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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

Discovering Major Toto Sites: A Beginner’s Guide to Safe Online Gaming

Published

11 hours ago

September 14, 2024

sylvia J

Welcome to our guide on Toto sites! These sites are special places on the internet where people can bet on sports and play games. They are very popular because they offer lots of fun and excitement. In this article, we’ll show you how to find and use major Toto sites safely. We’ll start by explaining what 토토사이트 are and why they’re important. Then, we’ll help you learn how to pick the best ones so you can have fun without worry. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Toto sites together!

Understanding Toto Sites

Simply put, Toto sites are online platforms where you can bet on sports games and play various other games. They have become a favorite spot for many who enjoy adding a bit of excitement to their game watching.

Now, why are Toto sites so loved? Firstly, they make watching sports more thrilling because you can predict the results and maybe win something if you guess right. This is not just about luck; it’s also about knowing the games and teams well. So, it mixes fun with a little bit of skill.

Another reason Toto sites are popular is their convenience. You can join in the fun right from your home using a computer or even on the go with your phone. This means you don’t have to be at a game or a betting place to participate. As a result, anyone with internet access can try their luck or skill anytime and anywhere. This easy access has helped Toto sites attract a vast crowd of users from all over the world, making them a major part of online gaming.

Types of Toto Sites

Major Toto sites are known for their strong security, wide variety of games, and solid reputation. They are like the big players in the game, trusted by lots of users.

On the other hand, there are smaller Toto sites. These might not have the same level of security or the variety of games that the major ones offer. This difference is crucial because when you’re betting or playing online, you want to be sure that your information and money are safe.

So, what sets 메이저사이트 apart? Firstly, they often have certifications and licenses that make them safe to use. They use strong technology to protect your data and make sure nobody can cheat. Plus, these sites usually offer more games, from sports betting to different types of online games, giving you lots of options to choose from.

By comparing these features, you can see why Major Toto sites are generally a safer and more enjoyable choice for online gaming enthusiasts. This helps explain their popularity and why many players prefer them over others.

How to Identify Safe Toto Sites

How to spot safe Toto sites, which is crucial for anyone wanting to enjoy online gaming without risks. First off, good Toto sites should have strong security features. For example, they should use things like SSL certificates, which help keep your information secure when you’re online.

Furthermore, a safe Toto site will also offer secure ways to handle money. This means they’ll have safe methods for you to deposit and withdraw money without worries. Also, they’ll be clear about any fees or rules about your money, so there are no surprises.

Another big sign of a safe site is a good reputation. This means other players trust the site and have had good experiences there. You can find out about a site’s reputation by reading reviews or asking other gamers in forums. Good reviews are often a strong indicator that a site plays fair and treats its users well.

Lastly, check that the site follows local laws, which helps ensure they’re operating legally and ethically. By keeping an eye out for these features, you can feel more confident about where you choose to play and bet.

Benefits of Using Major Toto Sites

One of the biggest advantages is their reliability. Since these sites have good security and follow the rules, you can trust them with your games and money. This means you won’t have to worry about whether the games are fair or if your winnings will be paid out.

Moreover, major Toto sites offer a wide variety of games. Whether you like sports betting or playing different online games, these sites have lots of options. This variety is great because it means you can always find something new and exciting to play. You’re not stuck with the same few choices.

Also, because these sites are well-known, they often have large communities of players. This can make gaming more enjoyable, as you have the chance to meet and interact with other people who share your interests. Plus, with more players, the games and prizes can be even bigger and better.

Lastly, using a major Toto site usually means better customer service. If you have any problems or questions, these sites often have quick and helpful support to assist you. This makes your gaming experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Common Risks on Toto Sites

One major risk is scams. These are tricks that bad people use to steal your money or personal information. To stay safe, always use Toto sites that are well-known and have good reviews. Also, never share your private details, like your password, with anyone.

Another risk involves legal issues. Some Toto sites might not follow the laws of your country, which can cause problems for you. It’s very important to use sites that respect the rules where you live. This way, you can enjoy gaming without worrying about breaking the law.

Also, some sites might not be honest about your chances of winning or the rules of the games. Always read the rules carefully and understand the odds before you play or bet. This helps you make better decisions and keeps the game fair.

Lastly, always remember that even on safe sites, it’s important to play responsibly. Don’t spend more money than you can afford, and take breaks if you need to. This keeps gaming fun and safe for everyone.

Summary

Remember that using major Toto sites can be a lot of fun and very exciting. We’ve learned how to choose safe sites, understand their benefits, and avoid common risks. Always make sure the sites you use have good security, honest games, and a strong reputation. Also, it’s important to play responsibly, keeping track of your time and money. By following these tips, you can enjoy gaming safely and have a great time. So, take what you’ve learned, choose wisely, and enjoy the thrilling world of Toto sites!

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How to Get Free Money from Toto: Easy Steps for Everyone

Published

20 hours ago

September 14, 2024

sylvia J

What is Free Money?

꽁머니is when you get money without spending any of your own. It is often a reward or bonus that you can use, and it helps you try new things without risking your own cash. Many online platforms, like Toto, offer free money to attract new players or reward loyal users. For example, Toto gives away free money as a bonus for people who sign up or take part in certain games. This is a great way to explore the platform while still having fun. However, it’s important to understand how it works and follow the rules. Sometimes, there are conditions you need to meet before you can use the free money. So, while it sounds exciting, make sure you know all the details to avoid any surprises later. Free money can really help you start playing without worry!

How to Get Toto Free Money 10000

Getting Toto free money 10000 is super simple and fun! First, you need to sign up on the Toto website or app. After that, you may need to follow some easy steps, like playing a game or joining a promotion. Once you do this, Toto gives you free money, which can be up to 10000 points! This free money lets you play games without using your own money, which is really exciting. Plus, it’s a great way to learn how the platform works. However, make sure you read the rules before you start, as there might be some conditions to meet before you can fully use the free money. This offer helps new players feel more comfortable while they explore all the fun games Toto has to offer. So, take your chance and enjoy the bonus to start your gaming journey!

Getting More: Toto Free Money 30000

토토 꽁머니 30000 is another amazing offer that gives you even more to play with! To claim this bonus, you may need to complete a few extra tasks, such as playing more games or joining special events. Once you meet these simple steps, Toto rewards you with free money worth 30000 points! This larger amount of free money lets you explore more games and try out different ways to win without using your own money. It is a fantastic opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the platform more. However, always make sure to check the terms so you know exactly how to get and use this bonus. It’s important to follow the steps carefully, so you don’t miss out. This free money helps you enjoy the fun for a longer time, and who knows, you might even win big with it!

Bigger Rewards: Toto Free Money 50000

Toto free money 50000 is the biggest bonus you can get! To receive this generous reward, you might need to complete some special tasks, such as playing specific games or joining exclusive promotions. Once you have done everything required, Toto will reward you with 50000 points in free money! With this much free money, you can try even more games, giving you a better chance to win big without using your own cash. However, it’s important to understand the rules before you claim this offer, as there may be certain conditions you must follow to use the bonus fully. But once you have it, the fun really begins! The larger amount lets you enjoy the games for longer and gives you more chances to explore different strategies. So, take advantage of this awesome offer and dive into the exciting world of Toto with your free 50000 points!

Important Tips and Safety

When trying to get free money, staying safe is very important. Many websites offer free money, but some might not be trustworthy. This is why it’s always better to use a trusted site like Toto. First, always make sure you are on the real website before entering any personal details. Second, don’t share your password with anyone, as it can put your account at risk. Also, be careful of offers that seem too good to be true, because they might be scams. It’s always a good idea to read the rules before claiming any bonus, so you know what to expect. Taking small steps like these will help you avoid problems while enjoying free money. In the end, protecting your account and following the right steps will make sure you have fun and stay safe while using Toto’s free money offers.

Conclusion

Toto’s free money offers are a fantastic way to enjoy playing games without using your own money. Starting with smaller amounts, like 10000, and working your way up to 50000 points can help you understand the platform and have more fun. Always remember to follow the rules and stay safe while claiming these bonuses. By taking advantage of these offers, you can explore more games, learn new strategies, and maybe even win big! So, make the most of these free money opportunities and enjoy a fun, risk-free gaming experience on Toto!

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Beware the Bets: How to Spot Scam Sites in the World of Baccarat and Casinos

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2024

sylvia J

How to Spot Scam Sites in the World of Baccarat and Casinos

Introduction

Baccarat is a fun card game often played in casinos, big places where people go to try their luck at different games. At these spots, you can find games like Baccarat and many others that offer excitement and the chance to win prizes. Nowadays, not only can you play these games in big buildings called casinos, but you can also play them online, right from your home. However, while playing online is convenient, it’s important to make sure the website is safe and fair. This guide will help you learn how to enjoy Baccarat and other games online without worrying about being tricked.

Understanding Scam Sites

A scam site is a tricky website that tries to fool people into thinking it’s a real place to play games like Baccarat online. Unfortunately, these fake sites can trick players into losing money or giving away personal information. So, it’s really important to know how to spot these bad sites.

Firstly, if a website looks poorly made with strange images and hard-to-read text, be cautious. Also, legitimate sites will clearly explain the rules of the games and how you can get your winnings. If the site makes this hard to understand or seems too complicated, it might not be safe.

Secondly, a big red flag is if the site doesn’t show any proof of having a license from a proper authority. Real casinos are always registered with gaming authorities that make sure everything is fair and safe.

Moreover, you should look at what other people say about the site. Online reviews can tell you a lot. If you see many bad comments or stories about people losing money unfairly, it’s best to stay away.

Lastly, always remember to be careful. Just like in any game, the goal is to have fun safely. By knowing these signs, you can protect yourself from 먹튀사이트 and enjoy playing your favorite games online.

How to Verify a Casino’s Legitimacy

When you want to play games like Baccarat online, it’s crucial to check if the casino is legitimate. This means making sure the site is safe and follows the rules. Here’s how you can do that:

First, look for information about the casino’s license. Legitimate casinos are usually licensed by gaming authorities that make sure the games are fair and that the casino acts responsibly. You can often find this information at the bottom of the website.

Next, read reviews from other players. This can give you a good idea of what to expect. If most people have had a positive experience and say the casino pays out winnings properly, that’s a good sign.

Also, check how long the casino has been around. Older casinos that have been operating for years are often more reliable than brand new ones. This isn’t always the case, but it can help you feel more secure.

Moreover, look at the customer service options. A trustworthy casino should offer ways for you to get help if you need it, like a phone number, email, or live chat. Good customer service shows that the casino cares about its players.

By following these steps, you can feel safer about where you choose to play online.

Safe Practices for Online Gambling

When playing games like Baccarat online, it’s important to follow safe practices to protect yourself and your money. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

First, always set a budget for how much money you can spend on games. This helps you avoid spending too much. Stick to this limit no matter what, even if you think you’re about to win big.

Secondly, make sure to use secure ways to pay and get money from the site. Options like credit cards, PayPal, or other trusted online payment systems are usually safe. These methods also let you track your money easily if something goes wrong.

Additionally, never share your personal information like your password or bank details with others. Keep this information private to protect yourself from people who might try to steal from you.

Also, it’s a good idea to keep records of all your games and transactions. If you ever have a problem or question, these records can help you figure out what happened.

Finally, playing games online should be fun, not stressful. By following these tips, you can enjoy playing safely and avoid problems. This way, you focus more on having a good time.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you think a website where you’re playing games like Baccarat might be a 먹튀사이트, it’s important to know what to do next. Here’s how you can handle this situation safely and smartly:

Firstly, stop putting more money into the site. It’s important to protect what you have until you figure out if the site is truly dishonest.

Next, you can report the site to the authorities. Many countries have specific departments that handle complaints about online scams. Reporting the site can help protect other people from falling into the same trap.

Also, reach out to the website’s customer service if it’s available. Explain your concerns clearly and ask for their help. Sometimes, problems are just misunderstandings that can be solved easily.

Moreover, share your experience online in forums or review sites. This can warn other players about the potential risks of the site.

Finally, if you have lost money, consider talking to your bank or payment service. They might be able to help you get some of your money back.

By taking these steps, you can handle a bad situation more wisely and help others do the same.

Conclusion

Playing games like Baccarat online should be fun and safe. Remember to always check if a casino is trustworthy before you start playing. Use the tips we’ve discussed to spot scam sites and protect yourself. Also, keep your personal information private and only use secure payment methods. If something seems wrong, don’t hesitate to report it and share your experience to help others. By being careful and following these guidelines, you can enjoy your online gaming experience without worries. So, go ahead, play wisely, and have a great time!