Ok, so I've come up with two different aus for the owl house that I like, but I don't know how to write because my knowledge of the worlds they take place in is limited. This is the first one.
TLDR: Halo Owl House au up for adoption.
(Halo AU) (Cannon designs and aged-up designs)
Summary: It takes place during and after the war with the Covenant. In the beginning, Luz is living with Eda an old friend of her dead parents. Eda is a Sargent for the UNSC and one of the members of the ORION I project that actually benefitted from the augmentations (Extra strength, speed, and recovery). She has been training and taking care of and teaching Luz how to survive since she was little. Eda is eventually called back to help fight the Covenant leaving Luz home alone. Luz only has her bullies at school (and possibly king depending on who he is in this story). One day Luz discovers what her dad was working on and she learns he was studying ancient technology and culture on this planet from an old alien race called the Forerunners. Just after she learns this alarms go off and the Covenant are invading the planet. Luz downloads all the data to a flash drive and destroys the rest, hoping to make it off the planet alive. However, she is caught by elites and is about to die when suddenly two Spartans save her. Their numbers are 095 and 027. They are here to retrieve the data her father had collected and keep it out of the Covenant's hands. The male spartan (027, who is Hunter) Got a call and a request for backup so he left spartan 095 to escort Luz to the nearest transport off-world and she's not exactly thrilled to be escorting a civilian when she could be doing more. Luz feels nervous around the giant armored soldier as they make their way toward the city. However, to their dismay, they find the city in ruin and all transports destroyed. To escape this doomed world Luz and the Spartan must travel miles across covenant-controlled territory with no communications just to reach the rendevous coordinates. After a few close calls, they have to settle down for the night. The Spartan received damage to their helmet and Luz offers to fix it. 095 takes off her helmet and Luz is surprised that the woman behind the helmet is the same age as her (15). She gets a name from her. Amity is her name. As they continue onward despite the danger Amity comes to enjoy hearing Luz's rambles even if she doesn't respond to them and has to tell her to be quiet when enemies are near. eventually after days they reach the rendevous point where they escape the planet and retreat. Luz gives Amity a Hecate key chain and some copies of her Good Witch Azura books as thanks. After Luz leaves Amity swears she won't read them, but quickly begins reading and rereading the books and keeping the keychain. Luz's experience inspires her to join the fight against their covenant. When she grows older she joins the ODST's and becomes one of the best. She still doesn't have friends though since she now idolizes spartans which makes her unpopular with her squad and other ODSTs. The only reason they don't kick her off the team is because she is the best of all of them in combat (Eda's trained her well) and if their team leader Boscha can't lead at the moment then she's the next best replacement even if outside of combat the team would rather listen to grunts banter then Luz talk about Azura or Spartans. They tell her if she likes the freaks so much she should bother them instead, and that's how she meets Willow and Gus and meets Amity and Hunter again years later.
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Other character info:
King-I can't decide if I want King to be an AI companion for Luz because that would limit his life span to 7 years, or a grunt that Eda found before the war and raised. (his dad would have been the leader of the grunt rebellion and sent his infant child away in a cryo pod when all hope was lost and Eda found and raised him).
Rain-Captain of the Hexside after Bump (was killed or retired) has a crush on their ex Eda. Broke up because Eda wouldn't talk to them about some of the difficulties she deals with after ORION I.
Eda-One of the best Sargents. A good friend of Sargent Johnson. Is a blushing mess around the captain. Gives dating, flirting, and seduction, advice to Amity when she realizes she has a crush on Luz and explains to her that what she is feeling is love. Eda also threatens everyone on the ship to not tell ONI anything about her and Rain or any other relationships ONI might not like.
Lilith-ship's scientist, sister to Eda, a real nerd, and good friends with Hooty. (I haven't decided what Hooty should be yet). Also helps Amity with her Luz problem more than Eda sometimes.
Willow- a Spartan III that joined at age 11. Leads Gus, Hunter, and Amity (I can't decide if their team should be called Purple team, Gold team, or Titan team) and looks out for them. Before she was team leader she was a head hunter with Gus. They were the best of the best. survived all their suicide missions. Amity's best friend.
Gus- another Spartan III that joined at age 9. He is obsessed with the Forerunners and what is the current state of human pop culture. When he meets Luz, he and Willow are a lot more open and friendlier with her at the start than Hunter and Amity and they become friends fast. Willow and Hunter's best friend.
Amity- unlike the other Spartan II's Amity was given to ONI by her mother without the knowledge of Alador, Edric, or Emira and told she died in an accident. She and Hunter did not survive their augmentations, (similar to red team) but their bodies were kept to be revived and successfully augmented a few years later. After Luz gave her Good Witch Azura it quickly became Amity's favorite book series. If she's not on a mission or training then she's hiding somewhere, reading Good Witch Azura. When she meets Luz as an adult she at first pays her no mind, but as they start seeing each other more often in combat and in the ship Amity starts to feel something she doesn't understand. It takes her months (close to a year maybe) to realize that she is experiencing what people call a crush. (Amity is a lot better at hiding it and her emotions in this au. Her teammates only notice the slight changes in her demeanor that tell them she's crushing on Luz. To everyone else things are normal). She doesn't want to be in love because she perceives that as a distraction and weakness, and that Luz deserves someone better. After a bunch of convincing that she should go for it and that Luz likes her back, they start dating and Amity starts to become happier (even though she still has a hard time showing her emotions), but now she's very protective of Luz and is scared of anything happening to her. If you're an ally she will die for you, if you're a superior she'll obey you, if you're Luz she will love you forever and die for her, if you're a threat God help you, but if she thinks you're a threat to Luz? Don't even bother praying to any God for help. She also listens to Luz talk about Good Witch Azura a lot because she loves listening to her.
Hunter- is another Spartan II and Amity's oldest friend. He was revived for augmentation two years before Amity was so there is a two-year age gap between the two now. Hunter is the last Spartan to be befriended by Luz. Like Amity he believes he must not show weakness and he isn't good with emotions. He also isn't really supportive of Amity dating Luz but keeps quiet because she seems genuinely happy with her. Also unknown to him, his uncle is the head ONI. Also, I am trying to think of a possible way for Huntlow to happen, but it's a lot harder than I thought, if I come up with one I will update, or someone else can come up with Huntlow ideas.
Belos- the head of ONI. He kidnapped his nephew to be used in the Spartan II program. When his brother Caleb and his sister-in-law Evelyn found out he had them killed so as to not reveal the Spartan II program to the public. He will pull any strings to ensure he gets what he wants. (He's not the main villain of this story. That's reserved for the Covenant, the Flood, and possibly the Banished, but he is definitely a devious and dangerous secondary villain).
Luz- is the girlfriend to the most awesome girlfriend Amity and one of the bests ODSTs in the UNSC. She has survived many battles over the years and has grown close to the four Spartans who are now her only friends. They've survived almost everything, from Reach, Alpha Halo, the Flood, the invasion of Earth, to the Ark. However during one battle she sustains an injury and losses everything below her left kneecap. She now has to use crutches everywhere (or have Amity embarrassingly insist on carrying her everywhere because it's "faster and she weighs nothing to her and it's definitely not because Amity loves to carry her and how embarrassed she gets").
From there, I have two options for Luz to go depending on the writer. She can either stay one-legged or she can apply to become a Spartan IV. Also, I have two ways Luz becomes a Spartan IV. 1. She tells her friends what she has chosen to do and that she will get a prosthetic leg if she joins the program, and while they're worried they support her through her training and augmentations. (Amity and Hunter are a bit afraid she will suffer augmentation failure as they did.) 2. An accident happens, leading all of her friends and family to believe she is dead, while she was really saved last minute and is being trained and surprises everyone with her return as a Spartan IV. (This path will lead to trauma and unhealthy coping from Wilow, Gus, Amity, and Hunter though and they will suffer emotionally from the loss, especially Amity). Also, Luz's Spartan helmet will have cat ears it's not up for debate but the cat ears won't be for decoration they will serve a purpose. Luz installed them to her where enemies are, eavesdropped on enemies, and use a sort of echolocation.
I am putting this up for adoption because my knowledge of Halo is only from videos of people playing the game (I have never owned an Xbox or played Halo) and the random Halo lore youtube video. Sorry for the really long post, I hope was understandable and there weren't too many spelling errors. Hopefully, this will be enough for someone who has better knowledge of Halo to make a good Halo x The Owl House fanfic.

If you feel your life goes too quiet, or if need someone to talk to, I hope this helps! I've met two strangers every week for a coffee break. I started it from SF Bay Area, and now the community is trying to expand its reach to OC as I visit here more often. Coffee with strangers has helped me walk away from my numb and quiet life. To replicate my positive experience, I started a community "Around The Corner (ATC)". ATC started in May and currently has +190 people signed up. Most of them are from SF Bay Area, and now So Cal community is about to grow. If you are interested, please come join us.
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Who I am 👋
I'm a mid-30F, foreign transplant who came to the US to start my tech career. 7 years ago, I was lucky to start off with my lifelong partner, but other than that, I was socially isolated. To get over the isolation, I immediately started my career and put myself into the crowd. However, I realized my professional network wouldn't help expand my social circle. People around me were just so busy working on their careers, making more money, and paying their breathing costs. I felt like I was stuck in the Silicon Valley rat race.
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Coffee with strangers 👀
Last winter, I decided to do something that I wished to have. I left corporate tech to have 1-year recovery break. Since then, I only focused on things that I truly enjoy. Part of that, since February, I've met two strangers every week for a coffee break. This may sound unusual, but taking a whimsical approach to social networking has been so effective for me to bring change to my numb and quiet life.
Linkedin, too professional Meetup, too crowded Bumble BFF, too vague
For years, I had tried many social networks but none of them helped me find the human connection that I was looking for. One random day, I wrote my thoughts and feelings anonymously and started asking people to join my coffee break. I was hoping to get a handful of responses, but to my surprise, I received +70 enthusiastic responses in a few weeks. In two months, I met +25 of them in person in SF Bay Area and started creating a community with them.
In May, I made a public list to facilitate connections beyond one-on-one meetings with me and named the community "Around The Corner (ATC)". Today, ATC has grown to have +190 people signed up. In ATC, you initiate engagement by sharing your story anonymously. You may take a sneak peek at ATC People List and see how we share human touches and build up connections.
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Want to join a coffee break ☕️?

• How to apply
  • Click here to apply. You will receive five interesting questions to answer anonymously.
  • To keep the community clean and safe, ATC reviews every submission and carefully chooses who to onboard.
• How it works
  • Once you are invited to ATC, you get full access to ATC People List.
  • If you find someone you'd like to connect with, submit your matching request.
  • If you'd like to learn more, find more details here

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I'm currently in Irvine. Will be here for three weeks and travel back to SF Bay in three weeks. While staying here, I'm trying to replicate this fun experience in So Cal and water the community grow. In the meantime, I'll be also participating in ATC as a community member to find my next coffee mate too.
Looking forward to connecting!

Timestamp Artisans
Local to 92115
For Sale:

Item	Description	Price (Inclusive of PayPal fee, exclusive of Shipping fee)
Unfinished/Raw Norbauer Data Pad	Unfinished Aluminum Data Pad. Raw SS Backplate. No Norbauer box. Comes with Folio, extra parts https://imgur.com/a/xV4Om8Q	$280
1u Standard Black Slider	-	$0.35/ea
GMK Yuri R2 Base + Cyrillics + Cherry Picker	Display set, typed one for a few days at most. Not splitting. Ships in bags	$260
GMK Agent 01 Alt Alphas	BNIB	$65
GMK Redacted Novs + Add-on	Ships in bags	$60
GMK Metropolis R2 Novelties	BNIB	$40
GMK Metropolis 2.25u Enter RAMA	BNIB	$50

Various Artisans - If it's listed, it's available!:

Maker + Sculpt	Colorway	Price (Inclusive of PayPal fee, exclusive of Shipping fee)
Melonkeys Hayabusa	Dustbusa	$50
Keyforge Shishi	Matcha	$45
Lividity Observer	Julius	$35
SodieCaps Crescent Cap v2	Ashes of Ariandel	$35
404artisans INKM	Pennywise	$20
Destroyer Caps Rawr	Clarblart	$20
Melonkeys Suika	Laser	$50
Melonkeys Sumo	Laser	$50
Archetype Logo	Retrowave Purple	$15
Hungry Hustlas Conchas	Tri-color	$20
Alpha Keycaps Salvador	Hollow	$50
Monsteracaps Masai	Dreamy	$30
Archetype Jinx	Seer	$60
GSK Bara	Pilgrim	$40

M107 - Only what's listed below is available:

All come with box/card/sticker	$80/each	Discounts for bulk (5+)
Aquaman	Robin	Puddin
Harley	Pat	Camping
Red Ryan	Superman	Spiderman
Iron Man	Captain America	Flash
Cyborg	Green Ryan	Ben
Carol	Nick	Wonder Woman (2x avail)

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Thank you for your interest

A few years ago lightning fried our TV and our Onkyo multichannel when it struck a tree close to our house. About a year later another Onkyo got fried in the same outlet. We replaced all the electronics. Today lightning hit very close. I was working on my laptop facing the street and it scared the heck out of me. Not a direct hit but probably across the street. It was loud but none of the lights flashed and none of my other electronics seemed to have issues. I just went to turn on my TV in the family room and it won’t turn on. It worked perfectly earlier today. It’s getting power because I can see the little power indicator light flash when I try to power it in, but it’s just a black screen now and no sound. I guess the lightning strike nearby fried this TV too.
My question, could it be that something is wrong with this particular outlet, or is this all just a bad coincidence. Absolutely nothing else in my house has ever fried except four electronics plugged into this same exact outlet. Nothing else even turned off or flashed. Sadly it’s the only outlet in the big wall where we can hang our TVs.

Chapter 18

Another tightly interwoven chapter this time around, with Erikson's pacing and plate-juggling kicking into overdrive. I'll slightly disentangle them for summary/observation pacing and coherency, but as always, the effect is wonderful in narrative prose form. We finally get a reunion between the Captain and the Bridgeburners, some major revelations regarding the background machinations of the former 2nd, and the Tyrant is awakened. Additionally, this chapter had a few loose ends (hopefully) click for me, as well as provide several "file for later" moments. So without further ado...

Epigraph

Another excerpt of The Conspiracy and continues the tradition of excerpts of ostensibly the same work sharing nothing of their formatting in common. It also continues the tradition of Blind Gallan ruining my life by being by far the most cryptic author quoted. There is a reference to an "eight-limbed Paralt-" so whom or whatever that is is likely the same as the spider mentioned in the previous Conspiracy Epigraph. It also helps that they're/it's explicitly referred to as a spider, lol. But to my recollection I have no knowledge of who or what a Paralt is, but am on high alert for the term moving forward. Most interesting is that it "dives home Power's//gentle balance" The capitalization of Power seems significant, but again IDK what to make of it.

The Chapter Itself -

- begins with Sergeant Whiskeyjack on edge, awaiting the upcoming fights, increasingly aware of the mounting complications and still wrestling with his forced ambivalence. The other Bridgeburners are preparing as well, Fiddler and Hedge inspecting and tweaking an arbalest, Quick Ben attempting and failing to scry (the presumably dead) Sorry, and Kalam doing everything in his power to accelerate the healing process. The ex-Claw is preparing for one last ditch effort to draw out and contact the cities assassins, but it's a long shot. To do so, he will enter the same Inn as before. If this doesn't pan out, they'll default back to plan A with the intersections. Given the situation, Whiskeyjack is as desperately callous as ever, and Fiddler calls him out on this. While encouraged, WJ does not regain his optimism on a dime. He sees Kalam out, and orders the others to get back to work; not without some good humor.
Coll, meanwhile, is getting worse by the second, his leg swelling and seeping blood. Considering what we learn later regarding the severity of his injury, it's a wonder Coll manages to endure as long as he did. The former lord and Captain received some small measure of help, but far, far less than Coll needs. As they approach Worry Gate Coll informs Paran of the need to reach the Phoenix Inn. When they reach the gate itself, Coll has gone comatose, and Paran rejects their offer of a surgeon, trusting Coll's request. One of the guards recognizes Coll, despite the city's records insisting he's dead, and is thus able to order a cart for the dying man. We don't get any indication of who this guard is, other than the fact that he's one of Coll's former guards.* Getting Coll onto the cart, he notices a flash of movement along a distant, square platform. In a moment, the movement subsides, and Paran moves on. They quickly rush to the Inn, getting observed by Irilta on the way in. Paran then sends for a medic and sits down to eat. Upstairs, Meese, guarding a sleeping Crokus and Apsalar, is informed of the development. Irilta notes Paran's good looks and abnormally good Daru, but can't make much sense of the man. The two converse about things getting tense, even for the Eel, and oddly, complain about catching glimpses of individuals within their periphery. I'll get back to that note in a moment.
* I'd entertained the idea that this was Circle Breaker, helping even after his duties were technically done. The gate is incredibly close to Despot's Barbican, per the map of Darujhistan, so it's not inconceivable that the gate is one of the last stations along his rounds. Additionally, if Kruppe is the Eel, it would fit that he'd recruit from Coll's staff. So while we, again, get no indication either way, I'd like to think so. The biggest point against this, however, is CB's history as a privateer, so there's likely a narrow window wherein that'd even be possible.
The flash of movement Paran observed was the clash between Rallick Nom and Ocelot. Rallick had climbed up the back (or depending how you look at it, the front) way, draining most of his strength to even approach the Clan leader. This drain winds up being a critical weakness in the upcoming fight. The sorcery of Ocelot and the exhaustion of RN manage to open a window for the Clan leader to retaliate. Fortunately, the powder Baruk gave still works, and the conjured bolt dissipates on contact. The two knife fight, quickly adapting to one another's counter strategies, and each receiving fatal wounds. Even with all of his magics, and RN's weakened state, Ocelot losses, or perhaps the fight ends in a draw with him succumbing first. As RN fades out, the blood spilled in the temple once again invigorates K'Rul. Between the Elder god's attention and the now proven potency of the "changes you" powder, there is some hope for RN's survival, but it is unlikely to be pretty.
Speculation Time: Could it be possible that the battle K'Rul is preparing for is against the Jaghut Tyrant? Is Oppon steering the nearly-impotent elder god towards the Tyrant? While that sounds like a fantasticaly dumb idea, if Rake, the Cabal, and K'Rul were to come out swinging, none of the three parties could come out seriously weakened, rendering Laseen's three-birds-one-stone strategy worthless. Or worse yet, the Tyrant subsumes K'Rul, someone he remembers as immensely powerful, but is suck with a weak thrall and one with cultivated weaknesses and exploits. One produced as a "back door" of sorts to get at the monster. I'll admit, this is likely my least grounded guess yet, mostly because it's pure motive speculation, but at the very least, I feel good guessing K'Rul is on a collision course with the Tyrant.
Meanwhile, Serrat got jumped, preventing her interfering with the Coin Bearrer's escape. We don't learn who did so, only that it was unlikely to be a god and especially unlikely to be Oppon. I'll just shelve this for now, but find it interesting that, in the chapter, it's revealed immediately after blood is spilt within the temple.
Paran sits eating and drinking in the Phoenix Inn, contemplating his options. He suspects his luck has turned, as foretold by Anomander Rake, but is unsure of what to do with that information. He notices a chance spill of beer dripping into a crack in the counter, and wedges Chance within it, resolving to destroy the blade. He fears that despite being freed from Oppon, Chance is a sufficent conduit to the Twins that they're continuing to shape him, destroying and alienating those he loves. Live a life the gods don't notice. Just as he reaches for the sword, Kalam enters the room. He catches a glimpse of of the Captain, and intercedes before the blade can be destroyed. He somehow managed to peice together what it was Paran intended to do, speaking to his experience. I'm not quite certain how he managed it, but I can speculate. One such clue was a series of sensations being observed, "four times in quick succession." Either it was repeated glances from Oppon, or four individuals. If I had to guess, its the Twins, along with Meese and Iralta, still watching the street from the attic. How he picked up on two of them being gods, (or one composite god?) I still don't know.
Paran, once he recognizes the corporal, demands he fetch Mallet. He then moves upstairs, with the surgeon the Inn retrieved being unable to save Coll. For whatever reason, I found the interaction between the surgeon and the Captain particularly affective. "Why, nothing, sir. I failed." Says so much in so little time, particularly when we find out how poor of a physician he is. In a story with dozens of hypercompetent characters, seeing someone profess their mediocrity stands way out. Ganoes then rests by Colls bed, practically willing the man to hang on for a few more minutes.
Eventually, Whiskeyjack, Kalam, and Mallet barge in. Coll is so far gone even the healler breifly mistakes him for a corpse, then shoos them into a distant corner. They debrief each other on their goings on, and asses how dire things are. After getting Paran's version of events, Whiskeyjack uses a K'chain Che'Malle relic to page High Fist Dujek Onearm. Dujek provides an update for the Bridgeburners (and the audience) regarding the goings on in Pale. Tayscheren is practically self destructing trying to catch up with the plot, Hairlock apparently killed someone in Nathilog (for reasons or lack thereof I cannot even begin to speculate) and Laseen is growing more intense in her attempts to undermine Dujek. He'll likely be moved to Seven Cities to put down the brewing rebellion mentioned earlier. It's to late, however, as the situation on Genebakis has deteriorated so far that anything could set off what little remains of the 2nd, likely the disbanding of the Bridgeburners. Whiskeyjack vouches for Paran, and we get some updates on Toc and another hint that Dujek and his father were close. It seems to be accepted that he died from Hairlock's attack. I'll hold my reservations for meta reasons, but I really don't have any method or explanation to anticipate his survival.
It is accepted that no one present could accept the continued authority of Laseen, and while Dujek hints at some potential openings, things aren't looking good for defection either. The Crimson Guard continue to make headway, the formerly free cities are on the verge of revolt, and something is eroding the Moranth alliance. What's worse, the Pannion Seer* is some big looming threat, preparing to make moves of their own. The conversation ends, and while I didn't bring it up, it is noteworthy that GP chose not to mention Silverfox. Paran defers command of the BBs to WJ, experience superseding rank via necessity.
*Who's been mentioned maybe twice, if we don't count the map. Like I literally keep forgetting this guy exists.
Kalam asks Whiskeyjack what had changed the High Fist's mind on revolt, and WJ points out that it was obvious someone intends to torch the Genebakis campaign to do away with the remainder of the Old Guard. This doesn't quite jive with Laseen's current needs for certain members of the OG, so I'm curious as to who. WJ convinces Paran that Lorn needs to survive at the very least long enough to draw out the Jaghut Tyrant and waives away the Captain's concerns regarding their use of explosives in a gas powered city. (On a review, Paran doesn't even know that much, and I can see why the Sergeant would like to keep him in the dark) Paran leaves to retreive Chance once he learns Coll is safe, and refrains from updating the BBs regarding Sorry.
We end the chapter with a brief update in the Barrow. Tool explains to Lorn that she needs to find what's called a Finnest, efectivly a "self contained Warren" because that's a thing that makes sence. I'm growing increasingly sympathetic to the template model of Warrens. Any Warren built like Omose Phellack is Omtose Phellack. She finds it, in the form of an acorn, betraying once again the Jaghut's pacifism. Tool admits that they had to be goaded into warfare and self destruction. They quickly leave as the Tyrant stirs.
And there we go, one more chapter and we're likely in the climax proper. No where to go but further into the tightening mess, waiting eagerly to see how it all unfolds...

Origins
The Great Flame is an extraplanar entity that exists on the other side of reality. It is also the origin from which all life stems.
Spirits are pieces of the great flame, meaning when someone dies, they return to the fire to be purified, their memories and mortal burdens burned away as fuel for the Great Flame. Then they will break off once again to be born anew.
General information
In this world, magic stems from the fire, the reflection of the Great Flame's light. Specifically what different cultures learned from it. Some learned to replicate the way fire moves with their own bodies, some have learned to replicate how it sounds with their voices, and still others have learned to replicate its adaptability with their bodies.
People powered these abilities with special breathing techniques that tempered their inner fire. The less air they took in the less powerful the ability, but the more controlled it was. However, they ran the risk of "snuffing" where their spirit would extinguish. The inverse was in taking lots of air to burn their inner fire hotter leading to more power, but less control. This in addition to "burn out" where they turn into scourges.
Over hundreds, maybe thousands, of generations, these individual cultures evolved bodies more capable of nurturing these abilities. Becoming more potent.
Abilities
Dance like fire
The dance school is about moving like fire. The wildfire sub-school allows one to "spread" like wildfire, striking multiple targets and turning precise strikes into wide slashes. The flicker sub-school allows one to move with speed and agility. The combustion sub-school allows one to use powerful blows that can split rock. The rise sub-school allows one to climb impossible obstacles.
Purify like fire
The purity school is about purifying and renewing like fire. The cauterize sub-school allows one to mend wounds and regrow flesh. The renewal school allows one to heal dead or dying flesh or organs. The purge sub-school purifies the body of diseases or poisons.
Daze like fire
The daze school is about stunning the mind and hypnotizing the target. The stun sub-school allows one to startle the mind to keep it from reacting. The dazzle sub-school allows one to confuse the mind so it struggles to recognize stimuli.
How I want to use this
I want this magic to start mysterious and dangerous. Some ten thousand years ago it was first discovered by humanity. People began to examine their campfires and notice the patterns within. Then began to imitate these patterns for daily life. Moving like fire gave them the speed to outpace their prey during the hunt, speaking like fire allowed them to be more agreeable and work together, purifying like fire allowed them to heal and survive fatal diseases. All these things moved humanity forward. Ten thousand years of using this magic, people started to evolve bodies capable of better using specific types of fire magic.
In a more present-day setting, humanity is using magic more effectively though they are still divided into clans by their power. At this point, through education, people have begun to use this magic more efficiently and without as many downsides. They started domesticating animals to use this magic and use them as luxuries. Examples being a sort of doglike being that can warm like fire and help people survive the cold nights in the desert. Or beetles that glow like fire that they keep in special jars like lanterns.
However, they still use this magic themselves. improving themselves in these magics and using them in more modern ways like agriculture, medicine, construction, and eventually technology using a tool called the wildfire engine to create energy for electronics. Basically, people sit around an engine and meditate creating energy for society. People can even learn this skill for the sake of charging their own devices. These technologies are biological in nature or biomechanical. As in they grow certain components and craft others.
Where I need help
I have very few abilities and nine clans that need to each have an interesting power. I have been racking my brain, but I've only come up with the three abilities I listed above. If anyone has any ideas based on the system I presented, please let me know.

"Get back to work."

Death

Created from the deepest void, the entity known as "Death" has existed since the dawn of time alongside his equals, Time and Life. His work in the universe started out as a small family business, reaping the souls of the living by his own bony hand over billions of years. But over time Death had grown weary and his scythe elbow had only gotten worse; that's when he had the brilliant idea to create the Sorrows, beings of death who would do the work for him, while he took his spot as CEO of Death Incorporated. Unfortunately, the Sorrows have begun to grow out of control and are more focused on reaping as many souls as possible, causing Death to literally become buried in paperwork. So it's time for Death to take up his loyal cloak, his magical Pitbook, and his trusty scythe once more so he can remind the Sorrows who's in charge and take down the mysterious being who seeks to use his Sorrows to depose him as CEO of Death Incorporated.

Direct Feats

Strength

• Can break through walls with his weapons or by dashing through them.
  
• Can swing weapons that are bigger and heavier than his own body
  
• Can shatter the head of Rocksters which are solid stone
  

Durability

• Can tank a nuclear ballistic missile
  
• Is completely unharmed from a blast that destroys the Modern Warfare Department which is big enough to have its own artificial sky
  

Speed

• Can dodge RPG shots
  
• Can dodge bullets from machine guns
  
• Can temporarily outrun a ballistic missile
  
• Can dodge lightning from a living storm cloud
  

Scaling Feats

• Defeated the Natural Disaster Department's Sorrow, Catherine Immamura, who can cause solar winds, floods, and cause meteors to rain down with just a snap of her fingers
  
• Defeated Time who is powerful enough to destroy a being capable of manipulating a quantic distortion, which is an alternate timeline, with a wave of his hand
  
• Defeated Life who was created from infinite energy
  

Weapons

Death may have started his career with nothing more than his basic scythe and a handful of magic spells. but over the years he's expanded his repertoire of deadly weapons. What's more, Death has a variety of different scythes (and some non scythes) to choose as his main weapon due to its transformation feature. Though Death has countless weapons at his disposal, we only see 71 in the game. Every weapon also has its own Frenzy attack which is a super powerful move that is charged up as Death deals damage.

The Scythe:

His trusty blade that can cut through space, time, and the elements. Death can summon his blade by holding out his hand as it flies towards him or he can simply have it teleport to him. Death can also stand in place to charge up his energy for a powerful charge attack

• The Diss Scythe: A variation of the basic scythe that allows Death to attack from further away.
  
• Twinsie: A variation of the basic scythe that prioritizes power over speed due to its second blade.
  
• Sickles: A pair of sickles that allow Death to attack at higher speeds in exchange for less range.
  
• Billhooks: A pair of blades that Death can throw at enemies before they return to his hands just like a boomerang
  
• Parasol 1.0: An enchanted parasol that can not only stab through foes with brutal efficiency but can also act as a shield/deflector.
  
• Seletine: Has slower attack speed but by slamming the mace end into the ground, Death can boost the power of his next attack.
  

The Cloak:

A sentient flying cloak that prefers to stay wrapped around Death's shoulders, the cloak not only lets Death turn invisible but can also transform into a variety of deadly weapons. It even protects him from the elements.

• Behammorth: A powerful hammer that's bigger than Death himself that hits hard in exchange for its slow attack speed.
  
• Brutumhammer: An upgrade of the Behammorth that lets Death slam it into the ground, launching stones all around him.
  
• Shake Spear: A long range spear that Death uses to attack foes with a three-pronged combo.
  
• Jabelin: A spear that Death uses to launch himself forward towards enemies, impaling anyone in his way.
  
• Sisword: A blade that Death uses to quickly jump in the air before diving at foes at lightning speeds.
  
• Drageanor: The sister to the Sisword, this blade allows Death to launch sharp projectiles with each swing.
  
• Slaymore: A giant sword that Death swings as he jumps in the air before slamming it down on the ground.
  
• Slaygore: Similar in size to the Slaymore, the Slaygore allows Death to slam the blade into the ground and send out an electrical shockwave. Can also be used to launch projectiles when swung mid air.
  
• Whirl Daggers: A pair of poisoned blades that Death uses to stab anyone nearby.
  
• Daggust: Death uses powerful gusts of wind to move back and forth in a flurry of sharp blades.
  
• Kaze-Kunai: Death throws out pairs of rapid-fire daggers (that are sharper than any metal on the surface) in a straight line. Death can summon an unlimited amount of these weapons.
  
• Arashi-Kunai: Death summons half a dozen daggers in front of him before launching them in a straight line. Death can summon an unlimited amount of these weapons.
  
• Ferral Fists: A pair of powerful arms that crush whoever is between its giant hands.
  
• Raparrier: A rapier that Death uses to brutally stab anyone in front of him. Should anyone wield this object then they will be consumed by an unstoppable rage until they stab someone with this blade. Death is immune to this effect.
  
• Dirty Dagger: A small dagger that, if stabbed in the back, injects you with a metallic substance that attacks your vital organs.
  
• Rocket Launcher: A rocket launcher that holds a malicious soul within, amplifying its power.
  
• Revelation Bow: A deadly bow and arrow shot with extreme efficiency. Death can summon an unlimited amount of arrows.
  
• Fire Bow: Similar to the Revelation Bow but with a slight homing effect on its arrows. Death can summon an unlimited amount of arrows.
  
• Death Star: A vicious looking morning star that Death had made after almost getting into a fight with a strange, cloaked, old man who kept bragging about his new "secret" space base while at a seminar.
  
• Murray of Crows: Death summons a murder of crows to surround him, damaging anything nearby.
  
• Vampire Battery: Death electrocutes himself and anyone nearby while also shooting out electrified bats at random. Death is not harmed by this.
  
• Beasteel: Death summons spider-like limbs from his back before jumping onto nearby enemies. Can also shoot out projectiles when used mid air.
  
• Excavor: Giant steel blades surge out of the ground around Death, impaling anyone nearby.
  

Pitbook:

A fireproof, floating, magical book that is filled with all kinds of magical spells that Death has learned over the years. It follows Death around like a loyal dog and if opened by anyone else other than Death, the only text visible will read: "WOOF! WOOFWOOOF! GRRR!"

Each of Death's spells consume a portion of his max mana reserves that automatically fills back up unless fully drained in which case it refills after a few seconds. While he starts the game with a low amount of mana that can be increased with items, this appears to be a gameplay mechanic as he is described as being able to increase his mana reserves at will and far beyond what the game will allow with the Focus spell.

• Fire Arrow: A simple fireball spell.
  
• Dark Talons: Summons a clawed hand from a creature named Charlie that grabs foes and pulls them closer to Death.
  
• Explosion: Causes an explosion.
  
• Poisoned Gift: Death throws two balls of venom made up of all the venoms of every snake found on the surface, poisons excreted from all the most lethal spiders who have ever existed, and a hint of wild mint for flavor.
  
• Boomerang Hex: Death shoots curved pure mana that then comes back around like a boomerang. Can launch more than one at a time.
  
• Myriad of Stars: Death summons a handful of miniature stars that then fly forward.
  
• Shockwave: Death releases an energy wave all around him.
  
• Spitfire: Pitbook shoots out a trail of fire on the ground.
  
• Poison Mist: A poison cloud of gas so powerful that it can poison a being made of pure toxic sludge. Can summon more than one cloud at a time.
  
• Boulderain: Summons boulders out of thin air and rain down on enemies.
  
• Mordicine: Death ingests a pill that hurts him in exchange for increased damage.
  
• Sacrifix: Death deals slight damage to himself over a period of a few seconds in exchange for two cups of Koffee (healing items)
  
• Vladislaw: Heals Death but reduces his maximum health with each use.
  
• Aleistar: A magical time bomb.
  
• Dark Claws: Summons Charlie's claws to rip and tear at foes.
  
• Bees: Death summons a pair regular bees that chase after foes. Can summon more than one pair at a time.
  
• Moskillto: A pair of magically enhanced mosquitos that chase after foes. Can summon more than one pair at a time.
  
• Star Raving Mad: Summons a meteor shower to rain down on foes.
  
• Skyfall: Lightning bolts rain down in front of Death.
  
• Makeshift Rockets: Death shoots a magical firework that explodes on impact.
  
• Piercing Ray: Death shoots out beams of light that home in on foes.
  
• Spiteful Chomper: Summons one of Charlie's mouths that crawl forward, chomping on anything in their path. Can summon more than one at a time.
  
• Starry Halo: Summons two stars that temporarily spin around Death, damaging anything that comes near. Can summon more than one pair at a time.
  
• Firescreamer: Pitbook shoots out a stream of fire in front of Death.
  
• Soul Razor: Opens a vortex that damages enemies within while enhancing Death's damage.
  
• Focus: Temporarily increases Death's mana regeneration speed while also temporarily increasing his max health and mana reserves.
  
• Voracious Burst: A spell that lowers Death's maximum health in return for summoning a spectral mouth in front of Death that heals Death equal to the 15% damage dealt.
  
• Ganglion X-4: Summons spiked balls that can bounce around for a few seconds before disappearing. Can summon more than one at a time.
  
• Frostbreeze: Shoots out a freezing gust of wind that also inflicts Frozen which slows down foes
  
• EyeSeeYou: Summons one of Charlie's eyeballs that acts as a turret, shooting projectiles at an enemy before disappearing after a few seconds. Can summon more than one at a time.
  
• Wishtorm: Shoots down golden bolts of lightning powered by wish magic that can destroy every layer of reality.
  
• Frostoxic: Causes a bunch of ice spikes to shoot out of the ground.
  
• Tempus Abjuratum: Traps foes in a bubble of stopped time.
  
• Sepulchral Ray: Fires a beam of damaging purple energy that inflicts the Arcane effect which deals additional damage after five layers of arcane are applied to a foe.
  
• Troublecross: Shoots two rays of energy that move in a crisscross formation.
  
• Wizzalch Barrage: Brings down several lightning bolts on the foe's head.
  
• Tornadmin: Launches a Mach 2 cyclone at foes that is full of sharp edged papers.
  
• Lyberis Skulls: Summons exploding skulls around Death, damaging foes.
  
• Nihilaser: The strongest laser in Death's arsenal, it can destroy all forms of existence in the universe when used correctly.
  
• Anvilaunch: Death uses telekinesis to rip out one ton's worth of metal from the ground and throws it at foes while it's in the shape of an anvil.
  
• Void Rift: Tears a hole in the fabric of reality above a foe's head as several of Charlie's fists come flying through, smashing anything beneath them.
  

Miscellaneous Powers

• Time Travel: Various weapon lore entries make mention of Death's ability to travel through time and space at will.
  
• Healing: Death can heal 15% of his total health with the use of bursts of life essence called Animas. Death can only hold three of them at a time.
  
• Resurrection: Death is never the end for this CEO and if his body should ever be destroyed then Death will reappear right back at his desk, ready to give it the old college try once again.
  
• Head Removal: Death can remove his head without issue.
  
• Damaging Non-Physical Beings: It's no surprise that Death can attack ghosts, but he's also capable of hurting and killing living fire, living water and living clouds as well
  
• Resistance To Time Manipulation: Time's own time stop attack can only hold Death for a few seconds
  
• Dashing makes him immune to damage, allowing him to dash through enemies and attacks
  
• Can float above the ground
  

Curses

Death can also gain various curses which (despite the name) amplify his stats, scythe, cloak, magic, or give him new abilities outright. As there are 243 curses available, I will only be including those that aren't reliant on gameplay mechanics and can be translated into lore (such as a curse that doubles defense) and will only include the best version of a curse (meaning that if there is a curse that triples Death's damage then I will not post a curse that only doubles his damage).

• And My Axe!: Every time Death uses a Cloak based weapon, an axe is launched from his cloak.
  
• Knave of Swords: Summons a small flying scythe that moves around Death.
  
• Praised Be The Bombcloak!: Every time Death uses a Cloak based weapon, a bomb is launched from his cloak.
  
• MC Scythe: Death can ignore pain while attacking.
  
• Astral Claws: Every few seconds, the foe (or a random foe if there is more than one) will be attacked by invisible claws.
  
• Soul Sucker: After taking damage, a percentage of any damage that Death deals in the next two seconds is gained as health.
  
• Tyrannical Boss: After taking damage, the next attack that Death lands deals 200% more damage
  
• Social Toxicity: All of Death's attacks inflict poison on foes.
  
• Burning Up: Death's attacks burns foes.
  
• Perish The Thought...: Death's attacks inflict Frozen on foes, slowing them down.
  
• Millanima Eye: Death gains two extra Anima slots.
  
• Burn-Out Channeling: Being damaged increases the Frenzy gauge.
  
• A Spoonful Of Suger: Every attack has a 10% chance of freezing an enemy in time. Both this curse and Tempus Abjuratum are strong enough to work on Time himself.
  
• Anima Lambic: Consuming an Anima grants Death temporary regeneration.
  
• Eye For An Eye: Being damaged grants Death temporary regeneration.
  
• Tooth For A Tooth: Being damaged grants Death a 30% chance of gaining an Anima.
  
• Straw Helm: Doubles Death's defense.
  
• Animoolah: Golden Animas fully heal Death.
  
• Corvus Nefas: Being damaged launches crows towards the nearest foe.
  
• Flash Of Brilliance: Every attack causes the target to be struck by lightning.
  
• Conflagrations: Using a spell causes explosions to appear around Death.
  
• Iranima: Using an Anima fills up Death's Frenzy bar by 50%.
  
• Crow Cover: Using a spell launches crows towards the nearest foe.
  
• Imminent Burnout: The Cloak periodically launches crows towards the nearest foe.
  
• Social Security: Death is invincible for one second after taking damage.
  
• Imminent Reverie: Death periodically creates another Anima.
  
• Zeus's Wrath: Being damaged causes the foe to be struck by lightning.
  
• Static Electricity: Using a Cloak based weapon causes the nearest foe to be struck by lightning.
  
• Stroke of Luck: Death will survive a fatal attack as long as he's not one hit away from death. This effect will continue as long as this is the case.
  

Now that as an employee you know everything there is to know about the CEO himself it is high time that you got to work filtering souls for the great beyond. So swallow your feelings and put on a smile because the first day of the end of your life begins...now.
Welcome To The Afterlife

First Previous Wiki
"I should not let you enter," the old man said, gazing unhappily at Phoebe standing beside Penny in her dream.
"Please. You're mind controlling her, so I think you would have stopped me if you wanted to,"
Phoebe replied.
"Not control. Humans don't 'control' the air, they breathe it. In the same way, I feed on Penny's psychic energy."
"I see. And when you said you had infinite power, what exactly did you mean?"
"I do. But my power is dead," Death said. "That is how I am."
"And you can exist in the psychic realm, but not the regular mindscape?"
"Sometimes."
"What defines those times?"
"It depends. People dying, obviously. About a quarter of all deaths in the galaxy aren't Sprilnav."
"A quarter?"
"Yes."
"So I assume they're killing themselves."
"Yes."
"And that energy isn't a constant influx?"
"Somewhat. It comes in both a trickle and waves. But I know you're going to ask more. The answer is that the Progenitors give conceptual protection to the Sprilnav. The further away a Sprilnav is from them in space, time, and more, the weaker they are. That is why Elders can survive impacts that could vaporize metal, not just their implants and psychic energy."
"Conceptual weight seems to feature heavily in your power," Phoebe said.
"It does."
"And you are a concept. If you fought Fate, for example, would you win?"
"Depending on what you mean by winning. Really, concepts cannot overcome each other."
Phoebe smiled. That meant that Death would want a way to do that. Probably the hivemind was the way. With that answer, she continued.
"Concepts cannot overcome each other? So you don't have a fate, and Fate can't die?"
"Not really."
"Can you die?"
"No."
"Does Fate have a fate?"
"I don't know. But really, there's no way I'll tell you that even if I find out."
"How many people have died?" Phoebe asked.
"Define people, and define death."
"People as in sentient and sapient beings, which are capable of thought and planning. Death as in the ceasing of characteristics of life such as the termination of blood or gaseous material within the living being, as well as the ceasing of psychic energy and brain activity within the being, for those that have some equivalent to brains."
"It is not specific. Quintillions, at least. A lot more, really. There's many that don't quite fit the condition. If you count the moments before the great war, you'd need exponents."
"We have numbers for that."
"Okay. Sprilnav deaths alone, even with the conceptual madness of the... what do they call it? The Source war. Yes. It's quite a lot," Death said.
"Give me a number, please."
"Fine. 39 undecillion."
Phoebe was silent. There were so many Sprilnav that it was stupid. Even thinking about the level of that fall was truly insane. And she assumed that during the fall, they had a very bad time. It would have been madness and anarchy with the added characteristic that everyone also had nukes and shields.
"There's more than the observable universe, you know."
"How many died in the aftermath of the Source war?"
Death frowned. "1 in 30,000 Elders lived. 1 in 850,000 regular Sprilnav lived. Of those, 875 Sprilnav didn't end their lives."
"875 thousand? Million?"
"No."
Phoebe thought that was sad. Basically, in the whole galaxy, every Sprilnav had died, at least statistically. The number alive right now, even still outnumbering the galaxy, was a rounding error. If what he said was true, the Source had killed more people than any other being, alive or dead. And that assumed there weren't any other civilizations of a similar scale to them.
She also didn't bother to ask how the Sprilnav population was now so large. Whether it was inbreeding or cloning didn't matter much. But it helped to explain why so many Elders were so crazy all the time. She needed to stay on task, however.
"Alright. Back to you. You're not a psychopomp?"
"No. I do not interfere with souls. I am the concept of death."
"So, do you get energy from stars blowing up?"
"That is not dying."
"But people believe that supernovae are the deaths of stars."
"That does not shift the concept itself."
That was interesting. So Death wasn't a belief harvester, then. Not the type that actually was shaped by the belief of sapient beings in their actions. Concepts existed and were finite and infinite in scope. Maybe some were truly finite. They could conflict with each other, and their influence would generate a weakening effect, like destructive interference with alternate types of waves. But that did not mean that was always so. Perhaps they could do the opposite.
It was likely that Death worked with Fate at least sometimes and that if Entropy existed, it was most concerned with the Sprilnav. Conceptual protection by the Progenitors was another interesting concept that she hoped to probe if Nova ever returned. She did have the feeling he was either doing everything for fun or entirely serious. He was certainly not quite there in the head after the experience that Death had shared with her.
But for conceptual beings like him, there were rules and regulations, perhaps bound by whatever absolute concept they fit within. Whether they were hard rules or not was unknown. Defined in their structure, but not their limits. And perhaps that meant there was more to figure out here. "Interesting. And if you need to feed off psychic energy, why not use psychic amplifiers?"
"It's not the same quality. Humans don't drink pure water only; they drink it for the minerals and other healthy products within it. It's the same for me."
"But you can't die. Why would it matter?"
"I can diminish. It would affect things, though not as you expect."
"That is interesting also," Phoebe replied. "Are you suggesting that you could diminish, which means other concepts can as well?"
"Not directly," Death nodded with a smile. He stumbled, clutching his head. Phoebe felt a vast energy press down upon them and could feel something brush against her mind like a bullet just grazing the skin. In that one motion, she'd felt more inherent danger than all previous enemies combined, so much danger that it bypassed her artificial instincts entirely to lay thickly on her tongue as an acrid taste.
She didn't fall to the ground, and neither did Penny. They stood there, searching for the source of the pressure.
"What is this?" she asked.
"Luck..."
"Luck is a concept that watches over others?"
A swirling vortex opened up around Phoebe, parallel to the ground. Light and other equivalents shone out of it, dancing around its interior, piercing the layers of dark black fog. The mindscape trembled slightly, and the ground underneath Penny and Phoebe cracked. A small voice whispered out of it, though it was easily audible.
"No more."
"Look, if you're really Luck, then-"
"No more," the voice repeated. "You are done here. Do not come back."
Phoebe snorted. "If you think this little mysterious act is going to intimidate me, you're wrong. And I will."
"Not today."
"You don't get to decide-"
"I decide all."
Phoebe's head seemed to split with pain, and she found herself lying dizzily next to Penny. The human's chest was heaving, and sweat laced her eyebrows and cheeks.
"That went well," Phoebe coughed. The headache receded far too slowly. But she'd still learned a lot. Conceptual beings had concerns, for one. They likely cared about getting stronger in some cases. Humanity had some sort of outside context power, but more than that, the hivemind itself could actually use it.
"It did. Thanks, and sorry you couldn't get more."
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
"Hello, Rank 10 Ambassador Liinara. To what do we owe the pleasure?" Ambassador Varirlar asked, letting a small smile curve around her snout. Putting the other party at ease would make this conversation easier, especially since she suspected this call wasn't just a concerned friend.
"You might want to sit down for this," her counterpart said. "Remember Exii'darii?"
Varirlar froze.
"Don't tell me you let her free."
"We didn't. The Sprilnav broke her out."
"Elders?"
"Not that we saw. But it is likely they are working for one," Liinara said, her antennae twitching. Varirlar knew there was a pheromone effect that went on with the Vinarii, which still couldn't be fully translated into description by words.
"Alright. You know how serious this is, I assume?"
"Yes."
"Many factions in the Alliance, especially the more recently joined ones, will not be happy."
"We understand."
"I can speak on behalf of the Alliance in asking a request for an official apology. Furthermore," Varirlar said, holding up a single claw, "I want your government to share the full containment procedure down to the alloy composition of the materials. Assuming you actually kept her in a prison cell for over a decade, that meant you had a way to keep her from escaping. Tell us how."
"You wish to recapture her?"
"We are not as naive as we once were," Varirlar said. "The Hateful Galaxy has taught the rest of the Alliance the same hard lessons it taught me. The Breyyanik did not forget its nature when we settled Ceres."
"Ah, so you wish to either use her or kill her."
"There is no use for her," Varirlar said. "Unless our scientists can propose a solution, there will be no use for her. She will be put down like the dog she is." "Then we are in agreement."
"Yes. The Alliance and the Vinarii's relationship has been tense for a while. We haven't spoken with Calanii or Ashnav'viinir in several years now. Why have you decided to diverge from us? Do we no longer suit your interests?"
"Not exactly. Even besides the... tumultuous events of Humanity's first contact, there are other powers at play. And there is evidence, in some cases, of Sprilnav interference." Liinara tapped her skull three times, the Vinarii way of saying that someone was a few branches short of a tree.
"Interference. Are there ways to prevent it?"
"Not officially. If you wish to discuss terms, I can set you up with one of our intelligence agencies. They will not be willing to share national secrets for nothing, however."
"I think this... debacle should count enough as recompense, don't you?" Varirlar smiled.
"Perhaps. But I am not who must be convinced. With that said, I wish you luck, Ambassador. I am glad that your Alliance has moved to take a more realistic path. And Ashnad'darii is still imprisoned, I presume?"
"Under much heavier guard once this call ends. But yes, she is still in a cell. Yes, she has implants. But she is leverage."
"Her usefulness is little," Liinara warned. "Calanii won't care at all about her."
"Everyone keeps saying that. But let's just say there are reasons she isn't dead."
"You should kill her."
"We should. We maybe could. Assuming that the official way is still trying to get an implant under her chitin to kill her instead of just launching her into the sun. Granted, that would kill her eventually."
"She is dangerous. Unable to be trusted."
"She was broken years ago," Varirlar said. "From what I've heard, she wears human-made clothes now instead of going naked. Plus, she has given us insights on Vinarii society, particularly involving its hierarchy."
"You're using her as a spy."
"A spy that hasn't seen a Vinarii face in almost twenty years? Pretty crappy at that job, I'd say. We both know that she killed hundreds of thousands personally, and was willing to kill many more. If she did not have her uses, she would have already been killed. Plus, there's a safety procedure in place."
"If you mean a bomb collar, good luck with that."
Varirlar didn't mean a collar. Psychic energy monitors were closely tied to a pair of fusion bombs that were embedded in her prison's walls. Should she get too far from the natural cell, they would explode. After all, the room had a bed, bathroom, sanitized entertainment, and a food and water delivery system. She was definitely mostly rehabilitated, but her crimes would follow her for the rest of her life. Their severity made her a case that would likely never fully rejoin any society unless it was an afterlife.
"Well. This has been productive," Varirlar replied with a smile. "But unfortunately,"
"Wait. I'm here to tell you something else, as well. The Dual Systems Trading Company wants to send more ships to your Sol system."
"How many more?"
"Umm, around 400."
"Why don't you have an exact number?"
"The negotiations are still underway. But they seek to bring Vinarii products to the internal Alliance markets, particularly the small Vinarii and larger Wisselen exclaves living within."
"They wouldn't be able to get you much money, unless it's in various Alliance cash forms. There's an angle, isn't there?"
"Well, yes. We don't know it yet. But it is suspicious."
Varirlar sighed. "Have you given them special brain scans?"
"What do you... oh. You suspect that?"
"Suspicious and spontaneous changes in their policy toward the Alliance, as we are suffering from issues with Sprilnav messing with people, and wanting to send us ships? I'm not stupid, Ambassador Liinara."
"I did not mean to insinuate-"
"Sure you didn't. Now, I shall tell you something very interesting. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Very well," Varirlar said dramatically, adjusting her mane as she leaned forward. "The hivemind would be willing to meet with your... incapacitated members for study from afar."
"What do you mean?"
"Intelligence."
"We cannot trust it."
"I see. You are aware that you have just called all of Humanity untrustworthy, right? That's quite the insult, unprovoked."
"Apologies, Ambassador, that is not what I meant. The hivemind is likely to have its own motivations, and could be motivated to lie about what it saw."
"As could your own operatives, who could be pinned to the floor by any regular Sprilnav and chipped within a minute. Don't act like they don't have legendary hacking abilities as well. None of your systems are safe."
"And the Alliance's are?"
"With both Edu'frec and Phoebe watching over them, then yes."
"Ah, so you still think that the Sprilnav don't use AI."
"Why would they? It would threaten their own sense of superiority. If they already used AI, everyone would have a chip when they were born. There would be no resistance, because eventually a logical mind would not tolerate the constant pushback."
"You are free to believe what you do. However, my thoughts do diverge. As for Phoebe, she did a disappearing act for a while, didn't she?"
"And?"
"She isn't exactly reliable either," Liinara replied.
"If you're drowning in the ocean, would you rather have an island that storms a little or nothing at all?" "I fail to see how her situation compares to that analogy. It was a very serious problem, if I understand it."
"And what do you suggest, then? Constantly bring her down over it until she resents us and shoves her hands through our hearts? Phoebe's a person, Ambassador. An Alliance citizen, a Luna citizen, and even more importantly than that, a friend. It's quite hurtful that you are suggesting such, unless it is the official stance of the Vinarii government. I assure you, the mess with your company trying to invade us is not resolved, either. Words cannot heal what actions injured. If you want reconciliation, it would be best to take the first steps yourself. Do not tell the Alliance to alienate Phoebe just because she made a mistake."
"Your own intelligence agencies would do the same in many cases."
"I fail to see how her situation compares to that analogy," Varirlar sighed. "Phoebe is the single most useful asset that the Alliance has come across that is not a purely psychic entity such as the hivemind or Gaia, or some paragon of a species like Dilandekar or Penny."
"So she's an asset, and not a person?"
"Please, Liinara. In the world we live in, the galaxy we live in, everyone is both. Do not lie to yourself. However, the Alliance wishes to show its people a shred of respect so it does not drag them through the mud when they made a mistake. Even before that, rehabilitation was the goal of Humanity. Why else do you think that we have prisons instead of just a wall where the bad people stand in front of to be shot? If a starving mother stole something, that doesn't mean we chop off her hands. We get her the help she and her child needs, so they can rejoin Alliance society and raise us all higher."
"Your Alliance has not fixed poverty like it said, then."
"Kind of difficult when one of your species is at a near constant feudal civil war, and another had a third of its populace halfway through insurrection. I assume that the Vinarii Empire has no such problems, correct? And again, I remind you that you are supposed to represent its official position, not your own."
Varirlar suspected that the Ambassador here had something else going on, as well. Whether it was mind control, being paid to screw this up, or something else entirely, this wasn't how such a conversation was meant to go. She only was continuing it to see if Liinara slipped up on something interesting.
"My position is as a Rank 10 Ambassador. You would do well to respect that."
"Respecting positions instead of people does not make sense when the position is respectable and the people are not. You have insulted Phoebe, Humanity, and the Alliance with your words. Were I to relay them, you might see a more hostile stance to the Vinarii Empire. Remember that you have agreements with us."
"Yes. Times have changed."
"I am sure that the Hive Emperor would not exactly like to hear what you have said. But do not worry, Ambassador. We will learn the truth of your words soon enough, one way or another. That is all for now. Perhaps I will ask for a Rank 11 Ambassador next time, to save myself the insults."
She ended the call and sighed. Varirlar could spin the wheel of chance, but the two answers were likely either mind control or someone being paid off to harm relations between them. Given Liinara's expressions, she didn't assume it was translation errors to blame. And this call was on a secure line, even more so than most.
Really, the Vinarii could be doing it. But she smelled something was up. There was likely a very rich Vinarii who the Sprilnav had either made to work with them or forced to, using mind control. Perhaps it really was the answer to both. But she knew not to just assume that. When you had a hammer, everything looked like a nail. It was an apt human saying for the situation.
Varirlar contacted several officials after she wrote her report with the attached recording of the situation. She'd done her best to appear calm, though responding to Liinara was not the orthodox method. But this way, she'd drawn out a lot more on how she viewed the Alliance, giving them a window into whatever was happening, blurry and small though it may have been.
She didn't really think that Calanii would have condoned this. Indeed, she might have just had her last diplomatic call ever. Assuming, of course, that the Sprilnav hadn't managed to chip him, too. If they had, though, the Alliance's situation would get bad fast. Luckily they were already at war with Aphid. Everything was already mobilized, and extra listening satellites in deep space had been set up. The last time the Vinarii Royal Navy had come to visit Humanity, they had not been ready. Perhaps now they were.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Phoebe stood on the surface of Mercury, just underneath the great mass of the Mercury-class gun that had been built there. The first one that is. Now there were two great behemoths above her head, rising hundreds of meters into the sky. Not that Mercury really had a sky. Maybe someday, that would change.
For now, though, what mattered was the task at hand. The guns were already checked and cleared for firing. A small misalignment had destroyed a Charon-class gun in the past, so they were taking no chances with this. Now, the massive laser would serve its purpose. And, of course, the results would be live streamed.
The planet itself was a world almost covered in machinery. The atmosphere was toxic, filled with aerosols and gaseous industrial waste. There were no detectable life signs on it, whether they were communications, psychic emissions, or even just patches of warmth away from machinery. No subterranean life either, of any kind. Not even microbes had been spared from Aphid's apparent purge, if they had ever existed on this rock at all.
And Aphid's signature station designs orbited it also, whipping around its poisoned atmosphere at several miles a second. That was a sign that everyone on the planet, if there had ever been any, was dead.
A stream of ships poured in and out, guarded by a vast military fleet. In the Sol system, the amplifiers were powering up, and Brey was starting to form the outside of the portals she'd use for the guns, one on each side of the planet, at the equator. Her analysis had determined the areas in which opposite strikes would do the most damage. Phoebe had ensured to check for subterranean activity using Gaia's matter senses.
That had revealed large underground development areas, where presumably more of Aphid's mechanical drones were going to be made. Brey finished forming the portal as Phoebe took a last look at the spires of Aphid's world, ready to see how they'd do when the lasers hit.
She moved the stealth ships around the planet, continuing to watch the shield. It wasn't at full power, likely because Aphid wasn't expecting an attack. She didn't have a presence here in the mindscape, either. She was using far dumber programs as proxies across the Q-comms connections so that he could not detect a hint of anything wrong.
Combined with the Alliance's stealth technology, it would allow for a total surprise attack. Brey finished building up the portals in front of the guns, and Phoebe couldn't help but notice how deep the portals looked. They didn't seem like a flat plane like usual but had a sort of three-dimensionality to them this time. Interesting.
"Fire!" Phoebe ordered. Brey's avatar, which was standing beside an android back on Earth, grinned.
The barrels of the guns glowed cherry red, and vibrations radiated out from their heavily reinforced bases. Even with the android's solar shades, the light was still incredibly bright. Just from underneath it, the temperature was reaching almost 300 degrees. Just as she'd calculated.
On the other side of the portal, things got interesting. Brey's portal was invisible, but the energy coming from it was anything but. It almost looked like Aphid's planet was being impaled through a pole of pure white light. That light slammed down onto the planet's surface in three seconds, passing through the atmosphere as if it wasn't even there. Gaia stood beside the portals in the Sol system, blueshifting the light as much as possible. Instead of visible light, most of the weapon's energy, at least on the other side, was gamma. It was enough radiation to kill anything on the planet, for sure. Or to fry any electronic systems, such as a resident AI's servers.
The pure power of the two guns released a constant molten shockwave of a mix of vaporized rock, metal, and most other materials rushing outward. Buildings were snapped like twigs, their ends going flying but never landing. The heat melted others, and earthquakes in some areas that hadn't yet been struck by the spreading destruction were rampant.
The planet didn't explode or anything. The military ships that were far enough away to remain working just moved away, activating shields that fizzled out due to the intense energy beyond them. That energy would have destroyed Phoebe's android had Brey not used the portal to shield them as well. And as for her observation ships, their stealth coatings were quickly fried.
But the reinforced hulls were made specifically to withstand the effects of this for as long as possible. Cities of metal, all empty except for countless billions of drones wandering their streets, were wiped away. And then the portals began moving, shining around the equator. The effects spread and repeated, with the seas of methane catching fire before they, too, were vaporized in the path of the Mercury-class guns.
The atmosphere was boiled and stripped off the planet within hours. Most of the factories and foundries in the city were turned to either molten slag, collapsed by giant earthquakes, or vanished entirely. The devastation in the equatorial region was total. There was nothing left in a solid band 1500 miles wide around the equator of the planet, save for the broken bases of destroyed skyscrapers.
Further out, the damage was from earthquakes, snapped power lines, and broken pipes, as well as rubble that had fallen onto transport roads and collapsed tunnels. Alone, perhaps the problems could have been dealt with. But not together.
"Just to be sure," Brey asked. "You don't need the remains, right?"
"No. I will make what I need, that way I know it is safe," Phoebe replied, looking at Brey's avatar. It had the signature black fur of her empowered form, with red eyes and sharpened claws. The armor looked cool, as well.
"Alright. I'm going to go dump a few billion tons of plasma on it, then."
Phoebe smiled. "Alright. Have fun."
"I did. Good job on the guns. Get enough of those, and it'll be like the full Dyson swarm's hitting you in a straight line."
"That's the plan. The test was more than successful, and Aphid got a taste of the justice we deserve."

I failed. I bet it all and went for my dream and I’m in the process of losing it all. June 12 is like dooms day as the clock constantly tics towards its
I was hoping the people who doubted me wouldn’t see, it’s been years. Today I noticed that they were looking. It was like wild fire. I got a notice that each of you looked one after the other as the news spread. The people who held me back, who told me I couldn’t do something all just saw I was failing. They get their laugh, they get to say they told me so. They get to be right for doubting me. They get to be right every time they told me I couldn’t do something. I couldn’t change my stars.
It has crushed something in me. I had a chip on my shoulder, that I counted on to push through hard times. Today took a hammer to it. I am so low, I feel fractured. Just this little thing hurt me so bad.
These are the people that kept me trapped, they would never have taken a risk in their life. I want to say at least I tried, where were you? But in the face of failure do I even have the right.
I should have never tried. I’m in such a deep hole and I’m not sure I’m strong enough to get out. I know it’s going to take a lot of work. I’m going to have to do it myself. I’m not going to be able to count on the people who are currently in my life.
That make me angry, who are they to doubt someone else. Who are they to wish for my failure. I’ll find my steam, you will hear the ring of my hammer as it hits the anvil in my soul. Each ring letting you know I’m coming. I build, it’s what I do, only this time I have nothing left to lose. Get out of the way I have work to do….

Title tries to sum it up. Here’s where I’m at.
I have a 2020 Subaru Legacy Base on a lease Ending in August. At the time I leased it, I got a final lease purchase price of $20,925 with a buy out of $14,095 at the lease end.
Turns out I got this car right before the market went insane. After the market inflation over the past three years post COVID, the KBB is now $20,654-$22,375 with a median of $21,515.
Essentially, if I understand it correctly, I have about $6500 in trade in value, or I can buy this car and find a seller on my own time for that amount.
Anyways, here’s the numbers on my current car I can optionally buy out: - My lease is currently $258.99/month - I’ve estimated buying out the lease is about $280/month on a 5 year loan - great credit, 750+
So Here’s where it gets tough to me. Buying the Legacy is a no brainer if everything worked right. However, it doesn’t. It’s one of the Subarus with the infotainment software crashing issues, including (very ultra rare) eyesight failure. Eyesight has only ever failed to work 3 times, but the radio system has issues from time to time. This can render CarPlay completely unusable, maybe it’s dependable 75%-80% of the time.
There’s also some hint there might be an underlying electrical issue as once or twice the drivers window failed to go up in rainy conditions. Both times the issue corrected in under 2 attempts but it worries me long term.
From my understanding there’s a class action underway to resolve this.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2023/subaru-infotainment-system-problems-class-action-lawsuit.shtml
What I’m trying to determine before I put even $1 more towards my legacy and buy it is if this is worth trading in in this case?
I know that the used market is insane, and right now that might work to my advantage. I could trade in my Subaru having driven it basically for free, if not for a PROFIT after 3 years.
I’m wondering if this might be the opportunity of a lifetime to go from a 2020 Legacy to a 2023/2024 legacy base, or even an Outback base if I’m willing to pay $100 more a month and do an 84 month lease not 60. (Yes I know the 84 month is more over time, but the lower monthly is more important to me). If I trade in and up to a 2023/4, it might resolve my infotainment system issues and long term concerns. I should also mention that I missed 1 6,000 mile oil change and swapped oil at 10,000 miles.
That said, having a pre market spike legacy with only a $280/month loan and having equity around $6500 above it’s value is a GREAT place to be, right? Is it worth having this car despite my issues and concerns at this rate?
Then again, that overvaluation really just brings a base 2023/4 legacy down to 2020 pricing. I would be restarting from an equity standpoint but at the benefit of new car and less issues maintenance costs.
So I guess I have to ask, if you were in my shoes, what would you do??

Side note: I've added a password, so read carefully. If you message me WITHOUT the password, your messages are automatically IGNORED. tired of getting hit up with people who don't read 😒. It's ridiculous cause I've ignored 5+ chats cause none of them contained the password. Things are written for a reason.
Facts about me:

• I have been roleplaying since 2012. Yes, I got experience under my belt, and yes, my ideas usually have really long reads, but don't let that scare you off! After the starter is off, I may lower myself down to a decent paragraph or two, sometimes three! It all depends on what I've got to work with.
  
• My timezone is EST. I'm awake from 9am - 2am and I'm usually free unless I'm busy doing house chores, out of the house, asleep, or playing video games on my switch. I'm usually become REALLY active at or around 8pm.
  

Rules:
1: if you don't like 50/50 mixture of sex scenes and story, don't bother hopping into my inbox. I'm fine with sex scenes, but when it's constantly back to back, the roleplay itself gets boring.
2: Be literate. No one liners. I like to write..it's annoying when I send a 2-3 paragraph response and I get 3 lines...just...no. I am not accepting people who are just starting out! If you aren't experienced in writing or roleplaying, kindly stay out of my inbox.
3: Be okay with playing canon characters. I'm mainly doing fandom roleplays right now and it's going to be Canon x my oc. No, I'm not doing double ups. Do not even ask, because the answer will be no every time. I do not give a shit if you think that makes me 'lazy' or 'selfish', if you've got a problem, you can simply ignore or block me. Commenting on my post to bitch and whine about me not doubling up will only result in me blocking you. The ONLY time I'll double up, and if I'm confident enough, I'll only do female characters. I suck at males. Got a problem? Not my issue. Block and move on.
4: Roleplay in third person. I can't and won't adapt to first. Don't even bring up the idea of you playing first person and me playing third. Believe it or not, I've been asked this twice and that is just a hell no for me. The only time I do first, is when I'm writing into my book.
5: if you don't know how to share ideas, then don't bother messaging me. I'm tired of carrying the story when the other person doesn't help. If you've got ideas, then PLEASE speak up! Your opinion on the roleplay matters too! I'm an easy going person, and easy to get along with (dispite my rules).
6: DO NOT control my character. I control what she says, does, hears, sees, ect. I don't control yours, so don't control mine. HOWEVER, if it's highly necessary and needed, then run it by me first and ask me. Just leave me some wiggle room so I can make a decent response. Failure to comply by this rule, results in immediate drop of the rp.
End Note:
Yes, I've updated my rules just a tad. I do not care if it makes me sound mean or rude, because I'm neither of these things. I'm just tired of putting these rules down for a specific reason and they go ignored because I can tell when someone hasn't read them, and lied about it. I'm just trying to get my point across and roleplay. I'm a very easy going person who loves to make friends on the side (which I've somewhat given up on making friends...only a selective few have actually gained my friendship).
Do not hop into my inbox with a simple 'hey' 'hi' 'sup', etc and for God's sake, don't message me with a 'rp?'and proceed me to flash me with your talliwhacker. I promise you, you'll get your feelings hurt and I'll be here laughing at ya 😂. Nobody wants a peen on their screen. Do not send me an image of your one eyed noodle. Thank you. The password is pineapple.
Fandoms & Pairings
Deadpool (Wade x my oc)
The Adam's family
Pokemon ((MAYBE. Don't be nasty about it either!))
Bridgerton (or something like it. Can be Oc x Oc)
Disney Decedent's (or anything Disney) (oc x oc)
Orange is the new black (this can be oc x oc).
Criminal Minds (REALLY wanna do)
Marvel:
Loki x my oc
Spiderman (Tom Holland) x my oc
Dog The Bounty Hunter (REALLY wanna do):
Dog Chapman x my oc
The walking dead (REALLY wanna do!!):
Daryl X my oc
Batman x my oc
Lucifer (Netflix show series) x my oc (really wanna do)
The Originals: Klaus x my oc (PLEASE !! I REALLY wanna do this one!)
American Horror Story: Tate x my oc (REALLY wanna do)
Dragon Ball Z - Super (vegeta x my oc) (really wanna do)
Naruto: Minato x my oc
Harry Potter (thanks to the wonderful world of rp, the characters will be 18 or older. For me, I'd like it if it was Draco x my oc. REALLY wanna do)
Game Of Thrones (I'm still very early in the show, but I think we could think of something!)
Once Upon A Time:
killian x my oc, REALLY wanna do 🥺.
Avatar the last Airbender:
Zuko x my oc
Twilight:
Jacob x my oc
(Course, our version will be alot better than the movies).
If any of these interests you, message me!
End note part 2:
Congratulations! You've made it to the end. Still interested? You've got the password. Message me and let's get started 😁.

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​
Synopsis:
Juliette Contzen is a lazy, good-for-nothing princess. Overshadowed by her siblings, she's left with little to do but nap, read … and occasionally cut the falling raindrops with her sword. Spotted one day by an astonished adventurer, he insists on grading Juliette's swordsmanship, then promptly has a mental breakdown at the result.
Soon after, Juliette is given the news that her kingdom is on the brink of bankruptcy. At threat of being married off, the lazy princess vows to do whatever it takes to maintain her current lifestyle, and taking matters into her own hands, escapes in the middle of the night in order to restore her kingdom's finances.
Tags: Comedy, Adventure, Action, Fantasy, Copious Ohohohohos.
​
Chapter 89: Clash Of Snow
I blinked, all my worst nightmares resurfacing as the Snow Dancer's silver sword swept towards my neck.
In that moment, I saw a premonition of what was to come if I failed in my duty to rescue my kingdom and secure plentiful supply of inexpensive soap to the peasantry.
A glint of steel, no different than the cruel edge of a guillotine, its swift onslaught the herald to our fair realm falling into ruin and rubble as a newly raised republic.
I shuddered as images of fire, smoke and anarchy zipped through my mind, our libraries overrun with illiterate looters and bandits while farmers burgled our royal kitchens for the produce we'd bought from them at a price so extortionately low that they could never hope to leave poverty.
But that's all they were. A terrible premonition.
It wasn't yet time for my life to flash before my eyes. And so I answered the coming sword with the only answer that befitted a princess of this dignified kingdom.
I scowled.
How dare this woman attempt to behead me!
Even in my worst nightmares, whole crowds of angry peasants filled the streets! A deluge of rotten fruit tossed and thrown at me as they decried the life of luxury I deservedly lived at their expense! I had an audience! A death befitting my high status!
Even in my last moments, I could look down upon the unwashed masses from the raised platform built for my execution!
But here?
This was a frozen chamber, with the crowds consisting of frozen guards barely tall enough to keep their heads above the snow!
The insult was palpable!
And so–my expression creased beneath the weight of the indignity I felt.
Faced with a scowl hardened by 3 hours of daily practice over 4117 consecutive days, it's little wonder that the sword approaching me instantly slowed.
Indeed, the Snow Dancer positively quailed at the sight … even if she was still smiling in highly off-putting joy!
Brows dented, I twisted around to face the silver sword, taking advantage of the lapse in concentration as I swept Starlight Grace up.
Then, with all the elegance of a troll merchant clubbing away an unsatisfied customer, I batted the silver sword with the utter disdain it deserved.
Immediately, the Snow Dancer pirouetted, her speed as she brought her sword around at odds with the weak commitment of her strike.
Clearly fazed from my utter contempt at this terrible choice of location, the blade that approached my side was as easily slapped away as the falling leaves in my orchard.
And then … she blinked away.
Gaining several steps of distance, the elven woman stood still and tilted her head, looking down at her own sword with an expression of puzzlement.
After which–her blue eyes took in my scowl.
“Wow,” she said. “Now that was something.”
I held Starlight Grace aloft, adopting whatever pose I knew looked most fashionable against the billowing snow at my back.
Ohoho … this sword saint!
She'd underestimated my ability to instantly cower opponents with facial expressions alone! And no wonder. Who else could crease their brows faster than physics could allow? When a servant spilled wine on my dress, I could adopt an expression of outrage faster than the liquid could stain me!
“An opportunistic attack, Snow Dancer. But I advise you not to underestimate me. The strike of your blade is less swift than the fumbling of my attendants.”
Ophelia blew a puff of silver hair away.
“Ouch, that hurts, comparing my [Butterfly Horizon] to whatever it is maids try on you. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised you parried that. Being high up the fancy ladder must mean having a sixth sense to attacks from behind, huh?”
“Quite so. It matters not from which direction they come. When they seek to stain my dress red, I will know before the deed is done.”
The Snow Dancer twirled her sword, drawing the falling snow towards it.
“So sneak attacks won't work? And to think I still can't catch a whiff of anything scary about you. Now that's a strong presence concealment. How long have you trained with a sword to get like that, Miss E-rank Adventurer?”
I smiled in response.
All the while, I came to a sudden realisation.
I, Juliette Contzen, time trained with a sword, zero hours, was currently duelling with a sword saint.
“O … ohohohoho! I've … I've been trained in a secret fencing style before I could even use a fork! As … As you can see, my ability to stand undaunted is testament to my unmatched skills in swordsmanship, born of natural talent and honed through years of studious effort!”
“Really? Wow. It really is secret. I don't recognise it at all. Is it an adventurer thing?”
“This?” I looked down at my footwork. “Why, this is … this is the pouncing cobra sub-stance of my secret fencing style! A highly defensive position favouring swift counter attacks! Only a fool would attempt to break through my infallible parry and suffer my undodgeable reprisal!”
The elven woman narrowed her eyes at my perfectly acceptable way of holding a sword
“Hmmmmm. It doesn't really remind me of a pouncing cobra?”
I smiled. Hard.
To be so studiously examined was … well, a little bit embarrassing.
But no matter!
Once I defeated her, all thoughts of my supremely unorthodox pose would be forgotten!
Yes, my underhanded strike at her undefended flank had shockingly failed. And yes, this was now an open fight with an A-rank sword saint. And yes, this was indeed a minor problem. After all, for an untrained princess to defeat a sword saint in a fair fight was an impossible feat. The difference between our skill and experience was a canyon wider than the eyes could see.
That's why–I had absolutely zero intention to fight her fairly!
Ohohohoho!
If I were to defeat the Snow Dancer, then it would be with guile, subterfuge and an utter lack of chivalry!
And so, I turned to my assistant in crime!
There, safely tucked away behind a truly impressive snow bastion, my future handmaiden was peering over a solid battlement, ready to come to my assistance at a moment's notice.
And upon the walls of her castle, was a giant message written in the snow.
​
~ Fight On! Fight On! Juliette Official Fan Club! ♡ B-E-L-I-E-V-E ♡ ~
​
“You can do it!~” she cried, her hands forming a tunnel around her mouth. “We believe in you!~”
Quack, quack. Quack, quack.
Squeezed under her arm was the crystal beaked duck. She hadn't bothered plucking the arrows from it.
I pursed my lips.
Then I turned to the elven woman.
“Oho … ohoho! S-See the peril you find yourself in, Snow Dancer! Even my loyal handmaiden sees no need to come to my immediate aid! Challenging me with a sword is as futile as challenging the stars!”
Far from fleeing at my proclamation, Ophelia's eyes lit up with anticipation.
Ugh, people with swords!
Why did they only think with their foreheads and not anything behind it?! Just go headbutt a wall if you want to expend energy!
“Funny, that,” she said, for some reason sheathing her sword. “I actually did try challenging the stars once.”
Her hand never left her sword's hilt.
Then, she smiled as a circle of white flames suddenly erupted around her.
“Spoiler alert–I failed,” she said, her hair rustling magnificently amongst the ring of blazing light. “But I learned how to get a bit closer to them at least … so, [Gravity Reversal].”
The Snow Dancer drew her sword.
I was aghast.
How did everyone know how to conjure flames except me?! Furthermore, was it a rule that overdone names were necessary for sword techniques?! Why, it's because of people like her that Coppelia wished to rename [Spring Breeze] to [Ball Of Doom]! Just what was a [Gravity Reversal]?!
As expected, names should provide clear and concise information! How was I supposed to prepare for something so ominously named with so little context?!
I already suspected I couldn't rely on my scowl to still her next attack! Even so, this sounded like something else entirely! Was she about to throw something at me?!
“–Hieee?!”
The moment her blade left its sheath, I could feel the ground … no, the snow beneath me beginning to rise.
And then I realised that what she was throwing was, in fact, me.
To my absolute chagrin, everything in a wide circle around me was suddenly lifted up into the air.
I was appalled. There were very few scenarios in which I wished to be removed from the ground, and all of them involved being carried by Coppelia as she rescued me to a dramatic backdrop of something exploding.
This was not that!
“–Hiiieeeeee?!”
T-This sensation!
It was practically the same as when my mother's maids woke me each morning! The hopeless indignation as I was swept away as part of my duvet and unceremoniously dumped to the floor!
And worst … it wasn't the sparkling floor of my bedroom which awaited me, but a ceiling as dull as it was dusty!
Glancing up, I witnessed the dark stonework slowly … slowly approaching.
So slowly, in fact, that all I could feel was the insult being levied against both my time and my high standards for any demise!
A plain ceiling without a hint of embellishment? It was disgraceful! Of all the ceilings I wished to be splattered upon, it would be the magnificent Plafond De Dix Mille Cygnes, painted upon the vestibule of Reitzlake's cathedral!
No, just as much as I refused to accept being hoisted into the air against my will, I also refused to be crushed against such an artless ceiling … especially by a bed of snow!
So the Snow Dancer wished to test winter against me, did she?
Ohohohohoho!!
How dare she belittle the kingdom's sharp seasonal changes! To wake up and witness the horror of a blanket of heavy snow suddenly throttling my begonias was a sight I was all too keenly aware of! Why, it was not merely insects which threatened my orchard, but the elements themselves!
That's why–
I leaned down, then shoved Starlight Grace directly into the snow.
“Such fine snow you offer. Let's see if we can make it finer yet, shall we?”
And then–I began to dig.
“Witness the dawning morn, breaking these chains of malaise! Gardening Form, 5th Stance … [Winter Snow Shovel]!”
Ohhhohohohohoho!
Here it was!
A finely honed technique used specifically to remove mounds of snow without the need to painstakingly shovel away like a peasant in a field!
By digging my sword in overlapping, cross-crossing motions, I could make any mound of snow into powder so fine that once I blew at it, all the snow was instantly swept to the abyss!
… But this time, I had no wish to turn this snow into mist.
No, for the Snow Dancer's slovenly attack, she would receive the most slovenly [Winter Snow Shovel] in return!
Because instead of turning the snow into fine grains as I dug … I ceased, allowing the partially hewn icy snow to remain gathered beneath my boots.
I peered down at the snowy ground, seeing the innumerable tiny fissures I'd created.
And then–I gently blew.
BWOOOOOOOOOOOOMPH.
The mass of snow beneath me shuddered and exploded.
Suddenly, a hailstorm of my very own making shot towards the direction of the Snow Dancer, each rough, yet artistically shaped shard capable of being propelled by a single breath!
Ohhohohohohohoho!!!
An A-rank sword saint! And yet what was [Gravity Reversal], but an overly named way to throw a snowball?! Perhaps it could be used to bring down pigeons from the sky, but such an attack was worthless against the power of my snow shovelling skills, tested and refined in the unremitting cold of Tirea's winters!
Containing the cutting edge of a sharpened dagger, each icy shard utterly exposed the sword saint's poor naming sense as her technique was instead turned into a falling rain of doom … nor were the shards the only things to fall.
For a moment, I found myself suddenly suspended in the air, taking my place high above everyone's heads like the veritable angel I was.
And then I dropped, not yet having bloomed my wings yet.
“–Hiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeee?!”
​
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I want to stay anonymous so I’m not gonna reveal much details. My husband and I split up 8 years ago. We were on fine terms, friends on Facebook, but just didn’t have a reason to speak to each other. We don’t have kids, we were together from high school to age 24, about 9 years.
Well, I had cancer for a while. I beat it, but it made me really remember some things- you only live once, and the worst thing someone can say is no.
After I was diagnosed he wrote me a letter, just saying get well soon and he’ll always have me in his prayers, and he will continue to after I get better.
So today I got some news- he and his wife divorced. They had 2 kids. I guess she cheated (that’s what I was told, idk how true that is.) He works for Maserati. I said fuck it and went to the grocery store and bought some flowers and drove 45 minutes to the Maserati dealer.
The dude at the door asked “hey there how can I help you” and I said “oh, uh, I’m not here to buy a car.” And then he looked at the flowers and said “are you dropping something off for someone?” And I asked if _______ was busy. He brought me to his office and he was pretty suprised to see me!
I shot my shot. I asked if I could close the door and he nodded and I asked gave him the flowers and Omg I was so nervous! I was shaking so much and I was stuttering everything. I was like “I…uh. I was, uhh I was maybe wondering if you’d like to- uhhh, if you’d like to possibly get lunch or something sometime”
I couldn’t even look at him in the face I was so nervous. I was shaking so much it felt like I was shivering.
He said he was busy but he’d call me when he got home. He did put the flowers in a vase in his office though, so I thought that was a good sign. He did call me but I was in the shower. I called him back and he had a lot of questions, like why, things like that. It ended well. he said maybe we can get coffee on Saturday since he has the day off.

Autistic's "caregivers received $5,000 per month...charged with false imprisonment, abuse or neglect and failure to report...pneumonia, wounds across her body, bedsores and ulcers. She was also in septic shock due to infection and suffered cardiac arrest." https://uinterview.com/news/caregivers-who-allegedly-tortured-autistic-woman-to-death-were-paid-250000-by-new-mexico-to-care-for-he
​
"common medications that can trigger depression...Beta blockers...birth control...Levodopa or Sinemet CR are used to treat Parkinson's...Corticosteroids...Stimulants." https://m.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-744470
​
"Certified Peer Support (CPS) specialists to do the outreach. At this point, the INSET model in Westchester County, NY may be the only fully functioning program. They currently have 4 CPS assisting 20 individuals each...But it is not, I repeat not, a relationship of the CPS telling an individual what they have to do or choose." https://mhpolicy.org/finding-a-better-way/
​
Palestinian doctor in ireland, "patient’s (Qatari) father had “cried and cried and cried”...A psychiatric assessment would take a minimum of between 50 and 60 minutes." Why did suffolk county court blindly believe dr. hsiesh who didn't let me speak and met for less than 5 minutes? https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2023/05/29/doctor-denies-acting-as-representative-of-the-qatari-embassy-to-treat-psychiatric-patient/
​
texas baptist licensed professional counselor, "Pray about it...take it to God, and then take it to people who you know, and trust...Jesus being perfect but not flawless as a sinless human and the need for a community to battle isolation." https://www.denisonforum.org/biblical-living/podcast/mental-health-psychology-and-faith-a-conversation-with-chris-legg-lpc/
​
Pastor Randy Reid, Clanton First Assembly of God, "mass shootings in America is not a mental illness problem, it’s a spiritual problem." https://www.clantonadvertiser.com/2023/05/29/column-its-not-just-mental-illness/
​
new york city mayor, "Adams unwittingly implies that the Nazi response to schizophrenics is acceptable: murder them...poverty as proof of dangerous and savage psychosis." https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/cw/important-reads/27013-the-death-penalty-for-homelessness CBS video on 176,000 calls per year. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jordan-neely-death-mental-health-crisis-new-york-city/
​
Ineffective addiction treatment $24 billion by 2030, more than 20 million Americans. Global behavioural health market $128 billion. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/05/30/2678490/0/en/Addiction-Treatment-Market-Size-Worth-USD-24-3-Billion-by-2030-at-9-2-CAGR-Report-by-Market-Research-Future-MRFR.html https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2023-05-30/behavioural-health-market-to-attain-an-estimated-worth-of-us-1562-billion-by-2028-at-a-cagr-of-34
​
"What are the causes of hallucinations?...Stress and traumatic events...Deprivation of senses...Epilepsy and seizures...antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines...mess with the way neurotransmitters work in the brain, which can change how people see things." https://www.sportskeeda.com/health-and-fitness/what-are-common-causes-hallucination
​
"paranoid"...malevolent spirits of Muslim culture...he could feel the presence of the jinn but not see it. What the officer witnessed was his trying to fight the powerlessness he felt as Jinn cursed him." https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/up-and-running/202304/the-hallucinations-you-never-heard-of
​
Noone should modify someone's body without informed consent. "perception of autistic people and people with [intellectual and developmental disabilities] overall, that we’re not able to make our own decisions. Big decisions like those around health care, education, living arrangements,” they said. “All too often our decisions are viewed with suspicion and fear...In Arkansas, doctors can shield themselves against lawsuits over gender-affirming care if they can prove that their minor patient did not have conditions including autism, depression, ADHD, an eating disorder, an intellectual disability or a psychotic disorder." https://19thnews.org/2023/05/trans-laws-autistic-youth-mental-health/
​
florida termination of guardianship forms https://www.formsworkflow.com/Form/searchresults/17503-flssi-guardianship-termination-of/1
​
"Brain in Hand combines practical solution-based coaching with a user-led digital self-management system to help (autistic) individuals build their independence." https://www.miragenews.com/digital-support-reduces-anxiety-in-autistic-1016215/
​
No penalty for 3 british murders including a 20 year old woman, "choked in her sleep after being given inappropriate medication which had caused 'significant sedation'. The coroner said there was insufficient consideration of 'polypharmacy." https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/people-shouldnt-live-poor-conditions-27003379
​
Deprescribing "four drugs for his moods." https://medshadow.org/14-prescriptions-by-different-doctors/
​
"Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write." https://www.newswise.com/articles/could-low-iron-be-making-your-mental-health-symptoms-worse
​
Some processed frozen "meals contribute toward inflammation in the gut, which is where most serotonin...2015 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggested sugary and starchy foods could contribute to depression." https://news.yahoo.com/5-foods-negative-impact-mental-094501356.html
​
risperdal and haldol cause me muscle spasms. "Serotonin syndrome − a rare but very serious drug reaction...ending the pain once it starts − include standing or walking around, massaging the affected area, improved (calcium) nutrition, sleeping in comfortable positions" doesn't work on my face. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/05/29/what-causes-muscle-spasms/70249143007/
​
"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on federal court." https://images.cartoonstock.com/lowres/abortions-rights-usa-judge-matthew_kacsmaryk-abortion_pills-abortion_drugs-prescription-EC501549_low.jpg
​
Boot Camps for (kidnapped) Kids: Tough Love or Torture, "even going to the bathroom requires permission (as at zucker hillside)." Comment, "80% fail bc their parents didn't go." https://youtu.be/A7Y_yEiJJCU
​
True story of 40 murders, "Boot Camp" (2008) starring Mila Kunis, "He's not even a real doctor...I don't recognize your fucking credentials." https://youtu.be/idBabcDUy-Q
​
Three For The Road 1987 Charlie Sheen movie about politician's daughter "doped to the gills" and kidnapped to institution. https://youtu.be/VgB84kX9emE

I saw "gears of war" trending over the weekend. Lots of talk that gears 6 "WILL be revealed at xbox showcase". The only logical reasoning for majority of the posts I saw was, "gears was released every 2 years, it's been 4 since gears 5".
I do not by any means consider myself an industry insider, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt, but I do try to reference as many sources as I can. I'm just been a life long gears fan, who reads gears news.
I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, if we get a "gears reveal" it's not coming this year. Starfield is the game Microsoft is pushing this holiday season.
https://gamerant.com/gears-war-3-delayed-microsoft-big-holiday-title
If we get shown gears, it's not coming until next Christmas at the earliest.
The Coalition has stated they are working on a new ip as well as "the future of gears"
https://www.reddit.com/GearsOfWacomments/teu8oc/rip_gears_esports_tc_working_on_the_future_of/
Everyone wants "The Marcus Collection" that would divide the studio between more projects. I would love to see Judgement on the proper gow3 control scheme. It probably won't happen though. Just for reference from the time TC was formed to the time Gears of war ultimate edition was released was about a year.
Last may (about a year ago) TC announced all future projects will be developed with unreal engine 5. https://www.thecoalitionstudio.com/the-future-of-gears-5/
Would you really want them to push out of 3-4 fully Remastered games in a brand new engine in about a year when the last one took them about a year to do?
I could be completely wrong on all of this and a part of me hopes that I am. I would really set that expectation bar low for gears at the showcase.
I expect this to be not a popular opinion, and down voted heavily.

Autistic's "caregivers received $5,000 per month...charged with false imprisonment, abuse or neglect and failure to report...pneumonia, wounds across her body, bedsores and ulcers. She was also in septic shock due to infection and suffered cardiac arrest." https://uinterview.com/news/caregivers-who-allegedly-tortured-autistic-woman-to-death-were-paid-250000-by-new-mexico-to-care-for-he
​
"common medications that can trigger depression...Beta blockers...birth control...Levodopa or Sinemet CR are used to treat Parkinson's...Corticosteroids...Stimulants." https://m.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-744470
​
"Certified Peer Support (CPS) specialists to do the outreach. At this point, the INSET model in Westchester County, NY may be the only fully functioning program. They currently have 4 CPS assisting 20 individuals each...But it is not, I repeat not, a relationship of the CPS telling an individual what they have to do or choose." https://mhpolicy.org/finding-a-better-way/
​
Palestinian doctor in ireland, "patient’s (Qatari) father had “cried and cried and cried”...A psychiatric assessment would take a minimum of between 50 and 60 minutes." Why did suffolk county court blindly believe dr. hsiesh who didn't let me speak and met for less than 5 minutes? https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2023/05/29/doctor-denies-acting-as-representative-of-the-qatari-embassy-to-treat-psychiatric-patient/
​
texas baptist licensed professional counselor, "Pray about it...take it to God, and then take it to people who you know, and trust...Jesus being perfect but not flawless as a sinless human and the need for a community to battle isolation." https://www.denisonforum.org/biblical-living/podcast/mental-health-psychology-and-faith-a-conversation-with-chris-legg-lpc/
​
Pastor Randy Reid, Clanton First Assembly of God, "mass shootings in America is not a mental illness problem, it’s a spiritual problem." https://www.clantonadvertiser.com/2023/05/29/column-its-not-just-mental-illness/
​
new york city mayor, "Adams unwittingly implies that the Nazi response to schizophrenics is acceptable: murder them...poverty as proof of dangerous and savage psychosis." https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/cw/important-reads/27013-the-death-penalty-for-homelessness CBS video on 176,000 calls per year. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jordan-neely-death-mental-health-crisis-new-york-city/
​
Ineffective addiction treatment $24 billion by 2030, more than 20 million Americans. Global behavioural health market $128 billion. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/05/30/2678490/0/en/Addiction-Treatment-Market-Size-Worth-USD-24-3-Billion-by-2030-at-9-2-CAGR-Report-by-Market-Research-Future-MRFR.html https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2023-05-30/behavioural-health-market-to-attain-an-estimated-worth-of-us-1562-billion-by-2028-at-a-cagr-of-34
​
"What are the causes of hallucinations?...Stress and traumatic events...Deprivation of senses...Epilepsy and seizures...antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines...mess with the way neurotransmitters work in the brain, which can change how people see things." https://www.sportskeeda.com/health-and-fitness/what-are-common-causes-hallucination
​
"paranoid"...malevolent spirits of Muslim culture...he could feel the presence of the jinn but not see it. What the officer witnessed was his trying to fight the powerlessness he felt as Jinn cursed him." https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/up-and-running/202304/the-hallucinations-you-never-heard-of
​
Noone should modify someone's body without informed consent. "perception of autistic people and people with [intellectual and developmental disabilities] overall, that we’re not able to make our own decisions. Big decisions like those around health care, education, living arrangements,” they said. “All too often our decisions are viewed with suspicion and fear...In Arkansas, doctors can shield themselves against lawsuits over gender-affirming care if they can prove that their minor patient did not have conditions including autism, depression, ADHD, an eating disorder, an intellectual disability or a psychotic disorder." https://19thnews.org/2023/05/trans-laws-autistic-youth-mental-health/
​
florida termination of guardianship forms https://www.formsworkflow.com/Form/searchresults/17503-flssi-guardianship-termination-of/1
​
"Brain in Hand combines practical solution-based coaching with a user-led digital self-management system to help (autistic) individuals build their independence." https://www.miragenews.com/digital-support-reduces-anxiety-in-autistic-1016215/
​
No penalty for 3 british murders including a 20 year old woman, "choked in her sleep after being given inappropriate medication which had caused 'significant sedation'. The coroner said there was insufficient consideration of 'polypharmacy." https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/people-shouldnt-live-poor-conditions-27003379
​
Deprescribing "four drugs for his moods." https://medshadow.org/14-prescriptions-by-different-doctors/
​
"Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write." https://www.newswise.com/articles/could-low-iron-be-making-your-mental-health-symptoms-worse
​
Some processed frozen "meals contribute toward inflammation in the gut, which is where most serotonin...2015 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggested sugary and starchy foods could contribute to depression." https://news.yahoo.com/5-foods-negative-impact-mental-094501356.html
​
risperdal and haldol cause me muscle spasms. "Serotonin syndrome − a rare but very serious drug reaction...ending the pain once it starts − include standing or walking around, massaging the affected area, improved (calcium) nutrition, sleeping in comfortable positions" doesn't work on my face. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/05/29/what-causes-muscle-spasms/70249143007/
​
"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on federal court." https://images.cartoonstock.com/lowres/abortions-rights-usa-judge-matthew_kacsmaryk-abortion_pills-abortion_drugs-prescription-EC501549_low.jpg
​
Boot Camps for (kidnapped) Kids: Tough Love or Torture, "even going to the bathroom requires permission (as at zucker hillside)." Comment, "80% fail bc their parents didn't go." https://youtu.be/A7Y_yEiJJCU
​
True story of 40 murders, "Boot Camp" (2008) starring Mila Kunis, "He's not even a real doctor...I don't recognize your fucking credentials." https://youtu.be/idBabcDUy-Q
​
Three For The Road 1987 Charlie Sheen movie about politician's daughter "doped to the gills" and kidnapped to institution. https://youtu.be/VgB84kX9emE

Autistic's "caregivers received $5,000 per month...charged with false imprisonment, abuse or neglect and failure to report...pneumonia, wounds across her body, bedsores and ulcers. She was also in septic shock due to infection and suffered cardiac arrest." https://uinterview.com/news/caregivers-who-allegedly-tortured-autistic-woman-to-death-were-paid-250000-by-new-mexico-to-care-for-he
​
"common medications that can trigger depression...Beta blockers...birth control...Levodopa or Sinemet CR are used to treat Parkinson's...Corticosteroids...Stimulants." https://m.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-744470
​
"Certified Peer Support (CPS) specialists to do the outreach. At this point, the INSET model in Westchester County, NY may be the only fully functioning program. They currently have 4 CPS assisting 20 individuals each...But it is not, I repeat not, a relationship of the CPS telling an individual what they have to do or choose." https://mhpolicy.org/finding-a-better-way/
​
Palestinian doctor in ireland, "patient’s (Qatari) father had “cried and cried and cried”...A psychiatric assessment would take a minimum of between 50 and 60 minutes." Why did suffolk county court blindly believe dr. hsiesh who didn't let me speak and met for less than 5 minutes? https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2023/05/29/doctor-denies-acting-as-representative-of-the-qatari-embassy-to-treat-psychiatric-patient/
​
texas baptist licensed professional counselor, "Pray about it...take it to God, and then take it to people who you know, and trust...Jesus being perfect but not flawless as a sinless human and the need for a community to battle isolation." https://www.denisonforum.org/biblical-living/podcast/mental-health-psychology-and-faith-a-conversation-with-chris-legg-lpc/
​
Pastor Randy Reid, Clanton First Assembly of God, "mass shootings in America is not a mental illness problem, it’s a spiritual problem." https://www.clantonadvertiser.com/2023/05/29/column-its-not-just-mental-illness/
​
new york city mayor, "Adams unwittingly implies that the Nazi response to schizophrenics is acceptable: murder them...poverty as proof of dangerous and savage psychosis." https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/cw/important-reads/27013-the-death-penalty-for-homelessness CBS video on 176,000 calls per year. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jordan-neely-death-mental-health-crisis-new-york-city/
​
Ineffective addiction treatment $24 billion by 2030, more than 20 million Americans. Global behavioural health market $128 billion. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/05/30/2678490/0/en/Addiction-Treatment-Market-Size-Worth-USD-24-3-Billion-by-2030-at-9-2-CAGR-Report-by-Market-Research-Future-MRFR.html https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2023-05-30/behavioural-health-market-to-attain-an-estimated-worth-of-us-1562-billion-by-2028-at-a-cagr-of-34
​
"What are the causes of hallucinations?...Stress and traumatic events...Deprivation of senses...Epilepsy and seizures...antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines...mess with the way neurotransmitters work in the brain, which can change how people see things." https://www.sportskeeda.com/health-and-fitness/what-are-common-causes-hallucination
​
"paranoid"...malevolent spirits of Muslim culture...he could feel the presence of the jinn but not see it. What the officer witnessed was his trying to fight the powerlessness he felt as Jinn cursed him." https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/up-and-running/202304/the-hallucinations-you-never-heard-of
​
Noone should modify someone's body without informed consent. "perception of autistic people and people with [intellectual and developmental disabilities] overall, that we’re not able to make our own decisions. Big decisions like those around health care, education, living arrangements,” they said. “All too often our decisions are viewed with suspicion and fear...In Arkansas, doctors can shield themselves against lawsuits over gender-affirming care if they can prove that their minor patient did not have conditions including autism, depression, ADHD, an eating disorder, an intellectual disability or a psychotic disorder." https://19thnews.org/2023/05/trans-laws-autistic-youth-mental-health/
​
florida termination of guardianship forms https://www.formsworkflow.com/Form/searchresults/17503-flssi-guardianship-termination-of/1
​
"Brain in Hand combines practical solution-based coaching with a user-led digital self-management system to help (autistic) individuals build their independence." https://www.miragenews.com/digital-support-reduces-anxiety-in-autistic-1016215/
​
No penalty for 3 british murders including a 20 year old woman, "choked in her sleep after being given inappropriate medication which had caused 'significant sedation'. The coroner said there was insufficient consideration of 'polypharmacy." https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/people-shouldnt-live-poor-conditions-27003379
​
Deprescribing "four drugs for his moods." https://medshadow.org/14-prescriptions-by-different-doctors/
​
"Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write." https://www.newswise.com/articles/could-low-iron-be-making-your-mental-health-symptoms-worse
​
Some processed frozen "meals contribute toward inflammation in the gut, which is where most serotonin...2015 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggested sugary and starchy foods could contribute to depression." https://news.yahoo.com/5-foods-negative-impact-mental-094501356.html
​
risperdal and haldol cause me muscle spasms. "Serotonin syndrome − a rare but very serious drug reaction...ending the pain once it starts − include standing or walking around, massaging the affected area, improved (calcium) nutrition, sleeping in comfortable positions" doesn't work on my face. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/05/29/what-causes-muscle-spasms/70249143007/
​
"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on federal court." https://images.cartoonstock.com/lowres/abortions-rights-usa-judge-matthew_kacsmaryk-abortion_pills-abortion_drugs-prescription-EC501549_low.jpg
​
Boot Camps for (kidnapped) Kids: Tough Love or Torture, "even going to the bathroom requires permission (as at zucker hillside)." Comment, "80% fail bc their parents didn't go." https://youtu.be/A7Y_yEiJJCU
​
True story of 40 murders, "Boot Camp" (2008) starring Mila Kunis, "He's not even a real doctor...I don't recognize your fucking credentials." https://youtu.be/idBabcDUy-Q
​
Three For The Road 1987 Charlie Sheen movie about politician's daughter "doped to the gills" and kidnapped to institution. https://youtu.be/VgB84kX9emE

I’m really considering taking everything I own and throwing it in my little Honda civic. I am currently renting here in south Florida but can’t take this news stuff anymore. I feel like a walking target. I was dropped by my provider for hrt and I’m to incompetent to figure out diy. I don’t have any money saved up but enough cash to get me Aleast 2000 miles in my car. I’m planning to continue working and saving every dollar I can until the end of next month and then taking off to a trans friendly state. I’m only 19 and I know this is a bad idea but I have no other options. Any advice on which state to go and how to thrive in a new city is really appreciated. Thank you! -Delilah

SUMMARY

When analysing the new federal budget, there seems to be a nearly universal agreement on the politics that shaped the spending plan. Namely, this budget is big on spending, big on corporate tax reform. Having previously relied on the New Democratic Party to maintain an absolute majority, the Trudeau Government has opted for appeasing their parljlnenatry partners, aiming to buy more time for the this government before the next general election has to be called.
Politically, the Budget can be divided into there main lines. Namely, the Liberals trying to follow through with their promises from the last Federal Election, such as introducing the Canada Disability Benefit, a brand-new advanced research agency, as well as over-delivering on expanded supports for lower-income workers. Economically, introducing a tax-free CDB combined with noticeably more generous and broadly available Canada Workers Benefit also aims to boost Canada's labour force participation, to partially offset traditionally low per capital productivity of Canadian workers.
Then, the issue of the supply and confidence agreement with New Democrats comes into play, finally implementing a national dental care plan being finally brought into the budget, followed by a national prescription drug insurance scheme.
As on the greatest surprises comes in the form of what the Government framed as a "business assistance review" and corporate reform, that is set to be a structural response to US's Inflation Reduction Act, namely by brining programmes as IRAP to a one-stop shop, under an arm-length agency outside of the federal industrial strategy ministry. The Government is also following Europe's lead on development Canadian equity markets, that while incremental, may be a first step to less debt-dependent corporate Canada, while nurturing Canadian innovation, since tech companies tend to be much more reliant on equity financing, rather than traditional bank lending.
Politically, the Liberals continue to emphasise fiscal prudence of the budget, citing stable debt-to-GDP ratios, as well as the fact the budget actually contains a structural surplus, when excusing debt service payments from federal expenditure. Ottawa is also trying to hedge against future attacks when it comes to public subsidies, through introducing an independent oversight body, as well as providing full operational autonomy to a new umbrella organisation, to operate business investment programmes and other agencies.
Notably, however, the Liberals seem to be willing to further undermine their reputation as credible fiscal managers, rather the cause a new election by breaking their agreement with NDP, as the LPC continues to struggle in federal polling.

Strengthening Canada's Safety Net

Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is set to be radically boosted, aiming to boost labour force participation while easing inflationary pressures for the most vulnerable workers. The budget drastically expands both the generosity and eligibility for the CWB by lowering the income threshold from $3000 of annual earnings to just $1, including income from self-employment. The Government of Canada also expands eligibility for the benefit, by more closely aligning it with Québec's Solidarity Tax Credit, making full- and part-time students eligible to claim CWB. The benefit is also enhanced through expansion of both the maximum amount payable and the introduction of a benefit floor - $3000 per annum for the floor and up to $4000 for maximum benefit - per family.
Additionally, the Canada Revenue Agency - as well as Revenu Québec, following a short negotiation with the province - are now required to administer both the CWB and the STC in real time, delivering automatic bi-weekly payments to all eligible individuals, so long they've filled their tax return for the previous year. Ottawa is also set to strengthen the programme by introducing the so-called "benefit shield provision" that protects benefit recipients from prohibiting benefit clawbacks in their income increases unexpectedly. Thus, annual CWB entitlement is set to be calculated on the basis on average reported earnings in the last 5 years, paid every 2 weeks. Sudden increases in incomes shall also be excused from the current year's calculation of benefit amounts, applied evenly over the next 5-year calculation period.

Same policy is set to be applied to all other federal benefits and credits, including the Canada Child Benefit - an income-based subsidy for parents - as well as the GST/HST Tax Credit, and the Climate Action Incentive Payment - a rebate paid to households to compensate for the cost of federal price on carbon where one applies.

As an interim measure, Ottawa is also set to introduced the "marginal earnings shield" policy that allows the Canada Revenue Agency to issue bi-weekly CWB payments to individuals facing prohibitively high marginal rates of personal taxation, whenever the effective rate exceeds 45 per cent. This includes benefit clawbacks from provincial programmes, as well as increased payroll deductions, such as Employment Insurance Premiums, Canada/Québec Pension Plan Contributions, as well as income tax, union dues, or any other payroll deduction from the CRA or Revenu Quebec. Notably, the earnings shield only applied to income bellow the median AFNI for the given province or territory.
Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is to beintroduced to supplement provincial social assistance measures for people with special needs. CDB aims to top-up existing provincial disability support programmes, providing simultaneous supplementation of payment to eligible individuals. The benefit is set to be fully aligned with provincial requirements, but also provide equivalent support to those receiving provincial Workers' Compensation Payments, and CPP/QPP Disability benefits, to bring disable Canadians closer to the national poverty thresholds, with CDB maximum capped at $1000 monthly - that is however subject to inflation indexing.

Expanding Canada's Healthcare

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) previously announced in the last year's budget is finally being rolled out across the country, following almost a year of bilateral talks with the provinces and territories. The Plan remains open to anyone with a communed household income of bellow $120.000 as well as those without an insurance plan that provides free-at-use dental coverage. In case their income exceeds the eligibility threshold, they'd have to pay an increased premium collected by the CRA as a payroll deduction. Anyone is also free to obtain private dental care insurance, so long they don't have a public one, so long it provides continuous coverage, a fully covers all services provided within a medical facility.
However, even those with private insurance will still have to face the limitations of the Canada Health Act, namely being barred from any preferential treatment for services covered under the CDCP. To further maintain its universality, the Canada Health Act is amended to require every Canadian resident to maintain a valid dental care insurance coverage at all times, with on obligation on both Ottawa and the Provinces to provide access to that coverage to everyone. Private insurance is still allowed, so long it remains equivalent to the public plan, unless covering supplementary services. The respective assessment of a private plan's equivalence and universal coverage is carried out by Heath Canada, through referring the data that every employer is oblige dot provide, linked to each individual's Social Insurance Number.
Notably, the CDCP is administered - as promised - by a neutral agency, comprised of representatives from Health Canada and provincial, as well as territorial heads of ministries of health -- the Canadian Dental Benefit Administrators (CDBA). CDBA is in turn operates under a two-track system, where the CDCP Council within the CDBA, comprised of provincial representation, and Health Canada, sets up broader general standards of care, coverage, and premiums, while CDBA provincial offices administer the plan within the framework of general provincial health plans. Principal batches of CDBA are free to diverge from national guidelines on coverage and pricing, so long it doesn't change increase expenditure, and preserves free-at-use coverage without significant reduction in quality of care measured in waiting times or increased pressure on the staff, lower efficacy rates.
Funding through the plan altho provided through general taxation, is calculated as a flat income-based insurance premiums, deducted from CDCP's recipient paycheque as part of their Income Tax, with additional levies for those making above the eligibility threshold and choosing to enrol into the Plan. While co-pays are absent for lower income earners completely, everyone enrolled into the Plan is protected an annual limit for out-of-pocket dental care expenditures, capping spending as a share of one's income, that is also revised annually, in line with instigated payroll premiums.
Canadian Pharmaceutical Insurance Plan (CPIP) finally brings a long-awaited universal Pharmacare to Canada, especially territories and provinces other than Quebec. While previously Canada's public health insurance plans would only cover in-hospital medical services, leaving prescription drugs largely to the private market, CPIP is set to change that. The Plan provides compressive coverage for multiple prescription drugs defined in a "national formulary" administrated by the Canada Drug Agency at no cost to every member of the plan, that is tasked with evaluating and authorising the use of new pharmaceuticals to be sold in Canada.
However, CPIP's administration, namely negotiating prices for prescription drugs, is delegated to the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA). Originally created as a strictly provincial initiative to join forcing in procuring pharmaceuticals for public drug plans, pCPA is set to be drastically expanded to negotiate prices for prescriptions on behalf of Canada as a whole. Thus, no drug that is deemed by the CDA or Health Canada to require a prescription can be sold, until a procurement deal has been reached with the pCPA.
When conducting negotiations, pCPA largely relies on already existing framework, with the Canada Drug Agency carrying out impact assessment and drug reviews -- a function previously reserved exclusively to Health Canada. pCPA retains it current institutional design, transitioning to completely independent organisation, only contained by appointments from federal, provincial, and territorial governments, with the final procurement deal requiring consent of Health Canada, CDA, federal and provincial ministries of health.

Trying to resist further increases in drug expenditure, pCPA is authorised to conduct joint funding with the Canada Drug Agency for new drugs, especially biologics and generic medications. Most significantly, however, is the "cost-benefit analysis" framework approach when negotiating drug prices or operating joint investment ventures. The assent is mainly focused on estimating long-term savings to the overall healthcare system, as well as possible impact of patients' ability to re-join the labour force. Thus, procurement expenditures are effetely weighted over long-term savings in the healthcare sector as well as future increase in premiums.

For its end the Government of Canada is set absorb absorb initial cost of running both Pharamacare and the national dental care, while avoiding reductions to federal healthcare transfers, with further increases managed through the Canada Health Transfer and bilateral negotiations with the privies. To avoid further deterioration of Canada's long-term fiscal position Ottawa is offsetting increased spending through phasing out all employer tax credits for health expenditures, as well as tightening eligibility for individual medical tax credits, while closing the readings gap through the CDCP and CPIP payroll premiums.

Canada's Quiet Corporate Reform

Canadian Equity & Debt Recovery Allowance (CEDRA) is set to largely emulate European proposals for the Debt-Equity Bias Reduction Allowance (DEBRA)733678) to align tax treatment for equity and debit across the tax system. CEDRA provides for a limited deduction of costs associated with issuing new corporate equity, namely stocks and bonds on Canadian stock exchanges.

The allowance is calculated using the year-on-year difference between total corporate equity multiplied by risk-free return on equity, equal to the rate for 10-year Government of Canada bonds. Notably, the deception is fully refundable, up to a maximum for any given year and can be carried forward indefinitely.

Just like its European equivalent, CEDRA provides for higher risk-free rate of return for smaller companies, as opposed to larger players. Higher rate is set to be the sum of the basic rate or return and the spread between interest rates for smaller and large businesses, calculated every year - CEDRA SMEs. However, unlike DEBRA, the Canadian allowance also provides for even more generous allowance for newer companies, regardless of their size, that is directly proportion to the rate spread between for companies operating for as long as or less 5 years, as opposed to existing incumbents, put on top of the 10-year federal government bonds rate - CEDRA Trailblazers.
b Notably, companies that qualify for both small and new entry rate deductions are allowed to combined both when calculating their entitlement for any given year.
The Government of Canada also brings a "green spin" the to the deduction, with a designated rate calculation for green businesses - CEDRA Net Zero. Thus, the gap in interest rates for low- and zero-emission borrowed and fossil fuel companies is set be compounded with the federal 10-year bonds, and then multiplied by the new year-on-year equity increase. Companies are also allowed to combine the "green rate" deduction with the new entry and small company rates so long the applicant is eligible for each of those individually. Companies operating in mining and processing of critical minerals, battery production, as well production of clean energy equipment and more energy-intensive solutions, including software.
CEDRA provides for special treatment of losses, including those cause by sudden dips in stock prices as a result of monetary tightening or short-selling. While falling short of full refundability, the Government of Canada allows to use deductible equity losses to offset both income and payroll taxes, as well as GST/HST payable for any given year, including carry-back provisions of up to 1 year.
As an additional measure, Canada is limiting debt interest deductibility for all companies operating in the country. Just like DEBRA, the Canadian allowance caps deductibility of net-interest debt payments - interest spent minus interest received - at the level of 85 per cent, with a maximum of $4 million. In line with European proposals, interest deductibility is additionally limited at 30 per cent of the borrower's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation. Companies would only be able to deduct the lowest amount in a tax year, but would be able to carry the difference forward or back, without indexing to inflation.
As an additional measure, the Budget also reforms the deferral dividend tax credit, including the one for Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations. Now, DTC is available to claim for any dividend payments received from a company incorporated in Canada, that has been operational for 5 years or less - DTC Trailblazers - or is actively contributing to the the green economy - DTC Net Zero, including mining and processing of critical minerals, battery production, as well as manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles, suitable materials and clean energy machinery & equipment.
Capital Cost Allowance Green Deduction - allows for full expensing of both machinery & equipment as well business property, for M&E for companies in "green industries", as well as investing in greater energy efficiency of existing industrial structures and equipment, including the cost of full replacement for everyone else. The increased rate also applies to non-mining - with accelerated appreciation maintained for critical minerals - companies of up to 5 years of age.

Canada's New Net Zero Industrial Policy

Investment & Innovation Canada aims to bering several federal crown corporations and business assistance programmes under one roof, operating as a one-stop shop for Canadian businesses. Notably, all entities brought under IIC have their mandrel explicitly promoting competition, namely considering either new market participants or SMEs first, for their investment considerations. Additionally, all participating agencies are set to aim at fulfilling Canada's Net Zero commitment, thrust greater coordination and a more cohesive instrument mix. The agency also aims to provide end-to-end support for Canadian companies across the board, including both setting up, and the scaling up new and existing players, aiming to promote competitive export-oriented companies in critical industries.
Additionally, Investment & Innovation Canada introduces significant restructuring business assistance and subsidy institutions themselves. This mainly involves putting maximum emphasis on the "place economy" aiming to decentralise every member institution to the greater possible extent, tailoring their operations to the needs of a local markets. To avoid further confusion, IIC focuses on setting up highly autonomous local branches, to be combined in one-stop-shop for local businesses, by merging the their branches with Canada's Regional Development Agencies, and providing them with full operational autonomy, including agencies that were previously managed directly by the Government of Canada.
IIC is set to coordinate and facilitate operations between following crown corporations:
Business Development Canada (BDC) - a crown corporation tasked with providing capital for Canadian small & medium sized companies, including lending directly to investors to allocate capital to promising companies. Notably, BDC has the scope of their mandate extended, being allowed to provide direct funding to promising companies, as well as new entrants in highly concentrated markets, such as telecommunications, transportation, and banking. Just like EDC, Business Development Canada prioritises support to export-oriented companies.
Export Development Canada (EDC) provides a wide range of export support services and financing, such as risk insurance and direct business guidance, as well access to adorable capital to conduct export operations outside of Canada. Notably, however, under its renewed mandate, EDC is set to also encourage intraprovinical exports to an extent comparable with the support provided to those seeking to enter foreign markets. Equally, EDC has their competences extended to also facilitate overall trade-intensity of Canadian industries, including through increased exposure to imports, both between the provinces and foreign markets. While previously focusing exclusively on promoting overseas sales, the bank of set to roll out equal access to its services to those willing to export into Canada, especially when it comes to components, unfinished products, and intangibles.
Canadian Infrastructure Development Corporation (CIDC) is set to bring together the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the housing accelerator and developments funds, and other related projects, facilitating the supply of funding to national and local infrastructure projects, including affordable housing and public transit, signifying the first time housing is being considered part of Canada's infrastructure. CIDC also brings the Canada Housing & Mortgage Corporation to the table, as an independent body within the CIDC, largely focused on monitoring the market and providing independent impact assessment. Notably, CIDC is set to be allowed to fund projects that are yet to obtain private commitment, giving a first move advantage, so long the project has received an approved for respective regulatory authorities and indigenous groups affected, or if a project aims at reducing carbon emissions.
Labour Development Canada (LDC) is focused on creating more coherent space for federal labour market policy and workforce development, being tasked with development and screening of both businesses and applications in need additional training, as well as matching businesses struggling to recruit with those seeking a job. LDC is also responsible for administrating the Canadian Job Bank, as well as developing the curriculum and training standards for designated sectors. Notably, the Bank also being grated an explicit rights to enter into commercial agreements with provinces, municipalities, and legal entities providing funding for the private sector to re- and up-skill the local workforce, as well as integrate as many people as possible into the labour market.
As its unique feature, each LDC branch is legally required to maintain employee and business representation, with the need for unanimous consent when developing and implementing new measures. Notably, this includes local unions, business associations, and advocacy organisations in the region.
Initial funding the bank is set to be maintained under the Labour Market Development Agreements as well Workforce Development Agreements between Ottawa and the provinces, however the LDC is expected run a "structural surplus" for its existing programmes through employee and employer payroll deductions negotiated under each programme respectively. Therefore only using discretionary federal and provincial spending when operating federal or provincial programmes and launching new initiatives.
Labour Development Canada is also allowed to compete directly with employment agencies and directly administer federal programmes such as the Canada Summer Jobs, while pursuing it mandate: to maximise labour force participation and increase Canada's labour productivity, while increasing access to suitable permanent jobs above the federal poverty line.
Advanced Research & Innovation Canada (ARIC) provides all-in-support for research and development projects aiming at achieving a Net Zero Economy. ARIC brings together the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, and the National Research Council, and the Canada Research Chambers and Canada Growth Fund itself to provide end-to-end support for new green technology. While the Canada Foundation for Innovation provides funding for university research, the Canada Research Chairs brings the human expertise to ARIC, with the National Research Council supporting industrial and company-based business R&D. The Canada Growth Fund, on the other hand aims to provide funding for scale-ups in the green space and innovative sectors, mainly through comprehensive risk sharing and direct lending to existing projects. Unlike other agencies, CGF also has an explicit mandate to support funding for Net Zero and facilitate the acquisition of intellectual property by Canadian enterprises as well as support the creation of new IP by Canadians and in Canada. However, CGF is also being allowed to directly fund industrial research and development to expand accessibility of existing green technology, even where private sector funding has not yet been committed.
Aerospace Development Canada (ADC) delivers direct funding, for R&D and skills in the aerospace sector, as well as providing assistance with training, talent attraction, retention, and initial funding for the aerospace industry. ADC is allowed to also directly fund university research and eduction for those working in the aerospace industry.
Automation & Robotics Canada (ARC) focuses on supporting wider use of automaton and robotics across the Canadian economy. ARC specifically allows companies to obtain a rebate for their M&E expenses, as well as receive a loan or a grant to modernise existing equipment, or replace, expand existing industrial assets. SMEs can recuperate up to 110 per cent of their M&E expenses with ARC, and over 125 per cent when it comes to automating their processes and installing newer software. Notably, ARC is set to operate in parallel with the Canada Digital Adoption Program.
Agri-Foods Canada (AFC) administers programs when it comes to agricultural and foods production, focusing on providing funding for agricultural research, and development of new products, chemicals, processing methods, and crops that utilise that are more environmentally suitable.
While major business assistance programmes remain within the realm of the federal ISED, IIC is allowed to administer those directly and change their structure, so long associate costs are borne by the IIC institutions themselves. Programmes immediately transferred under the responsibility of IIC include the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). Notably, however, IIC uses several other finical instruments to carry out its mandate:

• Income-Contingent Grants - grants funded directly by the CIB, with a subsequent return of funds. Unlike standard loans, ISGs are paid by the borrower as a share of their future income, until the debt is fully repaid - or written off by mutual agreement of both parties.
• Investment Supplementary Funding - provides financing provided by an IIC institution in proportion to investments from the private sector. Thus, for every $2 of private investment in a particular project or company, ISF guarantees at least $1 of investment from the CIB, subject to an appropriate agreement with the recipient company.
• Comprehensive Liabilities Guarantee - allow IIC to insure the assets of external investors - and the company itself - in a specific project or company in exchange for risk premiums from potential recipients. So, if the project will lead to losses for investors, IIC will return the funds spent.
• Outcome-Oriented Financing is the broadest possible definition of bank financial guarantees, which are fulfilled when certain conditions are met by the recipient. OOF may involve the direct financing, creation, write-off or investment, deferment, freezing - and so on - of the financial obligations of the borrower, in exchange for the achievement of certain indicators. First of all, we are talking about achieving predetermined growth rates of productivity - both labor and multifactorial - or such indicators as reducing the levels of debt burden, higher capital and science intensity, as well as interaction with external markets.
• Bridging Finance - bridge financing provided either in crisis situations or at an early stage of the project, when existing agreements with investors already exist, it is not possible to access short-term financing or funds necessary for the implementation of the initial stage of the project.
• Pooled Securitisation - financing of joint projects carried out by several small companies at once, with the accompanying distribution of risks. PS also covers the placement of assets on public markets.

Following the re-structuring the Government of Canada also expands funding for the Competition Bureau, and the Competition & Markets Commission of Canada. Namely, both are receiving additional functions, of overseeing the federal business assistance regime through the Canadian Business Assistance Office (CBAO) -- an independent standalone parliamentary institution. CBAO is tasked with evaluating the performance of business assistance programmes and institutions, including IIC and its member bodies, as well as any business investment made by the Government of Canada, though annual programme reviews and recommendations. Notably, the Office can order the Competition Bureau and the CMCC to investigate specific cases, as well as conduct joined programme reviews.

As on overriding set of criteria, the Office is set to evaluate how existing government programmes measure against increasing competition in a marketplace - being required to prioritise companies of 5 years of younger, as well as SMES - and foster finically independent enterprise - defined a profitability over the 5 year period excusing government assistance -, as well as help to achieve the Net Zero goal.

The Office is set to also maidan regional representation, aimed at scrutinising Regional Development Agencies, each branched aimed at a respective RDA, with a representative from CBAO and a respective provincial or territorial legislative assembly.
To further strengthen the accountability regime, the Budget amends respective acts relating to the Business Development Canada, Export Development Canada, National Research Council, Regional Development Agencies, and the Canada Infrastructure Development Canada's constituent units, as well as an additional overarching mandate for the Investment & Innovation Canada.
Thus, all the parties affected now have to comply with a "dual" mandate oversseen by the CBAO. Apart from fulfilling their original duty, such as infrastructure development, export promotion, or investment in green tech, all the agencies ought to remain finically profitable indecent of public support, defined all persistent surplus over the 5-year horizon.
In turn, the agencies are allowed to earn income through repayable grants, equity stakes, as well as acquisition of assets, such as intellectual property, and issuance of Canada Development & Innovation Bonds. CDIBs are set to be equated to the Government of Canada bills, with Ottawa directly guaranteeing the ability of an issuer to service their debts. Notably, each issuance has to be authorised by the IIC, before a respective institution can act on its own.

Additional Readings

https://taxpolicy.crawford.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publication/taxstudies_crawford_anu_edu_au/2022-03/complete_ace_wp_2022.pdf
https://mowatcentre.munkschool.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/publications/88_corporate_tax_reform.pdf
https://taxfoundation.org/benefits-of-full-immediate-expensing/
https://irpp.org/research-studies/cracking-canadas-productivity-conundrum/
https://irpp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Facing-the-Facts-Reconsidering-Business-Innovation-Policy-in-Canada.pdf
https://politics.utoronto.ca/publication/innovation-in-real-places-strategies-for-prosperity-in-an-unforgiving-world/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6246044/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/case-national-investment-authority-henry-kopesky
https://maytree.com/wp-content/uploads/canada-working-age-supplement-report.pdf
https://capx.co/subsidies-are-no-way-to-support-business-but-there-is-a-better-alternative/
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/29/canada-u-s-clean-energy-ira-00089284
https://civitas.org.uk/pdf/SavingsBanks2010.pdf
https://maytree.com/wp-content/uploads/canada-working-age-supplement-report.pdf
https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2022/01/22/why-the-bias-for-debt-over-equity-is-hard-to-dislodge