost in a world that's both beautiful as it's dangerous. A world where everything seems to be in a different scale than the one that he's accustomed to, let's say twice the size of what would be normal. A brave new world full of mysteries, where the native alien humanoid inhabitants might not be so technologically advanced, yet they still are quite formidable.
So, this story should be mostly a plot based story. We'll have to do some proper worldbuilding first to come up with something original and great that we can both enjoy, since the basic plot i have is more like a general idea rather than something written in stone. It would be a long term adventure/discovery/survival type of roleplay with perhaps some mystery elements and whatever we consider is a good idea to add and explore. When we chat, we can discuss more about what to do and what is it that we like and don't, since I am not against the idea of adding some 'interesting' scenes from time to time to add more fun to this adventure in an alien world.
​
Because i am accustomed to roleplaying in discord, though we can use another platform if you prefer, i am accustomed to typing, on average, 2000 characters per response. Of course, some scenes might demand a shorter or longer response, though i try not to go too overboard after the starter. For this story, as I write from the perspective of the human (humans?) character(s), I expect my responses to be in a similar range. Oh and I am 25, in case that's important to you.
For my ideal partner, I am looking for someone that is good at making long stories, who hopefully enjoys being the one who leads the direction of the plot (Let's be honest, while I can come up with good ideas and be a good player, I suck at general leading for longer scenes, though I can take the reigns for short amounts of time). By the way, if you don't mind OOC chatting, that would be even better because I also enjoy making friends from abroad. This story is going to be mostly plot based but with some 'extra' scenes from time to time. as a way to keep things interesting. Therefore, I am only looking for people who are 18 or older. Oh and if you are part of the size community, even better, though the size difference between the humans and alien characters won't be much, since I am thinking about a size range between 7 to 20 feet tall for the non humans.
In case someone wants to read the full background for the idea I had, this is what i wrote and tried to summarize in the second paragraph:
In the year 3550, humanity established a huge civilization in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way. Unchallenged for millenia by nobody else but themselves, they grew and grew in power. At this point, the Human species had the ability to travel across the Orion Arm in a few weeks, have lives devoid of ailments, being able to shape the scenery around them to their very own whims, having discovered that psionics or psychic powers was not only charlatanry, among other wonders. Still, there was still something that Humanity was unable to fulfill and that was to finally meet another species to call their neighbors across the stars. However, it seemed that such hopes of ever finding an equal among the cosmos was something not meant to be.
​
The human race learned from their mistakes that they made ages ago, mistakes like war and unnecessary hatred. Therefore warfare technology was slowly turning into a thing of the past. After all, since humanity traveled across the stars since the year 2200, there was no encounter where such technologies were needed, aside from some pesky pirate raids. Therefore, humanity wasn’t fully prepared for the moment where they finally met someone that they could potentially call their neighbors and perhaps…friends.
From outside the Orion Arm came a huge armada and their destination was one of the newest outer colonies. The humans, thinking they were peaceful, opened communication with them but that proved to be a mistake. These aliens, which humanity thought would be their friends in the darkness, would be anything but that, for they answered to the call for friendship with violence. Centuries of peace left humanity unprepared and, therefore, system after system in the outer rim began falling against the alien advances and it would be years before humanity could remember how knowledgeable about warfare they were, especially because of all the practice that they had against themselves.
A couple decades after first contact, a reversal happened when Humanity had a total victory for the first time since first contact. Humanity seemed to be winning against the alien invaders, invaders that, while more aggressive and warlike than humanity was at that point, was lagging behind in terms of technology.
Having presented the background, we now find ourselves with our main character: A psionic human soldier that was on a patrol sent to take over one of the aliens’ worlds. The battle was more brutal than they expected, for the aliens were prepared for the Human assault. because of that, a tactical retreat had to be made before it was too late, but that didn’t go as planned either. The main reactor of the ship the main character was suffered an overload, which messed up the FTL transition, causing almost everyone to die during said accident. The ship, however, managed to come through the other side. What awaited the survivors was something they didn't expect: Another planet was in front of them and it looked inhabitable. A planet that was already pulling them towards it thanks to its gravity. The crashlanding was the last straw and from the remaining survivors, only the psionic soldier survived.
​
Down there on the world below, the locals would see during one fateful night a bright star appear out of a sudden, one that seemed to be growing bigger and bigger as the time passed, until one day, a bright shooting star took its place, yet this shooting star wouldn't just pass through the sky but come down towards them, somewhere far away. Clearly, it was an omen of things to come or perhaps a gift from the gods for all they knew.
On the planet's surface, civilizations have thrived for who knows how long; although, of course, they were still…simple…in terms of technological progress compared to Humanity. However, something more mysterious could be found there if someone were to properly explore the land and that something was nothing more than ruins of ages past. Still, these ruins were not the regular buildings made of ancient stone or similar materials, no, these ancient buildings were made of something that would be more familiar to the lost survivor, something more...metallic and advanced. The natives treated said buildings as the ruins of the precursors or, perhaps, as the temple of the ancient gods that once walked amongst them and guided them in their infancy.
The knowledge about said ruins, the true knowledge, however, got lost across the many generations and nobody knew of their real purpose, not even the human would even recognize that at first glance, but of course how could he, if he's but a lost alien in an unknown world? What nobody knows, though, is that the lost Human is not an alien at all, no, for it was his people the one that made those ruins countless millennia ago. Ruins whose real purpose was to sustain a bustling civilization of Humans, ones that would be the reason this exotic and beautiful world exists in the first place. How could that be possible, however? Well, the answer is not that complicated: The ship was not lost for just a few hours…

Hello, how is everyone doing? This is an idea I had in mind for a while, thanks to reading some stories in certain subreddits that exists in here. I got inspired by them! At the end of the ad, there's the description of the full general idea I had but, to summarize, let's say that the general idea is the next: In the distant future, when humans are capable of easily traveling through the stars, what would happen if I human finds himself lost in a world that's both beautiful as it's dangerous. A world where everything seems to be in a different scale than the one that he's accustomed to, let's say twice the size of what would be normal. A brave new world full of mysteries, where the native alien humanoid inhabitants might not be so technologically advanced, yet they still are quite formidable.
So, this story should be mostly a plot based story. We'll have to do some proper worldbuilding first to come up with something original and great that we can both enjoy, since the basic plot i have is more like a general idea rather than something written in stone. It would be a long term adventure/discovery/survival type of roleplay with perhaps some mystery elements and whatever we consider is a good idea to add and explore. When we chat, we can discuss more about what to do and what is it that we like and don't, since I am not against the idea of adding some 'interesting' scenes from time to time to add more fun to this adventure in an alien world. Because i am accustomed to roleplaying in discord, though we can use another platform if you prefer, i am accustomed to typing, on average, 2000 characters per response. Of course, some scenes might demand a shorter or longer response, though i try not to go too overboard after the starter. For this story, as I write from the perspective of the human (humans?) character(s), I expect my responses to be in a similar range. Oh and I am 25, in case that's important to you.
For my ideal partner, I am looking for someone that is good at making long stories, who hopefully enjoys being the one who leads the direction of the plot (Let's be honest, while I can come up with good ideas and be a good player, I suck at general leading for longer scenes, though I can take the reigns for short amounts of time). By the way, if you don't mind OOC chatting, that would be even better because I also enjoy making friends from abroad. This story is going to be mostly plot based but with some 'extra' scenes from time to time. as a way to keep things interesting. Therefore, I am only looking for people who are 18 or older. Oh and if you are part of the size community, even better, though the size difference between the humans and alien characters won't be much, since I am thinking about a size range between 7 to 20 feet tall for the non humans.
In case someone wants to read the full background for the idea I had, this is what i wrote and tried to summarize in the second paragraph:
In the year 3550, humanity established a huge civilization in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way. Unchallenged for millenia by nobody else but themselves, they grew and grew in power. At this point, the Human species had the ability to travel across the Orion Arm in a few weeks, have lives devoid of ailments, being able to shape the scenery around them to their very own whims, having discovered that psionics or psychic powers was not only charlatanry, among other wonders. Still, there was still something that Humanity was unable to fulfill and that was to finally meet another species to call their neighbors across the stars. However, it seemed that such hopes of ever finding an equal among the cosmos was something not meant to be. The human race learned from their mistakes that they made ages ago, mistakes like war and unnecessary hatred. Therefore warfare technology was slowly turning into a thing of the past. After all, since humanity traveled across the stars since the year 2200, there was no encounter where such technologies were needed, aside from some pesky pirate raids. Therefore, humanity wasn’t fully prepared for the moment where they finally met someone that they could potentially call their neighbors and perhaps…friends.
From outside the Orion Arm came a huge armada and their destination was one of the newest outer colonies. The humans, thinking they were peaceful, opened communication with them but that proved to be a mistake. These aliens, which humanity thought would be their friends in the darkness, would be anything but that, for they answered to the call for friendship with violence. Centuries of peace left humanity unprepared and, therefore, system after system in the outer rim began falling against the alien advances and it would be years before humanity could remember how knowledgeable about warfare they were, especially because of all the practice that they had against themselves.
A couple decades after first contact, a reversal happened when Humanity had a total victory for the first time since first contact. Humanity seemed to be winning against the alien invaders, invaders that, while more aggressive and warlike than humanity was at that point, was lagging behind in terms of technology.
Having presented the background, we now find ourselves with our main character: A psionic human soldier that was on a patrol sent to take over one of the aliens’ worlds. The battle was more brutal than they expected, for the aliens were prepared for the Human assault. because of that, a tactical retreat had to be made before it was too late, but that didn’t go as planned either. The main reactor of the ship the main character was suffered an overload, which messed up the FTL transition, causing almost everyone to die during said accident. The ship, however, managed to come through the other side. What awaited the survivors was something they didn't expect: Another planet was in front of them and it looked inhabitable. A planet that was already pulling them towards it thanks to its gravity. The crashlanding was the last straw and from the remaining survivors, only the psionic soldier survived.
Down there on the world below, the locals would see during one fateful night a bright star appear out of a sudden, one that seemed to be growing bigger and bigger as the time passed, until one day, a bright shooting star took its place, yet this shooting star wouldn't just pass through the sky but come down towards them, somewhere far away. Clearly, it was an omen of things to come or perhaps a gift from the gods for all they knew.
Down on the ground, civilizations have thrived for who knows how long; although, of course, they were still…simple…in terms of technological progress compared to Humanity. However, something more mysterious could be found there if someone were to properly explore the land and that something was nothing more than ruins of ages past. Still, these ruins were not the regular buildings made of ancient stone or similar materials, no, these ancient buildings were made of something that would be more familiar to the lost survivor, something more...metallic and advanced. The natives treated said buildings as the ruins of the precursors or, perhaps, as the temple of the ancient gods that once walked amongst them and guided them in their infancy.
The knowledge about said ruins, the true knowledge, however, got lost across the many generations and nobody knew of their real purpose, not even the human would even recognize that at first glance, but of course how could he, if he's but a lost alien in an unknown world? What nobody knows, though, is that the lost Human is not an alien at all, no, for it was his people the one that made those ruins countless millennia ago. Ruins whose real purpose was to sustain a bustling civilization of Humans, ones that would be the reason this exotic and beautiful world exists in the first place. How could that be possible, however? Well, the answer is not that complicated: The ship was not lost for just a few hours…

But before I get a ton of flak because of not liking one of Royal Roads most popular stories, let's start from the beginning. Also: Spoilers.

Writing Style & Creativity

To preface this, The Game at Carousel is really well written for a Royal Road story and you rarely encounter grammatical errors or typos if at all. The author also tries with his horror movie approach something refreshingly new, which is in a book genre full of edgy shadow assassin beastmaster spellblades with crafting ability and tons of unjustified powers a more as welcome and refreshing change of pace. Both of these aspects are actually things I value quite highly and currently still make me go on reading in hopes that the suspense ramps up.

Premise & Setup

The Game at Carousel starts out like many other LitRPGs by trapping the main cast and many other players into a closed off gaming world similiar to how many VR books do it. Just without it being a VR game - at least hopefully - and instead it seems to be the cursed city of Carousel, where horror movies come to live. In there basically any chance encounter, randomly found item, backalley street, obscure shop item and even fishing can start a horror story with it being equivalent to a forced dungeon instance your party has to finish or die. The story itself is always divided in the following phases based on a classical horror movie:

• Omen: The party get's a feeling that something might be wrong and a story is about to start
• Party: The party decided to ignore the omen an start the story giving them some time to analyze the encounter.
• First Blood: The big bad of the story strikes. This can be everything from a kidnapping to a killing and can either affect the players or some story NPCs
• Preparation/Arming Sequence: I forgot the real name of this phase, but this one basically is the phase after the First Blood when the Party is aware of the enemy and now can try to found out new information and prepare against the final encounter. Can also be used to fend of hordes of low level enemies.
• Second Blood: As soon as the next player or npc dies on screen the big encounter with the enemy starts and the party has to show that they can deal with it without dying
• Finale: The party either won or died

These phases have to be played in order but can sometimes be skipped or be very short. E.g. when you are getting overwhelmed by fighting against a horde in the Preparation Phase one might die and trigger the boss battle sooner. If a player dies or is written out of the script for being out of comission, the player is functionally dead until the party successfully finishes the story. If they do so they all get resurrected and can take a few days of until they have to start a new story. The stories themselves are roughly connected by an overarching storyline which seems to be the mystery of the City of Carousel itself which we sadly have seen decidely few off in the 530 pages we can currently access.

System

The Game at Carousel has five main attributes which can be translated to Damage, Dexterity, Toughness, Intelligence and Charisma. If you add up all of the attribute points you get the level of the character which is also funnily known as it's Plot Armor. This plot armor is also the value which determines the aggro of the big bad since those always go for the players with the lowest plot armor unless the plot of the story or the perks of the players say otherwise.
The attributes themselves have also have a heavy influence on the story and can be quite devastating since once point of difference completely determines the outcome of the encounter. E.g. your Damage attribute will always pitted against the enemies Toughness attribute and whoever has the highest attribute wins. This sounds logical at first but only until a player shoots an enemy point blank into the face who then just shrugs it off since the player will never be able to kill the enemy at all. Only through teamwork and a combined higher damage attribute will they be able to kill said enemy. Still sounds logical if you base your logic on a horror movie but currently this leads to the players hyper specializing in one or two attributes which should bring quite many consequences down the line since loosing your damage dealer would be more than devastating. Miracously, even the high level players do this and still somehow manage to not have any trouble at all which is quite strange since if one is ever caught alone, most wouldn't be able to escape at all.
Furthermore does the system use a class based system that can be roughly categorized with the following classes:

• Information Gatherers: To those count Scholars/Film Buffs/Hysterics/Psychics and any other class that specializes on making plans and finding out ways to defeat the enemy by using the intelligence attribute. The main character for example has a monster information gathering perk that is so poweful that his level is cut in half for the encounter. Others like scholars can easily discern logical weaknesses of the enemy based on books and formulate plans to fight them.
• Faces: To those count any kind of social type like Eye Candies/Final Girls/Femme Fatales who mostly use their charisma to buff and debuff the party which goes as far as having perks that allow them to only die when everyone else has already died.
• Bruisers: To those count Brawlers/Athletes/Outsiders/Guards/Soliders and basically everything that either deals damage or prevents damage. With the damage ability and the toughness ability so heavily entwined you might as well not do a seperation between tanks and damage dealers currently.
• Healers: Those seem to exist but we haven't really seen them yet besides having it as a background ability.

To add upon that sytem, there are also backgroung perks which let you equip perks of other classes like "I am actually a doctor" that allows you to take healing perks. The players also seem to be able to use evolved classes like the monster hunter which is the van hellsing-ish evolution of the scholar class. The players seem to be disabused of these though since having more than one evolved class seems to fuck with the storyline. Although for me it is still illogical why a femme fatale, which seems to be an eye candy evolution, can't work for a monster hunter.

Problems

All in all that doesn't sound to bad yet does it? But well with the concept sadly comes a big slew of problems that takes away any and all suspense. And what is a horror movie without suspense? *boring*. It's boring. But let's take a look at it.

The MC spoilers most of the plot

Our MC Riley has the very rare film buff class. So he is basically the one dude in horror movies that never does anything else than watch horror movies and thus can guess most of what is going to happen. Worse, he can actually see most of the enemies perks if he has enough stats - as long as a perk isn't preventing that - which is basically 90% of the time. So he actively knows as soon as the first blood phase starts most what is going to happen followed by him spoilering it to us. Kinda similar to that Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movie, where he always spoilered how the fight is going to play out. So the enemy doesn't kill in the first blood phase? Riley knows. After defeating the enemy he will unleash a trap? Riley knows. The enemy only attacks according to certain triggers? Riley knows. This takes away most of the suspense since nobody really likes watching a movie and having everything. This ability is even deemed so strong by the game, that his level is halved while using this class, which never seems to hurt him at all which brings us to the next problem.

The MC's plot armor is through the roof

And with plot armor I don't mean RIleys level, but what any other book would call plot armor. You see, the book is completely and soley written from the perspective of Riley and nobody else. This means that we can be 95% sure that Riley will always make it to the end of the story line and only die there if at all. This creates a big problem since the film buff in movies is intended as a side character which normally dies of quite soon as exemplified by his level that always get's halved upon starting a story. To alleviate this the story has to find plot armory ways to still get him through, often to the detriment of the remainder of the party who get killed off in favor of him. This of course reduces the tension again and severly hampers the characterization of most other characters since you can't show their motivations if they're dead. Those detrimental effects are even made worse by the fact that there are actual classes that are the main characters such as the final girl which is the next detriment.

Some classes have to make it to the end

Since the film buff is more of a side character in a horror movie, we also have to add in the fact that there are actual classes that are intended as the main characters. One of these is the The Final Girl who factualy can't die before everyone else has died. This get's us ridiculous levels of plot armor since not only one character, but two have to be dragged to the ending of the story. Riley because he is the sole PoV character and whoever the Final Girl is. Combined with the powers of Riley it's most often a small dice roll between either a NPC, a player with a sacrifical build or one of the remaining party members dying. So we have yet again predicted how the story will unfold reducing the suspense even more. But what are these sacrifical builds you ask? Well those are builds that pander to the first blood phase and the fact that someone often dies, but there lies the problem.

Sacrifical builds don't work half of the time

The problem with builds that are intented to kill themselves here is that the story often invalidates them. For example, the eye candy is specifically tailor made to be an early scout who then dies during the first blood phase so that the enemy can be debuffed and the party buffed. She has for example perks which

• let her always be targeted first during the first blood phase
• let her debuff the enemy for up to 15% if they don't manage to kill her during the first 15 minutes of the first blood phase
• let her buff her lover after her death if she believable told him that she is pregnant
• That she doesn't feel pain when dying

Actually sounds quite intelligent but as alluded to, the story often wrecks this completely. For example did we have one story with a psycho killer where an NPC always get's killed first for story reasons which completely invalidates one of her first blood perk. This then not only invalidates her first power, but also in many cases her second power for which she has to be the target during the first blood. So we have a character whose powers are invalidated half of the time. Then we have the magical pregnancy buff powers. Since getting that, she wasn't able to use that power even once during the multi phase story dungeon. In this story she couldn't use it either because this three parter didn't allow it by allegedly locking her away, not having the option or even getting an npc as lover whose buff might fire back and kill them. In the last case they didn't even have faculty of mind for creating a secret player lover who could receive the buff instead. So basically in most cases we have an Eye Candy player that doesn't even use most of her powers and thus is mostly a boring blob of stats without big impact to the story. And what does a character that doesn't take part with at least 75% of it's perk? It makes it more predictable by taking out powers. But of course, this isn't the only sacrifical build. For instance did we have one big damaging level 40 bruiser in the part that could deal good damage and even heal himselfy. He also had another perks that allowed him to kill himself for the benefit of the party. So who do you think did he die for? To keep another powerful high level player in the game, or to drag our level 10 MC Riley - who already spoilerd most of the enemies perks - to the end of the story? Yes right, he killed himself so Riley could go on which is very frustrating to be honest and takes away from the story. But let's go to another problem with their builds.

Overspecialization is more than dangerous

Another point which I already mentioned above is that the characters tend to horrible overspecialize bringing with them multiple problems. For example happens when the damage dealer of the group dies quite early? This happened for one of the stories and it had the effect that the players are nearly useless when it comes to fighting enemies. In this instance the MC, with his pathethic damage attribute of 1, had horrible problems when trying to defeat a magical enemy who nearly had no attribute in their thoughness attribute. Only together with another player, who had an equally horrible damage attribute of 2, were they able to kill the enemy at all which is ridiculous for a level 15 party. Moreso the story has to pander to the players weakness and structure the story in a way that they are still able to beat it, thus making it again predictable by having to throw weak enemies at them. But that's actually not all. But that's not all of course. Due to how to chases work, the character with the higher dexterity will always win the race. The character with the highest damage attribute will also win against the character with the lower toughness attribute. These in combination means that most players would horribly die when faced with a speedster slasher enemy. Those would just run in, Kill one player and instantly make an successful getaway. Rinse and repeat and you have a very dead party very fast, which is a loophole so big that it has to be prevent via the magic of storytelling. But that is covered in the next point.

They are always playing the beatable story

Thanks to the high level players they party of the MC always knows which story to play and which to stay away from. This is made even worse after Riley get's a perk that let's him get an inkling of how dangerous a story is or what a might trigger it. Not sure how you see it, but for me, knowing that there is an overbearing and very powerful enemy lurking around that could kill you anytime creates much of the suspense and the thrill that makes a horror movie a decent one. Even the most cliched seem to be able to do that more often than not. Here? By always playing the beatable story who is custom tailored by the author? It mostly lost the suspense as soon as the first blood happened. To be exact, from the five story dungeons we have seen so far, there has been one story that actually managed to generate suspense. Which one was that? Of course the extremely dangerous story which they where forced to play with the high level players. Funny isn't it?

Solution Proposals

So what can actually be done to alleviate these problems?

• Let others have the spotlight: Having a story here and there where Riley actually dies soon and we're forced to experience the story from the view of another characters would help tremendously with characterizing the players, reducing the plot armor, as well as making the stories less predictable. With how many problems we get by Riley simply having to be dragged through, this is probably the G.O.A.T. even if a select few RR readers might whine about it.
• Give item stats: Right now only specific perks give attributes and not items itself. But actually giving them beliavable armor, weapons and gadgets without the need of an attribute would alleviate many of the overspecialization problems which come with having a 1 in an attribute
• Better perk integration: Integrate the perks better into the story so that they're not invalidated all the time. There is no fitting character to reveal your pregnancy? Let the characters forcefully make one secret lover. Even a lesbian lover would work at this point with a good enough backstory reason. Your story needs one special character to die at the beginning? Then why don't you attack that character at the same time as the eye candy?
• Get more downtime: Currently most of the downtime, which could be used to flesh out the characters and world, is maybe a chapter between stories. Increasing that chapter count between stories would really help imo and was already shown to be successful with introducing Dina.
• Play dangerous stories: Self explanatory.

Conclusion

The Game at Carousel is a mechanically well written story with a refreshingly new approach that is sadly hampered by the gaming system that makes it so unique. If it changes up it's mechanical inadequacies though it will probably become one of the big ones in the LitRPG genre. Furthermore if you can ignore that the weaknesses that the system brings to the story, you will still be entertained quite splendidly I would say.

Firstly, I am not a Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant or Evangelical of any kind or form. I do not believe in the illusion of the inerrancy of a Pope, or Patriarchs as in the Orthodox, or in the legalistic interpretation of Scripture as in Protestantism and Evangelicalism, nor do I believe in the legitimacy of the church in the sense of an institution claiming to be Christianity. I am an Orthopraxic, that is to say, “correct action”. I believe in the inerrant and infallible truth of the teaching as put into practice, as it is self evident and does not require the justification of the supernatural or miraculous. I do not deny the miraculous, only that even if they were proven false, even if they had found the body of Christ, the churches would die, but not the truth of the teaching, which does not need to be interpreted by a Pope, or Patriarchs, or pastors and clergy, as they wish to claim it must be, nor do they require the supernatural to be justified.
Loving one’s neighbors as oneself dissolves the arbitrary divisions among the human race made by those in power, be it national distinction, between male and female, young and old, superior or subordinate, both within oneself through the ridding of the fear and hatred of “the other”, and externally by the dismantling of the systems which create such division. The love of ones neighbors as oneself also removes all necessity for legal codes, as any law which prohibits murder or theft, adultery, and false witness, is made redundant. And furthermore, it delegitimizes the authority of a select minority of men over all others, and all systems of rule or power over others, as all in the love of their neighbors shall renounce authority. To not do unto others what we do not wish for them to do unto us does not need proof of miracles and the supernatural, because it is in line with humankind’s mind and social nature. To forgive others of their debts frees them from slavery, and frees ourselves from being tyrants and oppressors over others, that all might live in freedom and peace.
And it is in the fact that the teaching does not need to be interpreted on our behalf by such mediators as the clergy and pastors, the Pope or the Patriarchs, that I consider myself a mystic, that is the understanding that God and Christ present themselves to each person naturally and without the need for interpretation by the church. The clergy, popes and priests lead people not to believe in God or Christ as they naturally present themselves, but to believe in the church and it’s own doctrine, one manufactured for the masses by those in power. But I am no mystic in the sense that I believe in some sort of whispering of another world speaking to me, but in the sense that neither I, nor anyone else, requires the meddling of external authorities, such as the church institution, to teach us what to believe.
In terms of the supernatural, such as spirits, angels, demons, etc. in their conventional and literal sense, I stand firm in my materialist outlook, that is to say that I regard the material reality to be the higher priority over any and all spiritual and supernatural aspect of reality that may exist. I do not in any way deny the existence of the supernatural, and I would be more than welcome to it, but I hold material conditions to higher priority and importance, because that is the aspect of reality that we live and move in during this life and time. I regard spirits and angels and demons more so as phenomenon of conscience rather than entities from another plane of existence. In short, I regard spirits, angels and demons to be states of consciousness and modes of psychological and emotional being, but I do not believe in them in their magical and otherworldly sense.
Nor am I a believer in magic or what could be called witchcraft or sorcery. No one can manipulate the material reality through magical, psychic or supernatural means, or will something into material reality through mere willpower without also using material means to physically act upon that will.
I would also consider myself as a form of humanistic Christian. I arrived to this framework of humanism mostly from my study of the Scriptures, mainly those verses which state that whatsoever we do to the least of these, we do to Him, that we are made in the image of God, and that those who mock the needy do so to God. And most of all, my humanist understanding derives from the fact that God in Christ came to dwell in human flesh, in poor and meek human flesh, that He may suffer with us and as us, to bear all human suffering onto Himself in the crucifixion. This was also a demonstration that God and humanity are not separate, but one with the other. God suffers, is humiliated, is beaten, brutalized, bombed, robbed, starved, imprisoned, and executed. This God struggles when we struggle, bleeds when we bleed, weeps when we weep, hungers when we hunger, and riots when we riot. Emmanuel, “God with us,” is a truth so utterly true, that not even all of the power of the supernatural and miraculous can ever fully and totally describe it. And this truth is far vaster and resounding than even the proclamations of the churches, and far more sincere than they intend it to be.
I also stand by the humanist position that human beings are inherently good and compassionate creations, and that an inherently good God creates inherently good creations. In the same vein as the Quakers, I affirm that all people, however sinful or corrupt, have the innate spark of God within them, the spirit of genuine humanity. Sin was a secondary and introduced aspect of the human condition, in which man artificially places himself in the position of God, to subjugate and control his fellow humans and the creation. And it is in this that sin has decimated humanity and creation. We live in the reign of sin, of Man over Man, where the few take the place of God and rule over the masses, causing inequality, wars and poverty. It was with this that the fall of humanity came to be, and it was the First Fall.
When God came into this world as Christ, He laid the foundations for how humanity ought to live and organize with one another, and this was demonstrated within the first Christian societies. There were only equals among the ranks of the community, with there being no distinction between either native or foreign, male or female, and likewise there were no masters, but all served one another in brotherhood and love. Each gave and did what they were able to in order to provide for the community, and in return each was given what they needed. This community was the conclusion to the teachings of Christ, and it was right and just. Had it not been interfered with, this would have been the basis for all of modern society. But sadly, came the Second Fall a few centuries after the first Christian societies were established.
The Second Fall, or also Second Genesis, is what I use to describe the fall of the church to corruption, when those who wanted to exploit the newly forming society stepped in and convinced many that God and Christ could only be interpreted by a select minority holding a higher position than the majority, and thusly began to rearrange the church into what we now recognize today as the modern church. And unsurprisingly, this coincided with the “conversion” of the Roman Emperor Constantine, and his adoption of Christianity into the Roman state as the Imperial religion.
As to the question, “Who is God?”, it has already been answered, that God is Love and Mercy, Love Almighty, whose perfect love casts out all fear. But to the question, “what is God?” remains a different matter. Is God a sentient entity from afar? Is God the moral arch of the universe? Is God a phenomenon of collective consciousness? Is God the process of furthering ourselves into Righteousness and upright being? Or, is God something far more obscure and humble than even these? What if God is something far more basic than even these things?
What if God is something inherent within us all? What if God is not separate from humanity, but at one with humanity as was demonstrated in Christ? Perhaps God is not merely life, but lived, and is not simply found, but realized. Perhaps God is at the same time within us through our condition of love, and interdependent between ourselves in our compassion and solidarity with one another. Perhaps God is not simply the possessor of a perfect love, but rather, that perfect love in of it self, for which we must everlastingly pursue. Perhaps God is not at all a separate thing from the human capacity for love, but is one with it. And perhaps the worship of God is not in the noise of song and dance, but of the manner of life and love itself. Ultimately, no one with any truth or sincerity can say for certain the full knowledge of what God is, as God shall always remain a mysterious topic until the end of all time and reality itself.
The Christianity of today is far different than what it was yesterday, and tomorrow it will be far different than it is today. This is the nature of religion, despite the claims of both the Fundamentalists, who regard religion as an immutable monolith through the ages, and those unbelievers who have mistakenly concluded that we as the human race have outlived all purpose and use of religion. The true nature of religion is that it is an ambivalent force, one which evolves according to the path of society, as it is and always was a product of the larger social organization. And within religion there are two streams, one of the powers who use it to subordinate the masses into obedience to them, the other in critique and defiance of it, a religion of the down and out and suffering, hence the ambivalence of religion.
Our understanding of God must evolve, and it will evolve, because it evolves with human history, as do all human things. We cannot hold back the march of progress, the church has already attempted this, and such stagnation only has led to decay and rot. Christianity will evolve, but the churches, as we understand them now as rigidly hierarchical institutions that seek their own ambitions over the pursuit of Christ and evolution of understanding, will perish. But in what direction will the religion evolve? What will it look like once it has shaken off the old fetters of the present condition, with all of it’s dogmas and legalism and institutionalism? That is ultimately in our hands and what we accomplish here and now, as it will be the foundations for what will come.
Our theology must be developed for that time. It must be critical of the present condition, and optimistic of the future conditions. And this theology must be thoroughly developed both within itself and without itself, that is to say, it must be developed both with the evolving understanding of everything, and with the external critique of modern religion. The question of the misotheist, “What if God is as vile and as tyrannical as the churches depict Him to be, and that He sides with the rich and the powerful, and damns the weak and deviant as they depict Him?” and the question of the atheist, “What if there is no God to call our actions to account in the afterlife?” are no less crucial to the development of theology than questions within the faith. As to the answer of these questions, it is simple; let whatever heaven or hell, or nothingness and the void, come for us in the beyond, for our duties to love and good works are for this world and life.
Salvation and redemption will not be an individual manner, it will be a social and intercontinental manner. The redemption of the whole of humankind will come, with or without the church. We all as the human race are bound to the same destiny, the same time and space, and all of us are the One Children of the Creator. This salvation will not be brought about by the use of state government, in fact it is state government which is opposed to God’s Kingdom, and is the Chief Rejection and Usurpation of God. And we can never achieve a righted relationship with God until we have achieved a righted relationship with one another and with Creation. This demands that we fully abandon all mastery and servility, all notions of the ones on the inside and the outside, greater and lesser, and that we restore the well being of all.
As for my position on what the new Christian society will be like, I envision it being a society of brethren and kin united by a common purpose, that being the well being of all persons, and the restoration of humanity and the creation. This will not be brought about by a single individual or a small minority of men over the masses, but all of humanity as one Children of One Father the Creator. There will be no institution or structure of greater and lesser, but all will be equals in the ministry and evangelism of deed and character, and all will be one in spirit and in truth. All will have their share of access to the land and it’s resources, to all of the basic necessities of life and happiness, not in word but in truth. There will be no buying or selling, but all will receive in full all needs without debt or charge. And there will be no law but the Law of Love Almighty, enforced not by armies or state, but this law will be lived to fruition by the reason of it’s truth in the souls and nature of humanity.
My allegiance is to God, and not to government, country or nation. Despite the attempts of the powers that be to proclaim their nations as Christian, the true nature of state government is contrary to Christianity and its principles. Christ teaches the love of one’s neighbors, renunciation of allegiance to earthly authorities, solidarity with the poor and oppressed, and to welcome the dispossessed and ostracized of the world. State government, and by extension its ideology called patriotism, teaches the fear and hatred of those outside of the nation, allegiance to the authorities, the worship of power and the preparation for eternal unending war. The nation teaches its followers to murder their fellow human beings, to make glory of conquest and plunder, and to see all who oppose themselves or are otherwise outside of the nation as inferior specimens. And considering that the nations all proclaim themselves the greatest, and likewise that all others are inferior, what then can be the final conclusion when two or more opposing nations arrogantly make this assertion against one another than war breaking out between them?
I would also consider my faith to be apocalyptic in nature, not in the sense of the end of the world, but the end of the world as we now understand it. The language of that faith is that of the ushering in of the Reign of Mercy, and the ushering out of the Reign of Man over Man. Apocalyptic theology is best described as the evangelism of a radical transformation of everything, and not focusing simply on the destruction of the present, but the construction of the new. It is a vision of what can and should be, every bit as much as it is a vision of what needs to go away.
And with that apocalyptic theology, I take seriously Revelation, that the Antichrist at present, and has for a long time, reigns in defiance of the Law of Righteousness on the earth, and that this is the source of all inequality, oppression and suffering in the world. The Antichrist is not an entity or being, but a condition OF being, a condition that has been made the foundation of human civilization; greed, war, exploitation, covetousness, idolization, self preservation and dehumanization. All of the previously mentioned evil in this work as a collective, the state, the corruption of the church, nationalism, all of it, are not just of the Antichrist, but ARE it. As a Christian radical, I recognize the means to destroy this Antichrist to be Christ, the restoration of His covenant and the levelling down of all means of coercion and force. This conflict between the Antichrist and Christ has been the defining force of society ever since original sin corrupted humanity, and which generation will at last overcome and vanquish Antichrist has yet to be determined, but it is my hope that such a generation will be soon. This generation will overcome the conditions of exploitation, subjugation, corruption and deprivation and excess, that at last Mercy and Reason shall be established as the guiding light of humanity and its reorganization.
My theological position is very inspired by and enforced by the many Christian movements and societies throughout history, from the first Christian communities as is described in Acts, to the later Cathars of France and Diggers of England, to the modern radicals around the world. And I had recognized throughout this history a pattern; a sect of Christians strives to achieve that vision of the Kingdom of God, calling for the uplifting of the down and out, and the overturning of the powerful. Those in power, most often the churches in power aligned with the authorities of the world, retaliate against this radical sect, most often through militaries, suppression and genocide, then the legacy of that sect lives on and inspires the next generation of radicals. Will it not be the same of modern radicals, who now work to undo what suffering the powerful have brought onto the less fortunate masses?

Hello All...
If this thread is pinned to the sub it means Shitpost Saturday is Open.
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Yugi: 1. Alakazam: A highly intelligent and psychic-type Pokémon that reflects Yugi's strategic thinking and analytical skills. 2. Arcanine: A loyal and powerful fire-type Pokémon that represents Yugi's determination and fiery spirit. 3. Gengar: A mischievous ghost-type Pokémon that embodies Yugi's cunning and ability to manipulate opponents. 4. Dragonite: A dragon-type Pokémon known for its strength and versatility, representing Yugi's growth and power throughout his journey. 5. Blastoise: A water-type Pokémon with strong defensive capabilities, symbolizing Yugi's ability to protect and support his Pokémon. 6. Lucario: A fighting and steel-type Pokémon that reflects Yugi's inner strength and connection with his Pokémon.
Kaiba: 1. Tyranitar: A formidable and powerful rock and dark-type Pokémon that represents Kaiba's relentless pursuit of strength and dominance. 2. Salamence: A dragon and flying-type Pokémon known for its fierce and aggressive nature, reflecting Kaiba's competitive and determined personality. 3. Metagross: A steel and psychic-type Pokémon with incredible intelligence and strategic thinking, aligning with Kaiba's tactical approach. 4. Gyarados: A water and flying-type Pokémon that symbolizes Kaiba's ability to overcome obstacles and rise above challenges. 5. Scizor: A bug and steel-type Pokémon known for its speed and precision, representing Kaiba's calculated and precise fighting style. 6. Electivire: An electric-type Pokémon that reflects Kaiba's dynamic and powerful nature, capable of delivering devastating electric attacks.
Bakura: 1. Chandelure: A ghost and fire-type Pokémon that reflects Bakura's mysterious and haunting presence. 2. Sableye: A dark and ghost-type Pokémon known for its mischievous nature, aligning with Bakura's deceptive tactics. 3. Cacturne: A grass and dark-type Pokémon that thrives in the shadows, representing Bakura's ability to manipulate darkness to his advantage. 4. Malamar: A psychic and dark-type Pokémon known for its hypnotic abilities, symbolizing Bakura's ability to control and manipulate others. 5. Spiritomb: A ghost and dark-type Pokémon that embodies the spirit of multiple trapped souls, reflecting Bakura's connection to ancient spirits. 6. Absol: A dark-type Pokémon associated with disasters and foreboding omens, representing Bakura's presence as a bringer of darkness and calamity.
Marik: 1. Hydreigon: A dark and dragon-type Pokémon known for its fierce and ruthless nature, representing Marik's relentless pursuit of power. 2. Honchkrow: A dark and flying-type Pokémon associated with scheming and manipulation, aligning with Marik's deceptive tactics. 3. Toxicroak: A poison and fighting-type Pokémon that embodies Marik's venomous nature and ability to strike swiftly. 4. Krookodile: A ground and dark-type Pokémon known for its brutal strength and fierce demeanor, symbolizing Marik's merciless approach. 5. Gengar: A ghost and poison-type Pokémon that represents Marik's connection to the Shadow Realm and his ability to invoke fear in others. 6. Drapion: A poison and dark-type Pokémon known for its toxic stings and ruthless nature, reflecting Marik's sinister intentions and willingness to harm others.
Pegasus: 1. Xatu: A psychic and flying-type Pokémon associated with visions and foresight, aligning with Pegasus's ability to see beyond the present. 2. Mr. Mime: A psychic and fairy-type Pokémon known for its illusionary abilities, representing Pegasus's talent for creating illusions and trickery. 3. Togekiss: A fairy and flying-type Pokémon known for its gentle and soothing nature, reflecting Pegasus's charming and charismatic personality. 4. Ludicolo: A water and grass-type Pokémon that embodies Pegasus's playful and joyful demeanor. 5. Gardevoir: A psychic and fairy-type Pokémon known for its grace and elegance, representing Pegasus's refined and sophisticated nature. 6. Wobbuffet: A psychic-type Pokémon that reflects Pegasus's unpredictable and unconventional strategies, capable of surprising opponents with unexpected counterattacks.
Joey: 1. Primeape: A fighting-type Pokémon known for its fiery temper and determination, representing Joey's passionate and never-give-up attitude. 2. Machamp: A fighting-type Pokémon with impressive physical strength and multiple arms, aligning with Joey's straightforward and powerful fighting style. 3. Snorlax: A normal-type Pokémon associated with laziness and an insatiable appetite, reflecting Joey's laid-back and carefree nature. 4. Hitmonchan: A fighting-type Pokémon that specializes in punching techniques, symbolizing Joey's focus on close-range combat and powerful punches. 5. Dodrio: A normal and flying-type Pokémon known for its speed and agility, representing Joey's quick reflexes and ability to dodge attacks. 6. Staraptor: A normal and flying-type Pokémon that embodies Joey's determination and willingness to take risks, capable of delivering devastating aerial attacks.
Tristan: 1. Machoke: A fighting-type Pokémon known for its physical strength and endurance, reflecting Tristan's tough and resilient nature. 2. Hariyama: A fighting-type Pokémon with a large and robust physique, symbolizing Tristan's protective and defensive nature. 3. Steelix: A steel and ground-type Pokémon known for its durability and toughness, aligning with Tristan's ability to withstand and endure challenges. 4. Donphan: A ground-type Pokémon with powerful rolling attacks, representing Tristan's determination and ability to charge forward. 5. Rhyperior: A ground and rock-type Pokémon with immense strength and solid defense, reflecting Tristan's reliable and unwavering support for his friends. 6. Conkeldurr: A fighting-type Pokémon known for its expert craftsmanship and powerful punches, symbolizing Tristan's loyalty and readiness to protect others.
Tea: 1. Blissey: A normal-type Pokémon known for its caring nature and ability to heal, reflecting Tea's nurturing and supportive personality. 2. Sylveon: A fairy-type Pokémon that embodies grace and compassion, aligning with Tea's gentle and empathetic nature. 3. Jigglypuff: A normal and fairy-type Pokémon known for its soothing lullabies, representing Tea's calming presence and ability to bring peace. 4. Alomomola: A water-type Pokémon associated with healing and comfort, symbolizing Tea's role as a caring friend and nurturer. 5. Togekiss: A fairy and flying-type Pokémon known for spreading joy and happiness, reflecting Tea's positive and uplifting spirit. 6. Lopunny: A normal and fighting-type Pokémon that combines grace and strength, representing Tea's determination and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Bonz: 1. Dusknoir: A ghost-type Pokémon known for its connection to the afterlife, aligning with Bonz's fascination with the supernatural and his zombie-themed deck. 2. Gourgeist: A ghost and grass-type Pokémon associated with haunting and trickery, reflecting Bonz's mischievous nature and love for spooky tactics. 3. Cofagrigus: A ghost-type Pokémon that embodies ancient curses and spirits, symbolizing Bonz's connection to ancient powers and mystical energies. 4. Golurk: A ghost and ground-type Pokémon known for its massive size and ability to come to life, representing Bonz's ability to bring his deck to life and create a formidable presence. 5. Banette: A ghost-type Pokémon known for seeking revenge on its former owner, reflecting Bonz's vengeful nature and desire to defeat his adversaries. 6. Spiritomb: A ghost and dark-type Pokémon that embodies a trapped and malevolent spirit, aligning with Bonz's utilization of spirits and curses to unsettle opponents.
Mai: 1. Ninetales: A fire-type Pokémon associated with beauty and elegance, aligning with Mai's graceful and charismatic personality. 2. Lopunny: A normal and fighting-type Pokémon that combines grace and strength, representing Mai's agility and fierce determination. 3. Vileplume: A grass and poison-type Pokémon known for its alluring scent and mesmerizing beauty, symbolizing Mai's captivating presence and ability to charm opponents. 4. Vespiquen: A bug and flying-type Pokémon that represents leadership and determination, reflecting Mai's confidence and commanding presence. 5. Togekiss: A fairy and flying-type Pokémon known for spreading joy and happiness, reflecting Mai's positive and uplifting spirit. 6. Milotic: A water-type Pokémon associated with grace and serenity, representing Mai's calm and composed demeanor in battle.

*He's a radical rat!

Splinter

Hamato Yoshi was once an honorable martial artist of the Foot Clan. However, his villainous fellow student Oroku Saki got him expelled from the clan, forcing him to head off to New York City to live in the sewers. While there in the sewers, his only friends were the rats, and a group of pet store turtles he named after his favorite Renaissance artists- Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. However, even in his new home, the evil of Oroku Saki still lingered. Oroku Saki, who had turned the Foot Clan into an evil legion while Yoshi was away, used a chemical mutagen in an attempt to kill Yoshi. Yet, the mutagen did not kill him- instead, it changed him. The turtles he cared after were morphed into humanoid turtles, while Yoshi was morphed into a humanoid rat. From then on, he began to raise the turtles like his own children, training them in martial arts. These turtles would become the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- and the mutated Yoshi would take on the nickname Splinter.
Strength

• Breaks boards with his strikes, and his bite
• Breaks through cracked stone
• Breaks down a door
• Breaks a bar wrapped around door handles with a chop
• Breaks through a metal pipe
• Breaks a pipe with his staff
• Kicks Shredder across the room
• Kicks Shredder backwards, then climbs up a vertical walkway
• Kicks a Foot ninja into a wall
• Kicks over a large vat of mutagen
• Kicks Rocksteady into Shredder and Bebop to knock them over
• KO's Bebop and Rocksteady
  • Rocksteady and Bebop are unhurt by falling from out of the sky
• Lays out Rocksteady and Bebop long enough to tie them up
• Struggles with Shredder
• Throws a piece of his staff hard enough to destroy a gun in Shredder's hand
• Throws Rocksteady down an alley by yanking his lasso
  • Bebop and Rocksteady are heavy enough to crumple a radio tower by climbing on top of it
• Throws Shredder
• Throws the Rat King into a pile of boxes hard enough to knock them over
• Cuts through Shredder’s mace
• Overpowers a man holding onto his staff
• Helps April carry a bed up stairs

Agility

• Dodges an attack from a Kojima brother
• Dodges strikes from Shredder before throwing him
• Dodges Leonardo’s attempts to use the Viper Technique
• Dodges Destructor X’s missile
• Dodges laser blasts
  • Again
  • Once more
• Outruns an energy shockwave
• Leaps high up and lands on a bridge cable
• Flips on top of Destructor X
• Crawls on the underside of a train car

Durability

• Gets choked out by Bebop
  • Bebop can throw a car
• Gets tossed aside by Destructor X
• Gets thrown by Chrome Dome
  • Chrome Dome can tear a walkway in half and break pillars in half
• Gets thrown by Metal Head
  • Metal Head could throw Bebop and Rocksteady hard enough to crater a metal wall
• Gets body-slammed by the Rat King
  • The Rat King and Slash, together, could throw a pizza parlor

Skill

• Taught the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles everything they know about martial arts
• Easily beats Michelangelo and Raphael in sparring
• Pummels all four turtles one after the other
  • Again
  • Again
  • Again, this time while mind-controlled
• Defeats all four turtles while disguised as a thief and using a magic sword
• Outplays all four turtles at basketball
• Swordfights with Shredder and has the upper hand
• Pummels a group of Mousers
• Disarms his student
• Disarms Shredder by throwing his walking stick
• Throws his staff at a gun after being hit by a deadly laser
• Throws his staff to knock the Rat King's flute out of his hand
• Knows the Viper Technique, which he says there is no defending against
• Performs the Kur-Li maneuver
• Beats Leonardo in a skateboarding contest
• Escapes from an electric cage
• Clears a TV set of flies with a clap
• Sneaks into a Japanese Embassy and steals a magic sword
• Recognizes which Shredder is the real one out of several holograms

Senses

• Has night-vision and an enhanced sense of smell
• Smells incense in the subway system
• Can tell that someone inside a building has just come from a hospital
• Smells the Garden of Versailles from the sewers beneath it

Psychic Stuff

• Can use ninja mind control according to Leonardo
• Hypnotizes Michelangelo
• Hypnotizes Shredder into believing that he is Michelangelo
• Uses "Kung Pow" to hypnotize Michelangelo into not liking pizza
• Receives a psychic cry for help from his ancestors
• Speaks telepathically with his sensei
• Senses that Shredder is involved with a crime
• Senses that his students have fallen under the spell of a great evil
• Uses a ninja mind probe to gain visions of where Leonardo is
• Senses that Leonardo has failed to confront his greatest fear
• Gets a psychic impulse that if the turtles intervene with Shredder bad things will happen
• Locates the inner relays of Dregg’s ship
• Breaks out of the Rat King's mind control
  • Unaffected by the Rat King's mind control, and even controls the other rats himself
• While in Shredder's body, manages to control his brainwaves to be indistinguishable from Shredder's brainwaves on a computer reading

Sword of Yurikawa
A transforming sword that belonged to Splinter’s master. He uses it over the course of an episode to teach the Turtles a lesson, then returns it to the Japanese Embassy.

• Lights the blade on fire
• Shoots blasts of fire that disarms the turtles
• Turns into a chainsaw that cuts through bridge cables
• Grows in size and cuts through bridge cables
• Turns into a spinning blade that cuts apart Shredder’s gun

Other

• Sends Rocksteady to sleep with a handful of "sleep spice"
• Has herbs that speed up Raphael’s healing
• Mixes a potion to heal April
• Easily fixes a TV
• Grabs onto a rail with his tail

Lore Compendium

Season of the Deep

The Last Days on Kraken Mare

Titan is evacuated while the Traveler moves from Io to Earth.

• The Sixth Seal, Part I — After learning that "the Anomaly" is real, Mia Van Der Venne orders the evacuation of Titan.
  
• The Sixth Seal, Part II — The citizens of Titan are alerted to the news that the Traveler has departed Io and is accelerating towards Earth.
  
• The Tenth Avatar — Military dropships arrive on Titan to help with the evacuation effort under Rasputin's orders.
  
• Faces Like Shields — Mia learns that the Exo squadron are searching for Shanice Pell.
  
• Kalki's Burning Sword, Part I — The evacuation ship carrying Shanice Pell is destroyed by one of Rasputin's Warsats under TWILIGHT EXIGENT morality.
  
• Kalki's Burning Sword, Part II — Morgan-2 informs them that the Warminds are now acting to maximise survival rather than minimising harm.
  
• SUNDOWN DISTRESS — As an outer force pulls Titan into an egg shape, the New Pacific Arcology prepares for the incoming tidal wave.
  
• The Water Sun, Part I — The outer force releases Titan from its grasp as the moon collapses back to its spheroid shape.
  
• The Water Sun, Part II — The tidal wave makes contact with the arcologies.
  
• No Survivors — "There's not enough seats."
  
• New Pacific Epitaph — No one is leaving Titan.
  
• Cold Comfort — A submersible dives into Titan's ocean, hoping to hide under the ice shelf and wait the chaos out.
  
• Greasy Luck — Death to the living, long life to the killers
  

Long-Boy in the Soup

Rumours persist of a leviathan of untold strength on Titan.

• "I heard it, too. No, you’re not imagining it. Some kind of biological waveform carrying across the waves." — Sloane
  
• "This system used to detect underwater vessels looking to dock at the shipyard. That's strange. It still works... And it's picking something up. Something below us... And very, very big." — Ghost
  
• The Long-Boy in the Soup — Eris and the Drifter discuss the "Long-Boy in the Soup".
  
• Treasures Buried in the Methane — Drifter heard tales of crews going missing in the waters of Titan.
  
• A Leviathan of Untold Strength — Eris understands that a leviathan of untold strength has made Titan her home.
  

Sloane, Weir-Walker

"Due respect, Commander? I was there when the Hive found us on Earth. I was there when we stopped them on Titan. And I'll be there when we wipe them out." — Sloane

• Overseer — Sloane realises that the Fallen on Titan are trying to leave.
  
• She Is a Firebreaker — Eris believes Sloane will not leave Titan willingly.
  
• Preparation: Titan — Sloane has noted that the Hive have been digging deep in the arcology for Golden Age tech.
  
• Fortifying Titan — While the Guardians defend again the Pyramid, Sloane begins to put a plan together to push back the Hive.
  
• Wavebreaker — Sloane and Amanda discuss repairing the support struts of Siren's Watch.
  
• Clearing the Decks — The Guardian retrieves a Golden Age battlesuit for Sloane.
  
• Riastrad — Sloane tears through the Hive on Titan with her new battlesuit.
  
• A Distant Pull — The claims of the Witch Sister are torn asunder. The banners of War are raised.
  
• Day 0 — Black skies quell storms as if they were fleeing omens.
  
• Day 3 — The Ghost of Titan walks on through sunless seas, having died long ago.
  
• Day 92 — Take and live.
  
• Day 278 — A rising pressure, signaling imminent danger.
  
• Day 402 — "YOU WEAR MY BANNER." —Xivu Arath, Hive God of War
  
• Bonded... We Live... — Ahsa communicates with Sloane.
  
• Crown-Splitter — Sloane's apartment in the City is vacated to make room for those moving away from the Eliksni Quarter.
  
• Yes, Zavala here. A parcel? I didn't order any — for Sloane? I see... you can deliver it to my office. Thank you. — Zavala
  

Beneath the Waves — Week One

The Vanguard receive a distress call from Titan.

• Enemy of Witness on Titan — Soteria warns that an Titan contains vital information, and an enemy of the Witness resides there.
  
• Akashic Revelation — Joxer approaches the portal in front of the Traveler.
  
• [Titan Has Returned]() — Zavala reveals that Titan has returned.
  
• Beneath the Waves — Zavala launches a Priority 1 rescue operation to extract Sloane from Titan.
  
• That Distress Call Wasn't For Me — Sloane reveals why she sent out the distress call.
  
• Her Name is Ahsa — Zavala & Drifter talk with Sloane about potential ideas to communicate with Ahsa.
  
• Debriefing — Zavala debriefs Sloane on everything that's happened since she's been gone.
  
• We Need More Intel on Our Enemy... The Witness — Sloane debriefs the Guardian on the mission.
  
• I Detected Something on the Ocean Floor — Drifter has a plan for how to amplify the psychic bond between Sloane and Ahsa.
  
• NPA Repulsion Regulator — The Guardian looks up information on the NPA Repulsion Regulator.
  
• Until Its Return — Zavala returns Sloane's Crown-Splitter to her.
  
• Rapacious Appetite — A report on the Aberrant Houseless Servitor, J4W-S.
  
• Operation Thunderbolt — With the technology the Guardians salvaged, Drifter has modified his Gambit bank to store the coral from the depths of Kraken Mare.
  
• The First to Be Claimed By the Deep — Ahsa speaks through Sloane through a psychic bond amplified by the Egregore.
  
• It Hasn't Sounded That Real Since... — Sloane has succeeded in momentarily boosting her connection with Ahsa, but it seems to have taken a toll on her.
  
• The Nine Taking the Long View — Zavala and Drifter discuss the possibility that the Nine helped the Drifter set up Gambit for this moment.
  
• Gone Fishin' — Hawthorne helps the Guardian with some fishing.
  

Higher Voltage

• Centrifuse — Excerpts from a pre-Collapse report, logged by Dr. Khatun-Rowe, a researcher in the Engineering Division of the New Pacific Arcology, Titan.
  
• "Impressive stuff. Cutting edge Golden Age tech. Some burnt out components, but… hmm… Yeah. There's potential here. Need you to do some calibrating first, though." — Banshee-44
  
• "Guess that answers what fried those components. Thought about how to fix the overcharging, but then I had a different idea. Let's see just how much power it can handle." — Banshee-44
  
• "Looks like it worked. Arcology's scientists were good, but they didn't have Guardians. Bet they never counted on channelling Arc Light through this thing. Heard about an old power source Sloane was carting around Titan for a time. Maybe this gun was meant to go with it. Guess we'll never know. Another memory, lost beneath the waves." — Banshee-44
  

Salvage

Rig

Secure the Rig:

• We got some nasties crawlin' all over the rig! Go shoo 'em away so we can get to work! — Drifter
  
• I got proximity alarms going off all over the Derelict! Must be some uninvited guests on the rig. Show 'em the door! — Drifter
  
• Sensors are indicating enemy contact on the rig; engage and eliminate. — Sloane
  
• Aha! Our enemies seek to disrupt our salvaging? Then we will drive them off! Go, fight! — Saint-14
  
• We must defend the rig! Go protect the machinery! I will advise from here. — Saint-14
  

Site Security:

• Aw, hell! Here we go again! Enemies are after our salvage. Light 'em up! — Drifter
  
• Gonna need somebody to keep an eye on all this stuff. Hang tight, and blast anybody that tries to get grabby with our loot. — Drifter
  
• So I got a task perfectly suited for ya: shoot ANYTHING that tries to take our stuff! — Drifter
  

Site Reliability:

• Come on down, fellas! We got all sorts of damage that needs repairs. — Drifter
  
• Got some doing what needs getting done out here, friends. Need you to lend a hand. — Drifter
  
• Well, looks like we got some maintenance to do! This old bucket's a few centuries old, or — I dunno, probably more. Be nice and gentle. — Drifter
  

Engineering:

• Damn. Looks like the cranes blew their fuses. Gonna need you to roll up your sleeves and get in there. — Drifter
  
• Welp, there goes the backup power relays. You mind lendin' a hand down there? Otherwise, we're dead in the water. — Drifter
  
• [grunts in annoyance] Electrical is fried. Gonna need you to get in there and see what you can do to fix it. — Drifter
  

Ordnance Disposal:

• Need you Guardians down here to disarm some volatile parting gifts our friends left for us. — Drifter
  
• We got explosive ordinance on deck! Need you to take care of it, hero. — Drifter
  
• Aw, you gotta to be kidding me! Well, looks like our visitors from before left some surprises for us. Gonna need you to clear this all out. Carefully. — Drifter
  

Locate the Disruption:

• Looks like all our salvaging might've drawn some unwanted attention. Tell 'em to go mind their own business. — Drifter
  
• So it looks like we got ourselves a problem. Gotta get wet to take care of it. Don't drown or nothin'! — Drifter
  
• Quick question: How do you feel about unfathomable depths and horrific abominations? Anyway, transmat firing! — Drifter
  

Kraken Mare:

• Uh... [laughs nervously] Ah... uh oh. — Drifter
  
• Something's down here, lurking in the weird. Shake it up — see what comes out. — Drifter
  
• We got a big nasty fella down here. Go give 'em a tap on the backside for ol' Drifter. — Drifter
  

Arcology

Secure the Arcology:

• This feels good. We strike back as one fist, crushing Xivu Arath's forces. Get to work! — Sloane
  
• Guardian, I'm picking up enemy signals in the Arcology; sweep through and clear 'em out! — Sloane
  
• Y'know, this place ain't half bad. Put up some string lights, invite some pals over, get some music going... it's got a vibe! — Drifter
  
• We gotta get to work, Guardians! Tell these jerks they don't gotta go home, but they can't stay here! — Drifter
  
• Guardian, the hunt begins. Push into the Arcology and wipe out the invaders. — Lord Saladin
  
• We will hold the line. Hunt down the enemy, and secure the Arcology! — Lord Saladin
  
• Look at you, leaping into battle! Show the enemy they cannot hold us back! — Saint-14
  
• The Arcology is under attack; repel the invaders! — Saint-14
  

Site Security:

• Hostiles inbound; get between them and the salvage. — Sloane
  
• They're not giving up. Protect our salvage, Guardians. — Sloane
  
• We have enemies incoming! They're going after the salvage deliveries; Guardians, intercept! — Sloane
  

Site Reliability:

• We have maintenance that needs to be done, and this area is too dangerous for anyone but a Guardian. Let's get to work. — Sloane
  
• We're in this fight together. Time to get this Arcology back in operation. — Sloane
  
• Let's get to work, Guardians... stronger together. — Sloane
  

Engineering:

• I'm detecting multiple systemic failures in engineering. Guardians, I need you down there. — Sloane
  
• That attack left us vulnerable. We need you out there handling repairs. — Sloane
  
• Power readings are abnormal. The invasion must have damaged some of the Arc relay fuses. They need to be replaced. — Sloane
  

Ordnance Disposal:

• The enemy left explosive ordinance primed to blow! I need your assistance on this Guardians. — Sloane
  
• Guardians, our enemies left explosives behind. We need to dismantle them before they damage the Arcology. — Sloane
  
• There's explosives rigged around the Arcology. We need to disarm them before they blow! — Sloane
  

Locate the Disruption:

• Guardians, we have enemies inbound on the seafloor. Brace yourselves. Transmat firing! — Sloane
  
• Our salvage operations have stirred up enemy forces on the seafloor. Sending you in, Guardians. — Sloane
  
• We have hostiles gathering on the seafloor. Sending you in to deal with them! — Sloane
  

Kraken Mare:

• Xivu Arath is marshalling her forces. Be prepared for anything. — Sloane
  
• [groans] I can feel... rage. Guardian? Something's near. — Sloane
  
• Guardians, stand strong. They're going to throw everything they have at us. — Sloane
  

Mission Complete

• He Found a Purpose. Learning. Teaching. Mentoring — Saint tells Drifter that Osiris found that he was looking for on Neptune.
  
• You Found Yourself a Suit of 'Power Armour' — Drifter asks Sloane about her power armour.
  
• She Wants to Understand Stasis and Strand — Caiatl has been asking Osiris to begin teaching the Cabal forces about the Darkness.
  
• You've... Missed a Lot Since You Were Gone — Saladin hopes that Sloane can learn to acclimate to the new world she's found herself in.
  
• I Mighta... Also Been Eatin' Lunch — Drifter was too busy eating to do any heavy lifting.
  

Deep Dives

200 Metres:

• Move out, fireteam. — Lord Saladin
  
• This is Tactical. Dive, green. — Zavala
  

400 Metres:

• Guardian, You Go Left, I Go Right — Zavala debriefs the Guardian on their mission to collect Egregore coral.
  
• Fly Like Lady Jolder, and Leave Nothing in Your Wake — Sloane teases Saladin about his "Valus" title.
  

Egregore Resonator:

• The pressure down here fossilizes the Egregore — looks like blue stone. Harvest what you can, and I'll keep their main guns off your back. — Sloane
  
• You're on-site, Guardian. I'll draw away their commander while you get the job done. — Sloane
  
• OK, partner. Get drilling while I get loud and make a diversion for you. — Sloane
  
• Get your Ghost on that gear. Let's see how they like a little sabotage. — Sloane
  
• Have your Ghosts disrupt those power stations. We'll seize everything here. — Lord Saladin
  
• You've reached the drill site. Extract everything you can as quickly as you can. — Lord Saladin
  

Low Fuel:

• I see a drill running low. Take care of it. — Lord Saladin
  
• Guardian, the drill is showing low fuel. — Zavala
  

Darkness Invoked:

• I AM WAR! YOU BEAR MINE BANNER LIKE A CRESTED TABARD. — Xivu Arath
  
• MINE BLADE IS AN INVITATION. — Xivu Arath
  

Harvest Coral:

• This sector is crawling with Hive and Taken. Let's head down and dodge some of this heat. — Sloane
  
• Almost like we planned it, Guardian. Let's sink a little more and do it again. — Sloane
  
• The only remaining sites in this sector are in the deeper shelves. Descend, and keep your weapons close. — Lord Saladin
  
• Well executed, fireteam. Your next objective rests at a lower depth, well behind enemy lines. Move carefully. — Lord Saladin
  
• Enemy counterattack converging on this sector. You've been cleared to continue operations at a lower depth to evade their advance. — Zavala
  

Samples Secured:

• Egregore samples accounted for — Guardian, we're clear to engage their commander. — Sloane
  
• Collection tanks are full and safe. Time to turn the tables. — Sloane
  
• All Egregore samples are safe in containment. Ready to punch a hole outta here? — Sloane
  

J4W-S:

• A MAD, FALLEN HOUND, EVER SEEKING PREY! BORN OF WRATH! DRIVEN BY WHIPS! — Xivu Arath

Midnight:

• That Darn Golden Age Suit Crapped Out on Me — Zavala tells Sloane that he's glad to have her back.
  
• What Shifted Your Opinion on the Cabal? — Sloane asks Saladin why his opinion changed on the Cabal.
  

Resonator (Midnight):

• Enemies incoming. We already lost these Guardians. Let's avenge them. Fix that extractor, and I'll pull the bulk of Hive away from you. — Sloane

Extractor:

• I'm not sure how, but it's working. Now defend this position. — Lord Saladin

Kudazad:

• KUDAZAD! BOUND BY WAR, CONQUERED FROM TRICKERY, I INVOKE YOUR DEBT. — Xivu Arath

Mission Complete:

• Got a Good Team on This, Sir. Even the Drifter — Sloane commends the team that Zavala has put together for this mission.
  
• You Fought At Twilight Gap, Did You Not? — Saladin loses a bet with Saint.
  

Ghosts of the Deep

• This just came in from a communications relay on Titan. The commander asked me to deliver it to you immediately. The Hive have a foothold there, but the deputy commander says the situation has changed. Something about a Lucent Hive ship entering Titan's atmosphere and diving into the ocean. Details look scarce. But whatever's going on can't be good. — Hawthorne
  
• Guardian, there's massive energy readings surging from below the arcology. All communication channels are affected. The Lucent Hive are forcing their way through from the Ascendant Plane. But there's something else going on. The formations I'm seeing are indicative of some kind of mass ritual to — Guardian, can you read me? Guardian? — Sloane
  
• Ahsa's Presence — Ahsa watches the Guardians from the deep.
  
• Picking you up again, the signal's clearing and I'm receiving your Ghost's feed of—is that... Oryx? Ugh, were the Lucent Hive trying to — this was a ritual to resurrect the Taken King! By force? We're lucky you were able to stop this, Guardian. I don't even know if what they were trying to do here was possible but... the risk alone... I'm going to contact Ikora immediately. She'll want the Hidden to secure Oryx's remains for study. — Sloane
  
• No one will tell me what happened down there. Whenever I ask, she says it's 'privileged information' and shuts me down. I won't ask you to go against Ikora's wishes. She's gotta be keeping secrets for a good reason. But I haven't seen her that shaken since she learned about Savathûn having the Light.... Actually... maybe it's better if I don't know. Sometimes the truth is more terrifying than your own imagination. — Hawthorne
  

Memories:

• Recalcitrant Host — Take what is not given.
  
• LONELY NAVIGATOR, WE HAVE TRAVELED SO LONG WITH ONLY EACH OTHER. I KNOW YOU LOVE TO HEAR AND SPEAK NEW TONGUES. COME, SIT IN THE FLESH GARDEN. I WILL READ YOU THESE STORIES I BROUGHT AT KAHARN. — Xivu Arath
  
• I WAS XI RO. I WAS WEAKNESS. FRAGILITY. THEN YOU DROWNED ME IN THE DEEP. MURDERED MY FLAWS. YOU ARE OUR NAVIGATOR, OUR GUIDE. LED ME DOWN THE BLADED PATH, TO BE REFORGED AS XIVU ARATH. I WILL REMEMBER YOU. OUR NAVIGATOR. OUR BROTHER. OUR KING. IN THIS, YOU ARE ETERNAL. — Xivu Arath
  
• [exhales] I REMEMBER THE LANGUID CONTEMPT OF OUR FATHER. THE COLD EYES OF OUR MOTHER. I SEE YOUR DETERMINATION ETERNAL. IT IS DETERMINATION THAT DEFINES YOU. CERTAINTY, CLARITY, FAITH — YOUR WILL IS A KNIFE, HEWING AWAY AT OUR LIES. YOU ARE TRUTH. WHEN I DOUBT, YOU NEVER SPARE ME THE BLADE. WHEN I FALTER, YOU NEVER SPARE ME YOUR WORDS, AND YET... I KNOW THERE IS MORE. — Xivu Arath
  
• YOU ARE DEAD. YOUR THRONE WAITS EMPTY. BLASPHEMY. BLASPHEMY! MY BROTHER — MY BROTHER IS VANQUISHED. COURT... SCATTERED. TEMPLES, RANSACKED! MY BROTHER IS DEAD! AND HIS KILLERS HAVE NOT ASSUMED THE MANTLE OF THE TAKEN KING. BLASPHEMY. BLASPHEMY! HOW? HOW CAN THE SPEAR THAT PIERCED A MILLION WORLDS BE KILLED BY THOSE WHO WOULD DENY THE ALL-EDGED TRUTHS? [weeps] MOTHER... ARE YOU LAUGHING? SISTER, ARE YOU SMILING? IS THIS THE FATE WORSE THAN EXTINCTION? WAS IT ALL FOR... NOTHING? — Xivu Arath
  
• I HAVE DIED... AND YET WAS SUMMONED BACK BY YOU. YOU, WHO REMEMBERED ME AS WAR? OUR SISTER DIED, AND WAS SUMMONED BACK BY YOU. YOU, WHO CONSPIRED WITH HER CUNNING? SO IT MUST BE FOR NOW. IF YOUR LEGACY IS TRUE, BROTHER, IT WILL COME UNTO US AND DEFEAT OUR BLASPHEMY. AND IF NOT... IF NOT, WHAT WE ATTEMPT CANNOT BE BLASPHEMY. FOR WE HAVE SURVIVED YOU. SURPASSED THE POWER OF YOUR WILL. AIAT. AIAT. — Xivu Arath
  
• THE SKY... IS FRAGILE. FLAWED. LIES. LIES! I SEE HOW EASILY IT IS CHAINED. BROUGHT TO THE HEEL, AND MUZZLED. THE TRUTH CANNOT BE SO EASILY BOUND. YOU SHOWED US THAT. TRUTH HAS WINGS. I TAKE FLIGHT IN YOUR STEAD. I BRING THE KNIFE OF TRUTH TO THE GRISTLE OF LIES. — Xivu Arath
  
• YOU WOULD HAVE SAVOURED MY TRIUMPH. HOW OUR SISTER'S GIFT TO ME WAS TREATED WITH SUCH CARE. SCREAMS LIKE A CHOIR AS THEIR MOUNTAINS TREMBLED. SCREAMS LIKE A CHOIR AS THEIR SEAS BOILED! I STEPPED DOWN INTO THAT WORLD, THRUST MY SWORD INTO THE HEART OF TOROBATL, AND CARVED LIES FROM TRUTHS. — Xivu Arath
  
• HERESY. HERESY! OUR SISTER DENIES YOUR TRUTH AND CRAWLS LIKE AN ANIMAL INTO THE SHADOW OF THE SKY! SHE BLEATS AND HOWLS, ALLOWING HERSELF TO BE PROFANED BY IT! SHE SPITS ON YOUR MEMORY! SISTER, YOU ALWAYS DOUBTED. BUT NOW, IT IS TIME TO TEST THEORY IN PRAXIS. — Xivu Arath
  
• SOMETIMES, TO WIN A BATTLE, YOU NEEDN'T RAISE A HAND. YOU LET THE IGNORANT FIGHT IN YOUR NAME, UNKNOWING. THEY MOVE THEMSELVES INTO POSITION, POSTURING THEIR VICTORIES, LEAVING THEIR SOFT FLANK OPEN. SISTER, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE. YOU WERE WRONG. — Xivu Arath
  
• THERE IS AN END IN SIGHT NOW, CLEARER THAN I HAVE EVER SEEN IT. THE HORIZON NARROWS DOWN TO A SINGLE EDGE, SHARPER THAN HOPE. I SEE THE FINAL SHAPE COMING INTO FOCUS IN THIS CUTTING MOTION, AND THE DEEP SINGS ITS PROMISES. I CRACK MY WHIP UNTO THE RHYTHM. I GUIDE YOUR KNIFE IN BETWEEN RIBS! EVEN NOW, ALONE, YOU ARE MY NAVIGATOR. — Xivu Arath
  
• THE SKY'S LIARS ARE ELOQUENT IN THEIR TENACITY. THEY MAKE ME DOUBT MY OWN HAND... MY OWN RIGHT! OUR BLADES CLASH, AND I AM DRIVEN BACK, BACK! I HAD MY BLADE AT THEIR THROAT, AND THEY SLIPPED PAST MY GUARD. BUT IT IS TOO LATE NOW. EVEN THEIR DEEPEST CUTS ARE TOO SHALLOW TO KILL. I SEE THE FINAL SHAPE COMING FOR THEIR HEART. — Xivu Arath
  
• I COME TO YOU NOW TO SAY GOODBYE, BROTHER. THIS WILL BE MY LAST VISITATION. A FINAL KNEE AT YOUR GRAVE. I'M LEFT TO WONDER IF THERE'S ANYTHING OF YOU STILL IN THERE. I AM LEFT TO WONDER... WHAT IS THIS FEELING? THE SKY IS MORTALLY WOUNDED, BLEEDING OUT. YET... A PART OF ME LONGS FOR THE COMFORT OF THE GARDENS. OF YOUR STORIES. OF SISTER'S. I LONG FOR OUR JOURNEYS TOGETHER... BUT KNOW THEY HAVE COME TO AN END. WE WILL BE PROVEN RIGHT. YOU WILL BE PROVEN RIGHT. BROTHER. IF YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME ANYTHING, IT WAS TO NEVER DENY A TRUTH, EVEN WHEN IT GRIEVES US. WHAT IS THIS FEELING? I DO NOT WANT IT! — Xivu Arath
  
• The Navigator — I dive to understand.
  

Hidden Operation:

• 003-TAKEN-156 - I — Chalco offers Fenchurch and Lisbon a talisman to protect them on their mission.
  
• 003-TAKEN-156 - II — The Hidden trio dive deep into Titan's oceans in a Fallen submersible.
  
• 003-TAKEN-156 - III — The team approach the target of their operation: Oryx.
  
• 003-TAKEN-156 - IV — The Hidden believe the Lucent Brood were trying to forcibly resurrect Oryx.
  
• 003-TAKEN-156 - V — Fenchurch and Chalco present their notes of the mission.
  

Into the Depths — Week Two

• Word of Amanda's Death Hit Sloane Hard — Zavala has a mission update for the Guardian, now that Sloane has recovered enough to boost her connection with Ahsa again.
  
• Mayday, Mayday — Drifter has improved his coral banking device to work at greater depths.
  
• To Set the Example. To Be the Hope — The Guardian returns to the H.E.L.M. after another successful dive.
  
• A Silent God... Withholds a Deeper Truth — Sloane can use the extracted coral to strengthen her psychic bond with Ahsa.
  
• It's Hard to Make Sense of Ahsa's Thoughts — Sloane has succeeded in momentarily boosting her connection with Ahsa, but it seems to have taken a toll on her.
  
• You Use Her Ship to Jam My Messages — Saint confronts Saladin for jamming his messages to Sloane.
  
• Theory — Ikora notes that the Veil's signature has grown stronger since Titan's return.
  

Bounties

Sloane:

• Deep Storage: "Remember not to come back up too quickly." — Commander Sloane
  
• Deep Trouble: Fallen: "I guess some things don't change." — Deputy Commander Sloane
  
• Deep Trouble: Hive: "We're just going to have to knock the Light out of them ourselves." — Deputy Commander Sloane
  
• Deep Trouble: Taken: "Don't let them surprise you. It's hard to isolate the ozone smell down there." — Deputy Commander Sloane
  
• Kinetic Aquanaut: "Can't go wrong with the old essentials." — Deputy Commander Sloane
  
• Bladed Aquanaut: "Only one thing I trust more than a good sword." — Deputy Commander Sloane
  
• Powerful Aquanaut: "They'll try to hit you hard and fast. Might as well return the favor." — Deputy Commander Sloane
  
• Tropical Storm: "The depths of the methane sea may seem calm, but there's always something on the move." — Deputy Commander Sloane
  

Drifter:

• Energetic Aquanaut: "Friendly advice: watch the Solar fire down there." — Drifter
  
• Quickdraw Aquanaut: "Underwater gunfights? You've got a real taste for the dramatic." — Drifter
  
• Deep Sea Angler: "Fishing's supposed to be relaxing. I say it leaves you open for potshots. Keep your eyes open." — Drifter
  
• Rig Shift: "Must be all kinds of salvage on Titan, way under the surface…" — Drifter
  

Valus Forge:

• Rifle Aquanaut: "It's the bottom of the methane sea. I'd go for range." — Valus Forge

Zavala:

• Spearfishing Aquanaut: "Plan for all potential engagements." — Commander Zavala
  
• Salvaged Equipment: "The Arcology on Titan was once a valued source of Golden Age knowledge. Perhaps it can be again." — Commander Zavala
  

Ikora Rey:

• Rapid Aquanaut: "Every breath counts." — Ikora Rey
  
• Fires in the Deep: "This will be a much more literal current, but the lesson holds true." — Ikora Rey
  
• Unnatural Electrolysis: "The Arcology used to be a relic of our past. Now it's become a portent of the future." — Ikora Rey
  

Saint-14:

• Automatic Aquanaut: "A war god we cannot defeat by fighting… This is unfair." — Saint-14

Crow:

• Destructive Aquanaut: "You think there are other giant sea creatures down there?" — Crow

Devrim Kay:

• Precise Aquanaut: "I trust you can keep a steady hand under pressure." — Devrim Kay

Apologies for the confusion. Here are the hypothetical Pokémon teams for the characters from "Yu-Gi-Oh!":
Yugi: 1. Alakazam: A highly intelligent and psychic-type Pokémon that reflects Yugi's strategic thinking and analytical skills. 2. Arcanine: A loyal and powerful fire-type Pokémon that represents Yugi's determination and fiery spirit. 3. Gengar: A mischievous ghost-type Pokémon that embodies Yugi's cunning and ability to manipulate opponents. 4. Dragonite: A dragon-type Pokémon known for its strength and versatility, representing Yugi's growth and power throughout his journey. 5. Blastoise: A water-type Pokémon with strong defensive capabilities, symbolizing Yugi's ability to protect and support his Pokémon. 6. Lucario: A fighting and steel-type Pokémon that reflects Yugi's inner strength and connection with his Pokémon.
Kaiba: 1. Tyranitar: A formidable and powerful rock and dark-type Pokémon that represents Kaiba's relentless pursuit of strength and dominance. 2. Salamence: A dragon and flying-type Pokémon known for its fierce and aggressive nature, reflecting Kaiba's competitive and determined personality. 3. Metagross: A steel and psychic-type Pokémon with incredible intelligence and strategic thinking, aligning with Kaiba's tactical approach. 4. Gyarados: A water and flying-type Pokémon that symbolizes Kaiba's ability to overcome obstacles and rise above challenges. 5. Scizor: A bug and steel-type Pokémon known for its speed and precision, representing Kaiba's calculated and precise fighting style. 6. Electivire: An electric-type Pokémon that reflects Kaiba's dynamic and powerful nature, capable of delivering devastating electric attacks.
Bakura: 1. Chandelure: A ghost and fire-type Pokémon that reflects Bakura's mysterious and haunting presence. 2. Sableye: A dark and ghost-type Pokémon known for its mischievous nature, aligning with Bakura's deceptive tactics. 3. Cacturne: A grass and dark-type Pokémon that thrives in the shadows, representing Bakura's ability to manipulate darkness to his advantage. 4. Malamar: A psychic and dark-type Pokémon known for its hypnotic abilities, symbolizing Bakura's ability to control and manipulate others. 5. Spiritomb: A ghost and dark-type Pokémon that embodies the spirit of multiple trapped souls, reflecting Bakura's connection to ancient spirits. 6. Absol: A dark-type Pokémon associated with disasters and foreboding omens, representing Bakura's presence as a bringer of darkness and calamity.
Marik: 1. Hydreigon: A dark and dragon-type Pokémon known for its fierce and ruthless nature, representing Marik's relentless pursuit of power. 2. Honchkrow: A dark and flying-type Pokémon associated with scheming and manipulation, aligning with Marik's deceptive tactics. 3. Toxicroak: A poison and fighting-type Pokémon that embodies Marik's venomous nature and ability to strike swiftly. 4. Krookodile: A ground and dark-type Pokémon known for its brutal strength and fierce demeanor, symbolizing Marik's merciless approach. 5. Gengar: A ghost and poison-type Pokémon that represents Marik's connection to the Shadow Realm and his ability to invoke fear in others. 6. Drapion: A poison and dark-type Pokémon known for its toxic stings and ruthless nature, reflecting Marik's sinister intentions and willingness to harm others.
Pegasus: 1. Xatu: A psychic and flying-type Pokémon associated with visions and foresight, aligning with Pegasus's ability to see beyond the present. 2. Mr. Mime: A psychic and fairy-type Pokémon known for its illusionary abilities, representing Pegasus's talent for creating illusions and trickery. 3. Togekiss: A fairy and flying-type Pokémon known for its gentle and soothing nature, reflecting Pegasus's charming and charismatic personality. 4. Ludicolo: A water and grass-type Pokémon that embodies Pegasus's playful and joyful demeanor. 5. Gardevoir: A psychic and fairy-type Pokémon known for its grace and elegance, representing Pegasus's refined and sophisticated nature. 6. Wobbuffet: A psychic-type Pokémon that reflects Pegasus's unpredictable and unconventional strategies, capable of surprising opponents with unexpected counterattacks.
Joey: 1. Primeape: A fighting-type Pokémon known for its fiery temper and determination, representing Joey's passionate and never-give-up attitude. 2. Machamp: A fighting-type Pokémon with impressive physical strength and multiple arms, aligning with Joey's straightforward and powerful fighting style. 3. Snorlax: A normal-type Pokémon associated with laziness and an insatiable appetite, reflecting Joey's laid-back and carefree nature. 4. Hitmonchan: A fighting-type Pokémon that specializes in punching techniques, symbolizing Joey's focus on close-range combat and powerful punches. 5. Dodrio: A normal and flying-type Pokémon known for its speed and agility, representing Joey's quick reflexes and ability to dodge attacks. 6. Staraptor: A normal and flying-type Pokémon that embodies Joey's determination and willingness to take risks, capable of delivering devastating aerial attacks.
Tristan: 1. Machoke: A fighting-type Pokémon known for its physical strength and endurance, reflecting Tristan's tough and resilient nature. 2. Hariyama: A fighting-type Pokémon with a large and robust physique, symbolizing Tristan's protective and defensive nature. 3. Steelix: A steel and ground-type Pokémon known for its durability and toughness, aligning with Tristan's ability to withstand and endure challenges. 4. Donphan: A ground-type Pokémon with powerful rolling attacks, representing Tristan's determination and ability to charge forward. 5. Rhyperior: A ground and rock-type Pokémon with immense strength and solid defense, reflecting Tristan's reliable and unwavering support for his friends. 6. Conkeldurr: A fighting-type Pokémon known for its expert craftsmanship and powerful punches, symbolizing Tristan's loyalty and readiness to protect others.
Tea: 1. Blissey: A normal-type Pokémon known for its caring nature and ability to heal, reflecting Tea's nurturing and supportive personality. 2. Sylveon: A fairy-type Pokémon that embodies grace and compassion, aligning with Tea's gentle and empathetic nature. 3. Jigglypuff: A normal and fairy-type Pokémon known for its soothing lullabies, representing Tea's calming presence and ability to bring peace. 4. Alomomola: A water-type Pokémon associated with healing and comfort, symbolizing Tea's role as a caring friend and nurturer. 5. Togekiss: A fairy and flying-type Pokémon known for spreading joy and happiness, reflecting Tea's positive and uplifting spirit. 6. Lopunny: A normal and fighting-type Pokémon that combines grace and strength, representing Tea's determination and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Bonz: 1. Dusknoir: A ghost-type Pokémon known for its connection to the afterlife, aligning with Bonz's fascination with the supernatural and his zombie-themed deck. 2. Gourgeist: A ghost and grass-type Pokémon associated with haunting and trickery, reflecting Bonz's mischievous nature and love for spooky tactics. 3. Cofagrigus: A ghost-type Pokémon that embodies ancient curses and spirits, symbolizing Bonz's connection to ancient powers and mystical energies. 4. Golurk: A ghost and ground-type Pokémon known for its massive size and ability to come to life, representing Bonz's ability to bring his deck to life and create a formidable presence. 5. Banette: A ghost-type Pokémon known for seeking revenge on its former owner, reflecting Bonz's vengeful nature and desire to defeat his adversaries. 6. Spiritomb: A ghost and dark-type Pokémon that embodies a trapped and malevolent spirit, aligning with Bonz's utilization of spirits and curses to unsettle opponents.
Mai: 1. Ninetales: A fire-type Pokémon associated with beauty and elegance, aligning with Mai's graceful and charismatic personality. 2. Lopunny: A normal and fighting-type Pokémon that combines grace and strength, representing Mai's agility and fierce determination. 3. Vileplume: A grass and poison-type Pokémon known for its alluring scent and mesmerizing beauty, symbolizing Mai's captivating presence and ability to charm opponents. 4. Vespiquen: A bug and flying-type Pokémon that represents leadership and determination, reflecting Mai's confidence and commanding presence. 5. Togekiss: A fairy and flying-type Pokémon known for spreading joy and happiness, reflecting Mai's positive and uplifting spirit. 6. Milotic: A water-type Pokémon associated with grace and serenity, representing Mai's calm and composed demeanor in battle.

Hi Everyone.
There was positive feedback earlier on a “group read through” of withcraft books.
https://www.reddit.com/witchcraft/comments/13h7w0n/proposal\_rwitchcraft\_bookclub/
My idea was to have something similar to reddit’s book club of classics, where each chapter gets its own thread.
I thought we’d start off with a bang with none other than Mat Auryn’s Psychic Witch on /witchcraftbookclub. Psychic Witch comes with great reviews. It’s considered more intermediate… something to be read slowly and probably to revisit from time-to-time.
I asked Mat on twitter if he’d be able to jump on and answer questions and he graciously agreed to.
FAQ
When will this start?
I’m posting this on 5/22. Planned start date is 7/2 (Sunday).
What is the schedule?
The longest chapter is 22 pages and there are fifteen chapters. I’m thinking of reading a chapter a week. Is this too slow? My belief is that if you want to you can read another witchcraft book simultaneous while also allowing busy people to participate. My aim is to draw in both first time readers and those wanting to reread.
Challenges I foresee?
Fiction books naturally lend themselves to analysis of characters and themes plus plot predictions etc. Having discussions on chapters of witchcraft books (especially one with lots of exercises) might prove to be more challanging.
Previously on this subreddit, there was a “book of the month” discussion but to my knowledge this is the first chapter-by-chapter read through.
Thoughts? Comments? Please discuss!

Plan is to load a Gartantuan Squiggoth with Kaptain Badrukk, Flash Gitz and Tankbustas. Then use hit n' run taktiks to take objectives. (maybe throw the squighog boyz in reserves with the Blood Axes trait) Any changes you think would help/be more fun?
BLOOD AXES 2K
ARKS OF OMEN DETACHMENT
HQ
Boss Snikrot (95)

\- Warlord \- Traits: Brutal but Kunnin' \- Stratagems: Warlord Trait 

Kaptin Badrukk (95)
Weirdboy (70)

\- Traits: I've Got A Plan, Ladz! \- Psychic Powers: Da Jump, Da Krunch \- Relics: Morgog's Finkin' Kap \- Stratagems: Relic, Big Boss 

Troops
Beast Snagga Boyz (100)

\- 9x Beast Snagga Boy \- 1x Beast Snagga Nob 

Beast Snagga Boyz (100)

\- 9x Beast Snagga Boy \- 1x Beast Snagga Nob 

Gretchin (40)

\- 10x Gretchin \- Specialist Mobs upgrade: ’Orrible Gitz 

Gretchin (40)

\- 10x Gretchin \- Specialist Mobs upgrade: ’Orrible Gitz 

Elites
Kommandos (135)

\- 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw \- 8x Kommando \- 1x Kommando: Breacha ram 

Kommandos (135)

\- 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw \- 8x Kommando \- 1x Kommando: Breacha ram 

Kommandos (125)

\- 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw \- 8x Kommando \- 1x Kommando: Breacha ram 

Tankbustas (154)

\- 1x Boss Nob \- 6x Tankbusta \- 2x Tankbusta: Bomb squig 

Fast Attack
Squighog Boyz (80)

\- 2x Squighog Boyz \- 1x Squighog Boyz: Bomb squig 

Squighog Boyz (80)

\- 2x Squighog Boyz \- 1x Squighog Boyz: Bomb squig 

Heavy Support
Flash Gitz (110)

\- 3x Flash Git \- 1x Flash Git: Ammo Runt \- 1x Kaptin: Choppa, Gitfinda squig 

Flash Gitz (110)

\- 3x Flash Git \- 1x Flash Git: Ammo Runt \- 1x Kaptin: Choppa, Gitfinda squig 

Dedicated Transport
Trukk (95)

\- Wreckin' ball \- Kustom Jobs upgrade: Fortress on Wheels 

Lord of War
Gargantuan Squiggoth (435)

\- Kannon 

Stratagems

\- Big Boss (1CP) \- Relic (1CP) \- Warlord Trait (1CP) 

Total Command Points: 3/6
Reinforcement Points: 1
Total Points: 1999/2000

Hi all,
Enjoyed some success with this recently against orks and had a close game against chaos daemons. Any ideas on how I could make it even better? Much love hive chums x
Army Faction: Tyranids - Game Mode: Grand Tournament - Army Size: Strike Force
ARKS OF OMEN DETACHMENT

- Faction: Hive Tendril - Sub-faction: Leviathan 

HQ
The Swarmlord (240) - Warlord - Psychic Powers: Catalyst, Psychic Scream
Neurothrope (110) - Traits: Synaptic Tendrils - Psychic Powers: Hive Nexus , Catalyst - Relics: Gestation Sac - Stratagems: Hive Predator, Rarefied Enhancements
Tervigon (250) - Adrenal glands, Toxin sacs - Traits: Adaptive Biology - Psychic Powers: Onslaught - Relics: The Maw-claws of Thyrax - Stratagems: Hive Predator, Rarefied Enhancements
Winged Hive Tyrant (245) - Heavy venom cannon - Psychic Powers: Psychic Scream, Onslaught - Relics: Shardgullet - Stratagems: Heroic Support, Relic
Troops
Termagants (210) - 30x Termagant
Elites
Zoanthropes (210) - 3x Zoanthrope - Psychic Powers: Psychic Scream
Heavy Support
Screamer-killers (145) - Adrenal glands, Toxin sacs
Screamer-killers (145) - Adrenal glands, Toxin sacs
Exocrine (215) - Adaptive Physiologies upgrade: Voracious Ammunition
Tyrannofex (230) - Acid spray - Adaptive Physiologies upgrade: Dermic Symbiosis
Stratagems

- Hive Predator (1CP) - Rarefied Enhancements (1CP) - Hive Predator (1CP) - Rarefied Enhancements (1CP) - Heroic Support (1CP) - Relic (1CP) 

Total Command Points: 6/6
Reinforcement Points: 0
Total Points: 2000/2000