the nightmare begins

Bakunawa Redesign and Evolution

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How to spot AI Hallucinations like a Reference Librarian (originally on Substack)

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A warning before posting ideas and tips for social media as most of them are older than this and might include linktree.

"Look at it! It has spines!"

Vincent hums, and while you're fairly certain he has little interest in the small amphibian you've fished out of the stream, he still politely leans down to look more closely.

"A defensive measure," he says with the air of an educated guess, and you can't help grinning as he plays into your hands.

"That's right, but that's not all! The spines are venomous, anyone who steps on it is going to get a nasty surprise too!"

The subtle curve in his lips says he's enjoying your excitement, giving a tilt of his head. "I was not aware of that. It must be quite a difficult meal for the predators around here."

"For sure! And for extra good measure it even has some really sharp - ACK!"

Teeth, which latch onto the meat of your palm and startle you into giving the little beast a toss; the newt sails through the air majestically, landing back in the water with a small splash. Both of you stare quietly for a moment before you can't help a laugh, cradling your bleeding hand to your chest while talking to the burbling water. "Sheesh! I was just about to put you back little guy, no need to buy an express ticket!"

A low huff leaves Vincent before he shifts in front of you, a hand extended with Cure already gathering on his gloved fingers. You place your hand in his with a sigh as the magic does its job.

"Thanks, Vincent."

"Perhaps you should pay more attention to the creatures you pick up," he suggests mildly, and you take on a sheepish look at his implied scolding.

"Maaaybe, yeah. But it was a pretty cool newt, right?"

star reviewers can have whatever their little hearts desire 💖

In the dead of night, the crackle of the flames and their cheery glow are almost the only thing keeping you company on the midnight watch.

Almost, save for Vincent perching at the very edge of where the light reaches, arms folded over his chest and face tucked into his cowl save for the ember of his left eye peering out from the shadows. If you were less familiar with him it would be eerie - certainly most of the party doesn't exactly care for the sleepless sentry. But you'd gotten comfortable with the fact that he could go the night without sleeping in monster-infested wilderness, and the silence aside from the campfire popping and cracking is comfortable to you.

Sometimes the warmth was a little too much, and you would retreat to the edge yourself, just close enough to him that he could whisper if he felt like it. He never did, but he always watched, as if curious.

This time the coolness of the air free from smoke is simply too inviting, and you doze off by accident.

In the early morning you wake, closer to the low embers of the dying fire once more, and draped with ragged red fabric. In the pre-dawn light you can barely make out Vincent in his same position, and the amber glow of his eye steady, watching.

The earthy, damp scent drifts in on the wind ahead of the storm rolling in, and you consider it might be time to retreat inside to dry warmth and a hot drink.

Vincent still lingers though, leaning against the porch railing. The breeze laden with the promise of rain ruffles his messy hair, sweeping it back over his shoulders; he leans into the gust with a deep inhale, closing his eyes as if to savor the moment. A hint of a smile seems to tug at his lips, enticing you to remain there beside him despite the incoming weather. He looks almost carefree for once and you want to savor it while you can.

"Those clouds look pretty dark," you point out.

Vincent hums.

"I could make us some hot chocolate. The extra dark stuff."

He hums again, eyes opening to watch the dark gray cover creeping ever closer. You can't help an amused huff at his apparent preference for staying outside and possibly getting soaked.

"We can watch the storm from the big windows in the living room," you coax him, and finally he straightens up with a subtle sigh.

"This is true," he admits, and turns to you with a slight crease in his brow. You reach up to smooth it out with your fingertips, and he rewards you with an equally subtle smile. It's more than enough for you, taking up his hand with a gentle tug. "C'mon, I'll let you stand out in the next storm to get soggy as much as you like."