How to crochet water bottle holder

The Best Water Bottle.

2013.08.13 06:58 MoonBasic The Best Water Bottle.

A place for Nalgene water bottle users to share their gear, discuss, and ask questions!
[link]


2015.04.05 04:52 StillFreeAudioTwo Drinking water and other fun things

Welcome to DrinkingLiquid! The place where you can post and see pics of people drinking things. Mainly water. Water. Other liquids are allowed, including but not limited to: Juice, Milk, Soda, Tea, Coffee, Alcohol, Sarsparillas and whatever else you enjoy drinking! The reason this can't be called DrinkingWater is that it already exists, so don't ask.
[link]


2015.08.27 04:59 Ace_of_Clubs Waterfilter (Just realizing now that it is not actually a filter, more of just a water fountain)

Do you ever get curious about how many people actually fill their water bottle up at water fountains? Well some have trackers and we track those trackers! (Just realizing now that it is not actually a filter, more of just a water fountain)
[link]


2023.06.02 01:08 Upstairs_Living_3102 SafePepe: The Next Moonshot, Missed PEPE? Here's Your Second Chance! Fair Launch, Safety-Centric, Rewarding, and Primed for Lift-off!


Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!

In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.

Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.

As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.

So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?

Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!
submitted by Upstairs_Living_3102 to CryptocurrencyICO [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:08 Losybike My ex girlfriend (27f) left me (26m) home alone at her house after asking me out to dinner

My ex girlfriend and I dated for around 5 years until we broke up. We still hung out and did things together. My ex girlfriend, let's call her T, started an argument because I didn't get her the right rolling papers from the store. And she told me to leave. I left, and she sent multiple texts asking me to go get dinner and to bring clothes over to her house. I agree, and we go out for dinner at Chili's. We had a good dinner, and we went home after getting two bottles of wine. She went outside to smoke, and then left with such urgency, didn't say a word and didn't come back until the morning (yeah, I know what happened). I wasn't really talking to her at all, and she dropped me off at work. I left my bags at her house, and she blocked me. she unblocked me to tell me that she would drop my stuff off for three days in a row, but never did. I confronted her and said that the stunt that she was weird for the stunt she pulled, and that she should've respected my time instead of driving me hours out just to leave me at her house alone for the night, and that she could've told me that she was leaving so I could leave too. She said that I'm not entitled for her to stay the night, since we're not together, which I find ridiculous since she asked me to come over. She got upset and blocked me. I've been trying to get my stuff back for a week now, and she reaches out to tell me that she has a boyfriend. And then blocked me again. Any advice on how to tackle this?
submitted by Losybike to relationship_advice [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:08 Upstairs_Living_3102 SafePepe: The Next Moonshot, Missed PEPE? Here's Your Second Chance! Fair Launch, Safety-Centric, Rewarding, and Primed for Lift-off!


Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!

In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.

Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.

As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.

So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?

Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!
submitted by Upstairs_Living_3102 to CryptoMicroInvestors [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:08 Upstairs_Living_3102 SafePepe: The Next Moonshot, Missed PEPE? Here's Your Second Chance! Fair Launch, Safety-Centric, Rewarding, and Primed for Lift-off!


Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!

In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.

Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.

As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.

So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?

Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!
submitted by Upstairs_Living_3102 to MEXC_official [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:07 CastleInMyMind_ Need advice about how to go about ocean water spiritual cleanse.

Yesterday I have received a reading saying that I have black magic on me and that it was SO bad that la santa muerte has been calling me to offer me protection. I was also told that to get rid of it that I had to go to the ocean every month to clear it. so my question is.. should I just get a big jar and keep it at home to cleanse myself each month? How do I keep it fresh? How should I go about this? Because im sure that there will be times where I won’t be able to go to the ocean EVERY first weekend of the month. I feel really stuck and overwhelmed rn. :(
submitted by CastleInMyMind_ to SantaMuerte [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:07 Upstairs_Living_3102 SafePepe: The Next Moonshot, Missed PEPE? Here's Your Second Chance! Fair Launch, Safety-Centric, Rewarding, and Primed for Lift-off!


Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!

In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.

Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.

As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.

So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?

Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!
submitted by Upstairs_Living_3102 to PolygonMoonShots [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:07 Exact-Package1437 This Subreddit is Run by Student Loan Shills

I couldn't help but notice that this subreddit bans certain things, like forming a union and going on debt strike, and generally seems to be supportive of current student loan infrastructure. Under a different username, I conversed with one of them and they were completely anti forgiveness, anti paying with tax free money, and anti no or super low interest. The only reason people like this are running this subreddit is they somehow established first mover advantage, and that's literally it. They claim the purpose of this subreddit is to offer advice on how to pay off uncle sam on his terms, but I'm not sure that's what the majority of student loan holders want. I'm quite certain the majority want to pay loans off on their terms, and do whatever it takes to establish those terms. The terms of out of touch geriatrics who think it's cool to loan shark youth with predatory interest schemes are just plain evil. The current managers of this subreddit don't deserve the studentloan subreddit, they should get one called e.g. studentloanadvice, and people who are truly passionate about the struggles of student loan holders, who will fight this beast tooth and claw should run this one. What do y'all think and how can we make this happen?
submitted by Exact-Package1437 to StudentLoans [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:06 Upstairs_Living_3102 SafePepe: The Next Moonshot, Missed PEPE? Here's Your Second Chance! Fair Launch, Safety-Centric, Rewarding, and Primed for Lift-off!

Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!
In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.
Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.
As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.
So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?
Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!
submitted by Upstairs_Living_3102 to cryptomoongroup [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:03 freshlypuckeredbutt The highest degree of awakening is helping those in need, not overcoming reality.

I feel like this is a major problem on the sub. Many people water down personal problems and refuse to recognize the problems of others. All of this cannot simply be corrected. Reddit doesn’t work as a supplemental remedy.
“you dont really exist” “your problems are an illusion”
While ultimately true, it’s extremely dangerous to say as a lesson. You don’t know how this will be taken. It’s problematic to put this into language at all because it can have a reverse effect and basically fuck up someone’s mental health.
Pay attention to the attention first and the lesson second.
It takes practice on yourself to help people in this way. Think of it like poetry instead of science. The interpretation is the key.
The most direct way of helping is through personal service. Be kind to people as if you’re attending to yourself. Don’t expect a reward or a compliment. This is the baseline.
Try volunteering instead of entry level material like Alan Watts. A year of helping those in need will render that stuff redundant.
submitted by freshlypuckeredbutt to nonduality [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:01 InspectionNew5677 Calculating peptide dose after reconstituting

Calculating peptide dose after reconstituting
I am trying to figure out a .25mg dose for my peptide after I reconstituted it. Im using a 1ml syringe and I reconstituted my 5mg of peptide with 3ml of liquid. PeptideCalc.com said to pull back to 15 but then showed a picture that confused me. Does anyone know if I pull back to the 15 unit mark or just the two first notches of the syringe?
submitted by InspectionNew5677 to PeptideDiscussion [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:01 MyFamilyJewels What should I charge for this used rig?

Remnants of an old machine. Trying to figure out how much it's worth on the used market.
Fractal Design Arc Mini R2 Black MSI Z390-A PRO (micro-atx) i7-8700k 32GB DDR3 memory 500GB m.2 SSD 1TB SATA SSD 750w power supply water cooled (corsair h115i) Windows 10 Pro
no GPU
submitted by MyFamilyJewels to buildapc [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:00 cclark367 The "Never Ending Period" is here, you're not currently on meds (only iron to not bleed to death), and you have no insurance. WWYD to keep your head above water mentally and physically?

Short story, I'm 26 w PCOS and my period seems never ending. I believe I'm going on 5-6 weeks now, maybe longer. This isn't new to me but there's less spotting than usual and more BLEEDING. Because of my own ignorance and the way the American health care system is set up, I won't have insurance until OctobeNovember. Insurance didn't solve all my problems in the past but i think I was finally getting some answers.
If you were me, what would you be doing right now (besides kicking yourself) to help your physical and mental situation? What have you learned from your past experiences? How have you changed your diet in ways that helped you symptoms of PCO and anemia?
Currently in inventory:
I don't have all the answers. Please don't be mean, clearly I could use some advice.
submitted by cclark367 to PCOS [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:00 Tyranitron [Fanfic[ A Beast's Heart Ch.40

Hey everyone! I managed to finally do what I planned and alternate fics with each chapter xD. I don't know what it is, but I get hyper focused here and there and then I can get such writer's block with certain things while writing but then get in a zone after managing to get past certain sections. Anyway, this is the second of three planned Linked Souls Day chapters, the next one being the last and from there just hopefully one more chapter that serves as a prelude and transition into the canon events. But don't quote me fully on this as it MIGHT turn into two chapters depending on if I can fit everything in it. But I'm excited to get into the canon material as I've had plans for it since 2020 xD. Anyway, I'm going to likely swap back to my Helluva Boss fic to do a chapter than swap back to this as I want to try to prevent any burn out. Fair warning, I might get a lil hyper focused on the HB fic, but I will do my best to keep a good balance and get back to this as soon as possible.
As I've said before both of these fics are passion projects that I intend to finish no matter how long it takes as I love writing in both worlds. Also, I'm still sticking to this being set pretty much in Japan given everything in canon and sticking to those sensibilities and laws while not neglecting my own western ones and other westerners. I know I've put the disclaimer bout the Nazomi and Sebastian relationship on every prior chapter focusing on then, I just want to make it clear each time this is being handled with care and the maturity it demands. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and I might get the next chapter out maybe early next month or near the end of this one depending on how things go, but I WILL get it out.
Also, curious what everyone thinks about my introduction of a Valentines equivalent.
-------------------------------

After Shinoku and Vega left to meet up with Anya and Sheila, Sebastian took the time to finish getting ready for when he’d meet up with Nazomi. Just like his friends, Sebastian took his time to make sure that he looked good enough for their rendezvous, putting on some clothes he had that looked very similar to the Cherryton uniform aside from differing colors and other minor things. Also like Shinoku and Vega, he had gotten Nazomi a gift as well. After making sure he was good and ready for his meet up with Nazomi, Sebastian went back to reading to pass the time till he needed to head down the hill to meet up with her. As he waited, Sebastian heard his phone ring, quickly going to see who it was and answering it when he saw it was his mother.
“Hello Sebastian.” His mother said as he answered the phone. “I hope you’re well.”
“Hi mom.” he replied. “Yeah, I’m doing well.”
“That’s good to hear. How are your grades, I trust you’re keeping them high like you always do.” His mother inquired.
“I am.”
“That’s good to hear, you always do your best. Though, I’m not sure why you don’t do cram school like your brother did and your sister is doing. It’s nice that you work hard, don’t get me wrong, but I just want to make sure you’re living up to your full potential.” She said, her tone carrying that always subtle pressure of a proud lioness with high expectations.
And there it was; while she did care for him like any lion mother, she always wanted him to live up to the standards and the image of what a lion should be. Not that she was any different from any other lioness towards her kids, they all knew they had to make sure that the reputation of the king of beasts was maintained. It was an ever present driving force for lions; to stand apart, set the example, excel and push yourself to ever higher points and positions. It was both the greatest driving factor, and the most dangerous threat to a lion. While most would manage to get by and repress the toll it took or even thrive; for others, it would be far too much pressure. It was what lead to so many lions to go to the back alley, to form the likes of the shishigumi or join it.
Sebastian took a moment, the pressure of his mother’s expectations briefly showing before he quickly composed himself. “I understand mom, don’t worry, I have everything planned out.” he assured her. “I’m just tackling things in a way that allows me to give my full attention to my grades here. It’s not that I’m not interested in cram school, I just think it’s more logical to not have my focus split too much.”
“Always the analytical one my little Seby.” his mother commented. “But you only focus on your schoolwork and your reading, even your brother managed to handle doing cram school AND being on his school’s baseball team. He always did so well, even as a cub. Your sister’s also excelling in her gymnastics.” She added. His mother never overtly sounded disappointed, but the subtle nudges and constant reminding of his siblings’ achievements spoke volumes of her wanting him to be like them and every other lion. Why couldn’t she just understand that while he had the potential like every other lion, he just didn’t have the interest? Wasn’t it enough that they were bringing home trophies to show off?
Sebastian let the pressure he felt slip slightly once more before regaining his composure again. “That’s good to hear they’re doing so well…” he said in a cheerful voice. “You don’t need to worry though mom, I’ll make sure I get into a good college, plus all my teachers like me. Getting a recommendation good enough to be accepted won’t be hard to get.”
“True, your teachers always liked you.” His mother said. “But it’s just so rare for a lion not to do cram school. At least, in terms of the ones wanting to make a good life for themselves.” she commented in a veiled implication that a lot of the lions who chose not to were always trouble makers and bad seeds.
“I know mom.” Sebastian replied. “But I do have a career path set and I’m not going to stray from it.”
“And given the way you study and your grades I have no doubt. I can’t wait to hear what prestigious college you become the head over. But you might decide to be something equally important to society.” his mother commented. He never dared once to say he wanted to just teach, he didn’t even care where. All he ever said when what he wanted to be came up was something potentially in education and just smile and nod when his mother would suggest stuff. “By the way, have you found a nice lioness yet?”
“No, not yet mom.” Sebastian replied. He didn’t even dare to think about giving her a hint that he had found someone, knowing full well the questions that ensue about her and wanting to see a picture of or talk to her.
“That’s a shame, I hate to hear that you’re alone on Linked Souls Day. Are you looking?” his mother asked.
“Yes mom, I am.” Sebastian lied. “I’ll find someone, it just takes time for some.”
“But you’re so handsome, are you sure you’re looking or giving good impressions?”
“I am…” Sebastian replied as he held back a sigh.
“Alright. But just know that I have a few friends with very nice daughters, I could always introduce you to.”
Sebastian pinched his brow. “Thanks...but I’m sure I’ll find someone soon.”
“OK, just don’t get so caught up in your studies that you forget.” his mother commented. “Anyway, I need to get going, your father’s going to be taking me out for a romantic date. He says hi by the way.”
“I won’t.” Sebastian said as he composed himself once more. “And that sounds nice, tell him I say hello.”
“Sure. And Sebastian, keep working hard and making us proud.” his mother said before hanging up.
Sebastian let out a sigh as he hung up his phone, putting it back in his pocket. As he did so, Hassan looked at him. “I get the whole familial pressure, it’s not fun. I can only imagine what it’s like with being a lion.”
“She means well…” Sebastian replied.
“Clearly given the expressions you let slip.” Hassan pointed out. “I’m not trying to say your mother’s horrible, but her intentions aren’t exactly selfless.”
“It’s just how it is for us lions.”
“Well if you ask me it’s a bunch of bullshit.” Jax commented.
Hassan just shrugged. “Like Sebastian said, it’s just what it is. All we can do is just not let it get to us and forge our own paths the best we can when it comes to expectations.”
“Anyway, I better start heading out, it’s getting close to time for me to meet up with miss Nazomi.” Sebastian said as he stood up, walking over to get the flowers and gift for Nazomi.
“Sure you don’t need any help?” Hassan asked.
“I’ll be fine.”
Hassan nodded. “Alright.”
“Keep living the dream dude, maybe you’ll get to spend the night with her.” Jax said with a wide grin.
Sebastian just rolled his eyes at Jax before walking out to meet up with Nazomi, not even wanting to respond to the comment. As he headed down to the main floor of the dorm, Sebastian felt a combination of excitement and nervousness. It was his first time celebrating Linked Souls Day with anyone, not that he was ever really bothered about not being able to do so in the past. Sebastian also felt a bit guilty due to the fact that because he was a student and Nazomi a teacher, he couldn’t really do anything publicly with her let alone the fact that she was preparing the meal for them to eat.
Deep down he was a romantic at heart, much maligning the fact that he couldn’t be the one to treat her to a cooked meal. It didn’t really feel right that on Linked Souls Day she was doing most the work. It was just something that he would make sure to do in the future if things got that far with them. Although he still worried about being the potential cause of her losing her job. That, and exactly when and how he was going to introduce her to his parents when he was no longer a student. Hopefully he’d have it figured out when the time came.
Sebastian let out a sigh as he exited the boy’s dorm. Despite all the worries, he still deep down found himself hoping that this would work out. Even with the returning thought of this being just a potential rebellion against his parents and their expectations, he could not deny how he felt about the older feline. Especially with their first date still ever present in his mind. No matter what challenges or obstacles they might face, he was willing to face them, his resolve hardening all the more. Even if it ended up with them having to end things before something bad happened, he’d rather live knowing he tried his best than giving into the fear and not trying to fight for his own happiness.
It didn’t take long for Sebastian to leave the school and get down the hill to where Nazomi said she would be waiting for him, and as he got to their rendezvous spot he stopped. His eyes widened as he felt his heart about to beat out of his chest. Before him stood Nazomi next to her car, dressed in a rather nice satin button down green blouse and black business skirt with a slit on the left side that fit her perfectly. She looked beautiful, so much so that Sebastian felt his cheeks were on fire and his heart was about toleap out of his chest as he blushed, unable to really say anything for a few moments.
“W-wow…” he managed to say as he managed to walk over to Nazomi. “You look...amazing.”
Nazomi smiled a bit. “Thank you, I did try.” she said as she blushed ever so slightly. “I would have worn a dress, but I didn’t want to arouse any real suspicion…”
“It’s fine, there’s not a time I’ve seen you where you didn’t look beautiful.” Sebastian said as he continued to blush, rubbing the back of his head as he did so.
Nazomi blushed more. “You look quite handsome yourself, and just as professional as I do.” she commented. “At least it won’t look too suspicious...I hope.”
“I’m sure it won’t.” Sebastian commented before blinking. “Oh, right, I got you these.” Sebastian added as he handed her the bouquet.
“Awe, thank you love.” Nazomi almost cooed as she took the flowers. “They’re beautiful, I can’t remember the last time I got flowers...Thank you.”
Sebastian smiled as he then handed her a smallish wrapped box. “I also got you this.”
Nazomi blinked as she took the gift, opening it to see it was a bottle of perfume. Taking it out of the box she gave it a sniff. “It smells wonderful, I can’t imagine how much this was…”
“It’s nothing, I saw it one day and thought it’d suit you. So I saved up to make sure I could get you it for today.”
Nazomi smiled, tail flicking as a purr emitted from her throat. “You really are too sweet.” she said as she moved to put the gifts up and then hugged Sebastian. “Again, thanks.” she added as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Shall we?”
“Yes.” Sebastian replied, giving Nazomi a nuzzle.
The two got in Nazomi’s car, Sebastian first asking if he should maybe hide out of site like in the trunk only for Nazomi to insist that he sit in the passenger seat. Despite his concerns she said if anyone asked, she was just helping him get to Linked Souls Day meet up. Which, in the most technical sense was not a lie. Sebastian nodded, getting in the passenger seat before Nazomi started her car up and drove.
As They drove through the city to Nazomi’s house something hit Sebastian that he could not believe he didn’t think about even when he had first seen the female cat. “Hey, Mrs. Nazomi?” he asked as he looked at her.
“Yes love?” she asked.
“I just realized...you’re a bit tall for an oriental shorthair. It’s something I should have realized sooner, are you…”
“A mixed species?” Nazomi finished asking for him with a slight smile. “Most don’t really take note until they hit their growth spurts and outgrow me by whatever their heights usually are depending on species. But yes, I am.” she answered. “I’m one third panther on my mother’s side.”
Sebastian blinked, that would explain why she was a bit more ebony in her fur color and why she was taller than the typical shorthair. In fact, her coming up to just under the mid point of his chest hadn’t come off as odd until he thought about it. With some growth still to come, odds are she’d likely be at his gut or just over his waist by the time he finished growing. Not that it was really a problem or he minded, it was just an observation he made.
His eyes glanced over at the scenery as they drove, taking in the buildings and noting that they were sticking to a fairly nice part of town. He then glanced over at Nazomi, taking in how beautiful she looked with a blush, she really was quite something. Sebastian found himself moving his hand closer to hers when they stopped at a red light. Nazomi smiled as she noticed, her hand moving towards his as they held hands for a moment before the light turned green. It did become a thing though with each stop they had to make, both of them enjoying the sign of affection.
It didn’t take too long until they had entered in a rather nice looking neighborhood, about the kind Sebastian assumed Nazomi might live in. It was nice and modest and the house that Nazomi pulled in to was just as nice looking. Thankfully, most of her neighbors were either out celebrating the holiday or doing so in their homes.“Here we are.” Nazomi said warmly.
“It’s a nice looking home.” Sebastian said as the two got out.
“Thanks. It’s really nothing all that special, but it’s nice and cozy and it’s really all I need.” Nazomi replied as she got the gifts Sebastian had gotten before heading to the door with the lion, both their tails flicking and even entwining a bit as they approached it. When they got to the door Nazomi fumbled a bit as she got her keys to unlock it.
“Allow me.” Sebastian offered as he helped her unlock the door, opening it for her.
“Thank you.” Nazomi smiled as she took a quick look around before pecking his cheek. “I’ll put these up while you make yourself at home. I haven’t quite started what I was going to fix, so it will be a bit longer before we eat.”
“You haven’t?” Sebastian inquired. “Then mind if I help? I feel bad that you’re doing a lot of the work and it’s only right that I do everything I can for you today.”
Nazomi smiled as she looked at him. “You’re such a kind, sweet, animal Sebastian. I don’t mind, really.”
“I insist.”
Nazomi chuckled slightly. “You really are a gentleman aren’t you?” she mused.
Sebastian blushed a bit as he rubbed the back of his head. “I just...I want to do whatever I can. You’re a wonderful woman and a great teacher. And, well, I want to take any and every opportunity I can get to treat you right because you deserve it.” the lion said as he blushed some more, conviction clear to see in his eyes.
Nazomi couldn’t help but blush, his words having touched her more than anything in her past relationships. “Alright, how about this? If you want to help me then let’s make it a thing and finish cooking it together?” she offered with a smile.
“I’d like that.” Sebastian agreed with his own smile.
“Alright, just give me a moment.”
Sebastian nodded as Nazomi went to go put up the gifts that Sebastian jad gotten her. As she headed off, Sebastian found his eyes wandering over her form, taking in her figure that was shown off by her attire as well as lower, noting her slightly swaying hips and…tail. Sebastian cursed himself as he moved his eyes to something else. Sure he was still a teenager, a boy, but he prided himself in being better than most. Sure he had his...moments, as Jax so brazenly pointed out. But the last thing he wanted was to be that inappropriate towards Nazomi, even if he did, at times, allow some indulgences here and there.
When Nazomi got back she smiled. “Alright, ready?”
Sebastian nodded. “Yes.”
“OK, should be done in half the time with both of us working on it.”
Nazomi lead Sebastian to the kitchen to show him that she was preparing, a fruit lasagna with the usual accompaniments. After Sebastian looked over the recipe she was using, one from the cooking show Happy Happy Cooking that was toted to be one of their more popular ones among carnivores. he set to work helping her, working side by side as they prepared the fruit, making sure that everything was layered properly. Like in the car, ever now and then Nazomi and Sebastian would briefly hold hands as they prepared the meal, satisfying their feline proclivity for touch contact. It wasn’t too long before they had the lasagna in the oven and the accompanying bread.
“Alright, shouldn’t be too long for it to fully cook, thanks for the help.” Nazomi said as she nuzzled Sebastian, giving him an affectionate hug as well. “In the meantime, we can go over some of my old notes and other things while we wait to help you out with your career path if you like.”
“Sure.” Sebastian smiled as he nuzzled and hugged her back, the two staying like that for a good minute.
“I’ll go get them then.” Nazomi said as she finally and somewhat hesitantly separated to go get her old college notes and study material, returning shortly after with them.
While the food cooked Nazomi went over various things she had to study and learn with Sebastian, covering things they hadn’t gone over from prior times and quizzing him on material they had. To Sebastian, this was like cram school in a sense, getting ready for what he’d need to know to excel in college, only with a more...personal and romantic one on one touch. While he never had issue with paying attention to any of his teachers, Sebastian always hung on every word Nazomi said. To him, her voice was just as beautiful as everything else about her. And just like all the times before, they shared affections with each other.
It seemed like no time at all when the food was done, the two of them chalking it up to them just enjoying each other’s company so much. As Nazomi got the lasagna and bread Sebastian set the table before helping her prepare their plates. As he finished helping her he noticed her take out some wine glasses and a bottle of wine and pouring some of the red liquid in each, although one was more of a sample serving compared to the other, before putting it up and placing them on the table.
“Wine?” Sebastian inquired.
“Just to help things feel a bit more normal.” Nazomi explained. “You don’t have to even drink it. But I was your age once, Rex it only feels like yesterday, and even back then sampling wine wasn’t wrong. That first date we had where you encouraged me to not deny myself any wine, where we acted like a teacher and student just having a meet up to discuss things, stayed on my mind for a while. It wasn’t right that there was some inequality, a full romantic atmosphere. So, I figured sense we’re in private I’d have us on an even level or give the feeling of it. But as I said, you don’t have to drink it.” she said before sitting down.
Sebastian blushed, smiling as he sat down. “Thank you, love.” he said with a fair bit of warmth in hid voice.
It never ceased to surprise the other that both worried about the other’s feelings and the challenges they had to face with their secretive relationship. Something that mad each grow more attached to the other was when a few days after their first date Nazomi had confessed to Sebastian that she was far more hesitant and worried than she let on. Revealing she had been hiding the anxiety of them being a thing and was actually on the verge of suggesting they just call the attempt off out of fear as well as the revelation of his uncle. But she had decided to go through with it because of how truly genuine and good a man he was among other things that made her want to try. Sebastian himself had also confided in her his own concerns and worries about it and her, which made her just feel all the stronger for him over time.
“By the way, how has your day been so far?” Sebastian asked as he began to eat, taking a bite of the lasagna. “Oh, this is delicious.”
“It is.” Nazomi agreed as she took a bite of it. “It’s all thanks to you though, doubt it would have been as good without a little help.” she said with a smile. “As for my day, it’s gone well so far, just the usual grading of papers and preparing for the coming weeks’ lessons. Same old, same old, really. So far the rest of the students I have are nice and do there best. Despite what issues some might cause outside of the classroom I don’t really have to deal with any troublemakers really. Maybe a few slackers or an unmotivated student, but that’s about it.”
“Well you’re a great teacher, I find it hard to believe that any pf my peers would want to cause any trouble in your class. Not only that, but you’re very nice and helpful too.” Sebastian commented.
A smile formed on Nazomi’s mouth as her ebony fur darkened. “Thank you, you’re always so sweet Sebastian.” she said as she purred a bit. “Honestly, I think you’re one of the best students at the school, you work hard and are always so polite. I know you’ll go far with being a teacher.”
Sebastian blushed heavily. “Thank you…” he said with a half smile. “Though I will admit, keeping it up can be a bit— stressful. Comes with being a lion, expectations and familial pressure.” he admitted
Nazomi blinked as she looked at him. “Is it that hard?”
“It’s, well…”
Nazomi moved her hand to rest on top of his. “You can tell me if this is something negatively effecting you Sebastian.”
The lion sighed a bit. “It is hard. Being a lion you’re seen as the king of beasts, someone who’ll go far and have high positioned jobs or in some form of leadership. That image both helps and hurts us, becoming a driving factor of pushing ourselves as much as possible to keep to a standard. It’s something that permeates every lion family, the mothers and fathers pushing their kids to do something worthy of being a lion. Cram school is seen as an expected and normal thing to do and those who don’t do it are mostly looked down on as they are often those that end up in gangs or didn’t try hard enough.”
Nazomi’s hand gripped his, squeezing gently. “Is your family pressuring you?”
“Not...entirely. My mother often brings up what my older brother and my sister are doing and keeps suggesting I try to do the same. She doesn’t seem disappointed, but there’s just something about her voice…” Sebastian admitted. “She is happy that I’m doing well, but I know she expects more. She thinks I’m planning to go into an education position that’s high up, or at a prestigious university when I don’t care where I teach so long as I do some good.”
Nazomi squeezed his hand again, feeling bad for the lion. “That’s not all that good Sebastian, have you thought about bringing it up to a councilor?”
Sebastian shrugged. “Somewhat. But as I said, this permeates lions as a whole, it’s far too ingrained to really be dealt with. Thankfully my situation isn’t too bad, it cab be far worse. Plus, I like learning so it’s not that big of a deal. I also have my friends and, well, you.” he smiled.
Nazomi blushed heavily. “I see…”
“I hope I didn’t make things awkward or anything…”
“No, no! You’re fine Sebastian.” Nazomi assured. “It’s good you have a support system and you don’t really let it get to you, you’re very strong for that. Will you tell your mother you’ll try to teach anywhere?”
“Eventually, yes, when I’m nearing the end of my higher education and am about to apply to various places.” Sebastian answered. “Just like how I’ll tell her about us when I’m a bit into my freshman year at college or before I get into college if we get that far, which I hope we do and keep doing. You are an amazing woman and to be honest, to me you are far more exceptional than any other.”
Nazomi blinked, her fur becoming more dark red than ebony black as her heart melted. He was the kindest, most genuine soul she had ever met and continued to prove he was mature beyond his years. “I— thank you Sebastian.” she said with a soft purr, falling a fair bit more for the lion.
From there the two continued to talk as they ate, taking their time and enjoying each other’s company as they swapped stories about their childhood. Nazomi found herself surprised as she learned that even as a young kid Sebastian was well mannered and somewhat bookish. She felt comfortable around him, able to share with him more embarrassing things like the time she was so nervous to do a presentation in high school that she messed up a word or two or when she practically face planted when she was looking at a crush. It just felt right and natural to be so open with him.
When they had finished eating, Sebastian even having drank the small bit of wine, he and Nazomi cleared the table. Sebastian even helped her with the dishes before they went back to going over some more of Nazomi’s old papers and work to help prepare him. It seemed like no time once more as they noticed the sun was start to set.
“Is it really that late already?” Nazomi asked as she looked at her clock, taking note of the time.
“Looks like it.” Sebastian commented.
“My how time flies, it seems to go so slow until well…” she blushed. “I’m around you.”
Sebastian blushed heavily. “Yeah…”
“Thank you for the lovely time, as well as the gifts and helping out, not many guys are as considerate as you.” Nazomi commented.
“Well, you’re worth any effort…” the lion blushed.
Nazomi smiled, blushing as well. How could this lion keep finding ways to make her heart feel like it was a puddle? She hadn’t really met many guys with the ability to do that over the years, more so not in recent years. It had gotten to the point where she just really stopped looking. But then Sebastian came around and made her feel things she hadn’t felt in a long time. His gentlemanly studious nature and willingness to be so considerate, among other things, just had her more enamored with each time they were together. The fact that he was willing to take things so slow, deny himself the most basic of typical teenage experiences that most his age were having just made him seem too good to be true. And yet, there he was proving to be just that good.
Then there was the fact that while she did do a fare share for the holiday he had not only helped out, but went out of his way to get her flowers and a rather nice gift, not expecting anything special in return and just wanting to treat her right. As the lion got up from where they had been sitting she stood. “Sebastian, before I take you back to Cherryton...I think you deserve another kiss.”
Sebastian blinked as he blushed. “I don’t want you to feel obligated to…”
“No, I want to.” Nazomi admitted with a smile. “The only true thing that’s tricky with our relationship is that you’re a student and I’m a teacher. You’ve proven time and again just how good a man you are and that you are someone I...have looked for.” she blushed. “So I don’t see us kissing, at least in private and while off school grounds as being an issue. I know you’d never take advantage of me and I want to reward you for such, and for treating me to one of the best times I’ve had in a while.”
Sebastian’s tail started to flick happily as he smiled. “Alright.”
The two approached each other, embracing as they leaned in to share a kiss. Just like with their first, it was utterly electrifying for Sebastian. The feel of Nazomi’s lips unlike anything he felt before as his heart beat out of his chest as he started to purr. Sebastian enjoyed every second that the kiss lasted, his hands starting to subconsciously roam along her back a bit, though he would catch and restrain himself before they went too low.
Nazomi for her part pressed a bit firmer than last time, what with it being a holiday for love. As they kissed she noticed that Sebastian’s hands roaming along her back, taking in her form and the feel of her body and causing her to purr a fair bit. She smiled as she noticed he restrained himself from doing anything inappropriate, knowing her trust in him would never be misplaced. Although she promised to herself one day when he was no longer a student, she’d allow him to no longer restrain himself.
As she finally broke the kiss Nazomi smiled. “That was a wonderful kiss, possibly better than the first.” she giggled.
“Y-yeah…” Sebastian agreed, his cheeks a dark red.
“Thank you for being such a gentleman and not taking advantage.” Nazomi commented as they stayed embraced.
“I’d never.”
“I know love.” she smiled. “And that is why I will make you this promise. If we manage to make it to when you are out of school, then you have permission to not restrain yourself anymore as we’ll be in the clear. Not that you’d need my permission at that point” Nazomi giggled. “Anyway, we best get going before it gets too dark.”
Sebastian’s blush deepened all the more. “Yeah…”
The two headed back out to Nazomi’s car, first checking for anyone that might notice before getting in and driving off. The ride back went much like the first, the two briefly holding hands here and there as they made their way through the city. It was something that both Sebastian and Nazomi seemed almost unable to resist doing. Hell, when they had walked back to Nazomi’s car their tails entwined again.
When they got back to the bottom of the hill that Cherryton rested on the moon had not been fully risen for too long. “Thanks again for the lovely Linked Souls Day, I haven’t really celebrated it in so long.” Nazomi said as she parked the car.
“No problem, hopefully our next date can be somewhat soon.” Sebastian replied with a smile. “I hope the rest of your weekend goes well.”
“Thank you Sebastian, you too, I’ll see you Monday.” Nazomi smiled.
Sebastian was about to get out when he stopped. “Nazomi?”
“Yes?”
“Mind if we...have one more kiss?” Sebastian asked as he blushed.
Nazomi smiled as a giggle escaped her lips. “I suppose not, it’s only right to have a goodnight kiss after a date.”
The two leaned in close, sharing in one more kiss as they rested a paw on the back of each other’s head, purring loudly as they did so. When the kiss broke a few moments later Sebastian smiled. “Good night.”
“Good night love.”
Sebastian got out of the car, walking back up the hill as Nazomi turned her car around and left. The lion smiled as his heart continued to race, he was as happy as he had ever felt and was all the happier that Nazomi felt the same way as he did. While it was true their relationship had a strong possibility of stopping if they were ever in great enough danger of being found out, it seemed that she was daring for it to work as much as he was. Whether it did or not, only the future knew.
submitted by Tyranitron to BeastarsWriters [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 01:00 Navillus62604 Plot Hook: The Superhero Serum Heist

Give me honest feedback and how you would fix or change things around
Plot Hook: The Superhero Serum Heist
In a world where superpowers exist, a brilliant scientist has successfully developed a revolutionary serum capable of granting ordinary individuals extraordinary abilities. This serum, known as "Infinity Formula," has the potential to shape the balance of power among heroes and villains.
However, before the formula can be properly tested and regulated, a notorious supervillain organization known as the "Shadow Syndicate" launches a daring heist on the laboratory where the serum is stored. They manage to steal a significant amount of the Infinity Formula, and chaos ensues as criminals and aspiring heroes alike try to get their hands on this potent substance.
The party of superheroes receives a distress call from the remaining scientists, who desperately plea for their help in recovering the stolen serum. They explain that if the Shadow Syndicate successfully reverse-engineers the formula or sells it to the highest bidder, it could lead to a surge in superpowered crime and endanger the entire city.
As the party delves deeper into the investigation, they discover that the Shadow Syndicate has divided the Infinity Formula into multiple vials, each with a different power enhancement. These vials are now scattered throughout the city, hidden away in secret caches. To retrieve them, the heroes must solve a series of puzzles, overcome dangerous traps, and confront both minor and major villains who seek to exploit the serum for their own personal gain.
Meanwhile, a rival superhero team known as "The Vanguard" appears on the scene, claiming that they have been authorized by the government to retrieve the serum. However, their methods are questionable, and rumors circulate that some members of The Vanguard may have ties to the Shadow Syndicate. The party must navigate the murky waters of trust and betrayal as they decide whom to align themselves with while racing against time to prevent the serum from falling into the wrong hands.
In this action-packed superhero campaign, the heroes must use their powers, intelligence, and teamwork to track down the stolen Infinity Formula, confront the Shadow Syndicate, and ultimately decide the fate of superpowered individuals in their city. The choices they make along the way will have lasting consequences and shape the future of their world.
Session 1: Introduction & Laboratory Assault
• Character Level: 1
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Thugs
• NPCs: Scientists
• Objective: The heroes receive individual notifications of a break in at a well know research laboratory. Heroes must rescue the scientists and prevent the theft of the serum.
• Milestone: Heroes rescue the scientists and thwart the initial assault. Level up to 2.
Session 2: Investigating the Heist
• Character Level: 2
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Informants, Bounty Hunters
• NPCs: Police Investigators, Informants
• Objective: Heroes gather clues and investigate leads to identify the location of the stolen serum.
• Milestone: Heroes gather enough information to pinpoint the general area of the stolen serum. Level up to 3.
Session 3: Tracking the Stolen Serum
• Character Level: 3
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Thugs, Informants
• NPCs: Innocent Civilians, Informants
• Objective: Heroes follow the trail of the stolen serum, encountering minor villains and obstacles along the way.
• Milestone: Heroes discover the exact location of the first cache of serum vials. Level up to 4.
Session 4: Confronting Pyro
• Character Level: 4
• Villains: Pyro (Minor Villain)
• NPCs: Innocent Civilians, Informants
• Objective: Heroes face off against Pyro, a villain who possesses fire-based abilities, guarding the cache of serum vials.
• Milestone: Heroes defeat Pyro and recover the first set of serum vials. Level up to 5.
Session 5: Investigating the Shadow Syndicate Hideout
• Character Level: 5
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Lieutenants, Elite Thugs
• NPCs: Captive Heroes, Underground Contacts
• Objective: Heroes infiltrate the Shadow Syndicate's hideout to gather information and rescue captive heroes.
• Key Notes: The hideout is heavily guarded, requiring the heroes to devise a stealthy plan of infiltration. They encounter various traps, puzzles, and challenges within the hideout. They must face off against powerful lieutenants and their elite thugs in intense battles. Along the way, they discover clues and gather valuable intelligence about the Shadow Syndicate's operations.
Session 6: Showdown at the Hidden Lair
• Character Level: 5
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Boss, Shadow Syndicate Elites
• NPCs: Former Shadow Syndicate Members, Renegade Scientists
• Objective: Heroes launch a full-scale assault on the Shadow Syndicate's hidden lair, confronting their boss and his elite guards.
• Key Notes: The heroes storm through the various chambers and corridors of the hidden lair, facing off against relentless waves of the Shadow Syndicate's elite forces. They encounter formidable traps, security systems, and powerful enemies. Along the way, they rescue former members of the Shadow Syndicate who have turned against their leader and join forces with them. The final battle takes place in the boss's inner sanctum, where the heroes confront the Shadow Syndicate's leader and his most loyal elites in an epic showdown.
• Milestone: Heroes engage in a climactic battle against the Shadow Syndicate, striving to defeat their leader and dismantle the organization once and for all. Level up to 6.
Session 7: The Vanguard's Offer
• Character Level: 6
• Villains: The Vanguard (potential allies or foes)
• NPCs: Government Officials, Vigilante Heroes
• Objective: Heroes must decide whether to collaborate or confront The Vanguard, a rival superhero team with ambiguous motives.
• Key Notes: The heroes receive an unexpected offer from The Vanguard, who propose a temporary alliance to take down the remaining forces of the Shadow Syndicate. The Vanguard claims to share a common goal but their methods and intentions remain unclear. The heroes engage in discussions and investigations to determine The Vanguard's true motives and whether they can be trusted as allies. They interact with government officials who provide insights and advice on the potential alliance. The session culminates in a pivotal decision by the heroes on whether to accept or reject The Vanguard's offer.
Session 8: Evading Capture
• Character Level: 6
• Villains: Bounty Hunters, Mercenaries
• NPCs: Innocent Civilians, Media Personalities
• Objective: Heroes must evade capture while gathering evidence to expose Shadow Syndicate operations.
• Key Notes: With the Shadow Syndicate aware of their activities, the heroes find themselves being hunted by skilled bounty hunters and mercenaries. The session focuses on intense chase sequences, stealthy evasion tactics, and resourceful problem-solving to stay one step ahead of their pursuers. Along the way, they encounter innocent civilians who can provide valuable information or assistance. They also navigate the complexities of dealing with media personalities who may be helpful or potentially dangerous depending on their alignment with the heroes' cause. The session concludes with the heroes successfully gathering evidence to expose the Shadow Syndicate's criminal activities.
• Milestone: Heroes gather sufficient evidence to expose the Shadow Syndicate publicly, bringing them one step closer to dismantling the organization. Level up to 7.
Session 9: The Underground Auction
• Character Level: 7
• Villains: Criminal Buyers, Shadow Syndicate Defenders
• NPCs: Underworld Contacts, Unscrupulous Dealers
• Objective: Heroes disrupt the black market auction where the stolen serum is being sold.
• Key Notes: The heroes infiltrate the underground auction, navigating through a den of criminals and shady characters. They must blend in and gather information while keeping a low profile. The auction features powerful criminal buyers vying for the stolen serum, and the heroes must prevent its sale at all costs. They face off against the Shadow Syndicate's defenders, skilled fighters tasked with protecting the auction. The heroes engage in intense combat and use their wits to outsmart and outmaneuver the criminals. The session culminates in a climactic confrontation to seize control of the serum.
Session 10: Tracking the Remaining Vials
• Character Level: 7
• Villains: Enhanced Criminals, Corrupted Heroes
• NPCs: Innocent Victims, Investigative Journalists
• Objective: Heroes embark on a series of missions to retrieve the remaining serum vials hidden by the Shadow Syndicate.
• Key Notes: The heroes follow leads and track down the locations where the Shadow Syndicate has hidden the remaining serum vials. They encounter enhanced criminals, individuals who have used the stolen serum to gain superhuman abilities. These criminals pose a formidable challenge for the heroes. The heroes must navigate through perilous situations and confront their own doubts and weaknesses. They also interact with investigative journalists who are uncovering the truth about the Shadow Syndicate's operations. The session ends with the heroes successfully retrieving a significant portion of the remaining serum vials.
Session 11: Showdown at the Hidden Lair
• Character Level: 7
• Villains: "Shadowstrider" (Supervillian with Teleporting powers), Shadow Syndicate Elites
• NPCs: Former Shadow Syndicate Members, Renegade Scientists
• Objective: Heroes storm the Shadow Syndicate's hidden lair to confront their leader and his elite guards.
• Key Notes: Armed with the knowledge of the Shadow Syndicate's secret lair, the heroes launch a full-scale assault to dismantle the organization once and for all. They navigate through treacherous traps, encounter fierce opposition from the Shadow Syndicate's elite guards, and engage in intense battles. Along the way, they rescue former members of the Shadow Syndicate who have turned against their leader and join forces with them. The session culminates in an epic showdown with the Shadow Syndicate's boss, where the heroes must overcome incredible odds to emerge victorious.
• Milestone: Heroes engage in a climactic battle against the Shadow Syndicate, striving to defeat their leader and put an end to their reign of terror. Level up to 8.
Session 12: Unmasking the Traitor
• Character Level: 8
• Villains: Betrayed Heroes, Vanguard Traitor (1 member of the Vanguard)
• NPCs: Underground Resistance, Government Agents
• Objective: Heroes uncover the identity of the traitor within their ranks and expose their actions.
• Key Notes: The heroes discover that there is a traitor among them who has been leaking information to the Vanguard and the Shadow Syndicate. They investigate the actions and motives of their fellow heroes, piecing together clues and engaging in interrogations. The session is filled with suspense and tense interactions as trust is put to the test. The heroes must confront the traitor and gather evidence to prove their guilt. The session concludes with a dramatic reveal and the traitor's apprehension.
• Milestone: Heroes successfully unmask the traitor and ensure their treachery no longer poses a threat. Level up to 9.
Session 13: Assembling Allies
• Character Level: 9
• Villains: "Frostbite" Superpowered Criminal, Vanguard Operatives
• NPCs: Retired Heroes, Supernatural Beings
• Objective: Heroes gather a team of allies to aid in the final battle against the combined forces of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard.
• Key Notes: The heroes reach out to retired heroes, seeking their wisdom and experience in preparing for the upcoming battle. They also seek out supernatural beings who possess unique powers and knowledge that can assist them. The session focuses on recruitment efforts, negotiations, and building alliances. The heroes face challenges in convincing potential allies to join their cause and must prove their worth. They engage in battles against Frostbite a superpowered criminal and encounter operatives of The Vanguard who aim to disrupt their plans. The session ends with the heroes successfully assembling a formidable team of allies.
• Milestone: Heroes gather a diverse group of allies, increasing their chances of success in the final battle. Level up to 10.
Session 14: The Final Showdown: Citywide Manhunt
• Character Level: 10
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate, Vanguard
• NPCs: Innocent Civilians, Media Personalities
• Objective: Heroes evade capture, gather allies, and expose the true nature of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard to the public.
• Key Notes: The heroes find themselves in the midst of a citywide manhunt as both the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard target them. They must navigate through a hostile environment, evading capture and engaging in tactical maneuvers to stay one step ahead. The heroes gather support from innocent civilians who have come to recognize their heroism and media personalities who are willing to expose the truth. The session is filled with intense action, chases, and skirmishes against the forces of both organizations. The heroes strive to expose the true nature of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard, unveiling their hidden agendas and ensuring justice is served.
• Milestone: Heroes successfully evade capture, expose the true villains, and rally public support. Level up to 11.
Session 15: The Final Showdown: Confronting the Leaders
• Character Level: 11
• Villains: "Umbra" (Shadow Syndicate Leader with shadow manipulation), Vanguard Leader (1 Member of the Vanguard)
• NPCs: Government Officials, City Authorities
• Objective: Heroes engage in an epic battle against the combined forces of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard, confronting their leaders.
• Key Notes: The heroes face their ultimate challenge as they confront the leaders of both organizations. They engage in a monumental battle, employing their newfound powers and alliances. The session is filled with high-stakes combat, tactical decision-making, and dramatic moments as the heroes strive to defeat the masterminds behind the chaos. Alongside the physical confrontation, the heroes must navigate political complexities and gain the support of government officials and city authorities to ensure a decisive victory. The session culminates in an epic climax where the heroes confront the leaders and their forces head-on.
• Milestone: Heroes engage in an epic battle against the combined forces of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard, bringing the superhero campaign to its thrilling conclusion.
Session 16: Unveiling a New Threat
• Character Level: 11
• Villains: Emerging Villain, Henchmen
• NPCs: Investigative Journalists, Paranormal Experts
• Objective: Heroes investigate and confront a new emerging threat that poses a danger to the city.
• Key Notes: As the city begins to recover, the heroes become aware of a new threat emerging from the shadows. They engage in investigations, working closely with investigative journalists and paranormal experts to gather information. The session focuses on unraveling the mystery behind this new villain's motives and abilities. The heroes face off against the villain's henchmen, combating their criminal activities and trying to prevent their plans from escalating. The session concludes with the heroes discovering the identity of the emerging villain, setting the stage for future confrontations.
• Milestone: Heroes uncover the new emerging villain, setting the stage for future encounters. Campaign Ends
submitted by Navillus62604 to DMAcademy [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 00:59 JoshAsdvgi THE FOUR BROTHERS

THE FOUR BROTHERS

THE FOUR BROTHERS; OR INYANHOKSILA (STONE BOY)
Alone and apart from their tribe dwelt four orphan brothers.
They had erected a very comfortable hut, although the materials used were only willows, hay, birch bark, and adobe mud.
After the completion of their hut, the oldest brother laid out the different kinds of work to be done by the four of them.
He and the second and third brothers were to do all the hunting, and the youngest brother was to do the house work, cook the meals, and keep plenty of wood on hand at all times.
As his older brothers would leave for their hunting very early every morning, and would not return till late at night, the little fellow always found plenty of spare time to gather into little piles fine dry wood for their winter use.
Thus the four brothers lived happily for a long time.
One day while out gathering and piling up wood, the boy heard a rustling in the leaves and looking around he saw a young woman standing in the cherry bushes, smiling at him.
"Who are you, and where did you come from?" asked the boy, in surprise.
"I am an orphan girl and have no relatives living.
I came from the village west of here.
I learned from rabbit that there were four orphan brothers living here all alone, and that the youngest was keeping house for his older brothers, so I thought I would come over and see if I couldn't have them adopt me as their sister, so that I might keep house for them, as I am very poor and have no relations, neither have I a home."
She looked so pitiful and sad that the boy thought to himself, "I will take her home with me, poor girl, no matter what my brothers think or say."
Then he said to her: "Come on, tanke (sister).
You may go home with me; I am sure my older brothers will be glad to have you for our sister."
When they arrived at the hut, the girl hustled about and cooked up a fine hot supper, and when the brothers returned they were surprised to see a girl sitting by the fire in their hut. After they had entered the youngest brother got up and walked outside, and a short time after the oldest brother followed him out.
"Who is that girl, and where did she come from?" he asked his brother.
Whereupon the brother told him the whole story.
Upon hearing this the oldest brother felt very sorry for the poor orphan girl and going back into the hut he spoke to the girl, saying: "Sister, you are an orphan, the same as we; you have no relatives, no home.
We will be your brothers, and our poor hut shall be your home.
Henceforth call us brothers, and you will be our sister."
"Oh, how happy I am now that you take me as your sister.
I will be to you all as though we were of the same father and mother," said the girl.
And true to her word, she looked after everything of her brothers and kept the house in such fine shape that the brothers blessed the day that she came to their poor little hut.
She always had an extra buckskin suit and two pairs of moccasins hanging at the head of each one's bed.
Buffalo, deer, antelope, bear, wolf, wildcat, mountain lion and beaver skins she tanned by the dozen, and piled nicely in one corner of the hut.
When the Indians have walked a great distance and are very tired, they have great faith in painting their feet, claiming that paint eases the pain and rests their feet.
After their return from a long day's journey, when they would be lying down resting, the sister would get her paint and mix it with the deer tallow and rub the paint on her brother's feet, painting them up to their ankles.
The gentle touch of her hands, and the soothing qualities of the tallow and paint soon put them into a deep, dreamless steep.
Many such kind actions on her part won the hearts of the brothers, and never was a full blood sister loved more than was this poor orphan girl, who had been taken as their adopted sister.
In the morning when they arose, the sister always combed their long black silken scalp locks and painted the circle around the scalp lock a bright vermillion.
When the hunters would return with a goodly supply of beef, the sister would hurry and relieve them of their packs, hanging each one high enough from the ground so the prowling dogs and coyotes could not reach them.
The hunters each had a post on which to hang his bow and flint head arrows.
(Good hunters never laid their arrows on the ground, as it was considered unlucky to the hunter who let his arrows touch the earth after they had been out of the quiver).
They were all perfectly happy, until one day the older brother surprised them all by saying: "We have a plentiful supply of meat on hand at present to last us for a week or so.
I am going for a visit to the village west of us, so you boys all stay at home and help sister. Also gather as much wood as you can and I will be back again in four days.
On my return we will resume our hunting and commence getting our year's supply of meat."
He left the next morning, and the last they saw of him was while he stood at the top of the long range of hills west of their home.
Four days had come and gone and no sign of the oldest brother.
"I am afraid that our brother has met with some accident," said the sister.
"I am afraid so, too," said the next oldest. "
I must go and search for him; he may be in some trouble where a little help would get him out."
The second brother followed the direction his brother had taken, and when he came to the top of the long range of hills he sat down and gazed long and steadily down into the long valley with a beautiful creek winding through it.
Across the valley was a long plain stretching for miles beyond and finally ending at the foot of another range of hills, the counterpart of the one upon which he sat.
After noting the different landmarks carefully, he arose and slowly started down the slope and soon came to the creek he had seen from the top of the range.
Great was his surprise on arriving at the creek to find what a difference there was in the appearance of it from the range and where he stood.
From the range it appeared to be a quiet, harmless, laughing stream.
Now he saw it to be a muddy, boiling, bubbling torrent, with high perpendicular banks.
For a long time he stood, thinking which way to go, up or down stream.
He had just decided to go down stream, when, on chancing to look up, he noticed a thin column of smoke slowly ascending from a little knoll.
He approached the place cautiously and noticed a door placed into the creek bank on the opposite side of the stream.
As he stood looking at the door, wondering who could be living in a place like that, it suddenly opened and a very old appearing woman came out and stood looking around her. Soon she spied the young man, and said to him: "My grandchild, where did you come from and whither are you bound?"
The young man answered: "I came from east of this ridge and am in search of my oldest brother, who came over in this direction five days ago and who has not yet returned."
"Your brother stopped here and ate his dinner with me, and then left, traveling towards the west," said the old witch, for such she was. "
Now, grandson, come across on that little log bridge up the stream there and have your dinner with me.
I have it all cooked now and just stepped outside to see if there might not be some hungry traveler about, whom I could invite in to eat dinner with me."
The young man went up the stream a little distance and found a couple of small logs which had been placed across the stream to serve as a bridge.
He crossed over and went down to the old woman's dugout hut.
"Come in grandson, and eat. I know you must be hungry."
The young man sat down and ate a real hearty meal.
On finishing he arose and said: "Grandmother, I thank you for your meal and kindness to me.
I would stay and visit with you awhile, as I know it must be very lonely here for you, but I am very anxious to find my brother, so I must be going.
On my return I will stop with my brother and we will pay you a little visit."
"Very well, grandson, but before you go, I wish you would do me a little favor.
Your brother did it for me before he left, and cured me, but it has come back on me again.
I am subject to very severe pains along the left side of my backbone, all the way from my shoulder blade down to where my ribs attach to my backbone, and the only way I get any relief from the pain is to have some one kick me along the side."
(She was a witch, and concealed in her robe a long sharp steel spike. It was placed so that the last kick they would give her, their foot would hit the spike and they would instantly drop off into a swoon, as if dead.)
"If I won't hurt you too much, grandmother, I certainly will be glad to do it for you," said the young man, little thinking he would be the one to get hurt.
"No, grandson, don't be afraid of hurting me; the harder you kick the longer the pain stays away."
She laid down on the floor and rolled over on to her right side, so he could get a good chance to kick the left side where she said the pain was located.
As he moved back to give the first kick, he glanced along the floor and he noticed a long object wrapped in a blanket, lying against the opposite wall.
He thought it looked strange and was going to stop and investigate, but just then the witch cried out as if in pain.
"Hurry up, grandson, I am going to die if you don't hurry and start in kicking."
" I can investigate after I get through with her," thought he, so he started in kicking and every kick he would give her she would cry: "Harder, kick harder."
He had to kick seven times before he would get to the end of the pain, so he let out as hard as he could drive, and when he came to the last kick he hit the spike, and driving it through his foot, fell down in a dead swoon, and was rolled up in a blanket by the witch and placed beside his brother at the opposite side of the room.
When the second brother failed to return, the third went in search of the two missing ones. He fared no better than the second one, as he met the old witch who served him in a similar manner as she had his two brothers.
"Ha! Ha!" she laughed, when she caught the third, "I have only one more of them to catch, and when I get them I will keep them all here a year, and then I will turn them into horses and sell them back to their sister.
I hate her, for I was going to try and keep house for them and marry the oldest one, but she got ahead of me and became their sister, so now I will get my revenge on her.
Next year she will be riding and driving her brothers and she won't know it."
When the third brother failed to return, the sister cried and begged the last one not to venture out in search of them.
But go he must, and go he did, only to do as his three brothers had done.
Now the poor sister was nearly distracted.
Day and night she wandered over hills and through woods in hopes she might find or hear of some trace of them.
Her wanderings were in vain.
The hawks had not seen them after they had crossed the little stream.
The wolves and coyotes told her that they had seen nothing of her brothers out on the broad plains, and she had given them up for dead.
One day, as she was sitting by the little stream that flowed past their hut, throwing pebbles into the water and wondering what she should do, she picked up a pure white pebble, smooth and round, and after looking at it for a long time, threw it into the water.
No sooner had it hit the water than she saw it grow larger.
She took it out and looked at it and threw it in again.
This time it had assumed the form of a baby.
She took it out and threw it in the third time and the form took life and began to cry: "Ina, ina" (mother, mother).
She took the baby home and fed it soup, and it being an unnatural baby, quickly grew up to a good sized boy.
At the end of three months he was a good big, stout youth.
One day he said: "Mother, why are you living here alone? To whom do all these fine clothes and moccasins belong?" She then told him the story of her lost brothers.
"Oh, I know now where they are.
You make me lots of arrows.
I am going to find my uncles." She tried to dissuade him from going, but he was determined and said: "My father sent me to you so that I could find my uncles for you, and nothing can harm me, because I am stone and my name is "Stone Boy."
The mother, seeing that he was determined to go, made a whole quiver full of arrows for him, and off he started.
When he came to the old witch's hut, she was nowhere to be seen, so he pushed the door in and entered.
The witch was busily engaged cooking dinner.
"Why, my dear grandchild, you are just in time for dinner.
Sit down and we will eat before you continue your journey."
Stone boy sat down and ate dinner with the old witch.
She watched him very closely, but when she would be drinking her soup he would glance hastily around the room.
Finally he saw the four bundles on the opposite side of the room, and he guessed at once that there lay his four uncles.
When he had finished eating he took out his little pipe and filled it with "kini-kinic," and commenced to smoke, wondering how the old woman had managed to fool his smart uncles.
He couldn't study it out, so when he had finished his smoke he arose to pretend to go. When the old woman saw him preparing to leave, she said: "Grandson, will you kick me on the left side of my backbone.
I am nearly dead with pain and if you kick me good and hard it will cure me."
"All right, grandma," said the boy.
The old witch lay down on the floor and the boy started in to kick.
At the first kick he barely touched her.
"Kick as hard as you can, grandson; don't be afraid you will hurt me, because you can't." With that Stone Boy let drive and broke two ribs.
She commenced to yell and beg him to stop, but he kept on kicking until he had kicked both sides of her ribs loose from the backbone.
Then he jumped on her backbone and broke it and killed the old witch.
He built a big fire outside and dragged her body to it, and threw her into the fire.
Thus ended the old woman who was going to turn his uncles into horses.
Next he cut willows and stuck them into the ground in a circle.
The tops he pulled together, making a wickieup.
He then took the old woman's robes and blankets and covered the wickieup so that no air could get inside.
He then gathered sage brush and covered the floor with a good thick bed of sage; got nice round stones and got them red hot in the fire, and placed them in the wickieup and proceeded to carry his uncles out of the hut and lay them down on the soft bed of sage. Having completed carrying and depositing them around the pile of rocks, he got a bucket of water and poured it on the hot rocks, which caused a great vapor in the little wickie-up.
He waited a little while and then listened and heard some breathing inside, so he got another bucket and poured that on also.
After awhile he could hear noises inside as though some one were moving about.
He went again and got the third bucket and after he had poured that on the rocks, one of the men inside said:
"Whoever you are, good friend, don't bring us to life only to scald us to death again."
Stone boy then said: "Are all of you alive?" "Yes," said the voice. "Well, come out," said the boy.
And with that he threw off the robes and blankets, and a great cloud of vapor arose and settled around the top of the highest peak on the long range, and from that did Smoky Range derive its name.
The uncles, when they heard who the boy was, were very happy, and they all returned together to the anxiously waiting sister.
As soon as they got home, the brothers worked hard to gather enough wood to last them all winter.
Game they could get at all times of the year, but the heavy fall of snow covered most of the dry wood and also made it very difficult to drag wood through the deep snow.
So they took advantage of the nice fall weather and by the time the snow commenced falling they had enough wood gathered to last them throughout the winter.
After the snow fell a party of boys swiftly coasted down the big hill west of the brothers' hut.
The Stone boy used to stand and watch them for hours at a time.
His youngest uncle said: "Why don't you go up and coast with them?"
The boy said: "They may be afraid of me, but I guess I will try once, anyway."
So the next morning when the crowd came coasting, Stone boy started for the hill.
When he had nearly reached the bottom of the coasting hill all of the boys ran off excepting two little fellows who had a large coaster painted in different colors and had little bells tied around the edges, so when the coaster was in motion the bells made a cheerful tinkling sound.
As Stone boy started up the hill the two little fellows started down and went past him as though shot from a hickory bow.
When they got to the end of their slide, they got off and started back up the hill.
It being pretty steep, Stone boy waited for them, so as to lend a hand to pull the big coaster up the hill.
As the two little fellows came up with him he knew at once that they were twins, as they looked so much alike that the only way one could be distinguished from the other was by the scarfs they wore.
One wore red, the other black.
He at once offered to help them drag their coaster to the top of the hill.
When they got to the top the twins offered their coaster to him to try a ride.
At first he refused, but they insisted on his taking it, as they said they would sooner rest until he came back.
So he got on the coaster and flew down the hill, only he was such an expert he made a zigzag course going down and also jumped the coaster off a bank about four feet high, which none of the other coasters dared to tackle.
Being very heavy, however, he nearly smashed the coaster.
Upon seeing this wonderful jump, and the zigzag course he had taken going down, the twins went wild with excitement and decided that they would have him take them down when he got back.
So upon his arrival at the starting point, they both asked him at once to give them the pleasure of the same kind of a ride he had taken.
He refused, saying: "We will break your coaster.
I alone nearly smashed it, and if we all get on and make the same kind of a jump, I am afraid you will have to go home without your coaster."
"Well, take us down anyway, and if we break it our father will make us another one."
So he finally consented.
When they were all seated ready to start, he told them that when the coaster made the jump they must look straight ahead.
"By no means look down, because if you do we will go over the cut bank and land in a heap at the bottom of the gulch."
They said they would obey what he said, so off they started swifter than ever, on account of the extra weight, and so swiftly did the sleigh glide over the packed, frozen snow, that it nearly took the twins' breath away.
Like an arrow they approached the jump.
The twins began to get a little nervous. "Sit steady and look straight ahead," yelled Stone boy.
The twin next to Stone boy, who was steering behind, sat upright and looked far ahead, but the one in front crouched down and looked into the coulee.
Of course, Stone boy, being behind, fell on top of the twins, and being so heavy, killed both of them instantly, crushing them to a jelly.
The rest of the boys, seeing what had happened, hastened to the edge of the bank, and looking down, saw the twins laying dead, and Stone boy himself knocked senseless, lying quite a little distance from the twins.
The boys, thinking that all three were killed, and that Stone boy had purposely steered the sleigh over the bank in such a way that it would tip and kill the twins, returned to the village with this report.
Now, these twins were the sons of the head chief of the Buffalo Nation.
So at once the chief and his scouts went over to the hill to see if the boys had told the truth.
When they arrived at the bank they saw the twins lying dead, but where was Stone boy? They looked high and low through the gulch, but not a sign of him could they find.
Tenderly they picked up the dead twins and carried them home, then held a big council and put away the bodies of the dead in Buffalo custom.
A few days after this the uncles were returning from a long journey.
When they drew near their home they noticed large droves of buffalo gathered on their side of the range.
Hardly any buffalo ever ranged on this east side of the range before, and the brothers thought it strange that so many should so suddenly appear there now.
When they arrived at home their sister told them what had happened to the chief's twins, as her son had told her the whole story upon his arrival at home after the accident.
"Well, probably all the buffalo we saw were here for the council and funeral," said the older brother.
"But where is my nephew?" (Stone boy) he asked his sister.
"He said he had noticed a great many buffalo around lately and he was going to learn, if possible, what their object was," said the sister. "Well, we will wait until his return."
When Stone boy left on his trip that morning, before the return of his uncles, he was determined to ascertain what might be the meaning of so many buffalo so near the home of himself and uncles.
He approached several bunches of young buffalo, but upon seeing him approaching they would scamper over the hills.
Thus he wandered from bunch to bunch, scattering them all.
Finally he grew tired of their cowardice and started for home.
When he had come to within a half mile or so of home he saw an old shaggy buffalo standing by a large boulder, rubbing on it first one horn and then the other.
On coming up close to him, the boy saw that the bull was so old he could hardly see, and his horns so blunt that he could have rubbed them for a year on that boulder and not sharpened them so as to hurt anyone.
"What are you doing here, grandfather?" asked the boy.
"I am sharpening my horns for the war," said the bull.
"What war?" asked the boy.
"Haven't you heard," said the old bull, who was so near sighted he did not recognize Stone boy.
"The chief's twins were killed by Stone boy, who ran them over a cut bank purposely, and the chief has ordered all of his buffalo to gather here, and when they arrive we are going to kill Stone boy and his mother and his uncles."
"Is that so? When is the war to commence?"
"In five days from now we will march upon the uncles and trample and gore them all to death."
"Well, grandfather, I thank you for your information, and in return will do you a favor that will save you so much hard work on your blunt horns."
So saying he drew a long arrow from his quiver and strung his bow, attached the arrow to the string and drew the arrow half way back.
The old bull, not seeing what was going on, and half expecting some kind of assistance in his horn sharpening process, stood perfectly still.
Thus spoke Stone boy:
"Grandfather, you are too old to join in a war now, and besides if you got mixed up in that big war party you might step in a hole or stumble and fall and be trampled to death.
That would be a horrible death, so I will save you all that suffering by just giving you this.
" At this word he pulled the arrow back to the flint head and let it fly.
True to his aim, the arrow went in behind the old bull's foreleg, and with such force was it sent that it went clear through the bull and stuck into a tree two hundred feet away.
Walking over to the tree, he pulled out his arrow.
Coolly straightening his arrow between his teeth and sighting it for accuracy, he shoved it back into the quiver with its brothers, exclaiming:
"I guess, grandpa, you won't need to sharpen your horns for Stone boy and his uncles."
Upon his arrival home he told his uncles to get to work building three stockades with ditches between and make the ditches wide and deep so they will hold plenty of buffalo.
"The fourth fence I will build myself," he said.
The brothers got to work early and worked until very late at night.
They built three corrals and dug three ditches around the hut, and it took them three days to complete the work. Stone boy hadn't done a thing towards building his fence yet, and there were only two days more left before the charge of the buffalo would commence.
Still the boy didn't seem to bother himself about the fence.
Instead he had his mother continually cutting arrow sticks, and as fast as she could bring them he would shape them, feather and head them.
So by the time his uncles had their fences and corrals finished he had a thousand arrows finished for each of his uncles.
The last two days they had to wait, the uncles joined him and they finished several thousand more arrows.
The evening before the fifth day he told his uncles to put up four posts, so they could use them as seats from which to shoot.
While they were doing this, Stone boy went out to scout and see how things looked.
At daylight he came hurriedly in saying, "You had better get to the first corral; they are coming."
"You haven't built your fence, nephew." Whereupon Stone boy said: "I will build it in time; don't worry, uncle."
The dust on the hillsides rose as great clouds of smoke from a forest fire.
Soon the leaders of the charge came in sight, and upon seeing the timber stockade they gave forth a great snort or roar that fairly shook the earth.
Thousands upon thousands of mad buffalo charged upon the little fort.
The leaders hit the first stockade and it soon gave way.
The maddened buffalo pushed forward by the thousands behind them; plunged forward, only to fall into the first ditch and be trampled to death by those behind them.
The brothers were not slow in using their arrows, and many a noble beast went down before their deadly aim with a little flint pointed arrow buried deep in his heart.
The second stockade stood their charge a little longer than did the first, but finally this gave way, and the leaders pushed on through, only to fall into the second ditch and meet a similar fate to those in the first.
The brothers commenced to look anxiously towards their nephew, as there was only one more stockade left, and the second ditch was nearly bridged over with dead buffalo, with the now thrice maddened buffalo attacking the last stockade more furiously than before, as they could see the little hut through the openings in the corral.
"Come in, uncles," shouted Stone boy.
They obeyed him, and stepping to the center he said: "Watch me build my fence."
Suiting the words, he took from his belt an arrow with a white stone fastened to the point and fastening it to his bow, he shot it high in the air. Straight up into the air it went, for two or three thousand feet, then seemed to stop suddenly and turned with point down and descended as swiftly as it had ascended.
Upon striking the ground a high stone wall arose, enclosing the hut and all who were inside. Just then the buffalo broke the last stockade only to fill the last ditch up again.
In vain did the leaders butt the stone wall.
They hurt themselves, broke their horns and mashed their snouts, but could not even scar the wall.
The uncles and Stone boy in the meantime rained arrows of death into their ranks.
When the buffalo chief saw what they had to contend with, he ordered the fight off.
The crier or herald sang out: "Come away, come away, Stone boy and his uncles will kill all of us."
So the buffalo withdrew, leaving over two thousand of their dead and wounded on the field, only to be skinned and put away for the feasts of Stone boy and his uncles, who lived to be great chiefs of their own tribe,
and whose many relations soon joined them on the banks of Stone Boy Creek.
submitted by JoshAsdvgi to Native_Stories [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 00:58 VeryJoyfulHeart59 WIP: Mixed stitch babyghan to go with mermaid-inspired layette

Cross-posted to /crochet.
I was getting frustrated with the project, but now I'm actually excited again
After making so many test swatches (see a few of them, second photo) trying to decide on how I was going to make the babyghan to go with my mermaid-inspired layette (see third photo), I settled on "all of them." Most of them? Well, at least some of them! The center will be probably about a 12" motif (WIP, first photo) and then I plan to create sort of a sampler border, incorporating alternating rounds of plain stitches and rounds from some of my more successful swatches.
submitted by VeryJoyfulHeart59 to crocheting [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 00:56 VeryJoyfulHeart59 WIP: Mixed stitch babyghan to go with mermaid-inspired layette

WIP: Mixed stitch babyghan to go with mermaid-inspired layette
Cross-posted to /crocheting.
I was getting frustrated with the project, but now I'm actually excited again
After making so many test swatches (see a few of them, second photo) trying to decide on how I was going to make the babyghan to go with my mermaid-inspired layette (see third photo), I settled on "all of them." Most of them? Well, at least some of them! The center will be probably about a 12" motif (WIP, first photo) and then I plan to create sort of a sampler border, incorporating alternating rounds of plain stitches and rounds from some of my more successful swatches.
submitted by VeryJoyfulHeart59 to crochet [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 00:56 CFootUnder Storm in a Room - a story within a story? (The meaning of Lion's Chest)

So rewatching Storm in a room and there's something about the episodes in this arc that seems off. There is so much going on in the background at this point in the story, and yet the episodes lull in pace, and it's definitely intentional and I think Storm in a Room is a perfect example.
In fact, a lot of the episodes around this time, in my opinion, make it seem as though a lot of the events are orchestrated by the gems and other figures in Steven's life to prepare him for the inevitable confrontation with the Diamonds.
In this episode we see Steven and Connie playing some games, Connie's mother turns up late and they leave. Steven goes into the room, confronts 'Rose' and then eats pizza. But I think that there is a story going on behind the story here, and it's there from the start. Connie is worried because her mother is late, Steven can see how worried she is, and when she eventually shows up they hug it out in a display of maternal affection, and leave. Earlier in the episode Connie asks Steven if he's ok, with all that's going on and his mum and what not, and would understand if he needs space. He says that the last thing he needs is space - but Steven is suffering at this point in the story. He is refusing to accept that he's hurting, and accept and help and support, and I think Connie, the gems and Greg want Steven to spend some time with his thoughts after all that he's been through recently.
I would wager that the display of maternal worry and love was meant to trigger Steven's emotions and thoughts about his own mother, Rose, as he has a lot to process as we see later in the episode. Garnet would probably have forseen Steven using the room to be alone with his thoughts, literally - in fact the door mysteriously beckons him, he doesn't draw the conclusion himself. Someone or something wanted Steven to go into the Room while he was thinking about Rose.
The room itself, at least in my opinion, seems to exist within the Gems' minds, and it's sort of like Pearl having a Pearl inside her Pearl's Pearl. Really it's Steven's room that appears to be his mind, but each room is intrinsically linked with their owner's consciousness - it's why a fusion's room only exists when the fusion exists, why Pearl's room is peaceful, with flowing water and order - as we know Pearl likes to keep her mind organised, and why Amethyst's room is full of garbage - because she sees herself as garbage, and has terrible self esteem. It's also why the room turns stormy when Steven is angry and rainy when Steven is sad. Finally, when Steven tries to take a Selfie he realizes that everything he See's isn't really there, therefore everything he sees there must exist within his mind.
So Steven was thinking about mothers and Rose due to Connie and her mother, and he was beckoned room by something to spend time alone with his thoughts about Rose (which has future vision written all over it). Where is everyone else in all this? Steven has been through a lot, so where are the 'adults' in his life at this time?
I'd like to point out that we know the gems do some shady stuff when Steven isn't around. In the episode where Garnet lends Steven future vision - when Greg has to drive Connie home in the snow, we see an alternate ending in the future vision. Steven interrupts the gems attempting to warp a bomb so that they can blow up the 'galaxy warp', I assume so that homeworld can't try to repair it again. There are a lot of episodes around this time in the story in particular during which the gems aren't really around, and it makes me wonder what's going on in the background.
I don't think this episode is quite like that, but it is rather convenient that as soon as Steven is done in the room, Greg and the gems are conveniently there with love and pizza when Steven needs it the most, almost as if they were waiting for him. The gems don't even warp back, they aren't even in a mission, they're just hanging out with Greg getting pizza? I personally don't buy it.
Why would the show do this though? If gems are off doing cool stuff in the background why don't we know about it or get to see it? Well the show is called Steven Universe, and Steven is inadvertently the narrator - we see life through Steven's experience, learn things with him and follow his growth. It would make a lot of sense to me that the gems are off fighting, blowing stuff up, wrecking stuff with Sugilite/Alexandrite while Steven is keeping busy with minor plot points, and us not knowing about it as the viewer because Steven doesn't know about it. I think both Steven and us, the viewer, are essentially being shielded from the grisly truth and some background action.
When you're watching these episodes it's worth asking yourself which characters are missing from this episode, and what are they actually off doing? The show is very well written, and the world thoroughly built and fleshed out, and I think a lot more goes on in the background story than Steven, and therefore us the viewers, are privy to.
Finally I will talk about how this ties in with the chest inside Lion. As I'm sure you are aware if you bothered to read this far, there is a chest inside Lion's mane, and it's opened offscreen. We never find out what was actually inside that chest, and I don't think we were ever meant to know. That's because I believe that the chest inside Lion is simply a metaphor - a representation of the idea that things happen in the background of the show even if we don't see it - the world is constantly moving.
submitted by CFootUnder to stevenuniverse [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 00:55 Superb-Ad4997 Wildflower Weekend Wedding - Budget/Recap May 2023

This subreddit allowed me to plan our wedding. I am so grateful and found these breakdowns especially useful, and now a cathartic experience for me and hopefully a way to give back!
Photos
First step that helped us the most was deciding as a team early on what we wanted our wedding to bring to us and our future.
We were inspired early on by This Post and the comments.
We have both been through a lot of life and have a lot of gratitude for the people that have gotten us to this point and wanted to make space to celebrate with all of them in a big way. This inspired the rest of our wedding planning, committing us to a big guest list, requiring a big venue. We invited 304 people (154 households), 179 RSVP’d yes, and had ~10 no-show. Our family and friends live all over the country and some abroad, so we decided to pick a location close to us, but that had multiple houses on site to host our family/bridal party for the weekend (thurs-sunday; saturday wedding) so that we could have more time with those people closest to us.
Total: $69,407 (MCOL area)
Venue: $28,250 “Weekend Package”
Additional Lodging: $3965
Paper: $845
Decor: $992
Florals: $2322
Food: $8133
Alcohol: $3752
DJ: $1925
Photography/Videography: $9839
Clothing: $3930
Other: $3349
Tips: $770
Our wedding was amazing for us. It felt like an event that truly encapsulated who we are as individuals and as a couple, and that chance to celebrate with so many people we love was priceless. It felt like all the spreadsheets we’d worked on for the last 2 years turned into reality. This is the main master spreadsheet I used:
Google Spreadsheet Wedding Planning
It’s created from all sorts of different helpful spreadsheets I found here and from other wedding websites. The “Checklist” really doesn’t start until I realized how easy it is to get lost in needing to capture so many personal little details that would keep me up at night feeling like they were slipping through the cracks. But if you’re starting from the beginning, you will need to include the big ticket “check boxes” that are in the budget portion. Hopefully it can help some others! Happy planning Weddit!
submitted by Superb-Ad4997 to weddingplanning [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 00:55 movingpastthehurt anyone else just so full of rage?

tomorrow will be 4 weeks since disclosure. as a lot of you know i was away for 11 days. he relapsed 3 fucking times while i was gone, one time being on mother's day. i'm so fucking angry all the time. i'm irritable and short tempered when the addict is present, not even only to him but to my children and the animals as well. we have been fighting nonstop. the other morning (530am) we were arguing about our puppy (he got while i was away, i said it was fine so it's on me) and it escalated into more and it ended with the addict saying i've been a horrible partner for the last 8 years and i never supported him or listened to him so now "we're even" after all the betrayal. you guys don't even understand how i felt-my soul left my body lmao. i started screaming and said that him stealing my sisters phone and masturbating to her nudes is no where close to even and then i threw a glass of water at the wall and locked myself in our bedroom with our 10 month old until he went to work. we didn't talk much after that. two days ago he checked in and said everything i did wrong but doesn't remember saying we're even. he also said i threw the glass at him. he was in the kitchen washing dishes at the time and i threw toward the dining room. so fucking stupid. he is upset because now that everything is in the open, no one will listen to "his side". last night he threatened suicide and i had muscle relaxers prescribed after giving birth because i literally couldn't walk (beautiful unmedicated birth that unfortunately separated my pubis symphysis) i didn't take them cus breastfeeding but i kept them. i've been so stressed out and sleeping so bad i was thinking of taking one but ofc he threw them out. i get it i'm glad he was safe with it, but he didn't even tell me until after the fact like hours later. i would have just hide the pills. you guys 🥲😅 am i crazy???
submitted by movingpastthehurt to loveafterporn [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 00:55 Outrageous-Ad-4364 Veiling at school

So, I’m new to Paganism, and my mum doesn’t really know that I’m a Pagan because Idk how she’d react (she’s agnostic but idk if she’d be alright with me worshipping the gods). My sister sort of knows and my foster sibling definitely knows. I have candles for Lady Hestia and Lady Persephone.
I’ve started veiling as it makes me happy and idk how to describe it but it makes me feel devout in some way (I’m 15 so can’t do a lot). Mum doesn’t necessarily know it’s pagan veiling as I just wear a bandanna over my hair (like she does).
I’m in half term now and Mum has given me a gift of my own (plain) crocheted veiling. The problem is, idk if my school will let me wear it. I want to wear it, but I’m scared they’ll ask me to take it off and when I explain what it is, they’ll ask mum and she’ll find out before I’m ready to tell her.
Idk what to do about this lol. Idk if anyone can, but any advice would be appreciated :)
submitted by Outrageous-Ad-4364 to HellenicPagan [link] [comments]


2023.06.02 00:54 Tevesh_CKP Best Movies You Saw May 2023

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Only Discuss Movies You Thought Were Great

I define great movies to be 8+ or if you abhor grades, the top 20% of all movies you've ever seen. Films listed by posters within this thread receive a Vote to determine if they will appear in subreddit's Top 100, as well as the ten highest Upvoted Suggested movies from last month. The Top 10 highest Upvoted from last month were:

Top 10 Suggestions

# Title Upvotes
1. Train to Busan (2016) 530
2. Memento (2000) 454
3. Collateral (2004) 203
4. Contact (1997) 177
5. Glorious (2022) 108
6. All Quiet of the Western Front (2022) 100
7. The Great Dictator (1940) 76
8. Mandy (2018) 79
9. The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) 72
10. The Covenant (2023) 67
Note: Due to Reddit's Upvote fuzzing, it will rank movies in their actual highest Upvoted and then assign random numbers. This can result in movies with lower Upvotes appearing higher than movies with higher Upvotes.
What are the top films you saw in April 2023 and why? Here are my picks:

Backdraft (1991)

It's important to be seen and I can't think of another movie that shows what being a Firefighter is like. Totally unrealistic but beautiful, Backdraft makes a convincing thesis on fire and fighting it. I bought in because it was real flames with real men doing the stunts, adding weight to the film. A classic action movie for good reasons, Ron Howard's flourishes backed with Han Zimmer's inspiring score and the charisma of Robert De Niro with Kurt Russel helped prop up the weak protagonist. Scott Glenn, Donald Sutherland and Jennifer Jason Leigh round out the star studded cast.

The Covenant (2023)

America's frequent war movies always depict the brotherhood that comes from comrades in arms. Refreshingly, Ritchie shows the break of that tenet alongside with a straight-forward story instead of his usual rollicking tales. The Covenant is a story that is the opposite of reality; in it, the deal of safety for service is kept. America withdrew from the Afghan theatre with nary an attempt to protect the thousands of interpreters who fought alongside them. His eye for the manic does shine through which is only heightened with an incredible score by Christopher Benstead.

Day Shift (2022)

Shot in a grounded way that let practical effects dominate with only little touch ups from CGI means that Day Shift buys a lot of good will. I was concerned with the Snoop Dog stunt casting but he's treated as a mythical figure who has limited screen time, meaning he was used intelligently. With so much buy-in, I was able to enjoy the buddy cop comedy between Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco even if it was very formulaic. It's an action movie, I'm here for the great set piecees, not the plot and so I forgave the disjointed bits due to the incredible thrills. Foxx and Franco have good chemistry for a buddy cop movie, with Franco showing some great range through his character's arc.

Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (2023)

I think Volume 2 is the best out the trilogy but I'd say the third outing is on par with the first which seemed like a lightning in a bottle fluke. James Gunn was able to make his own style of movie instead of being shoehorned into studio notes like other directors who have worked with Marvel. A good capstone to the Guardians trilogy, the found family resolves their unaddressed trauma with this adventure that has some dark spots. It's nice to see that the 'Marvel Polish' still exists considering how lacklustre the other two recent releases were.

How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022)

The protagonists call themselves what they are: terrorists. They know it and acknowledge that this is what the world has come to, which is what makes How to Blow Up a Pipeline great. Each of them gets a solid slice of life cutaway from the day of the detonation with why they are there; each of them might have different reasons but it all comes back to the primary thesis: how can you make urgent change in a world designed to stop such progress? These average people have turned to terrorism to combat climate change and it isn't something glamourous, it is something that needs to be done.

Man Bites Dog (1992)

This Mockumentary crucifies you by how much fun you're having with the subject of the 'documentary'. He's a likable, fun guy you enjoy hanging out with; even though he is a prolific serial killer. The seduction is obvious with the film crew getting involved when they should try to stay objective, giving the audience permission to enjoy their time with a sociopath. It's been a long time since I've had a good time being this guilty.

Renfield (2023)

Nicholas Hoult always surprises me. You see him at press junkets being a pretty boy and I brace for an actor who is skirting by on good looks and charm. And then I watch the movies he's in and he's damn good: Fury Road, The Menu, The Favourite. If they had casted someone who couldn't pull off the desperate and awkward for approval, then the rest of the movie wouldn't have worked. It is a very fun horror comedy, especially since Nick Cage unleashes a ridiculous performance.

Sisu (2023)

A horror movie in reverse; the victims keep running headlong into the immortal killer and meet grisly ends. All attitude, Sisu might claim to be an action movie, the choppy editing is what allows for practical efffects and gore. Many of the actors are very expressive, allowing for so much character despite some of their brief screen time. Sisu is supposed to be a Finnish word for an incomprehensible amount of grit and the movie delivers. Such determination is not pretty, which makes for more reasons why Sisu is shot like a horror movie, it skips the jump scares for grusome sights.

The Vanishing (1988)

The Vanishing is interesting due to showing both perspectives of an abduction yet manages to maintain suspense throughout. The main question being what happened to the abducted? The protagonist is willing to go to any lengths and the antagonist is shown how much he has prepared for this moment. The Vanishing is a grounded examination of how prepared you need to be to achieve your desires.
So, what are your picks for May 2023 and Why?
submitted by Tevesh_CKP to MovieSuggestions [link] [comments]