Scott Derricksons The Gorge is a gripping blend of sci-fi, action, and romance, grounded by an intense, isolated setting that plays a crucial role in the story. Bringing this unique environment to life was a significant challenge, one taken on by two principal visual effects houses: DNEG and Framestore. We spoke with two of the films VFX supervisors from DNEG, Anelia Asparuhova and Sebastian Von Overheidt, to explore the complexity of constructing The Gorges visually arresting world. Crafting The Gorge: A Character in ItselfThe gorge isnt just a backdrop, says Asparuhova. Its almost like a character in the film. The secluded, seemingly impenetrable landscape serves as both a prison and a battleground for the protagonists, Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy), who are stationed on opposite sides.The films production team had a general concept of the gorges design early on, but it was up to DNEG to bring it to life in a way that felt both realistic and visually striking. We had a previous model based on some scans from Norway, Asparuhova explains. Theres a website where you can download the entire country as a CG scan. We took inspiration from Norways gorges but wanted a more Central European look, incorporating references from Greece and Bulgaria.To ensure scientific credibility, the team even consulted geologists. We wanted to make sure that every rock formation, tree, and feature made sense geologically, adds Von Overheidt. Even though the gorge isnt real, we wanted it to feel real. Making the Gorge InescapableThe gorges geography had to support the films narrative constraints. Why couldnt the characters simply walk around it? Why was it so impossible to escape? We had an explanation, Asparuhova says. Thats why we placed a massive waterfall on one side and a sheer rock wall on the other. These choices not only reinforced the narrative but also posed technical challenges. One of the biggest was conveying scale. When you start building environments in CG, they can often feel miniature, Asparuhova points out. We had to add layers of detail, especially fog, depth haze, and we even added some CG birds (an age old VFX trick!), to emphasize the scale. Photorealistic Lighting and Optical DepthA key element in grounding The Gorge in reality was achieving the right depth of field and optical qualities. Even today, I see car shots where the depth of focus outside the window feels off, notes Von Overheidt, a former compositor. Its something you instinctively feel as wrong, even if you cant articulate why.Von Overheidts experience played a crucial role in nailing these subtle but vital elements. We analyzed reference photography, carefully studied bokeh shapes, and matched depth-of-field characteristics to real lenses, he explains. Different cameras and lenses have distinct looks, and we wanted to maintain that authenticity. Towers, Zip Lines, and Drone BattlesThough The Gorge relied on practical sets for certain key locations, much of its environment was CG-enhanced or fully digital. The production built partial sections of the towers, including their bases and tops, but the midsections were entirely CG. We had to seamlessly integrate practical elements with digital extensions, Asparuhova explains. The films action sequences required extensive VFX work. We handled the zip line sequence, the skydiving scenes, and the quadcopter chase through the forest, Von Overheidt says. Even in shots where the actors were filmed in real locations, we often had to extend the environment into the distance to maintain continuity. Drones played a major role in the film, serving both as surveillance tools and deadly weapons. I handled the smaller drones, says Asparuhova, while Seb worked on the more aggressive, heavily armed ones. Von Overheidt adds, The art department provided a model, but we beefed it up, making it look more tactical, with larger weapons and a more menacing silhouette. The Climactic Explosion: Destroying the GorgeThe film culminates in a devastating nuclear explosion, a sequence that required intricate effects work. We looked at real nuclear test footage, Asparuhova reveals. Its eerie, but incredibly useful reference material.One of the biggest challenges was adapting real-world nuclear explosion dynamics to the gorges enclosed space. In real tests, the shockwave expands outward across a flat surface, she explains. But our explosion was hundreds of meters below the ground, contained by the gorge walls.This unique setup influenced how the shockwave behaved. Instead of purely radiating outward, it funneled up and out, she says. Thats why you see that distinctive lifting effect at the edges.Von Overheidt highlights the importance of layers in achieving realism. We had pre-shockwave smoke, then the destructive shockwave itself, which flattens the trees and crumbles the towers, and then the big blast, he describes. It wasnt just one big explosionit was a sequence of events.Seamless Digital Doubles and Stunt TransitionsOne of the most demanding character effects was Drasas parachute jump into the gorge. The beginning of her run was practical, but the jump itself transitioned into a full-CG double, Von Overheidt says. It had to be seamlessmatching costume folds, hair sim, everything.Unlike purely technical challenges, this was about maintaining the illusion of physicality. Ive worked on other free-fall sequences before, like Uncharted, he adds. Getting the acceleration and terminal velocity to feel right was crucial. A Cohesive VisionDespite the scope and complexity of the VFX, the films visual style remained consistent. For the most part, the creative vision was locked in early, says Asparuhova. There were minor reshoots, but nothing that drastically changed the edit. Von Overheidt agrees. We had a clear roadmap, which helped keep things cohesive across our teams in North America and Europe.Ultimately, The Gorge showcases the power of VFX in storytelling, not just as a means of spectacle but as a way to shape the world in which characters struggle and connect. Whether through vast landscapes, heart-pounding action, or intimate lighting nuances, the work ensures that The Gorge feels as immersive as it is thrilling.

Hey everyone. In Niagara I have a beam emitter and I have so far been unable to figure out how to spawn other emitters from the beam end. I feel like this will probably need a blueprint, but the only tutorial I saw online involves attaching the beam end to a sphere. The beam end will be variable, but I do not know what logic the programmer will use for this. Any advice in accomplishing this will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic

Husband-and-wife architects Nick and Brittany Hunt know about living small. In 2018, they purchased a 1940s bungalow in Austins storied Bryker Woods neighborhood, but the 1,275-square-foot home began to feel tight as their family and business grew. Instead of moving, they built a light-filled 400-square-foot ADU in the backyard, now home to Hunt Architecture, their shared design practice. Three years later, the Hunts took on a new challenge: replacing their main house. We had done different iterations of how to add on, but it wasnt a smart move to put more money into it, especially given the homes faulty foundation, Nick said. Committed to reusing the structure, the couple arranged for the original bungalow to be relocated and reassembled through the nonprofit The ReUse People, which found a buyer in nearby Smithville, Texas.The rear of the house opens to a deck that steps down to the ADU, where Hunt Architecture offices. (Casey Woods)The Hunts then designed a ground-up, 2,040-square-foot home for the property. It was completed in November 2023. The site drops 6 feet from front to back, which presented a challenge. The new house mediates the grade change, Nick explained. Now, the transition to the ADU, accessed through a lushly landscaped yard, feels cohesive. Inside the new home, the 3-bedroom, 2-bath layout is organized using a spine of circulation that sorts public and private space: A combined kitchendining roomliving room on one side, and bedrooms, bathrooms, a playroom, and a mud room on the other. High ceilings10 feet in the kitchen and dining area and, down foursteps, 12.5 feet in the living roomgive thehouse a feeling of airiness. When you walk in,it looks like every other house in terms of scale, but its much more gracious, Brittany said.The combined kitchen and dining room inside the main house. (Lindsay Brown)Natural light was top-of-mind. The main house is flooded with light, largely thanks to a series of three carved-out skylights that runs atop the central walkway above articulated beams. Another move, a shower cathedral in the primary bathroom, includes sculpted plaster walls that lead up to a skylight, Nick said. Its a very peaceful place to be, with the way the light hits the plaster when its lit by the moon.The living room, along with the kitchen and dining room, are kept separate from the bedrooms by a spine of circulation that sorts private and public space. (Lindsay Brown)The design also attempts to eliminate wasted space, and throughout, clever storage solutions discourage clutter. We planned whereeverything would go, down to the kids art suppliesand Christmas wrapping, she said. The homes built-in features, such as the sofa that doubles as a divider and side table, also save space. In a house this small, every element has to work overtime, Brittany said. Its fun to try things weve never done before and show clients how they can think outside the box. By designing and building their home and office, the Hunts were able to create spaces that not only reflect their passion and breadth of work but inspire visiting clients to embrace bolder choices, something Brittany has called an unexpected delight. By using our home as a teaching tool, were showing whats possible when you push the limits of residential architecture, she said.The kitchen features 10-foot ceilings. (Lindsay Brown)The project showcases the Hunts commitment to honest materials like limestone, castin- place concrete, and marble accents, which establish a timeless, tactile quality. Facade finishes like brick from Old Texas Brick and clear vertical cedar siding, delivered raw and stained on site, add warmth, while custom steel windows on the ADU are visual connectors to the large openings in the main house. We didnt design the back house to influence the front, but they are related in a less obvious waymore like cousins than siblings, Brittany explained. For Nick, maintaining a connection to the historic neighborhood was essential. We felt a significant responsibility to design something that both fit seamlessly into the neighborhood and reflected our own aesthetic, he said.The plan sorts public rooms to the left of a hall and private rooms to the right. (Courtesy Hunt Architecture)Ultimately, the Hunts compound reflects their lifestyle and their unified architectural approach. People joke that building a house together is a test, Nick said. But we do this all day for clients, so it was easier for us. Were aligned on design, furnishings, and whats important. Brittany added: For us, this project wasnt just about creating a house. It was about making a home that works for how we live.Project SpecificationsArchitect: Hunt ArchitectureLandscape design: Studio BalconesInterior design: Hunt ArchitectureStructural engineer: RDHammond Consulting & EngineeringGeneral contractor: Enve BuildersWindows: Marvin Elevate, Sierra PacificDoors: Precision Steel, Sierra PacificRoofing: Precision RoofingFixtures: J&L HardwareAppliances: Fisher & Paykel

Preservation Detroit, the citys oldest and largest preservation organization, is pushing back against recently announced demolition plans for Tower 300 and Tower 400 in John Portmans General Motors Renaissance Center (RenCen). The RenCen consists of seven towers, of which GM owns the original five. In a recently issued statement from the board and staff, Preservation Detroit urged the City of Detroit to protect RenCen, citing the buildings significant place in Detroits civic and architectural history. The statement, co-signed by Docomomo_US/MI; the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN); and the National Organization of Minority Architects, Detroit (NOMA), comes after a new plan was announced by GM, Bedrock, and Genslers Detroit office to tear down two of Renaissance Centers original towers and replace them with three new smaller ones.A new plan by Gensler and Field Operations would tear down two RenCens original towers and replace them with three new smaller ones. (Courtesy Bedrock and Gensler)While we understand that only two towers are currently being considered for demolition, we believe this decision would have a lasting negative impact on the City, the statement read. The RenCen is a unique and integral part of Detroits civic and architectural history, prominently featured in images of our downtown skyline and nearly as recognizable as the Old English D.While the mammoth, Portmanian complex has been the subject of both positive and negative discourse, RenCen is undeniably a distinguished portion of the skyline in Michigans largest city. When the hotel tower opened in 1977, it set the world record for being the tallest hotel building. At 727 feet, the central tower still holds the record for being the tallest building in Michigan. The complex represents a significant time in Detroits history. In the aftermath of the 1967 Detroit Uprising, a group of 26 civic leaders in Detroit led by Henry Ford II formed a coalition called Detroit Renaissance. The first building, completed in 1976, was the result of plans for a project that would set the city on a road to revitalization. Even now, the city has been in a consistent state of development, but perhaps it is turning around too quickly.There is a precedent for the case of adaptive reuse in Detroit. Last year, the once abandoned Michigan Central Station was restored by Quinn Evans Architects after Ford Motor Company purchased the building seven years ago.For General Motors and Bedrock, the project backers, removing the two towers is a logical step for reducing the footprint of the office space far less utilized in a post-pandemic economy. However, the Preservation District sees it differently. In its letter of opposition, the Preservation District notes that new developments point to a renovation boom. Additionally, it notes that there are current and anticipated housing shortages in Michigan alongside previously identified hotel-room deficits within the city center.The Preservation District also presents concerns from a sustainable perspective. Demolition would negate the amount of labor and energy used in the buildings original construction.

From a performance by the Bavarian Junior BalletWatch the Brilliant Ballet that Brought Dance to the Bauhaus MovementMarch 3, 2025Grace EbertGiven the emphasis on functionality and design for industrial production, the Bauhaus movement is rarely associated with disciplines like dance. But for Oskar Schlemmer (1888-1943), translating its principles into movement and performance was as compelling as a well-conceived chair or building.In the last century, the Bauhaus has indelibly shaped our modern built environments and the ways we think of the relationship between form and function (it even inspired conceptual cookbooks). German architectWalter Gropiusfounded the school in 1919 in Weimar, Germany, with the intention of uniting architecture, fine arts, and crafts. The school focused on minimalism and creating for the social good and involved artists and designers like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Lszl Moholy-Nagy, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, and Anni and Josef Albers.Costume designs for the Triadic Ballet. Courtesy of Harvard Art MuseumsThe Master of Form at the Bauhaus theatre workshop, Schlemmer was a painter, sculptor, and choreographer responsible for the under-known Triadic Ballet, a striking, playful dance structured around groups of three. Debuted in 1922, the avant-garde production comprises three colorsyellow, pink or white, and blackand three costume shapesthe square, circle, and triangle.Building on multiples of three, says an explanation from MoMA, transcended the egotism of the individual and dualism of the couple, emphasizing the collective.In true Bauhaus form, the idea was to eliminate the decorative frills associated with ballet, including tutus that allow bodies to bend, twist, and explore a full range of mobility. Instead, Schlemmers costumes restrict movement and add a modern quality as dancers appear stifled and almost mechanical, a nod to the movements focus on accessibility through mass production and turning art into industry.Several of Schlemmers illustrations for the ballet are available online, including his bizarre sculptural costume designs with wide, bubbly skirts and vibrantly striped sleeves. MoMAs collections contain a print titled Figures in Space, which reveals one of the performances foremost preoccupations: how bodies move and interact in space.As seen in a fully colorized film of the dance from the 1970s, the dancers are incredibly deliberate as they navigate sparse sets with clean lines. Open Culture notes that they appear almost like pantomimes or puppets with figures in awkward costumes tracing various shapes around the stage and each other.A few years back, Great Big Story created a video visiting the Bavarian Junior Ballet as it prepared for a performance. The costumes are faithful to Schlemmers vision and retain the rigid geometries and bright palettes. As noted by director Ivan Lika, the strange attire combined with the jilted, robotic choreography often leaves the audience laughing. Its very successful because the audience cant believe this is 100 years old, he says. There you see the visionary power of Oskar Schlemmer.Triadic Ballet is rarely reproduced, but Bavarian Junior Ballet will bring the work back to the stage this June to celebrate its 15th anniversary. And if youre in New York, you can see one of Schlemmers studies in Living in the Age of the Machine at MoMA. Its also worth exploring The Oskar Schlemmer Theatre Estate and Archives, which boasts a trove of archival imagery and drawings on its website.From a performance by the Bavarian Junior BalletSome of the original costumesNext article

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETApple finally rolled out a new entry-level phone in the iPhone 16e. The three-year gap from the previous model release gave Apple time to implement a big refresh, including the addition of Apple Intelligence, supported by the A18 chipset, an Apple modem, a larger battery capacity, more storage options, and Face ID, to name a few.The best part -- it is all packaged into a $599 price tag, hundreds of dollars cheaper than the baseiPhone 16 model.Also: Best of MWC 2025: The 7 most impressive products you don't want to missTo find out how the iPhone 16e compares to the rest of the lineup, I switched out my iPhone 16 Pro, which I have been using every day since its release in September, for the iPhone 16e. My findings: I am equally as impressed as I am surprised. I will go in-depth below.1. The software ft. Apple Intelligence Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETFrom the software standpoint, the iPhone 16e delivers everything it promises. The transition from the iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone 16e was absolutely seamless because both have the same silicon, which allows them to run the latest iOS to its full capacity, including all of the Apple Intelligence features.This means that despite the lower price tag and not having as many GPU cores as other A18 variants in the iPhone 16 lineup, the iPhone 16e still enabled me to access all of the same Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools, Notification Summaries, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, Clean Up, and my favorite, Genmoji.Also: Best of MWC 2025: The 7 most impressive products you don't want to missMost importantly, when the full suite of Apple Intelligence features rolls out, iPhone 16e users will have access to it in its entirety. Users with an iPhone 15 model or lower cannot access it.Apple Intelligence is meant to be a "personal intelligence" system grounded in your personal information and context. It can retrieve data from across your apps and reference the content on your screen. iPhone 16e users will have access to this advanced assistance while still saving a couple of hundred dollars on the initial device. However, don't make your buying decision on this factor alone, as it may be a while until Siri 2.0 rolls out with a Bloomberg report placing the release as far as 2027. 2. Cameras (or lack of) Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETThe front camera of the iPhone 16e is the same as the other iPhone 16 lineup: a 12MP front-facing camera, meaning that your selfies will be exactly the same. However, a quick glance at the back of the iPhone 16e reveals that the camera system is significantly more primitive than that of the iPhone 16 Pro.Also: Visible will give you the new iPhone 16e for free. Here's how.The iPhone 16e features a 48MP wide camera on the back with an integrated 2x Telephoto, which, although an upgrade from the previous model, might be a deal-breaker for photo enthusiasts. As expected, I found that the iPhone 16 Pro's dualcamera system produces more polished photos than the 16e's dual-functioning camera. My biggest struggle has been not having the 12MP Ultra Wide camera, which I constantly use on the iPhone 16 Pro to take .5x photos.Because of the lower-grade camera, some of the more advanced features found on iPhone 16 Pro, such as shooting ProRaw or cinematic video, are unavailable. However, the smartphone can still take beautiful photos, so if you are not looking to take the highest-quality photos and just want to capture memories, this is still a solid option.3. Missing Dynamic Island/Camera Control Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETThe biggest difference in the form factor of the iPhone 16e, other than the slightly smaller 6.1-inch size, is the lack of a Dynamic Island and Camera Control button. Even though the lack of these two elements makes it look more like the iPhone 14 and, therefore, a bit dated, their absence didn't impact my day. In fact, it made me think about when I use either of the features, and the answer is rarely.On the iPhone 16 Pro, I do enjoy using the Camera Control button to open the camera and snap photos more conveniently without having to click the shutter button in the middle of the screen. However, because the iPhone 16e includes a Control Button, all I did was map the camera to it and was able to use it the same way I rely on Camera Control.Also: Missing MagSafe on your iPhone 16e? Here's how to easily add it: 2 waysA much less notable, but more impactful difference was the absence of MagSafe. Even though it is a tiny difference, it became evident to me when I tried using my portable charger MagSafe charger and it wouldn't snap onto the back. However, there are workarounds, such as attachable magnets or a MagSafe-compatible case.4. The crisp display Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETI am chronically online, so my weekend with the iPhone 16e included watching YouTube videos and scrolling on TikTok for hours. My viewing experience on the iPhone 16e was not noticeably any different than that on the iPhone 16 Pro, which is impressive for the price point.The Super Retina XDR display isn't much smaller, coming in at 6.1-inch compared to the 6.3-inch of the iPhone 16 Pro. The visuals featured rich, vibrant colors and deep contrast. The iPhone 16e also has a peak brightness output of 1,028 nits, which, although less than that found on the iPhone 16 Pro, allows for a pleasant viewing experience, even when in direct sunlight outside.All things considered, the display is one of the biggest improvements from the iPhone SE 2022 which had a Retina HD 4.7-inch display with a peak brightness output of 625 nits.Honorable MentionsThe iPhone 16e has some other compelling features not mentioned above, including:Its light weight: Having a phone in my back pocket as light as the iPhone 16e is so refreshing after carrying around much heavier models for years. The iPhone 16e weighs 5.88 ounces (167 grams), and the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 7.03 ounces (199 grams). Of course, the compromise of a lightweight, less expensive model is that it has it has a glass back opposed to the Pro's titanium.Apple C1 Modum:The iPhone 16e also features Apple's first in-house 5G modem, the Apple C1. This modem is a step away from the traditional Qualcomm processor and is meant to grant users a fast and reliable 5G connection. In the long run, it should optimize battery life. In my experience, my service has been exactly the same, which is the intended goal.Battery Life: The iPhone 16e offers up to 26 hours of video playback, which is the metric Apple uses to measure battery life. This means that older model users will see a massive improvement. For example, iPhone 11 users will get six more hours of battery life with the upgrade. The iPhone 16 offers up to 26 hours of video playback, only a bit more.Overall, it is a solid phone for people willing to forgo some of the bells and whistles of the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup. From my testing, the biggest sacrifice will be the ultra-wide lens and advanced photography and videography features, but if you are not interested in photography, this may not be an issue for everyday shots.Featured reviews

Following its Unpacked unveiling in January, the company showcased the slimmed-down Galaxy S25 model in Barcelona.

Fallen London The Roleplaying game is currently on Kikstarter having raised over 800,000 USD as of ... [+] this writing.Magpie GamesIn 2009, a browser based text adventure game launched, luring players into a gloomy, fascinating world set around a fictional city swallowed by darkness. Fallen London captured the imaginations of millions with a combination of dark fantasy, gaslight horror and a grim sense of humor. The game remains free-to-play to this day and now offers mobile editions as well.Magpie Games recently launched a Kickstarter for a tabletop role playing game set in the same universe. Fans of the spooky setting can come together at the table to tell their tales of the Fifth City together. I spoke with CEO of Magpie Games, Mark Diaz Truman, about how the project came together and what the future looks like for fans of the Neath."A few years ago, Chris Gardiner (Narrative Director at Failbetter Games) approached [me] through a mutual RPG space about exploring the possibility of a Fallen London RPG," said Truman. Since we were already huge fans of Sunless Sea and the browser game, we were immediately interested but it turned out that we were a little preoccupied with a little project called Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Since were still a small company, we had to let Failbetter know we couldnt make it happen.The Avatar Legends Kickstarter raised over $9.5 million and massively changed Magpies focus as a company. The RPG has appeared in major retail chains like Target. The money raised also allowed an actual play featuring some of the original voice cast."But," said Truman. a few years later, our mutual schedules opened up and we took a look at what it would take to make a roleplaying game for Fallen London. We were immediately excited about the idea of celebrating the 15th anniversary of the browser game through a tabletop version that allowed fans to approach the Fifth City in a completely different way.Fallen London spun off into multiple games to tell the stories of the city. Sunless Sea and Sunless Skies allow players to explore the darkness outside the city while Mask Of The Rose allows players to explore the history of the game through a visual novel. Fallen London: The Roleplaying Game allows players to decide what they want to explore and what they are willing to give up to get it.We were interested in focusing on two major ideas: what drives a Fallen London protagonist, and what does it look like when a collection of Fallen London protagonists start working together. said Truman. The first is something that most Fallen London games deal with in one way or another. [These] Fallen London plotline all about the cost of pursuing your ambition to its final end. Emphasizing obsession as a core component of every PC in Fallen London: The Roleplaying Game means that every PC is defined by their drive, how it gives them strength and how it might cost them everything.Building game like this involves supporting beliefs and relationships with mechanics. Magpie is known for games that offer this kind of support. From Urban Shadows to Masks: A New Generation, their designs give dramatic decisions weight in the game space."The second is something that none of the Fallen London games have done in exactly the same way, though, and its something were very excited to explore with this tabletop roleplaying game. Having a full group, wherein none of the PCs is more 'the protagonist than another a true ensemble cast of obsessives is something new to the Fallen London space. Were very excited to explore the relationships, conflicts, and victories that arise from a whole group of characters pushing together toward a shared obsession, or pushing in different directions befitting their personal ideals."Fans who want to check out the rules now can do so in a couple of ways. A Quicktart is available on the Kickstarter page. The company also produced an Actual Play video featuring Ify Nwadiwe, Becca Scott, Jack de Quidt, and The Stupendium to show how the game is played.The different kinds of people in Fallen London were particularly exciting to include," said Truman. "both because they represent a varied medley of interesting character types, and because many havent yet been available for play. Were going to allow players to hit a wider variety of possible character types than has been offered before in Fallen London, including intelligent rats, people made of stone, and squid-faced people for starters. All of these character types are beloved by the fanbase, and this will be the first time they can be played.Longtime fans of Magpie know that many of their games use the Powered by the Apocalpyse (or PbtA) rules set. These rules are best known for quick character creation, fast resolution and short but intense campaigns. The designers decided to try something new for this setting.We love PbtA games, said Truman."and weve learned many lessons while working on so many. One of the most important lessons is about the overarching kind of story that PbtA serves best: wild, chaotic stories about things happening in rapid succession, demanding that the PCs react to changing circumstances. In the original PbtA game, Apocalypse World, the structure of play is often something like: The water source for your enclave has been poisoned by a strange mutant creature; youre going to run out of water in three days! What do you do? A problem arises that forces the PCs to get up and act. Then, in pursuing the solution to that problem, more problems arise. And on, and on, and on. There is rarely a quiet moment of peace; rarely do things fully slow down; and frequently, PCs are so on their backfoot that they are constantly just reacting, not pursuing their own ends. "Fallen London: The Roleplaying Game is on Kickstarter through March 13th, 2025. Digial products are currently slated for a Q2 2026 delivery. Phyisical products are projected for a Q3 2026 releaseWe are really excited to give fans and players the tools they need to share the Neath with friends and craft unique stories, said Truman.Portions of the Fallen London: The Roleplaying Game interview were lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Partners who make you feel safe are generous with their love, care and respect. Here are three ... [+] things they do that make them stand out.gettyRomantic connections are some of the closest we can have. We rely on our partners for a sense of warmth, belonging, comfort and safety. We trust them with our deepest fears and dreams and offer them our time, energy and love.When we feel secure with our partners, we dont have to question their love or commitment; instead, we can relax into the relationship, knowing that were valued and supported. But what do loving partners do to create this sense of safety for us?A 2024 study published in Annual Review of Psychology explored the factors that enhance a sense of trust and safety in relationships. Researchers found that partners who feel safe tend to show care and responsiveness in multiple meaningful ways.Here are three signs your partner makes you feel truly safe in your relationship, according to the study.1. They Are Deeply Affectionate With YouPhysical affection is one of the most fundamental ways partners communicate love and reassurance. According to attachment theory, people develop automatic associations between affectionate touch and emotional security in infancy through skin-to-skin contact with their caregivers. This developmental foundation carries over into adult relationships, where affectionate touch signals care, commitment and emotional availability.Researchers suggest that when romantic partners are more physically affectionate, people feel safer in their relationships. Affectionate touch enhances feelings of being valued, understood and supported. It also increases relationship satisfaction and makes conflicts easier to navigate. When you know that your partner is physically and emotionally present, youre more likely to feel secure enough to open up and connect deeply.Even small moments of physical contact, like a reassuring squeeze of the hand or a warm hug after a long day, can reinforce feelings of trust and intimacy. On the flip side, a lack of affectionate touch can sometimes create emotional distance, making one or both partners feel uncertain about the stability of the relationship.If you and your partner naturally seek out physical closeness and use touch to express care, its a strong indicator that you feel safe together.2. They Are Highly Responsive To Your NeedsAnother crucial sign that you feel truly safe with your partner is their responsiveness to your needs. Responsiveness means that your partner listens to you, validates your feelings and makes an effort to support you, even in moments where doing so may require personal sacrifice.Researchers suggest that people gauge how valued they are in a relationship based on how their partner behaves in situations where they have the choice to be responsive or unresponsive.When a partner prioritizes your well-beingwhether by celebrating your successes, supporting you through challenges or making compromises to meet your needsit sends a clear message that you are important to them, and that its safe to depend on them.When partners behave responsively, you feel more valued, which fosters greater trust, intimacy and commitment. On days when your partner is particularly attentive, you may find yourself feeling closer to them and more willing to invest in the relationship.Moreover, responsiveness isnt just about grand gestures; its often found in the smallest everyday interactions. Does your partner remember the little things that matter to you? Do they check in on how youre feeling? Do they acknowledge and appreciate your contributions to the relationship?A partners gratitude and appreciation for you, as well as their level of investment in the relationship can also enhance feelings of safety and commitment. If your partner consistently makes you feel heard, understood and cared for, its a powerful sign that you feel safe with them.3. You Have A Balanced Power DynamicA relationship where both partners share power and decision-making creates a strong sense of safety. When power is balanced, neither partner feels dominated or overlooked, and both individuals have an equal say in shaping the relationship. This mutual respect creates trust and ensures that both partners feel valued and heard.Researchers suggest that power imbalances in relationships can lead to feelings of insecurity, resentment and emotional disconnection, whereas a more equitable dynamic promotes emotional safety and long-term stability. In a balanced relationship, decisions are made together, responsibilities are shared fairly, and both partners feel empowered to express their needs without fear of dismissal or retaliation.In daily interactions in which people have less (versus greater) influence or control over their romantic partner than usualthat is, when they have diminished power in the relationshipthey feel acutely less accepted and protected or less safe, the researchers explain.However, when you know that your thoughts, feelings, and contributions matter just as much as your partners, you are more likely to feel safe being your true self. If you and your partner navigate challenges as a team and respect each others autonomy, its a strong indication that your relationship is built on a foundation of security and mutual trust.In prior research, the lead author of the 2024 study highlights how a fundamental aspect of relational security is not only having a trustworthy partner, but also allowing oneself to trust them.When individuals feel safe in their relationships, theyre more likely to seek closeness and deepen emotional bonds. However, those who are naturally less trusting may be more attuned to potential threats, often misinterpreting neutral or positive interactions as signals of danger.Relative to highly trusting people, less trusting people are more likely to overperceive threats to safety and are quicker to self-protect, the researchers explain. This heightened vigilance can lead to unnecessary self-protection, ultimately creating emotional distance.Consequently, experiencing true safety in a relationship requires a willingness to let our partners in. While a safe relationship provides the foundation for trust to grow, we must also take an active role in recognizing and accepting that safety. Connection and security can only deepen when we allow ourselves to be seen, supported and loved.When these elements are present, love feels like a safe place to land, rather than something to be constantly questioned or fought for.Are you satisfied with how safe and loved you feel in your relationship? Take this science-backed test to learn more: Relationship Satisfaction Scale

Key TakeawaysOn Wednesday, a group of 7 customers filed a lawsuit against Apple for falsely claiming three versions of its smartwatches to be carbon neutral.They said that if they knew beforehand that these watches werent exactly carbon neutral, they would have opted for other sustainable options.However, Apple stands by its claims that its watches are in fact carbon neutral.Apple is being sued by customers for falsely claiming that its smartwatches are carbon neutral.A complaint was filed on Wednesday in a California federal court by 7 buyers of green-tagged Apple Watches, i.e., the 9, SE, and Ultra 2 models. They said that had they known these watches were not actually carbon neutral, they wouldnt have bought them.Apples false advertising may lead [consumers] to choose its products over genuinely sustainable alternatives the complaintFor those who dont know, carbon neutral products mean that the company offsets the carbon emissions created during the creation of the product. However, in this case, the plaintiffs feel that Apples offset design is faulty, meaning it isnt properly removing the carbon emission.Therefore, the plaintiffs are seeking monetary compensation for damages (the amount is unspecified) and an injunction to stop Apple from marketing those three watches as carbon neutral.Apple seems to stand by its claims that its products are carbon neutral. Company spokesperson Sean Redding further added that theyre proud of their cutting-edge carbon reduction programs that have allowed them to innovate sustainably.As per him, Apple Watchs carbon emissions have been reduced by 75%. As for the remaining carbon emissions, they invest in nature-based projects that claim to remove thousands of metric tons of carbon from the environment.Now this is what the buyers have an issue with the remaining 25%. The company has invested in two forestry projects. The first is Kenyas Chyulu Hills Project, and the second is Chinas Guinan Project. Its worth noting that both these places were heavily covered by trees even before the project began.So, the buyers feel that this is no credit to Apple. The trees would have existed and continued to remove carbon even without Apples involvement or the projects existence. Hence, its not a genuine carbon offset.The company has promised to become completely carbon neutral by 2030, including its supply chain. So, an allegation like this really raises questions about how committed Apple is towards this goal.This is also not the first time that Apples carbon neutrality initiative has faced criticism. In 2023, the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs found that the carbon footprint of some of Apples suppliers was growing.Apples carbon footprint did reduce between 2021 and 2023, though, but it still churned out a whopping 16.1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions in 2023.All in all, the better way forward for the company would be to focus on carbon neutrality of its entire supply chain and shift from fossil fuels to green energy sources. As for Apples customers, the best way to support sustainability is to limit impulse buying and follow the reuse-recycle-reduce mantra.Read more: Apple pledges to invest $500B in the USAdd Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Amy Clark has extensive knowledge of the SaaS market. She started her journey managing and supporting the content at systeme.io before becoming a writer and then in-house managing editor for Techreport, where she manages the delivery and quality of the content, spanning reviews, comparisons, and buyer guides. When she's not advocating for animal rights, you'll find her lost in the world of video games. View all articles by Amy Clark Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.