Games I Play and Want to Play

Finals are finally over (early compared to my classmates, but that's the mad fortune of being an English major -- useless, but done early), and I'm blearily wondering what I should do with all the free time I've got on my hands right about now. So far I've been charging around in my favourite old videogame, Diablo II, and getting trained up on Starcraft.

I've also started playing a new MMORPG, Allods Online, a free MMO set in a steampunkesque fantasy 'verse. It's set up very similarly to WoW (which I SO can't afford to play, so this is a positive development), and I've built myself two characters already, though I've only got one through the tutorial so far. My League character, Kallyndria is an Elven Mage and my Empire character Syrania is an Arisen Summoner (Arisen are basically undead with mechanical enhancements). I hope to have some fun with them in the coming weeks. So far I'm already really enjoying the graphics and style of the game, but the interface is really different from DDO, so it's taking some getting used to. Jeff's the one who pointed it out to me, so we'll hopefully get the chance to play together while we're in separate cities most of the summer.

There's also a chance I'll be getting a Starcraft II Beta key in the not too distant future, since Jeff might have an extra one coming to him through his pre-order. He's highly enthused about the thought of being able to play his favourite game with his girlfriend - that and teaching me to pwn people ("you can be all like 'oh, I's a newb and a girl' and your opponent will be all 'hah, I don't have to try' and then you can go 'HAH!' and rape them and they'll go 'what the hell? I just got beat by a girl?" I like the way he thinks).

Clearly I've got a good summer of gaming looming ahead of me. Among other things I'm hoping to take a crack at Dragon Age: Origins on my laptop (I've played a bit on the 360 but the controls are a pain in the ass), and Jeff is procrastinating his philosophy papers by making a list of games he wants to throw at me. I'm not going to complain - recommendations are helpful, and if I'm lucky I won't have to spend a ridiculous amount of money to get the games I want to play.

So that's my general post about gaming and such. I'm about to head into act IV of Nightmare in Diablo II and I'm still slogging through the Terran Campaign in Starcraft (I'm not bad at the RTS style, but it's still new to me and I'm taking a while to adjust). I'm also enjoying Pokemon Heartgold on my DS, though rather slowly since I've been doing all manner of other things in the gaming realm.

In non-gaming related news, my other summer projects include getting down to it on the next novel - that and cleaning up the old one. I'm also taking up piano again - It's been a couple years since I stopped playing and I want to get back up to my old standards. So I'm learning a few Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead songs on my crappy old keyboard in my spare time.

And as for TV, starting next week I'm hoping to begin borrowing Star Trek: The Next Generation from Amy to watch. Mmm, delicious Picard-y goodness.

The Silence is Deafening

Good afternoon, Blogosphere! It's been almost a month since I last updated and I've been living under the rock of impending finals and moving to a new apartment. I apologize for my radio silence, and hope to start updating a little more regularly from here on in.

Anyway, what's the last month been like?

Well, school devoured me for a brief period of time. I had multiple presentations to deal with in my reading classes, and lots of latin to translate. Our class has spent the last three weeks translating Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone out of Latin into English. Harder than it sounds, but a whole lot of fun for a nerd like me. I also completed the presentation for my Capstone paper, which is all about authors who defy fantasy cliche's in their writing. This has given me an excuse to read a ridiculous amount of Dresden Files -- seriously, I got through three this weekend alone. I'm hoping to spend the summer catching up with those books, more Goodkind, and maybe interspersing some other random fiction. I don't have any summer classes looming, so it's a good time to get my recreational reading done!

Writing-wise, I gave up on Script Frenzy right about the time I started packing up to move and getting bombarded with school stuff. It's a shame, but hopefully I'll be able to pick up the idea at another time. My plans for the summer include having a finished first draft of Stella Felicis, a second draft of Attunement, and to continue making notes for a new idea that doesn't have a name yet but is kind of sixth-sense, ghostbustersish.

Social life has been about the same - we've missed two weeks of D&D due to moving and Jim being out of town, but hopefully that'll start up again Sunday at the new apartment, which is looking great (I'll post pictures soon as I get everything moved in, I promise). The move went pretty smoothly, and my other task for this week besides school is to clean everything out of my old apartment in preparation for the lease going up on the 30th.

Also on a social note, I picked up a boyfriend at the beginning of April. Jeff's a videogame addict (he's won multiple Starcraft tournaments. I am a geek and consider this a hot commodity in a significant other) and a philosophy major. We hang out and talk about stuff a lot, as well as playing videogames and going out dancing and trying interesting beers.

Here's a picture of us at GuNk's Zombie Prom up in Omaha a couple weeks ago:

We look festive.

So yeah. Book wise I'm starting on Blood Rites, the sixth Dresden Files book. Gaming wise I'm finally back playing Diablo II in my spare time. Still in Act III of Nightmare, but I hope to celebrate the completion of my Gay and Lesbian Lit paper by stomping Mephisto's face before TV Monday (Who's excited for new Chuck tonight? This kid!). I also hope to be getting some new games after Thursday (when I'm finally done with finals). Not that I can afford that right now, but I have very kind friends. I'm also considering running something in the Serenity RPG system this summer. We'll see though.

Time for me to get back to work on the final that's due tomorrow. Adios bloggers, I'll hopefully be posting more as the days go by. :)

Academia

So one of my favourite websites, My Life Is Nerdy, now has a forum. I've been lurking and posting there for the last few days and it's a quite amusing place to be, so I recommend you check it out, fellow nerds.

This week has been a busy one. There's about a month left in the semester, which means the papers and tests are starting to pile on. So tonight I've got to read a book and figure out some sort of response to it before going to karaoke. And after grabbing dinner with my mom -- she misses me.

On Monday afternoon Amy and I signed the lease to our shiny new apartment (yeah, we got the big one - squee), and our move-in date is the 16th, which is about two and a half weeks from now. So I have two and a half weeks to start shifting things into boxes and cleaning things up.

Exciting, no?

I'm also registered for my fall classes, the last classes I will take as an undergraduate EVER.
And I'm going to go insane.

Why? Because this is what my schedule looks like:

Monday / Wednesday / Friday -- no class

Tuesday / Thursday:

9:30-10:45am
Classics 409: Religion in Late Antiquity

11:00am - 12:15pm
History 412: Greek City States

12:30 - 1:45pm
History 436: Saints, Witches and Madwomen

3:30 - 4:45pm
English 452: Fiction Writing

Insane, no? Four 400 level classes, all on the same day, and only one of them (classics) is a requirement.

I'm going to explode in mid-September. Just wait.

So yeah. April is going to be a busy month. I've got papers in three classes, and projects too. I've got research to do, outlines to draw up, work shifts to doze through, books to read... yeah, I'm a busy one.

Least this weekend I will blow off some steam. Friday there's a DJ battle at the Bourbon theater I'm going to go to with some buddies, and Saturday and Sunday are D&D days, which will be lots of fun.

So that's my life update. I'm busy, but things are good all the same. :)

I've Never Been Much For Blogging Daily Anyway

It's been an exceptionally busy week here at Taking Ten. As well as lots of school-related junk, we celebrated the birthday of my friend and future roommate Amy (I got her a tricorn pirate hat, which she loved, and sang her Elton John at karaoke) on Wednesday, which was amusing. I also finished Stone of Tears and have now moved on to Blood of the Fold, which I am enjoying just as much.

I also got my tattoo on Tuesday: it's a small yin-yang in the center of my back between my shoulderblades. It hurt like a bitch since it's on my spine, but it's healing nicely. Itches a bit today, but that just means it's healing. :3 Of course, whenever someone slaps me on the back, it stings. Gotta love friends.

Other life news includes apartment hunting (Amy and I found an amazing place in the middle of town: nice neighborhood, 1100 square feet, less than $600 a month, secured entry, big rooms, balcony... it's perfect) and getting my car tonight. It's a black '06 Honda Civic, 2-door. Her name is Kaylee.

Because yeah, I'm the queen nerd and name my appliances and vehicles. Go me.

Tomorrow is GamerKhan VI, which means my usual plans for sleeping will be thwarted. That's all right though; I'm used to going without sleep, and can probably nap if necessary. I'm all set and ready to cook, organize and hostess it up as well as hanging out with all my favorite nerdy friends. It will, as always, be a blast.

Anyhoo, I'm going to spend the rest of my evening getting a bit more writing done, reading more Sword of Truth, and watching my friends play Civilization IV.

On Writing Longhand and Other Things

So as I mentioned, I'm writing the first draft of my newest novel, Stella Felicis (a working title, I'm not sure I'm a fan of it at the moment) in longhand. I bought a few small college-ruled notebooks (kinda like the Moleskine ones, just cheaper) in Seattle and have been working on the story with pen and paper instead of on my usual medium, which is frantic typing.

It's a very different experience. I backtrack even less than I usually do. I can write anywhere (including class -- there goes my productivity next week), and I feel somewhat more accomplished than I would writing a few pages in MS Word.

There is of course the huge downside, which is my RSI. Today my left wrist, and part of my arm, is in quite a bit of pain and tingling unpleasantness.

So yeah. Tomorrow I'll be scheduling a doctor's appointment. It's the first time I've had to get this checked out in almost three years, but its getting to the point where it's becoming necessary.

Guess that's the price I have to pay for pursuing my dream.

Not the best day I must admit. But I'm dealing with it the way any self-respecting nerd should: Sunday D&D, Mountain Dew, cookies, and eating cream cheese frosting straight from the jar.

Yeah, I'm hardcore.

School tomorrow. Hopefully I won't suffer too horribly. At least now I'm going to take advantage of my work schedule to read. :3

GamerKhan one-shots

Here's the list of the one-shots for Gamerkhan VI, taking place Saturday the 27th of March. Message me with questions, for directions to the location, to sign up, whatever you like.

12:00 – 4:00pm
DM: Tim St Arnold.
The kingdom of Verasin is in chaos. The once shrouded Kurnic Assassins Guild has been forced out of hiding by the genocidal Consortium of the Light. The two forces have picked the City of Renal to be a point of contest between them. With the Four Heroes of Kurnstas away and the remaining assassins subdued, killed or on other missions it has fallen on the rising ranks of the guild to go into the shadows and deliver Kunrstas' blessings to their foes. You have been chosen to engage on a mission of certain death; yet, with your help you may save the guild from destruction before the Heroes can return. As the city holds it breath can you defeat its foes before they are able to launch their religious crusade?

A couple of key notes for the one shot. First this is an assassination campaign, meant to be about stealth and assassinations rather then kick the door in beat everything to a pulp and keep going, please keep that in mind when going forward (not trying to push you away but its not your average one shot). Second, you will be a level 3 NPC, so find something that works for you, also all races are allowed I just need to know what they are to modify them. Which leads me to the next point, there is no magic in this one shot, let me repeat that: NO MAGIC IN THE ONE SHOT. So please do not pick an adept or any other NPC class with magic capabilities I wont let you play it, I will modify races to make them playable but if they will take to much modification I will ask you to change your choice. Other than that all weapons, armor and supplies will be provided for you so no worries.
4 players

Alan Wigness
Hyrule has been ruled by a single royal bloodline for hundreds of years, and for all those years there have been those who stood in the Shadows, defending Hyrule from any who seek to destroy it. They are the Sheikah. Now as the Kingdom of Hyrule is entering an unprecedented age of prosperity, the Sheikah face a foe greater than any they have met. Will history remember this day, or will the Sheikah fall from Shadow into obscurity?
D&D 3.5 Core only
Level 8 standard point buy
Must take 3 levels of Rogue
Six Players
Players: (six slots)

***

4:00 – 8:00pm
Axis and Allies Minis
Run by Tim Auten
Another game of Axis and Allies minis.
Any number of players welcome.

Steven Davis
d20 Modern
Level 7
d20 Modern Basic Classes
Make your own characters (contact Lora for the d20 modern information, or use google)
Any number of players

God has decided to retire so he can spend more time bowling. However, before he left, he sent everyone an email describing his abdication and what would happen next. Most of them were caught by spam filters, but the ones that got through were still circulated:
------------------------------
From: god@god.god
To: The World
Cc: Hell, Heaven
Subject: Retirement
I have retired so that I can spend more time bowling. As I will no longer be ruling the
universe, I am leaving things in the care of my archangel, Michael. Parties who are
interested in taking control are free to search the city of Flameville, USA for my crown, which houses all of my powers as ruler of the universe. Thanks, -God.
------------------------------
Whether through gullibility or brilliance, your character believes this email is true. You have headed to Flameville to search for the crown, but first, you're going to get coffee at a bistro on the outskirts of the town. There are a number of weirdos in this cafe, and some of them may know more than they're willing to admit.

Characters will be Level 7 in one of the basic classes (each one is based on one of the ability scores). For initial stats, roll 4x d5+1 and take the highest 3. Do that 7 times and take the highest 6. Yes, they should be really high. As for background, I will accept any kind of character, but I expect you to at least have a reasonable motive for seeking out control of the universe.

Finally, I expect players to have a sense of humor and a fairly relaxed attitude. If the description so far wasn't enough of a warning, I will be mocking religion, tradition, and many other things as well, so sensitive players should probably stay away.

A Gig in Samaranth
DM: Beta
An adventure of wacky hijinks and adventure, set in the border city of Samaranth. Characters will be premade by the DM, and first preference will be given to players who have NOT been in one of my one-shots. Accepting up to six players. The system is Umzamo, my 3.5 variant. If you know 3.5, you should have no problem picking it up.Oh, and you're all bards, or minstrels, if you prefer.
Players: Tim St. Arnold, Alan Wigness, Alex Rule, Judy Radloff (two slots)

***

8:00-12:00am or later
Kyle Harrison and Alan Wigness’s Boardgame
The game has a maximum of six players.

The game is a cut-throat fantasy adventure. You are a group of evil adventurers working your way through a temple of pure good to reach the ultimate prize: the Elixir of Immortality. The elixir is guarded by a very pissed off angel. You and your evil comrades must work together to gain power and eventually defeat the angel. However, the elixir only appears if a person is alone. So, in the end, you have to kill all of your allies.

The object of the game, of course, is to get the Elixir of Life by conquering the temple, defeating the angel, and killing your buddies. So, throughout the game, you're all working together but still making sure you're more powerful than anyone else.

The game is d20 based; bringing your own dice is recommended. The players control both their own evil race/evil class combination (rolled at random) and the enemies (the good guys). The enemies all have associated decision-making algorithms. Also, the enemies' stats and algorithms are all known to the players so that keeps everything fair and balanced.

My advice to the players is this: if you have a choice between helping an ally who isn't TOTALLY screwed and grabbing some loot...grab the loot.

Amy’s Campaign
4th Edition, characters will be level 30 and premade by the DM. The players will be evil, and attempting to effectively reorganize the ruling order of the gods. So yeah, Deicide is expected.
Five to Seven players permitted

Chris’s Campaign
Pre-determined players and campaign. Something about celestials. I think.
Players: John Fuqua, Alpha Thomas, Evan Phillips (FULL)


***

Remember, four hours is your ballpark time, so don’t panic if you go over (especially the later campaigns). The schedule is flexible and subject to shifting slowly backwards. So don’t freak out kids.

To sign up, PLEASE message me – even if you tell me in person, I want a message so I can keep track of everything, as I won’t always be near my computer to sign you up. Therefore, message me on facebook so if two people sign up for something that there’s only one slot for, I can give priority to the person with the earlier message.

Thanks folks! See you at the KHAN!

Newbie's First PUG: Some Thoughts

So as regular readers (I assume there are some of you out there) are aware, I started playing D&D Online a month or so ago with my roommate's encouragement, and ever since then I've been leveling up a few characters and exploring the virtual world of Eberron. My current main, a human cleric, hit level 5 last night (congrats to Jenaskha and her epic Cleric-fu) with the help of Jim's sorcerer (yay regular quest-buddy) and a few cool guys in a PUG (Pick-Up Group) I joined while I was waiting for Jim to get online.

Now, I admit it, I have never PUGged before out of fear of my newbishness shining through, but last night I decided to suck it up when a Bard by the name of Fuzzed popped up in general chat: 'LFM Kobold Assault Normal and Beyond'.

Now, Kobold Assault is at the same time one of my favorite and least favorite quests in Stormreach. It's a simple objective: slay 200 kobolds. Not something one could really do on their own at low levels, but if you bring a buddy or a hireling, it's easily accomplished.

Because of this, it also is one of the more popular XP farms. That and the loot isn't bad - it's where I picked up my first set of Full Plate when I first ran through it a few weeks ago. Thus, when I contacted Fuzzed and asked him what his group needed and found out all they needed was a healer, I figured, hell, why not? It was that or solo-quest the Waterworks, and that was getting old fast.

So I joined up with a group that feature a Bard, two Rogues, a Wizard and (I think) a Sorceress, and we ran through Kob Assault once on Normal and then once more on Hard, and I got to experience what it means to be the only healer in a group.

It's pretty brutal.

When I wasn't fighting off MOBs I was keeping a watchful eye on my party's health bars, running to find them and give them a CL or CM wounds (Cure Light, Cure Moderate) whenever they dipped to or below half their HP. It was daunting.

All in all though it went well. There was only one death in the entire two runs (the halfling rogue got completely zerged at one point), and the XP got me up to almost level 5, so it was a successful run.

That said, here is what newbie MMO player learned from her first PUG:

1. Being the only healer is HARD and requires a lot of attention
2. No-one can tell you're a newbie, so caution, rather than fear, should be felt
3. When the party splits, go with the smaller group - two against a mob of MOBs is better than one
4. Watching a human bard dance while stealthing = funniest thing ever (tangent: the dances in DDO are the lamest things EVER. True story).
5. As awesome as it was to game with cool new people, I prefer solo or duo-questing. Though that's because Jenaskha and Serenea (Jim's Sorceress) make an awesome team. That and it's a lot easier to focus on one person's healing besides your own as opposed to five other people.

Conclusion: Being the bandaid box in a PUG = hard.

Also, from what my friends have told me, being the only healer in a PUG is much much worse when playing WoW.

...

Note to self: when I finally play WoW, don't play a healer.

At least not for my first character. XD