The Lovely Blog

\(0v0)/

[markrosewater]

""Is a Station that does not get a power and toughness on any of its charge levels still eligible to be a commander?"

I believe so."

I'm afraid you're mistaken here Mark. Both the article which originally discussed this change and more recent EoE mechanics article state that only legendary vehicles and spacecraft which have a printed power/toughness can be your commander

The article is 100% correct, so I am clearing wrong.

[thelovelypenguin]

There is no reason for this discrimination. I will always allow it as a commander in my playgroup.

[markrosewater]

If/when all planeswalkers can be commanders

If. Is that something you all want?

[thelovelypenguin]

Yes, please!

[objectdreams]

5-star review of crossfit written using a predictive text keyboard source: reviews of crossfits in seattle + reviews of clowns in seattle SOME NEWS: i’m developing the predictive keyboard as a web app and would love help testing it. if you want to be an alpha tester, sign up here: https://tinyletter.com/botnik transcript:

Keep reading

[outofcontextdnd]

I smear Danny Devito's blood across my face!

-wizard

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 30: Weather (Friday)

    While Progressus does have natural weather, much of its climate is controlled artificially via machines, cloud seeding, and other methods. On a day-to-day basis the people of Unitatis experience virtually no weather, as only the uppermost level is outdoors. However, on the outside of the building the weather is artificially maintained to ensure optimal conditions for the farming and recreational activities taking place there. Similarly, Motus and Animus have systems in place to control the weather. The people of Utopia believe in letting nature take its course; that said, while they do not directly manipulate the weather, they do tend to influence it for slightly more desirable outcomes. In Vastum the climates of most cities are artificially maintained, while natural sand and dust storms frequently rage through the surrounding wastelands.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 29: Communication (Thursday)

   The people of Progressus have many forms of communication at their disposal. Of course, the number one tool for this job would be the smartphone-like device everyone uses called the satchel. Satchels have phone and text capabilities, as well as video chat options. Wireless signals cover pretty much the entire planet, so communication with a satchel, laptop, or any other style of computer is virtually guaranteed. Postal systems exist, but they are rarely used for anything other than moving goods; receiving written communication by mail is most uncommon.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 28: Major Figures & Important Players (Wednesday)

   Four people most important to Progressus would be the tetrarchs, as they are the rulers of the nation, and have the final say when it comes to governmental affairs. While each tetrarch independently oversees the region they were elected from, they also work together to govern the country as a whole.

The current tetrarchs are:

Amy MacDonald - A female in their 70s with a kind yet very strict nature. Hailing from Utopia, they have a keen interest in environmental affairs.

Elijah Tannenbaum - Due to a genetic defect, has the appearance of a young child; however, they are actually in their 40s. They may look cute and innocent, but they bear a ruthless demeanor, and are very adept at combat. They’re female, and the tetrarch of Motus.

Mackenzie Stevens - A female in their 30s, hailing from Unitatis. Very much favoring production and business, they wish to further industrialize the other regions. Notable for being one of the few cybernetic tetrarchs in history.

Vincent Trautworth - A male in their 50s from Vastum. They have the radical and ambitious goal of completely reshaping their region: significantly shrinking the portion of land allotted to exiles, and transforming the wasteland into a lush paradise.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 27: Transportation (Tuesday)

   The regions of Progressus all utilize varying methods of transport. Utopia favors mounts, such as large snakes, bears, or gazelle. Motus gravitates towards trains, steam-powered cars, and zeppelins. While Unitatis uses cars and trains, the main modes of travel lie in vacuum transportation and moving walkways. The people of Vastum generally travel via car or helicopter between cities, though there have been talks of setting up subway systems.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 26: Holidays & Traditions (Monday)

[Swapped with Art]

   A major holiday for Cybernetics and non-cybernetics alike is Peace Day. This day marks the end of the civil war that resulted from the oppression of cybernetics. It is a time to remember lives lost on both sides, and a time to celebrate equality between people with enhancements and those without. This day is a national holiday, with most businesses and government agencies taking the day off. Common activities done on this day include parades and parties.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 25: The Backpack (Sunday)

   Day-to-day a typical Progressian will carry with them a satchel. Named for its utility, this device embodies everything a person should carry with themselves on a daily basis - keys, wallet, cell phone, and so much more. Basically, it is analogous to a smartphone, but with even more functionality. Aside from communication, camera, and computer capabilities, this gadget can be programmed to unlock specific doors- in many parts of the world, this is what is used as opposed to a traditional lock and key.  All currency is digital, as are ID cards; it is all stored in the satchel. Even if someone isn’t interested in having a phone or miniature computer, they will still have at least a basic version of this item that has only the key and wallet features. With how much it takes care of, the satchel is an essential item for literally everyone in the world to have.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 24: Religion & Cosmology (Saturday)

[Swapped with The Frontier]

    Progressus is largely an atheistic society, believing more in free will and the power of self rather than in a higher authority. However, many people report dreaming and seeing visions of a strange being. Details vary, but in general the being seems to resemble a massive snow-white fox with six legs and a large, crystalline horn. It never says anything, but dreamers almost unanimously report feeling a sense of overwhelming peace when they see it. Of the people who have this dream, most have it only once.

   Some people have started worshipping this figure, calling them Ashaia (pronounced a-shay-uh). The religion - called Ashaianism -  focuses on replicating the peace and calm its followers felt when they first saw Ashaia. Believing it the will of their god, Ashaians promote nonviolence, believing most conflicts can and should be solved peacefully. They meditate daily and practice various sleep techniques in the hopes of seeing Ashaia again.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 23: The Sky (Friday)

   The color of Progressus’s sky varies with the seasons. In the spring the color of the daytime sky is a familiar light blue, while sunrise and sunset are filled with teals and greens - as well as a little chartreuse. In summer the daytime sky is a very light yellow, with morning and evening displaying oranges and deep reds. Fall’s daytime sky is orange, while sunrise and -set have pinks and purples. In winter the day sky is a soft lavender color, with morning and evening having indigos and dark blues. In all seasons, the night appears as a typical black.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 22: Work (Thursday)

   With such a focus on technology, it is no wonder that the government of Progressus has an extensive research and development division. While there are private companies that conduct research and work on creating new technologies to further their own efficiency, the vast majority of scientists work directly for the government. As a whole the nation wants to evolve and push the boundaries of what its people know. As a result, it runs many different programs focused on making new discoveries and developing new technologies for public use, even if the results would not directly benefit the government.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 21: Fun (Wednesday)

   Being an advanced society, Progressus naturally has multiple avenues of entertainment. Books, music, television, games (both tabletop and video), internet, and more are all acceptable pastimes. Especially popular in Motus are escape rooms and alternate reality games (ARGs), though the region is best known for its extensive museums and art galleries. In Unitatis casinos and amusement parks are all the rage. Utopia has a wealth of beautiful wilderness to camp in and explore with nature preserves and hiking trails everywhere. The people of Vastum particularly enjoy various competition-based events such as sports and fighting, with the all-time favorite being racing

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 20: Fauna (Tuesday)

[Double Swapped with Arms & Armor and Gender/Sexuality]

   Depending on the region, Progressus has ample diversity in its wildlife. It is no surprise that Utopia boasts the biggest diversity when it comes to fauna, given the region’s wide variety of habitat, and its people’s constant conservation efforts. Giant, non-venomous snakes are sometimes used as mounts by the people here.

  Conversely, Unitatis has next to zero wildlife, as every inch of the region is human-made. Not counting zoos or farms, the only fauna that appears in the massive city-building is the occasional pest, such as lemur-like creatures called gremlins.

   Vastum does have diverse fauna, though much of it is usually hard to find out in the blistering wastelands. The creatures most commonly found out there are terrestrial crabs that require little to no water to survive. These range anywhere from tarantula-sized to as large as a small cat, and are the main food source of those people who have been banished from Progressus.

   Motus possesses the coldest climate in the country, and therefore has many animal species not found in other regions. A popular pet is the pygmy penguin.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 19: War (Monday)

   In the past there was a large war between cybernetics and those humans who lacked enhancements. While things are peaceful now with the two peoples coexisting, there are those who do not like the current arrangement of things.

   There exists a renegade band of cybernetics who call themselves Evolution. These people believe that cybernetics are naturally superior and should not have to bow to people without enhancements. In the past Evolution has been known to attack non-cybernetics, but no recent activity has been seen from this group.

   There is also a group of people who distrust cybernetics, and believe they should all be banished to the wastelands of Vastum. The organization, called Policy for Peace, is primarily a political one, pushing for governmental reform regarding cybernetics. However, there are members who go outside the law and take a more violent approach, attacking cybernetics and those who support them.

   Many people believe that it is only a matter of time before these two groups violently collide. For the time being, though, the two groups seem to be avoiding each other.

[thelovelypenguin]

World Building June 2017, Day 18: Fashion (Sunday)

   Clothing in Progressus has a varied range of colors and forms. It is not restricted by sex, so seeing a male in a skirt or dress is just as common as seeing a female in one; similarly jewelry of all kinds is worn by both sexes. Males with long hair braided or in twintails, and females with very short hair or shaved heads, are just as common as their respective inverses.

   Clothing on Motus trends towards the stylish and elegant, while that of Vastum often values function over form. Utopian clothing is made from natural and organic materials, while those of Unitatis tend to have more synthetic components.