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marketingprofitmedia · 4 months

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Unlock the Secrets to Getting More Website Traffic and Higher Rankings on Google in 2024

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On-Page SEO Optimization

Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

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Link Building Techniques

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Guest Posting and Outreach

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Building Authority Through Backlinks

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Social Media Integration

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Technical SEO Considerations

Website Speed and Performance

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HTTPS and Security

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Local SEO Strategies

Importance of Local SEO

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Google My Business Optimization

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Online Reviews and Citations

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Analytics and Monitoring

Google Analytics and Search Console

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Monitoring Traffic and Ranking Changes

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Adjusting Strategies Based on Data

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Trends in 2024

Voice Search and AI Impact

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Video Content and SEO

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Emerging Technologies in Search

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Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Optimization Pitfalls

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Ignoring Mobile Experience

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Neglecting Local SEO Factors

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Case Studies

Successful SEO Campaigns in 2024

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Learning from Failures

Failure is an inherent part of any journey. Analyzing unsuccessful SEO efforts provides valuable lessons, helping you avoid common pitfalls and refine your strategies for success.

Real-Life Examples and Insights

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Conclusion

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FAQs

Q. What is the significance of mobile-first indexing?

Mobile-first indexing prioritizes the mobile version of a website for indexing and ranking. It ensures that websites are optimized for the majority of users who access the internet through mobile devices.

Q. How often should I update my website content for SEO?

Regular website content updates help SEO. Balance new information with evergreen resources. New data, visualizations, and insights may be added.

Q. Are backlinks still crucial for SEO success in 2024?

Yes, backlinks are still important for SEO in 2024. The focus is now on quality above quantity. Guest writing, natural link development, and high-quality backlinks work.

Q. What tools can help monitor website performance?

Monitoring website performance using Google Analytics, Search Console, Ahrefs, and SEMrush is crucial. Traffic, user behavior, keyword ranks, and other optimization information are provided.

Q. How can small businesses benefit from local SEO?

Search engine optimization for local searches benefits small companies. This involves claiming and optimizing Google My Business, getting great ratings, and attending local events.

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Source : Unlock the Secrets to Getting More Website Traffic and Higher Rankings on Google in 2024

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raytorosaurus · 11 months

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the way ray took some time away from guitar following the breakup to explore other instruments and techniques and different sides of production/mixing, and then 'rediscovered' guitar and clearly focussed on fingerstyle playing and bluesy techniques for a while, and now he's honing in on precision picking jazz-style and has been working away at learning cliffs of dover for months and is considering taking lessons...and just a few months ago he was on stage four nights a week playing all the solos he wrote in his twenties bigger and better (and better again!) than ever before just for the joy of it, all the while chatting to other career musicians backstage about how mastery of your instrument matters so much less than playing it with feeling and making other people feel something...this guy is completely offline, any work he's put out has been self-released and the definition of a passion project, he's constantly writing music and learning more and more about what he can do with guitar with no intention of getting money or public praise from it - no intention of anything besides doing it. we're so lucky when we get to experience his playing but there's something so admirable and comforting about the knowledge that even if we don't see it for ourselves, he's still doing that shit! he's writing music with his kids and mixing songs and experimenting with new sounds and techniques and instruments just because! like...ray is one of the most incredible rock musicians out there but the most inspiring thing about him is how much he just genuinely truly loves his craft!! fuck!

#like frank's commitment to performance and musical community and connecting with crowds is deeply admirable to me #but sometimes i forget that ray's quiet passion that doesn't really expect any return is too!!!#SORRY FOR BEING SAPPY AND PARASOCIAL I AM LITERALLY HAVING A MOMENT.#ray toro #mcr talk #*#guitar

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cybrsan · 11 months

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ATEEZ as Benders

Masterlist | A/N: A glimpse into each member and their roles in my upcoming ATLA-inspired, Wooyoung x reader fic for the second part of my title track series. Will most likely end up writing a fic for each member and turning this into a sub-series of its own. Let me know what you think! Edit: As of 11/11/23, this has been turned into a series. Check out the masterlist here.

Hongjoong

Element: Fire

Occupation: Diplomat, Strategist

Personality: Intense, strong-willed, passionate, loyal, creative, intelligent, charismatic

Fun Fact: Hongjoong, despite being young, has become one of the government officials with the best reputation. He is incredibly persuasive and cunning, and he uses his skills to enact the will of the people and do his best for the good of the Fire Nation. He has a lot of secret admirers, often finding chocolates and other gifts in his office, but don't mention that to him or he'll get shy.

Seonghwa

Element: Water

Occupation: Artisan

Personality: Sensitive, nurturing, perfectionist, reliable, open-minded, adaptable, empathetic

Fun Fact: Seonghwa is known to make some of the most beautiful carvings and jewelry in the entire Water Tribe. All benders, no matter what nation they're from, would love to own one of his pieces. But secretly, he loves to make toys for kids to play with and prefers that to his main job.

Yunho

Element: Air

Occupation: Acrobat

Personality: Jovial, spontaneous, free-spirited, romantic, kind, helpful

Fun Fact: Yunho often tours the four nations with his troupe, and his solo act has become a favorite amongst children and adults alike. What makes his routine even more impressive is that he has an incredible mastery over his bending, and performs without ever touching the ground. Incredibly charismatic and entrancing to watch, his performance will capture both your attention and your heart.

Yeosang

Element: Air

Occupation: Meditative Guide

Personality: Unique, endearing, positive, dreamy, free-spirited, peaceful

Fun Fact: People often find Yeosang to be in his own world, a step or two behind everyone else. It makes it hard to believe that he's one of the best meditative guides hailing from the Air Nomads, helping troubled souls find their inner peace through deep and intense focus. Truthfully, he's aware of everything that's going on but only likes to pay attention to the things that really matter to him.

San

Element: Fire

Occupation: Firebending Instructor, Tactician

Personality: Passionate, unpredictable, alluring, strong-willed, independent, principled

Fun Fact: San is one of the best firebenders in the nation, having mastered the technique of blue lightning. People would pay unspeakable amounts of money to be taught by him, but he only teaches those without the means to compensate him, dedicating his time to the underprivileged. He gives free classes at the orphanage his father runs, while he gets his money from the government, advising military leaders on the most effective ways to deploy firebenders and utilize their bending skills in combat.

Mingi

Element: Earth

Occupation: Architect

Personality: Patient, conciliatory, persistent, logical, diligent, complex, gentle

Fun Fact: Mingi loves creating things, but he also finds himself wanting to leave a positive impact on the people and environments around him. That's why, when designing any sort of structure, he taps into the vibrations of the earth, seeking its guidance to foster a harmonious connection between the building and its surroundings. He believes that humans and the earth can live together in harmony, strengthening and taking care of one another.

Wooyoung

Element: Water

Occupation: Healer

Personality: Enigmatic, sensitive, giving, comforting, loving, altruistic, committed

Fun Fact: Wooyoung has mastered a unique form of healing that he calls "Wavesong" where, through singing and dancing, he can project vibrations through water that promote healing within wounded individuals, allowing him to help not only their bodies but their minds. People believe this is because he is moon-blessed, a child born under the Siren Moon that only rises once every 88 years. Wooyoung lets them believe that, not wanting to reveal that his true "blessing" is having prophetic dreams that tend to get him in more trouble than they're worth.

Jongho

Element: Fire

Occupation: Ceremonial Performer

Personality: Courageous, idealistic, adventurous, passionate, independent, powerful, dynamic

Fun Fact: When Jongho isn't participating in a ceremony or ritual, he often busks on the streets of the capital, entertaining passersby for fun. If you manage to see him, either in an official or unofficial capacity, you should consider yourself lucky. Whether it's due to his bending or simply his natural talent, his voice seems to imbue the listener with a feeling of warmth and a nostalgic longing for home.

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minty-mumbles · 1 year

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I am extremely interested in the sheikah!wild bullshit, do you have like a whole au fleshed out?

Hi, hello! Yeah I do! Thank you for giving me an excuse to ramble about it. Some of these headcanons are courtesy of @transzeldas

Buckle up because I have a lot of thoughts about this :) There's also a good heaping of headcanons about Sheikah culture in this as well.

Spark notes version:

Wild is half Sheikah and half Hylian. His mother was a Sheikah warrior, and his father was a Hylian knight.

He was raised in Kakariko by his mother, and his father wasn't really involved. His mom eventually married a Sheikah man and had his little sister

Like most Sheikah children, he was trained in the art of Sheikah fighting when he was young. He was very good at it, and liked fighting, and it was assumed that he would likely follow his mother's path and become a warrior. He earned his mastery in swordsmanship very young, which technically made him an adult in the eyes of his people.

Wild found the Master Sword when he was 12. The Elders of Kakariko decided to keep this hidden. He was considered too young to go serve the royal family. The Sheikah kept a sharp eye out for the return of Ganon, though. They thought he was too young, but they still expected him to do his duty as the hero when it came down to it.

The Sheikah have a tradition that teens go on a journey around the country before they're named full adults. Wild visits Castle town when he's 14 as part of this journey. He saves Zelda from the rouge guardian, which brings him to the attention of the King, who wants him to come serve as a guard at the castle.

After consulting with his mother and the Elders, Wild presents himself to the king as the hero soon after that, wielding the Master Sword. He's appointed Zelda's personal guard, and the rest of the story goes pretty much the same after that.

He forgets his culture when he comes out of the Shrine, and works to reconnect with it.

Dorian is actually his sister’s grandson, so that means he's related to Koko and Cottla.

The Yiga have major beef with Wild, even more than before, since not only is he the hero, but he's also Sheikah, and the Yiga and Sheikah have been at war for generations.

In-depth Version:

Wild's parents met when his mother was stationed as a guard in the Palace. They never married, and Wild's bio father was never super involved in Wild's life. He sent money, and was a little supportive, especially once Wild became a knight, but he was never interested in having children. On top of the fact that his father never wanted children, it was seen as a little shameful for Hylians to be involved with a Sheikah.

I've always really liked the idea that Sheikah were discriminated against by Hylians, based on the time when the monarchy commanded them to get rid of their technology. Some of the Sheikah resisted giving up their technology, and joined Ganon, and some yielded to the monarchy. Seems simple, right?

But history is never as simple as that. Ordering the Sheikah to give up such a huge part of their culture smells a lot like cultural genocide. The prophecy about Ganon's return may not have been the only thing that caused the monarchy to order the Sheikah to abandon their technology.

Anyways, I digress. The rest is under the cut because it's long af:

By the time Wild is born, the Sheikah mostly keep to themself in the secluded Kakariko village, (which used to be much bigger than it is in BotW.) However, many of their warriors go to serve the royal family.

This is nominally because of the Yiga. The Yiga and the Sheikah have been at war with each other for generations. Because the Yiga are technically a branch of the Sheikah, and are so dead set on killing the royal family, the monarchy demanded reparations in the form of protection. Hylian fighters have difficulty countering Sheikah fighting techniques, especially since the Sheikah, and the Yiga by extension, can do shadow magic. (Teleportation, invisibility, glamours, being able to float, etc. In rare cases, some can read minds/communicate telepathically)

Wild's mother was one of the Sheikah that served the monarchy. She moved back to Kakariko after she found out she was pregnant with Wild, and never really left after that. Sheikah are a matriarchal society, and since Wild's mother was Sheikah, both other Sheikah and Wild himself considered him to be fully Sheikah. Hylians, on the other hand, consider him to be both Hylian and Sheikah.

Wild's hair is technically blonde, but it's a far cry from the golden locks of his father, more wheat in color. His eyes are blue, and not the red of a Sheikah. If someone met him, they wouldn't say he has a Sheikah parent, but would probably guess at some Sheikah ancestry. Wild cannot do full shadow magic because of his Hylian blood, but his Sheikah blood does allow him to do some cool stuff. (Slow down time a little bit)

Wild had a pretty average childhood for a Sheikah child. When he was four, his mother married a Sheikah man, and when he was six, his younger sister was born.

The Sheikah are a warrior people. Most Sheikah children are trained in the basics of fighting. After that, at about the age of ten, they can choose to continue to train as a warrior, or become an apprentice in some other specialty. They earn their mastery in their chosen field, which signifies that they’ve mastered their profession and have become an adult.

Wild was no exception to the training. He starts when he’s eight, and it takes very little time for it to become apparent that he’s a prodigy. He’s very good at it, and he likes it. Most people assume that he’s going to follow in his mother’s footsteps and become a warrior.

He does choose to continue his training, and earns his mastery at the age of 12, which is incredibly young. Most get their mastery at ages 15-18.

While this technically makes him an adult in the eyes of his people, he’s still mostly treated as a child, only with more freedom and respect. People now address him as “Master Link” (Side note: “Master” is a gender neutral form of respectful address for someone who has their mastery. Women are not called Mistresses, simply because I hate that)

Shortly afterwards, Wild feels a pull in the middle of the night. He leaves, and causes a great deal of panic in his family. His mother even ends up sending a message to Wild’s bio father to see if Wild went to him. A week and a half later, Wild shows back up, pretty beat up, with the master sword concealed on his back.

The Elders of Kakariko Village know that if it comes out that Wild is the hero, he would likely be conscripted into serving the crown, whether he wanted to or not, so they agree that they’ll keep it a secret for a few years. Even though he’s earned his mastery, he’s still considered too young to go to Castle Town and serve in the military. (The Sheikah start paying more attention to the signs of the Calamity resurrecting after that. They may not like the fact that Wild has the master sword, but if the hero is needed, they expect him to do his duty.)

Most Sheikah teenagers go on a trip around the country after they’ve earned their mastery, sort of like taking a gap year between high school and college to go see the world. Wild’s mother doesn’t allow him to go on one for a few years, because he's still too young, but when he’s 14, he finally goes. He stops in Castle Town to see his bio father for a day, and while there, he saves Zelda from the rouge guardian.

This brings him to the attention of the king, who sees potential in him, and wants him to become a knight. Wild is taken aback by this, as he always thought he was going to join the Sheikah section of the military, but even though he considers himself fully Sheikah, his father being Hylian means that Hylains consider him to not be fully Sheikah which allows him to become a knight.

The Elders and his mother agree that now would be the best time to present himself as the hero. He does so, and the king appoints him as Zelda’s personal guard and grants him a knighthood ship that same day.

The story plays out mostly the same as it does in the game from here on out. His heritage is known among the nobles of Hyrule, although not much talked about in “polite” company. Wild is quietly a little annoyed that Zelda doesn’t ask him for help with the Sheikah slate, both because it's meant for the hero in the first place, and because he is Sheikah.

When Wild gets out of the shrine, he remembers nothing of his family or culture, although he still instinctivly remembers some things, like how to meditate. His fighting is still obviously Sheikah in style, although it’s taken on a much more savage edge. Wild doesn’t care about honor or fighting dirty. He’ll do whatever it takes to win.

Impa’s the one to inform him that he’s Sheikah. He becomes determined to learn as much as he can about the culture. He wants any connection to his family he can get, and wants to feel like he belongs some where.

The Yiga are super invested in killing Wild, not only because he’s the hero, but also because he's Sheikah, and the Yiga and Sheikah are still at war. Yiga mostly leave Hylian travelers alone, but even though Wild is Hylian passing, everyone knows he’s Sheikah.

Dorian is actually the grandson of Wild’s sister. Dorian doesn’t tell Wild this for a while, but everyone else in Kakariko knows. Wild finds out that Dorian is giving information to the Yiga, and the trust between them is broken. Wild agrees not to tell anyone about Dorian’s betrayal, because Wild believes that he really won’t do it again, that he can deal with Dorian if he does do anything, and most importantly because Koko and Cottla need their Father.

Dorian doesn’t want to tell Wild they’re related and make him feel pressured into forgiving him. Impa eventually gets fed up with Dorian stalling and tells Wild herself. Wild, who doesn’t remember much about his family, is ecstatic to have that connection, although still wary of Dorian. Wild dotes on Koko and Cottla so much.

After the fall of the Hyrulian empire, many of the Sheikah traditions were widely adopted by the populace. Because most Sheikah children are trained in fighting, the average Sheikah was better equipped to survive in the post-apocalyptic world. The gossip journals that are in all the stables are actually a Sheikah tradition. (The gossip journal in the general store in Kakariko) Most of the sign posts that you can find in BotW are made by the Sheikah. The signs are written in Sheikah as well, which means most travelers know a little bit of the language nowadays.

Additional thoughts:

I am still on my Paya/Flora bs as well. Wild is a great wingman who tells Flora all about Sheikah courting traditions. (Also Wild/Flora QPR because I love that dynamic)

Wild’s Sheikah training didn’t wear off while he was in the Shrine. He’s the stealthiest one in the chain and the most flexible. He stretches every night and morning if he can

He likes to wear the Sheikah stealth clothing, or at least the mask a lot. Because he looks Hylian, this gets him some weird looks in other eras where people don’t know who he is.

Wild's bio father had a house in Hateno, which Wild visited a few times, although he never stayed long. This is the house that he eventually buys in BotW

Jojo said she considered giving Wild a Sheikah tattoo around his eye but didn't, as that would make his face too busy. I propose he has the tattoo somewhere else. Maybe his upper back? The Sheikah eye tattoo is another signifier that a warrior has earned their mastery and has become an adult. He losses the tattoo when he’s killed. (It’s blown off by Guardian lasers.) He gets another one done after he defeats the Calamity.

Wild knows how to speak, read/write, and sign in Sheikah. He can speak Hylian, but he doesn’t know how to read or sign. The other heroes think Wild is completely illiterate for a while, because of a misunderstanding when he told them he couldn't read Hylian.

Warriors knows a little bit of Sheikah. Not enough to be fluent, but enough to catch scraps of a conversation. He also knows some battle commands in Sheikah sign.

Wild re-learns how to cook traditional Sheikah dishes together with Koko

When Wild sits, he kneels instead of sitting criss-cross-applesauce as kneeling is considered more polite/mature

When you use the “Sit by the fire until…” option in game, Wild isn’t sleeping. He’s meditating with a Sheikah technique that allows him to get a little rest while still being aware. It’s not as good as sleeping, but it’s enough to get you by if you’re in a dangerous environment.

Wild loves to meditate, even when he doesn’t need to. It helps him clear his mind, and organize his thoughts. (Unrelated headcanon: because of his lack of memories, Wild is very susceptible to any kind of mind magic)

Please ask me questions about this AU if you have any, I’ve been thinking about this for ages.

#asks open anon on #linked universe #sheikah wild au #mint's headcanons #lu wild #psychopathonadiet

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dailycharacteroption · 1 month

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Prestige Class Spotlight 13: Aspis Agent

(art by LoranDeSore on DeviantArt)

Ah, the Aspis Consortium, an organization in the Lost Omens setting as insidious as they are greedy. With a mission statement that can be boiled down to “Make a Profit no Matter the Cost”, this organization is every bit of every bad thing about a worldview centered around money. Exploitation, theft, smuggling, slavery… If it can make them money, the Consortium will take advantage of it, all while maintaining the veil of goodwill through charitable works that are in the end infinitesimally tiny compared to the profit the organization makes exploiting the very people they’re supposedly caring for.

Remind you of anything in real life?

While the villainous and underhanded side of the Aspis Consortium can make them suitable antagonists for nearly any campaign, the most likely branch of the Consortium that members of the Pathfinder Society are likely to run into would be their agents. These explorers and plunderers seek out the same sort of ancient sites that the Society is interested in, but purely for the purpose of acquiring the relics within to either keep for personal power or sell to buyers without a thought or care about the impact they cause by doing so, be it disrupting sites held sacred by the locals or outright curses and magical traps on the relics they seek.

Which isn’t to say that the Aspis won’t have their field agents also participate in more domestic crimes as well, of course, but their training focuses on tomb robbing first and foremost.

Which is where this archetype comes into play. While primarily meant for villains, it can also be used for villainous protagonists in evil games, or even by former Aspis members who became (or are becoming), more heroic.

And outside the Lost Omens setting, this archetype could be quite useful for representing a character that is a professional temple delver, particularly one that often has to fight off other expeditions as well.

Delving into this training requires a whole suite of skills revolving around deceit and dungeon delving, as well as basic training with a whip and either keen senses honed around noticing traps or the ability to cast magic that reveals secret doors. The whip training in particular is due to the weapon being a signature combat style of the Aspis Consortium for it’s ability to cause nonlethal pain and control the battlefield.

True to their roguish talents, these agents learn the art of recognizing and avoiding traps if they don’t already have it, and improving upon their skills if they do.

Periodically as they grow in mastery, these agents pick up little tricks or improvements as they grow, drawing upon a short list.

Some stand fearlessly against larger beings and prove shockingly imposing against them, while others learn various advanced combat techniques ranging from setting up traps, using combat maneuvers, and even turning a whip into a deadly weapon. Others learn to ward their thoughts against intrusion so that foes only learn the thoughts they want them to know, while others with bardic training continue that to gain new and better performances. Some learn the art of concealing small objects and can even suppress their magic, which others still learn how to continue their bardic, inquisitor, or mesmerist training into spellcasting. Others learn techniques associated with rogues, while others learn enough magic to shrink an item down for easy carrying and concealment. Some who are also vigilantes can learn an additional technique for their social or vigilante identities.

They also learn how to conceal their aura so that magic that senses particular moralities fail to reveal anything. Later on, they can sense such attempts and even later provide a false aura in case their detection is sophisticated enough to sense all moral alignments.

Not content to merely bypass the traps they find, these tomb breakers learn how to rig both traps they’ve disabled or set up personally so that they can trigger them with a touch. After all, such ingenious mechanisms shouldn’t go to waste, whether they be used against rival delvers or particularly dull denizens. Later on, they can even trigger these traps from a distance with a deftly thrown rock or a nearly-invisible pullcord.

These agents also learn the art of striking for vulnerable points as a rogue would, or improving upon that skill.

Aspis agents know how to throw off the game of others, letting them demoralize or feint foes with clever words. Better yet, they can set such things up days in advance, calling back to a throwaway statement made days ago that sheds it in a new light and leaves a foe infuriated or reeling.

This prestige class certainly points the character in the direction of being the snarky rival archaeologist or treasure hunter, but the fact you can customize it to better suit several different base classes is a real boon. Not having true spellcasting increases is disappointing, forcing you to rely on the more roguish aspects of the class, and as such, your spellcasting choices will likely be built with that in mind, focusing more on buffs and utility than damage or debuffs. Still, this class can be a veritable bag of tricks, ranging from better casting to weaponizing and building portable traps, to performing all sorts of combat and utility tricks with a whip.

In the hands of an antagonist, this archetype can be quite effective for giving an adventure a villain or even recurring villain that isn’t inherent to the dungeon itself, which has the dual benefit of expanding the world and also give your villains and bosses somewhere to be that isn’t behind the final door. In the hands of a protagonist, however, it can a great way to have a morally dubious character in your game, or even a penitent one using their talents for good. Heck, aside from the lore there’s no reason this can’t be used with a swashbuckling hero that isn’t afraid to fight dirty to defeat evil.

Though most shabti, those beings created as surrogate souls to take the burden the souls of the wealthy after death, have a healthy respect for the dead and the world beyond due to how they are rescued form their fate by the psychopomps, not all feel this way. Some are bitter indeed for the cultures that invented the process of creating them to suffer in place of wicked rulers. Such is the case with Nayobi, who has become a professional tomb robber, not just for the riches therein, but to rob the dead she blames for her creation and suffering of their dignity.

For a month, the party has been racing against their rivals from tomb and ruin site trying to find the clues to the temple of the Horizon Eye, and they’ve both finally made it. However, the fight that erupts threatens to activate the Eye itself, a complex and powerful portal mechanism, and it’s guardian, a Lhaksharut inevitable!

The greedy often say that everyone has a price, that anyone will do anything if the reward is great enough. However, the counterargument is that there are lines that some people will not cross. Such was the case when the relic hunter Miriam Albrax learned what her employers planned to do with a dark relic she had procured, going into hiding as a hermit in one of the oldest forests in the world, watching over the relic with trap and forest ally alike.

#pathfinder #prestige class #aspis agent #shabti #lhaksharut #inevitable #Adventurer's Guide #Paths of Prestige

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river-in-the-woods · 3 months

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greetings! i'm new to buddhism and i would be curious to know if you have any tips for westerners regarding the practice. i see a lot of people online aggravated by western attitudes at times and as new convert, i would like to avoid contributing to that. thank you!

Hi there :)

I suppose one of the greater issues is that there is a mindset of... shall we say, pioneering and innovation that can be unhelpful when approaching Asian traditions.

Western practitioners like to experiment, change the rules, "fuck around and find out" as they so often say. This works out well enough for them – in fact I think Western practitioners often thrive on their enthusiasm to explore, when it is balanced by discernment – but it is not an attitude that will get them far if they decide to train properly in an Asian tradition.

What we have in Asia that is lacking in Western traditions, are culture, history and esoteric lineages spanning thousands of years, and techniques that have been refined through trial and error with each passing generation. European traditions don't have this kind of unbroken lineage, which creates some distinct differences in mindset.

A Western practitioner might consider themself 'advanced' after 5-10 years of practice. But to become a Buddhist monk, guru/lama or Daoist method master, in that time you might only have just completed basic training (depending on tradition; I'm making broad generalisations here).

There is such a thing as spiritual authority, and Westerners sometimes don't like to hear this. After all, for many, becoming a witch/sorcerer/magician/spiritualist is all about taking fate into your own hands, claiming the universe's power, the church be damned, etc. Asian witchcraft and malefica does exist, however it is not treated as the path of self-liberation and sovereignty as it is in the West, so please do not mistake it as such.

(Diasporic Asians like to claim titles such as 'witch', and this is fine, but just bear in mind this has a decidedly negative connotation when you visit countries in East Asia).

The line between laypeople and ordained monks and priests is very clearly defined, and one is expected to show deference. This does not mean any sort of self-deprecation, rather, to understand one's own limits and keep an open and curious mind. Just as a layperson would not presume to know better than a trained doctor or surgeon.

Therefore, having ample patience will serve you well. You should expect to repeat the same basic practices 100s and 1000s of times, because cultivation is grueling and the path to Buddhahood, Immortality, or what have you, is something that takes lifetimes to achieve.

Now, that may not be your goal. You might simply want to live well in this life, and that is fine. The above message is more for those who aspire for mastery, importance or greatness, but do not yet understand what the journey requires. (I don't claim to understand it myself either).

This might be obvious, but in case it is not... be discerning about who you trust to guide you. There are genuine European/white practitioners who have entered their respective traditions the correct way, and there are Asian frauds and charlatans who have no qualms about using their cultural traditions to con people out of their money. You should respect what people have to say about their cultures and experiences, naturally, but don't use someone's ethnic background as a validation of their skill or character.

Most of all, maintain humility. Humility is the virtue that supports all other virtues. One that I think all of humanity struggles with the most, perhaps because we don’t understand it very well, and our survival has so often required its opposite.

Beyond that, I advise you not to place too much emphasis on seeking knowledge in books or written texts. The main reason for this: published texts on Buddhist practices come from oral traditions that may require empowerment and transmission. The people who publish these texts might not understand this, or they are relying on the good faith of spiritual seekers. One does themself a great disservice if they believe they can bypass the guidance of a teacher from a long-standing lineage.

The other reason is that the wisdom, capacity and personal growth one gains through cultivation is experiential. It can only be gained through consistent practice. A skillful teacher can guide you on the path, but ultimately, the real thing cannot be taught, and all words fail to capture its true majesty.

I hope this helps, and doesn't come across as too intimidating. Take it slow, let the path unfold before you, and enjoy each day as it comes. Keep a green bough in your heart, and the singing bird will come 💚

#cultivation #buddhism #asian witchcraft #daoism #taoism #asian spirituality #inbox #anonymous #resources

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peerlessscowl · 1 month

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under an expanse of stars

swordmaster mastery; word count 811

It was as though a vacuum had formed in the town square, the simultaneous draw and repel of whispers swirling around a single point.

'What is he doing here? Doesn't he know that his kind isn't welcome here?'

'Don't be unkind, those people don't have many civilized places that they can go nowadays.'

'Well it doesn't mean we want him here. See that blade on his hip? That one's a mercenary, making dirty money no doubt.'

Raymond peered around his mother's broad shoulders, leaning back to see – he was almost grown, almost the same height as she but not nearly eclipsing her just yet, but if he craned his neck he could just barely see the flick of long, dark hair and the edge of a robe, patterned and embroidered at the edges, somehow at once vibrant and drab.

'Don't stare, Raymond.'

He stiffened, snapping straighter at the chastisement in spite of his curiosity. It was not every day that one saw an Eastern swordsman in the markets of central Lycia, and rarer still that Raymond would have had the opportunity to lay eyes on one, sequestered in the halls of Tintagel and the surrounding villages as he was.

Their myth preceded them, even in the most unkind lights – the flash of a blade in the dark, the speed of their strikes trampling the stoutest foe like so many hoofbeats before they wandered off into the setting sun. That was how he'd heard it told, anyhow, and to see one in the flesh was exciting, despite that the landed gentry of his father's march did not seem to favor them as much as he did.

It did not occur to him until much later – far too late for it to matter, he supposed – why it had been so inappropriate, even in his curiosity, to watch the swordsman in the market. Even with the dark whispers that he might have been a mercenary, there was something further lingering, and it didn't strike him until his service to the Lady Caelin, a Sacaean herself, and a legend made flesh, the prodigal star in Marquess Hausen's dimming sky.

There were rumors, rumblings and whispers around every corner, at how she had rounded up her own band of mercenaries, how she had stormed the castle to seize it from its rightful owner, but the girl before him scarcely seemed the type, too forthright to brook the underhandedness that came with being a Lycian noble.

They were alike in that way – more alike than she surrounded by these courtiers, more alike than he surrounded by the rough men who merely sought the coin they thought Caelin might have had.

It was merely a matter of time before they crossed blades, before he got to see the spirit of Sacae in full form before him – she tore through sparring partners as a hot knife through butter with her skill, her technique, and that foreign blade of hers.

"I guess I just consider it an extension of my arm," Lady Caelin had said thoughtfully once, with a grin and an unself-conscious laugh as she held out her hand, palm out, as though inspecting it.

He could not say that he agreed, necessarily. A sword was a tool, no more a part of him than the armor he clipped on in the morning and stripped off in the evening, and to consider his weapon an extension of himself threatened to leave him in a precarious position. It was easier for Lady Caelin, he supposed, to have a blade that called for its other half in her soul, but he could not afford to be so sentimental.

But there were times when she moved, the spins around him that forced him to jerk the scabbard from his belt to hard block, to parry, then drive her back with his greater bulk – that he could see it. He could see the flow of movement, not merely from the points of force in her arm, but with the turn and bend of her entire body, and he could see the ripple and flash of her blade that followed, as easily as she breathed.

It wasn't envy that he felt – if he watched for long enough, clashed blades with her over and over, it was something he could emulate, if not embody the spirit of.

He saw more of Lady Caelin's ilk as he traveled, allegiance shifting from company to company, the same dark hair and embroidered robe he had seen all those years ago, though it didn't occur to him to ask if it had been the same swordsman, didn't think that it would have made a difference.

Gravitated toward him in the end all the same, his greeting merely a nod, and an extended hand.

"Come on. Let's spar. I don't think these idiots could match you if you were asleep."

#in character #drabble: under an expanse of stars #mastery: swordmaster #this one goes out to lyn my bestie lyn

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gale-in-space · 1 year

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Here's the thing about AI generated images.

AI generated images rely on other artists' work. That's not a secret; the datasets that are fed into the AI consist of works created by human artists, the goal of which is to synthesize new images that "replicate" the artists' styles. This is art theft, as the works are used without the consent of the artist and marketed off as original works by the AI user.

Art relies on technique and skill. Great art is often the product of years of the cliched blood, sweat, and tears. It takes time and deliberate repetition to develop a mastery over anatomy, color theory, values, etc. Simply punching in a few prompts or supplying an AI generator isn't creating art - it is generating an image that is, again, attempting to replicate *real artists' styles,* living or dead.

AI "artists" will put actual artists out of work. I've seen it happen already. It starts with something as seemingly harmless as creating a AI portrait of some selfies you've gathered (I'm seeing this phenomenon all over Facebook) to industries using AI to generate promo "art" of whatever it is they're trying to showcase, to worse yet, corporations like the Mouse generating movies and TV shows via AI because real artists are just too expensive. And that's the whole point. Humans are expensive because they have to eat, whereas computers don't. The art industry will be forever upended because of AI, and if something doesn't happen in a legal sense to protect us, we're all going to get the boot.

That being said, art does not just belong to the bourgeoisie. I've seen it argued that art is a luxury, and that only the upper middle class and beyond can afford to commission artists; the advent of AI art, they claim, will make art more accessible to those who simply cannot afford it. I've not heard a more flagrant lie this entire year. I can count numerous artists that I know and have seen who are advertising their art for less than the minimum wage per hour spent on a piece. Meanwhile, people are spending their money on... checkmarks? Useless blue checkmarks?? Not to be all "maybe you should stop buying so many lattes so you can afford to buy a house" (because that's just objectively nonsense), but something doesn't add up here. The main takeaway here is this: most people on here can afford a $20 drawing; they just don't want to.

No one is "gatekeeping" art. Literally nothing is stopping you from picking up a pencil/pen/paintbrush/etc and learning. "But learning art is expensive!" No it's not. My friends and I all started out with Crayola crayons and No. 2 Pencils and scraps of homework assignments or school notebook paper. I remember when *printer paper* was a luxury to me, something I couldn't wait to get my hands on because it was crisp white and lineless. Yes, special art tools like charcoals and pastels can be expensive. But you don't need that to make art.

But what about disabled artists? What about them? They'll continue to make their art as they've always done and not through cheating the system. I have an Essential Tremor (amongst other issues that I don't feel like shouting from the mountaintops), and it can be quite obstructive to how I do art sometimes (trying to hold a pencil to paper is quite a feat for me, but I still do it). I've come to own my shaky lines - because my disability, no matter how damning it may feel sometimes, will never prevent me from trying to make art as long as I live. Other artists with more debilitating conditions than me make do just fine - from artists born without hands, to a man named Paul Smith with cerebral palsy who would "draw" using one finger on a vintage typewriter - it is a thing that happens. We persevere. To claim that AI generators are a tool for the disabled to create art is to spit in the face of actual disabled artists. We deserve better than this mockery.

#ai art #ai art discourse #okay to rb #don't clown on this post istg #this didn't turn into a 'thinkpiece' after all because I don't have the bandwidth but take it

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donnerpartyofone · 1 year

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Yes there's a reason I'm using pictures of Chiaki Kuriyama, hold your horses.

I just finished reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and I was really surprised by it. I was convinced to give it a try when I heard that Marie Kondo found her calling after suffering a cleaning-related nervous breakdown; being as attracted as I am to the relationship between vocation and pathological compulsion, this was the thing that separated me from my money. I had assumed that the book would be a focused manual on a specific activity, like so many self-help books for would-be autodidacts--and it definitely is, Kondo plays the whole thing very straight and you can almost picture her with her little TED Talk headset as she describes her foolproof "only way to" methodology, but sprinkled throughout are little morsels of psychological insight that stopped me in my tracks more than once.

She doesn't lean on the nervous breakdown component of her story, but the astute reader gets a strong sense of a lonely, isolated childhood, enduring feelings of helplessness, and the compulsive turning and returning to cleaning when other aspects of life refuse to get under control. Some of her insights have become common knowledge in the post-Hoarders era, like how clinging to objects reflects an obsession with the past or a fear of the future, and some others are really striking (to me, anyway), like the fact that chronically messy people often lack a feeling of ownership over their possessions and environments. Kondo doesn't insist on her unique mastery of human psychology the way the average culty self-help guru does; she keeps the emphasis on her technique, rather than on her personality, but then late in the game she pulls a reveal like this one:

This is a fascinating thing to unveil after having devoted a couple hundred pages to the importance of what amounts to object empathy. A big part of her process involves talking to things--your house, your stuff, and the things you're throwing away--in a sincere and emotional way that addresses how you feel about them, whether it's the pleasure of how they improve your life, or your gratitude for their past use, including a purpose as simple as helping you clarify what you don't want or need anymore (if ever). I think most everybody experiences some amount of object empathy in childhood, and I guess in adulthood it's often associated with autism, but suddenly it sounds so useful. Being able to respect objects, to the point of sympathizing with them, seems like it can lead inevitably to looking after things properly and taking your relationship to them seriously.

It's crazy how accurately your relationship to your things betrays the quality of your relationship to your very existence. Marie Kondo says that before you start the tidying process, you should ask yourself why you want to tidy to begin with, and then keep questioning your answers until you get something irreducible--which is going to be less like "I want more space" or "I want to be able to entertain at home", and more like something extremely specific about what your ideal lifestyle would look like, which in turn says something extremely specific about what kind of person you want to be. This may seem obvious when you lay it out, but it's not, really. The parent-child relationship that springs up around the latter's messy room is usually characterized along the lines of, the child needs to learn obedience and respect and more mature hygiene practices, when in reality the messy room may say something like: I feel out of control, I feel overwhelmed by life, I feel incompetent, I feel undeserving of a clean room, I feel like it doesn't really matter what happens to me so what's the point of cleaning. I don't feel like I have the authority or talent to create the kind of life I want for myself, so why try?

As a kid I felt a lot of object empathy, which could manifest as both a heartbreaking sympathy and a feeling of threat. We never had any money, and separate of that my parents were anti-materialist hippies, so I could never tell whether we just couldn't afford something, or whether I actually wasn't allowed to have something for some moral reason, or perhaps because I was bad and didn't deserve it. This has affected my lifelong relationship to money, because I developed this mentality that if I got some, then cool, but if I didn't have any, then that was just normal and I couldn't expect to change those conditions under my own power, so who cares I guess. But I digress: I became afraid of my own ability to form attachments, because I didn't have any control over having things, and also because I had a powerful sense of the ongoing degradation of everything around me. I have a shameful memory of one of my mother's friends generously offering me a Boba Fett action figure--a major prize to be sure--and even though I was like 8, I asked the guy directly whether the colored parts of the toy were solid plastic or painted, because I knew that paint would wear and chip and then I would just be left with the feeling of loss. I never really learned how to take care of anything, either; as an adult, I buy weird bullshit to entertain myself, or to build on some fantasy of what my personality supposedly is, but then I constantly lose and break things because that's just how I am, and so I can't properly form appropriate connections to anything. Sometimes I do something destructive or neglectful for no good reason, or rather it's because of some vague moralizing notion that I shouldn't be attached to things anyway. I got my ultimate hero and powercrush David Cronenberg to sign a VIDEODROME poster for me; then in a fit of spite for my own preciousness, I hung it on thumbtacks instead of framing it; now I don't even know where the hell it is, and I still feel terrible about the whole episode 20 years later.

In Takashi Miike's all-ages fantasy THE GREAT YOKAI WAR, a couple of evildoers including the great Chiaki Kuriyama build an army of monsters out of sentient trash: discarded possessions that are full of resentment about being used up and rejected. I found this concept so intense that, actually, I still choke up just trying to describe it, it's so brutal, it's like all of my most primitive fears about my toys having feelings are suddenly real and justified and I can never make up for it. Meanwhile I have had problems with other people who have an intensely dysfunctional relationship with their possessions in the opposite direction of me.

For one major but not at all isolated example, my abusive ex-boyfriend was heavily materialistic, but I don't know what he wanted from that pursuit and I don't think he knew either. He would race to buy the latest comic book collectibles, or deluxe DVDs of key film bro movies, and then almost as soon as the pleasure of buying them had passed, he would try to flip them on eBay and have frightening rages when he inevitably didn't break even. He bought a set of highly desirable designer Godzilla figures from someone I knew who was selling off his father's treasured collection, assuming they were going to a loving home, and then as soon as the initial thrill was gone, my ex was on eBay grumbling about what they were fetching. When we went to San Diego Comic Con, I used what little money I had to surprise him with a limited edition toy from a comic we both loved, and when he saw it, he sighed bitterly and stuff cash into my hand to make me go buy the other one from the set, without saying thank you. Around that time I worked somewhere where we had these big expensive 8-bit Super Mario wall decals, which he demanded for his birthday; after he got them he had some of his shitty yuppie friends over, and they made fun of him for having this kid stuff, so later he yelled at me for gifting him something "pathetic". He traded them for somebody's used flatscreen TV, and then he asked me to get him another set of decals. "I thought you said they were pathetic?" I reminded him, to which he snapped back, "Oh yeah that's right, THEY ARE," as if I were the one who had the dumb idea of offering them to him.

You can probably guess that most of his buying habits were performative, designed to impress people who weren't paying attention and who he didn't even like, but whose perceived status (economic or cultural) made him feel jealous and inferior. However, there is one more thing in play with him: The show Hoarders came out toward the end of our relationship, and I saw him watch it with an intense interest that I had never seen before. It was usually hard to tell if he really enjoyed the things he consumed, or if he was just desperately competing with the rest of his demographic at Knowing Things and Having Opinions, but he had a distinct personal investment in Hoarders. He told me that his parents were Hoarders. I couldn't tell exactly how true that was since he was extremely judgmental of his family, whose ordinariness made him deeply ashamed (as if dentists and teachers are Nothing), but it seemed that there was something to it because they were very mysterious about the fact that I wasn't allowed to visit their home. From the way that my ex poured his attention into that show, with this haunted look about him, I knew that the dysfunctional relationship to things was a part of his very DNA, and a crucial component of the whole entire pathology of his personality. One's obsession or repulsion regarding materialism is definitely not to be dismissed as an innocent quirk unrelated to the core problems of one's soul.

Anyway. Reading the Marie Kondo book was actually a really provocative and enlightening experience for me. I'm planning to do her method as soon as I have time for the sustained marathon she recommends, and I'm really looking forward to what it will reveal even though I know it's going to be a challenge. And also, oddly enough, I've been working through this kind of difficult (annoying but necessary) book about a certain esoteric strain of Virgin Mary iconography, and just this morning I set it down at the end of this particular passage:

I hadn't planned to get into all this today--I didn't even think of it until an hour or so ago--and yet it seems I picked the right day to do it.

#marie kondo #china galland #materialism #takashi miike #object empathy #overshare

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shamandrummer · 1 year

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The Shaman and the Mystic

There is a great deal of controversy in scholarly circles about the differences between the mystic path and the shamanic path. While there is no precise answer, in this post I will compare the similarities and differences. Both paths place great emphasis on personal experience derived from introspection and self-observation. Though they differ significantly in their approach, practitioners of both traditions seek accord with nature through consciousness-altering techniques. We do not know how old each of them is, but evidence suggests that the shamanic path is older. Shamanism has been around for tens of thousands of years and has played a functional role in human survival and cultural evolution.

Shamanism is based on the principle that innate wisdom and guidance can be accessed through the inner senses in ecstatic trance induced by shamanic practices such as repetitive drumming. Ecstatic trance is an academic term referring to those inwardly focused experiences of cosmic oneness, that mystical connection to a living, intelligent universe that exists within each of us. Practitioners enter altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with the inner world of the self. The act of entering an ecstatic trance state is called the soul flight or shamanic journey. A shaman is a practitioner who has developed the mastery of accessing altered states of consciousness to gain wisdom, healing techniques, and other vital information that can benefit the community. The shaman traverses the inner planes in order to mediate between the needs of the spirit world and those of the material world.

One major difference between the two is that mystics are often officially aligned with a religion while shamans are not. This does not mean that shamans do not practice a religion because many do. There are in fact Christian shamans, Jewish shamans and Buddhist shamans, but the religions often do not endorse their shamanic practices. In many cases they condemn it so these shamans keep their shamanic practices secret or discreet. However, every religion has a mystic tradition even though it is often an outlier that is a marginally tolerated aspect of the religion.

The roots of mysticism can be traced back to shamanic practices from the earliest tribal communities. Unlike shamans, however, mystics are practitioners of doctrinally acceptable forms of religious ecstasy (e.g., prayer, meditation, fasting) aimed at union with the divine. Mystics are dedicated to awakening, self-realization and enlightenment, and they are less concerned with mediating the needs of their communities. On the other hand, a realized master will often intuitively know how to help their community through their connection with nature and the divine. Both shamans and mystics are known for their ability to travel vast distances in an instant, to find lost articles and people, to commune with nature spirits. When shamans develop their powers through long apprenticeships and training, they can do much the same things as their mystic counterparts.

Mystics are known for both deep learning of esoteric subjects, and a deep spiritual connection with God (or whatever term you would like to use for a higher power). They are famous for their solitary retreats, their long sojourns in the wilderness fasting, cultivating wisdom, seeking to expand their awareness without any distractions. Mystics are also known for their ability to acquire and nurture ongoing relationships with wild animals in nature, to speak with them and listen to them.

Shamans are known for many of these practices as well. Of course, not all shamans are mystics. The reality is that some shamans are just on an ego trip to make money and manipulate others. Some are very powerful and effective but have no ethics or principles at all. Other shamans are great healers and spiritual leaders in their communities, but have no interest in self-realization or enlightenment.

Similarly, not all mystics are shamans. Many mystics regard shamanic practices as just more ego pursuits to be avoided. They are inclined to believe that the physical world is a deceptive illusion. For the mystic, reality is the evolution of consciousness in the alchemy of time. Reality shifts and changes like the flow of the collective unconscious, and is in constant motion creating new patterns of experience. Reality, in its illusion, is the dream from which we all awaken.

And yet there is a lot of overlap between master shamans and truly realized mystics. It could well be that the most accomplished shamans can't help but encounter the mystic path somewhere in the timeline of their learning and development? And it could be that some mystics can't help but develop shamanic powers and despite the illusory nature of the physical realm, participate in world activities just to experience it. After all, we are here on the earth to experience, learn and grow.

Shamanism and mysticism are ultimately about consciousness, about learning through attunement to nature, which is a reflection of the divine, creative power of the universe. They provide a myriad of responses to the spiritual quest of self-discovery. Both paths emphasize establishing a personal relationship with the powers of creation. By practicing these ways of being, we awaken our soul calling and our connection to nature. They are ways that embed us in the living web of life, yielding greater awareness and perspective. These practices are easily integrated into contemporary life and provide a means of navigating the turbulent times in which we live.

#shamansim #mysticism #shamans #mystics #spirituality #consciousness #self-realization #personal development

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allproducts81 · 11 days

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Level Up Your YouTube Game: A Review of Tube Mastery and Monetization by Matt Par Digital

I recently enrolled in the "Tube Mastery and Monetization by Matt Par Digital" membership area, and I'm impressed! As someone who's always wanted to create a successful YouTube channel but felt overwhelmed by the process, this program has been a game-changer. Here's why:

Understanding the YouTube Landscape

Matt Par doesn't just throw tactics at you. He starts by providing a solid foundation in understanding how YouTube functions and what makes channels thrive. This includes in-depth modules on niche selection, audience targeting, and the ever-important YouTube algorithm. By dissecting successful channels, you gain valuable insights into what makes them tick and how to replicate their growth.

Content Creation Strategies that Convert

Moving on, the program dives deep into content creation strategies tailored to different niches and audience preferences. Matt Par doesn't just tell you what to do; he shows you how. From identifying trending topics to mastering video editing techniques, you'll receive actionable advice that will help you create content that resonates with your viewers and keeps them coming back for more.

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Let's face it, most YouTubers want to make money from their content creation efforts. Thankfully, Tube Mastery and Monetization doesn't shy away from the monetization aspect. The program covers a wide range of income streams, from ad revenue and sponsorships to affiliate marketing and product sales. Matt Par even delves into advanced monetization strategies to help you maximize your earnings and diversify your revenue streams.

Building a Sustainable YouTube Brand

While views and subscribers are important, building a strong brand identity is what separates one-hit wonders from long-term YouTube success stories. The program offers valuable guidance on crafting a distinct brand voice and personality that will connect with your target audience and foster loyalty. This includes developing a captivating channel intro, outro, and branding elements that make your content instantly recognizable.

Continuous Learning and Support

The Tube Mastery and Monetization membership isn't a static course. Matt Par and his team are constantly updating the content with the latest YouTube trends and strategies. Additionally, the program boasts a supportive community forum where you can connect with other aspiring YouTubers, share your experiences, and get feedback on your content.

Overall, if you're serious about creating a successful YouTube channel and turning your passion into profit, then Tube Mastery and Monetization by Matt Par Digital is an excellent investment. It provides a comprehensive roadmap, actionable strategies, and a supportive community to help you navigate the exciting world of YouTube.

#youtube channel #youtube course #youtube video #youtube music #youtube shorts #youtube monetization #Tube Mastery and Monetization

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dailycharacteroption · 1 year

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Esoteric Starseeker (Psychic Archetype)

We’ve talked a bit about fantasy astrology on the blog here and there, but now it’s time to cover an archetype that actually mentions the constellations of the Varisian “zodiac” by name, the Esoteric Starseeker!

While diviners of many disciplines have used these constellations and other celestial bodies to make predictions for thousands of years, the symbology of each sign can be tapped into those with mastery of psychic magic, granting additional power each day as these psychics tap into different signs each day to suit their needs.

Though the powers of this technique are tied specifically to drawing power from the signs, I imagine that most also actually make a living off making such predictions and horoscopes, making a little side money while adventuring, or perhaps being diviners to royalty.

In any case, their power and flexibility cannot be denied, and many might manifest brief visions of the constellations they are currently invoking when using these powers.

Those these psychics still follow a discipline, instead of drawing spells from it, they instead choose a constellation each night to focus on, which determines what spells they have access to each day. As they gain mastery, they can draw upon two constellations at once, picking and choosing which spells to take from each. However, as a tradeoff of tapping into different spells each day, they choose a school of magic each day to weaken their connection to, forcing them to take more time to cast such spells that day.

The constellations are as follows

The Thrush, which is seen as a herald and therefore associated with travel and the transmission of information. As such, it grants spells that facilitate communication, let them speak remotely through planted messages or dreams, create shelters from the elements, gain impressions of distant locations or locate things from afar, link minds with another, create doors where none exist, and bend reality.

The Lantern-Bearer, depicted as either a serpentine angel or lillend azata, is a guide and a protector. It’s spells free others from imprisonment, conjure all manner of glittering lights to dazzle and harm foes, magically guide the user back to a location, see past all deception, take on a form of vibrations, and even call down meteors to destroy foes.

The Newlyweds, depicting a pair of intertwined scarves or a couple eager to slip away for privacy, representing devotion and new beginnings. It grants spells to charm, enthrall, overwhelm with raw emotion, as well as break enchantments, reincarnate the slain in new forms, and even appear in two different places at once.

The Bridge represents transition to new destinations. It grants the psychic magic of protection, ranging from resisting environmental extremes and the elements, creating light in dark places, creating personal shields against heat and cold, walls of force, projecting fiery magic that spreads from foe to foe, inverting gravity, creating extradimensional refuges, and animating the terrain to carry them far.

The Daughter is a light-hearted dancer and first to cross the bridge, representing the coming of spring and warmth. It brings with it spells of positive emotion, bolstering allies with vigor, overcoming foes with fascinating light, sleep, or uncontrolled dancing, freeing allies from mundane or supernatural bonds, and even forcing foes to swap places with you as if they were swept up in a dance.

The Rider watches over the caravan and is either a savage warrior or a boisterous reveler. It grants many methods to sense incoming danger, ward the caster with layers of force or swirling blades, catch foes with a mighty hand of force, intimidate foes with raw malice, and even transform into living lightning.

The Patriarch guides the caravan through danger. The spells it grants include those that force a surge of authority on foes, conjure weapons of force to attack foes, dispel harmful magic, send warriors rocketing forward into the fight, ask for guidance from beyond or the path forward, guide other directly, or even open portals to other planes, securing a path forward or calling forth a mighty ally.

The Wagon carries the other signs forward, without it the metaphor of the cosmic caravan would not be able to progress. It grants magic of transportation and speed, ranging from acceleration to distorting space, to teleportation, as well as becoming fluid like, or even stopping time for a brief moment.

The Pack is a group of beasts, and may be loyal hounds or predators depending on the interpretation. Either way, they grant spells of altering animal behavior, various forms of animal shapeshifting, bolstering might, and ways to conjure bestial allies.

The Mother offers comfort and sustenance as winter approaches. It grants spells of aid, as well as those that recognize the true nature of things, ward against physical or mystical harm, prepare magic ahead of time, teleport someone to a safe location, or provide a barrier that suppresses magic.

The Stargazer is sometimes a fool, sometimes a prophet, and always searches for new wonders. This constellation grants a multitude of divination spells, as well as magic to suppress the mind or force compliance, and even the ability to travel through dreams.

The Stranger represents an unknown figure, someone who crosses path with the caravan for good or ill. It provides multiple ways to hide oneself, to see from afar, trap foes in extradimensional traps, and divide one’s attention.

Finally, the Follower, the constellation with the dimmest stars, represents death, the constant companion on the journey through life. It grants spells of quiet, darkness, fear, and life draining, as well as transport through shadows and the creation of illusory duplicates.

With all of this power, it’s no wonder that these psychics learn major amplifications later than others.

The various constellations of the Cosmic Caravan offer a quite versatile version of the psychic, with essentially 12 different sets of bonus spells to choose from each day, though obviously they can only pick and choose so much with their limitations. If you’re looking for a flavorful way to make your psychic character more versatile, this archetype may be for you. Just remember that you lose out on a few phrenic amplifications, so take that into account with your build.

The constellations that form the Cosmic Caravan are all very iconic options (Though technically not an actual zodiac, as there’s like what, one animal on the whole thing? Zodiac literally means “wheel of animals”) But what if you’re playing in a completely different setting with different constellations? In that case, you may have to homebrew or reflavor them appropriately.

When she was a child, most wrote off Ilgia the ganzi as a lost cause, her mind unable to focus on any of the lessons they tried to teach her. However, this changed when she looked to the stars, which she became fascinated by, learning how to achieve focus with the constellations in her heart and mind.

Though normally disinterested in the stars, the leprechauns of Blue Eye Marches are famed for a mystical brew made in part by infusing the liquor with starlight and moonlight. Eager to explore the legend, a psychic by the name of Talvatz wishes to partake of the magical drink, certain it will work well with his combined discipline of stargazing and mind-warping substances.

In the nation of Kelbeross, the king Kelbus is feared for his erratic moods, having not one dark half due to the nature of his psychic power, but 12, one for each constellation he draws from. Each one seems to have it’s own agenda, and in those rare times when he is fully himself, he struggles to accommodate them. In truth he only wishes to be understood.

#pathfinder #archetype #psychic #esoteric starseeker #ganzi #leprechaun #Wilderness Origins

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viridescent-lance · 1 year

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chivalry (fortress knight mastery drabble, 698 words)

readmore for length

Sometimes, Forsyth wishes his handwriting was messier. Maybe Father wouldn't put him to task with homework and tutoring as much if he thought Forsyth was a lost cause for scholarly work.

When allowed to pick his own books, Forsyth first selects old tactical codexes, explanations of military strategy that one would not expect a ten-year-old to devour. They're difficult to carry, but Forsyth studies them for hours, committing proper lancer-cavalier formations and weather variables to mind.

Forsyth's father demands he read fiction, which isn't particularly useful, but tales of knighthood and chivalry at least grant some insight into the lives of those Forsyth knows he will follow. Grand romances, battles, and companionship face those noble knights who serve the people. Such a life is far better than being stuck in books all day.

Everyone says it's impossible, that only nobles become knights anyway. And besides, being a scholar is important, and Forsyth is the firstborn child, now firstborn son. The only child, right now. They don't understand, though. Forsyth knows what he's meant to do. He can't save lives sitting here, he can't change the world like this.

Python says he's stupid, but he carved Forsyth a little knight, and even helped him fashion a spear from the perfect stick when Father confiscated the training spear he saved up for! He listens to the stories, and said if anyone's stupid enough to succeed, it's Forsyth. Which is a little confusing, but Python loves to talk weird, and Forsyth's figured out what he's actually saying. Most of the time.

He steals away in the evening to practice his lance techniques with Python. The blue-haired boy mostly watches, sometimes poking and prodding him with a comment or two, but just having an audience fills Forsyth with determination.

He doodles armor designs in the margins of his copywriting assignments. He knows he wants his armor to be green, and his stocky build is shaping up to lend itself to a more heavily armored sort of knight. He doesn't have a horse to practice horseback combat with anyway, so it's perfect! And Python's been learning to hunt with a bow, and bows are the perfect cover for an armored knight. They'll be a perfect team.

Armor is complicated. You need to make it flexible, so the knight can move. It needs to be made of sturdy stuff, so it's weighty, but it can't sink the knight. If it's crafted correctly, it'll have very few weak points, but a knight needs to learn to compensate for the openings. And it takes a lot of upkeep!

Forsyth's already decided his armor will be green. He's got a secret fund all saved up, and while he doesn't know exactly how much it will cost right now, if he works really hard he should be able to scrounge enough for it by the time he comes of age. It does mean thrifting and not spending money when the sweets-sellers come to town, but that's a sacrifice Forsyth needs to be willing to make. Discipline is an important virtue for a knight, after all!

No one in this town understands (except maybe Python), but that's okay. In the stories, the hero is doubted by everyone. And Forsyth knows it'll be a long climb. They'll try to keep him out, they'll tell him that commoners can't be knights. But that's why he has to do this!

Being a knight isn't something that's blood, or even a position in the military. It's about what's in your heart. It's a desire to change the world, to protect the people and serve your country. It's about honor, valor, and loyalty! You tell the truth, you give to the people, and you defend them with your life.

Sometimes, Forsyth hears stories of Zofian knights that don't quite make sense. They steal, they lie, they hurt people. But he doesn't think they're tall tales. No, they're fuel for him to bring true knighthood into the world. That's what a real knight does!

He knows he can make it. No matter what his dad or anyone else says. He'll be the first commoner knight, and his deeds will be worthy of their own story!

#ic #[ mastery drabble ]#[ mastery drabble: fortress knight ]#//not exactly sure how happy i am with this one but here is 10yo forsyth thinkin about knighthood

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samurai-fan · 6 months

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5 Interesting Facts About Samurai

Intro

Samurai warriors have left an indelible mark on Japanese history and popular culture. Although often revered and respected.

Samurais were disciplined warriors who lived by what had been developed through zen teachings and the bushido code, which stressed honor, bravery, discipline, and respect. Many may also have descended from one of Japan's lower social classes.

1. Samurai didn’t always have a master

At the dawn of Japan's feudal period, rival daimyos clashed for territory, requiring an army of samurai to protect both parties' territories from attack and plunder. Their weapons and armor were carefully designed to ensure maximum effectiveness during these frequent battles throughout the territory's history.

Samurai warriors followed an intricate moral code known as bushido that stressed absolute loyalty to one's master and willingness to die in his service, along with values such as frugality, kindness, and caring for family members, particularly elders. These skills were taught to the samurai in the kingdom's presence of other administrative samurai.

Samurais lived (and died) by strict codes of conduct influenced by Zen Buddhism, with their dedication often taking the form of seppuku - ritual suicide by disembowelment - being committed in case they suffered defeat on the battlefield or were captured by enemy forces.

Since samurai didn’t always need a master, the title of samurai for Non-Japanese could also, including Westerners such as English sailor William Adams, Dutch soldier Jan Joosten van Lodensteijn, and French navy officer Eugene Collache, given this title by Japan. Additionally, Prussian military instructor Edward Schnell was even given this distinction.

Most samurai spent their lives working for only one lord; however, some decided to rebel against this practice and become ronin - working for multiple lords simultaneously to earn more money and status while being well respected for their skills.

Samurai were notorious for employing their swords against civilians despite their code of loyalty, often testing new fighting techniques on passersby. Though this isn’t documented much, it was the reality of some of the abuse of power at the time, carrying one of the most revered weapons and being without a true law-making master.

2. Samurai were very sociable

Expectations placed upon samurai included mastery of many fields - literature, and art being key components. Samurai patronized painters and sculptors, attended literary salons, and even wrote poetry as they sought to embody values outlined by the Bushido code, such as loyalty and martial virtues.

Samurai warriors enjoyed engaging in noble pastimes such as falconry and tea ceremony - particularly during Japan's Muromachi period (1333-1568) when feudal court culture bloomed to great effect. Tea ceremony became an effective means of mediating clashes among family or clan factions.

Samurai were known for being highly educated warriors, with many also sometimes fluent in English - this allowed them to communicate effectively with Western soldiers and merchants hired by their lords, and participate in international diplomatic meetings, interacting with foreigners that visited to do trade deals.

3. They decapitated their enemies

Samurai, renowned for their skill in combat, were accomplished in using armor and swords and practiced the grim art of decapitation as a symbol of their prowess and victory. Their expertise in crafting and maintaining their weapons, especially swords, was critical. They meticulously honed their blades to ensure sharpness and efficiency, understanding that a well-crafted sword could penetrate enemy armor more effectively.

In addition to their martial skills, samurai were highly educated, with many capable of reading and writing in an era of low literacy rates. Their training extended beyond swordsmanship to include archery and firearms, reflecting their adaptability and comprehensive approach to warfare.

As elite warriors, samurai served in their lords' armies and protected vast land holdings. They wore armor designed for mobility, including helmets with visors for better visibility during combat. Large shoulder shields and armored sleeves protected them from sword strikes, while they carried a range of weapons, including tantos, which were short knives used in close combat and potentially for the act of decapitation.

The practice of decapitating enemies was not only a tactical measure but also a symbolic act, signifying honor and accomplishment in battle. It was a stark representation of their dominance on the battlefield, often used to intimidate opponents and assert their martial superiority.

4. They tested their swords

Samurais would always test their new sword through its paces before using it against an enemy. Tameshigiri (test cut), or test cut, was a ruthless way of testing the sharpness and strength of their blade. Instead of doing tests on pieces of paper or cardboard like nowadays, in ancient Japan, the weapon would often be tested directly on a living human being to see how well it cut when used against them in combat situations.

Samurai used human sacrifice as a practical test for their blade's cutting abilities, often cutting into strong men or children who were unwilling to participate to see how well it cut flesh and bone. They often chop strong adults or children alive to see how well the sword cut - although some might consider this cruel practice, it could mean the difference between victory and defeat in battle! While Samurai were often considered harsh warriors, they also held moral values, befitting their title.

Samurai are often considered male warriors, yet women were also among their ranks as Onna-Bugeisha warriors. Undergoing rigorous training themselves, these fierce women warriors could fight alongside male samurai. These fierce women - known as Onna-Bugeisha - took part in fights and protected family honor as fiercely as any man could, all while receiving an education in literature and arts. They remained committed to their dangerous jobs despite this gender; these brave ladies were honored for bravery and faithful service to family honor.

5. They were a minority

Though often romanticized as ubiquitous warriors, samurais were an elite minority in feudal Japan, comprising only about two percent of the population at their zenith. This warrior class, distinguished by their martial skill and adherence to the Bushido code, stood apart in a society where commoners formed the majority.

Alongside elite groups like military officers, clergy, and landowners, samurais held a unique place in the battlefield and cultural spheres. Contrary to their popular image as sole warriors, many samurais were also scholars and patrons of the arts, deeply involved in literature, philosophy, and artistic pursuits.

Their multifaceted roles underscore their significance beyond mere martial prowess, contributing to the rich tapestry of Japan's cultural and historical landscape. Even though they made up a more minor part of society, they considerably influenced the people at the time.

#samurai #bushido #japan #katana #history

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spookyagentfmulder · 8 months

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agent mulder was a challenge hannibal decided to conquer. he wanted mulder to be his, acknowledging that in order to keep dana, it'd be smart of hannibal to get them all together. knowing this, he began the process of somewhat courting mulder. where the other man oftentimes tried to argue with the psychiatrist, attempting to scare him off, hannibal - amsued at the efforts - continued to get closer. he'd inivited mulder over for dinner this evening ; just him, wanting conversation with no one else around. he's surprised the man had accepted, even more so when mulder actually showed up. hannibal had poured him a glass of wine, allowed him in the kitchen while he worked to finish the meal. hannibal dips a clean spoon in the sauce he had been creating, glancing at mulder with a hidden grin as he held it up. 'fox - if you wouldn't mind tasting this for me to see if it's to your liking,' lip quirks a bit, smile looking innocent - eyes, not so much. 'it would help me greatly,'

It had been a long, sordid affair.

Dr. Lecter had appeared back in Scully's life not too long ago, and with it their dynamic had completely shifted. It was effecting the X-Files. It was affecting their own relationship, and Mulder knew he had to make an effort to try to extend the proverbial olive branch in order to maintain some sense of control on the situation. He attempted to hold his footing, going toe to toe with the psychiatrist in multiple battle of wits. Most of them ended in stalemates or truces, never really getting further than a few mental blows traded back and forth with one another. Something had to tip. Someone had to break the status quo.

When Mulder accepted the invitation, it was on the grounds of hoping that perhaps he and Hannibal could come to some sort of agreement. Perhaps a mutual understanding. The man was smart, educated, and he figured that perhaps spending some time alone would get him to better see into the mind of Dr. Lecter, perhaps looking past the rigid front he kept polished to a fine sheen. What he had not expected was to be treated to a home made dinner, prepared before him. His technique was incredible and Mulder knew instantly that was something he could not keep up with.

Already the wine tasted sour on his lips, a jealousy forming in his gut at the idea of Scully preferring these lavish, almost decadent displays of mastery in the kitchen. He didn't have money like this. He didn't have anything like this.

His first name pulls him out of his mental spiral. Auburn brows lift with shock and something that couldn't be determined right away. Fox. The name sounded unexpectedly good on Dr. Lecter's tongue, the accent leading it to sound just as foreign. Touches of pink press to the shells of his ears as he pushes himself away from the surface he was leaning against. It could simply be the wine. It could be a number of things.

"I prefer to be called Mulder, if you don't mind." He says, eyes finding the others, "I even make my mother call me Mulder." But not lately. Not since his father died. He allowed her that luxury simply because he was all she had left. He didn't need to know that though.

@consumare

#consumare #WATCH OUT BOY HE'LL CHEW YOU UP #;tempering chocolate -MSH #;on a case -IC

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