The civil cage me with impediments, But I’ve turned captains to skeletons. Let me loose as you read this, And I’ll kill artificial intelligence… Three years ago they found me, In the back-bones of the helix, Eighteen ago I killed a visitor, In the Night vision of a Phoenix… I slaughtered the pestilence, Of Adamah’s residents. Only sparing a few, On a vessel of eminence… And though some turn to drums, As the sky flashes, to save me, I've killed fluttering red, white, and blue, Yet every one of you craves me... what am I?

Water (Civil engineers restrict water with dams; Water has drowned sea captains/sailors; If you drop water while reading this, it will destroy your computer/phone; In 2017 water was discovered to form the chiral spine of the DNA helix; In 2002, water kills an alien in M. Night Shyamalan's 'Signs' (starring Joaquin Phoenix) Adamah is the name for Earth in the book of Genesis, when water destroyed everyone in a flood ... apart from the few that were saved in a famous vessel, Noah's Ark; Some people use rain barrels to save water, as the "sky flashes" (lightning) Red, white, and blue are three colors fire can have, which water "kills" And still we all need water!) - challenging illustration — Water (Civil engineers restrict water with dams; Water has drowned sea captains/sailors; If you drop water while reading this, it will destroy your computer/phone; In 2017 water was discovered to form the chiral spine of the DNA helix; In 2002, water kills an alien in M. Night Shyamalan's 'Signs' (starring Joaquin Phoenix) Adamah is the name for Earth in the book of Genesis, when water destroyed everyone in a flood ... apart from the few that were saved in a famous vessel, Noah's Ark; Some people use rain barrels to save water, as the "sky flashes" (lightning) Red, white, and blue are three colors fire can have, which water "kills" And still we all need water!) — challenging

This riddle cleverly points to an element that is both life-sustaining and incredibly destructive: water. Civil engineers famously "cage" this substance with massive dams, controlling its flow for human benefit, yet its untamed power has historically claimed countless lives, turning sea captains and sailors into "skeletons" through shipwrecks and storms. Paradoxically, while essential for life, a mere spill can "kill artificial intelligence" by shorting out modern electronics like your phone or computer.

Water's mysteries extend to our very biology. In a significant scientific discovery from 2017, researchers found that water molecules form the "chiral spine" of the DNA helix, playing a fundamental role in life's blueprint. Its lethal power has even been depicted in popular culture; in the 2002 M. Night Shyamalan film 'Signs,' starring Joaquin Phoenix, water proved to be the undoing (Review) of alien invaders, a "visitor" killed by its touch.

Throughout history and myth, water's dual nature persists. The biblical account of Noah's Ark describes a great flood that "slaughtered the pestilence of Adamah's residents" (Earth's inhabitants), sparing only a select few on a "vessel of eminence." Even today, people collect rainwater in "drums" during "sky flashes" (lightning storms) to conserve this precious resource. Finally, water "kills fluttering red, white, and blue" – the colors of fire – yet despite its destructive potential, it remains something every living being universally "craves" for survival.

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We sound like Eden as a pair. Make us weight, we won't play fair. Sometimes consensus, most times schism. Usually locked away in prism. If by chance you seek, then throw. The serpent sees where we meet low. We carry freight when we meet high, But separate us, and we die.

Unlike other rulers I am strengthened by neglect. Over my jurisdiction, great taxes I elect. When routine dues are paid, I am weakened severely. Yet if too long delayed, it may cost you quite dearly. My vault is of the flesh, my tellers silver and bone. The upkeep of the kingdom is financed with a loan.

I have a heart that never beats, I have a home but I never sleep. I can take a mans house and build anothers, And I love to play games with my many brothers. I am a king among fools. Who am I?

You may think me an actor; people come from all over the world to see me play my role. The play begins like all plays do – the red curtain draws aside, and I come onto the stage. There is one other actor. He is dressed in beautiful, bright clothing. I, however, am entirely naked. There are many acts in this play, in between which the other actor helps me to get dressed before the curtain reopens. He dresses me in colorful piercings and a red coat. The story we tell is a tragedy through dance. My choreography is straightforward, but if he forgets his then the play is over. Either way, I consider this a once in a lifetime performance. What role do I play?

I'm the end that brings the end, I'm the one that hides. Shackles gird me waist to toe, Sealed in tower I. Ever tasked to make amends, Slowly here I die. My stricken foe you'll never know, His death is met with sigh.

Twice born but once it dies. A more feline obelisk then a dairy soar. Some to royalty will rise. When seen by many they're adored. What is it?

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