So I'm a hardcore dedicated COD multiplayer guy, most of my time spent playing COD is the multiplayer, and very rarely do I touch zombies. I played it a lot on the base casual maps like TranZit, Town, and Nacht when I was a kid, but now I rarely touch it, even for the base maps in newer games.
One thing I've observed about zombies/the community in general over the past few years, is that people seem super dedicated and passionate about it, way more so than the multiplayer community. What I'm wondering is what is it that keeps you playing zombies so much? I don't mean it in an insulting way, I'm genuinely curious, as I'd like to experiment with zombies, play around with it and be more open to it, and hopefully kick the multiplayer addiction lol! Also, if you are a big zombies fan but don't enjoy the multiplayer, why is that? Again, just curious, I'm just seeing what people think about it :) Thanks!

Love college football? Ever wish you could step into your favorite team’s shoes?
Look no further than the NZCFL, an 120-team college football simulation league, where many teams, including Boise St, are open! Our league offers a unique combination of a realistic coaching and recruiting experience, with the flexibility that allows you to put in as much or as little time as you wish! Our recruiting system, designed to emulate the real-life football recruiting process and comprised of three sections, allows you to sign a program-changing class in just one cycle. If you’re looking for that more casual experience, it’s easy to get the process knocked out in one sitting, but you’ll still be able to go even farther if you’re able to put the time in. That’s what makes this league such a great experience - you’re in control. You have the ability to build a legacy and leave a lasting impact on these teams.
As someone who's been in the league for nearly two IRL years, it really is a great community. Everyone is willing to lend a hand to a newbie, the mods put a ton of time into running things smoothly, and there's plenty of casual activities and banter to keep things interesting.
Come join us by claiming a team in the Reddit reservation thread at NZCFL and joining the server If you have any questions, DM me, or join the server and ask in ⁠newcomers. We'll be happy to help.

https://www.scarboroughshootingstars.ca/
Home opener vs Winnipeg this Friday.

I've recently gotten into modding Tboi with repentance but I've somehow managed to break my game so that whenever I try to load an in progress run after closing the game it just crashes.
So if I do a run I either finish it in one setting or leave the game open while I'm away. Does anyone know if there are mods that this is a common issue with? I can make a list of my mods in the comments if needed.
Tldr loading run crashes game after installing a new set of mods

I’m considering buying the YABER Pro Y9 projector as I've heard it's the best in its price range. However, I still have a few questions that I would love to get answered.
Firstly, this projector is listed as being 400 ANSI lumens, whatever that means... Does it need to be totally dark in my room for this thing to be bright enough to have any kind of contrast, or can I for example have my window open slightly letting a bit of air and light in? If it’s not bright enough, how bright is a "good/decent" projector recommended to be?
Secondly, I'm considering spending a bit more on a projector than the YABER Pro Y9 which is 200 USD. If I wanted to spend about 60-100 bucks more, what options do I have, and is it worth it, or do I need to be spending 200+ dollars more to actually get a "good" projector?

Love college football? Ever wish you could step into your favorite team’s shoes?
Look no further than the NZCFL, an 120-team college football simulation league, where many teams, including Wisconsin, are open! Our league offers a unique combination of a realistic coaching and recruiting experience, with the flexibility that allows you to put in as much or as little time as you wish! Our recruiting system, designed to emulate the real-life football recruiting process and comprised of three sections, allows you to sign a program-changing class in just one cycle. If you’re looking for that more casual experience, it’s easy to get the process knocked out in one sitting, but you’ll still be able to go even farther if you’re able to put the time in. That’s what makes this league such a great experience - you’re in control. You have the ability to build a legacy and leave a lasting impact on these teams.
As someone who's been in the league for nearly two IRL years, it really is a great community. Everyone is willing to lend a hand to a newbie, the mods put a ton of time into running things smoothly, and there's plenty of casual activities and banter to keep things interesting.
Come join us by claiming a team in the Reddit reservation thread at NZCFL and joining the server If you have any questions, DM me, or join the server and ask in ⁠newcomers. We'll be happy to help.

>**What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games or programs you will be using.**
Mainly for gaming. Looking to run new RPGs at high settings (E.g. Jedi Survivor and Starfield when it releases) and some online games (Apex, RL etc). I'll also look use the PC for uni work and watching films, streams etc, and possibly some coding on the side as a hobby.
>**What is your maximum budget before rebates/shipping/taxes?**
Roughly £2000. Would consider stretching this a bit but ideally want to keep under this amount.
>**When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Note: beyond a week or two from today means any build you receive will be out of date when you want to buy.**
As soon as possible
>**What, exactly, do you need included in the budget? (ToweOS/monitokeyboard/mouse/etc\)**
The PC. I'll look at getting a 1440/4k monitor and keyboard separately and can sort out the OS myself
>**Which country (and state/province) will you be purchasing the parts in? If you're in US, do you have access to a Microcenter location?**
UK
>**If reusing any parts (including monitor(s)/keyboard/mouse/etc), what parts will you be reusing? Brands and models are appreciated.**
Already have a SteelSeries mouse (Steelseries Rival 600) and a 1080p monitor (Asus VG248QE) I can use short term and later as a second monitor if I want to. Also have a Samsung Evo 970 plus (1TB) that I could use short term and upgrade later for more storage
>**Will you be overclocking? If yes, are you interested in overclocking right away, or down the line? CPU and/or GPU?**
Unlikely. Would possibly consider down the line but not interested for now
>**Are there any specific features or items you want/need in the build? (ex: SSD, large amount of storage or a RAID setup, CUDA or OpenCL support, etc)**
Been looking more at AMD GPUs (RX 7900XT) over NVIDIA for the higher VRAM for modern games. Also would prefer 32GB RAM. You probably now more than I do though so feel free to tell me I'm wrong!
>**Do you have any specific case preferences (Size like ITX/microATX/mid-towefull-tower, styles, colors, window or not, LED lighting, etc), or a particular color theme preference for the components?**
Seen good reviews for this: ***Corsair 4000D Airflow ATX Mid Tower Case*** so I'd probably look for this or something similar. No preferences for LEDs or RGB but a window would be nice to see inside.
If I could be advised on case fans and network adapters etc that'd be great. I'll mainly look to run this wirelessly but having the option to set up a wired connection in the future would be ideal.
>**Do you need a copy of Windows included in the budget? If you do need one included, do you have a preference?**
I'll look to run Windows 11 but I can sort this separately.
>**Extra info or particulars:**
Been browsing PCPartPicker and thought about something like this (incomplete): https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/P4Dyv3
I am looking to build this myself so any tips for this would be appreciated.
Thanks for the help :)

Love college football? Ever wish you could step into your favorite team’s shoes?
Look no further than the NZCFL, an 120-team college football simulation league, where many teams, including Iowa, are open! Our league offers a unique combination of a realistic coaching and recruiting experience, with the flexibility that allows you to put in as much or as little time as you wish! Our recruiting system, designed to emulate the real-life football recruiting process and comprised of three sections, allows you to sign a program-changing class in just one cycle. If you’re looking for that more casual experience, it’s easy to get the process knocked out in one sitting, but you’ll still be able to go even farther if you’re able to put the time in. That’s what makes this league such a great experience - you’re in control. You have the ability to build a legacy and leave a lasting impact on these teams.
As someone who's been in the league for nearly two IRL years, it really is a great community. Everyone is willing to lend a hand to a newbie, the mods put a ton of time into running things smoothly, and there's plenty of casual activities and banter to keep things interesting.
Come join us by claiming a team in the Reddit reservation thread at NZCFL and joining the server If you have any questions, DM me, or join the server and ask in ⁠newcomers. We'll be happy to help.

Is it blind optimism that chains you to the refresh button? Perhaps some desperation or boredom in the stew? It’s certainly not for the quality of the writing; my eyes have long since glazed over from hollow platitudes in my own semi-successful quest to leave this subreddit.
If you’re similarly inclined, let’s skip the formalities and drill down to brass tacks. I’ll stick to the more verifiable qualities, and leave the personality guessing game for later. To start, I’m 27 and starting residency in July. Still NYC. It’s left me without a lot of time to myself, yet just enough to spend with the right someone. I’m also a major foodie, replete with my own map of food adventures in waiting. Amateur writer with an outsized ego, probably. I also have a love of board games and video games, especially when it comes to game night. Also a fan of other nerdy vices like Disney, Pixar, Ghibli and the occasional anime. Big traveler, but not worth bragging about. Not very religious, but always down for a philosophical discussion. Open book if you have other questions.
As for my appearance, I am half Jewish half Chinese but most people would just guess white. Normal build, not overweight unless its post AYCE sushi. Happy to swap pics as proof.
Of course, I have my own preferences as well. I’m looking for someone well educated and smart, a good career is a bonus. If you like to describe yourself in astrology or Meyers Briggs terms, it’s probably not gonna work out between us. A little picky in terms of looks as well, I want someone that I'm attracted to. I do prefer conventionally attractive looks, something average in weight and height or so with a hopefully cute face to pair with it. I see kids in my future, so if they aren’t in yours, I’m betting they aren’t the same. Very much looking for someone in the NYC area as well, since I’m not one for LDRs.
If it wasn’t apparent, I’m only looking for something more serious, and certainly nothing strictly platonic. I spent 4 months with an incredible girl I met on here last time, so here's to hoping there's more where that came from.

Action that is flexible to both means and ends is wu-wei, literally non-action. It refers to a type of activity that engages in action without violating the nature of the object that is acted upon or the nature of the instrumental context in which the action takes place. An understanding of this insight can be gained by simply contemplating the distinct functions of a spoon, fork and knife. The knife is used for cutting, the fork and spoon are used for moving and raising solids and liquids. The spoon and fork can be used for cutting, but that is not their natural function. In this sense, wu-wei is concerned with the appropriate or inappropriate use of a tool. A tool that is appropriate arises in the world effortlessly and efficiently. Furthermore, beside the instrumental context, there is a larger human context in which the tool must fit. This fittingness is first and foremost an aesthetic matter that concerns sensibility. An insensibility to the larger context that includes aesthetic, epistemological, and religious values makes the introduction of the tool, intruding and unnatural. Technological devices born out of an exclusive focus on efficiency impose themselves on the world, while technologies that fit in the larger context of human existence grow out of it. Action that is technological in the sense of wu-wei, then, is natural and necessary.
The concept of Te in the Tao Te Ching has both moral and non-moral implications. It has been translated both as 'power' and as 'virtue'. A thing, such as a pencil, has its own Te, an intrinsic power to be what it is and to do what it does best. For example, there are surfaces which a pencil marks better than any other tool for writing, Everything, including artificial objects, have a Te. A spoon has its own natural way of being in the sense that it fits precisely the context in which it is used. (Fung Yu-lan, 101). The Te, therefore, is the power that allows for effective action. The Te of the spoon is not in the spoon apart from its user; it is not intrinsic to the spoon left unused on the table. It manifests itself only in the spoon while-in-use, and only if the spoon-in-use does not violate the integrity and simplicity of the single manifold.
[According to the theory of having-no-activity, a man should restrict his activities to what is necessary and what is natural. ‘Necessary’ means necessary to the achievement of a certain purpose, and never over-doing. ‘Natural’ means following one’s Te with no arbitrary effort. In doing this one should take simplicity as the guiding principle of life. (Fung Yu-lan, 101)]
If the spoon is too heavy, then it does not fit in the natural order established by the context of eating a meal. If the spoon is too ugly (or too beautiful), it imposes itself on the attention of its users. The principle of the mean is operative here. The spoon should neither be too long nor too short, neither too pointed nor too rounded, neither too cupped nor too flat. Here virtue, Te, is the mean between excess and defect. The considerations that determine what is appropriate are virtually endless and engage not only the sensibilities of the engineer, but also those of the artist and the metaphysician.
Te has moral implications. A world moved by wu-wei is not beyond good and evil, but it is beyond fixed characterizations of what good and evil are. There would be no need to distinguish between good action and evil action, between good and bad machines, because actions and devices would arise naturally and organically. This fitting-into the natural order means fitting-in the single manifold of the good, the true, the useful, and the holy that is humanity, since the proper sphere for technology is given by the relationship between the user and the tool. In this sense, some technologies would be naturally acceptable, while some would be rejected. Taoist ethics is to be found at the level of aesthetic sensibility, not of moral or political understanding. Sensibility is set in motion by the type of relationship established between the human and the machine and the larger context of instrumental relationships.
A good spoon, one that is virtuous, that has Te, is not too heavy and it is not too light; the metal is neither too thick nor thin. It is polished to the degree that food does not easily stick to it. It is balanced so that it can be held easily. All of these properties are part of efficiency. The spoon could be used as a weapon to injure someone, and we may judge that to be unethical, but that limitation does not need to be imposed on the spoon from the outside by ethical standards. The spoon does not make a very efficient weapon, particularly if your opponent has a sword. Its inefficiency limits it from being used unethically. The spoon is also part of an instrumental complex, that is, a system of instrumental relationships. So the shape of the spoon should conform to the shapes of the cups and bowls with which it is used. This fitting into to the instrumental complex is part of its efficiency. In all of these cases we are talking about what makes a “good” spoon. Good in the sense of efficiency flows into good in an ethical sense. Technologies that pollute the air and water that we and other living things breathe and drink are, in the context of a consideration of ends, inefficient and ineffective, but they are also morally wrong in a broader sense than the standards of a merely human ethic.
This virtue or power of Te results in an effortless form of action that does not require deliberation about means and ends. It is efficient action but action without instrumental thinking. Flowing water is used in the Taoist literature as an analogy for the path of the Tao informed by such non-instrumental thinking. Flowing water takes the shape of its container. It is without will or plan or any form of its own. It either flows around or over obstacles, or over time wears them away. Sometimes it rises up as a powerful force; at other times it is yielding and weak. The Tao Te Ching evokes the effortless effectiveness of water in these few lines: “There is nothing softer and weaker than water, and yet there is nothing better for attacking hard and strong things…. All the world knows that the weak overcomes the strong and the soft overcomes the hard, but none can practice it” (Chan, 174-175). The difficulty of putting effortless action into practice is the result of the tendency to yield to linear instrumental thinking that is not open to redefining means and ends and which encounters the world with opposition and resistance. Presumably this is what the gardener saw in the machine that he refused to use.
From: Technological Paradigm in Ancient Taoism by George Teschner

Is it blind optimism that chains you to the refresh button? Perhaps some desperation or boredom in the stew? It’s certainly not for the quality of the writing; my eyes have long since glazed over from hollow platitudes in my own semi-successful quest to leave this subreddit.
If you’re similarly inclined, let’s skip the formalities and drill down to brass tacks. I’ll stick to the more verifiable qualities, and leave the personality guessing game for later. To start, I’m 27 and starting residency in July. Still NYC. It’s left me without a lot of time to myself, yet just enough to spend with the right someone. I’m also a major foodie, replete with my own map of food adventures in waiting. Amateur writer with an outsized ego, probably. I also have a love of board games and video games, especially when it comes to game night. Also a fan of other nerdy vices like Disney, Pixar, Ghibli and the occasional anime. Big traveler, but not worth bragging about. Not very religious, but always down for a philosophical discussion. Open book if you have other questions.
As for my appearance, I am half Jewish half Chinese but most people would just guess white. Normal build, not overweight unless its post AYCE sushi. Happy to swap pics as proof.
Of course, I have my own preferences as well. I’m looking for someone well educated and smart, a good career is a bonus. If you like to describe yourself in astrology or Meyers Briggs terms, it’s probably not gonna work out between us. A little picky in terms of looks as well, I want someone that I'm attracted to. I do prefer conventionally attractive looks, something average in weight and height or so with a hopefully cute face to pair with it. I see kids in my future, so if they aren’t in yours, I’m betting they aren’t the same. Very much looking for someone in the NYC area as well, since I’m not one for LDRs.
If it wasn’t apparent, I’m only looking for something more serious, and certainly nothing strictly platonic. I spent 4 months with an incredible girl I met on here last time, so here's to hoping there's more where that came from.

I (23F) am feeling unlovable after (38 M) played with my senses
Is there a difference between “do not contact me” and “do not contact me again”?
Does one imply the person will eventually come back?
Three years ago I met this guy online and straight away he put my photo as his Lock Screen and sent me romantic messages. Anyways during that time I was really depressed and we ended up ending conversation. Then a year later on my bday he popped up again and we resumed communication. It was like a Dr Jekyll and mr Hyde from him. He switched from being kind to me to being so cruel and sarcastic. I knew he was stalking me on my instagram because anytime I would post anything activism related he would advise me not to. Anyways I remember one time I told him i was training at work at he said “training, I like the sound of that”. He was in and out of my life during this time and he would take 3-5 days to respond to me and then if I didn’t respond quickly he would be passive aggressive. Anyways he would disappear for weeks and I would feel my heart so scared to loose him. One day I told him about my family history of trauma and how when my parents don’t like what I do they stop talking to me. He told me “thanks for telling me that”. I told him one day I was afraid he’d do the same. He said he’d never. Anyways by the end of it I was put on antidepressants which induced a manic episode. I remember I was sending messages and he was being snarky and sarcastic to me and twice I caught him online but ignoring my messages. He’s 38 and I was only 22. I confronted him but he just deleted his profile picture so I sent him a manic text telling him that he taught me that people were going to use me and that he can’t keep using the excuse he’s busy at work. I regret sending that message. He blocked me and in my manic mind I texted him so many messages on his number (I wasn’t thinking) to avoid him leaving because he still wasn’t replying. After three days of this stupid and manic behaviour I called him but he didn’t answer and he texted “all of this has to stop. Don’t text me” and it’s been a year and I haven’t heard anything back from him. Of course I’d never contact him but my heart is so broken over him and I have no idea why. I’m off the meds but everyday I wish I could get a second chance. I feel used and discarded especially after he saw such private parts of me and I opened up. Advice how to move on?

Hi everyone,
I have decided to post on here again as dating apps don’t seem to be working…
I am a M24 who is about to be in his last year of grad school! I am getting my masters in communications. I work in the IT department at the university I attend and love working in it!
In my free time, I love to play and watch sports! I love to play soccer and basketball! I also really enjoy music and singing along to songs by my favorite artists such as AJR, Khalid, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
I also am heavily into gaming and play various games on my PS5, I don’t have a PC sadly but I’m thinking of saving up for one!
In terms of what I’m looking for, I’m looking for someone that I can grow with and travel the world with! I’d love to find someone that pushes me outside of my comfort zone to do things I wouldn’t always necessarily do.
I don’t really care where your from and am willing to make long distance work!
All I ask is that in your opening message please include your age and a little bit about yourself and a picture if you feel comfortable 😊
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to meeting you soon😊

Love college football? Ever wish you could step into your favorite team’s shoes?
Look no further than the NZCFL, an 120-team college football simulation league, where many teams, including Pitt, are open! Our league offers a unique combination of a realistic coaching and recruiting experience, with the flexibility that allows you to put in as much or as little time as you wish! Our recruiting system, designed to emulate the real-life football recruiting process and comprised of three sections, allows you to sign a program-changing class in just one cycle. If you’re looking for that more casual experience, it’s easy to get the process knocked out in one sitting, but you’ll still be able to go even farther if you’re able to put the time in. That’s what makes this league such a great experience - you’re in control. You have the ability to build a legacy and leave a lasting impact on these teams.
As someone who's been in the league for nearly two IRL years, it really is a great community. Everyone is willing to lend a hand to a newbie, the mods put a ton of time into running things smoothly, and there's plenty of casual activities and banter to keep things interesting.
Come join us by claiming a team in the Reddit reservation thread at NZCFL and joining the server If you have any questions, DM me, or join the server and ask in ⁠newcomers. We'll be happy to help.

Hey,
We're currently in need of some more moderators to help out with content moderation and mod mails. Mainly content moderation.
​
This application is open to every level of experience. New and inexperienced mods are welcome. If you have applied before and were not accepted please feel free to apply again.
If you are selected you will be placed on a 3 month trial. During this trial you will be evaluated based on a number of factors such as action count, communication and accuracy. We understand during this period that mistakes will be made and we encourage you to ask questions but please be aware that you may not be afforded the leniency of a long term mod in the event of a grave error.
RandomThoughts is a high traffic subreddit. We don't expect you to do everything, but we expect you to be active and contribute a fair amount so that other mods are not picking up your slack.
If you are accepted you will hear back from us shortly.

APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN

TLDR entitled psycho goes 185km/h+ and makes my blood pressure go slightly higher than that as well.
This past Sunday I was going to pick up someone in Guelph and was driving West on the 401. As I was about 13-14km away from the Morriston exit (which was the exit this psychotic driver got off at), I was in the 2x-solid-line separated HOV lane and cruising at a solid 137kph, as the speed of traffic was already pretty fast (~125) but I also don't want to get my license taken away because of bad luck. I was driving a 'green vehicle' which is why I was in the HOV btw.
A dude in a black Volvo SUV (early-to-mid-2010s) magically appears in my rearview mirror in the 2 seconds I don't check it, and he's immediately like Bill Cosby on my ass, staring at me in my mirrors with intent. He must've been doing 160/170+ just to catch up to me that quickly. I look in my rearview and put my hand and shoulders up like "what do you want?" because I can't legally leave the lane and I'm also not gonna do more than 50 over the limit because of some guy's ego (I sped up to accommodate it at first). So I wait until the line is about to break, and I signal to turn out and begin doing so. Unfortunately, our intrepid friend decides to veer out of the lane without signalling, before the line actually broke and while I was beginning my merge, and I'm forced back into the lane as he speeds past me, straddling the two lanes to my right and glaring at me with this deadpan "I'll kill you right now" type of old guy stare (all the while going 160, 170+, not looking at the road for a very slowly counted block of 4-5 seconds). Bald, all the caucasity in the world, and wearing a white shirt and cop shades. Pitbull lookin' ass.
As this was happening there was a brief moment of open highway (re: safety) so I tried to match his speed to see how fast he was going. I had to bow out. He easily passed 185km/h as he was beginning to approach the next wall of traffic (closing distance wasn't a thing to this guy apparently?). I couldn't believe my fucking eyes how fast he was willing to send it into the cars ahead of us, and then he spent the next 13km weaving in and out of traffic while I mostly just cruised up and around the left lane. All that work from him to get ahead, only for me to follow him (legally) the whole way and snag his license plate as he did a classic rapid 3-lane-merge towards his exit at Morriston just before Highway 6 north. Guy would've been fine if he just used the fast lane the whole time lmao. Guess something important was going down at home.
Whoever's abused dad is driving a black Volvo SUV with plates CYCY 661, he needs his ego checked and his license revoked. I prefer not dying while I'm running errands for people on a Sunday afternoon. I'm willing to drive pretty fast but if it was some normie going 115km/h hogging the lefthand lane, this guy might've driven them right off the road. Idk what comes after stunt driving but whatever that is, that's what this guy was doing, and in a fuckin family vehicle of all things. My biggest takeaway from this encounter is that Volvos are unbelievably versatile vehicles.
Please don't be an asshole on the roads. We all have lives to go back to and accidents as a result of this behaviour are highly avoidable. Can't believe how many top-heavy SUV drivers think they'll be able to get away with this type of shit forever, too.

Love college football? Ever wish you could step into your favorite team’s shoes?
Look no further than the NZCFL, an 120-team college football simulation league, where many teams, including the Fighting Illini, are open! Our league offers a unique combination of a realistic coaching and recruiting experience, with the flexibility that allows you to put in as much or as little time as you wish! Our recruiting system, designed to emulate the real-life football recruiting process and comprised of three sections, allows you to sign a program-changing class in just one cycle. If you’re looking for that more casual experience, it’s easy to get the process knocked out in one sitting, but you’ll still be able to go even farther if you’re able to put the time in. That’s what makes this league such a great experience - you’re in control. You have the ability to build a legacy and leave a lasting impact on these teams.
As someone who's been in the league for nearly two IRL years, it really is a great community. Everyone is willing to lend a hand to a newbie, the mods put a ton of time into running things smoothly, and there's plenty of casual activities and banter to keep things interesting.
Come join us by claiming a team in the Reddit reservation thread at NZCFL and joining the server If you have any questions, DM me, or join the server and ask in ⁠newcomers. We'll be happy to help.

Hi! I've been brainstorming an idea for a campaign, me and my group are fairly new to DND, most of us only playing 1 or 2 campaigns before. Our main campaign (we've done some one-shots with other members as DMs) is getting close to a stop and now I want to try and DM next.
My world right now is like a discovering the americas type deal. The party travels to the "new world" on a boat for various reasons. It'll have been roughly maybe 200~ years since the continent was discovered.
I want to have a bit of a low-magic vibe, people don't exactly use magic unless they were born lucky, or have just spent enough time around it that their bodies adapt and can use it too. Most people without a predisposition to magic can do little tricks with practice.
One theme I want to have is like the dominance of humans, humans dominate everywhere politically, and they are extremely prideful about it. The idea is that every race despite being "better" than humans - Orcs being stronger, Elves predisposed to magic, Goblins faster, - Humans ended up on top.
They believe that theres some inherent ambition or will in their psyche that makes them better than every other race -Humans learning how to make weapons first, Humans learning how to cast spells as well, Humans learning how to be more clever than a pack of goblins, etc - Most humans don't really care all that much, and the "lower" races coexist just fine. Most cities and countries have a healthy mix of races, but are usually ruled by humans, or "human passing" races.
I also want to make it so ressurection and most healing spells don't exist, just to raise the stakes. In-lore the "Prince of all Healing" (haven't decided on a name) stole healing magic from the gods in order to elevate himself and be like them. I have an idea for a cult that travelled to the new world in order to find the Prince, and maybe a homebrew paladin/warlock subclass if players want to serve the cult, or make a deal with the Prince. I'm thinking maybe if a PC is gravely damaged I could ask the player if as a last ditch effort they could sacrifice themselves to the Prince to be healed.
I don't have an actual story in mind, but I think I want it to be an open-world esque campaign, that revolves around the secret of the native civilization that used to live in the new world, before suddenly falling. The civilization would be much more advanced than anything on earth at the time, and what fragments are left are being studied by native and foreign scholars alike.
I've never DM'ed before, so I would definately appreciate any advice!

What time is the bookstore open? On Maps it says open to four on the bookstore website till 3 for summer.