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Hello everyone! I hope you had a great weekend.
This Mother's Day my kids wrote me poems and stories, drew me pictures, cards, and books. My son even made me a coaster to hold my drink. And my husband? He and my children got me character art commissioned for my favourite Pathfinder Society character!
I've never had character art for a character of mine before. My kids and I have drawn pictures of some of our characters on occasion. And sure, a picture here or there might inspire us to make a character similar in appearance. But custom professional art? Unheard of! So it was with great shock and surprise I awoke to discover my family had somehow procured gorgeous art of my beloved -1 PFS character.
Clearly I have a wonderful family and am beyond spoiled. Today I'm going to share that art with you!
Introducing Danicka Raburnus and her vicious dog, Prickles!
Danicka Raburnus and Prickles. Original characters of mine for the Pathfinder Society Organized Play program. Art by the amazing Joe Nittoly.
Danicka Raburnus was my very first Pathfinder Society character. My -1. I had played Pathfinder, Dungeons and Dragons, and other RPGs for a long time before making Danicka, but she was the first character meant for organized play. She marked my entry into the Pathfinder Society, and was the first in a series of wonderful characters, delightful roleplaying, and exciting adventures.
Danicka is… far from perfect. When it came time to create Danicka I wanted to do something different. Everyone has characters who are attractive, intelligent, healthy, brave, and so on. People who are special. Heroes. They're not all perfect, and many have a flaw or two, but they usually have quite a few redeeming qualities. I've got plenty, myself. So when it came time to make Danicka I wanted to create a character who was different than those I'd made before. Someone who wasn't a hero. Who wasn't special. Someone hopelessly flawed and regrettably forgettable. Someone who wanted to be special, who wanted to be the hero, but just wasn't.
I have a soft spot for making, strong, independent, female characters. I love playing half-orcs and dwarves. I love bards, rogues, oracles, and sorcerers. Adaptable characters with a flaw or two, and a bit of a scoundrel's streak.
So I went out of my way to make Danicka different.
I made her a wizard, which I rarely do. And I went out of my way to make her as unremarkable as possible. She has an archetype that prevents her from having a familiar or an arcane bond––qualities that make her feel inferior to her fellow wizards and spellcasters. She learned spells that are visually unremarkable. No fireballs or flashy magic for this girl! She was intelligent and wise, but too shy and nervous to speak her mind.
I never use complimentary words to describe her. I don't call her pretty, or fit, or athletic, or slender. She's not even skinny. She's scrawny. Boney. Her hair is frazzled, limp, plain, or mousey. Her skin is not like porcelain, or alabaster. It's pale, freckled, and ink-stained. Her clothes are nice but ill-fitting, out of fashion, and in dull colours. She doesn't show off any skin, covering herself from neck to fingers and toes. She doesn't even wear nice boots, just flimsy cotton shoes that flop and squelch wildly whenever they get wet. She wears a floppy hat on her head. She has poor vision and wears plain spectacles.
It's not that these qualities are undesirable or unattractive. They're not. It's that I designed her to be average and blend in, and that I describe all of her qualities in as uncomplimentary a fashion as I can.
She shrieks in battle. Gets queasy. Stammers, stutters, whimpers, and whispers. Her efforts to make friends are awkward and almost always end in failure. She's shy and meek. Easily scared (often terrified!). She faints on occasion (though never in a way or at a time that would hinder her mission or the game). She's weak, awkward, and extraordinarily clumsy.
But amidst all those awkward and oddly endearing qualities, she's a hero. Not outwardly. Certainly not obviously. But she's a good person. She won't take a life. Ever. And she won't condone it from her allies. In fact, wanton violence, destruction, theft, and other illegal deeds are among the only things that she'll speak out against. She'd rather remove an enemy from a fight than cause someone harm. I gave her merciful spell as a feat to ensure her few damage dealing spells aren't lethal. She'll stabilize unconscious enemies, hurl herself into danger to protect someone else, and is always the first person to offer healing potions to the wounded. She's generous and kind. She won't lie and always gives her enemies a chance to surrender.
So, who was Danicka? Where did she come from? And what make such an ordinary, meek woman want to be a hero?
Danicka was born to a hero. Her mother, Portia Raburnus, was a wizard of great renown who helped saved the city of Magnimar not just once, but on three occasions. Danicka has always wanted to be just like her mother, and grew up studying the arcane arts. Her mother passed away five years ago, right before Danicka began her formal training at the local magical academy, Stone of Seers. Danicka always keeps her mother's arcane bonded item with her—a highly decorative quarterstaff that looks remarkably like a broom. She had hoped to use the broom as her own arcane bonded item, but could never manage to make it work.
Danicka did well in school, but despite her academic achievements she was constantly overlooked—for Danicka was ordinary looking, and incredibly shy. Regrettably forgettable. Most people don't even remember Portia Raburnus had a daughter.
Danicka's recently graduated and set out to finally prove herself brave and bold! A hero, like her mother! She marched right into the local Pathfinder Lodge and demanded a job. Unfortunately, her demand came out a nervous whisper and they hired her as a maid. But, sweeping the floors used by bolder souls with her mother's broom isn't enough for Danicka Raburnus! She's going to prove herself one day! Maybe after she's done cleaning up the common room…
Danicka is incredibly shy. She speaks rarely, and when she does its in a whisper. She's constantly trying to work up the courage to be louder, to make friends, and to do something, but her attempts at friendship always come out in awkward stuttering bursts, and her attempts to speak her mind end up with her randomly yelling something (and then losing the courage to finish). She's easily embarrassed and was bullied on occasion in school (when her classmates could be bothered to remember she was there).
Danicka studies hard and loves to learn new things. She knows she's a young woman of many flaws and is trying desperately to change. She wants to be brave and bold, but has yet to break out of her shell and really be herself.
Mechanically, she's a wizard with the exploiter wizard archetype that's a member of the Silver Crusade faction of the Pathfinder Society. She took the traits tireless logic and volatile conduit. Her beginning feats were eschew materials and merciful spell, although she later added spell focus (enchantment). She's knowledgable and speaks a wide array of languages. For her first exploiter exploit she chose energy shield, although she never had the opportunity to use it until many adventures had passed. Some of her most commonly prepared low-level spells are daze, detect magic, read magic, comprehend languages, mage armour, shield, sleep, and merciful ray of frost or merciful magic missile. In time she learned that outsiders and undead were a threat her non-lethal methods couldn't handle, so she started carrying a lethal wand, a few lethal scrolls, and some holy water around to combat such irredeemable threats.
I had intended to keep her a wizard for the entirety of her career, but along the way, things changed. Danicka changed.
After Danicka's first mission in the world of play-by-post gaming, she was invited to join an ongoing campaign run by the delightful and incredibly talented GM ShieldBug. For a wonderful seven scenarios she had the pleasure of playing in a consistent group of awesome players. Her companions were very different from Danicka. Some were weird, some were liars, some were scoundrels, and most were violent. They pushed her buttons, shoved her out of her comfort zone, tested her morals, and urged her to change. With them she found her backbone. She found courage. She faced peer-pressure and discovered that there were things worth fighting for, even if it meant standing up to your allies. She made friends. She made enemies. She made mistakes. She became a hero. She saved people and towns.
Mostly, she was embarrassed.
But it wasn't only Danicka that changed. Her friends did, too. She made them better people. And they made her brave.
On one of her adventures she was forced to interact with terrifying, man-eating, Thuvian desert dog. Miraculously she bonded with it, though it terrified her to no end. Later in the scenario she was forced to face the dog in combat, and she managed to convince him to stand down. The mission came to an end and I was faced with a turning point. Move on? Or keep the dog?
Danicka kept the dog. She named him Prickles, for his spiky fur (matted with the blood of his enemies) and terrifying demeanour. Although I could have just bought a dog and remained a wizard, I chose to multiclass Danicka into druid. I selected another understated archetype (the wonderful wild whisperer!) that removed some of the flashier of the druids abilities and replaced it with investigator's inspiration and talents. She began to take ranks in handle animal, and survival. She used her druid spell slots to prepare healing magic. She took the feat boon companion, and statted up Prickles as a wolf.
Danicka spent the next while attempting to tame her vicious dog. I took great glee in role-played her fear of her own pet, and her worry that it will hurt someone. Prickles is clearly the alpha of the duo, but he usually listens to Danicka's pleas. That said, out of fear, Danicka never tells Prickles to attack anyone. She's too afraid she won't be able to stop him from killing. Instead, she orders him to stay by her side. Mechanically, Prickles has the bodyguard archetype. He's always on 'defend' and won't enter a fight unless Danicka is hurt. However, if she's hurt he flies into a rage and attacks whoever wounded her until they're dead. Usually Danicka hurls herself between the enemy and her dog before they are devoured, but once or twice Prickles killed something––an event which filled Danicka with great regret. For his part, Prickles is used to his 'pet's' panicked shrieks and mewling. But he's incredibly territorial and won't stand for anyone touching his 'pet.' Not even her allies. He's a bit cantankerous, and won't take 'orders' from anyone other than Danicka. And he only listens to Danicka if she begs.
All in all, they're a comical pair, with my shy wizard desperately trying to handle her overwhelming pet.
On her most recent missions, Danicka's had to bid her old friends farewell. She's gone on new adventures with new teammates. Only Prickles has remained by her side. But, despite the distance, it's her old friends that continue to drive her and inspire her. Mhazruk Kruhl and his terrifying familiar Needle, the burly Yaiho Crasher, the tap-dancing escaped-slave Forrest Glavo, the eccentric Arin Qualnoh blessed (or perhaps cursed) by the gods, and Brock Swiftread, a scoundrel if there ever was one. They're the closest thing to family she's ever had.
So here's to Danicka and Prickles, and all the people and characters who have made her who she is. Here's to the people who have GMed for her and played alongside her. The people who have put up with her panicked shrieks and bleeding heart. Here's to my family, who brought one of my very favourite characters to life. And here's to Joe Nittoly, the amazing artist who drew her. Thank you! Thank you! And thank you again! You're the best!
And here's to all of you, for taking the time to read about one of my favourite characters. Maybe I'll see you around a PFS table one day.
Author d20diariesPosted on May 14, 2019 May 13, 2019 Categories Animal Companion, Character, Custom Creations, d20, Diaries, Dungeons and Dragons, GM, Holiday, Humour, Paizo, PathfinderTags Animal Companion, art, Character Focus, commission, companions, Custom Creations, Danicka Raburnus, dog, family, focus, friends, fun, Funny, game, gaming, Joe Nittoly, Love, media, Memory, opinion, Pathfinder, Pathfinder Society, PFS, RPG, Society, thanks3 Comments on Character Focus: Danicka Raburnus
Good morning, everyone!
My family and I would like to take the time to wish all of the mothers out there a Happy Mother's Day! Admittedly, we'd also like to remind everyone else to do something special for the mothers in their lives. (Don't forget!)
I'd stay to chat, but I've got a whirlwind day! My family and I spent yesterday out watching Detective Pikachu in the movie theatre. Today we're having my husband's family over for lunch and… Well, I have no idea what else my kids and husband have planned for me. In all honesty, as long as I get to take the day off of chores, I'm a happy woman.
Author d20diariesPosted on May 12, 2019 May 8, 2019 Categories d20, Diaries, Holiday, HumourTags family, friends, fun, Love, Mother's Day, opinionLeave a comment on Happy Mother's Day
I recently started watching iZombie (iZombie: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray) ) on Netflix. For those of you who don't know, it's a show about zombies that is currently starting its fifth season. Now, this isn't some depressing 'Walking Dead' (The Walking Dead: Complete Series) type show (although I also love that…). It's more like a funny cop/murder mystery show. Except if one of the main characters was a zombie who needed to feast on brains in order to retain her humanity. Oh, and she works in a morgue. It's loosely based on the comics (iZombie Volume 1: Dead to the World ) that were written by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, and published by Vertigo.
My husband and both thoroughly enjoy it, and are currently nearing the end of the third season. Anyway, we were watching last night and suddenly came upon an episode entitled "Twenty-Sided, Die" wherein our beloved zombie heroine devours the brains of a dungeon master in order to help solve his murder. It was a hilarious episode, and completely absurd, but halfway through she convinces her friends to play a session with her, in order to help stimulate memories of the deceased. So there they are, sitting at the table: four people attempting to humour their friend. One secretly wants to play, one's there to give it a shot, and the other two would rather be doing anything else. By the end of their session nearly everyone has had a blast, and gotten right into it. At the end the episode one of the serious cop characters tells the zombie girl that she should run a game every week. It was just SO refreshingly entertaining.
Which got me thinking.
It's rare you get to see d20 games featured in popular media. I adored this episode of iZombie, and of course, there's plenty of wonderful Dungeons and Dragons cameos and references in Stranger Things (Stranger Things (Season 1: Collector's Edition)) ). But where else have I seen good d20 references? I know there's others out there, but I couldn't recall any specific instances.
More than that, though, it brought back memories.
The first time you played a d20 game.
Remember that?
Trying to figure out the rules while you make your first character? Being a little nervous at first, as you figure out what you can and can't do? Finding your voice? The laughter?The nerves?
The first time I made a character for Dungeons and Dragons I was in high school. A friend had insisted a big group of us make characters and get together to play. Most of my friends said no, but I was one of the few who said I would. A few years before that I had stumbled across a copy of the Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook (3.5) in a bookstore and flipped through it. I wanted the book so bad, but had no idea what it was. I must have looked at it over the next twenty trips. Passing by, browsing, but never buying. Flash forward a few years and I suddenly went 'A-ha! That's how you use that book!' I made myself a dual-wielding elven ranger with long red hair named Meloriel. We went to the store and browsed minis until I found the perfect one. And then…. Nothing. We never played.
It wasn't until many, MANY years later that I finally had the opportunity to play again. This time I made a half-elven bard named Lorelei. My husband (we had just started dating at the time) played her boyfriend, a gnome illusionist named Blount who worked as her stage-hand. My brother played a fierce minotaur warrior, while co-workers of my brother and husband played a lizardfolk and a half-orc monk. It was DMed enthusiastically by another co-worker of my brother's. The game wasn't very long-lived, but it sure was fun. We immediately began buying the rulebooks and campaign settings. I got addicted to Dungeon Magazine. We went out and bought pewter miniatures, only to paint them ourselves with whatever we had on hand. I even cracked out my pencil crayons and drew my own character art. Sadly, the campaign came to an abrupt end when my husband and I went on a vacation, but we never lost our love of the game. We were hooked from that first roll of the dice!
In the years since we must have remade our characters at least three times. But, each time, they never get further than a few sessions into their tales. Maybe we'll make them again one day. Perhaps as Pathfinder Society characters, or in a home game with my kids.
It's funny, I suppose, that something as simple as playing a game for the first time can change your life so completely. But, here we are.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Have any stories to tell me about your first characters or first experiences playing a d20 game? Know any awesome shows or films that reference d20 gaming? Let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear what you have to say.
Author d20diariesPosted on June 9, 2018 June 6, 2018 Categories Adventures, Character, d20, Diaries, Dungeons and Dragons, GM, Humour, Miniatures, News, RaceTags adventure, Blount, Character, d20, Diaries, family, friends, Funny, gaming, iZombie, Lorelei, Love, Meloriel, Memory, minotaur, Netflix, Race, social, thanks, zombieLeave a comment on A Trip Down Memory Lane…
Iron Gods: Part Five: High Times in Torch
Today on d20 Diaries we're heading back to Torch, for more of the Iron Gods adventure path!
Iron Gods is a six-part adventure path by Paizo Publishing that fuses technology and fantasy into one awesome Pathfinder campaign. The first volume, Iron Gods Book 1: Fires of Creation , is written by Neil Spicer, and is intended to bring characters from levels one to four. The Iron Gods Player's Guide is a free download on Paizo's website, here. For further information on the Iron Gods campaign, check out my blog post 'Iron Gods Adventure Path.' For information on our characters, check out my blog post 'Iron Gods: Character Focus: Haji and Nix,' and for information on our first few play sessions, check out my blog posts 'Iron Gods: Part One: Into the Weeping Pond, Iron Gods: Part Two: Bring Out Your Dead,' 'Iron Gods: Part Three: Gremlins,' and 'Iron Gods: Part Four: The Dead Desert' If you're going to play Iron Gods yourself, I highly recommend picking up the Iron Gods Adventure Path Pawn Collection , which has a ton of unique pawns for use in the campaign.
Art that inspired Nix. Discovered on Pinterest. If you know the artist or the source let me know, so proper credit can be given!
The trip back to Torch had been hell.
Despite their wounds, Nix had insisted on digging through the piles of debris for useful parts and scrap. She was an impulsive woman. Impatient, and reckless, but she was also brilliant. The bits of wire and metal she might find in the blocked passageways could become something wonderful with a bit of tinkering in her workshop. Like the massive metal arm that she wore. Built from scrap salvaged from the junkyard, it was a fine replacement for her missing one, which had been torn off by a piece of malfunctioning machinery a few years ago.
Haji had watched with exhausted fascination. His one remaining eye piercing the darkness with ease. The second eye socket was filled with a glittering gemstone, and surrounded by a strange triangular rune that had been branded into his flesh by his one-time master. The same master who had taken his eye.
Perched on his shoulder, a hideously ugly rat with strange rocky protrusions jutting from his flesh hissed in impatience. The rat was Haji's keeper, and the source of his magical powers.
Haji eyed his rat-master and shook his head.
"I'm not leaving her behind."
The rat hissed again and nipped Haji on the ear, clearly disappointed in his decision.
In the skulk caverns, Sef had eyed them with ill intent. It was clear she was contemplating taking advantage of their weakened state to murder them, but apparently thought better of it. She bit her tongue and let them pass. For now, their alliance still stood.
The swim through the Weeping Pond was the worst. It's toxic waters stung their wounds, and made their eyes water. Although Rothmhar was unwounded, neither Haji nor Nix had much strength left in their limbs. Swimming while weighed by scrap and scavenged equipment took forever, and in the end they ended up walking along the bottom of the lake for the better part of an hour. Finally they clambered up onto shore wet, exhausted, with their wounds seeping puss. Unsurprisingly, this meant their first stop would be the Temple of Brigh.
The Temple was crowded with worshippers all praying that the Torch would reignite. Without it, many of them would starve and the town would sputter and die. The old high priest, Joram Kyte, was in the middle of leading a sermon, so Haji, Nix, and Rothmhar plopped down at the back of the chapel, bleeding all over the pews and stinking the place up with the toxic fumes of the lake. To say they made a disturbance was an understatement.
In time the sermon drew to a close, and the worshippers moved on to pray privately, either in the chapel, or by creating a useful device in the holy workshops nearby. Joram strode over to them with a pleasant smile on his face.
"I see the caverns proved a challenge today. Lucky for you, Brigh blesses all who beseech her for aid." He gestured at a nearby donation box made of elaborate clockwork parts.
"You cheap bastard," Nix cursed.
Haji dug a pile of money out of his belt pouch and dropped it into the box. With a clicking and a whirr, the box began to move. Sprouting metal protrusions It formed and created a golden mask—the holy symbol of Brigh, goddess of invention and clockworks. The mechanical face bowed it's little head, then clinked and clanked its way back into its constituent pieces and withdrew itself inside.
"A fine blessing, indeed!" Joram remarked with a wide grin. "Now, let's see what we can do about those wounds?"
It took more than a few castings, prayers, and a heavy dose of antiseptic cream before Haji and Nix were feeling more like themselves. Haji was grateful to the clerics, but Nix grumbled and complained the entire time that she could just brew her own potions at home. To drown her out, Haji explained to Joram what they had seen.
"The behaviour of these skeletons it strange," Joram admitted. "Can you describe their behaviour in detail? And their bodies… Is there any chance they were particularly rotten zombies? I… have heard tell of something similar sounding…"
After further conversation, Joram sighed. "I believe that this red light is a sign that the skeletons are being controlled by another. By an intelligent undead, capable of forming a mental link with the skeletons, and bending them to his will. Unfortunately, if I am correct, then there's a high probability that these unquiet skeletons will reform daily."
Haji scowled. "Reform?"
"But, we just destroyed them!" Nix exclaimed. She crossed her arms in an angry pout.
"And you'll need to destroy them again tomorrow," The preacher added with a stern look.
"So how do we stop their rejuvenation?" Haji asked.
"You'll either need to destroy their controller, or bring their spirits peace. I'm afraid I can't tell you more without witnessing them personally."
"Bring them peace?" Nix scoffed. "Pretty hard to do when they're shoving their claws into your chest! Ass."
Joram ignored the insult and shrugged. "If I'm wrong, you'll soon find out. But, if I'm right… Well, it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. Have I mentioned that we sell holy water? Brigh protects all who show her the proper respect."
Haji nodded quickly, before Nix could insult the old priest further.
With their holy water in hand, and their purses significantly lighter, Nix and Haji left the chapel and entered the streets of Torch. Wide, well-worn dirt roads stood empty. The forges and bellows lining the roads were quiet and dark. Doors were shut. Windows shuttered. Shops closed.
Torch was dying.
Eventually they came to the home of Val Baine. Val was a child, barely twelve, but she had promised to feed Haji, Nix and Rothmhar. Not indefinitely, of course. Only while they were exploring the caverns under Torch. Val's father, the town councillor Khonnir Baine, had gone missing in those same caverns, and Val was hopeful that Haji and Nix would bring him home.
At the sight of them, Val smiled. "You're back! Did you find my father?"
Haji shook his head no, while Nix ignored her and held her stomach dramatically.
"I'm starving."
"I see," Val sighed sadly. But a moment later she smiled. "I'm sure it won't be much longer now! You'll bring him home, soon." She led them into the nearby bar that was her father's. "We're having roast crow for dinner. Come on."
The bar was large and empty, having been closed by Val until the day her father returned.
Val was a decent cook for a kid. Better than Haji and Nix, anyway. Of course, that wasn't saying much, as Haji had been known to eat garbage and rotten meat on occasion, while Nix often cooked out of the same pot she brewed alchemical concoctions from. Standards were not high.
They stuffed themselves, and then Haji stuffed himself even more. Food had been scarce growing up, so he had a habit of gorging himself to bursting whenever possible.
Eventually they left and made their way to the market. They had goods to sell, and Nix was intent on discerning the uses of the strange devices she had discovered. The market was pretty empty, with only a few stalls in operation, but they were lucky. They met a man by the name of Sanvil Trett who was an expert in the advanced technology that littered Numeria. He was a friendly fellow, who chatted away happily with Nix and explained how all of her scavenged goods worked—for a fee, of course.
Haji didn't like the man. He smiled entirely too pleasantly at Nix and flirted with her while they talked. After Haji wrapped his arm around Nix and gave the man a growl he backed off a bit, and the conversation turned professional. Turns out Sanvil was pretty helpful. They learned that the silverdisks they regularly used as currency were batteries capable of charging up advanced technology. Most of the ones that they had were spent, and had no purpose other than money, but others had a visible lattice of metal lines on one side that shimmered in the light like a rainbow. These possessed the power to recharge advanced devices. The strange pen-like stick Nix had found a while back was a zipstick. When charged it would send a minor electrical current into something. Although not powerful on its own, a zipstick could be used with ion tape and some other advanced devices. Ion tape was pliable and sticky, but solidifies when electrified, becoming solid and smooth. Another shock caused it to revert to its original form. The smooth rectangular disks they had turned out to be a strange kind of key, which would open doors within metal ruins—presuming the ruins still had power. Nix also picked up an e-pick—a set of tools that would help her pick electronic locks—and some of that splendid ion tape!
After a bit more ooh-ing and aah-ing over the devices Sanvil had for sale, Haji and Nix wandered off to sell some of their more mundane loot. Afterwards they would head back to Nix's house to rest, recover, and brew a heaping pile of potions for the next day.
On the way they came upon a messenger.
"Miss Nix! Mr. Haji!"
Nix turned with a raised eyebrow to find a scrawny messenger holding out an envelope.
"What?" Haji growled.
The messenger stuttered nervously. "P-p-please come and visit the illustrious Silverdisk Hall! My master bids you welcome!"
Haji glowered at the messenger with his one good eye, while Rothmhar hissed at him.
Nix raised an eyebrow. "Your master? Seriously? Garmen Ullreth just suddenly decided to offer us an invite to spend our coin at his casino?" She scoffed. "How generous of him."
Haji snatched the envelope out of the messengers hands and opened it. Inside was a fancy invitation and a writ for 100 gold worth of credit at the casino. Sure enough, it was addressed to them personally, and signed: Garmen Ullreth.
"M-my master has heard of the good you are doing for the town of Torch, and wanted to honour you for your efforts. The c-c-credit is good on our games, beverages, and food."
"Food?" Haji's frown transformed into a bright smile.
"Uh, yes, sir!" The man stammered.
Nix let out a laugh. "We'll be there." She told the messenger. "Now, get."
The messenger scurried off, while Haji and Nix went back to the business at hand: selling their loot and buying supplies for Nix's crafting. By the time they got back to Nix's crowded home/workshop it was late afternoon. Nix only had a few hours to tinker and brew before they left for Silverdisk Hall.
Learn more about the wonderful town of Torch in Iron Gods Book 1: Fires of Creation!
The casino was swanky! Staffed by scantily clad workers, and filled with the finest furniture in town, Silverdisk Hall was like another world. Tables of card and dice games filled the main hall, while a bar and restaurant at the back served food. Impeccably clean servers wound through the crowds of grungy townsfolk, carrying trays of alcohol and drugs for sale. And everywhere they looked: siverdisks. Haji and Nix found their way past the half-naked greeters and over to the cash counter. A burly looking fellow with bulging muscles and a sleazy smile gave Nix a wink before cashing in their voucher for ten shiny silverdisks.
"All games and services are paid for by silverdisks here. When you're ready to cash out, just come on back. Enjoy yourselves, now!"
Haji growled in response.
Nix snatched up the silverdisks and discovered one had a tell-tale shine to it. She pulled out her zipstick and pressed it against the silverdisk, like Sanvil had taught her. The shine on the circuitry faded. Nix clicked the button on the side of the zipstick and a small jolt of electricity shot sparked at its tip.
"Ah!" She exclaimed happily. She waved the zipstick around for Haji to see and smiled brightly. "Did you see?" After testing it a few more times, and wasting half the charges provided by the battery, Nix finally put the stick away and returned her attention to her surroundings.
"Care to waste our coin on gambling?" She asked.
Haj shook his head. "No. But I will waste it on food."
Nix laughed. "Honey, food is never a waste."
There was a chuckle from behind them, and a hand fell on Nix's shoulder. "Oh, my dear, this is delightful!"
Nix and Haji turned to find the infamous Garmen Ullreth smiling at them. He was clean and handsome. Dressed in gleaming sutdded leather armour, and with a rapier on his hip, the man was clearly well off, and not to be trifled with.
Haji growled, but refrained from threatening the overly wealthy (and politically powerful) man.
"Oh, Miss Nix! You must have a brilliant mind to forge such a wonderful device! Your arm is exquisite! And you, Mr. Haji! I was told you were a terrifying sight, but I must say, I'm impressed. That gaze alone could send a trained warrior crying back to his mother's skirts."
With a bow, Garmen introduced himself. "My name is Garmen. I'm the owner of this fine establishment, and I'm so happy you could join me."
Haji grunted, but Nix smiled. "Thanks for the invite."
"Oh, it's the least I could do for the saviours of Torch! Now, go on. Enjoy yourselves. It's on me, tonight."
Garmen gave Haji a bow, kissed Nix's good hand in farewell, and was gone as fast as he had appeared.
"Well, that was weird." Nix remarked.
Haji only grunted. "Let's eat."
Wandering through the tables, the duo made their way to the bar at the back of the hall. They sat down to eat, only to discovered Sanvil Trett already there.
"Hey! Happy to see you two again!" Sanvil greeted them. "I didn't peg you for the gambling type."
"We're hungry." Haji remarked.
"Hungry? But the food here is horribly over priced!"
Nix laughed. "Figures."
Haji shrugged. "We're eating free tonight. So why are you here, then?"
Sanvil smiled. "Why, didn't you hear? They only deal in silverdisks." Leaning over conspiratorially he whispered, "They don't know the difference between a charged disk and a spent one. I cash in my sales from a day to disks, and often end up with one or two that are charged. That's a ton of profit! I just hang onto those at the end of the night, and trade in spent ones. It's great turnaround!"
Nix let out a laugh. "That's genius!"
Sanvil grinned. "Let's keep it our little secret, dear."
Haji narrowed his eye at Sanvil, and growled.
"Miss. Nix." Sanvil corrected. "And Mister Haji, of course. And now, if you'll excuse me, It's time for me to cash out."
Sanvil excused himself and left, while Nix and Haji ordered—horrendously overpriced—food.
Deeper in the bar there was a disturbance. Some drunk loser at the other end of the bar was making a fool of himself.
A drunk loser who also happened to be Nix's dad.
"Figures." Nix scoffed. Turning to Haji she added, "You eat. I'll check on him."
While Nix settled down her father, Haji watched the gaming hall. He saw some strange things, but nothing particularly weird. There was a lot of cheating by the dealers. And a lot of guys walking around had ropes wrapped around their forearms and fists. He had seen people like that around Torch, but had no idea who they were. A gang, maybe? Some weird fashion trend? Fist-fighters? He didn't know and, frankly didn't care. There was a suspicious woman slinking around the tables. Foolish girl was going to get herself killed. And a surprising number of customer altercations. The rope-fisted fellows were prone to picking fights with other patrons, only to have the dealers take advantage of the commotion to cheat for the house.
Haji shook his head. He didn't understand gambling.
The silverdisk's didn't go far. A few drinks each and a couple of helpings of food, and suddenly they were broke. The place was a money pit.
Haji and Nix left the Silverdisk Hall not long after arriving, no richer than they went in. On the plus side, they were full, and drunk. They stumbled home happily, their earlier brush with death temporarily forgotten. They spent the night wrapped in each others arms, with Rothmhar hissing at them angrily.
They had survived one hell of a day! But, with another battle against the strange skeletons looming on the horizon, they might not be so lucky next time…
Thanks for checking out d20 Diaries today! Haji and Nix's adventures playing Iron Gods Book 1: Fires of Creation , will continue soon, in their sixth instalment: Master of Skulls. We hope you'll join us again!
Author d20diariesPosted on May 15, 2018 May 10, 2018 Categories Character, d20, Diaries, GM, Humour, Iron Gods, Paizo, PathfinderTags adventure, Character, d20, Diaries, family, focus, Funny, gaming, Haji, Iron Gods, Khonnir Baine, Love, Nix, Rothmhar, Sanvil Trett, social, Society, Torch, Val Baine1 Comment on Iron Gods: Part Five: High Times in Torch
Iron Gods: Part Four: The Dead Desert
Iron Gods is a six-part adventure path by Paizo Publishing that fuses technology and fantasy into one awesome Pathfinder campaign. The first volume, Iron Gods: Part 1: Fires of Creation , is written by Neil Spicer, and is intended to bring characters from levels one to four. The Iron Gods Player's Guide is a free download on Paizo's website, here. For further information on the Iron Gods campaign, check out my blog post 'Iron Gods Adventure Path.' For information on our characters, check out my blog post 'Iron Gods: Character Focus: Haji and Nix,' and for information on our first few play sessions, check out my blog posts 'Iron Gods: Part One: Into the Weeping Pond, Iron Gods: Part Two: Bring Out Your Dead,' and 'Iron Gods: Part Three: Gremlins!' If you're going to play Iron Gods yourself, I highly recommend picking up the Iron Gods Adventure Path Pawn Collection , which has a ton of unique pawns for use in the campaign.
As Nix, Haji and Rothmhar stepped into the metal ruins for the first time, their footsteps echoed down the corridor loudly. The walls, floors and ceiling were made of smooth, dark grey metal–glaucite–while panels of lighter material ran along the ceiling eight feet above. To their left and right, the tunnel was blocked by piles of rubble, but ahead it continued through an open doorway.
Nix stepped forward to sift through the rubble with excitement. She was an impulsive woman. Impatient, and reckless, but she was also brilliant. The bits of wire and metal she might find in the blocked passageways could become something wonderful with a bit of tinkering in her workshop. Like the massive metal arm that she wore. Built from scrap salvaged from the junkyard, it was a fine replacement for her missing one, which had been torn off by a piece of malfunctioning machinery a few years ago.
'Wait!" Haji hissed. A far more cautious creature than Nix, Haji was often the voice of reason in their relationship.
With a roll of her golden eyes, Nix paused.
Haji peered into the darkness with his one remaining eye. The second eye socket was filled with a glittering gemstone, and surrounded by a strange triangular rune that had been branded into his flesh by his one-time master. The same master who had taken his eye.
Haji spotted a figure down the tunnel… It was still and silent. Unmoving. Looking closer he realized it had three spider-like legs, two metallic arms, and a single red lens in the centre of its head. It was a robot–the same kind they had fought outside Val Baine's home (see Iron Gods: Part One: Into the Weeping Pond for more details). This one looked to be in much better condition, though. It's outer shell was solid, it's arms looked to be all in joint, and its legs looked even and well-oiled. Recognizing the threat it could pose, Haji approached the robot with his falchion.
Slowly, he poked it.
With a shrug, Nix began to dig around in the debris.
The robot in front of Haji whirred to life. It's lens lit up, bathing Haji in bright red light.
"It's awake!" Haji exclaimed, swinging at the robot with his falchion.
Parts of the robot's chassis split open under the assault, but its didn't slow. It swung its metal arms at Haji, knocking the breath out of him.
The stones and gems braided into Haji's hair and beard jingled as he was knocked around by the blow. On his shoulder, Rothmhar hissed at the robot.
Turning to see a robot bludgeoning her boyfriend, Nix stalked forward. With a big downward swing she yelled, "Hey! Leave him alone!"
Her morningstar smashed parts of the robot apart, but a moment later, a strange flickering occurred around the damage, and the metal bits started repairing themselves.
"Well, shit!" Nix swore.
The battle continued, but the robot didn't stand a chance. Already aware of its weaknesses, Haji and Nix made short work of the metallic monster–though its ability to quickly repair itself did draw out the battle.
As it collapsed to the floor in pieces, Nix leapt upon the robot's body, pulling parts and pieces out for her own use. Soon it was nothing but scrap, and its repairing capabilities no longer functioned.
Further down the hall they came upon another entry hatch that led into a room filled with a tangle of broken cages.
"Was this a… prison?" Nix asked.
Holding up a few bits of ancient bones, Haji shook his head. "No. Animals were kept in these cages. Or… aberrations, maybe. Creatures not of this world."
There were two other doors leading out of the ancient menagerie. One was open while the other was sealed shut. Nix tried to break her way into the sealed door using her wide array of tools, but had no luck. In another pile of rubble they discovered a few strange technological objects. Nix was thrilled, but Haji insisted she wait until they were home safely before fiddling with them.
In time they came to a room with a pair of machines protruding from opposite walls. They were covered with coils of metal tubes and nozzles, which were aimed at the room's interior.
"What's does this thing do?" Haji asked Nix.
Nix smiled widely and examined the weird machines. "I… I don't know, but they don't seem to be working."
With a shrug they continued on through the room. Past another door, they found themselves in a tunnel of rough stone.
"What?" Nix complained. "That's it?"
"No…" Haji mused. "I… There's something strange with this rock. It's not… Real."
"The rock's not real? What are you talking about?"
"It's… artificial rock, I guess. It was formed this way, into this tunnel."
"What the heck for?"
Haji shrugged. "I don't know."
With their weapons drawn they proceeded down the tunnel and came across a large rock formation that looked a bit like petrified coral.
You can find the ghelarn, a large aberration, in Iron Gods Part One: Fires of Creation .
As they approached, something deep inside the stone formation moved and a mass of long, tentacle like protuberances reached out from the centre of the rock formation and lashed at the duo.
Haji growled and slashed at it with his falchion, slicing some of the rubbery tentacles apart.
The tentacles recoiled, hiding inside the rock formation like it was a shell.
"What the hell?" Nix asked. "Should we kill it?"
Rothmhar hissed and bobbed his head. A moment later, Haji grunted. "Yes."
The strange beast attacked from within its stone carapace, lashing with its tentacles and spitting a sticky substance. The tentacles tore into Nix's flesh, causing deep, bleeding wounds. Haji struggled against the goop's entangling tendrils, but the little rat on his shoulder hissed and began to gnaw right through it. With a growl, Haji strained and struggled, and burst his bonds. He swung his falchion and severed some of the strange creature's tentacles, while Nix smashed through the stone-like exterior with her morningstar. As stone shattered, revealing a pulsing purple mound, Haji drove his blade right into the centre of the mass. A strange, viscous liquid exploded out of the beast's wounds, splattering Haji and Nix.
Nix stumbled over to the side of the cave and wiped the goo out of her face. She was heavily wounded during the fight, although Haji came out unharmed. Nix activated one of her gadgets, causing a metallic beetle to scurry over her body and spray a healing foam into her nastiest wounds. As it crumbled to pieces she activated a second one, then scooped the parts back into her backpack.
"Well, that was fun." Nix groaned sarcastically.
Haji looked her over with worry, while Rothmhar hissed in his ear. With an annoyed look at the rat, Haji grumbled, "Yeah, I'm going."
Then he looked back at his girlfriend. "You alright?"
"Shiny." she replied, though she clearly wasn't. "Come on, then, before that rat bites your ear off."
Rothmhar hissed at Nix, then tossed its nose up in the air.
With Haji and Rothmhar leading the way, they continued down the tunnel. After a few twists and turns it opened into a large cavern. The floor was red sand, and the cavern walls behind them were steep but smooth. Difficult to climb, they disappeared out of sight in all direction–left, right and up. Nix's sunrod barely pierced the gloom.
"Can you see the other side?" Nix asked.
Haji shook his head. "No. And not the ceiling or side walls, either. This cavern is… vast."
Nix let out a short "Huh."
It was eerily quiet in the cavern, with no sign of the pervasive damp of the previous caverns they had been in, and no distant echoes. The sand at their feet looked natural, but bore no dunes or gentle curves as it would on the surface. It was flat and still. Unnaturally so.
A shiver ran up Haji's spine. He couldn't shake the sudden feeling of unease that overcame him. But Nix hobbled off a few steps into the sand, apparently unconcerned.
"We need to stay together," Haji warned. "It would be easy to get lost in here…"
"Lost? It's so quiet in here you could hear my footsteps from a mile away." She chuckled, but then stopped. "Speaking of footprints… I found some. Looks like a few pairs. What do you think?"
Haji moved over to check them out. Sure enough there were a few sets. "Looks like a group of people traipsed through here, and headed off ahead. One of 'em was wounded. Khonnir's group, maybe. Some time later another few tracks came through. And it looks like… one pair managed to leave again."
"Leave?" Nix asked. "Oh! Yeah!" she exclaimed with a clank of her metal fingers–it would have been a snap had she used her good hand. "That guy we found in the cold mold! That naked freak said he had stumbled out of here like a madman."
Haji nodded absently. "Gerrol Sondor. He was a friend of Khonnir's. And the woman's name was Sef. She said nothing of the sort, by the way."
"Same difference." Nix replied. "Should we follow them?"
Haji nodded and drew his falchion. "Yes."
They set off following the tracks through the sand. After a short time they could see none of the cavern walls at all. They were adrift in an endless expanse of motionless sand.
Suddenly, Haji stopped. "Did you hear that?"
"What?" Nix asked.
Rothmhar sniffed at the air.
Suddenly there was a shifting of sand. Footsteps. Then more.
"Who's there?" Nix called out. "Show yourself!"
At the edge of Haji's vision he saw a figure. Skeletal and tall with a massively elongated cranium and four arms, the creature stalked through the sands. And there, to his left! Another. And another from behind.
"We're surrounded…" Haji told Nix.
"Shit! I can't see them. Where are they?"
"They'll be in your light soon. Looks like they're slow, though. And stupid."
Suddenly, the eyes of one of the skeletons glowed red. That skeleton cocked its head, looked right at Haji and met his eyes. Then it charged him, bounding across the sand in an instant.
"BAH!" Haji exclaimed in surprise.
The skeleton tore into him with a clawed hand, ripping flesh with its ancient bones.
"Slow, my ass!" Nix exclaimed.
Rothmhar hissed at the skeleton while Nix hurried over to Haji. She swung her morningstar at the skeleton and smashed a gaping hole in its skull. The skeleton turned on her, it's red, baleful eyes focusing on her with hate.
"I thought you said it was stupid!" Nix exclaimed.
The skeleton launched itself at her and tore gaping wounds in her arms and neck with its claws. Suddenly, the light in its eyes faded. The other skeletons traipsed mindlessly closer, when suddenly another's eye-sockets lit up in a red light. It looked right at Nix, and charged at her, zipping past Haji in order to swing a claw at her back.
Haji roared in anger. He raised his sword and brought it down on the skeleton that had so heavily hurt Nix. As his blade struck bone it sent a jarring vibration up his arms, but he powered through, tearing through the skeletons ribcage and spinal column with his oversized sword. The skeleton fell to pieces, but around them, others moved closer.
Nix quickly swung her morningstar, taking the red-eyed skeleton out at the knees, and sending it toppling to the ground. But, even as it fell, the red light transferred to another skeleton, and in the distance, they heard more footsteps. And more… And more…
The red light was moving faster now, jumping from skeleton to skeleton and imbuing each with intelligence before moving on. As the skeletons all surged forward, swinging their claws at Nix, and trying to tear her weapon from her hand, Haji roared.
"Run!" He bellowed. "RUN!"
Heavily wounded, Nix took off after the trail of footprints, dripping blood across the sand. Haji took another swipe at the skeletons before following her. As the ran they could hear more skeletons shuffling out there in the distance. Nix quickly activated another of her gadgets, causing a clockwork beetle to scurry it's way from her belt over to the bleeding wounds across her chest. It sprayed a magical antiseptic foam across her open wounds, causing them to heal–partly. After healing her, the beetle crumbled into tiny pieces. This time she didn't spare the time to retrieve them.
As she hobbled across the desert, pouring blood, Nix hissed at Haji, "I'm out of healing."
Haji raced after her. "I've got some left, but it'll only slow us down."
Quickly, he shoved his hand into one of his belt pouches and let out a quick prayer to Rothmhar. His words were strange and unintelligible, but they had a dark and foul sound. As he muttered the brand around his eye surged with power, Rothmhar let out a fierce hiss, and the trio of rocks inside the pouch began to magically glow. Haji pulled out one of the rocks, which struck one of the skeletons in the chest and caused its ribcage to explode. It stumbled on for a few steps before tumbling to the ground in pieces.
The path led Nix to a rock formation that jutted up out of the sand like a miniature mountain. As they raced along it's edge Haji threw his other two stones, both of which smashed into skeletons. As the bones fell lifeless to the dirt, Haji let out a whoop.
Atop the rocks to Nix's left, there was a sudden pair of glowing red lights–another skeleton. It eyed Nix, but let her run right past. Instead, it focused on Haji and his magical stones. It leapt off the crags and landed upon Haji, knocking him over into the sand.
Haji let out a growl of pain and lashed out at the skeleton. He managed to get to his feet, but the skeleton gave a deep gash across his arm for the trouble. He gripped his falchion in his hands and faced off against the red eyed skeleton, just as the other skeletons caught up to him. Surrounded, he let out a growl. From the sand beside his foot, little Rothmhar hissed menacingly.
"Don't stop!" Haji yelled to Nix. "Get out of here!"
At his words, Nix spared a glance behind her. Seeing Haji surrounded, she growled. "Like hell!"
Haji swung his falchion at the most damaged of the skeletons around him and forced his blade through the bones, causing it to shatter to pieces. "Come and get me, you freaks!"
The red eyed skeleton attacked with all four arms, tear and scratching at Haji's exposed skin.
Haji grunted in pain and spat a glob of blood on the ground. "That all you got?"
As the red light left the skeleton's eye sockets and entered another's, Haji knew he was done for. The second skeleton attacked him with its many sharp claws, then the third… He howled in pain and fell to his knees. He tried to swing his sword, but it was too heavy… His hands weren't working right…. And his vision… Why was everything so blurry? Soaked with blood, and moments from death, Haji lost his grip on his sword, and toppled over, bleeding in the red sand.
Rothmhar hissed and nipped at the skeleton who had taken down his friend, but his teeth did nothing to the monster's ancient bones.
One of the skeletons raised its claws in the air, ready to drive them down into Haji's chest. There was a shuffling of sand and an explosion of bone, as Nix smashed her morningstar through its skull. She let out a strangled cry–half sob and half scream–and stood over Haji's body.
Waving her morningstar menacingly at the last two skeletons, she smiled like a mad woman. "Over my dead body, bitches."
The skeletons turned their attention to Nix, tearing and cutting her flesh with their bony, clawed hands. She screamed in pain, and fought back. Howling in rage and frustration.
She wouldn't let Haji die here. Not alone.
Bloody and near death herself, Nix fought.
Meanwhile, Rothmhar had buried himself into Haji's belt pouch. He grabbed a vial in his mouth and scurried back out of the sack. He dragged it across Haji's chest and perched his hideous body right up beside Haji's open mouth. He worked at the vial's cork, gnawing it out with his teeth until the vial opened with a pop. Then he nudged the vial over, into Haji's gaping mouth. Slowly, the healing potion trickled into Haji's throat.
Above them, Nix had smashed one of the skeletons, but her wounds were great. The last wounded skeleton dugs his four hands into her chest and tore, yanking great hunks of skin off and sending her tumbling to the ground. She landed with a dull thump, tangled in a heap just inches from Haji.
Haji opened his eye just in time to see Nix fall beside him like a lifeless doll. Blood covered her and she was missing massive hunks of flesh. As her head smashed into the sand she caught sight of him just for a moment, before her eyes looked past him–dull and unfocused.
Haji let out a howl of anger and launched himself at the skeleton, pounding it with his fists… his head… a nearby rock. Anything he could grab hold of. He vented his anger and pain on the creature, slowly smashing in its skull with blind rage. Finally, the red light left its eyes.
With bloodied hands, and broken knuckles, Haji heaved in gulps of air, panting with exertion and anger. He screamed, then crawled across the sand to Nix's side.
She didn't look good. She was pale and bloody, bruised and broken. She looked dead.
He pressed his hand against her, and prayed loudly to Rothmhar. The rat hissed at him in anger, clearly thinking Nix wasn't worth it. But, Haji didn't let up. He snarled his prayers over and over. Beneath his hands, Nix didn't draw breath. Her heart didn't beat.
Haji glared at Rothmhar and continued to chant in the foul tongue, forcing his prayers upon the hideously ugly rat. Rothmhar let out a rather human sigh. Finally, the brand around Haji's eye burned with power, and a surge of healing energy poured from Haji's hands and down into Nix's chest. Some of her wounds healed, and he felt a single beat of her heart under his palms. Haji continued to chant, funnelling more and more of Rothmhar's magic into his dying girlfriend. Eventually she drew in a shuddering, weak gasp of breath. Her eyes refocused. She blinked, and groaned.
"You're not dead," she rasped. Her bloody lips turned up into a smile.
A wide grin broke out across Haji's face. "Neither are you."
Nix chuckled, but then hissed in pain.
"Don't move," Haji ordered her. "You're too wounded, and I've got no healing spells left."
She groaned and dug a few vials out of her pockets. "Drink," she told him, "You look like shit."
But instead of drinking them himself, Haji fed them to Nix.
Bloody and wounded, but alive, they both struggled to their feet.
"Ugh, this place sucks." Nix groaned.
Haji nodded. He put an arm over Nix's shoulders and pulled her close. "Let's go home."
Rothmhar chittered angrily up at the duo, clearly displeased that despite saving their lives he was given so little attention.
Together, they limped their way back to through the metal ruins, on their way back home.
Thanks for checking out d20 Diaries today! Haji and Nix's adventures playing Iron Gods Book 1: Fires of Creation , will continue soon, in their fifth instalment: High Times in Torch! We hope you'll join us again!
Author d20diariesPosted on May 8, 2018 May 8, 2018 Categories Adventures, Character, d20, Diaries, GM, Iron Gods, Paizo, PathfinderTags adventure, Blach Hill, Character, d20, Diaries, family, focus, Funny, gaming, Haji, Iron Gods, Love, Nix, Numeria, Rothmhar, social, Torch, Weeping Pond2 Comments on Iron Gods: Part Four: The Dead Desert
Today on d20 Diaries we're celebrating by sharing all things 'love' from Pathfinder. So whether you're a romantic looking for love like Aldern Foxglove (who you can meet in Rise of the Runelords Anniversary Edition ) a jilted, jaded loner like the Stag Lord (who you can meet in Kingmaker Part 1 – Stolen Land ), or a parent who would do anything for their children like Nadya Petska (who you can meet in Reign of Winter Part 1 – The Snows of Summer ), we've got you covered! So slip on your sleeves of many garments (Pathfinder: Ultimate Equipment ) to get that perfect look and get ready to celebrate Valentine's Day in style!
We're starting simple, with a collection of mundane equipment that can make Valentine's special for even the lowliest level one character! Prepare yourself for the day with a grooming kit and some perfume/cologne. Head out for a lovely carriage ride, or to see a show. Read poetry (if you're literate), or serenade that special someone with a musical instrument. For dinner, set the mood with a candle and candlestick, and be sure to bring a bottle of wine and some chocolates. All of these items are available in Pathfinder: Ultimate Equipment
But, for those of us who are higher than level one, chances are you've got some cash to burn! Let's take a look at some pricier options! Unless otherwise listed, all of the items below are from either the Core Rulebook or Ultimate Equipment .
Still trying to catch the eye of that special someone? Be sure to get your armour and weapons glamered. Up your game with a circlet of persuasion, headband of alluring charisma, or a headband of seduction. Really put in the effort with a Zonzon Doll of Forgiveness (Inner Sea Gods ) tailored just for them! Or skip the effort completely and invest in a staff of charming, or eyes of charming.
Trouble Hanging on? Love keep slipping through your fingers? Be sure to invest in some tanglefoot bags, silk rope, an elixir of love, philter of love (Advanced Player's Guide ), or a harp of charming.
Beloved often caught in the thick of things? Give them a paper flower favour (Heroes of the High Court ) or a true love's locket (Giantslayer Part 2 – The Hill Giant's Pledge ) as a token of your affection. Always keep an eye out for them with kinsight goggles.
Got someone you'd do anything for? Invest in an allying weapon, martyr's tear and a ring of friend shield.
Can't bear to be separated? Pick up a bracelet of friends.
Worried about all that romance (and enchantments) clouding your mind? A cap of the free thinker should help keep your head on straight! While the Liberator's Rod will give you a second chance to see to the heart of the matter.
But enough about romance! Some character's love life in general! So if you're the kind of adventure who would rather preserve life than end it, pick up a merciful metamagic rod or a merciful weapon. Then try out some benevolent armour.
Broken Hearted? Share your pain with a heartseeker, seeking or stalking weapon. They'll regret tossing you to the curb!
My personal choice for the most romantic in-game gift? Boots of the winterlands! It's quite cold where I live. Haha.
Shelyn, Pathfinder's goddess of love, beauty and art.
But love isn't all about stuff! Up next we're taking a look at the gods of Pathfinder, some loving, some possessive, and some plain evil! All of the gods listed below can be found in Inner Sea Gods , although some are in other sources, as well.
If you're going to make a character interested in love you're definitely going to want to take a look at Shelyn, The Eternal Rose, the popular goddess of love, beauty and art. If you're a dwarf you'll instead check out Bolka, The Golden Gift, goddess of beauty, desire, love and the goddess responsible for making arranged marriages blossom into loving relationships (Dwarves of Golarion ). For a less obvious faith, take a look at Hembad, the Wise Grandfather, an empyreal lord of connections, matchmaking and synergy. Contrariwise, Naderi is the heartbroken goddess of love, romantic tragedy, suicide and drowning (Inner Sea Faiths , Faiths of Balance ).
Looking to tackle a more physical aspect of love? Calistria, The Savoured Sting, is the most popular choice. She's the elven goddess of lust, revenge and trickery. Or take Arshea, the Spirit of Abandon, for a spin! He's the androgynous empyreal lord of freedom, physical beauty and sexuality. Try going the opposite direction and take a look at Lymneiris, The Auroral Tower, an angel interested in prostitution, rites of passage, and virginity (both of whom are featured in Chronicle of the Righteous and Heaven Unleashed ). Take a walk on the darker side of sex with Ardad Lili, the infernal Whore Queen of seduction, snakes and women (Princes of Darkness ) or with the Green Mother, a divine fey interested in carnivorous plants, intrigue and seduction (The First World, Realm of the Fey ).
Want to worship a god worried less about romance, and more about family? Erastil, god of family, community, farming, hunting and trade, is the most well-known option. Although plenty of others exist. For dwarves there's Folgrit, the Watchful Mother, goddess of children, hearths and mothers (Dwarves of Golarion ). For giants there's Bergelmir, Mother of Memories and goddess of elders, family and genealogy (Giants Revisited ). Orcs can pay homage to Dretha, goddess of birth, fertility and tribes. Feronia is a lesser known demi-goddess of flame and fertility. Svarozic is an empyreal lord interested in parenthood, ingenuity and progress. And lastly, Shei is an empyreal lord interested in life and self-actualization.
But love isn't always good. Love of all kinds can be twisted into something foul. If you're looking to take a look at the darker sides of love, lust and obsession, check out these horrible devils, demons, daemons and other foul beings: Belial, Archdevil of adultery, deception and desire (Princes of Darkness ); Slandrais, a daemonic harbinger interested in lechery, love potions and obsession (Horsemen of the Apocalypse ); Zaigasnar, a daemonic harbinger interested in body modification, destructive vanity and pins (Horsemen of the Apocalypse ), Nocticula, demon lord of assassins, darkness, and lust (Lords of Chaos , Demons Revisited ); her brother Socothbenoth, demon lord of perversion, pride, sexual gratification and taboos (Lords of Chaos ); Zepar, an infernal duke of abduction, rape and transformation; Zaebos, an infernal duke of arrogance, nobility and sexual perversion; and Verex, the orc god of lust, pillage, and plunder.
If you're interested in bringing love and heartbreak into your game further, try using nymphs (Bestiary ), satyrs (Bestiary ), erodaemons (Bestiary 2 (Pocket Edition) ), pairaka (Bestiary 3 ), incubus (Bestiary 3 ) and succubus (Bestiary ) in your games as enemies, as well as enchanters of any kind.
Players can check out the Sacred Attendant archetype for clerics (Healer's Handbook ). Clerics and other classes with access to domains can check out the charm, community and good domains (Pathfinder Core Rulebook ), as well as the cooperation (Inner Sea Gods ), family, home, love, and lust subdomains (all from the Advanced Player's Guide ). Inquisitors can check out the seduction inquisition (Inner Sea Intrigue ). Spiritualists can make phantoms with the dedication, despair or jealousy focus (all from Occult Adventures ), as well as the kindness focus (Psychic Anthology ) or lust focus (Occult Realms ). Bards can add the 'dance of captivating desire' (Elemental Master's Handbook ) or 'at the heart of it all' (Ultimate Magic ) masterpieces to their repertoires. Characters of all classes can benefit from the feats: Cursed Love (Agents of Evil ) and True Love (Ultimate Campaign ).
There's a ton of spells in Pathfinder that have to do with love, lust and infatuation, most of which are enchantments. Some of my favourites include charm person, charm monster and enthrall, all of which are from the Pathfinder Core Rulebook . Ultimate Magic introduced lover's vengeance, unadulterated loathing, unnatural lust, and waves of ecstasy. From other sources there's adoration (Ultimate Combat ), dream dalliance (Agents of Evil ), lover's vengeance (The Inner Sea World Guide ), matchmaker (Ultimate Intrigue ), seducer's eyes (Inner Sea Gods ) and shamefully overdressed (Ultimate Intrigue).
Lastly, we're going to take a look at a few adventures that are the perfect fit for Valentine's Day.
My personal favourite is Realm of the Fellnight Queen ! This Pathfinder adventure module is intended for level seven characters and was written by Neil Spicer as his winning entry in RPG Superstar 2009. This wonderfully written adventure begins as the players attend a wedding ceremony for a friend. The wedding itself is a blast, with activities for the players to participate in, a great cast of colourful NPCs for them to interact with, and a feast in addition to the wedding. But soon a love-spurned gnome crashes the wedding with his beloved bees at the behest of his mistress, Queen Rhoswen. The players will have to save not only the wedding, but the entire town from the Fellnight Queen's machinations by heading deep into the forest and entering her extra-planar realm! This adventure is just a blast to play! I highly recommend it!
For adventure's about familial love, I recommend playing Racing the Snake or Final Resting Place. Both are 3.5 Dungeons and Dragons adventures published in Dungeon Magazine. Racing the Snake is by John Simcoe and is found in Volume 105. It's intended for level six characters, and has the PCs hired by a nobleman to protect his beloved daughter from assassins–with a twist! While she travels secretly to her wedding in the capital, the PCs get to impersonate her and lead her assassins and enemies on a wild-goose chase until she's safe and sound! This adventure has interesting encounters and really tips the regular format on it's head! Final Resting Place is written by Michael Kortes and is found in Volume 122. It's intended for level three characters, and has the PCs hired by the daughter of a famous adventurer who recently perished on an exploratory mission underground. Knowing her father is dead, but unable to come to grips with it without his body, the PCs are sent underground to the site of his last mission, in order to return his body to his daughter for a proper burial. This adventure is one of my all-time favourite 3.5 adventures and is a TON of fun.
But what about all those lover's scorned out there? I'd suggest giving Curse of the Riven Sky or Clash of the Kingslayers a whirl. Both are larger than life, awesome level ten Pathfinder modules that are driven in one way or another by the heartbroken, the betrayed, and the angry lovers out there! And best of all? As your player's discover the motivations and history of the NPCs involved, they'll question their cause, enemies and allies in a way they haven't had to before. Both are definitely worth a whirl! Curse of the Riven Sky is written by Monte Cook, while Clash of the Kingslayers is written by Leandra Christine Schneider (and currently on sale for only two dollars American).
We B4 Goblins, a free Pathfinder adventure by Crystal Frasier. Come on! You know you want to ride a pig through a wedding cake!
Want to worry less about morality and more about destroying something beautiful and having a BLAST? Take We B4 Goblins for a whirl! This FREE Pathfinder adventure makes the player's all goblins fresh out of their whelping cages, and sets them loose on some super fun rites of passage which culminates in an attack on a halfling wedding! Smash the cake, terrorize the guests and work out all your anger on the happy couple! The goblins are crashing the party!
Romantic love isn't the only kind that causes pain and heartbreak. These next two adventures revolve around what happens when family is taken from us. Murder in Oakbridge is a murder mystery printed in Dungeon Magazine volume 129, written by Uri Kurlianchik and intended for level five characters. Wingclipper's Revenge was printed in Dungeon Magazine volume 132 and pits the PCs against the perils of the fey (and man!). It was was written by Christopher Wissel and is intended for level four characters.
If you're into the Pathfinder Society, try playing Scenario #27: Our Lady in Silver, or Scenario #4-09: The Blakros Matrimony. Our Lady in Silver unleashes our Pathfinders upon the desert nation of Qadira. It's written by James McKenzie for tiers 5-6 and 8-9. The Blakros Matrimony takes place on Pariol Island outside of Absalom, an island owned entirely by the infamous Blakros family. It is written by Thurston Hillman for tiers 3-7. Both are unique adventures that are a ton of fun.
We've got one final Valentine's Day treat for you today… An adventure path that is all about the relationships you forge with your companions and fellow players… The Jade Regent Adventure Path (starting with Jade Regent Part 1 – The Brinewall Legacy )! With rules for how to befriend and woo each member of the caravan, and updates in every volume for what items, events and places have meaning to each NPC, this adventure path is the first (and only) one that pays loving attention to the side characters right from the start of the campaign, to the end. If you want to get in on a game where relationships matter, give Jade Regent a try. The player's guide is available as a free download, here.
That's all we've got for you today!
No matter who you are, and what kind of love (or lack of) you're celebrating today, I hope you enjoyed taking a look at the many ways you can spread the love with Pathfinder!
All the best, and Happy Valentine's Day!
Author d20diariesPosted on February 14, 2018 February 14, 2019 Categories Adventures, d20, Diaries, Dungeons and Dragons, Game Aids, GM, Holiday, Humour, List, Paizo, Pathfinder, UncategorizedTags adventure, Character, d20, Diaries, Dungeon, Dungeons and Dragons, Equipment, Faith, family, friends, Funny, gaming, GM, Holiday, List, Love, PFS, Sale, Scenario, social, Society, thanks, Valentine's DayLeave a comment on Valentine's Day


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Robert Johnson (born May 27, 1995) is an American professional basketball player who last played for ADA Blois Basket 41 of the French Pro A. He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers.

College career
Johnson averaged 12.8 points and 2.5 assists per game as a junior at Indiana. He declared for the NBA draft but opted to return to the Hoosiers. As a senior, Johnson averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Johnson was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the coaches. He finished 21st in career scoring at Indiana with 1,413 points.

Professional career
After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, he represented the Atlanta Hawks during the NBA summer league in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Johnson played for the Wisconsin Herd in his rookie season, averaging 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. On August 8, 2019, he joined the Polish team MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza.

On December 15, 2019, he has signed with Parma of the VTB United League. Johnson signed a two-year extension with Parma on July 16, 2020.

On January 21, 2021, he has signed with Lokman Hekim Fethiye Belediyespor of the Turkish BSL. Johnson subsequently joined averaged 19.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. Pallacanestro Cantù and On January 19, 2022, he signed with Legia Warszawa of the Polish Basketball League.

On August 1, 2022, he signed with Napoli Basket of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA).

On January 9, 2023, he signed with ADA Blois Basket 41 of the French Pro A.

References

External links
Indiana Hoosiers bio

1995 births
Living people
American men's basketball players
American expatriate basketball people in Italy
American expatriate basketball people in Poland
American expatriate basketball people in Russia
American expatriate basketball people in Turkey
Basketball players from Richmond, Virginia
Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball players
Legia Warsaw (basketball) players
MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza (basketball) players
Napoli Basket players
Parma Basket players
Shooting guards
Wisconsin Herd players

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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How Recreational Fishing Videos are Aiding Management Efforts
May 7, 2021 /in Conservation, Ocean News /by aanstett
By Nina Colagiovanni, SRC intern
As technology advances in today's world, scientists are becoming more aware of the benefits of data gathered from platforms like YouTube. Research conducted by Sbragaglia et al. collected YouTube videos relating to recreational fishing of four species of grouper: dusky (Epinephelus marginatus), white (Epinephelus aeneus), goldblotch (Epinephelus costae) and dogtooth (Epinephelus caninus). Recreational fishing refers to any fishing activity that is not done for commercial purposes (Giovos et al., 2018).
Figure 1: mA Fishing Rod and Reel Set Up [Wynand van Poortvliet via Unsplash]
This research was carried out in Italy between the years of 2011 and 2017 in order to understand the ecological patterns of groupers in the Mediterranean Sea and to demonstrate how data can aid in conservation science (Sbragaglia et al., 2020). Data was obtained from anglers and spearfishers who had uploaded videos of their catches publicly.
Prior research examined recreational fishing videos of common dentex (Dentex dentex) which is an important species in the Mediterranean, and it was found that there was greater support as well as a greater mass of fish caught in angling videos versus spearfishing videos (Sbragaglia et al., 2019).
This research focused on groupers which are currently listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Their hypothesis included that larger target species will search for protection from fishers in deeper waters, known as the "depth refuge" hypothesis (Sbragaglia et al., 2020). Additionally, they wanted to examine whether there was a northward expansion in the white grouper.
Figure 2: Number of Annual Videos Related to Recreational Fishing of Groupers [Sbragaglia et al. 2020]
A total of 2097 videos were identified over the years, with 1714 (82%) relating to spearfishing and 383 (18%) relating to angling (Sbragaglia et al., 2020). The videos were reported in regard to fishing method, which marked angling with red triangles and spearfishing with blue circles, as shown in Figure 2 (Sbragaglia et al., 2020). It can be seen that the trends differed depending on the species. For instance, the dusky, white and goldblotch groupers had more videos relating to spearfishing, while the dogtooth did not. This is due to the fact that dogtooth groupers inhabit deeper water where it is more difficult to spearfish.
In comparison to the common dentex, spearfishing videos were more representative in grouper species. This could infer that more spearfishing videos are being uploaded to YouTube or that spearfishing is a more popular method for grouper catches.
Figure 3: A Dusky Grouper [Pascal van de Vendel via Unsplash]
Overall, their results found that body mass and depth in angling videos were greater than in spearfishing videos for both the dusky and white groupers, and that there was a northward expansion of the white grouper (Sbragaglia et al., 2020). This supported their initial hypothesis, indicating that there were shifts in grouper distribution.
This research not only provides insights into the ecological patterns of groupers, but also displays how digital data gathered from platforms like YouTube can be utilized for research purposes and can contribute to management of marine species like the grouper or the common dentex in the future.
Giovos, I., Keramidas, I., Antoniou, C., Deidun, A., Font, T., Kleitou, P., . . . Moutopoulos, D. (2018, June 28). Identifying recreational fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea through social media. Retrieved March 10, 2021, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/fme.12293
Sbragaglia, V., Correia, R., Coco, S., & Arlinghaus, R. (2019, June 14). Data mining on YouTube reveals fisher Group-specific Harvesting patterns and social engagement in recreational anglers and spearfishers. Retrieved March 10, 2021, from https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/77/6/2234/5519069?login=true
Sbragaglia, V., Coco, S., Correia, R., Coll, M., & Arlinghaus, R. (2020, October 04). Analyzing publicly available videos about recreational fishing reveals Key ecological and social insights: A case study ABOUT groupers in the Mediterranean Sea. Retrieved March 10, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972036201X
Tags: fisheries management, recreational fishing
https://sharkresearch.earth.miami.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Figure-3-1-scaled.jpg 1707 2560 aanstett http://sharkresearch.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Um-Shark-Research-logo-2018-new.png aanstett2021-05-07 10:00:022021-04-14 18:09:34How Recreational Fishing Videos are Aiding Management Efforts
Behavior modifications in whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) suggest a need for... Using Local Fisher's Knowledge in Marine Conservation

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Israel's Animal Abuse Story in Tnuva Meat Plant Causes Furor
Posted on December 19, 2012 by Maurice Picow in Business, Lifestyle
Caught by Kolbotek's hidden camera: a former dairy cow gets shocked on the way to being slaughtered
Following the TV exposure of severe animal abuse in Israel at the Tnuva Adom Adom livestock slaughterhouse a public outcry has been raised among Israel animal rights activists over the cruel tactics used on livestock brought there for slaughter. In addition to public demonstrations outside the Dairy Giant Tnuva's headquarters in Tel Aviv petitions are being circulated to have the slaughterhouse closed down due to cruel and unusually harsh treat of animals.
This abuse included hitting and kicking the animals and poking them continuously with iron bars and electric "shockers" to force them to move along quicker to the area where they would be slain. This cruel treatment of animals has resulted in the Tnuva company facing criminal charge of abuse and cruelty to animals, as reported afterwards by Haaretz.
Enraged Israelis protest in front of Tnuva's Adom Adom offices
The treatment of livestock at the Adom Adom slaughterhouse, often from the hands of inexperienced employees, has been brought to the attention of Israel's Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan who said that "this exposure of abuse is added proof that the protection of animal rights shouldn't be left in the hands of the Agriculture Ministry, which is mainly concerned with the best interests of the food industry."
The use of electric shocking devices appears to have set off a number of alarm bells in Erdan's environment protection ministry and resulted in confiscation of the shocking devices by the police .
Erdan, one of the rare ministers who actually knows something about environmental issues, is concerned that the abuse practiced at the Adom Adom slaughterhouse is in violation of Israel's Animal Welfare Law in which is stated: "A person shall not torture an animal, treat it with cruelty or mistreat it in any way."
Animal abuse at slaughterhouses and similar facilities, especially during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) has also occurred in Palestine, where a frightened cow about to slaughtered in Gaza turned on its proposed slayer and killed him.
A member of the Jordanian royal family, Princess Alia, has spoken out in favor of more humane animal slaughter during festivals like Eid al-Adha.
In regards to the revealed animal abuse at the Adom Adom slaughterhouse, the petition submitted to Israel's High Court of Justice by the NGO's Anonymous and Let Animals Live informed the High Court that the abuse the animals have been subjected to "was not exceptional, but was methodical, routine and continuous."
The petition states that animals suffered electric shocks to all their body parts, including their heads, faces and testicles.
It's more than enough to make consumers think twice when considering purchasing a beef roast, steak, or package of ground meat under the Adom Adom label. Those of you are meat eaters and wherever you live, when biting into your favorite hamburger think of the suffering the poor cow who "contributed" the meat patty for it had to endure.
::Haaretz
More articles on animal slaughtering and abuse:
Israel's Cruel Meat Industry Exposed by Watchdog TV Show
Angry Cow Murders Its Gazan Slaughterer During Muslim Eid Festival
Jordan's Princess Alia Calls for Humane Animal Slaughter Ahead of Eid al-Adha Festival
animal abuse
animal rights activism
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3 thoughts on "Israel's Animal Abuse Story in Tnuva Meat Plant Causes Furor"
Agnes Aussie says:
If consumers in Israel knew the truth about Australia's live animal exports, no decent person would eat these heinously abused critters. It is not an industry but a cult which attracts Australia's most sadistic humans. Some of Australia's most influential people (and parliamentarians) have grown filthy rich by trafficking in food animals. They are exempt from the animal welfare laws of the land. You can make up your minds about the irrefutable evidence that follows:
http://animals-angels.org.au/cms/images/stories/aa-aust/live-export-reports/7-aa-australia-fao-report-2012-03.01.pdf
http://tasmaniantimes.com/index.php?/weblog/article/revealed-the-real-conditions-on-live-export-ships/


Reduce, reuse, and let's party!
Cleaning up after a kids' party can feel like standing in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The disposable plastic cups, plates, cutlery, tablecloths, balloons, and streamers might have seemed great an hour into the bash, but they don't look so hot when they're smashed into trash bags headed for the dump. While this may seem like the price we pay when we host parties, it doesn't have to be, says Jenn Savedge, author of The Green Parent (Kedzie, 2008). Embracing a zero-waste or even a less-waste party philosophy is easier than you think.
To cut down on paper waste (and save dollars on postage too), send announcements via email. Sites such as evite.com make this choice attractive and simple. Be sure to relay information about bus or bike routes to partygoers, and help organize carpools for kids. If you're inviting friends and family from afar, build a webpage with information on where to stay and what to bring.
Do you have reusable plates, cups, silverware, tablecloths, and napkins at home? If not, the first option may be to rent these items. The next best option is "ordering compostable products made from cellulose plant material like potato starch, corn-starch, or bagasse [a byproduct of sugarcane production]," says Marti Matsch, communications director for Eco-Cycle, a recycling center in Boulder, Colorado, that offers a compostable zero-waste party kit. Look for recycled, compostable items from brands like Seventh Generation or order items online (see "Compostable Tableware Resources," right). As far as decorations are concerned, use food, paper streamers, and flowers — all of which are fully compostable. As prevalent as they are, avoid balloons, which aren't biodegradable and can harm wildlife.
Hosting a party is a great opportunity to get familiar with your local recycling options — or to refresh your recycling and compost know-how. If your town doesn't offer curbside recycling, visit earth911.org to find the closest recycling center. On party day, set up compost and recycling stations in lieu of trash bins (for general compost guidelines, see "Is It Compostable?" at left). Clearly mark your compost and recycling, and create signs that explain why there are no trash bins.
Encourage eco-friendly presents like clothes or playthings made from organic materials, gift certificates, and tickets to local events. "One way to steer guests in the right direction without coming across as tacky or preachy is to specify one or two stores where the guest of honor has a wish list," says Savedge. Hosts can specify on their invitations green online stores like Eco-Wise (ecowise.com) or Green Feet (greenfeet.com) that have gift registries.
Harness kids' creative energy — and make party favors at the same time — by setting up a craft for kids to complete at the party. Plant flowers in pots hand-painted by guests, or use old fabric, ribbon, buttons, and beads to make art, reusable lunch napkins, puppets, or toys. Or, if a craft seems like too much, set up a puzzle, toy, or book exchange at your party and let kids swap old for new.
PLATES, CUPS, AND UTENSILS made from biodegradable materials such as corn or potato starch.
PLASTIC-COATED paper and cardboard are not compostable or recyclable.
MOST FOOD. However, animal products, including cheese, bones, oils, and meats, should be handled by composting companies. Commercial composting systems work at a higher temperature and process these items better than backyard piles. Plus, these items can attract unwanted wildlife.
Have an eco party tip? Share it online at http://community.deliciouslivingmag.com.
Triple Take: How can I reduce toxin exposure?


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Don't Buy Greg Abbott's Self-serving Roundtables & Empty Rhetoric on White Supremacy
Abbott's political career is defined by hostility to minority Texans.
Abbott's political career is defined by hostility to minority Texans
Major news publications in Texas are prominently covering Governor Greg Abbott's dog-and-pony show roundtable, along with his comments condemning white supremacy and formation of a task force on domestic terrorism. Don't buy any of it at face value, because so far most of it has failed to include any mention of Abbott's long and consistent record of overt hostility to minority Texans.
During his time as Attorney General (2003 – 2014) and as Governor (2015 – present), Greg Abbott has been the point in the spear for Texas Republican racial discrimination and voter suppression efforts. Sympathetic rhetoric and forming a "task force" have been used by Abbott before to give himself short-term cover while he takes official actions harmful to minority Texans or condones other Republicans who directly attack and denigrate minority citizens.
Highlights of Greg Abbott's career-long hostility to Latino, African-American and other minority Texans.
Phony Voter Fraud Task Force
One of Greg Abbott's first actions as Texas AG was to divert federal funds intended to fight online child sex predators and other cyber crimes to pay for a phony voter fraud task force.
Abbott used the task force as an excuse to travel around the state dishonestly claiming rampant voter fraud and demonstrating how to harass and suppress minority voters. For example, Abbott's training materials warned and advised election officials to question the authenticity of
a ballot with a sickle cell awareness stamp or some other designation a person might logically associate with a person of color.
Of course, Abbott's real intentions were never to actually find and stop voter fraud. They were to harass and intimidate minority voters.
Abbott took particular aim at minority senior citizens, naming many in complaints. He even sent state agents to harass and spy upon an elderly woman in Fort Worth who had done nothing wrong and was never charged with any offense. Nearly all of accusations made by Abbott were dismissed without any voter fraud established.
Broken Border Pledge
One of the most explicit promises Greg Abbott made to Texans has been broken over, and over, and over again. In an interview with highly respected Texas journalist Carlos Sanchez, Abbott was asked about the anti-Latino rhetoric and disparaging comments made by his fellow Republicans. In response, Abbott said, "If there is somebody who makes a comment that is anti-Hispanic, that is a comment that is directed at me and my family… I will ensure from the top of the ticket to the bottom of the ticket in our party that we are reaching [out] to send a positive message."
Abbott could not have lied more blatantly. In the time since his pledge, Republican elected officials – from Donald Trump to Dan Patrick to dozens of other Texas officeholders and party activists – have spewed anti-Latino rhetoric. Rather than call them out, Abbott either emphasizes his support or hides behind silence and refusals to comment.
Intentionally Discriminatory Redistricting Maps and Voting Laws
Arguably, the most damage done by Abbott has been his ruthless efforts to undermine the voting strength of minority Texans through discriminatory redistricting plans and voting laws. As Attorney General, Greg Abbott helped configure and then advised Republicans in the Legislature to adopt racially gerrymandered redistricting plans. Federal courts have ruled that all three of the redistricting plans adopted by the Legislature in 2011 – Congressional, State Senate, and State House – were drawn with both discriminatory intent and violated the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. Moreover, Abbott pushed the Legislature adopt the most restrictive Voter ID law in the nation. Texas' voter ID law was so onerous that, when striking it down as intentionally discriminatory, the federal judge described it as a modern day poll tax.
During the period Greg Abbott has served as Texas AG and Governor, redistricting and voting laws he supported and spent millions of tax dollars defending in court have been ruled intentionally discriminatory not less than six times – more than all other states in the nation combined.
"The parties have provided more evidence of discriminatory intent than we have space, or need, to address here."
– Three-Judge Federal District Court condemning Texas 2011 redistricting maps
Discriminatory Voter Purge
We don't have to look back ten years, or five years, or even one year to find Greg Abbott using his position to undermine and attack minority Texans. Just six months ago, Abbott's hand-picked Secretary of State worked the Abbott cohort and current AG Ken Paxton to try to purge nearly 98,000 Latino citizens from the Texas voter rolls. Using an inaccurate, unfair and overtly discriminatory process, Abbott and his minions were forced to back down after a federal judge blocked the illegal purge stating the effort would "strike fear and anxiety" and would "intimidate the least powerful among us."
"DPS emails show Texas governor pressed for voter purge that used flawed data"
Abbott's flat demeanor and rank hypocrisy too often shield him from the criticism he deserves
Greg Abbott shrewdly uses a flat demeanor and dull-edged speaking style to mask partisan, ideologically extreme and racially divisive actions. And, far too often, the media covers his statements in the moment failing to mention his past racially divisive actions.
In the immediate aftermath of the El Paso shooting, Abbott sat stone silent during the early reports that the killer was a white supremacist motivated by Donald Trump's racist rhetoric. Abbott provided silent moral support when Trump went to El Paso and delivered narcissism and snide remarks instead of comfort and leadership.
Only when the coast was clear and Trump was out of town did Abbott find the voice to mention white supremacy or domestic terrorism.
Abbott has mastered a form-over-substance, passive aggressive approach that allows him to stay tight with the extreme and divisive elements now driving the Republican Party while coming across to the media as even-tempered and reasonable. He shouldn't get away with it.
Greg Abbott's Signature Achievement
Republicans Damaging Democracy More Than Each Other
Statement from Matt Angle, Lone Star Project Founder and Director
Video: MAGA Jack Cagle Has Always Been Dangerous
Cagle defended violent "Operation Rescue" protesters who destroyed property while terrorizing women, doctors, and police.
LSP Reports
'22 Cycle
Copyright by Lone Star Project. All Rights Reserved.
Paid for by the Lone Star Project, www.lonestarproject.net, not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Contributions or gifts to the Lone Star Project are not tax deductible. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. The Lone Star Project is a federal political committee that accepts contributions from individuals, partnerships, and other federal political committees of up to $5,000 per calendar year. All contributions of up to $5,000 per calendar year will be placed in the federal committee account and used in connection with federal elections. Contributions over $5,000 per calendar year can be made to the Lone Star Project's non-federal committee, and will not be placed in the federal committee account.
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text:
Eulepidotis punctilinea är en fjärilsart som beskrevs av William Schaus 1921. Eulepidotis punctilinea ingår i släktet Eulepidotis och familjen nattflyn. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Nattflyn
punctilinea


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← Do not mistake my silence..
Lessons From A Grand Ayatollah →
by AZW | June 28, 2010 · 8:20 am
World Cup Brings Justice for Apartheid League in Former Prison
As the soccer world cup heats up in South Africa, it is worth remembering that the present day South Africa is largely a result of the sacrifices of courageous men and women who stood up against apartheid in their native land. These people spent best years of their lives locked away for the crime of speaking for equal treatment for all of South Africans.
These brave souls are a model for not just the South Africans, but for all humans everywhere on this globe. As the saying goes, sacrifices of one generation make way for better lives of the next generation. Below, we reproduce a small yet powerful story about the political prisoners in South Africa, who formed their own football federation behind the prison walls. As they bask in the limelight their country enjoys on the world center stage, we hail these heroes who stood valiantly and selflessly for the equality of all men. May their sacrifices never ever be forgotten.
(AZW)
Reproduced from www.bloomberg.com
By Tariq Panja
June 10 (Bloomberg) — For Lizo Sitoto, the arrival of the soccer World Cup in South Africa is another justice for the former political prisoners who nurtured the sport there.
Sitoto, who was incarcerated on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, was among the group of inmates that formed the Makana Football Association, which ran soccer leagues at the penal colony.
"Football is more than a game for us because it kept us living," said Sitoto, 68, looking over at the dusty field where he learned to play and kept goal on most weekends for his team, Manong FC. "I wonder what would have happened if we were never allowed to play football on the island."
Soccer provided salvation for many at the prison, which is visible from Cape Town's new 4.5 billion-rand ($600 million) Green Point Stadium. As many as 1,400 inmates were held there. On June 11, another former prisoner, South African President Jacob Zuma, will step onto the field at Johannesburg's Soccer City to open the 19th World Cup. Former President Mandela, 91, may also attend.
Sitoto remembers Zuma, who spent a decade on Robben Island, as a "tough but fair" referee in matches organized by inmates. The games adhered to international soccer rules and provided a break from a daily regime of hard labor.
Red Cross Balls
Sitoto, who was interviewed at the former prison after December's draw for the World Cup, arrived as a 20-year-old after the country's then apartheid regime found him guilty of charges of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government.
He wears sunglasses to shield his eyes after they were damaged by the glare of the sun on the island.
Balls, once made from rags, were provided by organizations like the International Red Cross as the league developed. The rest was up to the inmates.
Boots were made by removing the heels from women's shoes and adding soles from rubber tires; goal nets were handmade by salvaging fishing nets and rope that had washed up on the shore of the exposed rock on which the prison was built.
The league itself consisted of three divisions featuring nine teams. Like today's professional leagues, coaches were always searching for new talent, sometimes getting a star player to swap clubs in exchange for packets of cigarettes.
Relations between prisoners and those guarding them were often frosty. Inmates were identified by numbers not their names. Mandela's, 466/64/, became an emblem for the anti- apartheid struggle. Yet, as the prison league developed, so too did the guards' interest.
Easing Boredom
"They were hostile initially," Sitoto said. "But as we were playing, they saw we were human beings and we entertained them because life for them was as boring as it was to us."
The entertainment wasn't available to all. Men like Mandela and African National Congress activist Walter Sisulu weren't only barred from playing, but also watching the weekend games.
They would be left to peek through windows of the isolation wing where they were held, and sometimes could be heard laughing and clapping, said Sitoto.
"Having these beautiful games of international status was our dream on Robben Island," Sitoto said. "I wish even those who were with me on the island, even those who have passed on, could be here with me to see some of our dreams realized."
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Filed under Activism, Apartheid, Colonialism
Tagged as apartheid, Democracy, nelson mandela, soccer, South Africa