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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.

Sports

The Evolution of Sports Betting and Its Impact on Global Markets

Published

1 week ago

January 7, 2025

sylvia J

The Evolution of Sports Betting and Its Impact on Global Markets

Sports betting has grown into the global sports ecosystem, with an ever-evolving way of enjoying games and favorite teams by fans. With sites like Betway Tanzania, this is a growing industry in which bettors from every corner of the world can take part and add to a market valued at billions of dollars each year. As sports betting continues to evolve, the cultural, economic and technological implications are changing the face of industries far beyond the world of sports.

A Brief History of Sports Betting

Sports betting has a long history, dating back to the ancient civilizations. From placing bets on chariot races in Rome to cockfights in Southeast Asia, the activity has always been part of human culture. In modern times, sports betting shifted from informal agreements to organized platforms where regulations ensured the transparency and fairness of the activities.

Digital platforms have revolutionized the industry and now sports betting is possible on every corner of the globe. Examples include the Betway Tanzania platform, which has brought a whole new experience to its users with its smooth functionality, live updates, variety of betting options and high security.

Economic Impacts of the Sports Betting Industry

Sports betting is not a niche activity; it’s a very thriving world industry. If recent reports are to be believed, the market will surpass $100 billion in annual revenue before the end of this decade. Such growth has been supported by exhaustive internet penetration, increased adoption of mobile devices and the gradual acceptance of regulated betting markets.

Countries that have embraced legal sports wagering, a number of which include the UK and Tanzania, have benefited sizably from increased economic activity. In many instances, tax income from betting pursuits is reinvested into welfare services, sports-related development initiatives and local infrastructure development. For instance, Tanzania has ensured that a certain percentage of betting revenues goes toward national purposes, fully showing the wider useful influence of its activities.

The Cultural Role of Sports Betting

Sports betting is not an activity having to do only with finance; it’s a big part of the culture. Fans who also bet are more interested in the games themselves and the stakes make the watch even more exciting. It makes people communicate with each other and friends and families can gather together to discuss odds, strategies and predictions.

Yet, this phenomenon does not come without challenges, such as gambling addiction, financial mismanagement of citizens by the governments and other societal problems. Such platforms as Betway Tanzania, through concerns like these, have resorted to ensuring a safer betting environment through self-exclusion tools and spending limits.

Technological Advancements and Their Influence

It is really important to note that user-friendly technology is also one of the major factors in modern sports betting: events live streaming, live updates, mobile optimization-things that make it even easier for the users to just place their bets and follow on with the games even outside their living rooms.

Especially important has been the use of mobile betting. As more than half of all sports bets are now made through smartphones, platforms have customized their interfaces to be fast, accessible and easy. The emphasis on technology has drawn in a young, tech-savvy demographic in sports betting.

Sports Betting and Globalization

Globalization has made sports betting a fan sport across the globe, from local football matches to international events such as the FIFA World Cup. Platforms like Betway Tanzania give access to a wide range of sports and betting options, breaking down geographical barriers and creating a truly global community.

This level of interrelation has also driven several collaborations between sports organizations and online betting platforms. Sponsorship contracts and partnerships provide financing for teams, leagues and events, further contributing to the development of sports globally. Almost all top football clubs have betting companies as official partners; this evidences the mutual benefit of such partnerships.

Regulation and Responsible Betting Practices

Regulation has been an important factor for the industry in this increasing pace of the sports betting business. Those countries where there are clearly defined legal frameworks governing bets have also given safety to the users and cultivated a feeling of confidence among people towards this industry. Stringent licensing requirements, regular audits and operations based on complete transparency characterize the regulated markets.

Of essence would be responsible betting practices. This is achieved through education on proper betting, problem gambler support programs and guidelines on how to bet on different platforms. The effort to promote responsible gambling by such operators as Betway Tanzania offers pointers into how this industry balances growth with the welfare of users.

Conclusion

The evolution of sports betting has brought about major changes in the way economies and cultures perceive and relate to sports worldwide. Platforms like Betway Tanzania testify to the transformative power of this activity, which includes opportunities and challenges for all stakeholders concerned. As such, the industry proceeds with growth and development; once again, one cannot overstate the importance of regulation and responsible practices with technological innovation.

In the future, sports betting will provide a deeper connection with the games one loves for fans and bettors alike while cultivating a worldwide community through shared passion and excitement.

Sports

How to Find RTP Slot Machines

Published

3 weeks ago

December 25, 2024

sylvia J

Slot machines are one of the most popular attractions in online casinos, offering players the thrill of spinning reels in hopes of landing a big win. However, while luck plays a role in these games, there’s something else that can impact your chances of winning: RTP (Return to Player). In this article, we’ll explore how to find RTP slot machines and why understanding RTP can give you a better shot at success.

What is RTP in Slot Machines?

Before we dive into how to find RTP slot machines, it’s important to understand what RTP is. RTP refers to the percentage of the total money wagered on a slot game that is returned to players over time. For example, if a slot game has an RTP of 96%, that means for every $100 wagered, the game will, on average, return $96 in winnings. The higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning in the long run.

It’s important to note that RTP is calculated over thousands or even millions of spins, meaning your results may vary. The RTP slot machine is just a statistical average.

How to Find RTP Slot Machines

Now that you know what RTP is, let’s look at some practical tips for finding RTP slot machines that can give you a better chance of winning.

1. Check the Game Info or Paytable

The easiest way to find the RTP of a slot game is to check the game’s information or paytable. Many sbobet login online casinos and game developers include the RTP percentage in the game’s details. Look for a small “i” or a button labeled “info” on the slot’s screen—this will take you to a page with details about how the game works, including its RTP.

It’s also a good idea to check the developer’s website for RTP information, especially if you’re playing games from well-known providers. Leading slot developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech are transparent about their games’ RTP percentages.

2. Use RTP Slot Machines Databases

Another great way to find RTP slot machines is by using RTP slot machine databases. Several websites compile lists of popular slot games along with their RTP percentages. These databases allow you to easily compare different games and choose those with higher RTPs.

Some popular RTP slot machine databases include:

org
The Pogg
AskGamblers

These sites not only provide RTP percentages, but they also offer player reviews and detailed game breakdowns to help you make informed decisions.

3. Look for High RTP Slots

In general, you’ll want to focus on high RTP slots if you’re looking for games that give you the best odds. While no situs slot terbaru machine can guarantee a win, games with higher RTP percentages tend to offer more favorable returns over time.

For example, a slot with an RTP of 98% or higher is considered very high, while anything below 90% is considered low. Some of the most popular high RTP slots include:

Blood Suckers(98%)
Mega Joker(99%)
Jackpot 6000(98.9%)

By choosing high RTP slots, you’re increasing your chances of receiving a better return on your wagers over time.

4. Read Online Reviews and Player Feedback

If you’re unsure about the RTP of a slot game, it’s always a good idea to read reviews from other players or professional casino reviewers. These reviews often include insights about the game’s RTP, volatility, and overall gameplay experience. This feedback can be invaluable in helping you choose the best RTP slot machine for your preferences.

5. Test Games in Demo Mode

If you want to explore a game’s RTP before committing real money, consider playing in demo mode. Many online casinos offer demo versions of their RTP slot machines, allowing you to test the game for free. While demo mode doesn’t give you the chance to win real money, it’s a great way to get a feel for the game’s mechanics and RTP before playing for real.

Understanding Volatility and RTP

While RTP is important, it’s also essential to understand a game’s volatility (or variance). Volatility refers to the risk level of a game. High volatility slots tend to offer larger but less frequent payouts, while low volatility slots offer smaller but more frequent wins.

It’s important to find a balance between RTP and volatility. A high RTP slot with high volatility might give you larger wins, but they’ll be rarer. On the other hand, a low volatility slot may offer more frequent payouts, but they tend to be smaller.

Conclusion

Finding RTP slot machines is a smart way to increase your chances of success when playing online slots. By checking the RTP percentages, using online databases, and considering player reviews, you can identify the best games that offer favorable returns. Always remember that while RTP can give you an idea of the game’s potential, the thrill of slot machines comes from the fun and excitement of the game itself. Happy spinning, and good luck!

Sports

Ocean Adventures: Slot Games Inspired by Diving, Sailing, and Water Thrills

Published

1 month ago

December 12, 2024

sylvia J

There’s something magical about the ocean—its vastness, the mystery beneath the surface, and the thrill it brings. Whether it’s diving deep to discover hidden treasures, sailing across open waters, or simply enjoying the adrenaline rush of water sports, the ocean has inspired countless adventures. And when it comes to online slots, this deep connection to the sea has birthed some of the most exciting and visually stunning games out there. If you love the water, you’ll want to check out these ocean-themed slot games that bring the excitement of the deep blue right to your screen.

The Allure of Ocean Adventures in Slot Games

Ocean-themed slots are all about adventure. From the treasures hidden in shipwrecks to the underwater world of colorful fish, coral reefs, and even mythical sea creatures, these games offer a refreshing change of scenery compared to the usual land-based themes. They capture the beauty and mystery of the sea, creating an immersive experience that makes players feel like they’re embarking on their own ocean adventure. So, what makes these games so appealing?

Diving Deep into the World of Underwater Slots

One of the standout themes in ocean-themed slot games is diving. Picture yourself descending into the deep blue, surrounded by the eerie silence of the ocean floor, with treasures like ancient coins, sparkling jewels, and hidden artifacts waiting to be discovered. These slots typically feature symbols like treasure chests, diving equipment, and even elusive sea creatures like dolphins, sharks, or even mermaids. The graphics in these games are often top-notch, with animations that make it feel as though you’re submerged in water.

Popular underwater slots like “Ocean’s Treasure” or “Mega Moolah: Underwater” let players explore submerged wrecks or deep-sea trenches, all while keeping an eye out for bonus rounds and big wins. The thrill of uncovering treasures in these games is akin to the rush of discovering something precious on a real dive.

Sailing Through Adventure on the High Seas

For those who prefer the open ocean and the feeling of adventure on the high seas, there are plenty of indo777 sailing-inspired slot games to enjoy. These games often feature images of majestic ships, treasure maps, and pirate symbols. With themes that hark back to the golden age of piracy or the thrill of sailing into unknown waters, these slots capture the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Games like “Pirate’s Fortune” and “Treasure Island” are great examples of sailing slot games that take you on a journey filled with riches, danger, and excitement. The symbols often include pirate ships, cannons, and even the famous Jolly Roger flag. Many of these games also come with free spins and multipliers, giving you a chance to win big as you navigate through the sea.

Water Thrills: Surf, Swim, and Splash Your Way to Big Wins

If you’re more into the adrenaline rush of water sports, there are ocean-themed slot games that capture that action-packed vibe. Whether it’s surfing the big waves, riding jet skis, or swimming with dolphins, these games bring the fun and excitement of water sports right to your screen. With vibrant visuals and fast-paced gameplay, these games keep the action flowing.

Games like “Beach Party” or “Surf’s Up!” bring the surf culture to life, offering players the chance to ride the waves toward massive payouts. With symbols like surfboards, beach balls, and sun-soaked beaches, these slots create a lighthearted atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re on a vacation.

Features That Make Ocean-Themed Slots So Engaging

Ocean adventures in slot games come with a variety of features that make them stand out. Here are some of the most exciting elements that players can expect to find:

1. Bonus Rounds and Free Spins

Most ocean-themed slot games come with engaging bonus rounds and free spins. For example, some diving slots feature bonus games where you dive deeper into the ocean to uncover hidden prizes, while others offer free spins triggered by certain symbols like sharks or treasure chests.

2. Wild and Scatter Symbols

Wild symbols, which substitute for other symbols to form winning combinations, are commonly found in ocean-themed slots. For example, a dolphin might act as a wild symbol, while a ship’s anchor could be a scatter symbol that triggers free spins or a bonus round.

3. Progressive Jackpots

Some of the best ocean-themed slot games also feature progressive jackpots. These games can offer huge payouts, making the thrill of playing even more exciting. The more you play, the bigger the potential payout, and it’s always exciting to think that you could be the next player to hit the jackpot while sailing the seas or diving to treasure-laden depths.

4. Immersive Sound Effects and Graphics

Nothing makes an ocean adventure feel more real than immersive sound effects and stunning visuals. High-quality graphics and ambient sounds—like the sound of waves crashing, dolphins calling, or seagulls flying overhead—make these slots feel like you’re actually on the water. Many games even have 3D graphics, giving you a fully immersive experience.

Why You Should Dive into Ocean-Themed Slots

Whether you’re an avid ocean lover or just someone who enjoys a fun and engaging slot game, ocean-themed slots offer something for everyone. With their exciting graphics, immersive soundtracks, and the potential for big wins, these games provide a refreshing change from the usual slots.

So, grab your virtual scuba gear or hoist the sails, and dive into the world of ocean-themed slot games. Whether you’re exploring shipwrecks, sailing the high seas, or riding the waves, you’re sure to find a game that takes you on the ultimate ocean adventure!