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Cyberpunk - I have a newer desktop computer now, so I wanted to see how much better Cyberpunk looked, and I am pretty impressed. Also driving is much smoother now, although it is no GTA. I started a new character, and I'm trying to be more melee based. I've been kind of putting off the main storyline and doing side quest, and that has been a good change from the last time I played, where I probably zoomed through the story too fast. I'm still bummed how fast Jackie dies though.

Vladislav Surkov, former First Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration, has said that he worked on the Minsk agreements based on the idea that they should not be fulfilled. https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/news/2023/02/16/963213-surkov-zayavil-rasschitival-vipolnenie-minskih-soglashenii https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/02/16/7389604/ What a complete “surprise” the Minsk agreement were for Russia just a fluke right from the beginning

Crank (2006) - Jason Statham is a hitman, he got injected with a poison and the only way to slow the poison down is to keep adrenaline pumping. Completely over the top wonderful action schlock. This movie is so cartoonishly ridiculous that it goes from great to going too far but then keeps going and comes all the way back around to being awesome. It's 86 minutes of madness and it's fantastic.

Sort of disappointed it's not set in the game, showing the trials of a person whose accomplishments vanish in a second.

Slovakia has passed in the parliament the resolution to recognize Russia as state sponsor of terrorism.

Interesting presentation concerning global GDP and its division into various factions around the war in Ukraine: Countries with a generally Western view of things: 10% of total GDP. Countries that are actively on Ukraine's side: 59% of total GDP. Countries that are actively on Russia's side: 2% of total GDP. Countries whose stance is generally favorable to Russia: 20% of total GDP. Neutral countries: 9% of total GDP. These calculations from a local weekly, with information based on data by CNN, The Economist, The Guardian, HRW, ISW, Kiel Institute for the World Economy, The World Bank, The New York Times, NPR, Rating Group, Reuters, The UN.

I don't mind some reading in games, but this is exactly how I feel about lengthy voiced dialogue cutscenes that won't let you even advance line by line (I read subs much faster then VA's talk, or if a replay). Occasionally I like a VA enough to listen just because, but most of the time...

The same semi-disappointment applies to inspired discipline as well. A MC Fighter/Priest basically has access to the same buff through Minor Avatar, not to mention AoE Tier 2 Inspirations. To be honnest, the Intuitive part from Shadowed Hunters was more for the ranger themselves. Ah and also for Stag pet Good to hear. I also don't think that BPM SC Ranger is in a so bad position right now. But is arguably the worst SC Martial for ressources spent and with low regen. OK, I'm going to bed now. Just one final dumb (but technically doable) idea for the day : The pet could give Bond while it is moving (with a similar implementation as arterial strike). So you get Bond for walking the dog.

For the quirky interest:

I'd like to support this game by buying it DRM-free somewhere other than Steam or presumably the Microsoft store. GOG would be great. I kind of think DRM-free might be anathema to the Xbox overlords, but here's hoping. (Is there still a Microsoft store? I still have a Windows VM, but it doesn't seem to have a "Microsoft Store" application.)

Based on a true story.

We need to organize an intervention for you majestic.

I agree, the first time I played, it was like "here is your new best friend!" and then he was dead 10 minutes later. This time around I tried to slow down and really enjoy that first act. He's a pretty well developed character once you dig in. I also bonded with my neighbor and his dead turtle, so as I said, I'm trying to slow the pace down and get to know the world more. Of course, that probably means I'll burn out long before I get to the end.

Nope. Would get people to love them again, been watching people spewing bile at them as the cannon ammo is make or break...for some reason.

Indeed, your laws should be changed when inconvenient for some countries. RoK and Switzerland are cowards as well, I guess ?

We recently had some discussion about Austria being something of a centre for spying and other dubious activities. Its recent announcement may accord with its legislation, but it's hard to see it as anything other than a somewhat despicable act of cowardice, or worse. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/02/14/austria-ukrainian-soldiers-leopard/ @BruceVC: The whole condemnation business is something of a mess. It's probably better for other countries to condemn things like the Ukrainian war than not condemn them, but let us not forget than the condemnation means and achieves essentially nothing. The problem is if someone fools himself into thinking that it does.

Wow. It continues to be astonishing and somewhat depressing, especially when you consider that there simply don't appear to be any calls from the inside for a radical change in how the country is managed.

Aaaand yet another defenestration in russia, this time of war-related official.

You can't imagine how inconvenient travel was before I invented floo powder.

Its a huge disappointment to see some African countries staying neutral or supporting Russia. Considering the decades of outrage around Colonialism and how the African Union charter is opposed to invasions, military coups and respects sovereignty ( both Mali and Burkina Faso are led by military coups and they been suspended from the AU and both are "pro-Russia " with Wagner group operating in these countries) But this is another example of why the AU is just a talkshop and doesnt lead to real transformation, its inconsistent to its own values and what it says it stands for

richard lester three musketeers (1973) and four musketeers (1974) remain our favorite adaptation o' the dumas musketeers books. raquel welch didn't have a major role in the films, but she were memorable. am knowing anything cosby is verboten these days, but am not too proud to admit we enjoyed mother, juggs and speed (1976). not saying the film is making our best ever list, but it were fun. kinda gives you perspective on the times, which for Gromnir don't feel all that long past. HA! Good Fun!

I believe that was peak Statham.

not all cuts o' meat are the same. is beef, pork, lamb? "giant roast" is not enough to give good advice, but in general, the tougher the meat, the more am recommending low and slow cooking as 'posed to convection. in theory a convection setting for eye of round should work well as long as you cook on a rack and get full air circulation resulting in a oven-seared roast, but is so difficult to get appropriate collagen breakdown on those leaner cuts. the closer to hooves and/or head for beef, the less likely am recommending convection. prime rib? convection would be our preferred setting in part 'cause you get more even cooking. reverse sear is our approach to most roast beef, and am going low temp and longer cooking times. (edit: added underline, 'cause the rack is a vital factor. convection is cooking with a fan and so if you have a roast in a pan with juice and a crowd o' veggies cooking simultaneous, then you are serious undercutting the value and the point o' convection.) HA! Good Fun!

I think it turned to Autumn, color wise? More night scenics. imo game looks best at sunrise/sunset/night Gotta pay the respects! Yes I love cats, but this is just nightmare fuel.

Not caused by the strike, but it's the result of neglect with the train/rail network. Instead of maintaining the system, cost are cuts, people are overworked, everything needs to happen fast, etc. etc. the usual thing. The reason for the strike are those issues, which are still being ignored. Meanwhile the company heads pay each other a nice salary, and use the rest of the money for stock buybacks. Such is life, I guess. /Edit: Heh, apparently some track it back to Trump. https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-blame-ohio-train-derailment-1781163?amp=1

It would apply the raw dmg to the enemy and up to two skeletons and give you some healing. I don't see anything out of the ordinary with that combo.

I thought this analysis was extremely interesting. How true it is, I don't know. But it reminded me of the fact how much cultures differ in things like this. The French are notoriously prone to demonstrating, rioting and protesting -- and apparently the Russians are something of an opposite to that, priding themselves on their ability to suffer. As far as diplomacy goes, I remember reading something about how the Israeli are the most argumentative and confrontational negotiators, whereas the Japenese are their opposite in this regard. (The Israeli are also proven to be very untrustworthy, but that's another story.)

there's no immunity to pierce. probably what you're seeing is an immunity to disengagement attacks.

After some more testing utilising the power of Apotheosis here are some fresh insights: Adding the Adventurer's GUID (this will be in brackets of the .character file of an exported Adventurer) to the CompanionGuidString of CompanionData seems to stop the Adventurer from being exported again. Adding progression tables to the linked CompanionData of an Adventurer, and using a script that does RemoveFromParty and then AddToParty opens the class selection menu allowing you to change their class in the same way as a sidekick/companion. By making additions to relevant .conversationbundles, an Adventurer can have party banter and comment on points of interest pretty seamlessly. While Companions will react and track their relationship to an Adventurer, reaction to topics and tracking of relationships isn't functional on the Adventurer's side for some reason. Quest creation is possible with Apotheosis, and while I haven't figured out all the aspects of it, quests that involve an Adventurer can be done. The following video of an adventurer based on Durance shows some examples of the above: Class and Quest Pop-up 3:45 and Companion banter at 4:15. Still can't figure out a way to get character to face each other during a staring contest conversation.

=================================== The Valkyrie of Gaun, Ultimate Edition =================================== Difficulty: PotD v5.0.0.0040 -------------------------------------------------------------- Class: Contemplative (Harvester of Gaun + Sister of the Reaping Moon) -------------------------------------------------------------- Race: Meadow-Savannah Human -------------------------------------------------------------- Background: Readceras (Farmer) -------------------------------------------------------------- Stats (char creation, no Berath's Blessings): MIG: 11 CON: 12 DEX: 15 PER: 12 INT: 14 RES: 11 -------------------------------------------------------------- Active Skill: Athletics (!) Passive Skill: Religion (!) -------------------------------------------------------------- Weapon Proficiencies: Small Shield (a) Dagger (a) Hatchet (a) Crossbow (a) Quarterstaff War Bow ® Greatsword ® Flail Arbalest -------------------------------------------------------------- Abilities (a=auto, r=recommended, !=important) PL1 Priest Blessed Harvest (a) Restoration (a) Suppress Affliction Monk Swift Strikes (a) Force of Anguish PL2 Priest Withdraw (a) Spiritual Weapon Monk Clarity of Agony Common Two Handed Style ® Weapon and Shield Style PL3 Priest Vile Thorns (a) Consecrated Ground ® Dire Blessing (!) Monk Swift Flurry (!) Efficient Anguish PL4 Priest Circle of Protection (a) Devotions for the Faithful (!) Monk Thunderous Blows ® Duality of Mortal Presence (!) Rooting Pain (!) PL5 Priest Wicked Briars (a) Revive the Fallen ® Barring Death’s Door (!) Practiced Healer ® Monk Enervating Blows PL6 Priest Minor Intercession (a) Salvation of Time (!) Monk Turning Wheel (!) Iron Wheel (!) Common Improved Critical ® PL7 Priest Wall of Thorns (a) Resurrection (!) Cleansing Flame Monk Heartbeat Drumming (!) --------------------------------------------------------------- Items (*=additional enchantments; !=important, r=recommended): Weapon set 1: The Twin Eels (Renewal*!) (!) Weapon set 2: Saint Omaku’s Mercy (Sacrifice of Saints*!, Galawain’s Harry*) (!) Chest: Furrante’s Breastplate (Love of Life*!, Intervention*!) Helmet: Helm of the Falcon ® Amulet: Bone Setter’s Torc (!) Trinket: Waidwen's Sundial Cloak: Nemnok’s Cloak (!) Gloves: Hylea’s Talons ® Ring: Halgot’s Warmth (!) Ring: Voidward ® Belt: The Undying Burden (!) Boots: Footprints of Ahu Taka (!) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Xoti is one of the most maligned Companions in the game for many reasons, not least of which concerns her role in the party. As a Harvester of Gaun, she’s a variation on the Priest of Eothas that doesn’t offer that much of interest compared to Priests of Skaen or Wael; as a Sister of the Reaping Moon, her starting lantern and sickle doesn’t give her enough DPS to take advantage of her subclass’s ability to gain Wounds on kill, and is crippled even further by the increased Wound cost for her Monk abilities. And as a Contemplative, she loses access both to the useful Tier VIII and IX Priest spells, as well as 2 PLs on her Monk fists; with no apparent synergy, a multiclass Xoti can seem to combine the worst parts of both her subclasses. Small wonder then, that most would recommend keeping her either a single-class Priest or Monk. That said, there is a way to make a multiclass Xoti not only viable, but also more effective as a combat support specialist. With this build, Xoti can keep her party members topped up on health while contributing to damage at the same time, generate plenty of Wounds to feed her increased ability costs, and make her party that much tougher simply by being there; in short, she’ll truly fulfill her role as Gaun’s Chooser of the Slain. (Note on “Ultimate Edition” builds: With the release of the Ultimate Edition on PS4 and XBox, there will be many first-time players of Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire who will be searching for builds online, only to find that most available builds were created for earlier versions of the game. While many of those are still viable even in the final version of Deadfire, this would not be apparent to new players; thus, builds such as this will be tagged as “Ultimate Edition” to indicate that they’ve been tested for version 5.0.0 of Deadfire, including all DLCs.) Xoti, the Reaping Most people who note the ability of Xoti’s Monk subclass to gain Wounds on Kill seem to think that she has to be built as a DPS to make use of it, and thus are left disappointed when Xoti’s Sickle inevitably fails to make the cut as a weapon capable of dealing sufficient damage. And while letting her rely on her Monk fists lets her do decent DPS, it only works best for her as a single-class Monk; making her a Contemplative makes her Monk fists less effective due to the loss of PL. That’s why her sickle as well as Xoti’s Lantern are usually seen as trap choices for Xoti DPS builds; it would be a different story if her lantern could be used as a bashing shield, and both it and the sickle scaled with Monk levels like Tuotilo’s Palm, but there’s no accounting for the dev’s design choices. That said, I feel that’s the wrong way to look at it. To make use of her Wound gain on kill ability, I don’t think Xoti has to be a DPS. She doesn’t have to deliver that much damage, nor throw as many attacks as Monks tend to do. All she needs to do is throw one good hit. Specifically, the last one. With that in mind, the sickle and lantern still isn’t going to cut it; she needs a weapon that can help her killsteal her own party members as reliably as possible. Ideally, the weapon would; - Have high base damage so Xoti can land the one good hit for the kill; that pretty much means a 2H weapon. - Has enchantments that helps with maximising the damage per hit as much as possible, and - Comes with an on-kill effect to further incentivise Xoti making the kill. Now, if you’re anything like me, you probably max’d out Xoti’s Religion passive skill as a reflection of her… evangelistic tendencies. That said, doing so makes one weapon in particular hit all three points above; specifically, The Twin Eels Greatsword. The offensive potential of The Twin Eels lies in its Death’s Embrace enchantment, a Hit-to-Crit percentage that scales with Religion; in other words, perfect for Xoti who’s likely to have the most Religion in the party. This can be boosted with an additional Hit-to-Crit roll from the Bone Setter’s Torc Amulet, increased attack speed thanks to the Helm of the Falcon, and complemented with the Swift Flurry-Heartbeat Drumming Monk combo. And the fact that Xoti can gain Wounds for each kill means that she can access a synergy specific to her alone; it turns Rooting Pain from a retaliatory passive into an offensive one, since Xoti earning 3 Wounds per kill also means she gets 3 rolls of the dice to activate it on enemies unlucky enough to be in the vicinity. And when all of this comes together, it can look like this; Also, there are a number of weapons with on-kill effects in the game, but only The Twin Eels has a Heal-on-kill that also scales with Xoti’s Religion skill. With max Religion, plus healing boosts from the Love of Life enchantment on Furrante's Breastplate, Bone Setter’s Torc, Footprints of Ahu Taka and Practiced Healer, the Health that Xoti can heal with each killsteal can add up to a pretty decent amount indeed; With this setup, Xoti is best played not as a DPS per se, but positioned just behind the frontline doing Priest things such as healing and buffing… until her party members have reduced an enemy to Near Death, at which point she becomes an opportunistic killstealer charging in to deliver the final blow, gaining Wounds and healing her party members when she lands it. This let's Xoti contribute to the fight while not neglecting her healing duties, making the best of both her subclasses. Xoti, the Sacrificing With Furrante’s Breastplate, Xoti makes her party members that much tougher thanks to the Bodyguard enchantment, which makes them take 10% less damage as long as she sticks close to them. This comes with the flipside that Xoti herself takes 15% more damage from all sources, making her squishier than usual. This would be bad in most cases, but as a Monk, it also helps to fuel her Wound generation as well, making it a win-win proposition. She can double down on that with the Intervention enchantment, which gives her access to the Take the Hit ability usually reserved for single-classed Fighters. This makes her party members even tougher for a short period of time, at the cost of causing more damage to Xoti herself… fueling her Wound generation even further. And at times when a party member is close to dying and desperately needs a burst heal, Xoti can provide with the Sacrifice of Saints enchantment from the Saint Omaku’s Mercy Warbow; With max Religion, Xoti can heal any party member from dying up to near full Health once per Rest, which comes at the cost of Xoti herself eating Raw damage… which again fuels her Wound generation. Along with Priest staples such as Restoration, Consecrated Ground, Revive the Fallen, Barring Death’s Door and Resurrection, Xoti can thus keep her party alive that much longer simply by being there. However, all this utility comes at a cost of making her pretty damn fragile. So, how do I keep Xoti alive in the face of all this? Xoti, the Undying I do it by giving her The Undying Burden Belt, which reduces the incoming weapon damage Xoti suffers by up to 30% as she loses Health (it also gives her a second use of Second Wind, which is why I recommended Athletics as her active Skill). On top of it, I also gave her the Voidward Ring, which reduces the Raw damage she takes by 25%; very useful for minimising the damage taken from Sacrifice of Saints and Take the Hit in particular. But the key piece of gear that really helps keep Xoti on her feet is Nemnok’s Cloak; while it makes Xoti even more squishy by making her take an additional 15% damage, it also gives her Spirit Shield and Ironskin when she falls below half Health. Together with Iron Wheel, Xoti can go up to 22 AR; It certainly doesn’t hurt that the Cloak also gives Xoti a free Barring Death’s Door when she’s… well, at death’s door. And should all these defenses still not suffice to keep her from falling to 0 HP, the Renewal enchantment from The Twin Eels (which also scales Health regained with Religion) lets Xoti automatically revive for free once per Rest, letting her stand up to get right back it again; This means that Xoti is capable of saving lost fights single-handedly, bringing her fallen party members back to their feet in turn. All these means that despite taking more damage than the rest of the party, this build makes Xoti a tough cookie in her own right, and capable of filling in as an off-tank in a pinch. Final Thoughts Pros: - Contributes to party DPS and Health at the same time by killstealing for fun and profit. - Makes her party members tougher just by existing, and is capable of pulling them back from near death. - Is unexpectedly tough in her own right, and can save seemingly-lost fights by her own hand. Cons: - Several key pieces of equipment are late-game gear (Furrante’s Breastplate, Nemnok’s Cloak), which means this build will not be fully realized until rather late in the game. - Tier VIII and IX Priest and Monk abilities are some of the most powerful in Deadfire, which means the Valkyrie build, despite its effectiveness, still involves trade-offs. - As effective as the Valkyrie of Gaun is, it doesn’t do anything to mitigate Xoti’s zealous and sometimes-annoying personality. Last but not least, see the attached file for the AI script I created for Xoti as the Valkyrie of Gaun. Xoti Custom (Contemplative) (Druid Monk Priest) (e38db4a0-68b9-4f2c-ac8a-5bd58d0a69e3).customai

We should replace every episode of nutrek with Peter Watkins' 6 hour film La Commune (Paris, 1871).

The first five minutes of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 are about as dumb as the rest of the series was. What a grand opening. This is fantastic.

It could be a good idea. Perhaps AI would be safer far away from us? ChatGPT in Microsoft Bing threatens user as AI seems to be losing it

Well, it's not as if the EU or the UN don't have similar problems. In fact, I think it would be interesting to go through the histories of major international organizations such as these and determine which of them has done the best / worst, and, more generally, simply make comparisons between their ideals and realities. Mind you, I am not being cynical, and I am not saying that "it's all the same rubbish" or anything like that. It's just that talk is extremely cheap, and sometimes international treaties are cheap as well.

Raquel Welch

I wasn't joking. Skynet is going to be an actual net in the sky. How do you hold the net up? Balloons.