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Chronicles of Everfall: Shadow of the Conquerer: Review: Death by Extraneous Subtitles

Published

3 years ago

January 4, 2022

sylvia J

Expectations are important. For relationships, for instance, making sure that everyone’s expectations are agreeable going is perhaps one of the most important factors for long term success. If the couple has differing expectations regarding children, religion, work / life ratios, or any other such important thing, then they either better rectify that or find new partners.

However, expectations are an important part of entertainment too. While people usually expect to be surprised in a certain way, there are limits to what they’ll accept within those boundaries. If you go into a comedy show, you expect to laugh. If you go to a TED talk, you expect to learn something new and maybe laugh if the presenter does a good job. If you go to online blackjack, you expect to have win and win some dolla dolla bills. However, If you go to a comedy show and get lectured about the horrors of Dachau, it might be informative, but it sure as heck wasn’t what I signed up for.

Movies and novels and all other kinds of storytelling have this give and pull too. When I sit down to read a Brandon Sanderson novel, I expect some kind of epic fantasy featuring heroes and wars and good and evil, with deep themes. When I watch a slasher flick, I expect to be scared and amused and frustrated as to why that stupid girl keeps tripping over nothing every ten feet when- sorry, where was I?

Right. Expectations. If you set up the wrong kind of expectations and don’t deliver, this typically is disastrous. Not always- sometimes we can be pleasantly surprised. But most of the time. The newer Star Trek shows, for instance, are a perfect example. The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space 9, Voyager, Enterprise, and the movies all established what Star Trek is.

It’s a thoughtful, introspective work of science fiction that explores many compelling thought experiments, philosophies, and scientific premises. It’s a series that tackled big questions and gave thought provoking answers. So when I sat down to watch the newer Star Trek: Picard, I was not expecting to watch a fan-favorite character get murdered by eyeball drill. I would say that that falls safely under the category of “disastrous”.

“Chronicles of Everfall: Shadow of the Conqueror” is a novel that did not meet my expectations. This is a self-published novel written by Shad Brooks, who makes educational content about medieval history on his YouTube channel, Shadiversity. As a result, I went in expecting a Brandon Sanderson-Esque epic fantasy but ended up getting something quite different. But was it good? Short answer, yes.

The Premise

Our protagonist is Daylen Namaran, also known as Dayless the Conqueror, the Great Bastard, the Scourge of Nations, and various other equally unkind titles. But well deserved. Daylen was once a mighty emperor who rebelled against the aristocratic houses of old after they murdered his family and rose as a unifying monarch in the name of the oppressed people. To ensure that the evils of old would not happen again, Daylen brought all property under the control of the government and forced people to work to feed the otherwise starving nation.

So yeah, he basically invented fantasy communism. And just like real communism, it was an abysmal failure. As they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and Daylen was no exception. He removed people’s freedoms. He became paranoid. He took hundreds of women forcibly (some as young as fourteen). He invented airships powerful enough to annihilate cities. And did, when one dared rebel against his despotic regime.

Eventually, the entire world rose against him. Eventually, they bested his armies, and he was forced into hiding. With everyone presuming him dead, Daylen hid and planned.

And hid. And hid. And hid.

Twenty years later, our story begins. And Daylen, having seen a world no longer under his thumb, despises himself and everything he ever did. Old and feeble at the age of eighty-two, Daylen decides his time his come and decides to throw himself off the continent.

Which, ironically, would be the key to his salvation.

The World

The story is set in the world of Everfall, which consists of a series of massive floating islands. Should one fall off the edge, they eventually loop around to the top of the world, such that if you don’t collide with anything, you’ll fall forever and ever until you starve to death. Unless you’re carrying either Darkstone or Lightstone.

Exactly as the name implies, Lightstone emits light, but Darkstone behaves differently. If it’s not exposed to light, the stone will fix in place and cannot be moved (even in midair). As more and more light touches it, the stone gets easier and easier to move until it’s simply pushed forward. This is how the islands can float and the airships can move.

However, if you carry one of these stones with you as you hit the barrier, you explode.

Daylen, being the massive melodramatic nonce that he is, decides to carry both with him on the way down. Not only does he not explode, but he’s returned to his youthful body and given magical superpowers.

The Magic

Taking obvious inspiration from novels like Brandon Sanderson’s “The Stormlight Archive”, Shadow of the Conqueror goes for a Hard Magic system. If you’re interested in learning the differences between Hard magic and Soft Magic systems in fantasy novels, I highly recommend watching the video by “Hello Future Me” on YouTube about the subject. But for the purposes of this article, I’ll be brief. Basically, a Hard Magic system is one where there are explicit rules about what the magic can’t do (Like in Avatar the Last Airbender, or anything by Brandon Sanderson), whereas a Soft Magic system is one where the only rules are what the magic system has been shown it can do (like Harry Potter, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings).

Shadow of the Conqueror goes for the former, with lots and lots of explicit rules for how everything works, that will all be explained to you in great detail if you can be bothered to read through it. Like, there is actual math and physics involved. Math.

Actually, it’s pretty cool overall- although a lot of the explanations get frontloaded into the novel in the form of infodumps while Daylen is experimenting.

The Moral Dilemma

The whole plot is built around a single question: Is Daylen redeemable? Is it even possible for him to be redeemed? Is the world ready or willing to forgive him?

Considering the scale of Day lens crimes (as one Goodreads reviewer put it, Daylen was basically pedophile-Stalin), almost everyone seems to agree that Dayless the Conqueror deserves to die. Including Daylen himself- although he’s convinced that “The Light” (Read: G-d) is determined to let him live so that he can continue suffering from his guilt. He believes that is why he was turned young and believes that that is why he was given his powers- so that he can fulfill some sort of purpose, find some small redemption, and suffer with himself all the while.

Like two of my other favorite authors (Brandon Sanderson and Orson Scott Card), Shadow of the Conquerer is written by a devout member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints- more commonly known as Mormonism. It’s clear that Shad M. Brooks’ views on redemption have intermixed with the story- that everyone deserves a second chance and can be deemed through repentance. It’s not a bad thing. Every artist adds their own philosophies into the works they create and lets people step into their worldview, even for a little while.

It’s just that on this particular issue, I disagree with the conclusion. I won’t spoil how it ends, but I do think Daylen gets off easy. I don’t particularly care how much guilt Daylen himself feels over his crimes. There are lines of no return, which, in my opinion, must be punished. Even if that person can be redeemed, it’s the crime itself that has to be punished.

I’m not Christian. I do believe in the concept of “an eye for an eye”- which isn’t literal, as most people seem to forget. In the old testament, this means that a man that breaks another man’s hand must pay the victim however much a court deems that man’s hand to be worth (basically, his livelihood). If you steal a goat, you must pay back two goats, etc.

Daylen Namaran is responsible for nearly thirty million deaths. The novel basically gives Daylen a slap on the wrist for it but delivers death penalties to men who have committed far less enormous (but still horrible) crimes. Daylen is at least self aware enough to recognize the hypocrisy, but the narrative itself doesn’t if that makes any sense. Sure, Daylen bemoans having to live another day with his immense guilt, but… he’s still alive? Returned to his youth, given magical superpowers, and reunited with once mortal enemies and even one of the girls he repeatedly raped?

I’m sorry, but that doesn’t fit my worldview of justice.

Overall

Now let me be clear: Does the fact that I heavily disagree with the implied moral compass of the novel make it a bad book? No. It’s very enjoyable. It’s very well written, with solid characters and an intriguing moral dilemma. The fact that I’m here, ranting about how much I disagree with it, means that in one sense, it accomplished its goal of getting me to think. I didn’t agree with every outcome of Star Trek. The writers of that show ended up at conclusions I would not have come to, and neither did Mr. Brooks. Which is fine! If everyone thought exactly the same as I did, that would suck.

I went into Shadow of the Conqueror expecting an Epic Fantasy, set on a world-shattering scale. Instead, I got a smaller scale but far more thought-provoking novel than I had ever initially expected to get. Many fantasy novels avoid the non-PC issues (like ham-fisted racism is bad metaphors) to keep a wider audience, and I appreciate that Shadow of the Conqueror doesn’t compromise to tell the story it wants to tell.

Plus, any story, fantasy or no, that dunks on communism gains my respect.

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VIP Benefits Loyal Players Enjoy at Online Slot Casinos

Published

3 hours ago

November 20, 2024

sylvia J

VIP Benefits Loyal Players Enjoy at Online Slot Casinos

Loyalty pays handsomely at online casinos. You get to experience a style of gameplay that is completely different from that of regular bettors, and also filled with profits. In online casinos, all players are treated with respect and given unrestricted access to gaming options. However, when it comes to bonuses and other reward types, VIP players usually get first dibs. Loyal players have access to VIP benefits that can massively improve their gameplay. Therefore, when starting out in a casino, ensure it has all the services and features you need in your gambling, especially a VIP program.

There’s a high tendency to remain loyal to a casino if it has all the things you need. For slot gamers, the casino should have thousands of slot machines. It should also offer bonuses on slots and feature a lot of bonus rounds. For any slot player, those should be their main criteria for selecting a slot casino. As an icing on the cake, having a VIP program should also be factored in when choosing an online casino. The numerous offers that come with becoming a VIP player make it worth the struggle. Every player should strive to be part of a bookmakers VIP program, because of the perks received. Let’s discuss the benefits loyal players enjoy at online slot casinos.

● Access to Jackpot Games

In online slot gaming, jackpot games offer players the opportunity to win big. Jackpot games are more common in online casinos than in land-based casinos. In one single spin, players can hit a 7 or 8-figure jackpot. This has happened a lot especially when players hit a progressive jackpot. Players can play either progressive or fixed jackpot games in online casinos. Fixed jackpots tend to have lower profits compared to their counterparts. VIP players get access to specific jackpots that regular players do not. It is a perk offered by most online casinos to their loyal customers.

● Priority Deposit and Withdrawals

VIP players receive special treatment when it comes to processing transactions. They have access to a variety of payment methods and even some that regular bettors don’t get. Their deposits and withdrawals are prioritised thereby allowing for quick processing times. After inputting their cookie casino login details bettors can fund their bet account in under a minute and start gaming.

● Dedicated Account Manager

VIP players are assigned a personalised account manager whose duty is to cater to all their needs. A dedicated support agent gets you quick access to whatever service you need on the platform. Activities such as bonus activation, deposits, and withdrawals become slightly easier with their help. Also, using their account manager, players can pinpoint which slot game has a jackpot.

● Higher Betting Limits

A significant perk VIP bettors get in online casinos is higher betting limits. Most VIP bettors are known for making huge bets. This leads to exceeding their daily transaction limit. To address this issue, online bookmakers have increased the deposit and withdrawal limits for VIPs.

● VIP Bonuses and Promotions

Apart from the regular bonus offers, there are special bonuses made solely for VIPs. These bonuses are tiered, so the higher you go up the VIP ladder, the better rewards you get. Slot lovers are rewarded with a variety of bonuses and in-game rewards that can take their slot gaming to another level. Using the high number of free spins they are rewarded with, they can boost their chances of profits.

● Invitation to VIP Tournaments

Online casinos go above and beyond when rewarding their loyal customers. Loyal customers who are professionals in a particular game get invitations to exclusive tournaments and events. However, only the top online casinos in the industry send their customers to these tournaments. It is not a frequently provided benefit.

● Personalized Offers and Rewards

Online casinos want their customers to be comfortable and happy when carrying out their gambling activities. A way in which they have achieved this is by customising offers based on the player’s betting habits. So if you like playing slots a lot, there is a high tendency that you will get a lot of free spins. This act ensures the continuous loyalty of players because they know what they stand to gain by remaining a VIP player.

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Unlocking Mystery Features in Today’s Online Slot Games

Published

1 week ago

November 11, 2024

sylvia J

Unlocking Mystery Features in Today’s Online Slot Games

Online slot games have come a long way since their early days, offering players not only thrilling gameplay but also exciting bonus features that keep the experience fresh and fun. One of the most intriguing aspects of modern slots is the mystery features they offer. These mystery features can add a whole new layer of excitement, often surprising players with unexpected wins, extra bonuses, or special game mechanics that change the way a slot works. If you’re curious about how these features work and how to unlock them, keep reading!

What Are Mystery Features in Online Slots?

In the world of online slots, mystery features refer to hidden or randomly activated elements that can trigger unexpected outcomes. Unlike standard bonuses where you know exactly what to expect, mystery features are often unpredictable. They can be activated at random, or sometimes, after certain symbols or combinations appear on the reels.

These mystery features are designed to keep players engaged and on the edge of their seats. The thrill of not knowing when or how a feature will activate adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. They might involve anything from hidden wilds, mystery symbols, or even a surprise-free spin round. Ultimately, they help break the routine and keep gameplay fresh.

Types of Mystery Features in Online Slots

1. Mystery Symbols

One of the most common mystery features in modern bitbola slots is the mystery symbol. This symbol can appear randomly on the reels and, when it does, it changes into a regular symbol, typically a high-paying one. The catch? You never know which symbol it will transform into, which adds an element of surprise.

For example, you might spin a set of mystery symbols on the reels, and each of them could transform into a wild symbol, scatter symbol, or even a symbol that triggers a bonus game. The randomness of the feature makes it incredibly exciting, as you can never predict what you’ll get!

2. Random Wilds

Another popular mystery feature is random wilds. Wild symbols are valuable because they can substitute for other symbols, helping you form winning combinations. With random wilds, the game might suddenly add a wild symbol to the reels at any time, even outside of the bonus rounds. These wilds are often placed in positions that maximize your chances of hitting a big win.

3. Mystery Jackpots

Mystery jackpots are exactly what they sound like — hidden jackpot prizes that can be triggered by mystery features. These jackpots might appear when certain symbols land on the reels or when the game randomly activates a special feature. The great thing about mystery jackpots is that they can lead to huge payouts, and because they are unpredictable, they add a level of excitement that keeps players coming back.

4. Mystery Free Spins

Some online slots feature mystery-free spins. These free spins can appear in a variety of ways, and the number of free spins you get may be hidden until the feature activates. In some cases, players may be presented with a mystery wheel where they spin to determine how many free spins they’ll receive, along with potential multipliers or other bonuses.

The appeal of mystery free spins is that they offer players a chance to score big without having to wager more money. Plus, the uncertainty of how many free spins you’ll get makes the feature even more thrilling.

How to Unlock Mystery Features

Unlocking mystery features isn’t always straightforward. In some slots, mystery features are triggered by specific combinations of symbols. For instance, you might need to land a certain number of scatter symbols to activate a bonus round, which could include a mystery feature. In other cases, these features might be completely random and will activate at any moment during the base game.

While there isn’t always a surefire way to unlock these features, here are a few tips to increase your chances:

1. Play Higher Volatility Slots

In general, higher volatility slots tend to offer more frequent mystery features. These slots may have fewer winning combinations, but when they do hit, they often offer bigger rewards and more exciting bonus rounds.

2. Check the Paytable

Before spinning the reels, it’s always a good idea to check the game’s payables. Many online slots list the specific conditions that trigger mystery features. Understanding these conditions can help you plan your strategy and increase your chances of unlocking them.

3. Take Advantage of Bonus Rounds

Some bitbola slots have bonus rounds that are specifically designed to trigger mystery features. In these rounds, mystery symbols or random wilds can be triggered more frequently, so it’s worth paying attention to the bonus rounds and how to unlock them.

4. Use Free Spins and Demos

Many online casinos offer free spins or demo versions of their slot games. This is a great way to get a feel for how the mystery features work without risking real money. You can practice your timing and get a better understanding of how and when the features are triggered.

Conclusion

In the world of online slots, mystery features are a game-changer. Whether it’s a mystery symbol, random wilds, or surprise jackpots, these features add an exciting twist that keeps players engaged. By understanding how these features work and how to unlock them, you can maximize your chances of hitting those big wins.

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The Exciting World of Evolution Casino and Evolution Baccarat

Published

4 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

sylvia J

The Exciting World of Evolution Casino and Evolution Baccarat

Evolution Casino is a well-known place for online gaming. It offers players a chance to enjoy live dealer games right from their homes. This is important because many people love the excitement of playing in real-time. Evolution Casino is popular because it provides a fun and interactive experience. Players can see the dealers on video and feel like they are in a real casino. Moreover, there are many different games to choose from, which keeps things interesting. From card games to table games, Evolution Casino has something for everyone. This variety attracts both new and experienced players. As a result, more people are joining to try their luck. Overall, 에볼루션카지노 has changed how people think about online gaming, making it more exciting and accessible.

Understanding Baccarat

Baccarat is a simple and popular card game played in casinos. In this game, players try to predict which hand will win: the player’s or the banker’s. The goal is to get a hand that is as close to nine as possible. Each hand is dealt two cards, and the value of the cards is added together. If the total is more than nine, only the last digit counts. For example, if a hand totals 15, it counts as 5. There are also different versions of Baccarat, including Classic Baccarat and Mini Baccarat. Classic Baccarat is often played in high-stakes games, while Mini Baccarat is smaller and faster. Thus, it is a great choice for beginners. Understanding these basics can help anyone enjoy the game even more.

Evolution Baccarat Explained

Evolution Baccarat is a special version of the classic game, designed to be played live online. What makes it stand out is the ability to see real dealers in action. Players can interact with the dealers, which adds a personal touch to the game. To play Evolution Baccarat, you start by placing a bet on either the player or banker’s hand. Once bets are placed, the dealer reveals the cards. Basic rules are easy to follow, making it suitable for beginners. Additionally, players can enjoy various betting options, which keeps the game exciting. Tips for beginners include managing your bankroll and understanding the game’s rules. This way, players can make the most of their experience. Overall, Evolution Baccarat combines the thrill of live gaming with easy-to-understand rules.

Features of Evolution Baccarat

에볼루션바카라 includes many unique features that make the game enjoyable. One of the standout aspects is the side bets, which give players more chances to win. These side bets can increase excitement as they offer extra ways to earn rewards. Another great feature is the high-quality graphics and sound. Players feel like they are in a real casino, thanks to the impressive visuals and clear audio. Moreover, the user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate the game. New players can quickly learn how to place bets and understand the rules. Because of these features, players can focus on enjoying the game rather than struggling with complicated controls. Overall, Evolution Baccarat creates a fun and engaging gaming environment for everyone.

Why Choose Evolution Casino for Baccarat?

Choosing Evolution Casino for Baccarat comes with many advantages. First, the gaming environment is safe and secure. Players can trust that their information is protected while they enjoy their favorite games. Moreover, Evolution Casino offers a wide variety of Baccarat games, catering to different tastes and preferences. This variety ensures that everyone can find something they like. Additionally, the player support is excellent. If anyone has questions or needs help, friendly customer service is always available. There are also community events and promotions that keep things exciting. These events can make playing even more fun and rewarding. Thus, Evolution Casino stands out as a great choice for anyone interested in playing Baccarat.

The Future of Evolution Casino and Baccarat

The future of Evolution Casino and Baccarat looks bright and exciting. As technology advances, online gaming will continue to improve. New features and games are expected to be introduced, enhancing the player experience. For example, more interactive elements and advanced graphics could make games even more engaging. Additionally, live dealer games like Evolution Baccarat are becoming more popular. Many players enjoy the real-time experience, so this trend will likely grow. As a result, more players will join online gaming communities. This will create a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and fun. Overall, the future of Evolution Casino promises to be full of new adventures for both new and experienced players.

Final Words

In conclusion, Evolution Casino and Evolution Baccarat offer a thrilling gaming experience. Players can enjoy live dealer games that feel real and exciting. Understanding Baccarat and its rules can make the game even more enjoyable. The unique features of Evolution Baccarat enhance the overall experience. Additionally, Evolution Casino provides a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. As technology continues to grow, the future looks promising for online gaming. So, if you’re curious about playing, why not give it a try? With so much to explore, you might just find your new favorite game!