This isn’t your grandma’s charity drive. Gone are the days of guilt-tripping folks into coughing up cash for some distant cause they’ll forget in a week. No, this is a whole new beast—a savage collision of web3 wizardry and pixelated power fantasies, where you can save the world with a joystick in one hand and a beer in the other.

Let’s talk about web3 for a minute. The brainchild of techies who’ve grown weary of Big Brother, web3 is the internet’s rebellious little brother—decentralized, transparent, and fueled by blockchain, it’s the Wild West of the digital world. And now, it’s muscling in on the charity game, dragging traditional philanthropy kicking and screaming into the future.

Picture this: instead of shelling out cash to some faceless charity and hoping they don’t blow it on fancy office chairs, you donate through a game. Your hard-earned money—hell, even your precious cryptocurrency—is funneled into a decentralized pool, governed by smart contracts that ensure every penny goes where it’s supposed to. No middlemen, no bullshit—just pure, uncut impact.

And then there’s the kicker: play-to-give. Forget about the endless grind for in-game currency that doesn’t mean jack in the real world. Now, every move you make, every level you beat, contributes to a bigger cause. That shiny digital sword you just earned? It’s not just for slashing monsters; it’s slashing poverty, too. You’re not just gaming—you’re gaming for good.

But of course, there’s always a catch. In this brave new world of blockchain charity, you’re not just a player—you’re a goddamn shareholder. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are putting power in the hands of the players, letting them decide which charities get the funds. It’s democracy at its most chaotic, with gamers calling the shots on who gets saved next. It’s as insane as it sounds, but maybe that’s what we need—chaos with a conscience.

And in the middle of all this madness stands SEED INCIDENT, a company on the front lines of the gaming-for-good revolution. They’ve crafted a world where philanthropy and playtime go hand in hand, creating games that don’t just entertain—they change lives. It’s all very noble, very high-minded, but let’s be real—it’s also a little insane. The idea that you can save the world one level at a time is the kind of lunatic optimism that only a true believer—or a total nut—would buy into.

But maybe that’s exactly what we need. In a world gone mad, where every news cycle brings a new disaster, maybe it’s time to embrace the madness and game our way to a better future. After all, if we’re going to save the world, we might as well have fun doing it.

So here’s to the gamified revolution, to the strange and wonderful future of charity, where heroes aren’t just found in boardrooms—they’re found in the heat of battle, controller in hand. Welcome to the future, my friends. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s just getting started.

https://medium.com/@darius_5875/the-future-of-gaming-for-good-how-blockchain-and-web3-is-changing-charity-0c576c46905a

There will arise in the world a lord, a fully enlightened buddha endowed with wisdom and conduct, enlightened and blessed, just as I am now. He will teach dharma and proclaim the holy life in its fullness and purity. - DIGHA NIKAYA 26.25

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One? Jesus said, “I am; and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming with the could of heaven.’ … But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” - MARK 14.61-62 & JOHN 14.26

Several IRON SHOVELS break the cold ground, and tear up the earth.

Arnaud, richly garbed in Velvet attire and astride his magnificent horse, watches in silence as four soldiers steadily unearth a GRAVEYARD TOMB.

It is a public affair, and many local Cathars and Catholics alike have gathered to look on in dismay, as Arnaud orders his men to lift the casket from the ground. Josephus, accompanied by a group of Students, Isabella included, hear the bustle of the crowd, and approach to see what transpires.

It seems that certain lands once held by dearly departed fell into dispute. In other words, the Church wishes to claim the land currently held by the deceased, over its rightful heirs. By the manner in which the man was buried, Arnaud points out that clearly, a Cathar lies buried here and not a Christian. Therefore his heirs no longer hold claim to the inherited property.

This outrageous atrocity causes much unrest among the gathering crowd. With a casual smile, Arnaud holds up a DOCUMENT signed by his Holiness Pope Innocent III, empowering Arnaud to such a claim. In an attempt, to ease the crowd’s tension, Arnaud proudly quotes from the Gospel’s of Paul. His perfect elocution is met with utter silence, in disgust Arnaud sharply turns his stallion around to depart ...but then...

Josephus, speaks loudly from the Gospel of John. As if in debate, he indirectly challenges Arnaud’s stance.

This gets the Abbott of Citeaux attention. Arnaud has heard well of the great Perfect Josephus, yet this is the first time the two have ever met. Isabella looks on, as Arnaud gallops around her Uncle, trying to both intimidate and size up the humbly dressed Cathar.

Overly confident, Arnaud suggests that perhaps a Public debate may be a better forum for the two men to discuss which Faith is Truer, and which God is Greater.

Studying the eyes of Arnaud, Isabella senses that this is some form of a trap. As she moves into to grab her Uncles hand, the Perfect quotes once more from the Gospel of John, and in doing so signals his agreement to the public challenge.

The Day and Time is set. Arnaud bows his head his, and rides off with his soldiers trailing. The CROWDS OF ONLOOKERS slowly gather around the OPEN GRAVESITE.

Josephus begins to sing from the Gospel. Alone he starts re-closing the open coffin and then re-sealing the disturbed grave, singing to the departed as one would when trying to put a child to sleep.

Isabella’s voice joins his, and soon ALL ARE SINGING AS ONE, as the Cathar Community help in putting to rest one of their own.

Their voices beautifully echo through the air.

Deep Guttural OHMS are chanted in unison, as Issa and Minuv, along with the other students pray in a circle around their Master. In the center of the SMALL CANDLE LIT CHAMBER, the Master moves his hands over A BODY WRAPPED IN CLOTH, lying prone on the floor.

An Old Shepherd approaches death, and prepares to leave this world. It is the task of the master to help guide his spirit safely into the next life.

With a ring of his silver bell, the Master calls forth a student carrying a large LEATHER BOUND MANUSCRIPT. A second student follows alongside, holding out a pillow with a single KEY placed on top.

Unlocking the clasp binding the pages, the master skims through the book to a specific page, and once finding it…starts to chant verses. The BOOK looks remarkably similar to the one, so closely guarded by Josephus.

Issa looks on in complete wonderment, as he studies the aged yet powerful hands of the master, floating over the Shepard’s Body energetically redirecting his Chi.

As the master’s chant fade, we hear quotes from another sacred TEXT - the Tibetan Book of the Dead. And for a just a brief moment we DISSOLVE TO THE ASTRAL PLANE, and visit the reality of Light that exists beyond our physical world. This is the place from where all things come.

FADING: back from space, Issa sits alone in concentrated study.

Surrounded by GIANT COLUMNS composed of hundreds of Weather-bound Books, Issa reads aloud from the Ancient texts. A treasure of immeasurable worth, the MONASTERY LIBRARY contains one of the largest collections of Ancient written texts in the world.

Students and Teachers alike spend untold hours each day, transcribing Text, creating Illustrations, and restoring forgotten Works.

The Illuminated Text and Imagery is rich, informative, and utterly engrossing. Issa reads from a very old and weathered book dating back hundreds if not thousands of years.

Minuv on the other hand, is hard at work translating the Tibetan text into the Language of his People, ARAMAIC.

They begin to discuss the Illusory reality of all things. And the impermanence of both pain and fear.

Yet the Buddha says, “All Life is Suffering” It appears that Issa is somewhat conflicted with this realization. “Why Endure?”

Minuv tries to console him stating that the Torment their people share under the Roman’s will surely end.

Minuv believes in the prophecy that House of DAVID will return and a new King will rise to save their people.

Caring little about prophecies, Issa says his concerned is with reasoning the Karmic cycle of death and rebirth...until finally one can transcend beyond and re-merge with the prime essence of God.

Minuv is fascinated by Issa’s passion Quest for deeper and deeper understanding. The young students continue their discussion as the two walk onto the OUTDOOR DIAS. Joining the others, the TWELVE STUDENTS prepare themselves once more for their daily meditation.

The Master guides them deeper, and deeper within their own consciousness. STARING AT A CANDLE, Issa’s vision is focused on the space between, the absences of thinking.

And we see through his eyes as the PHYSICAL WORLD AROUND HIM ALTERS. Everything becomes flat and two-dimensional.

Issa leaves his body, and we follow his ASTRAL JOURNEY back to that abstract dimension of Color and Form. Drowning out all other sound, the awe of OHM echoes through eternity.

It is an amazing and uplifting journey, UNTIL a BLACK HOLE in the middle of a million stars, calls out his name. Images of PAIN and SUFFERING pour over his consciousness like a tidal wave. There is point that Issa fear’s to travel…it’s where the light ends.

As if awakening from a dream, Issa slowly readjusts his gaze upon the single candle flame still burning in front him. But as he does, Issa’s EYES GO WIDE IN ASTONISHMENT. There before him, still in Lotus position is the Master. Lost in a deep a meditative trance of his own, the Master is the picture of perfection, unmoving, completely silent ... And LEVITATING 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND.

By Sami MacKenzie-Kerr ©

Anyone who withdraws into meditation on compassion can see Brahma with his own eyes, talk to him face to face and consult with him. - DIGHA NIKAYA 19.43

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. MATTHEW 5.8

The Sun is hanging high in the sky, and the grounds of the Cathar are rumbling with activity. We see the life of these Pious People, devoting most of their day to chores and prayer. Bread is made, wood is chopped, and mortar is laid.

A BUTTERFLY lands softly on a small outcrop of wild flowers. Capturing the light, its wings shimmer. They flap gently as a small hand carefully lifts it up. Isabella smiles tenderly as she studies the wonderful creature. Within an instant the Butterfly takes flight.

Picking a bunch of WILD FLOWERS, Isabella quickly goes on her way.

Within the Castle walls we see many women, Isabella included, preparing the communal meals. With a platter of bread and a jar of water, Isabella place her flowers bound with string on the platter and begins to ascend a FLIGHT OF SPIRAL STAIRS.

Higher and higher she climbs within the tower, until she reaches a pair of Large Carved WOODEN DOORS.

Putting her back into it, Isabella slowly opens one of the doors and squeezes inside. Uncle Josephus is in deep conversation with two men both are PERFECTS like himself.

BRIAN and MATHEW, devoted Cathars from a nearby province come seeking counsel. Isabella immediately notices the Yellow crosses sewn on the front and back on the men’s Robes. As she enters, the conversation quickly comes to a close. Whatever they were talking about was clearly not meant for a child’s ears.

The men say their farewells and exit, as Isabella pours her uncle a glass of water. Clearly wise beyond her years, Isabella expresses her thoughts on why the men were here. Her intuition tells a warning of things to come. Her Uncle smiles in agreement, knowing his niece is way too clever. Clearly there is something special about Isabella, that separates her from the other children, and her Uncle knows this. There are no secrets between them, and he speaks of the Roman Catholics desire to convert their beliefs. He talks how the Catholics worship the Cross, an Implement of Torture, now used as a symbol to invoke fear.

Once more, Josephus grabs his Illuminated manuscript from its altered resting place. From under his tunic he brings out the key wrapped around his neck. Isabella watches with amusement and reference as her uncle gently slides the key in to unlock the clasp.

Isabella asks her Uncle why he holds the Manuscript so Sacred. He states that certain Truths contain great Power. And that all Power must be kept in check.

With it open, Josephus talks about the tests of the spirit that the Cathars are now entering. Their very faith is about to be challenged.

OUTSIDE: an EXTREMELY WELL-DRESSED and BE JEWELLED MAN approaches on Horseback. In his late thirties, black hair and well-trimmed beard, ARNAUD has piercing black eyes, always scanning from left to right. As he heads towards the BARRED GATES, all the soldiers turn and kneel with their heads hung low in reverence.

This is the ABBOT OF AMAURY, the leader of God’s Army.

INSIDE: Isabella edges in to her Uncle for a closer look at the BEAUTIFUL IMAGERY painted on each page. So much detail in each Illustration, Isabella could study it for days. We hear him say the Lord’s prayer as we close in on a stylised painting of the Sun.

In a cloudless sky relentlessly beats down onto a barren landscape. The heat is sweltering and now, only TWO MEN remain of the three, and all the mules are gone. There BANDAGED FEET, battered and bruised, are a testament to the hardships they have faced. With a walking stick in one hand, Issa supports his friend - MINUV.

Both are around the same age, but covered in wrapped cloth it’d be hard to tell. The two look more like Egyptian Mummies walking across the desert. The day presses on, and alone in the seemingly BARREN WASTELAND, the two continue their trek.

Though his faith does not falter, Issa’s body finally succumbs to the exhaustion of carrying both his companion, and their remaining supplies.

THEY COLLAPSE TO THE GROUND, as the Sun sets behind them. Casting long shadows across the harsh earth, we follow its outline. The tip of their shadows leads us to several pair of SANDALED FEET. Issa, cranes his head upward and sees-

THREE TIBETAN MONKS - elaborately adorned in their ceremonial dress, the men stand in a line with gifts, as if they’ve been patiently waiting for this exact moment to occur before them. Somehow managing to find the strength, Issa gets back to his feet and approaches the three monks.

Standing before them, he unwraps the cloth from around his head, slowly revealing his face. Perfectly backlit by the Sun, it seems as if a Halo of Light surrounds Issa’s entire head. His piercing eyes meet the three men, and with unspoken recognition all three fall to their knees and genuflect before Issa.

A LONG STEEP PATH winds up the face of a cliff.

Issa and Minuv, now joined by a SMALL CARAVAN, follow the three the Monks as they ascend towards their final destination.

Still somewhat puzzled, Minuv asks Issa why the 3 Old Monks knelt before him earlier. Somehow Issa strangely feels that he met them already, once before a long time ago. Minuv smiles brightly and lets out a small Laugh

With torches in Hand the Caravan snakes up the side of the MOUNTAIN. In the distance, a HORN is blown signalling their approach.

Etched into the mountain face and seemingly as old as the mountain itself, a BUDDHIST MONASTERY opens it Giant Wooden Gates to allow the wayward travellers.

As Minuv and Issa are lead to their sleeping chambers, they walk under a large BALCONIED WINDOW.

Looking up Issa makes eye contact with the… MASTER

- No more than 5 feet tall, he looks at least a hundred years old and wise beyond all knowing. It is Hard for Issa not to stare in wonderment. Issa and Minuv enter a large domicile with many sleeping cots arranged in several rows. From there, the two are lead to a COMMUNAL BATHING ROOM, where they strip and bathe. They are not alone.

Nearly a DOZEN BOYS, all around the same age, are already in the hot waters. But unlike Minuv and Issa, they are all Asian.

Minuv proudly tells Issa that he is an ESSENE and comes a long line of Religious Scholars fully devoted to the faith. He was chosen among many to travel near and far, divining the truth from all possible truths.

Issa humbly states that he is a NAZARENE and comes from a very simple family of Carpenters. And for reasons he still does not fully comprehend, Issa confides that he felt compelled to just travel EAST… nothing more. Once more Minuv lets out a Laugh, pleasantly amused by his newfound compatriot.

After bathing the two boys have their HEADS CUSTOMARILY SHAVED, and given simple RED CLOTH ROBE to wear - the uniform of the Buddhist Student.

Inside a large DINING HALL, the students and monks gather and eat a simple meal of porridge in almost complete silence.

The Master enters the room, and speaks but one verse from the ancient scripture.

As his eyes meet Issa’s we know that tomorrow will start their training, and the next chapter of his life unfolds.

By Sami MacKenzie-Kerr ©

Consider others as yourself. - DHAMMAPADA 10.1

Do to others as you would have them do to you. LUKE 6.31

A LONG LINE OF TORCHES breaks the darkness of a cold and windy night. Like a fiery serpent, it winds single file through the muddied earth. Backlit by the torch flames, Silhouettes of multiple Crosses cast an ominous shadow across the Landscape. His Holiness Pope Innocent the III has sent his faithful soldiers, on a Holy Crusade. On both horseback and foot, the crusaders solemnly march...

... towards the village of Montségur as the soldiers reach the fortress walls, they begin to make camp, unloading ENORMOUS WAGONS filled with Supplies: Wood, Rope, Metal, and Tools. Through a thin slit in the thick stone walls, a pair of pale blue eyes look out in wonderment.

ISABELLA - 12 years old and the picture of innocence. Her eyes are big and blue, and are clearly moved by the arrival of this foreign presence. She wonders if the soldiers are here to help fix up the hundred-year old township.

Her name is called. She leaves the window and descends down a - large spiral stairway, dozens of Men, Women, and Children join in mass to enter. They are the CATHARS, the “Good Christians” and they have come to pray. Inside a massive STONE CELLAR - with its huge vaulted ceilings and Arches - this chamber is clearly the Community gathering center. Isabella is quick to notice the clear disquiet among her extended family. But a calm silence soon falls over the entire hall as a hooded man enters the room.

JOSEPHUS - Six feet Tall and straight postured; his stride denotes a man of confidence and strength. Though in his fifties, years of devout service to the Lord have left his complexion pale, his frame thin, and his hair white, making him appear somewhat older. His complexion appears that much gaunter when contrasted to his Jet-black robes draping down to the floor.

He is a “PERFECT” a devout spiritual leader of the Cathars, and also Isabella’s Uncle.

All eyes follow him up to the podium. From around his neck he pulls up a – KEY: beautifully carved and jewelled – it is used to open the sealed metal clasp of a He opens up a huge LEATHER BOUND MANUSCRIPT, and we see from the beautiful Illuminated paintings crossed with far-eastern Motifs. From its size, weight, and weathered edges this book is both very old, and very precious.

Josephus begins the Lord’s Prayer, as the sound of the Soldiers making camp can be heard in the background. His prayer is spoken loud and strong, echoing beyond the castle walls, and is heard even by the soldiers outside.

The wind is howling as a small CARAVAN slowly makes its way through a violent sandstorm. THREE MEN wrapped in tattered cloth from head to toe, along with three PACK MULES march. They push forward almost entirely blind by the whirling sands. Suddenly one of the mules collapses, tripping off an unseen ledge. The weight of its load is crushing the animal.

One of the men, the tallest among them, approaches the animal, draws a knife and cuts free its burdensome load.

This is ISSA - 14 years old and seemingly focused in silent determination. Without a word spoken he continues his march, taking on much of the load once carried by the mule. Issa slowly disappears into the white. The other two follow, until all are consumed by the storm and only the wind and the whirling sand remain.

By Sami MacKenzie-Kerr ©