I was at work and one of the customers was helping us kill time by doing some card tricks. It was really cool stuff, he was switching the card we were holding after we looked at it, pulling out cards we thought of from a shuffled deck, random tricks I’ve seen before but a bit more complicated. I’m not really interested in how he did these because I’m sure it can be easily explained. No hate to card tricks LOL I love them too!
What cannot be easily explained, however, at least to me, was how he was able to guess my manager’s mother’s name and how he guessed a city after my other coworker put it into wikipedia on her phone. He held her phone briefly, iirc. Just to open wikipedia. I can imagine there was some special link he opened but I don’t understand how he was able to know what was searched. He told her to think of a city and search it on wikipedia. She entered “Rafah” and he did the whole “ohh I’m getting an ‘R’ … hmmm rah? Rahf? Rafah?” and we were all dumbfounded. He didn’t look at her phone after holding it. She held it close to her chest.
Then he asked my manager to think of her “mother’s name, focus on it, snap look at me, focus, snap right here, look at me…” and she said “You’ll never guess her extremely West Indian name!” but he guessed it. It was a hyphenated two-part first name and he guessed it! Did he look up everyone’s family backgrounds before showing up?! He never touched her phone, I don’t think she had it on her.
I was just spectating after he did the card tricks because I had to speak with some customers, so he didn’t guess anything I searched or anyone in my family.
He also did mess up once with a different coworker during one of his tricks, but I assumed it was purposeful? He guessed it correctly immediately afterwards.
It’s been driving me crazy since. I would love to know how this could’ve been achieved!

Today, I clocked in 2pm-11pm I get there in realize 2 things, gonna use fake names, Billy was working, hes like 60ish and he’s just very slow and he doesnt grade and level, hes just billy, we lowkey just let him do whatever he wants, and then rob is here, rob is really good at his job he trained me when i got hired and ive looked up to him because i consider him one of the best. They both left when i got there; So here i am assuming the cooler and backstock is gonna be terrible because rob is the only one on the floor that actually knows what there doing. And boy, was i right, and our assistant manager was with me for me till 5 but he didn’t do much other than to tell me our produce big boss was gonna show up tomorrow morning, he scanned out some shit and leveled potatoes. but he’s really cool assistant manager is new and we get along well, iam his go to man so he gave me a special task to make sure everything is perfectly leveled because iam the only person in produce that can level and front perfectly, not trying to be cocky but out of all our produce workers i am😭. So i said”alright that’s lightwork”.HOLY SHIT WAS I WRONG, i got got out all tomatoes/leveled and pulled around like 3 and then leveled the whole wall, and pulled anything gross, finished that around 4 and went off to my 30 minute break. got back and my assistant manager left and i had to wash a watermelon bin,6 pineapples, 2 cantaloupes and 3 honeydew because for some stupid reason i didn’t have a mid shift, and cut room never wash even tho it makes plenty more sense for them to wash?!. So there goes like a whole hour wasted. its around like 6 So i work the whole cooler and I pull dates early. Its 7 so last thing i have is salads, I finish that up around 8. Wash the wet wall, done by 9. then i have to pull so much shit for wires. I finished pulling wires at 10. iam in such a terrible spot now, 1-the store isn’t leveled 2-i need to scan out cut fruit 3-i need to fill some holes 4-I need to scan out like 50 strawberries 5-i need to take out a cart with peaches,beefstake, dry goods, red grapes and cucumbers So yeah it was fucking terrible. I did the most important, I scanned out cut fruit, Filled cucumbers and grapes, leveled everything but the middle isle, consisting of peaches/oranges/limes/lemons. those are the most tedious and time consuming to level so i just kinda tweaked them, So i look at my phone it’s 10:55. I feel really bad i promised him i would’ve game him the best level ever i couldn’t even do that, And i couldn’t take out that cart, i just left it there. but there’s only so much i can do. If they get mad at me iam gonna lose my shit

Orginal Story by C.K. Walker
*Written By Ayden M.N. and u/Memisworld_23 *
SPOILERS FOR BORRASCA V
...
One hundred thirty two. That is the amount of people that were rescued that day on the mountain. I would be lying if I said it didn’t take me by surprise to hear the news about the stables let alone the number of people that were there. It makes me think back to when I was a kid and all the strange and tragic things that happened to me then. It's funny how time changes, how everything wilts away. How life goes on without a wait or stop. Sometimes you'll forget what lurked underneath, and when you do remember, it's already too late. I couldn't say my childhood wasn't bad but it's basically not as cheery as most kids have it.
My father was definitely sucked into his job as a lawyer, while my mom was bustling her back at an old diner, drinking her sorrows away. None had any time to spare for me, as a child. It made me a pretty independent child, and when my mother decided to give birth to Lucy, I became that mother figure that I never had. Aside from Lucy, I had nobody else to talk to. School in Drisking was okay, but I would be lying if I said it was a good experience. I was pretty much alone from childhood to teens. Most kids already had their own friends, their designated trio. I would always refer to it that way. It was by sheer luck that I really did find a friend. Someone who I could share my emo playlist alongside with and in return she taught me a lot about DnD.
However like if the world knew I was meant to be alone, she was taken away from me. I never knew what happened to her, but I beat myself about. If only I didn't moved from Drisking, maybe I could had found her sooner.
The one thing that has remained consistent is my ritualistic daily breakfasts at the diner. From the start of my freshmen year, I never missed a day of going to the diner. It was my way of getting my head together and preparing for the day ahead. Even into my adulthood, I never stopped going. Imagine my surprise when I saw a face that I’d honestly thought I would never see again. It didn’t click at first. I just felt like I knew it.
She was about 5’8” with asymmetrical short dirty blond hair. Her clothes were mainly black and I can just see something protruding from her around her waist. She had a plain black shirt tucked into her pants with a well-kept belt. She wore a Nobel 6 zip up jacket -Clearly a Halo fan- and a small d20 pin on it. Where this seems normal to the untrained eye, I can’t help but feel deja vu from looking at this woman. She seemed like this distant dream that is so fuzzy that it’s just familiar enough to almost recognize.
She walked into the diner and was given a table next to mine. I racked my brain trying to figure out who this was. I examined every part of her, again, and again, and again, just trying to make sense of who was sitting right there in front of me. She was so close, yet she was so distant from me.
“May I help you?” She sighs, putting her coffee down on the table in a way that I can only describe as a contained irritation. “Or are you just going to stare at me like I’m an exhibit?”
I wasn’t even conscious I was staring. She turns to me and it all clicks together. The d20, the jacket, and, my new discovery, looking at her closer and can see her, the freckle on her upper lip.
“Kat? Is that really you?” Stunned, I blurted out. I was adamant that that familiar woman had to be her. No one had that exact same freckle like her.
“That depends on who is asking.” She rolls her eyes taking another sip of her coffee.
She doesn’t recognize me? It makes since she didn’t. It’s been so long. Looking down at my empty plate, as I really wanted her to recognize me. Should I introduce myself? I thought, maybe I'll make her remember me.
“So you don't know me? I can give a hint, I'm sure it might give you an idea on who I am.” I nervously laughed, as I dug into my black leather purse.
Quickly, I pulled it out, plopping down a custom made d20 dice on the table. I remember painting my own dice black, since I was super obsessed with the color black as a teen.
“Wait,” Kat puts down her coffee again, this time with more of a clang. “What is that? Where did you get this?”
Placing the dice right next to my plate, I felt my throat lumping already.
“Remember on my 16th birthday, when it was only you and me. I remember we almost burned the house down because we had the dumb idea to bake a cake.”
“Pauly…?” A slow recognition comes across Kat’s face. Replaced soon by unadulterated joy. “Well, I’ll be damned!”
Tears started to well up my eyes, I was so ecstatic to finally see her eyes flashed with recognition. I slowly got up to my chair, every step I took felt like I was stepping in a pile of needles. Getting a great look on Kat, she looked different from the nerdy shy girl I knew. But, I didn’t care how different Kat looked, I was happy to see my old friend alive.
“I just don't know what to say. I thought I've lost you.” I whispered, my voice already trembling as I spoke.
“Oh,” Kat's voice cracks a bit too, pulling me into a hug. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
Kat seemed to be holding back tears. Just being with her now, I couldn’t even wrap my head around it. It seems so surreal. Even when I hugged her, it felt like it was a fabricated dream. But it wasn't, this was all flesh and blood.
“Just…how are you…I'm so sorry that I never found you. Everyone, even the cops told me that you were long gone. I had hoped you'd come back. Just didn't know it would take this long.” Wiping my tears with my sleeve, I hugged even tighter. She was much taller than me, so I couldn't really comprehend it.
“Hey, hey.” Kat chuckles a bit. Still holding back tears, I could tell. “It’s okay. You…There was no way you could have known. I have a lot of explaining to do, I’m sure but let’s forget about that for now.”
“Yeah…I'm just so happy to see you again.” I sat across from Kat's seat, picking up a napkin to wipe the rest of my tears. It rubbed off some of my mascara, making me think it was a horrible idea to try out some make up today. “So, um…what have you been doing over these years? I see you got a gun holster over there?”
“Well, I…” Kat cut herself off. “I was a SWAT operative. It’s, uh, a long story. How about you?”
“SWAT? No wonder you look so tough and badass!” I then continued enthusiastically. “Well, I'm actually a nurse practitioner. I'm very specialized in prenatal care. I know it's funny because I really didn't like babies back then.”
“Oh? That’s…nice.” Kat’s voice shudders. “And I wouldn’t call myself a badass for being SWAT. It…makes you question a lot of things about yourself for sure. It’s all in the interest of others though.”
My smile slowly fell, as I was scared if I might've made her upset. “I see, I understand. We both are doing jobs that help people, and probably had to endure some bad cases once in a while.”
“Did…did you ever find Kincade?”
Kincade. I haven't heard of that name since after moving Drisking.
I took a deep breath, as I responded. “I did manage to find Kincade after your disappearance. They never told me what happened, and I lost contact ever since. Last time I checked, Kincade moved to California.”
“Oh, thank god.” Kat sighs out of relief, as she takes a seat back down. “Knowing that girl, she’s living it up in LA. Well, I was actually in New York all this time. I thought it would be a good place to settle down. For what it was worth, the NYPD was good to me.”
“Oh I can tell she is. I followed her Instagram, and she's always posting pictures of parties and such.” I tucked a strand of hair in the back of my ear, while I pulled out my phone to show Kat Kincade’s page. “Even if they don't want to talk to me, I'm just super glad they're okay.”
I sometimes wonder why Kincade hasn't had contact with me yet, but deep inside I felt like they were somewhat upset with me. The strange thing was that once Kincade showed up, my mother just randomly disappeared. My father had always told me that she's just had it with us, and left to do her own life. However I never believed that story. Sure my mom was a raging drunk chain-smoker, but she always loved Lucy and I. Her just leaving out of the blue isn't in character, and I just know that something wrong might have occurred.
Kat inspects the page. I can tell it struck something in her. I knew from this point she was holding back a bit with her emotions but for some reason, this broke her. Suddenly I saw my childhood best friend break into a waterfall of sadness. She started to sob. As if she had a dam behind her eyes and they just burst.
“Kat.. Oh shit, I didn’t mean to make you cry,” I rushed towards Kat’s side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
It broke me to see Kat this way, yet I couldn’t help but wonder what made her let out her tears. My eyes suddenly landed at one of Kat’s wrist, a light brown scar was marred on her skin. It was half covered by her sleeve, its appearance was more like a stab wound than a slash. I could tell Kat noticed me staring at it, as she quickly covered it up. The sky was now in a vibrant orange and magenta hue, while the bright sun started to slowly settle down.
Kat finally regained her composure after a few minutes of apologizing profusely.
“I know.” Kat weakly pushes out from her lips through her tears. “I know you see them. I know I have a lot of explaining to do. I got that…from a mission that I’m not sure if you’re ready to hear.”
Leaning against her shoulder, I looked up at Kat with an understanding expression. “I think I’m ready to hear about this. Over these years, I wanted to know what happened in Drisking. I don’t want to stay ignorant anymore.”
“Let’s…” Kat wipes her eyes, only for more tears to take the others place. “Let’s go somewhere a little more private.”
∆∆∆
“As you enter into the Church of the Overthrown Gods.” Kat dramatically pauses. “You feel as if multiple eyes are watching you. As you look closer to the rotting wood altar, you see a tiny eye just peeking out…and then another…and then another…and then another… as they rise up from the altar you see they are on tendeles attached to a large spherical mass. You see 10 tenderals rise all with snake-like eyes darting around the room before meeting yours. As the large mass comes into view you see one large eye on it staring at you and an unnerving smile as it laughs intimidatingly at you. As you realize what is staring back at you is…a beholder…and that’s where we will leave off tonight’s session!”
Several protests fill the room. It wasn’t out of character for Kat to leave off on a cliffhanger, but this is what we have been waiting for since the end of 2008. And even a year later, Kat always leaves the carrot dangling over our heads.
“Hey,” Kat shrugs “I gotta keep you hooked or else our three month streak of all of you attending won’t keep going.”
“Oh, fuck you, Kat!” Kami rolls her eyes lightheartedly “We come back every week regardless.”
“Yeah, but it's more fun torturing you.” Kat giggled while combing through her long hair with her fingers.
Shaking my head, I took a sip on my already luke-warm Snapple, “Typical Kat. Why do you always gotta tease us like that? I was literally witnessing my character finally healing from a poison arrow and just to end at that. I totally can't wait till the next!”
“Thank you,” Kat nods before getting up and starting to pack up and the group follows suit. “I cannot wait for next session. It’s a big battle so I recommend you all start doing some research on Beholders to be ready, because this monster is really tough. Remember, we are starting the next session at level 12, and I’ll see you all soon!”
After about 10 minutes, the rest of the group left except for me. I like staying after sessions with Kat. I don’t understand why the other two people in the group don’t stay. It’s not even 9pm by the time we finished and they are already out the door.
It’s sophomore skip day tomorrow and I sure as hell know everyone will be participating so what’s the rush? Well, everyone except for Kat. From all the time I’ve known Kat up until this point, she never skipped a day or cut any corners when it came to her education. It was admirable but also frustrating. I cannot tell you how many plans I had to cancel because she wanted to study. I never understood why she was so serious about it. It’s like her life depended on her making good grades and being a shining student. I have to admit, I am jealous of her dedication to it.
I would typically leave her to her own devices when it came to school but just by looking at her, she looked like she deserved a break. With the exams and the constant verbal battles between her mother and her father, I can tell just by looking at her, the pressure is on her. I could say the same for my home situation, but I'm already used to it, that it is practically normal for me. Kat, on the other hand, really deserved a break, just this one time.
While I was playing with one of the d20 dice, gathering up courage, I asked, “Hey Kat? Whatcha going do tomorrow?”
“Oh, um.” Kat says not looking up from her notebook, making some notes for the next session. “Just going to school, I should be able to go to take our usual walks tomorrow after.”
A smile crept on my lips, as I definitely predicted Kat's answers. Sure, I did hear that the Sheriff in town was going to give tickets to those that didn't go to school, but I didn't really care about that. I just wanted to have a chill day with my friends. After all, I busted my ass to at least have passable grades.
“Hmm. Hey Kat, why don't we…you know,” I nudged her with my elbow. “Skip school tomorrow?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Kat sighs.
“I know, I know. But I just feel like these days have been for us but we just have fun tomorrow.” I could tell that I was losing Kat already, her mind dead set on going to school. I tucked a strand on my blue hair behind my ear, as I followed Kat. “Kat, please. Sometimes I worry about you because you're working yourself out. Just this once, and I'll promise I'll try to raise my Geometry class to a B!”
“I suppose…” Kat thinks for a second. “It wouldn’t hurt to skip one day.”
“Hell yeah!” I tackled Kat, as I tried to spin her around in happiness. “I promise that you'll have the best day. That jackass Sheriff won't ruin our day. I'll make sure of it!”
“Alright! Alright!” Kat giggles “Fine. Just calm down.”
I feel a sense of relief coming from Kat like I somehow unlocked one shackle that she bore on her ankles. There’s still plenty, and this one is certainly not the heaviest but the littlest weight off of her is enough for her to appreciate.
I let her go as I dashed towards my Jack Skeleton backpack, fetching out my half torn notepad. “ I scribbled some of the plans I have for tomorrow. I was thinking we could dine on Prescott Artisan Sandwiches, and then maybe hike the trail over west of Crystal Lake. What do you think?”
“Yeah!” Kat exclaims. “I heard there’s going to be a few people there tomorrow. Probably could use the social interaction, or attempt to at least.”
“We'll have the lake to ourselves,” I chuckled, placing my notepad back to my back. I really did need a new notepad, however I remember my family was very tight on money at the time. “Oh I almost forgot that Kincade might be joining us too.”
“Sounds good to me.” Kat smiles. “Honestly, that girl needs to be a bit more interactive if you ask me.” Kat chuckles. “As if I’m one to talk.”
“That's why I invited her too. I feel like you girls could get along.” I then jokingly added, “Maybe you can indoctrinate her into playing DnD with us, eh?”
“I’m sure I can.” Kat giggles. “Alright, so are you staying the night tonight? I think I can take the car tomorrow so you can stay if you like.”
“I'll stay, but I should pick up Lucy. My mom said she left her by the Landys,” I rubbed my neck in frustration as I continued. “I hate how my mom just randomly abandons Lucy to strangers. Does she know there's creeps?”
My mother always had done this multiple times, even when I was Lucy's age. A seven year old like Lucy shouldn't be in conditions like this, and I knew damn well that my father won't be available till 7AM. I thought about maybe walking up to the Landys house, maybe it was like 3 blocks or so.
“I think I'll walk to get Lucy. You wouldn't mind my little sis joining in our sleepover, right?”
“I mean, I don't have a big problem with it. Honestly, prefer it to just be you and me but I won’t be kicking and screaming if she is here.”
“That's true,” I nervously laughed, “Either way, Lucy is pretty much a sweet kid, and she will probably be distracted playing with her ballet Barbie dolls.”
Peeping through the windows, the sky was pitch black, almost like a void swallowing the whole town. I took a deep breath, before heading out of the door. Before stepping a foot outside of the wooden porch, I called out. “I'll be back, Kat. If I don't come back, the Skinned Men might’ve caught me!”
“Oh, don’t say that!” Kat calls at me as I walk away. She didn’t seem offended more lighthearted but there was a little seriousness there.
Kat always believed in the supernatural. While all of us grew up and just accepted it was just an urban legend that wasn’t real, Kat believed it. Kat even dedicated an entire essay on the history of the Skinned Man, and where the legend originated from. Needless to say, there wasn’t much to go off of and because Kat is very committed to things, she decided to embellish the details a bit and even I knew that a lot of that stuff was all pulled out of thin air and had no actual weight to it. They were just urban legends that little kids would scare others with. Along those tales were the Triple Tree.
Everyone would carve their names in the Triple Tree, serving like a talisman to these Skinned Men. If you didn’t, then I guess you were fucked. I never really carved my name, for some damn reason, my dad never let me. The moon shined brightly, casting light to these liminal streets. I was already used to walking at night, but for some odd reason, something was off. Crossing the right side of the neighborhood, I caught some headlights shining through the bushes. It looked like it belonged to an old police cruiser, and that alone made me start running. I was not a fan of the officers here, plus I was definitely violating a curfew.
“C’mon, Pauly,” I uttered under my breath, jumping through some fences.
I landed on the backside of the Landy’s house, my knees landing on top of the pavement. Hissing in pain, I slowly wobbled towards the front side of the house. It was stupid of me to think that I would magically land on my feet, but then again I had the shitiest luck. Quickly, I knocked on the door three times, after the fourth knock, the white adorned door swung open. In front of me was a cinnamon brown haired 14 year old boy, who had that bored expression that every teenager had. I recognized that boy as Parker Landy, the youngest of the Landy family.
“Uh, can I help you?” Parker wrinkled his nose, while he adjusted his glasses.
I furrowed my brows, “I’m here for my sister. For Lucy.”
“Oh, okay. Um, I guess you can come in.”
Parker reluctantly ushered me inside, as I wasted no time to search for Lucy. There, located in the dinning, Lucy was drawing while Mrs. Landy was brushing her dark little locks of hair. She was wearing a baby pink ballet uniform, the one that my dad bought her for her birthday. Ecstatic, Lucy jumped up from the chair and darted to my direction. We bid farewell to Mrs. Landy, heading out into the night. However, I caught a glimpse of her face morphing into a sorrowful look. ‘She must have been worried for us,’ I thought, mainly because it was just two girls heading out, embracing the unforgiving night.
“Pauly, where’s mommy?” Lucy’s wide eyes looked at me, grabbing my hand ever so tightly.
I sighed, thinking how to word out an appropriate response, “She’s just working a lot in the diner. So we can afford your ballet classes,” I had lied, flashing an assurring smile. I didn’t want Lucy to know the truth, she was an innocent kid after all.
Crossing up that same street again, I could sense that we were almost close to safety. Or so I thought. A slow rumbling sound of an engine followed behind. It was pitch dark outside, so I couldn’t really tell what color the vehicle was, but I did recognize it. What my eyes could grapple from what little information it had at the time, it was just that damn old police cruiser. Just as I was about to run with Lucy, the dark tinted windows rolled down, revealing an old familiar face.
“Ah little Miss Rhoades. What brings you here past curfew, hmm?” Ex Sheriff Clery asked, while flashing a very wide smile. I remember him being the Sheriff since the 1950s, not before being replaced by Robocop Walker.
Lucy bounced up and down, as she exclaimed “Me and Pauly are going home! Mommy and Daddy are still at work!”
Clery’s gaze looked back at me, his grin growing ever so slightly larger. “Oh really? It’s quite dark out here, you girls might need a lift.”
“No thank-” “Yes please!” Lucy quickly cut me off as she threw the car door open.
She quickly slithered herself in the backseat, while I was too stunned to comprehend. It left me no choice but to take this impromptu ride. Trembling, I sat next to Lucy, shutting the car door behind me. A loud click followed, as both doors were locked.
The whole ride I was scared shitless. I didn’t know why, but I guess I scared myself alot reading Missing Persons cases. I mean, I just entered a car with a person I barely knew. Yes, I know he’s a cop and his entire job is to keep us safe, but I couldn’t help but feel this sense of unease creeping into my conscious mind. It might be from the hundreds of “Stranger Danger” PSAs I’ve been fed all my young life. Lucy probably noticed how tense I looked, latching herself onto my arm.
“It's okay Pauly, the Skinned Men won't catch us anymore. We're safe here!” Lucy nuzzled on my arm, clearly obvious about the situation.
Sheriff Clery let out a chuckle, adding on “Little Lucy's right. No need to worry about those monsters when you're the old sheriff, eh?”
I nervously laughed along, just wishing that we’ll be at our destination already. That just put me even more on edge. I decided to dare a glance at the interior back mirror and I saw a pair of eyes seemingly staring at me and my sister with a look that just sent a chill down my spine. I tried to rationalize that maybe I’m just imagining things but the way he was staring at us was undeniably unsettling.
It was not after a minute later we arrived. The whole minute felt like hours, rightfully so I bolted out of the cruiser with Lucy in my arms. Before reaching the front door, the older man called out, “Be careful next time. You won’t know what’s lurking around these parts.”
After that the police cruiser drove off into the dark void of the unknown. That sentence alone carried an unsettling meaning, yet I could never pinpoint why. Objectively, it was quite normal. It was just a man showing a kind gesture but my gut was screaming not to trust this person. I tried to just brush it off as a misunderstanding but it was so strange I couldn’t.
∆∆∆
“So,” Kat began. “The place still has Prescott’s name written all over the place even after everything that happened?”
“I believe so,” I took a deep breath before continuing, “I really hope it’ll be over now. Sometimes, I wished I could live on with life. Like nothing happened, you know?”
The melody of the forest sung around us as we took in the fresh day’s air and the warm embrace of the midsummer’s sun. We’ve walked through this forest hundreds of times before but it’s like discovering uncharted territories every time we step foot in it. It feels different now. It seems bleaker than it was when we were children. Maybe it’s just an optical illusion or that every memory of my childhood feels like a dream.
“God,” Kat scoffs. “I’d scrub that name off the earth if I could.”
“I have to admit, everytime I see that name, something bad always happens. It's almost as if it was cursed.” My gaze shifted back to the abundance of trees, each of them being so eerily identical. “Thomas Prescott really did sell his soul, and everyone had to pay the price.”
“Don’t remind me.” Kat almost growls like a wolf to a degree that caught me off guard.
Shit, I definitely struck a nerve there. Why? Why did that set her off the way it did? I tried to change the subject into something else. I really didn’t want to upset Kat any further, I felt guilty just by saying that.
“It’s so silent here, I don’t know if I should be on edge or relaxed.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like that. I don’t know what came over me.”
Kat’s eyes dart around before she runs her fingers through her hair with a sigh. It didn’t occur to me until just now that she had been watching everywhere and everything all at once. Every little movement her eyes locked onto. Could be just a natural reaction. I’m sure her line of work requires her to be hyper-vigilant so maybe it carries into her normal day-to-day life.
“You don’t need to apologize, Kat. I was the one who was pushing too much.” The wind blew softly, remnants of leaves danced in the air. It reminded alot about how life is, always pushing you in unpredictable directions. “I was thinking after this, maybe we should help each other out. My therapist gave me the advice that some wounds can’t heal by themself.”
“I can help you. I don’t really need help myself. When I was on the field, I was given state mandated therapy. It was important to do so to not go actually insane from all the messed up things we see. Trust me, there’s a reason why a lot of us quit after a few years of service.”
“ I see,” I gave Kat a crooked smile, “You're resilient, that's what I admired about you.”
Even after all those years, Kat still had those strong traits of being smart and strong. I could help but feel proud of her, and I wished her the best. I got closer to Kat, as I leaned on one of the oak trees nearby.
With a playful tone, I asked. “So when are you gonna show me how to use one of those?” I pointed at her gun.
“You?” Kat laughs. “I thought you hated loud noises?”
I shrugged, raising one of my brows. “Still do. It's just in case anything goes south. Or maybe I wanna impress somebody.”
“I’ll teach you soon. No doubt about that. I don’t have any ear protection on me and this beauty can get pretty loud.”
As we took in the forest’s lush surroundings, I noticed something that I haven’t seen before despite being out here for god knows how many times. There was a perfectly healthy tree in front of us but it seemed as if the bark had been ripped and torn definitely unnaturally; it had to have been done by someone, not an animal.
Kat and I exchange confused looks as we walk closer to the tree. Then, it all came together. I didn’t want to think that someone would have done this again. Not after the original was burnt to the ground a long time back. On the tree there were signatures. It sent an ungodly chill through my whole body. I looked over to Kat to see her reaction and she looked like she was frozen in time. With a look of shock and fear instilled upon her very body.
“It can't be. There's a new one here, but how?” My mouth was agape as I reached to touch the bark of the tree. My fingers grazed against each little individual signature. Each of them being unique, much like their owners’ names.
I look back at Kat. I realized I was mistaken, or perhaps it just shifted. Her look, it wasn't out of fear, no, it was out of resentment and hate and a boiling rage that I could tell is about to spill through. I know that even if I were to manage to say anything in this situation, I couldn’t prevent it from all coming out. What could I say? This isn’t anything I’ve seen from Kat. She always had a way to relieve her own anger but this was an anger that even the cool-minded Kat could not keep under control. Like a wildfire that had found a negligent camper’s gasoline can.
“Kat–”
“They think they can control me even in death but they can’t.” Kat whispers to herself quickly. I barely had time to process before the wildfire finally found the gas. “THEY FUCKING CAN’T!”
Kat lifts her shirt slightly, revealing her concealed gun. A Pit Viper. She draws it at a speed I barely had time to comprehend as she switches off the safety and takes a stance.
“Wait! Kat!”
That was all I could get out before I was overtaken by an ear splitting explosion. I barely had time to register the second one before the third went off. It was the same for the fourth and the fifth. My ears rang the loudest they have ever in my life as the pain in my ears set in and the agony of my head throbbing so hard that I thought my brain would burst from it alone. The sounds echoed through the forest. All the birds and the bugs and creatures stopped in unison as if Kat slain them herself.
And then.
Silence.

BEFORE YOU START!
You might be itching to get started, but it is recommended that before you begin, you should get something you can do research on (perhaps the device you’re reading this on?) and something to take notes with, such as a notebook or google doc. Once you have those, you should be good to start! You can sketch a map to start, but don’t spend too much time on it, since if this helps you’ll be changing it A LOT!
In order to make a FanClan map, first think of the Clans who live there.
How many Clans? What are the Clans called? How much territory would this amount of Clans need? What kind of area do they live in? Feel free to do research if you need to.
Next, think. What kind of territory do these cats have?
Is it similar to the gorge, old forest, lake, or none? Feel free to do research on areas you like. If you find an image that looks especially interesting, save it for later! Chances are your Clans won’t have the exact same size territory- so who has the largest territory? Where are the border lines?
Now, think of some important landmarks these cats could have.
Of course, there’s the Clans’ camps, but what else? A Twolegplace? An abandoned Twoleg nest? A place like Fourtrees or a Moonstone-like place? A place like Sunningrocks or a place that’s constantly fought over? Feel free to do research on things that could be found in the area if you need to.
Extra questions/research
If these questions have all been answered, ask yourself things about them. What’s their culture? Do they have a different warrior code? If so, how different? Do these fanclans have different roles than the existing Clans? Etc. You can also do research to find new things for your Clans! Maybe look up some existing places to find similar images to your areas.
The camps.
By now, you should have a decent idea on what your map will look like. You have the camps marked off- but what is in those camps? Think about existing warriors camps. A traditional warriors camp has a:

• Warrior den
• Medicine den
• Apprentice den
• Leader den
• Nursery
• Elder den
• Clan rock

You can also have a spare den/prison, as seen in WCUE.
Now, if you have different roles for cats, what would those roles need? Would they sleep in the warrior den or need a den of their own? Another thing you should think about is what will the Clan rock be called. Some canon names for the Clan rocks are:

• Highrock
• Highledge
• Clanrock
• Pinebranch
• Highstump
• Tallrock
• Rockpile
• Highroot
• Tallstump

Now, what do your Clan leaders address the Clan from? A rock, ledge, or tree? Think about it, and then think of a name like the ones above for it. Your camp is almost complete! Now you just have to think about where things go. Is the Clan Rock above the leader’s den or near the nursery? Is the warriors’ den next to the apprentice den or below the leader’s den? Take a minute to think about it.
By now you’ve probably got a decent idea of your map.
If not, you should go back and think through what the area looks like as you reread the questions. If so, then you’re probably ready to sketch! If you sketched a map at the beginning, then edit that with your new ideas if you haven’t already. If you’re not good at drawing, don’t worry! You can skip that, the sketch is just to help with the area. Now you’re good to start making the actual map. Draw it, make it with clay, use Inkarnate or some other map making service, or don’t make a map at all. This is the territories map, and it will be used for viewing the actual territories. Next, you should make maps of the Camps. You shouldn’t mark your camps on the map of the territories except for where they are, but on the camp maps you should add the location of all the dens and the Clan rock! You should now have a few maps, a few images to use for reference when drawing areas in your territories, and some new ideas. I hope this helped anyone looking to make a map or your own FanClans! :D
This might have helped with some simple things, but it's still up to you to make the rest! Don't give up if it's a passion of yours!

I'm overwhelmed with gratitude from this community. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I cannot WAIT to decorate my new house with all of these amazing postcards & cards! <3
Postcard TY's:
u/Sufficient_Letter883 x2 - ty for the 'Hampton Court Palace' pc! I love the architecture and facts you wrote on the back! I can't wait to put this one up on my wall. also, the pc you sent of the forest with the wooden path & railing....is stunning! sometimes I see shades of purple. tysm <3
u/yetanotherblankface x2 - ty for the happy pc :-) I love the artwork and colors of the woman on the front. It will go perfectly with my bedroom theme - females/culture/diversity!! and the tarot draw postcard...wow! i needed that. I got 'justice.' thanks so much for sending these to me they are both my style <3333
u/Rand_ston x2 - TYTYTY for the PRIDE 🌈 pc!! The lavender is one of my FAV colors. It's already hung up in my bedroom, HAPPY PRIDE! Another ty for the housewarming pc :-) I love the brown shades of yellow in the flower. Thanks so much!
u/AddisonEllison - The Glacier National Park postcard is absolutely beautiful. I love how there is snow, greenery AND water. Beautiful!
u/credenda_ - Thank you for the housewarming postcard of the Plumeria plant. It is beautiful! The move was definitely a happy occasion. TY!
u/MoonChica - Thank you for the 'Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa, Cali' pc! I love the architecture and details of it. The colors of yellow and light blue match perfectly in my new kitchen.
u/duygusu - ty for the literary pc! My word was 'bigfoot' haha, I love bigfoot squishmallows!! Super cool offer and I love it, thank u again!
u/k8iebugs - Your poodle pc is absolutely adorable, and matches perfectly with the theme in my kitchen...yellow, sunshine, bees, and... poodles :-) I hope you keep making more. I absolutely love it!!
u/TyeDyeAmish - TY for the housewarming pc! I'm starting to warm up to my new house. It's very exciting receiving all these cards here, making it feel more like home. Wishing you the best!
u/aepeyc - ty for the housewarming pc! I chuckled because it's very relatable to me now... when will my cards arrive?... 😆 haha but anyway, I'm getting settled in well in my new house. decorating and organizing it makes helps! i wish you the best with your move in sept!
u/HeyMorganM - tysm for the bookstore pc!!! I am so happy we both love bookstores as well!! I haven't read 'severance' by Ling Ma yet, but it sounds like something I would enjoy! I just finished 'orbiting jupiter' and wow I had to cry at the end... powerful story!! thanks again!
u/Keqani - thank you for the housewarming postcard! the duck swimming in the front is sooo cute! ☺️
u/Reasonable_Ad1688 - ty for the artsy Pantone pc!! I love the colors :-) I'm so glad I could help you practice your amazing craft skills! I LOVE your handwriting btw 😊 ty!
u/citytiger - ty for the 'Walt Whitman Commemorative Series' pc of Walt Whitman's birthplace. I love the architecture in the building here. thank you for the housewarming pc!!
u/zkhg - ty for the homemade pc! you've inspired me to use things I have to make some postcards! super neat, thank you xD
u/skylineprophets- ty for the 'disappointing affirmations pc' mine was about self-sabotage. and welp, I can say I have! all I can do is learn from that. honestly, I'm not a huge fan of candy...but I love anything chocolate!! thanks for the pc :-)
Card TY's:
u/craftymonmon x2 - you are beyond talented!!! first, the graduation card you made me... is so cool!! it made me so happy when I got it in my mailbox. second, the envelope of happiness made me tear up a lil :') you are too kind. the vintage/butterfly/floral/dark-themed card you made, is AMAZING. it's so beautiful!!! the little ephemera of the house, flowers, and quote are soo me and so cute. thank you for the stickers. my favorites are the stacked books with a coffee on top that says "one more chapter" (black&white), read more books, and the other book-themed stickers!! I'm going to put them on my Kindle! :-) The two transcripts you wrote by Nikita Gill are exactly what I needed to hear right now. thank you so so much. YOU'RE AMAZING! ❤️ 😻 😍 🤩 💝
u/ninajyang - ty for the housewarming card! I hate unpacking too...I'm getting there, sorta lol!
u/inkyfingerspgs - ty for the housewarming card! my new home is beginning to feel like my new place day by day :-)
u/hispanglotexan - ty for the housewarming floral card! it is soo beautiful! I'm going to put it in my bathroom which is rose gold & gold-themed. I'm settling very well ty for the warm welcome in my mailbox!!!
u/Adoreible95 - thanks for the amazing graduation card!!! :-) I loved the joke & you are very creative!
u/SirenoftheRiver - ty for the pride card! also hello state neighbor! xD happy pride! 🌈 ty for the washi samples! I loveee the autumn leaves one! the stickers you sent are amazing too. I like the one with the moon and crystals.
u/BlacksmithEquivalent - thank you for the housewarming card! I love how it says, "Home sweet home" and I love the tones of browns. very welcoming for my new home ty :-) oh also thank you for the San Diego, California postcard!! I've never been there, but it's cool that you are from there. I have always wanted to visit.
u/relax455 - thank you so much for the super cute extra postcard and housewarming card! I love that the date on the card is "June 5th, 1925" and that date just happened! Almost a hundred years after the photo was taken, how cool. xD
u/cSWL - well, you have the right address! I do live out in the boonies now, so I'm glad it has arrived safely to me!! tysm for the random mail of postcards & cards!!! they are so great. super cool you lived in a hall in college with my last name! also, the wizard of oz is one of my favorite plays/movies. It's so great you included a postcard with a quote from it!!
thank you ALL for making my mailbox explode with joy! (and my new mailman is questioning who I am 😆 LOL)

I have had a couple of creepy dashers lately so I changed my in app name to an anonymous name (Mrs M). Tonight I ordered alcohol and while the dasher scanned my ID, she was ranting about how she shouldn’t accept my ID because it didn’t match but she’s cool so she would etc etc. I used to dash myself and I literally never cared about the name on the ID as long as they were of legal age.
Any input on the actual policy?

Who want to join my clan we are very active donate a lot comment you name I will invite you thanks

I am NOT OOP, OOP is u/Ok_Investigator_6011
Originally posted to TrueOffMyChest
Editor’s Note: added paragraph breaks for readability
Editor's Note 2: BSA is Boy Scouts of America, FOIL is Freedom of Information Law
My mother abused me my whole life, and is now suing me to see my children - I'm fed up!
Trigger Warnings: abuse, mentions of alcoholism, emotional abuse and manipulation, past trauma, verbal abuse
Original Post: May 31, 2024
I am a 41 year old, happily married father of 5 children. My wife and I have been married for 20 years and both of us came from fractured, chaotic families. My wife's parents divorced and were both alcoholics. Her father died of liver failure and her mother has cooled off a bit and has retired. My parents went through a vicious, violent divorce when I was a child. My father moved 10 states away to get away from the craziness and my mother has never changed.
Because of our experiences with violent and unstable families, my wife and I have worked extremely hard to be picture-perfect parents and spouses. We've done everything you can think to have a perfect life for our kids. My wife is a sports coach and I'm a scoutmaster with the BSA. Our kids are healthy, engaged, and have everything they need physically and emotionally. This has been in spite of our families, not because of them.
My mother is a terrible woman. She systematically abused me throughout my whole childhood, and continued to be a violent, bitter, mean and aggressive person to me throughout my whole life. I could sit here for hours and write about the things that she's done. She used the courts to destroy the life of my father for decades. Once he was out of the house, she turned her anger at me with physical and emotional violence.
When I was 16, she expelled me from the house and left me homeless. I had to go from house to house, figuring out where to live, and try to graduate high school. I ended up living with an older boy that was about 4 years older than me, and I had to engage in a sexual relationship with him in order to secure that housing. I was not gay, I did not want to be gay, and I had to endure something that destroyed me in order to not be sleeping on the street. When I turned 18, I was able to start working at a better job, and was able to get out of that bad situation and start my life from scratch.
My wife and I have scratched and clawed our way into a stable, middle class lifestyle. We both went to college at night for years and years, and we have good jobs and a house in the suburbs. Out of a sense of duty to our family, I sought to include my extended family in our lives, and permitted a relationship with strict boundaries between my mother and my children. For the most part, she has been fairly stable for about 20 years. I say stable in that we could have routine contact about once per month for that time period, with a minimum of disruptive behavior. She has never acknowledged her abuse to me as she is an extremely selfish person. Everything about our past has been left unsaid.
My mother, over the last 2 years, has become completely unraveled. Her second husband decided to leave her for his own health and sanity, and she has instantly reverted back to the most cruel and the most bizarre behavior imaginable. All aspects of her life have been affected. She is calling the cops, suing him in family court, alienating large parts of her family from one another, all while trying to tell my children about why their grandfather is a bastard for how she feels about him. Once I saw this happening, I said "that's it, not again" and took some action.
At the beginning of this year, I wrote a very courteous note to my mother asking her to re-evaluate the way she's been behaving to me and my family. When I tell you it was neutral and courteous, I really mean it - I checked it like 5 times. She responded by calling me terrible names (ungrateful piece of shit for example) and screaming bloody murder on the phone at me. I blocked her from my phone, then she did the same thing to my wife. So I informed my mother by email that I'd like to maintain distance until she works on herself in therapy or with her divorce mediator. Things lay still for about 6 months.
This morning, I wake up to a series of bizarre emails from my mother asserting that she wants to see my children for their birthday which is coming soon, and that she is giving me 24 hours to provide acceptable dates for permitting visitation or to be prepared for a legal summons to family court. I'm like, wtf???? This woman is the equivalent of a schoolyard bully, following me around in life, tormenting me non-stop until you just want to cry! The worst part of a bully is that when you ask them to lay off you for even 5 minutes, that they just take this as a cue to keep it up even more!
I took one look at this and I was like, holy shit, this woman is clearly out of her fucking mind. Now I know in the post title I said she's suing me - I work in the legal field and I know that until I've been summoned to appear, that I have not been sued. So, no, she's only threatening to sue me right now. Sorry for using the hyperbole. But I'm finding myself in the same bizarre, out-of-touch reality that everyone in this person's life finds themselves.
This batshit insane woman forced me to see my own father at a McDonalds when we were kids for 2 hours every two weeks (as per the court order) while she waited outside in a running car. I was only allowed to see him in this fashion because she hated him and didn't care what this would do to her own kids. There were more than a few times when the clock would strike 8 and she would come screaming into the McDonalds threatening to call the cops and have my dad arrested for kidnapping while grabbing us by the arms and pulling us out of the store. This is what she's capable of doing with family court.
I had a literal, hyperventilating panic attack on the floor of my office this morning. I have sought to be respectful, mature, and use good decision making this whole time. My wife and I have an extremely secure marriage and she is in agreement with me 100% through all of this. I'm finding myself wishing that my mother would just die already, and just please to leave me alone. She's like this inescapable bully that will never, never under any circumstance leave a person alone until she's proven that she can hurt them. I don't even care what she's experienced in her life. I just need to be away from her!
So that's my true off my chest story. I've been living with this shame and fear and lingering self-hatred for 30+ years, all while trying to be super-dad and a great career man. I called a local family law practice today to get a referral. I'm going to ask them to send a demand letter to her, to try and get her to back the hell off, but look at what this has come to! I have to shell money out of my own pocket to protect myself and my kids from my insane mother. I feel like Rodney Dangerfield sometimes. Ironically, the money I'm going to have to send to the lawyer for their retainer is money that I had earmarked for the kids to go to summer camp. So figure that one out.
Thank you for letting me tell you my story. Just typing it out helps.
Relevant Comments
OOP on if there are legal precedent that gives her threats in his area

OOP: New York does provide an avenue for grandparents to sue for custody, although it would turn into a protracted legal fight that will cost me a lot of money and aggravation if she does.
In general, the process is the punishment. I had to deal with family court and CPS, cops etc when I was 10 and my parents were getting divorced. If you wanted to see me literally pass out on the floor, you'd drag me back to family court.

OOP on his mother having the financial means to sue for grandparents rights

OOP: I've seen this woman use the courts to destroy my father for over ten years. The answer is, who knows? I guess I'll just have to wait for a court summons to see what she will do.

Chocolatecandybar_: OP, I'm extremely sad to read it. I suppose you know that, would she sue you, this would more likely bring to her 40yrs horrors being exposed in court and her being denied to stay on the same planet of your kids. So, I suppose that you're here to just get it off and YES YOU DON'T DESERVE IT and definitively yes you are paying for having been a good person
May life repay you and your mom. All my vibes are for you
 
Update: June 3, 2024
I posted this all on Thursday when I was experiencing a serious amount of turmoil. Since then, I've calmed down a lot and also had the good judgement to talk this over with the important people in my life.
First thing's first, I'd like to thank everyone for the words of encouragement and support that were given. There were some surprising insights from many of the posters, and I found myself agreeing with and appreciating many of the stories of support that were posted by others. I now understand that I am not the only person with a domineering, selfish, easily enraged parent.
To all the people who blamed me for being a victim of my mother, and somehow being at fault for all this: well, I want to use some strong language to you, but I'll just ask you to please think about how fortunate your life has been that you haven't experienced what I have experienced.
So on to the update: As it turns out, only two states in the union have codified grandparents rights (California and New York) and I do live in New York. Basically, in New York a grandparent does not have the automatic right to have access to grandchildren, but a grandparent does have automatic standing to file a petition to be heard in family court. The petition can be squashed, but they can file the petition. I do want to get back to this later.
I did conference with a family law attorney on Friday, and he helped me to understand the situation and craft a strategy. He was generous enough to not require a retainer unless and until I'm served with legal papers. He basically explained that the grandparent does have standing to file a petition based on a pre-existing relationship with the grandchildren, but that she would most likely not be able to overcome the desires of two married parents who are both exercising their judgement for the health and safety of their children. He explained that in NY, our simple desire to terminate a relationship would most likely be overcome in court, however if we introduce some of the specific actions that she's exhibited over the last few years (familial alienation, adult humor near children, uncontrollable anger, hoarding of housecats, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle) that we would very likely prevail in a court setting. He explained that the good thing is that we had already restricted contact between our children and my mother to about once per month, and that in his experience he had never seen a court order for grandparent visitation for more often than once a month, for one hour per session. I try to be reasonable so I said, ok, the worst case scenario is supervised status quo.
I did broach the topic of a restraining order, and I was quickly schooled on how that works. Despite the Reddit attorneys who all assured me that I can automatically get a restraining order, well, I hate to say that you're all completely wrong. An order of protection has to be accompanied by some facilitating act of domestic violence. Because I've only been harassed and alarmed by words, I can't be granted a restraining order period. However, if my mother causes some disorderly act such as coming to my house and causing a ruckus, that could trigger an order if and only if I document it by having the police come and detailing a report. So, keep that in mind next time you recommend a restraining order. They're not easy to get.
The attorney recommended that I send a private cease-and-desist to my mother via certified mail and email. I decided to write a two-page, brutal takedown of this woman in order to a) blow off some steam and b) document in writing my concerns and try to get ahead of her legal maneuvering. I decided to take a two pronged approach. First, I send this cease-and-desist to her on Friday at lunch time via email and also certified mail. Then, I took a page out of her playbook and publicly scorched the earth to apply social pressure to her. I emailed and texted every single member of my extended family (brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, my stepfather, my father) and spoke to several of them to tell them exactly what was happening. Whether they wanted to hear it or not, I sent them intimate details of my mothers abuse and my decision to cut her off for the welfare of myself and my family.
My reasoning there is simple: my mothers abuse thrives in closed doors and embarrassed silence. For 30 years I've had to hear "oh, you know, that's just the way your mother is", while people just stood by and let her act in the most insane and violent ways you can imagine. My mother got angry at my stepfather last year, and tried to run him over with her car, then crashed her car into the front door of his business screaming at him and ranting and raving in public. Do you know what people did? They surely called the police or an ambulance and had her monitored for her safety, right? No! My sister quickly threw her into her car and drove her away so that she wouldn't be arrested. My stepfather was so embarrassed that he took the crashed car, drove it to a parking spot, and then paid out of pocket for the damage to the front of his business. This is what happens in families that are dealing with a crazy person. They cover it up, hoping that it will someday get better. Well I'm not comfortable with this anymore. I sought to publically embarrass and pressure her for a change.
Anyway, by Friday afternoon, my mother got the message and sent me emails telling me that I can "stop attacking her" and maligning her to my family. She indicated that she would abandon any legal efforts to seek visitation with my children. This was a relief, but to be fair I was almost looking forward to having a public forum to describe her antics at court. Nevertheless, it seems like she's backing off for the moment. The fallout and damage to my extended family is most likely severe and permanent. However my wife and I discussed this fully and have decided that this is the direction we're going in. We'll just have to have holidays by ourselves if the family can't be loyal and supportive to me.
On to the last point, and I really want to drive this home. In 1991, my mother conducted an incredibly vicious divorce against my father. I mean, she literally sought to destroy him, and she did. He was completely beaten by her. One of the things that my father told me about just this weekend, was that at the time my grandparents on his side sought to have guaranteed visitation with us after the divorce. My mother actually went to court on that specific topic, and specifically litigated that she was the custodial mother and had sole decision making about who the children would be around. The court ruled at the time that in fact, there was no right for a grandparent to see children, and my mother successfully was able to keep me away from my (very loving and happy) grandparents for years. I was only able to see them during court-mandated visitation with my own father. The law in New York changed in 2000 so that grandparents rights came into effect, too late to help me unfortunately.
I want to really drive this home: the fucking balls on this woman to go to court on her own behalf and state in a court of law that she, as the custodial mother of children, has the sole and ultimate decision on who her children have relationships with, and then to 35 years later attempt to use the changes in law to assert that she has grandparents rights to visitation - despite the wishes of the both parents - was too much for me to bear. That alone made me say, no way, not happening under my watch.
So that's the update. Long winded, yes, but it makes me feel good to type this out. I'm finally able to unburden the unbearable shame and embarrassment of what happened to me to members of my family, and I won't allow myself to be ignored anymore. I'm 41 and my selfish, insane baby-boomer asshole mother is in her mid 70's and has no power over me anymore. I'm sick and tired of bottling this up. Anyone who doesn't like it? They can go suck an egg. I deserve to have loyal and faithful people in my life.
Relevant Comments
Ascholay: Isn't her case now public record? If she believes that only custodial parents should dictate a child's relationship with extended family... isn't that something a lawyer can look up and use?

OOP: I have started the FOIL request at the family court where the divorce was adjudicated, however this will likely take months and months to get the records. I may read them just to more fully understand my family's history.

tattoovamp: The AUDACITY of this beetch!!
OP, you got sound advice from Your lawyer and you outed her to her family. Good job!
Practical-Chest2313: man, i am so unbelievably glad that you stood up for yourself and that you and your wife are united in standing up to your extended family. that’s not easy to do. nobody deserves to be treated like that, but abusers are so, so good at making you believe that you’re the one exception.
 

DO NOT COMMENT IN LINKED POSTS OR MESSAGE OOPs – BoRU Rule #7

THIS IS A REPOST SUB - I AM NOT OOP

This is going to be a Wiki and we're considering trimming the info from the Megathread to make it less bloated and redirect people to the Wiki. Please post a comment with any missing info.

Preface

This is a complete guide to getting all available consoles onto 3DS Hardware.
There are several different ways to play various games. This lists all options.

3DS, DSiWare, & Official Virtual Consoles

Option 1: Rip your 3DS Cart

• How to rip game cartridges via GodMode9

Option 2: Download .CIA files

• from hShop website or /Roms Megathread
  
• Place them in your /CIAs/ folder on your SD Card, and install via FBI App.
  

Option 3: Download directly from the 3hs App

• Download updates to 3DS Games in the "updates" section of 3hs.
  
• Download DLC to 3DS Games in the "DLC" section of 3hs.
  
• Posts asking about updating your games or downloading DLC will be removed for failing to read the FAQ
  
• .3DS Files (CIA files are easier, but 3DS files can be installed as well): Alternatively, download the 3DS files from the sources above, insert into the 3DS folder on your SD card, restart 3DS in GODMODE9, locate the file, and select "build cia from file". The .CIA file will transfer to the gm9/out folder. Install via FBI.
  

Option 4: Scan QR Codes

• See /3dsqrcodes
  
• After you find a QR code, scan it with the FBI app
  

Importing Saves to 3DS Games & Official VC

Note: Always backup your save files via Checkpoint and back up the SD card to your computer regularly.

3DS games - Use Checkpoint

1. put physical copy into 3DS
   
2. open up checkpoint, select the cartridge version, back up the save and name it something obvious.
   
3. remove the cartridge
   
4. select the digital version of the game you backed up and then pick the save you just made a back up of and click “restore save”.
   

Official VC Games

• Rip save from the cartridge via the Epilogue GB Operator, full guide for migrating from cartridge here.
  
• inject save via Godmode9 or Checkpoint. Godmode9 Guide. Source 2. (Works for GB and GBA games)
  
• You can also convert .SAV files to VC save files with this site.
  

CIA Collections

• /Roms Megathread. Do not make a post on /Roms asking where to get stuff. Read their pinned Megathread!
  
• Internet Archive - 3DS. Here is a cool app for more easily downloading Internet Archive content.
  
• Official VC Collection.
  
• DSiWare Collection. Another DSiWare Collection
  
• Retro Games Collection
  
• Misc. Collection
  
• 2TB collection, including roms not playable on 3DS.
  

NDS Games

Option 1: Rip your NDS cart

• How to rip game cartridges via GodMode9

Option 2: Download .NDS File

• Download from /Roms Megathread and place the files in your SD Card in /ROMS/NDS.
  
• Put the files in “/ROMS/NDS” on your SD card. Create this folder structure if it doesn’t already exist.
  

How to Play .NDS Files

Option 1: Install Twilight Menu++ to show ROM's in a DSi-menu interface.
Option 2: Use a DS Forwarder to put it game on your homescreen.

• Use either NDSForwarder or YANBF.
  
• You may need to Anti-Piracy patch the roms.
  

Note: If you do not have the folder structures in your SD Card described above, just create them.

Import saves to NDS Games

1. If you have a cart, you can rip saves from cartridge via GodMode9 or Godmode9i** - available in Universal Updater. Regardless, continue to step 2…
   
2. Wherever you store your rom files, there should be a folder labeled saves. Copy the .sav file to “roms/nds/saves/“ on your SD card and name it the same as the .NDS ROM file but with the “.sav” extension instead of “.nds”. If that folder structure doesn’t exist, create it.
   

• Alternatively, Use Checkpoint to rip the save from the cartridge. Move the .sav to roms/nds/saves/ and name it the same as the ROM but with the “.sav” extension instead of “.nds”
  
• If you don't have a save file and don't want to start from scratch, you can download completed saves here
  

VC Injects - GBA, GB, GBC, NES, SNES, PS1, NEOGEO, ETC

Option 1: Download pre-made .CIA VC Injects

• Most ROM files have already been converted into .CIA files, which can then be installed and played like official VC games.
  
• If the game you want isn't in the ".CIA Collection" file list above, you should try googling "[Name of game] .CIA file"
  

Option 2: Create your own .CIA VC Inject

• Use New Super Ultimate Injector to make VC inject CIAs of various platforms which get added as Home screen icons. Here's an alternative guide on how to use it.
  
• All require rom files, which are readily available online. If you want help with where to find them ask in the REQUEST MEGATHREAD.
  
• PS1 injects are also available, but only on NEW 3DS/2DS. Compatibility is not perfect. See compatibility list.
  
• NEOGEO games are recommended for only NEW 3DS/2DS systems. Games also may have performance issues.
  

Import Saves - GBA etc

Gameboy Advance

• You can rip a save from a cartridge via a DS, DS Lite, or GameCube or via the Epilogue GB Operator
  
• Regardless of where you get your save file, Migrate into the VC via Godmode9
  
• Pull GBA saves from VC to GBA Flashcart .flv
  
• If you don't have a save file and don't want to start from scratch, you can download completed saves here
  

TwilightMenu++ - NDS, GB, GBA, NES, SNES, Atari, and more

• TM+++ can launch Nintendo DS, SNES, NES, Game Boy (Color), Game Boy Advance, TurboGrafx-16, XEGS, Atari 2600, 5200, 7800 games, Sega Game GeaMaster System & Mega Drive/Genesis ROMs, and videos. It can be used as a frontend for either nds-bootstrap or supported flashcarts.
  
• Put all of your .ROM files in “/ROMS/” on your SD card, separated by folders for each console. (GBA folder, NES folder, etc) Create these folders if it doesn’t already exist.
  
• Install Twilight Menu++ to show ROM's in a DSi-menu interface.
  

Note: It is not advised to use GBARunner2 to play GBA games as it does not fully support save files. It is recommended to install ROMs as Virtual Console titles as explained above instead as this has much higher compatibility with games and comes with the ability to apply sleep mode patches.

1. Wherever you store your rom files, there should be a folder labeled saves. Copy the .sav file to “roms/[game romtype]/saves/“ on your SD card and name it the same as the ROM file but with the “.sav” extension. If that folder structure doesn’t exist, create it.

RetroArch - PS1, N64, MAME

• RetroArch - Plays lots of different systems, including PS1. Use the 3dsx version.
  
• PSX RetroArch Helper Script
  
• See /Retroarch for help with that program.
  

Nintendo 64 Games

• DaedalusX64** is a Nintendo 64 emulator for the 3DS.

Pokémon Games

Other

• Full List of Supported Consoles Emulators Here
  
• 3D Pinball Space Cadets from Microsoft Windows
  
• Fallout 1
  

I have two things that annoy me a bit in the game and I'm wondering it's just me or not. Somewhat similar UI issues but in two different places in the game. None of them are deal breakers and I only played a measly 1200hrs so far, but hey.

1. map is not centering on you

Situational awareness is key in the game and the map is in constant use all the time. Although when you pull up the map to check it, it's never (except accidentaly) centered on you - which would be the most useful feature for 99% of the time. Especially when duty calls you to a different respawn point, when you (re)check the map, you have to locate yourself and move the map around, and that can take several crucial seconds (yes, I know, your little arrow is blinking, but still). The ideal situation would be: you open the map, you are in the dead center, zoomed in to a 4x4 grid level and you can move it around/zoom if you need to check other places, points, etc.

2. user list is not centering on user

When you hit tab during the game to check names, results, whatever, your name should be highlighted and/or in center of your screen, but it hardly ever is. Maybe it's just me but sometimes you'd want to confirm the hit sound with the increased points on the list, (make sure the enemy is dealt with or not) especially if you are operating artillery, the hit feedback can help you tremendously, but not if you have to frantically scroll around to find your name with the numbers to check. Also, usually somebody else's name is highlighted, never figured out why, I don't really care how Homeless Jesus\, or *windowlicker\* is performing atm, but I absolutely would like to know that my grenade/bullet/satchel/shell actually killed someone or the threat is still there, bandaging.
I admit both issue are rather about game comfort and usability than effectiveness or playability (although the map one would actually help) and the current situation would not stop me playing and enjoying the matches. Also, I have no idea how complicated or costly would it be to implement those changes and there are way more severe issues in the game (lags, fps drops, load bugs, mg mounting, jump/climb problems, comm issues(!!!), etc.) to fix and I understand all this cost money and effort and prioritization from the devs.
What do you think? What are your pet peeves if you have any?
*: insert random funny player names

Critcrab fan and dnd player, but I wanted to share the story of a different rpg and the story of Heroes that never were. I am still fairly new to ttrpgs, having been playing for a little over 6 years. I started with dnd like many others but this is a tale about another game: Mutants and Masterminds. This is a story of two players that joined a superhero RPG but were anything but.
I love superhero stories, I love superheroes in general. After starting with dnd I wanted to do something a little different. A friend told me about MnM and its power building system. To those that do not know the system, it is a point based power system that allows you to build your own powers and characters. This allows you to build anything from the level of above average to superhuman to godlike to actual gods.
After getting the books, play testing a bit, I decided to get people together. I actually put flyers up in my local shops and college, quickly getting 3 players that were interested. This was my first time hosting a game, I was excited. I even let them know I was going to bring dinner: it was pizza. They did not eat any and I have not done that for a session 0 since, but that is a different story.
Of the 3 players I will only be discussing two due to player 3 being late and arriving at the very end. I have reserved a place to play at a local shop, the owner let us stay a bit late for the session 0. My plan was to use a premade adventure in the basic handbook. The handbook included a fun premade starter adventure, various classic hero builds, etc. I did have the GM guide and deluxe handbook, to my knowledge these were all new players.
Player 1 arrived earlier than expected so I went head explain my plan for the game. Sigh, immediately things go wrong. Player 1 explains that he does not want to do premade or quick builds or customs, he wants to build his own hero from scratch. I have nothing against doing this but I suggested we wait till everyone else arrived first. Well, he did not want to wait and insisted on using the point count for a level 10 hero. Level ratings in MnM is how strong your hero will be and many points you could spend. Your average heroes are 7-9, a 10-11 would be fairly strong big league Hero. I was new, I wanted players, so I allowed it though I disagreed with to some degree, especially when he decided to make his character before the others arrived.
While allowed this at the time, I did make 2 rules I had clear. The first was physics are still a thing in the game. Of course with magic and powers, the laws of physics are guidelines and I am fine with powers that defy some of those rules. What I did not want was someone with just super strength lifting a car by the bumper and the bumper not tearing off. If you are going to lift the car, lift the whole car or explain how your power allows you to do so otherwise. This follows into my second rule which is no pre-1965 Superman. Basically, no adding power cause it is convenient for your action. I am fine with the rule of cool but allowing rampant use of it dangerous for a game.
Player 1 began making his character, not giving me any information, and soon Player 2 arrives. As it turns out, the two of them know each other and player 2 immediately stated he wanted to do points to build his character. At this point, I am getting suspicious, especially as neither will tell me, the gamemaster, about their characters or see what they are building or how many points they were using or anything else. After they "finished" they atleast told me their back stories, so let's introduce the "heroes".
Player 1's character I call Janitar (I do not think he actually gave it a name, this is what I call him). Janitar started out as a simple elementary school janitor that is abducted by aliens and experimented on. Due to this he has enhanced superhuman strength and power, using this to break free and kill all the aliens, somehow returning to earth. That last bit seemed a bit less heroic and his story seemed a bit odd (I think he may have been projecting his own life into this) but it is his describing that left me speechless.
He described his power as being hulk level strength (and he was even bigger than the hulk) with the Blob's indestructible and intelligence on par with Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four. Basically bigger, tougher, stronger, and smarter Hulk. It got worse when he thought describing his strength to me. He stated that his character could grab a battleship by the front and lift it out of the water. He started to get upset when I asked "how?"
I had already told him my rule, asking how he could lift this?! If you had the strength to do this you'd just tear off the front of the ship. He actually argued that he would just Superman it (my second rule) and I pointed out that Superman in the comics can lift thanks to what is basically Telekinesis (that is right, it is not ridiculous strength it is actually psychic powers). For that matter, how are you this smart? You could not be on this level of power and yet be equally tough and smart. Where did the points come from?
Player 2's was not any better. Athletic super rich man with no super powers decides to build an advance battle armor strapped with every weapon and sensor system points could buy, plus rocket boosters. I actually got to take a look at it and immediately ask "other than the rockets, how do you even move?" This was a Hulkbuster size machine with no servos or anything. It was basically a giant weapons platform that he would get inside of it and could only move cause of rockets shooting him forward. Basically a flying Iron Coffin.
This armor which he could not even move in would have weighed nearly 2 tons. I even asked him how he got into the suit, which he explained was a hatch on the back. "So your weakness is that once you lose power, if you get stuck on your back you're trapped?" He that he would just lift the hatch open. I quickly pointed out that he if he could lift it from inside the suit, let alone lift the suit constantly, he would be breaking world records and would need super human strength. When I pointed this out he actually erased his strength and changed it to a higher level without removing anything else, right in front of me, claiming he gave himself super strength. First, with what points?!! Second, that changes your backstory of not having super powers.
Things just get worse from there. We are only in session 0, we can smooth out the stats and designs before we play was my thought, until we address how these "heroes" could even function. Janitar was 15 feet tall! Even the hulk is half as big. Plus his muscle mass making for a wide body. How can he even get a building. Iron Coffin is no better. Even if he could move in the armor the size of it was massive. I raised the simple question: how are you guys going to get through doors.
I will argue that perhaps I put a bit too much realism in my game. However, I am happy I did cause it this question that showed me characteristics of the players. Flaws are part of the game, it is the last step in character making. And yet there characters had none. There solution to my door question would be that Janitar would smash it or the Iron Coffin would blast into it. If they went to a Starbucks and could not get inside, they would break down the wall instead. Their actual words on this.
I point that this is not very heroic, it is the kind of thing that would, in game, cause the cops to come after them. To which, they responded that if cops came after them they'd just beat up the cops. That comment is what sank it. This was supposed to be a superhero RPG and that is the least heroic statement possible. These 2 had made and planned to be "jumped up nobodies", characters that get powers and use them to lash out at the world.
Player 3 arrived at this point and I apologized cause I said that this game was not going to happen. I got my pizza and I left. That was the session 0 and the heroic legends of Janitar and the Iron Coffin never came to be. I still do not regret ending it there. Now I kind of laugh at it after all, these were the least heroic heroes I ever saw.

I really enjoy watching/following raid races and so I did a series of updates for our clan to showcase some things I thought were cool during the race. Hoped some of you might find some of these facts interesting, so enjoy!
disclaimer: all this data came from raid report during the race and was updated 15 minutes past the 48h mark. If you see an error, please let me know. It’s likely due to me spending 36+ hours in this raid this weekend.

• Team Parabellum placed first, and then went back, and did a full second completion that took 7 hours and still placed 9th in their second run. This means they essentially lapped 682 teams.

Streamers/Players of Note

• Saltagreppo [Elysium] placed 8th
  
• Aztecross & Mactics placed 39th
  
• Gigz (#2 Last Wish Finish) & Aegis placed 84th
  
• Datto [Math Class] placed 104th
  
• Luckyy10P placed 116th
  
• Gladd & Sweatcicle [Redeem] (WF Last Wish Team) placed 170th
  
• Gernader Jake placed 175th
  
• GsxrClyde placed 572nd
  
• Esoterickk finished but I am unsure of the placement.
  
• Fallout did not finish.
  
• Rick Khakis did not finish.
  

Random Facts

• The first console team to finish placed 85th (PlayStation)
  
• First Xbox team placed 128th
  
• Only 22 out of 692 clears were console players
  
• One of the players on the team who came in 52nd has only run 3 raids and 3 pantheon clears. Likely an alt account, but if not, their last raid was their first and last clear of Vault of Glass. They haven’t entered a raid again until Pantheon.
  
• While I was monitoring, I saw #55 and #57 register as the same group and as a trio clear. Their runs quickly disappeared (likely removed/disqualified but I don’t know how that all works out)
  
• Datto & crew took a long break (6-8 hours) after 28 hours in the raid, then came back and finished in 40 minutes. (Remember to take breaks!)
  
• Current fastest full clear is 47m 53s (Held by a fireteam of the literal top 6 raid speed runners)
  
• Current highest number of full clears is 5 clears
  
• Players spent the longest amount of time in encounter #4 (Verity). This was the first encounter without the use of conductors in the raid.
  
• 105 teams finished in the final 60 minutes of contest mode.
  
• There are two hidden chests, one between encounter 2 and 3 and one just before the final encounter
  
• The Warlock armor set was inspired by a hummingbird in the shower, while the Hunter armor set was inspired by a curtain rod. (Joking but not really lol)
  
• The first Titan to finish came 39th
  

Any other fun facts you’ve discovered or heard?

In chapter 5, we get to know a little bit of Nobara's backstory.
1: She came from a small village she disliked.
2: She had a friend named Saori, whom she loved hanging out with.
3: The village pushed her away because of their own paranoia.
4: She moved to Tokyo to get away from her village.
It's only a few text boxes, but it's nice to know. We get Nobara's motivation for becoming a Jujutsu Sorcerer while not giving too much away, allowing us to speculate more about her. After all, she's a main character. What could her village really be like? How did she discover she was socerer? How's her family Iike?
So now we get to chapter 125, where we learn...
1: Nobara has a best friend that she has not mentioned at all up to this point.
2: Village is also nosey and weird.
3: We see Saori and her influence on Kugisaki.
4: She has a grandma who didn't want her to leave.
From this, we get more on Kugisaki's relationship with Saori and a little bit more on how her village is bad, but we don't see much more than that. We don't see how the village functioned, how her family was like, how they helped perpetuate this environment, how the villages culture affected Nobara more outside of just Saori. We don't even get to see her backstory from Kugisaki's perspective. Instead, we get this random best friend who always existed ig narrator for us. We don't even get to see how retroactively this best friend influenced Nobara's actions. She's just kind of there. Okay, maybe there could be more here! Maybe we can see how this affects her future actions! But we never see that. We don't see her future. We aren't allowed to really dig deep into Nobara. All she is after this
Is Dead.
What makes this worse is two things: Nanami in vs Mahito and Maki.
Nanami had a similar thing happen to him in vs Mahito, where he seemingly was about to die and had the last second flashback backstory. However, we actually got to see this from his perspective. We see his thoughts and the curses he put onto himself working as he did. We get a great insight into Nanami, and the best part is that he doesn't die! It was a subversion of the "gets backstory then dies" trope. Hell, at this point in the story, Nanami was supposed to stay alive even in Shibuya. Gege was only planning for him to lose an arm. It's disappointing that Nanami got the subversion while Nobara, one of the main trio of protagonists, gets it played straight alongside getting fridged.
Next is Maki. Her and Nobara actually have a very similar start to learning their backstories. In 0, we get some hints, some narration from Maki, and some quotes. Maki's backstory, however, gets naturally expanded as the story goes on. We learn more about her as we see more of her. We learn of her sister, her relationship with her sister, her relationship with her clan, her relationship with her parents, all of this culminating in the Zenin massacre. We get to learn her story naturally as the main story progresses rather than having it all dumped onto us at the last second. The effects of this backstory continue to affect her further into the story rather than just being the end.
It's sad how Nobara ended up in the end. I'm willing to hear feedback and how this backstory is actually good or something, but so far, I just think it's one big disappointment.

I'm still waiting on poly but I read everyone's posts, I haven't seen anyone get Las Cruces yet, or is it classified under another name? Sorry, for the post, still kinda new to this, I live in Tennessee but spent a week in Alamagordo, WSMR area, earlier this year and had a blast, thought it would be really cool to get it as an offer.

/system reset-configuration no-defaults=yes skip-backup=yes # create bridge /interface bridge add protocol-mode=none ingress-filtering=yes name=bridge1 vlan-filtering=no # create interface list /interface list add name=LAN /interface list add name=WAN /interface list add name=MGMT # update interface list /interface list member add interface=ether1 list=WAN add interface=ether2 list=LAN add interface=ether3 list=LAN add interface=ether4 list=LAN add interface=ether5 list=LAN add interface=ether6 list=LAN add interface=ether7 list=LAN add interface=ether8 list=LAN add interface=sfp-sfpplus1 list=LAN add interface=sfp-sfpplus2 list=LAN # create vlan /interface vlan add interface=bridge1 name=vlan_main vlan-id=10 add interface=bridge1 name=vlan_lab vlan-id=20 add interface=bridge1 name=vlan_mgmt vlan-id=99 # ingress behavior /interface bridge port add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-all interface=ether1 pvid=10 hw=yes add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-only-untagged-and-priority-tagged interface=ether2 pvid=20 hw=yes add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-only-untagged-and-priority-tagged interface=ether3 pvid=20 hw=yes add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-only-untagged-and-priority-tagged interface=ether4 pvid=20 hw=yes add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-only-untagged-and-priority-tagged interface=ether5 pvid=20 hw=yes add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-only-untagged-and-priority-tagged interface=ether6 pvid=20 hw=yes add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-only-untagged-and-priority-tagged interface=ether7 pvid=20 hw=yes add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-only-untagged-and-priority-tagged interface=ether8 pvid=10 hw=yes add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-only-untagged-and-priority-tagged interface=sfp-sfpplus1 pvid=10 hw=yes add bridge=bridge1 ingress-filtering=yes frame-types=admit-only-untagged-and-priority-tagged interface=sfp-sfpplus2 pvid=20 hw=yes # egress behavior /interface bridge vlan add bridge=bridge1 tagged=bridge1 vlan-ids=10 add bridge=bridge1 tagged=bridge1 vlan-ids=20 add bridge=bridge1 tagged=bridge1,sfp-sfpplus2 vlan-ids=99 # add ip address to vlan interface and setup DHCP /ip address add interface=vlan_main address=192.168.0.1/24 /ip pool add name=pool_vlan_main ranges=192.168.0.50-192.168.0.200 /ip dhcp-server add address-pool=pool_vlan_main interface=vlan_main name=dhcp-vlan_main disabled=no /ip dhcp-server network add address=192.168.0.0/24 dns-server=172.16.0.254 gateway=192.168.0.1 domain=lan /ip address add interface=vlan_lab address=172.16.0.1/24 /ip pool add name=pool_vlan_lab ranges=172.16.0.50-172.16.0.200 /ip dhcp-server add address-pool=pool_vlan_lab interface=vlan_lab name=dhcp-vlan_lab disabled=no /ip dhcp-server network add address=172.16.0.0/24 dns-server=172.16.0.254 gateway=172.16.0.1 domain=lan /ip address add address=10.0.9.1/24 interface=vlan_mgmt /ip pool add name=pool_vlan_mgmt ranges=10.0.9.50-10.0.9.200 /ip dhcp-server add address-pool=pool_vlan_mgmt interface=vlan_mgmt name=dhcp-vlan_mgmt disabled=no /ip dhcp-server network add address=10.0.9.0/24 dns-server=172.16.0.254 gateway=10.0.9.1 domain=lan # create fireware rule /ip firewall filter add action=fasttrack-connection chain=forward connection-state=established,related hw-offload=yes add action=accept chain=forward connection-state=established,related # Enable full hardware routing on LAN ports :foreach i in=[/interface/list/membefind where list=LAN] do={/interface/ethernet/switch/port set [/interface/list/membeget $i interface] l3-hw-offloading=yes} # Disable full hardware routing on WAN port :foreach i in=[/interface/list/membefind where list=WAN] do={/interface/ethernet/switch/port set [/interface/list/membeget $i interface] l3-hw-offloading=no} # Activate Layer 3 Hardware Offloading on the switch chip /interface/ethernet/switch/set 0 l3-hw-offloading=yes # verify the hardware routing setting /interface/ethernet/switch print /interface/ethernet/switch/port print # connect WAN port (ether1) to the LAN port of the upstream router and setup IP address, routing and DNS # The LAN side ip address of the upstream router is 192.168.2.1/24 /ip address add interface=ether1 address=192.168.2.2/24 /ip route add disabled=no distance=1 dst-address=0.0.0.0/0 gateway=192.168.2.1 /ip dns set allow-remote-requests=yes servers=192.168.2.1 /ip neighbor discovery-settings set discover-interface-list=LAN ####################################### # Turn on VLAN mode /interface bridge set bridge frame-types=admit-only-vlan-tagged vlan-filtering=yes 

Just a random thought

So I just woke up a little while ago, I hear voices in my head so it's hard to get back to sleep, but tonight they made me think something

For some people, god could be maybe a piece of technology for example

For some maybe it's a brand name of something they really like For some maybe a certain genre of tv show, or music

It was just making me think, how there is main character sometimes on a game, and there are the minions who attack you. When you play for example, Baulders Gate, you are kind of playing as a god. You are the focus of the game, it's about you and your story, all attention on the character.

Really I'd hate that in real life, having that much attention all the time, as if to be worshipped, especially if worship means being attacked and having negative attention

My ideal is people giving equal attention to each other because they choose to, or giving positive attention that is reciprocated. It seems wrong sometimes to me that maybe there is need for so much attention to be given out of necessity or unwillingly because of those who make it that way, or those who try to force attention onto themselves by people unwilling, as if to try and be gods themselves. It seems pointless because the attention is not honest. As well as being easily ignored, especially by me, other than maybe something I like to pay attention to, then that's choice. I really would prefer very little attention personally, I think it would feel better

Just thought that was pretty cool to think about, don't take it seriously though, just a random thought at 4 am, I need more sleep

I'm new to breeding rats and I'm a little confused about what to call this cool stripe pattern on the back of some of my baby rats. It appeared early on when they were first growing fur. Two have it, although one is more prominent than the other. Is there a name for this stripe pattern going down their back? Their parents are a blue himilayan and a Russian blue blazed berkshire.
P.s. the stripe is definitely not a shaddow of their spine or something, it's 100% the color of their fur.

Hey everyone! I just got into this stuff after finding a cool Tetrad in its packaging at a flea market.
I was looking for more darts so I went to aliexpress where I buy basically everything (because brand name ones are quite expensive in my country), but after looking at reviews it seems the tips are made from hard plastic and that doesn't seem very safe. Does anyone know if I can get soft tip darts from aliexpress? Otherwise Im just gonna get a pack of x-shot darts since they're a little cheaper and apparently fit the nerf gun I just got according to stuff I read here. Thanks!!