Iowa river landing pediatrics

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the world’s emerging superpower. However, it is also a country facing a growing number of economical, social, and ecological issues.
China’s GDP exceeds $11 trillion dollars, making it the second largest in the world after the US. Despite this, its rate of economic growth has sharply dropped to 6% in 2016 from 9% in 2013. The PRC has a highly centralized and government-managed economy, along with strictly regulated political life. Notwithstanding, some Chinese provinces are allowed to pursue independent economic policies.
China officially has a multi-party political system. However, in practice, there is only one party that holds significant power — the Communist Party of China (CPC), which was founded on July 1, 1921. The CPC’s ideology is based on the Marxist-Leninist doctrine introduced by Karl Marx (a Prussian economist) and Friedrich Engels (a German philosopher and businessman) in the 1880s. This doctrine was later supplemented by the theory of Socialism by Vladimir Ulyanov-Lenin (a Russian politician and revolutionary).
The doctrine postulates that society is composed of two major economic classes — the working people (exploited) and the bourgeoisie (exploiters). According to this theory, a global economic crisis will lead to a revolution, with the working class taking control of the world and the bourgeoisie being eliminated. Ultimately, capitalism will cease to exist, and communism (where goods are freely available and nobody works) will prevail. Mao Zedong, the founder of the CPC, adapted this theory to the Chinese context by including Chinese farmers in the definition of the working class.
The PRC government plays a central role in both the political and economic aspects of China. The CPC governs China through an administrative pyramid, with the Central Committee (Politburo) and the National Congress at the top.
The National Congress is comprised of over 2000 delegates who are elected mainly from local CPC committee members. This assembly convenes for a two-week session in Beijing once a year. The 22 Chinese provinces are managed by regional governors appointed by the Central Committee, and their primary objective is to fulfill the CPC’s goal of achieving GDP growth. The government operates based on five-year plans.
The list of other political parties in China includes:
Revolutionary Committee of the Kuomintang (53,000 members, representing Taiwan residents in China); China Democratic League (130,000 members, mainly composed of the middle class); China Democratic National Construction Association (69,000 members, consisting of entrepreneurs); China Association for Promoting Democracy (64,000 members, primarily intellectuals); Chinese Peasants’ and Workers’ Democratic Party (65,000 members, representing government employees); Zhigongdang of China (15,000 members, representing overseas Chinese); Jiusan Society (68,000 members, comprising individual professionals); Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (1,600 members, including prominent Chinese celebrities). All of these parties are aligned with and support the CPC in its major initiatives and policies. Opposition to the CPC is not tolerated.
Economic Review
Administratively China consists of 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities directly under the central government, and 2 special administrative regions.
China’s main economic regions:
Eastern Coastal Region: This region includes provinces like Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, as well as Shanghai. It has been a major driver of China’s economic growth due to its proximity to international trade routes and its well-developed infrastructure. The Eastern Coastal Region contributes approximately 45–50% to China’s GDP. Western Region: The Western Region comprises provinces such as Sichuan, Chongqing, and Yunnan, as well as the Tibet Autonomous Region. This region is known for its rich natural resources, including minerals, energy, and agricultural products. The Western Region contributes around 15–20% to China’s GDP. Central Region: The Central Region includes provinces such as Henan, Hubei, and Hunan. It is characterized by a mix of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The Central Region contributes roughly 15–20% to China’s GDP. Northeastern Region: The Northeastern Region consists of provinces like Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang. Historically, this region was a vital industrial base for heavy machinery, mining, and manufacturing. However, it has faced economic challenges in recent years. The Northeastern Region contributes approximately 7–10% to China’s GDP. Pearl River Delta: The Pearl River Delta is a highly urbanized and economically dynamic region located in Guangdong Province. It encompasses cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan. Known as a manufacturing and export hub, it has played a pivotal role in China’s economic growth. The Pearl River Delta contributes around 10–15% to China’s GDP. Yangtze River Delta: The Yangtze River Delta region covers Shanghai and the surrounding provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. It is one of the most economically developed and prosperous regions in China. With a strong focus on finance, manufacturing, and services, the Yangtze River Delta contributes approximately 20–25% to China’s GDP. China’s Latest Economic Updates
Stock Market
The Shanghai Composite rose from 2892 in November 2022 to 3284 (as of May 17, 2023).
Currency
Yuan rose from 6.7 in Jan 2023 to 7.0 as of May 17, 2023
Employment
In March 2023, China’s surveyed urban unemployment rate decreased to 5.3%, the lowest in seven months, from February’s 5.6%. Those aged 25–59 saw their jobless rate drop to 4.3% from 4.8% in February, while those aged 16–24 increased to 19.6% from 18.1%. The unemployment rate in 31 large cities and towns also declined to 5.5% from 5.7%.
Employees’ average weekly working hours across China increased to 48.7 in March from 47.9 in February. In the first quarter of 2023, the unemployment rate slightly declined to 5.5% from 5.6% in Q4 2022. The government has set a target of around 5.5% for the year, with the creation of approximately 12 million new urban jobs. China has also set a 2023 GDP growth target of about 5%.
GDP
China’s economy grew by 2.2% (SA) in Q1–2023, the third consecutive quarter of expansion following the removal of travel restrictions in Dec-2022 and a three-year crackdown on tech firms and property. However, the uneven recovery showed that while consumption, services, and infrastructure spending picked up, slowing inflation and rising bank savings led to doubts about demand.
In Mar-2023, the central bank cut lenders’ reserve requirements for the first time in 2023 and Beijing promised more fiscal stimulus.
Inflation
In April of 2023, China’s inflation rate declined to 0.1% from the previous month’s 0.7%, which was lower than anticipated. The decrease in prices for both food and non-food items was due to an unstable economic recovery after the enclosure policy was lifted. Food prices fell notably due to lower prices of pork and fresh vegetables, while non-food prices fell due to lower prices for transportation and housing. Inflation for health remained steady, while education costs increased.
Trade
Country’s exports rose unexpectedly by 14.8% YoY to a high of USD 315.59B in March 2023, rebounding sharply from a 6.8% drop in January-February combined and beating market consensus of a 7% fall. It was the first advance in shipments since September 2022 as Beijing boosts trade with developed countries and emerging economies. Steel products (53.2%) and refined products (35.1%) were the largest contributors. Exports to China’s largest partner, ASEAN, rose 35.43%, while those to the EU (3.38%) and Russia (136.43%) also increased. Conversely, exports fell to Japan (-4.8%), Taiwan (-27.6%), and the US (-7.68%), while they expanded to Australia (23.7%) and South Korea (11.3%).
SVET Analysis Space (A-):
Advantages:
Strategic location: China is located in the heart of Asia, which gives it a strategic location to engage in trade and diplomacy with neighboring countries. China also has access to the Pacific Ocean, which allows it to trade with countries in the Americas and Oceania. Natural resources: China has significant reserves of coal, iron ore, and other minerals. The country is also the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements, which are essential in the manufacturing of high-tech products. This resource base has fueled China’s economic growth over the past few decades. Agricultural productivity: China has a large and fertile agricultural base, which allows it to produce significant amounts of food. The country is the world’s largest producer of rice and wheat, and it has made significant advances in crop yields through the use of technology and modern farming practices. Disadvantages:
Natural disasters: China is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and typhoons, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and disrupt the economy. Resource depletion: China’s rapid economic growth has led to the depletion of some of its natural resources, such as water and arable land. This depletion can lead to environmental degradation and food insecurity in the future. Energy dependence: Despite having significant reserves of coal, China is also heavily dependent on imported oil and gas to meet its energy needs. This dependence makes the country vulnerable to supply disruptions and price fluctuations on the global market. Voice (C):
Pluses:
Stability: The Chinese government prioritizes maintaining stability and order in the country, which has helped to ensure social cohesion and economic growth. Economic development: China’s political system has enabled it to pursue policies that have led to rapid economic growth and development over the past few decades. Nationalism: The Chinese government emphasizes the importance of national unity and pride, which has helped to foster a strong sense of identity among Chinese citizens. Strategic planning: The government’s focus on long-term planning has enabled China to achieve its ambitious economic and geopolitical goals. Minuses:
Lack of political freedom: The Chinese government tightly controls political expression and restricts freedom of speech, assembly, and association, which has led to criticism from human rights groups. State control: The government’s control over the economy and key industries can stifle innovation and limit the potential for private sector growth. Lack of transparency: The Chinese government is known for being opaque in its decision-making processes, which can lead to uncertainty for businesses and investors. Human rights violations: The government’s policies towards ethnic minorities, such as the Uighur population in Xinjiang, have been criticized by the international community for alleged human rights abuses. Ethos (B-):
Han Chinese: The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in China, accounting for over 90% of the population. They enjoy the most favorable treatment from the government and have access to the best jobs, education, and healthcare. However, this has led to some resentment from minority groups who feel marginalized. Ethnic minorities: There are 55 recognized ethnic minority groups in China, including Tibetans, Uighurs, Mongolians, and others. They often face discrimination and limited opportunities for advancement. Some minority groups, such as the Uighurs in Xinjiang, have also been subject to government repression. Rural residents: China’s rural population is around 40% of the total population. They often have limited access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities compared to urban residents. However, the government has implemented policies to try to bridge this gap, such as investing in rural infrastructure and offering subsidies to farmers. Urban residents: China’s urban population is growing rapidly and has access to more job opportunities, education, and healthcare than rural residents. However, this has also led to increased competition for resources and rising income inequality. Time (B-):
Positive scenarios:
Continued economic growth: China’s economy has been growing rapidly over the past few decades, and it is likely to continue. This could result in increased prosperity and an improved standard of living for many Chinese citizens. Technological advancement: China has made significant strides in technology and innovation, and this trend is likely to continue. This could result in China becoming a global leader in technology, creating new industries and high-paying jobs. Improved infrastructure: China has been investing heavily in infrastructure, such as high-speed rail and new airports, which can improve transportation and connectivity and stimulate economic growth. Increased global influence: As China’s economy and political influence continue to grow, it could become a dominant player on the global stage, shaping international politics and economics. Negative scenarios:
Environmental degradation: China’s rapid economic growth has resulted in severe environmental problems, such as air and water pollution. If this trend continues, it could have severe consequences for public health and the environment. Social inequality: China’s economic growth has also created significant social inequalities, with a wealthy urban elite and a poorer rural population. This could result in social unrest and instability. Political repression: The Chinese government’s increasing control over the media and the internet, and its crackdowns on dissent, could result in greater political repression. Economic slowdown: China’s economic growth has already slowed in recent years, and if this trend continues, it could result in job losses and economic instability, which could have global consequences. Overall
The Chinese reforms were initiated by Deng Xiaoping (1978–1992) in the late 1970s. These reforms aimed to open up China to foreign investment, encourage private enterprise, and modernize various sectors of the economy. As part of these reforms, the number of directly controlled industries was drastically reduced. Additionally, the number of price-controlled goods decreased from approximately 300 to around 20.
With that said, the government still exercises strict regulatory oversight and establishes guidelines and policies that private businesses must adhere to. State-owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to play a significant role in the Chinese economy and frequently receive preferential treatment and support from the government.
Those policies were continued under Jiang Zemin (1993–2003), during which China was accepted into the World Trade Organization (WTO) on December 11, 2001, and also under Hu Jintao (2003–2013). However, when Xi Jinping (2013-present) assumed power, there was a gradual shift towards increased direct control over the economy and the establishment of a more centralized system. This change was accompanied by the active implementation of mass-surveillance technologies.
That happened synchronously with the end of the world’s latest 80-year-long generational cycle, which began in the 1940s and 1950s. This cycle was characterized by massive political decentralization, resulting in the emergence of several dozen new states between 1940 and 2000. After the 2007–2008 debts debacle, this cycle of economic expansion, driven by the exploitation of readily available resources, came to a close. However, it was artificially extended for the next 15 years through the easing of monetary policies pursued simultaneously by central banks worldwide.
That led to an unprecedented growth of private businesses worldwide. It was accompanied by increased prosperity and a rising level of education across all segments of the population. Small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, particularly in the high-tech industry, began to assume leading positions in the economic landscape. However, this economic progress was not accompanied by significant political reforms.
The old class of hereditary, mostly populist politicians, who often lacked education, managed to stay in power throughout that period, largely due to the outdated electoral system based on indirect political representation. However, when blockchain technologies were utilized to establish algorithmic consensus and enable effective direct governance, this new system faced resistance from entrenched political clans in all countries, resulting in its suppression.
China is currently at the forefront of this trend, with its political class focused on leveraging high-tech advancements to achieve both economic efficiency and comprehensive political control. However, there are two significant obstacles that China faces along this path.
Firstly, China is confronted with a shrinking population. In recent years, the country has undergone a substantial demographic shift characterized by an aging population and a decline in the working-age population. This is partially attributed to the one-child policy that was enforced from 1979 to 2016, resulting in a diminished labor force and a growing proportion of elderly individuals.
Secondly, there is a culmination of the resource-exploration and expansionist phase of global economic growth, accompanied by escalating political and military tensions worldwide. This situation is likely to result in a reduction of China’s import markets and an increased dependence on a less-competitive domestic market. Consequently, this could potentially lead to a scenario of stagflation, characterized by stagnant economic growth coupled with high inflationary pressures.
Faced with these fundamental challenges, it is highly probable that China will resort to aggressive and militaristic policies in an attempt to expand its territory directly or enforce its economic dominance in the Asian region through alternative means.
China is expected to continue on its trajectory towards increased global dominance through local conflicts and enhanced technological control over the economy and population over the next 15–20 years. However, this trend could be altered by a new wave of decentralization, which would require a significant deviation from current policies.
Such a shift may occur when not only the current generation of older politicians, but also the subsequent one (which is likely to further reinforce the existing trend), is replaced by “enlightened” technocrats who advocate for a return to decentralized approaches in both politics and economics.

https://imgur.com/a/YSSI9pC
I've been trying to use forced walkers to make more natural looking cities, and also as a way to access deep into deserts and incorperate big buildings like monuments into housing.
Sawu
Obviously the main issue in Sawu is the ridiculous river which cuts the land in two and can't be crossed, forcing you to cross the Nile twice up north.
This mission is very hectic in the first few years; I had to donate some K from my savings to keep out of debt. I think I should've built a palace and mined gold, but I mined copper only and tried to sell it, along with pottery. Slums were very common, especially for copper mining and the housing north of the weavers.
The docks are disconnected from the city, along with their storage yards. They use 'Get' instructions to pull goods from the city, and yards in the city use 'Get' instructions to pull from them ('Get' carters will go cross-country). This means the yards at the docks never interfere with industries far away, and never try to randomly deliver raw goods across the city when you're trying to sell them.
Once past the initial rush of requests and military expenses, you start making crazy money from manufacturing, and later from taxes. As usual with a Middle Kingdom map, you can support populations upwards of 12k, even without Bast. Wtih her I could fit tons more people on the map.
Game meat is only sold to palatials, same for the lux goods (there are dedicated bazaars for them within the loop). For some reason wheat shows up on the goods but never became tradeable.
BTW is the military simulation broken for anyone else? The units just walk through eachother and off the edge...

I tend towards the verbose so TL;DR right here:
I'm set to inherit ~120 rural acres in the US South. It has some good/bad points. It is quite far from where life has led me to put down roots. I don't know what I don't know and I wonder if y'all have faced similar situations in your life.
Geography: NW Alabama but tending towards Birmingham. The footiest of the foothills of the Appalachians. Not flat, not mountains. Property is bordered by a non-seasonal, 20 foot wide, creek on two sides and has a county blacktop road cutting it into basically 60 acres and 40 acre plots. The bordering river is navigable by small boat/personal watercraft but sees only incidental fisherman, no docks or ramps for a while up or downstream. It flows slowly, sometimes backwards when far downstream locks/dams stop flow. Zero flood risk.
Land Ecology: The property is about 70 percent woodland, unmanaged, and 30 percent hay field, casually managed by leasee that cuts it. Some older hardwoods but much of it is scrubby pine. Healthy deer, turkey, possum, rabbit populations.
History: The pasture was once the row crop field of my paternal grandfather and great grandfather, perhaps even further back. A ruined wall is where washing was done in the past. Long disused fish capture/raising ponds recount my great grandfather's side business selling bait for long gone fishing camps. A (now inactive, more on this below) is where my father and his siblings bathed growing up. The 40 acres across the street has been leased for mountain top strip mining 3 times in living memory, about 20 years apart, most recently 10 years ago. Reclaiming efforts that are mandated by law were performed haphazardly and amount to some grading of the land and some pine saplings strewn about. The spring is long dead. The river, once clear to the bottom when my father was young, is a permanent zero visibility clay orange from the mining operations of decades ago.
Economy: The land is a few miles outside of a town that has been dying for decades. They just closed the local school not too many years ago so even that vestige of strength is gone. The mines are slowly folding as well. The feneral population is best described as elderly or addicted. Sad/fading churches, potholes, and kudzu are the icons that I note from afar. The rest of folks, those who could, have left. Drug abuse and crime, petty and otherwise are not at all uncommon.
Fiscal burdens: There are no liens or other intangible issues with the property, I'm an only child and the property is mine by birthright if I want if. Yearly taxes are small due to no improvements on the property, though this may go up if inheriting it triggers an accessor visit. I think my parents are paying $1200 or so a year in taxes, but it could be half of that.
Personal thoughts/questions, aka the meat and potatoes of this post that I'd love to talk about:
I hate to see the family land that, including my kids, albeit briefly, have played on, at least 6 or 7 generations have owned simply be sold. But I am realistic and the complications, the ones I've considered listed below, are tough.
I don't live near there anymore, I'm 12 hours away by car and I've seen friends attempt to manage two homes, or a home and a cabin, and it's a heck of a job. Keeping up two places, even if one is rustic, is a stressor to even think about. Roads/trails need maintenance. This is further complicated by the fact that, due to the economic issues above, any improvements are subject to abuse or theft. Garbage will be dumped, unattended RVs would be noticed and vandalized/stolen/squatted in, cabins would see break-ins and even AC coils or well pumps or electric wires stolen for scrap metal sale.
There's a small interest from a group of my goodest friends in creating a group owned cabin there. That would help with the issue of not having a presence there by spreading responsibility across more people but, honestly, they don't know the local taboos and idiosyncrasies that this would entail dealing with. Plus 'good walls make good neighbors' or something like that and I'm not sure I want to rism complicating a friendship with the worlds smallest commune, offgrid, cabin homestead.
But, I have always wanted to build an off grid retreat of sorts... It's not impossible insofar as my wife's and my careers are doing well enough to keep it on the back burner, nor do we need the money that would come from a sale of the property.
Anyway... Thanks for your thoughts. Until the time comes, at least 10 or 15+ years for my kids to finish school, I continue to dream.

WILLING TO ENTERTAIN BUNDLE PRICES AS WELL ON ALL ITEMS

Microsoft
NEW (Open Box)	Halo 5 Guardians The Master Chief Limited Edition Controller	$175 shipped OBO
NEW (Open Box)	Microsoft First Party Controller (These are the controllers that were out when the Xbox One was available and have the 4-direction dpad)	$35 shipped OBO
LIKE NEW CiB	HyperX Charge Play Duo (Comes with charger as well as two batteries, and two sets of battery covers in both black and white)	$30 shipped OBO

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Sony
LIKE NEW CiB	Vagrant Story (Black label)	$175 shipped OBO
NEW	Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 Remastered Collector's Edition (Comes with random color full size Birdhouse Skateboard Deck)	$150 shipped OBO

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Nintendo
NEW	Game and Watch Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Edition	$50 shipped OBO
NEW	Game and Watch The Legend of Zelda	$50 shipped OBO
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NEW	The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (First print -00000)	$100 shipped OBO
NEW	Shovel Knight (Includes sound track)	$75 shipped OBO
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NEW	Super Mario 3D Land (3DS Nintendo Classics Version)	$28 shipped OBO
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NEW	NES Nintendo Switch Joycon Controllers	$125 shipped OBO
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Misc.
NEW	HyperX Cloud Flight S Wireless Headset (PC/PS4/PS5)	$130 shipped OBO
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I have a theory on what it is the defense is trying to suppress. I’ve always been of the opinion that a confidential informant is the reason for Richard Allen’s current predicament. If you know any of my speculations you know I think Richard Allen was at the bridge that day because of his old friend from that small town of Mexico, Indiana. In other words Allen was BG that day to help his Buddy force two unsuspecting kids off that bridge and onto Ronald Logan’s property where he stood waiting, and the girls were found.
I think a certain someone I refer to as Junior — made a statement to ISP investigators regarding Allen’s involvement in the murders. I think Junior led law enforcement to the Kelly Street Bridge, which spans the Wabash River leading into Peru, Indiana. I think he led them to where the knife was thrown into the River. I think he also gave a statement regarding evidence burned in a backyard trash pit at his grandparents house on the outskirts of Peru. A location where ISP investigators were searching shortly after the abrupt conclusion of the Wabash River search. I also think he made the statement that Allen destroyed bloody evidence in the same manner behind his small backyard shed in Delphi.
It’s my thought Richard Allen’s defense team wants to suppress that statement made by the confidential informant. One of the actors the Carroll County prosecutors prefers we all not know about. I noted the fact that Juniors decision to withdraw his appearance for sentencing on the 25 counts of CSAM coincided with Richard Allen’s defense attorney’s Motion to Suppress. Was the Motion to Suppress brought on by more stalling and lying from guy who could have made the statement that landed Richard Allen in jail last October. I think it took Junior’s statement regarding evidence burned behind the two homes some 40 miles apart, to ultimately allow investigators to get into Allen’s house to recover his SIG Sauer P226 .40 S&W.
Something leads me to believe this is what happened on October 13, 2022. The ISP investigators started the search that morning before sunrise. The same ISP investigators had wrapped up their search behind the grandmas house in Peru, and no sooner they are seen by neighbors using flashlights in the predawn hours to sift through an ash pile behind his shed in Delphi. Within hours they had proof he’d burned clothing, jeans, a blue jacket, boots, and who knows what else. Discovering evidence of burned clothing where Juniors statement said it would be— allowed investigators to go back to the judge for a new search warrant probable cause affidavit for a more expanded and invasive search inside of the house.
Suppress the confidential informants statement, which led to their clients arrest— and he possibly walks free. Sound plausible? If not, let me know what you think they are trying to suppress.
Thank you!

Discord Username: sketch
Character Name and House: Lianna Mallister
Age: 26
Appearance: Lianna projects a commanding presence despite a thin figure and a middling height of five-and-a-half feet. She composes herself with practiced grace, with a cordial and confident demeanor that seldom betrays discomfort. She has a soft, oval face and the brown hair and blue eyes characteristic of her house. Her wardrobe boasts a wide variety of elegant, fashionable gowns, a testament to the wealth of Seagard.
Gift: Leadership
Skills: Sailing(e), Strategist(e), Tactician
Talent(s): Cyvasse, Gardening, Painting
Starting Title(s): Lady of Seagard
Starting Location: King's Landing
Family Tree: House Mallister of Seagard
Alternate Characters: N/A
Character Name and House: Armistead Rivers
Age: 37
Appearance: Armistead is tall and strong, and weathered just as much by experience as he is by age. He has brown hair, blue eyes and a trimmed beard. Usually clad in more practical attire, he betrays a surprisingly tasteful sense of fashion during courtly occasions. He wields Ironbane, the ancestral glaive of House Mallister.
Gift: Duelist
Skills: Polearms, Knightly, Defender
Talent(s): Dancing, Hunting, Poetry
Starting Title(s): Bastard of Seagard
Starting Location: King's Landing

Lianna Mallister, Lady of Seagard

A few moons before his ascent as the Lord of Seagard, Edric Mallister and his wife Helicent Costayne welcomed their firstborn child. Lianna was only a tentative heir, due to be replaced by a brother - but after a few failed pregnancies, the Lady of Seagard delivered her husband yet another daughter. That same year, the knights of House Mallister followed their liege to war.
The Lord of Seagard returned from Dorne forever changed by his trauma. Among the fallen were several of his closest friends, including Lord Tully, while a wound rendered him a cripple. Where he had before been an energetic and outgoing man, Edric Mallister was thereafter wracked with survivor’s guilt. He grew increasingly detached from his lordly duties and prone to bouts of drunkenness and seclusion.
Lianna’s future as her father’s successor became all but certain, and greater attention was given to her education. It was one of the few obligations the Lord of Seagard still routinely fulfilled, though the most impactful lessons his daughter received were not the ones he had intended to teach. In his example, Lianna saw a cautionary tale of a man without ambition and resilience.
So deep was Lord Mallister’s sorrow that the symptoms of his terminal illness were indistinguishable from those of his depression. His passing left Seagard in the hands of a twelve-year-old girl guided by the regency of his younger brother, Ser Cortnay.
Even as a child, Lianna was well-prepared to take the reins. She was uninhbited by her family’s loss and already practiced at projecting an image her people wanted to see in their lord. She made herself a visible presence both at her court and in the town, presiding over her every ceremonial duty while leaving the tedium of governance to her regency council.
Few who knew Lianna in her youth ever expected that dynamic to change. She impressed everyone as a precocious but ultimately unserious girl with little interest in politics and administration. Her diligence as a student was well-concealed. In privacy she read voraciously, with a particular interest in treatises on warfare and histories of the machinations of royal courts.
Much of her adolescence was spent endearing herself to her peers, and Lianna enjoyed a natural rapport with her liege, Lady Alyssa Tully, who had also succeeded her father as a consequence of the war. Their friendship became intimate as they grew into women, underpinned by a pact that neither would ever take a husband. It was a promise that Lianna never meant to keep, soon to be broken at the expense of their companionship.
The first two years of her majority rule were spent contentedly, with Lianna enjoying the finer points of ladyship while otherwise maintaining a political and administrative status quo. By her eighteenth nameday, however, her disposition had markedly changed. She at last felt secure enough in her position to begin her ambitions in earnest, starting with her prospects for marriage.
Though she was presented with no shortage of appealing options, Lianna ultimately chose for herself Ser Gareth Lannister of Casterly Rock, a man exactly twice her age. She was drawn to him not just for his kinship to the Warden of the West, but also for his experience as a knight and a leader of men. Matters of war were always of great interest to Lianna, but she had received few such lessons in her youth. Under her husband’s tutelage, she learned how to command her house’s formidable forces, both on land and at sea.
This professional partnership was paired with a personal passion for each other, and a year into their marriage the two welcomed the birth of Lianna’s son and heir, who was named for her late father. Over the next few years, however, Gareth’s health fell into steep decline. Lianna remained dutifully by his side, prioritizing his needs over every other duty, but in the end he succumbed to his illness. At twenty-four, after only half a decade of marriage, the Lady of Seagard was widowed.
Her grief was sincere, but much of her mourning was performative. Lianna could cope with her loss only by moving forward with her life, all the while keeping a lively and hospitable court. In the meantime her sisters and cousins all came of age, and she again turned her sights to neighboring kingdoms, intent on strengthening her house’s position within the Riverlands by courting powerful allies beyond its boundaries.

• 181 AC: Lianna is born the eldest child of Edric Mallister and his wife, Helicent Costayne
• 187 AC: Lord Mallister returns from the war a changed man, seldom capable of fulfilling his duties
• 193 AC: At the age of twelve, Lianna succeeds her father, with the guidance of a regency council
• 197 AC: Lianna begins to rule Seagard in her own right
• 200 AC: At Casterly Rock, Lianna takes Ser Gareth Lannister as her consort
• 201 AC: Lianna gives birth to her only child and heir, Edric Mallister
• 205 AC: Gareth Lannister dies of illness, leaving Lianna a widow

Armistead Rivers, Bastard of Seagard

Though likely not the only bastard sired by Lord Alester Mallister, Armistead Rivers was the first and last to be privileged with his acknowledgment. His mother, Edyth Keath, was kin to Seagard’s foremost bannerman, leaving Lord Mallister with little choice but to appease his vassal for the slight. The Keaths were given a generous sum to provide a dowry for Edyth’s marital prospects, and she was forever separated from her illegitimate son.
Armistead spent his entire childhood in the court of Seagard, where he suffered far more neglect than abuse. Lord Alester held no contempt for the living stain upon his honor, but neither did he pay any mind to the child’s upbringing. It instead fell to his two trueborn sons to guide the boy into manhood and keep him out of juvenile mischief.
Naturally strong, Armistead found his calling in the path of knighthood. His mentor, Ser Roderick of the Cape, was a household knight hailing from humble origins, for which he compensated through great merit. Much of Armistead’s tutelage was spent wandering the forest surrounding Seagard, where he learned to serve the common people just as faithfully as his noble family.
Armistead’s coming of age coincided with the outbreak of war, and he followed his mentor to Dorne. Still a squire, he was initially spared from the front lines of battle, but as the fighting intensified he found himself in the fray. Despite this great display of his prowess, he remained a pupil for a few more years, earning his knighthood at nineteen.
As his lord brother grew more detached from his court, Armistead became more engaged. With great sympathy for his niece, he took an active interest in her upbringing, developing a lifelong fraternal rapport between the two. When Lianna reached her majority, she bestowed him with Ironbane, the Valyrian steel glaive she had inherited from her forefathers.
In the years since, Armistead has served the Lady of Seagard as a sworn shield, as well as a trusted informal advisor, if only by virtue of their close friendship and regular proximity.

• 170 AC: Armistead Rivers is born of an affair between Lord Alester Mallister and Edyth Keath
• 182 AC: Armistead begins squiring for Ser Roderick, a lowborn household knight at Seagard
• 186 AC: The Fourth Dance tests Armistead’s mettle as a combatant
• 189 AC: Armistead is knighted, and takes up service as a sworn sword to his house
• 197 AC: Armistead is permitted to wield his family’s Valyrian steel

Supporting Characters

Cortnay Mallister (Shipwright)

• The faithful castellan of Seagard, who previously ruled as Lianna’s regent.

Brynden Mallister (Swords)

• The most promising young knight in his lady cousin’s household.

CW: Gore, corpses, immolation and combat
Physically transcribed memory: Michael Perst, Civilian
Date [standardized human time]: October 26th, 2136
I stand silently with my group, noticing the light rain and chill in the air. I'm glad I bundled up, so I turn my attention to Cilmora and Ellem. They seem to be deep in conversation about their experience on earth and how beautiful it is, if only it were on better terms. I look over to Alexander; he seems to be talking to the group of UN soldiers that we’re attached to. He seems to be trying to tell some sort of joke to them; the corner of my mouth pulls into a smirk.
As it stands, our group of four is attached to a UN strike team solely based on the fact that we’ll be treading into territory that has confirmed sightings of multiple scattered federation escape pods. To top it off, there was a chance there could be a downed federation transport cruiser with even more federation troops on the Nebraska and Iowa border. I grimace at the thought, hoping that nothing escalates further.
I’m pulled from my thoughts, feeling someone tugging at the hem of my jacket. I instinctively snap my head to my right and lock my gaze onto the brightly colored venlil in my party before I can attempt to correct myself. Ellem’s reaction is almost instantaneous. Shrinking down on herself and flinching at my response, she begins to weakly punch out a response.
"T-transport is r-ready to leave, s-sorry I didn’t mean to do t-that to you!" An almost pleading tone is layered at the end of her sentence.
My expression softens, and I only glance at her. I still can’t shake that tense feeling from my mind since I’ve arrived here. I feel terrible for her, and to apologize for something so simple. I let out a sigh. "I’m the one who should be apologizing, Ellem; you did nothing wrong." I was just stuck in thought and lost track of time. I’m just jumpy, that's all." I gave a closed smile.
She calms down and nearly returns to her bubbly self. We idly chat as we make our way to the transport truck to make our way to the outskirts. I sit myself beside Cilmora, and Ellem takes a seat to my left. The truck begins its journey, and only the sound of the tires rippling across the fresh rainfall is heard. Ellem turns to me, and at the corner of my vision, it seems like she wants to ask a question but stops herself. She has an odd look on her face, but her tail seems restless.
I make sure not to look directly at her. "What's on your mind? It looked like you wanted to ask something." She looks up at me and says, "Yes, I wanted to ask what you were thinking about that gave you that look." A puzzled expression crosses my face, and I ask her what she means.
She fidgets a bit. "You were like that for [20 minutes] just standing still with this look; I finally had enough courage to look at your eyes. And it was as if you weren’t there; it was nerve-racking. You looked like a mannequin.."
Anxiety ricochets inside my chest, but I don't show it. Instead, I let out a laugh to play the entire thing off. "Yeah, you’d be right; I just get that look when I’m really thinking about things. Truth be told, I don’t have an explanation as to why; I just do." This seems to put her at ease; her tail is no longer sporadically fidgeting as it was. "What I was thinking about is pretty important, so I’ll tell you."
I explain this not only to Ellem but also to the rest of the crew. I was running before and after, hoping that this would be just a normal recovery effort. Overall, I’m just getting a bad feeling about it, and I hope no one gets hurt. "That's all I’ve been thinking about; just make sure you guys stick close and keep your vests on."
They all give off a nod, and before I can go back to sitting in silence, Cilmora speaks up. "I mean, with all these predators here, I feel pretty safe if anything were to happen." Some cheers from various UN soldiers on the transport sound out. "You know how to fight Michael, so I think we should be all good," Alexander says with a grin.
After a while, the truck stopped and allowed us all to disembark from it. From the looks of it, we’re in the rural offshoots of the city. Scanning the area, I see a couple of houses that lead into a small residential park, and across from that, I see a small school. We decided to split into two squads; the opposite squad will slowly go through the residential area and take the transport truck with them, while the squad I’m with will check the school and surrounding businesses. Before we head out, the squad leader in the group I’m with advises us all to make sure our communications are working. As a final check is made, we set out on the mission.
As we slowly made our way around the back of the school, I press-checked my rifle. Making sure everything is set and clear, I continue in the back of the group. Making sure that Ellem, Cilmora, and Alexander were sandwiched between the UN troops and myself. As we round another corner, the squad leader motions for us to stop. We all freeze and look over to what appears to be a soccer field, which appears to be an abandoned escape pod. From the UN troops reaction, I’d wager they’re federation in design.
With my suspicions confirmed, I take a ragged breath and carry my rifle at a low stance. The squad lead advises the other team of what they’ve found; they radio back and advise they’ll rendezvous back to assist. However, they say it could be a bit as they’ve already found civilians. They give the all-clear to move forward, and eventually we do. We begin to move again and make our way to a set of double doors, I can’t help but shake this odd smell. It almost smells like barbecue?
I instinctively shoulder my rifle and aim it towards the field and the escape pod, attempting to ignore the smell, only barely catching it when the wind blows at a certain angle. Scanning the field, I notice patches of what appears to be burnt grass adjacent to the crash site. Maybe something caught fire after the crash, and I noticed a rather large burnt patch. I turn the knob on my variable zoom scope, and I can see it more clearly, and I wish I hadn’t.
My heart hitches into my stomach, and my mouth becomes painfully dry as I begin to sweat. Before the group can enter, I yell in a hushed tone through gritted teeth, and the group freezes and looks back at me. I’m still staring, my eyes glued to the horrible sight in front of me. The body is burnt to a crisp, producing more carbon than human. Their lips and eyes curled in a frozen scream as the last thing they felt was being burned alive. The wind blew against me, and I got that smell again.
I quickly moved over to the squad leader. "There's a burnt corpse somewhat near the shuttle; it's human." I say it as calmly as I can, and his eyes lock onto mine as a shocked look spreads across. I wordlessly hand him my rifle and point to where he should look. He does so, and the same emotions I’m feeling flood over him. He silently hands me my rifle, advising everyone to stay together. He quickly radios into the other group and advises them that there are active exterminators on site.
At the mention of exterminators, the feeling of the room changed dramatically. Especially from Ellem and Cilmora, Ellem seemed uncomfortable with the idea that these exterminators were present. If they did that, then it’s only a matter of time before we run into them. Something that weighed on my mind was: what species in the Federation breathes fire?
We quickly moved into the school, making sure to stick close. We were in a side hallway that led to an ever-larger one with classrooms on each side. Papers and supplies were littered everywhere, along with abandoned book bags and more. Thankfully, it looks like everyone left in a hurry; however, there's no telling if anyone's been left behind. We begin to check the classrooms and search for any civilians.
As time passes, we check the last classroom in the hallway; everything seems to be normal, or as normal as an abandoned school can be. As soon as we’re about to exit the classroom, our radios beep to life as the other squad radios back. It sounds like the other team is being engaged as the sounds of gunfire and yelling can be heard. "Squad 2-2, this is Squad 2-1. Be advised we have engaged the enemy in the suburbs near the public pool break, be advised we are under heavy suppressive fire. The area is crawling with hostiles. Can you rendezvous to assist, over"
Just as the squad leader was about to key up a response, we all froze as we heard a group of muffled voices in the atrium down the hall. I looked at my group, and then to the soldiers, the squad leader hesitated for just a moment before keying up. "Negative, positive contact with the enemy; I repeat positive contact with the enemy, over."
I glance over to my group and say, "Stay here; we will call you when we need you. This is going to get dangerous, so we will let you know." Alex was about to say something before Cilmora cut them off. "What? We didn’t volunteer just to hide in a room when stuff goes bad; we’re coming with you!" she said just above a whisper. My eyes narrow towards her. "Fuckin aye, fine, just stick behind us when it kicks off." They all nod, and I turn my attention to the soldiers. We quickly formulate a plan, and that plan is to overwhelm and blindside them.
Quietly, we all shifted out of the room. The voices grow louder, stealing a peek at our mysterious friends. I glance over and see them. Most of them are wearing full body suits of some kind; three of them are those bird people; if I remember correctly, they’re Krakotls; and two of them look like squid people. I can’t seem to remember what they were called. It dawns on me that the weapons they have are flamethrowers. A shiver runs down my spine as my brain connects the dots.
I glance over at the soldiers, steel my nerves, and try to control my breathing. Everything I’ve done so far is coming to a point, popping up here even though I’m out of my element. I need to come out of this. There's so much in the world I haven’t seen or done; I don’t know why I’m here, but maybe it was to do something good.
One of the soldiers readies what looks like a flashbang; they pull the pin holding the handle before finally bending around the corner and tossing it as close as they can to the group. Even though we weren’t close to where it was thrown and we were behind cover, the resulting concussive force could be felt in our chest. And the sound that ripped through the corridors was matched. I silently thanked myself for my hearing protection as the squad leader gave us the signal.
The first thing I could see upon leaving our safe haven was how the federation troops were reeling from the flashbang. Completely disoriented, we took our chances to fire upon them. I sighted in on one of the krakotls that was fumbling with their flamethrower. I zero in on what I assume is a liquid canister.
One
Two
Three
Three rapid shots: two to the canister and one to their head Before they drop to the ground, the canister detonates, showering the group in a rain of fire. I site in the next two, it seems they neglected to grab their suits helmets; ear-piercing screeches from the group bounce off the tile.
One
Two
Three
Before the second bird could even ready their flamethrower at me, screaming and wailing as they attempted to put out the flame that encompassed their head, another rain of hellfire emitted from the blast. Physically feeling the warmth that was emitted from the fireball fueled me to continue. I focus my efforts on one of the squid people.
One
Two
Three
Two positive center mass shots, with one clipping what would be considered their dome, the UN troops finishing off the rest. As I’m about to say something, the fire sprinklers rupture, causing the alarm to sound. It seems the flamer shots were a tad too messy, I’m about to say something to the rest of the group, but I’m cut off.
An arc of energy crashes above me, missing its shot. I quickly look down an opposite hallway and see federation troops; thankfully, none of them appear to have flamethrowers. The squad leader yells a command to take cover. I slam my shoulder into a corner edge, giving me an optimal view of the threat down the hallway. Different shades of energy race down the hallway, slamming into walls and edges. I quickly peeked out.
One
Two
Three
More have arrived; is this the ship that was mentioned?
One
Two
Three
I hear a yelp of pain emit from behind me. I quickly regain cover and look back to see that Cilmora was hit; thankfully, it looks like it barely clipped her. A rich blue color drips from her leg. "Are you okay?" Behind her cover, I can see her nod through gritted teeth, and Ellem immediately begins to treat her. Rage begins to boil inside of my chest. These were the first people to introduce me back into the world, ones that I could call friends. My hands tighten around my rifle, and my breathing becomes sharper as things feel like they’ve slowed down. I peek from my cover.
One
Two
Three
Two are down, center mass through and through.
I break cover and race down the hallway into a classroom; thankfully, it seems that we’re pushing them back a bit. I peak once again.
One
Two
Three
Three this time, their bodies make a wet smack as they hit the ground. I sprint to the adjacent class room to repeat the process.
One
Two
Three
My body feels like someone else is piloting it, I’m no longer me at this moment. I can hear the rest of the group pushing up as well, I’m close enough to see their faces, and I can see their fear?
One
Two
Three
I’m at the end of the hallway, on the right, it has a small hallway to lockers like the one we entered through. I began to break and make my way towards the last one, and before I round the corner, I hear them yell something to me.
"YOU’RE NOT GOING TO TAKE MY ALIVE, YOU FILTHY FUCKING PREDATOR, I’M NOT SOMEONE'S FUCKING DINNER!"
I ignore it, and round the corner, my thoughts are linear.
One
Two
..Three?
The squid person slumps over, all center-mass shots. What draws my attention is the grenade in each of his hands, no longer tied to his grip. I noticed their spoons beside his body; my reaction was delayed due to the tunnel vision. I attempt to retreat and yell for the rest of the group to take cover. Before I can fully round the corner, they detonate, sending me soaring in the air. I can feel the shrapnel enter my body. What do I do? Is this it?
My legs are in the air, and I need to control where I land. I can’t breathe; I can’t do anything. Am I going to die? I can hear Ellem yelling my name. I can hear Cilmora yelling for help; where's Alex?
Too many thoughts enter my head; I’m confused. Maybe if I try and turn this wa-
​
And then I land; my head impacts the tile with a sickening CRACK.
​
First - Prev - Next

I've done all the longer trails in AR and now want to do a Buffalo thru-float.
I've done plenty of day floats on various AR rivers, but never done river camping. Please give me all your tips for river camping!
What should I bring that I normally wouldn't bring on a land hike? Anything I should leave behind? Any resources you'd like to share?

Hello everyone, I am currently investigating an interesting aspect of the history and colonization of the island of Hispaniola, and I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the matter. Specifically, I'm looking at some potential archeological sites that I believe are worth further exploration.
I came across this topic while reading about the native settlements on the island, which were described as populous and developed. Here are two extracts that caught my attention:

• Extract from "Historia de la conquista de la isla de Santo Domingo" by Luis Joseph Peguero (1762)

“…We arrived at a small mountain range where it seemed the prominence of the main mountain range began, and there the musical accompaniment bid us farewell. Once we climbed to the top, we beheld a populous settlement in delightful countryside, whose boundaries were beyond sight. It must have had eight thousand houses made of wood and thatched roofs. Many cultivated fields, resembling farms, served as walls, creating a labyrinth to hinder entry into the settlement. We would have encountered difficulty had we not been guided by such experienced guides. The city is divided by four streets, which separate it into four neighborhoods, filled with a disorganized multitude...”

• Extract from "Historia de las Indias Tomo 2" by Bartolomé de las Casas (1527-1547)

“Arriving at Hojeda to the land and village of King Caonabo, known as La Maguana, it would be about 60 or 70 leagues from Isabela.”

• Extract from "Historia de la conquista de la isla de Santo Domingo" by Luis Joseph Peguero (1762)

“Ojeda arrived at La Maguana, which is sixty leagues from Isabela. The indigenous people were astonished to see the Spaniards mounted on those beasts that their eyes had never seen before. Similarly, the Spaniards were amazed by the numerous population, whose stone structures could rival those of Lisbon, Portugal. The city is situated between the two powerful rivers, Neyba and Mijo.”
Keep in mind that that last sentence is tricky because of the way it is worded, it could either be that there were stonework’s in the city or that if there were stonework’s the city could rival Lisbon, either way the point the writer is trying to convey is that it was a big city.
These accounts got me thinking about the possible locations and routes taken by these explorers, and the potential remnants of these settlements that might still exist today.
Picture: Possible Route Taken by Ojeda to Maguana
If we take into account the fact that the expedition might have bordered the central mountains, the trip would have taken about 310 KM or about 70 leagues. In this hypothetical route I choose as the destination the site known as El Corral de los Indios, a large circular ceremonial plaza whose remains are still visible today. It's believed to have been a significant location for the Maguana Chiefdom.
Picture: Excavations of the Plaza in the 1960s
Somewhat close to this place there's another interesting formation and the reason for this post actually, in the region of Sabaneta to La jagua, in the province of San juan de la maguana in present-day Dominican Republic. It appears to be a large wall, with more similar structures scattered around the area, as suggested by local stories. Here are some pictures:

• View of the Wall
• View of Gap in the Wall
• View on Top of the Wall
• View of Surrounding Landscapes

Given its appearance and location, I wonder if this might be part of the settlement of Caonabo described in Ojeda's account. There's also some precedence of stone walls built by the Taino's before the Spaniards arrived.

• Extract 1 from "Compendio general de arqueologia" by Elpidio J. Ortega (2005)
• "Detail of a side wall of a possible indigenous ceremonial plaza in the 'Los Indios' section."

I'm thinking of reaching out to the national museum about this potential site. However, as they are currently underfunded, I want to build a strong case to ensure this site gets the attention it deserves. I'm considering using a drone for aerial photography to gather more evidence.
So, I'm turning to you, the Reddit community, to get your insights and opinions. Are there any other examples of places like this in the Caribbean? Do you think there's something to this, or am I reading too much into it? Do you have any advice or tips on how I can make a stronger case for the museum? I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Thank you!

Hello everyone, I am currently investigating an interesting aspect of the history and colonization of the island of Hispaniola, and I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the matter. Specifically, I'm looking at some potential archeological sites that I believe are worth further exploration.
I came across this topic while reading about the native settlements on the island, which were described as populous and developed. Here are two extracts that caught my attention:

• Extract from "Historia de la conquista de la isla de Santo Domingo" by Luis Joseph Peguero (1762)

“…We arrived at a small mountain range where it seemed the prominence of the main mountain range began, and there the musical accompaniment bid us farewell. Once we climbed to the top, we beheld a populous settlement in delightful countryside, whose boundaries were beyond sight. It must have had eight thousand houses made of wood and thatched roofs. Many cultivated fields, resembling farms, served as walls, creating a labyrinth to hinder entry into the settlement. We would have encountered difficulty had we not been guided by such experienced guides. The city is divided by four streets, which separate it into four neighborhoods, filled with a disorganized multitude...”

• Extract from "Historia de las Indias Tomo 2" by Bartolomé de las Casas (1527-1547)

“Arriving at Hojeda to the land and village of King Caonabo, known as La Maguana, it would be about 60 or 70 leagues from Isabela.”

• Extract from "Historia de la conquista de la isla de Santo Domingo" by Luis Joseph Peguero (1762)

“Ojeda arrived at La Maguana, which is sixty leagues from Isabela. The indigenous people were astonished to see the Spaniards mounted on those beasts that their eyes had never seen before. Similarly, the Spaniards were amazed by the numerous population, whose stone structures could rival those of Lisbon, Portugal. The city is situated between the two powerful rivers, Neyba and Mijo.”
Keep in mind that that last sentence is tricky because of the way it is worded, it could either be that there were stonework’s in the city or that if there were stonework’s the city could rival Lisbon, either way the point the writer is trying to convey is that it was a big city.
These accounts got me thinking about the possible locations and routes taken by these explorers, and the potential remnants of these settlements that might still exist today.
Picture: Possible Route Taken by Ojeda to Maguana
If we take into account the fact that the expedition might have bordered the central mountains, the trip would have taken about 310 KM or about 70 leagues. In this hypothetical route I choose as the destination the site known as El Corral de los Indios, a large circular ceremonial plaza whose remains are still visible today. It's believed to have been a significant location for the Maguana Chiefdom.
Picture: Excavations of the Plaza in the 1960s
Somewhat close to this place there's another interesting formation and the reason for this post actually, in the region of Sabaneta to La jagua, in the province of San juan de la maguana in present-day Dominican Republic. It appears to be a large wall, with more similar structures scattered around the area, as suggested by local stories. Here are some pictures:

• View of the Wall
• View of Gap in the Wall
• View on Top of the Wall
• View of Surrounding Landscapes

Given its appearance and location, I wonder if this might be part of the settlement of Caonabo described in Ojeda's account. There's also some precedence of stone walls built by the Taino's before the Spaniards arrived.

• Extract 1 from "Compendio general de arqueologia" by Elpidio J. Ortega (2005)
• "Detail of a side wall of a possible indigenous ceremonial plaza in the 'Los Indios' section."

I'm thinking of reaching out to the national museum about this potential site. However, as they are currently underfunded, I want to build a strong case to ensure this site gets the attention it deserves. I'm considering using a drone for aerial photography to gather more evidence.
So, I'm turning to you, the Reddit community, to get your insights and opinions. Do you think there's something to this, or am I reading too much into it? Do you have any advice or tips on how I can make a stronger case for the museum? I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Thank you!

Character Application

• Discord Name: imNotGoodAtNaming#3022
• Name and House: Addam Frey
• Age: 18
• Appearance: Addam is, unlike his great-grandfather Forrest, a man clearly not built to wield a sword. Though tall, his slender and rather wiry build gives him a rather unimposing presence. He wears his hair slightly too long, hanging low across his eyes and curling around his neck, and his gaze seems permanently wary, always on edge. Addam seldom smiles in public, and dark bags beneath his eyes bely the troublesome relationship he has with sleep. Much like how his grandfather Franklyn made up for his lack of swordsmanship with his impressive stewardship abilities, Addam makes up for his own faults with an impressive ability to talk, peddle information, and play the other side of the game.
• Gifts: Gossiper
• Skills: Cautious (e), Espionage, Torturer, Subtle
• Talents: Hunting, Riding, Swimming, Whittling
• Negative Traits: N/A
• Starting Titles: Lord of the Crossing
• Starting Location: Feast/King’s Landing
• Family Tree: House Frey in 207 AC
• Alternate Characters: N/A for now

Timeline

• 187 AC: Perianne Frey, Addam’s elder sister, is born to Symond Frey and Marilda Celtigar.
• 189 AC: Addam and Marissa Frey are born to Symond and Marilda.
• 194 AC: Addam begins his tutelage under Symond. As the heir’s heir, his father gives him a well-rounded education — involving stewardship, military command, and diplomacy, alongside the usual nobleman's education.
• 200 AC: Symond dies whilst riding along the Green Fork, after his horse slips along the slippery rocks — falling into the river and trapping Symond underneath. Symond drowns before his horse can be lifted off him, leaving Addam as heir.
• 203 AC: Frey Regency Crisis
  • 2nd Moon: Lord Franklyn Frey dies, Addam Frey becomes Lord. Perwyn Frey is named regent in Lord Franklyn’s will.
  • 3rd Moon: While traveling, Perwyn Frey’s camp is set upon by supposed bandits. Perwyn Frey and his son Theomore Frey die; Celesse Frey survives after riding away into the woods on her lonesome. Osmund Frey is the new regent.
  • 5th Moon: A catspaw breaks into the East Castle and sets the Lord’s chambers ablaze. Addam and Marissa are rescued from within by men loyal to Lyonel Frey and House Nayland, but Marissa gets briefly trapped beneath a burning log. Marissa’s face is permanently disfigured as a result.
  • 6th Moon: Osmund Frey and his youngest son Raymond Frey are murdered in their beds. Osmund’s eldest son, Walton Frey, rides with his sister Sarra to his mother’s home at Breaker's Beak, and does not return until Bertram is arrested. Bertram Frey is named regent.
  • 7th Moon: “Black Benfrey” Rivers, bastard son of Bertram Frey, is caught trying to contact catspaws and other shady figures in a town nearby Hag’s Mire, and is arrested. Bertram attempts to downplay his bastard’s actions as those of a rogue bastard — but Addam secretly goes behind his Uncle’s back and orders Black Benfrey to be tortured for information.
  • 8th Moon: Under torture, Black Benfrey admits his own role and the role of his father in the death of Perwyn, Theomore, Osmund, and Raymond, as well as the attack on Addam himself. Bertram is arrested by Lyonel’s men.
  • 9th Moon: Eamon Frey leaves the Twins, under suspicion of being involved in Bertram and Benfrey’s plots, but with no firm evidence available. Addam orders a dozen Frey guards to attempt to chase Eamon down, but Eamon evades them and rides into Mallister lands before he can be caught. From Seagard, he takes a ship south.
  • 10th Moon: Bertram and Black Benfrey are executed. Lyonel is offered the regency, but refuses. Addam’s mother, Marilda Celtigar, is declared Regent.
• 204 AC: Lyonel Frey leaves the Twins — coincidentally also riding to Seagard.
• 205 AC: On his sixteenth name day, Addam begins to rule in his own right.
• 206 AC: Arrangements for a betrothal between Addam Frey and Alys Blackwood begins.
• 206 AC: Perianne Frey leaves the Twins and marries Osric Dustin.
• 207 AC: Marissa Frey leaves the Twins and marries Paxter Redwyne.
• 207 AC: Addam Frey leaves the Twins and travels towards King’s Landing.

Auxiliary Character Application

• Name and House: Eamon “the Exile” Frey
• Age: 27
• Appearance: Eamon shares the common Frey look; brown hair and brown eyes, with light facial hair. However, years of stress resulting from his exile from his homeland has aged him beyond his years — worry lines surround his eyes, and his brows are nearly always furrowed. Unlike his Lordly cousin, Eamon clearly does take after Forrest Frey’s martial legacy — being well-built from years training with swords and armor. Despite his status in exile, Eamon remains proud of his heritage and station. He spends gold freely on clothes, jewelry, horses, and other objects of luxury befitting a noble, and a brooch emblazoned with the sigil of House Frey is always visible on his body: a reminder of what he has been forced away from.
• Gifts: Duelist
• Skills: Swords, Tactician, Defender
• Talents: Hunting, Swimming, Cyvasse
• Negative Traits: N/A
• Starting Titles: Scion of House Frey
• Starting Location: With the household of House Lannister of Lannisport

Auxiliary Character Timeline

• 177 AC: Benfrey Rivers, illegitimate son of Bertram Frey, is born.
• 180 AC: Eamon Frey, son of Bertram Frey and Darla Haigh, is born.
• 186 AC: Eamon begins to squire for Symond Frey, his uncle and heir to the Twins.
• 194 AC: Eamon excels at swordplay, and begins to undergo more strenuous and personal training with his Uncle.
• 198 AC: Eamon leads a group of Frey knights in battling and capturing a group of bandits along the Frey Plains. For this, he is knighted by Symond.
• 200 AC: Symond drowns in the Green Fork after a freak riding accident. Eamon is greatly affected by the death of his mentor.
• 203 AC: Frey Regency Crisis
  • Despite Eamon being Bertram’s son, Bertram almost does not view Eamon as his own. Bertram sees Eamon’s close relationship to the late Symond as evidence of Eamon being untrustworthy, and does not entrust Eamon with his plot to seize control of the regency — and subsequently the Lordship of the Crossing.
  • As Freys begin to die every week or two, Eamon is terrified alongside the rest of his family. He is sent to Haigh Hill for a few months — ostensibly to keep him safe from the chaos of the Twins.
  • Black Benfrey and Bertram are subsequently arrested and interrogated. Neither give any inclination that Eamon has been involved in their plans, but Addam is nevertheless suspicious of him.
  • Eamon returns to the Twins and witnesses the execution of his half-brother and his father. He swears to Addam of having no part in his father’s treason — but Addam seems unperturbed. The next day, Eamon departs from the Twins and rides West.
  • Addam’s prior suspicions about Eamon seem to have been confirmed, and he dispatches a dozen Frey guards to ride after Eamon, but the guards do not catch Eamon before Eamon enters Mallister lands. The guards don’t cross into Mallister lands, not wishing to spark a bigger incident.
• 203 AC: Eamon is welcomed in the household of Seagard, remaining there briefly to catch his breath and prepare himself for the journey.
• 204 AC: Eamon departs from Seagard onboard a trading ship, and sails south. The ship docks in Lannisport, and he disembarks. With his inheritance from his father and his own personal allowance, he has a decent amount of gold — and finds lodgings in a high-brow inn.
• 205 AC: Attending a social event in Lannisport, Eamon meets Tyshara Lannister. The two court briefly.
• 206 AC: Eamon and Tyshara marry.
• 207 AC: Eamon reluctantly tags along with the Lannisters towards King’s Landing — hoping to stay far away from his cousin, who has doubtlessly received word of his marriage to a Lannister and wishes to see Eamon arrested.

Archetype NPCs

• Ser Lyle Nayland — Swords
  • Ser Lyle Nayland is Addam’s sworn sword, and Addam’s good-uncle through his late sister’s marriage to Lyonel Frey. Lyle was the one who saved Addam and Marissa during the burning of the Lord’s chambers, and earned Addam’s respect and loyalty for this action. He remains one of the few individuals who Addam legitimately trusts and, as Addam’s protector, is an ever present shadow behind Addam.
• Ser Olyvar Charlton — Tactician
  • Ser Olyvar Charlton is another one of Addam’s close confidantes. Olyvar was close to Addam’s father Symond, and has subsequently joined up with Addam’s entourage. Olyvar’s specialty lies in command, and he has been entrusted as Addam’s primary battlefield commander — given Addam’s own rather lacking personal ability in command.

I have multiple copies for most of my games, Trades are mostly based on prices from gg.deals. Please notify me if my keys are not for your personal use (i won't take any responsibility if i wasn't notified) and also please clearly state what you have and want in exchange when making an offer, i have no interest in buying games for Keys/Gems etc. and i also have no interest in Alpha, Beta, Curator, Dev and Non-Steam Keys

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Discord Name: Ben
Name and House: Oscar Whent
Age: 75
Appearance: A knight past his prime, Lord Oscar has held the Lordship of Harrenhal for decades now and has witnessed his fair share of joyous occasions and tragedies.
Gifts: Leadership
Skills: Covert, Logistician (E), Strategist, Tactician
Talents: Drinking, Hunting, Reading
Negative Traits: Old Age
Starting Titles: Lord of Harrenhal
Starting Location: King's Landing
Family Tree: House Whent of Harrenhal
Alternate Characters: N/a
******************
PC Timeline
132 AC: Born to Ser Walter Whent and his wife, a daughter of a household knight at Harrenhal, where they had been taken into service by the castle’s new overlord House Lothston.
142 AC: Oscar was taken in by Lord Otto Lothston as a page.
143 AC: Oscar was taken in as a squire by Ser Franklyn Lothston and would accompany him during the Second Dance.
146 AC: Ser Franklyn, now Lord Lothston, succumbs to his wounds not long after the end of the war. His father and brothers all died in the war and thus ended their line. Ser Walter Whent, himself wounded from the war, was granted the castle by the Crown.
149 AC: Oscar is knighted by his father and marries Lady Ellyn Wode, the sister of the Knight of House Wode.
150 AC: Oscar and Ellyn’s first son Simon is born. Lord Walter Whent dies two days later and Oscar inherits Harrenhal.
152 AC: His first daughter Alys is born.
155 AC: His second son Osmund is born
157 AC: His second daughter Danelle is born
164 AC: The Third Dance commences and Lord Oscar marches to fight in the war, his brother Ser Oswell dies in the conflict.
169 AC: Ser Simon Whent marries Lady Hayford at Harrenhal.
170 AC: His first grandson, Addam is born.
171 AC: Lady Alys Whent marries Lord Butterwell at Whitewalls.
172 AC: His grandson Damon is born.
176 AC: His granddaughter Jeyne is born
177 AC: Lady Danelle Whent marries Edmure Tully at Riverrun.
180 AC: His grandson Lucas is born
186 AC: The Fourth Dance begins and Lord Oscar marches to war with Ser Simon, Ser Osmund, Addam, and Damon to partake in the fighting. Ser Simon is slain in battle though he is avenged by his brother and son. Ser Osmund is raised to the Kingsguard by the end of the war and Addam is knighted.
189 AC: Ser Addam marries Lady Darry on the first day of the new year at Harrenhal. She would give birth to twins later that year, Rosamund and Robert, though she would suffer greatly and the Maester earned another pregnancy would kill her.
190 AC: Ser Damon’s mistress, Missy of Harrentown, gives birth to a healthy baby boy named Harwin Rivers. She dies days later of complications and Damon is slain in Harrentown a fortnight later by her brothers in a bar fight.
204 AC: Having negotiated a marriage between Amarei Lannister and his grandson Lucas, the Whents attend the upcoming wedding only for Ser Addam to find his sister Jeyne abed with Amory Lannister. Challenging the man to a duel for her honor, Ser Addam slays the Lion. The marriage is called off and both Westerlands and Riverlands nearly come to war over the incident. Lady Jeyne is married to a household knight, Ser Tristifer Lansdale.
206 AC: Ser Addam dies when he is thrown from his horse in the Flowstone Yard. His son, the newly knighted Robert Whent is named the new Heir of Harrenhal.
207 AC: King Maelor II invites the realm to Dragonstone for a feast.
AC Character
Name and House: Ser Osmund Whent
Age: 52
Appearance: Years of duty have begun to wear on the face of the aging knight, though his skills remain sharp.
Gift: Duelist
Skills: Polearms, Knightly, Defender (E), Hale
Talents: Hunting, Fighting, Reading
Starting Titles: Knight of the Kingsguard
Starting Location: King's Landing
AC Timeline
155 AC: Born to Lord Oscar Whent and Lady Ellyn Wode.
165 AC: Sent to Harroway to foster and squire for Lord Harroway.
173 AC: Knighted by Lord Harroway and returns to Harrenhal.
175 AC: Refuses to be betrothed to Lord Harroway’s daughter leading to a crisis between lord and vassal. Several attempts at betrothing him fail.
186 AC: Joins his family in fighting the Fourth Dance. His brother Simon is slain but Osmund kills his way through the Dornish and other sellswords to avenge him with his nephew Addam. He is approached to join the Kingsguard at war’s end and accepts, continuing to serve to this day.
NPCs
Ser Robert Whent - Swords
Rosamund Whent - Alchemy

This is the third part of my series featuring the adventures of Vr'ocria and Human Aldrick. Parts one and two are linked below, along with summaries if you don't care to read the whole thing and just want to jump right in :)
Part One: Alien learns what "sleep" is and how humans prefer to do it in a comfy bed with blankets and pillows. And they find it utterly adorable.
Vr'ocria and Human Aldrick are sent on a survey mission together. Things go south, Aldrick makes sure they're safe, and then Vr'ocria learns what human sleep is and how vulnerable humans are when they sleep. Vr'ocria's people don't sleep, but enter stasis, a form of rest in which they typically stand, and they are still slightly aware of their surroundings. Vr'ocria finds human sleep utterly adorable, and also decides she will protect Aldrick while he sleeps. And she also develops a massive crush on him. (Her scales turning purple is her version of blushing)
Part Two: An alien + human adventure with such shenanigans as poison drinking, befriending dangerous wildlife, and fighting a space pirate. Oh, and they have a huge crush on each other.
Vr'ocria and Human Aldrick end up assigned together for another survey mission. Vr'ocria tries to deny her feelings for Aldrick after a tense conversation with her nestmate about the danger of humans, but when they're ambushed in the night by a pirate and Aldrick takes a blow to save her, becoming injured in the process, she comes to realize just how strongly she feels for him. She carries him to safety and the two share a tender moment, but nothing yet happens between them.
Now, on to the story!
—
Planet Gamma-5 was cold. Very cold. Vr'ocria had heard about snow, but she'd never seen it before. She might've thought the glowing, snowy landscape was beautiful if she wasn't so blasted cold.
A shock of icy wind blew her hood off her head, and she yanked it back on with a huff of frustration. She was not built for the cold, and her heated suit only did so much to keep her warm.
"Still doing okay?" A familiar voice carried from across the frozen river.
Vr'ocria turned towards the voice to see her favorite human, Aldrick, perched on a snow-covered boulder on the opposite side of the river. A bundle of warmth that had nothing to do with the heated suit burst at her spine. He knew about her cold-blooded nature, and ever since landing, he was constantly checking in on her.
"I think I'm done for the day," she shouted back.
Aldrick climbed down from the boulder and approached the edge of the river.
"You're not about to try to cross the ice, are you?" Vr'ocria called quickly. "It looks thin!"
"I don't want to walk all the way back down!" He shoved his scanner into his coat pocket. "Don't worry, I got this."
Vr'ocria ran to the edge of the ice, her scales standing on end inside her suit as she watched him…lay down?
Rather than step foot on the ice, Aldrick laid down on his stomach, and began scooting and sliding himself across the river. Despite how thin it was, the ice didn't crack once.
Vr'ocria crouched and held out her gloved hand when he was close, and helped pull him onto the bank. "Thanks," he grinned as he climbed to his feet.
She was still staring at the uncracked ice. "How did you…?"
"Weight distribution," he explained. "It's how polar bears on Earth cross thin ice."
Polar bears? Vr'ocria decided she didn't want to ask about what was surely some terrifying Earth creature.
Aldrick was looking her up and down as he spoke, taking in her miserable expression and how she clutched at her suit. "Let's get you inside."
Vr'ocria didn't argue. The two of them made the trek back to their cabin, provided courtesy of the survey department. A wall of heat washed over them as they entered, and she collapsed into a kitchen chair with a huff. The cabin was small, but leagues better than the tiny shuttle pod from their last survey mission. There was a kitchen/living area, a waste room, and resting quarters with both a bed for Aldrick and a stasis chamber for herself.
Not that she planned to use it. She never took stasis inside a chamber when she was with Aldrick. She knew how vulnerable humans were when they slept, and so she swore she would protect him, since her people were still slightly aware while they rested in stasis. Whenever Aldrick slept, she always stood by him–typically between him and the door–and entered stasis there, ready to jump into action if anything happened.
It had already saved them once.
Once she caught her breath, Vr'ocria switched off the heating mechanism in her suit and tugged it off. She shivered in her undergarments for all of two seconds before Aldrick was wrapping a heated blanket around her and ushering her to the sofa, pushing a mug of warm broth into her hands at the same time.
Sinking into the cushions, she blinked down at the broth. "When did you make this? We just got back."
"I put it on the stove and had it simmering since we arrived to the planet this morning. I figured you would need it." He pulled the blanket tighter around her, a glower cast over his features. "They never should've assigned you to this planet. They know you're cold-blooded."
Vr'ocria smiled. She couldn't help it.
Aldrick fussed over her a bit longer than he needed to. When she finally assured him she was fine, he rose and grabbed his communicator. "I need to make a quick call. Yell if you need anything."
She hummed in acknowledgement, her breath rippling over the broth as she took a sip. Aldrick disappeared into the resting quarters, shutting the door behind him.
Vr'ocria was still enjoying her broth when Aldrick's voice carried through the closed door. "I don't care if it's her job! Doing her job doesn't mean she should suffer and potentially die!"
She jerked her head up to stare towards the door. Slowly, she put the mug down and rose to her feet, still clutching the blanket around her shoulders, and crept closer.
"Command knows her biology isn't built for this weather. She's reptilian, she could die!"
Vr'ocria didn't think she'd ever heard him so angry before.
"I don't want to hear it…That heated suit is only meant for short term, if she wears it too long it could burn her …I don't care if I'm out of line! ...Dismiss me, I don't care! But don't you dare, ever, assign her to a tundra planet again," his voice dropped to a growl, "or you'll find out just how dangerous humans can be."
There was the click of a communicator shutting off, and the door opened faster than Vr'ocria could run back to the sofa. Aldrick looked startled to see her standing there. He turned pink. "Oh…s-sorry, how much of that did you hear?"
Vr'ocria just looked at him. "Was that about me?" She asked in a very small voice.
Aldrick's throat bobbed as he swallowed. "Um, yeah…" he kept his eyes trained on the floor. "I'm sorry, I hope I didn't offend you, o-or scare you or anything–I just hate seeing you suffer, and Command never should've done that, and I swear I'm not actually gonna hurt anyone, just maybe pull some strings and make some reports and–" he was babbling now, and Vr'ocria placed a hand on his shoulder. He froze, eyes snapping up to meet her gaze.
She smiled, her scales flushing pink. "Thank you for fighting for me."
The tension seemed to drain out of his body and a tender expression crossed his face. He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, a mechanical whoosh filled the cabin, and the lights went off. A second later, emergency lights flicked on with a click.
"Oh, you're fucking joking," Aldrick moaned, slapping a hand over his eyes.
Vr'ocria glanced around in confusion, tucking her hand back in the blanket. "What knocked the power out? Did it start storming outside?" With the main heater gone, she could already feel the creep of cold prodding at her scales.
Aldrick walked over to the door and peered out the tiny window, the only one in the cabin. "Yep," he confirmed. "There's a blizzard out there. Shit."
If she listened, Vr'ocria realized she could hear the howl of wind slamming against the walls. Thank the planets for a sturdy structure. If only the power main was as durable.
Aldrick gave a resigned sigh. "Well, we still have emergency power. It'll keep us alive, although maybe not very comfortable."
"That's for sure," Vr'ocria muttered, shivering.
Aldrick watched her for a moment, chewing his lip in thought. Abruptly, he grabbed her hand and began leading her into the resting quarters.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
"We need to keep you warm." Without warning, he stripped off his clothes until he was only in his undergarments, and her scales burned purple.
"Seriously, what are you doing?"
Rather than answer, he pulled back the thick coverings on the bed and crawled underneath. Once lying down, he held the covers up and looked at her expectantly. "Get in."
She stared at him. "W-what?"
"Get in. If you wear that heated blanket too long it might burn you. I won't."
Vr'ocria finally understood what he was implying. "Are–well–I've never laid in a bed before," she stuttered weakly.
He smiled warmly. "First time for everything."
Vr'ocria hesitated a moment longer before she finally dropped her blanket and clumsily climbed into bed next to Aldrick.
She sucked in a breath when he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to his bare chest.
Oh planets, he was warm.
Vr'ocria melted instantly, nudging her nose against his collarbone as he tucked the covers around her. Already, the blankets were trapping his body heat around the two of them. The mattress was soft under their bodies, dipping underneath their weight so that they were pressed even closer to each other.
Once he seemed satisfied with the covers, Aldrick's hands landed carefully on her back. He began rubbing gentle circles into her scales, and Vr'ocria sighed at how nice it felt. She'd never felt so warm and safe and lov–
Her thoughts stuttered to a halt.
"You're pink again," Aldrick murmured against the top of her head. "I've been seeing that color on you a lot lately. You still haven't told me what it means."
Vr'ocria squeezed her eyes shut and a groan escaped her. Aldrick pulled back enough to see her face to face. "Hey," he said softly, "what is it?"
"I–" Her voice cracked, and the pink faded to a dull red as grief washed over her. It didn't escape his notice.
"Vr'ocria, what's going on? You can tell me."
"I have a confession," she finally croaked out. "And I understand if you're angry with me."
Aldrick frowned and cocked his head.
"My people…" she forced herself to take a steadying breath. "My people turn pink when we feel particularly strong…emotions...for someone…and when we've formed a mating bond with them."
Aldrick furrowed his brow. "I'm not sure I understand…"
Blast, he's gonna make me say it.
"I've formed a mating bond with you," she blurted out. "I swear I didn't mean to, I wasn't trying, and I swear it doesn't have any psychological or physiological effect on you, just me, and–"
"You're in love with me?"
Vr'ocria's words died in her throat and she looked into Aldrick's eyes. His beautiful, brown, soulful eyes.
"Yes," she whispered.
She braced herself for him to shove her away.
So she was shocked when he yanked her forward to bury his head in the crook of her neck, a hysterical laugh bubbling from his chest. "Oh, Jesus woman, I thought you were allergic to me or something." She could feel his gasping breaths against her scales. "I was so afraid you wanted to leave me."
"You…you're not angry?"
He pulled back to look into her eyes again, taking her face in his blessedly warm hands. "No," he whispered. "Never. Because I also have a confession." His fingers trembled where they rested on her jaw. "I think I'm in love with you too."
All at once, her scales burst into vivid pink, different shades of light and dark rippling through them. "Really?" She said it so quietly that he wouldn't have heard her if they weren't inches from each other.
"Yes," he breathed.
For a long moment they just gazed into one another's other's eyes, drinking each other in.
It was Aldrick who finally broke the silence. "Do you know what a kiss is?"
Vr'ocria shook her head.
"It's a human sign of deep affection." His voice was low and husky. "We typically only do it with those we love very much." He traced her cheek with his thumb. "I'd very much like to kiss you right now…if you're okay with it?"
He loves me? He loves me, he loves me…!
She couldn't get the stupid grin off her face. "Okay." She didn't know what to expect, but somehow that made it more exciting.
Aldrick tilted his chin up, and gently, gently, pressed his lips to her forehead. They were soft and warm. "How was that?"
Vr'ocria's blood rushed through her veins faster than the Aegryan rivers. "Maybe you should do it again."
He smiled. He leaned closer, and she closed her eyes. His lips brushed against her eyelid.
"Again," she sighed. Her eyes stayed closed.
His lips trailed down her cheek, stopping to press against her jaw.
"Again." By now her voice was a barely audible whisper.
His breath was hot against her scales as his lips drifted once more until she felt him hovering just above her own mouth. He stopped, trembling, and she realized he was waiting for permission.
Hesitantly, she placed her hand on the back of his neck, her fingers carding up his nape into his hair. Guided by an instinct that felt both foreign and familiar, she pulled him closer, and their lips collided.
Kissing was so…alien.
But at the same time, it also felt like finding something she'd been missing her entire life. Her blood rushed hot and fast in her veins as Aldrick's lips moved against her own. Pressed against him, she could feel his heart pounding through his chest. Her arms encircled him, her fingers clutching at his skin. She felt as though his body was sinking into hers, and for the first time in her life, she realized what it truly meant to be home.
They finally pulled apart some time later, both of them gasping for breath.
"Whoa," she croaked.
Adrick chuckled. "And that wasn't even French kissing," he said with a coy smile. "I'll show you that another time."
"Oh planets, there's more?"
He laughed. "Don't worry, we'll take it slow. There's no reason to rush."
"Mm." Vr'ocria went back to pressing her face into his bare chest, drinking in the steady tha-thump of his heart. Her hand snaked around his waist, coming to rest on his back. Dancing her fingers over his skin, she could feel scars from the injuries he sustained from their last mission twisting across his back. "I'm still sorry about this," she murmured.
One hand moved up to rest between her shoulder blades, his other coming to clasp the back of her head, pulling her closer, if that was even possible. "It's not your fault. You would've died. I couldn't let that happen."
Vr'ocria squeezed her eyes shut, her spine tight with emotion. "I love you," she whispered into his chest.
"I love you too," Aldrick whispered back.
First off, I want to say THANK YOU for all the love y'all have shown this little story of mine. I didn't intend for this to be a series, but the characters developed a mind of their own, and I got attached lol. Y'all's comments have made me so happy, and I'm so glad I could bring a little bit of enjoyment to your day with these two idiots 💕
Secondly, I think I will keep writing about Vr'ocria and Aldrick as inspiration strikes. I already have a couple of ideas, such as Vr'ocria learning what dreams are when Aldrick has a nightmare, and perhaps some angry space pirates come back for revenge on Vr'ocria, triggering some scary human rage...
But anyway! Goodbye for now, and hopefully I shall see y'all here again soon!

Challenge link: https://www.geoguessr.com/challenge/SzWVAr4ebz3IcEls0 (Edit: I posted the challenge link of last week, now it's the correct link)
Deadline: June 6, 7 pm UTC (12 pm noon PDT, 3 pm EDT, 9 pm CEST).
You are facing a U.S. state route sign. Do you recognize the state without moving? How fast can you find the route number on the map? You have just one minute! Good luck and have fun! :-)
Please post your score as comment in this thread if you want to have it counted for the leaderboard (every posted score counts!).
Here are the results for challenge #64. Congrats to rtlewis123 for winning the challenge.

Rank	Reddit Name	Result	Percentage	Points
1st	rtlewis123	24999	100.00	100
2nd	bdm6985	24980	99.92	99
3rd	solarsensei	24973	99.90	99
4th	gobluetwo	24951	99.81	99
5th	fbrasseur	24948	99.80	99
6th	kuhl_kuhl	24831	99.33	99

Total standings of season 2:

Rank	Reddit Name	Points
1st	bdm6985	791
2nd	solarsensei	748
3rd	fbrasseur	650
4th	saladpants77	576
5th	gobluetwo	562
6th	rtlewis123	494
7th	kuhl_kuhl	388
8th	Ancient-Recover695	196
9th	GateUnhappy7484	89
10th	lemontree403	67

Hall of Fame

Season	1st 🥇	2nd 🥈	3rd 🥉
1	bdm6985	saladpants77	solarsensei

Last challenge:
R1: Delaware. Five states are using a plain circle as (primary) state highway signs: Delaware, New Jersey, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi. As we see a sign to Wilmington (the largest city in Delaware) and Philadelphia (keep in mind: Pennsylvania has a unique state highway sign) we are most likely in Delaware or maybe New Jersey. We see a sign for I-495. When you turn around you see signs for US 13 and US 40. I-495 and US 13 only run through Delaware (and other states) but not through New Jersey. Furthermore, the car in front of us has a Delaware license plate (dark blue background, golden letters). The location itself was a bit tricky. The exit number was the only specific clue where to look. 2 perfect scores. :-)
R2: The new sign of Idaho with just the state outline and without the state name. Older signs also show the state name. Most of southern Idaho lies in the Snake River Plain. Mountains are in northern and south eastern Idaho. The single digit road numbers are clustered in the northern part of Idaho. Many players found the intersection. 12 perfect scores. :-)
R3: New Jersey. There are several clues for New Jersey. You can see the yellow license plates of New Jersey everywhere. The street sign for Nassau Street shows the circle highway sign. This is very common in Delaware and New Jersey. However, a circle with a black background on a green sign is very common in New Jersey and seems to be unique to New Jersey. New Jersey also has signs like in R1. Therefore, a missing black background is not a hint that you are not in New Jersey. The most important clue was written on the newspaper box: Princeton, NJ ;-). 6 perfect scores. :-)
R4: State outline of Arkansas. I-555 is a spur of I-55. Both are easy to find in eastern Arkansas. You could see the freeway entry ramp when you looked north east. 4 perfect scores. :-)
R5: The flag of Colorado on the state highway sign. You could see a sign for I-25 when you turned around. I-25 is the only north-to-sounth interstate in Colorado and is easy to find on the map. CO-14 also runs through the sparsely populated eastern Colorado and is quite easy to find on the map. Many players found CO-14. Our intersection was right next to a railway track. Railway tracks might me easier to find on the map than road names. 5 perfect scores. :-)