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9/5 c22 Sandy
Review for Podcast.

We just LOVED this! This was so awesome, amazing and epic!

You really captured the feel of a Native American village, but made it part of the Fallout universe very well!
The bits with the little kids was just SO cute! Made us smile so much. The fact that Visa was so sweet and gentle to them will surely give her good marks with them, not to mention the rest of them. And also great how they said, even if enemies with the White Legs, killing their whole Tribe, let alone children, was not even remotely an option.

And boy, did Seven make one heck of a show with killing the White Legs leader. Here's a suggestion from me: They come to call Seven "Ghost Hand" for his abilities, and the Elders and Shaman may have legends and lore about such, and Seven may not have been the only person in the Wastelands to have that power. That's where myths and legends come from.

And it was so cute with Riss and Runs, and the bracelet he gave her, made by Soars With Eagles, that was so lovely and sweet.

I was excited you mentioned they have a blacksmith. I saw a real one a long time ago, and they kind of had a similar setup to what the Celts did: The bellows is two bags of leather, attached to a Y-shaped pipe of clay or metal that goes to the forge for an air blast. When one bag is empty, they press down the other while reinflating the other. The one I saw a young boy was the helper who ran the bellows. The anvil was a simple block of steel in an elm stump. They had stakes and forming tools set into another stump for when they needed to make curls and things. The blacksmith only needed three hammers: Cross peen, ball peen and sledge hammer, but did amazing work.

I remember they used sagebrush to fire it, and trust me, that stuff burns HOT! They used to use it for real in the 1800s to run blast furnaces in the Old West, and is grows like crazy everywhere in the Western US, so they would have a constant supply, and not need to cut down trees.
And I know they have some deposits of tin in Utah, so maybe they see the Dead Horses actually can make bronze, and use it for certain things, along with copper, silver and steel.

And a suggestion for Riss and Runs, from both of us: They take it slow, gentle and tender. Like if she sits in his lap, she holds his hands, intertwines her fingers with his, touches her forehead to his, and says how beautiful he is to her, how much she loves him. Go for the sweet. ;)

And for food, something I still love to this day is Fry Bread. They make it with honey in Runs area, and it is the most wonderful stuff you ever have tasted. They could make the oil for frying from corn and vegetables they raise, which the Ute really do in that area. Maybe Visa falls in love with fry bread and gets a bit of a sweet tooth for it.

Doug suggested a scene where they sit and talk with the Elders, Chief and their Shaman, and understand their history. Like maybe they have a very old book with pencil and ink, now hundreds of years old, how they once, long ago, lived on the Reservation, wore clothes like White Men, but after the bombs, they went back to the old ways, but with some new ways where needed.

And we also liked how they were distrustful of Seven as a White Man at first. Sad, but true, and not without warrant. But, of course, it's not right to judge anyone based on their race, species or skin color, and maybe the Shaman says then they would be no better than the bad, racist White Men of the past. "Judge them by the color of their deeds and spirit, not the color of their kin or fur," kind of thing.

And another weapon they have, is the War Club, and you can see some beautiful examples in museums. Some were long like a staff, others like a baton, but they all could kill with a good blow. Some had lead put into the head for more weight and power, and some were beautifully decorated. Their Chieftain might have a tall one decorated with feathers and beads.

And last, Doug suggested the Shaman might be able to help Seven remember at least a little of who he was with their rituals and mushrooms and things.
"The mind locks away uncomfortable things, deep in our minds. The effects of these mushrooms will unlock and open those parts of your mind." And the mushrooms are real, "Psilocybin", they're called, and might be more potent due to evolving in the Fallout world. Doug says when they are picked, they get small, blue spots from bruising, and have distinctive, flat wide caps. He also suggested they might help Seven use his powers without pain, or even make him more effective, but with the side effects that too much makes him hallucinate, so a very careful dose.
He suggested the Shaman might have tools with very precise marks to measure, like little spoons with marks engraved, or little holes in them to measure grains of herbs and that kind of thing. Shows they know what they are doing, and it's as much a science as mystical.

This was the best chapter yet, and we loved every minute of it! Wonderful.

-Sandy and Doug
9/5 c22 15CelfwrDderwydd
Review for podcast.

The latest chapter was the best yet. So rarely do Native Americans get the credit they deserve, or are shown in such an unflattering light, but you clearly did the research of the area and tribes and how they look, build and live. As someone who lives in those areas, I can say you get Ten Stars for that alone.
The buildings, the colors, the plants and trees, all of it is accurate to the Southern Ute, who would live in that area. There is some lovely videos online of Powwows and celebrations, of their music, language and culture, should you need for more.

I loved seeing them interacting with the children, that was just adorable. I also liked the mild tension, and how they were distrustful of Seven at first, but his actions spoke far louder than anything.

And WHAT action! Boy, the White Legs will be terrified of Seven after that. They may even call him a demon or other such words.
Another thing, is they have living horses, which is something you don't see anywhere else in the Fallout universe. This may be the only place in the US horses survive, and that is significant. I'd love to see more about that. ALSO, great you had they didn't kill or hurt their horses. Very nice on that, and maybe Gregory is one of those people turns out horses like. Could be cute to have some of the Tribe's horses follow him around, and some will lick your face like a dog, I can attest. :)

I also loved the scenes with Runs and Riss. They still need to find how they fit and work together, but their love is already shining bright. And the bracelet from his sister was a very sweet and emotional thing.

I also liked the detail of them having a small smithy, and working metal, showing they have learned things from other cultures to help them. Parts from old cars and machines could easily be forged into weapons or tools. A simple flat piece of steel can be a scraper for hide, a knife, all kinds of tools in one, and I know for a fact Native people let nothing go to waste.
I could see them maybe make an ax for Visa, should she need, and a throw from her would cleave a Super Mutant in half.
An old coil spring from a car could make at least thirty arrowheads, countless knives, even swords and things. Even old parts of power armor and things. Heck, I could see Gregory learns from their smith and gets on with them very well.

And speaking of our lady claw, I could see her watch with joy as children sleep in her lap, maybe puts her finger to her lips to let them sleep. She shines with such a radiant joy and love, it just lit the whole story up.

I eagerly look forward to seeing what happens next in this amazing story. Beautiful work, as always.
9/5 c22 21B.E.A.T.N
Whoo! That was a great chapter! The bonding between Riss and Runs, the love scene with Seven and Visa, and the amazing display of power against the Horde of Ghouls! I can't wait to see how the group gets outta this! Until next time, have a great day/night and stay safe.
8/29 c21 Sandy
Hey, hon.

Sorry for forgetting, but it hit me that Runs Tribe could treat Riss' hands and feet with Aloe Vera, which does grow in Utah. You can see what the plant looks like in any image search. They would break off a leaf, break it open, and smear the gel on her hands and wounds, and the relief would be almost instant. I used it on some scrapes and burns, right from the plant, and it works wonders. It also smells nice.
Maybe the women of the Tribe helps Riss and pamper her a bit, and she ends up clean, powdered and fancied up. Maybe they do the same for Visa as well.
And I could see they maybe do things like tie beads with feathers to Visa's horns, do some pretty braids in Riss' fur, and it makes them feel pretty and welcomed, and to have humans who are not their mates, treat them so kindly, would feel wonderful.

Hope that helps you out for the next chapter.
-Sandy
8/29 c21 Doug
Review for Podcast.

We loved the latest chapter. That was cute, between Runs and Riss. They make a cute couple, and they seem to quickly gain and understanding of each other.

We loved the rescue of the captured girls, and Sandy also applauded you pointed out not all Native American Tribes were friendly to each other.

Sandy said that various species of willow are native to the area, around water. As well, Mesquite trees, and Native Americans eat their beans as part of their diet, and would use the wood for things. They might also have things like introduced elm trees, which they would use to make things like handles, woven fences, like European wattle, etc. She said some Tribes in the area made houses with stone, not all used teepees, and they might have adopted some of the European designs here and there. She suggested they may even have built some round houses kind of like the Celts did, but adapted for the desert. Like with willow bark as the roofs, layered, along with reeds.

Sandy said there's deposits of graphite in the area, and they might combine it with native pigments to make paints and even colored stick like pastels, which they use for decorating houses, murals, even as paint sticks for body paint. Maybe some of the children teach Riss and Visa to use them, and they have a fun time. They might even paint a mural of Runs and his friends and their story in their lodge.

I had the joy to visit one of the Reservations, back when I was young, and got to meet the Tribal Elders. They are really the Grandmas and Grandpas, the folks with wisdom. They do have a Chieftain, but each tribe is different in how much power they have and such. But I could see them greet Seven and his group with a smile, and listen to them.
They might send them to their Shaman to help them find their way, and other things.

And Sandy had a suggestion for you: Next time they meet up with the Legions, they overhear some of them talking about Runs' Tribe, and say "They're almost as bad as the Gauls,", which Seven thinks is strange. They later learn some human survivors in what was once Washington State also went back to old ways, and you now have new Celtic tribes in some areas. Maybe Runs' Tribe says how some White People are going back to their old ways, their Old Gods, and learning to listen to the Earth and the Spirits again. Maybe Seven is worried they will think all White people are bad, but they smile and say that is not so. HE proves that.

Lastly, Sandy had a suggestion for a special weapon they give Runs for his journey: A large Bowie knife, but it's more a machete or short sword. It has scenes of Tribes hunting the fabled Buffalo on one side, and fighting Union soldiers on the other. It's quite old, from before the bombs. It's able to cut a man's head off in one stroke. He would be awed to even hold it, let alone be given it. It would show their faith in him, as well as the others.
And one last idea from me: They could make explosive arrows for Runs' bow, that either explode on impact, or has a fuse or pin like a grenade. In fact, they could make them from scrap and things like explosive shells. Gregory might be able to do it for them.

Lots of love from us all.
-Doug and Sandy
8/29 c21 15CelfwrDderwydd
Review for the podcast

Aww, that's cute. So, Riss finally has a special human male to love and call her own. Very romantic, a little spicy, and also cute.

So, the White Legs are their enemy. I had thought they were referring to the white traders and such. makes sense. Well, with a return like that, I have no doubt they will be welcomed as heroes, and rightly so.

I also like that this area has mostly escaped the worst of the radiation and such. If you look at places like Pripyat, AKA Chernobyl, life is flourishing there again. Yes, some is mutated a bit, but some of these seem to be beneficial. I will like to see that.
If this area is in such good shape, maybe they still have horses, which seem to be dead everywhere else.
And I could see they still keep dogs, as most Native American Tribes did, and still do. In fact, many Native tribes' words for horse is "Big Dog". LOL It's true.

This will be neat to see, and while there will be sadness from the loss of Runs' sister, there will be great joy as well.
I'd love to see Riss and Visa's reactions to the little kids. They might not be afraid of Riss at all, thinking she's a spirit. Heck, once she gets to hug them, might be hard to pry them out of her arms. Same with Visa.

Great chapter, and looking forward to reading and hearing more of this fabulous tale!
8/29 c21 21B.E.A.T.N
The beginning actually made me cry. Seeing Runs lose his twin hit right at home, since I have a twin brother, and I could never imagine losing them like that. You know a story is good when it makes you tear up. This was a great chapter, and Runs is a great addition to the ever growing story. I can't wait for more. Until then, have a great day/night and stay safe.
8/28 c20 Jeremi Pena
God man, what a good thing this story is, I look forward to the next chapters and to be able to meet the lucky men who will stay with the single women. Greetings from Latin America. I love this story.
8/22 c20 Sandy
Review for Radiance Podcast chapter 23

We loved the latest chapter. That was so cute and sweet with Runs and Riss. They really do fit together.

Doing the bit of research, seems Nightstalkers (in Riss' case), would have privates mostly human-like in proportion, but also a tiny bit canine. It might fold inwards a bit more than a human woman's would, for protection. Kind of combines the two, which makes sense with their blending of DNA and all that.

And I could see Riss return Runs favor later, and massage his back. From me, have her do this;
She sees Runs standing with a hunched back. She has him sit between her legs, facing away. She very gently runs her thumbs down either side of his spine, and she may well know how delicate a spine is, and how easy it is to damage the muscles. She could press the pads of her thumbs in on the long muscles that run either side of his spine, and gently run them down and back up. She could rest her jaw on his shoulder and talk to him, and other sweet things.

I got a hold of my friend who is Native American, and he suggested Runs Tribe might use a version of the Aloe Vera plant, which is pretty hardy. Smells nice, and heals cuts, burns and things very well. A mutated version could be even more potent. He also would use the bark of willow, and there are various kinds. He suggested they could use peeled bark either dried and added to a hot bath like an herbal soak to help aches, or fresh, green bark applied to wounds to reduce swelling. It could also be applied to sore muscles, and has the same effect as aspirin. It could also be eaten or drank, too.

I told him some of the stuff about Fallout, and he suggested, after all this time, they have things like a form of writing based on the idea of Chinese and Japanese Kanji, that a symbol represents a whole idea, not just a word. And some Tribes really DO have writing. The Cherokee had their own newspaper before White people came.
He suggested a few might be mixed blood, like Granny Ellen Spotted-Horse, who may be in her 90s, but is still tough, but sweet. She might have been born to a white mother who was taken in by the Tribe, long time ago.
He also suggested the Deathclaws might be called "Thunderlizards" for their roar and power, but are respected, not outright feared.

Lastly, something I totally forgot about, is Runs might have a sling with him. The same as the Celts and other people used, the Native American one was often a hide pouch with woven fiber strings, and could fling a stone hard enough to kill. Each string would be about three feet long, and it could roll up very small in his pack or belt, and he may be able to use it to kill small game, and even an unarmored human, if he hits the head. Useless as it against armored foes, but he could load a grenade in, pull the pin, and then sling it a good long way. Same could be done with an improvised bomb made from two glass jars with chemicals, and when shattered, they mix and it blows up. Could even add thermite to it for extra power.

My friend also suggested, the Tribe might well have some gear and things from outside, like water pumps that run by hand, some metal and scrap for what they need, and may even have a bench for care of weapons and could even have a reloading press for making bullets, but would need the components. (Brass shells, gunpowder, bullets and primers)
But, they would use the same bench and tools for making and maintaining their traditional weapons.
He suggested the Osage Orange Tree, which is really used to make bows, might still be alive, and mutated to be stronger. And while bows made of steel, or composite of horn and wood would be best, one-piece wood bows would still be very common, but almost everyone would have a knife, just in case.
And he said they DID have their own version of the Longbow, was specially made, and they might well compare it to its Welsh counterpart. Runs could be really deadly with one, and with practice, he could hit a Super-Mutant in the eye. And eye for an eye. :D

For jewelry, Native Americans of that area often use turquoise, and some of it is just breathtaking.
Look up "Native American Ute turquoise choker necklace" in any image search, and have a look, as those are the Tribes native to the area they are in. I could see they give one to Riss, which would mean, at a glance, other Tribes would know she is a friend and not to be harmed. The same could apply to the others.

This was a great chapter, and really made us smile. So happy Runs has someone who loves him and will be there. He needs it, after what he went through. And she will doubtless be there to hug and cuddle him when he needs.

Lots of love from us all.
-Sandy and Doug
8/22 c20 15CelfwrDderwydd
Reviewing for podcast.

Loved the latest chapter, and I liked how you stayed true to Native American herbal medicine. HUGE bravo on that! very few people do that research, let alone feature Native Americans at all in stories.

And I loved the cute scene with Riss and Runs-With-Nightstalkers. They just make such a cute, adorable couple. They fit perfectly.
I can see Riss as the cuddles and snuggles kind of gal, who will wrap her arms around him, rock him and nuzzle him, and you need a crowbar to pry him out. XD And I could see him do things like give her a peck on the nose, and she just loves little things like that.

Wonderful work, and will be exciting to see what happens next, and when they meet his Tribe.
8/22 c20 21B.E.A.T.N
Another great chapter. It was cool to see the group taking on so many threats, and now we've got someone for Riss to bond with! A tribal man! I can't wait to hear his story. Until then, have a great day/night and stay safe.
8/17 c19 Sandy
Hey, me and Doug did a little digging, and there is a case in Fallout 4 where you can help an intelligent machine become human. (Or close) Her name is Curie, and in the end, you can get her a Synth body that is as close to human as she can get. You could maybe do the same with Wisp, that they somehow find a Synth body, or maybe someone makes one for her. Could be cute and neat, to have someone craft a body to her specifications. And it may not need to be a human body, either. Heck, if she wanted, she could be a rainbow-colored anthro fox with a crocodile tail and bird wings.
Maybe whatever male catches her heart does this for her, or has it done.

When we found that out, I knew I had to tell you ASAP. Lots you could do with that, and could be fun and funny to have her working with whoever makes a Synth body to make it just the way she wants.

Hope that can help you out and give you some ideas.

-Sandy and Doug
8/15 c19 Doug
Review for Radiance Podcast chapter 22.

Great chapter. We loved the bit with Riss and Runs. Since he grew up around things like real Rattlesnakes, he would have a natural fear of that sound. I could suggest, before they find Runs' Tribe, Riss maybe hisses and rattles at a real Rattlesnake, and makes it flee, and this further helps Runs trust her more. Even more, the fact she can do so without resorting to killing.

Sounds to us like the Enclave found them, or at least was coming to bomb the area.

So, out in the wilds, they will doubtless run into lots of nasty things. Sandy suggested, maybe the Nightstalkers that Runs helped meet up with them, and Riss is fascinated. The fact they let Runs near their cubs shows their trust, and they would be curious about Riss, and she might even understand them to a limited degree. That could be a help as they go forward.

Sandy did some research, and while most Native Americans use stone arrow and spear tips, later on, they learned to make them from metal. They might have a few with steel tips, made from scrap and the like. One virtue of stone and obsidian tips, is they can shatter inside a wound, making them potentially more deadly, as the sharp shards can cause further damage and also get infected.
Steel ones could be easily made from bits of car springs and the like, and the Tribe might have a very limited Smithy, and use a little knowledge they gained from White Men in the past. Arrow tips are not hard to make, and they make their simple, no socket, but they slot into the tip of the arrow and are bound with sinew.

Knives are another favorite Native American weapon, with the Bowie Knife the most famous, and some of them could qualify as short swords. The stone versions were smaller, but still deadly.
And the Tomahawk was both stone, and the more famous steel version, and some later versions copied the European Francesca throwing ax. Decorations with brass nails, beads and feathers were common, and there's some neat pictures of ones in museums online.

Now, Sandy had a cute idea: When they get into the Tribe, some little kids are curious, and when they come close, Visa is really in awe, as she has never seen human children before. They would be so tiny, they could stand on her hands. She suggested, when one kisses her on the nose, she gets all giggly and happy, and we see a special side of her even Seven hasn't yet: A mother.
And you better believe, if she thinks the kids are in danger, you think we've seen her aggressive before, all bets are off when she is in Maternal Fury Mode. ;)

Also, we had suggested the Shaman uses so-called "Magic Mushrooms" to help them have visions of their destiny. From what I was able to find out: They would be gathered in a lodge, no fire, but maybe lamps. The Shaman and others would watch to make sure they do not hurt themselves or something. They might lay down, be wrapped in blankets or hides. More to keep from potential thrashing, if needed. I tried them back when I was a teen, and I could see, for example, Seven sees the colors of the painted lodge looks like it's running and melting, shifting, and might see things move as if they were leaves in trees, even hear and feel wind. He might hear whispers, and voices say something like "He's listening. He can Hear." and things like that. The idea is that the mushrooms close our conscious, logical mind, and open us up to something beyond.
No two of them would have the same vision, but they could be related.

Could be some fun for a literal "Trip Chapter".

And Sandy suggested both Runs and Riss dream of his sister, who is surrounded by light, saying she's fine, and tells him she feels no pain, and is "part of the rainbow" now. She might tell Riss to take good care of her brother, and they will meet again, in good time.
My input is, as she leaves, she tells them "The love inside, you take it with you. And it grows. Let it grow . . ." and those are the last words of hers they hear, but will forever remember.
Was it all a trip? If so, how could Riss know what his sister looked and sounded like? How could Visa have a vision connected to Seven's? Even the Shaman doesn't know, but tells them not to ignore them.
And I can say, when you come back after that, your spine feels all tingly and soft, like you've got a down pillow on your back, and you feel like as a feather. "Funky" is the best way I can describe how it feels. Sandy is laughing while I write this.

I hope that fun little bit from a misspent youth helps you out, or at least makes you laugh.

Lastly, Sandy suggested, maybe, as they go, the Tribe gives them all choker necklaces of their own design, to show all others they are friends, and I could see Visa looks even more pretty with one, and her first gift from humans other than Seven would mean a lot to her.

Wonderful, as always, and we are looking forward to reading more of this amazing story.

-Doug and Sandy
8/15 c18 Sandy
review for Radience podcast chapter 21.

Sorry we didn't review last week, things got wild and crazy. A friend of Doug's was hurt battling the Dixie Fire. He's okay, but had some bad burns.

We loved this chapter, and we both cried when Runs with Nightstalkers told his story. We both know what it's like to lose a family member, so that hit home for us.

But it's so wonderful that Riss is there for him, and it's no coincidence that he ran into his Spirit Animal and the very being he saw in his Vision Quest.
As a suggestion, I could see Riss not only holds his hand, but offers, if he needs to cry, or feels vulnerable, she will always be there. She knows he has great pain in his heart, and this is the time where it's most raw. Maybe among Nightstalkers, females look out for the males more than among humans? If Runs has nightmares, maybe Riss curls around him, whispers she's there, and safe and it helps. Things like that. Love means being there for people you love when they are weak or need help.
Maybe Riss asks Runs about Native spirit belief, and gets him to talk.
I could see Riss smile, and says his sister soars like an eagle made of pure light, and will always be flying above to watch over him.
Heck, you could have, somewhere, something happens like a loose rock falls and knocks out an Enclave sniper who was drawing a bead on Runs, and they wonder if, maybe, something of his sister IS watching out for him, and now them. They never know for sure, but a nice thing to think.

Oh, and I almost forgot: The Native Americans had a god of a man with deer antlers just like the Celts of Europe did. Maybe their Elders and Shaman say how the White Men once had their magic and spirits, but strayed away. But, some in small groups are going back.

Oh, and Doug reminded me of an animal you could make a radiation version of, rare, but dangerous: Mountain Lion. I have seen them for real, and let me tell you, seeing one when hiking is scary as hell! They DO eat humans, and are dangerous. Could have a small, but dangerous population of them live near there, and decimate the Enclave or Ghouls. We only see like one domestic cat in the Fallout games, but could be neat to have what they thought was extinct still live there.

Great chapter, and looking forward to the rest. And also great about the trophies and all that! Loved it!
-Sandy and Doug
8/15 c19 B.E.A.T.N
It took me all day to read this great chapter. Thanks my horrible job. Anyway, it was nice to see our heroes simply gaining some luck and finding a safe place for the night. The lemon and the romantic moments between Visa and Seven were great, especially with the foreshadowing of our main leads having their own hybrid kids, just like Tik and Jack. I can't wait to see more. Until then, have a great day/night and stay safe.
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