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Messages - Tjaeden

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1
S.N.E.A.K.S. / Re: Chapter One: The Trouble with Trinkets
« on: March 23, 2007, 12:28:35 PM »
"I want to go to.  I want a good look at the help.  Servants, the butler, and cooks - people like that.  I can be very...  convincing in my disguises.  I won't be noticed."

Keating looks over to Solon for approval.  His features shimmer ever so slightly, so that its nearly impossible to tell what color his eyes are.

2
Video Games / Re: Burning Crusade
« on: March 21, 2007, 06:30:48 PM »
What server are you making the TWG guild on again?  Is it horde or alliance?  (and pvp, pve, or rp?)

I led my current guild into the depths of Karazahn, and we did the best ever since TBC came out.  There is much satisfaction to working with your friends and seeing your practice pay off.  We have the first 4 bosses on Kara on "almost-farm" status.

But there is a random Opera event (which is 4th boss).  It's either the Wizard of Oz (Dorothee, Tito, Roar, Tinhead, Strahman) which we got 4 weeks in a row.  Last night was Romulo and Julianne, a welcome change =).  Apparently, the 3rd one is the Big Bad Wolf.

Questing and leveling is so much fun - but the beauty of WoW are the end-game dungeons.  The 40 mans were a pain in the @*#, but the new 10 mans are perfect.  We will be giving the first 25 man dungeon a shot next week =).

Tjaeden
70 Mage (Burning Blade - Alliance)
Ask me anything about playing a mage - betcha 1g I know the answer!

3
S.N.E.A.K.S. / Re: Chapter One: The Trouble with Trinkets
« on: March 17, 2007, 10:33:05 PM »
Keating shrugs his shoulders and finished his apple. 

"I'm just not used to being in a group," he says.   

4
S.N.E.A.K.S. / Re: Chapter One: The Trouble with Trinkets
« on: March 17, 2007, 04:21:09 PM »
"Agreed.  We must act quickly to gain information.  Standing here isn't gettin' anything done."

"And yes, a black horse...  with matching black saddle.  For a getaway.  Glad you thought that far ahead. Rashial."

5
Movies and TV / Re: The Bridge to Teribithia
« on: March 15, 2007, 03:45:11 PM »
It took me a good 20 minutes after leaving the theatre to decide whether or not I liked it.

After the silence passed for a while, my 9 year old little sister looked up at me and said, "I didn't like it."

That was enough for me.  Not having read the book, I felt the events in the movie where over-reactions, and did not justify the *little* character development.  It was too much of a "waste."

Also,  I admit I had no idea what it was about (aside from movietickets.com summary), but thought it would be a good enough to take my little sister.  I should have taken her to see 300 - at least she would have understood the violence in that movie.

Aside from the problems with character development, the religious undertone could have had a stronger role in the movie.  However, even that only went half way. 

The special effects, casting, acting, and costume were top notch. 

Towards the end of the movie, a viewer will ask, "why?"  And that is never answered in any way.

2 out of 10.

6
Brandon Sanderson / Re: Warbreaker: Free Ebook
« on: March 15, 2007, 02:10:37 PM »
But since all the "good" guys are getting neutralized, isn't Brandon seating up some all powerfull display of the God-King's power to "fix" things?  Or Viv suddenly demonstrating complete command over her Breaths?

The idea of "evil" and what an inanimate object thinks it is, is marvelous!  Combined with the questioning of a 5 year old, and Nightblood rose to be my #2 favorite character.

I was wondering when Denth would turn up, and expected him sooner.  His line about waiting 2 weeks might match up with the last time he tried to capture Vivena, and explains why Vasher hasn't found him.  So, to me, the timing seemed to fit - but more specific information never hurt. 

What did neutralize Nightblood?  Those mercs should have jumped at the blade - anyone as "strong-willed" as Denth is defiantly a leader, not a follower.  But with all of *cough* Blushwaver's *cough* gold, Denth could - and would have - hired only the best.  And he knew how to counter the sword. 

Vasher should have used the blade like a blade, not like a grenade.   To me, that makes him kind of a weaker character.

7
Table-Top Games / Re: question on Three-Dragon Ante
« on: March 15, 2007, 01:35:02 PM »
I haven't seen it in stores yet.  But as a gambling game for inclusion in a D&D game?  Excellent idea!  10/10!

Why?  there is no skill in D&D for gambling - its situational at best and relies 100% on a single die roll (and you can only roll a d100 so many times before getting bored).

What I started using and what works AMAZING 'cause everyone already has it - is the Dice Guessing game from Pirates of the Carribean 2 (the only think good from that movie, imo).

Give it a shot at your next game - you will love it, and so will your players!

8
Video Games / Re: Burning Crusade
« on: March 15, 2007, 01:28:46 PM »
I could never get a warrior past 30.  But then I leveled a rogue, and he was 60 in no time.  To be an effective warrior - you really have to master those stances.  And besides druids, I think warriors have too many abilities!  Just way to much to choose from.  I mainly wanted a warrior so I could tank (I love that), but I have a protection paladin that does the job just as good (if not better in situational fights).

Currently, I'm doing 10 man raids and Heroics on my mage.  Hit over +1000 damage last night! 


9
S.N.E.A.K.S. / Re: Chapter One: The Trouble with Trinkets
« on: March 15, 2007, 01:24:01 PM »
"Maybe there are some things I'd like:

1. A map of the estate
2. A dossier on Lord Col - what's his politics?
3. A sleek riding horse (trained of course), black.  Matching saddle.*
4. 200' of rope, dyed black, cut into 50' lengths.
5. A telescope.*
6. Patents of Nobility.

"That should about cover it. Oh, and maybe a disguise for the fairy.  If we gave him a black cowl and a utility belt...  wait, no, that would never work."

*((I believe the tech-level of this campaign was Renaissance - but Dink kind of threw me off.  Is the Steampower?  What would be appropriate here?))

10
S.N.E.A.K.S. / Re: Chapter One: The Trouble with Trinkets
« on: March 14, 2007, 02:06:12 AM »
"Explosives, Olan?" Keating asks, changing the subject in his head.

"Seems a little much.  Again, we don't know what we need, 'cause we've never seen the place.  What if there are guards?  Or guard dogs? Or a moat?  Or something magical?"

Keating shrugs his shoulders again.  "Just thinking out loud," he says to Solan.

From somewhere, Keating pulls out a green apple, and munches while the team gets whatever gear they think they need.  If asked if he needs anything from the Quartermaster, he politely shakes his head, 'no.'

"Besides.  No one asked what the second thing was that we need to look for."

11
S.N.E.A.K.S. / Re: Chapter One: The Trouble with Trinkets
« on: March 12, 2007, 09:16:07 PM »
"Well... Dink.  It should be a simple in-out job.  With proper planning and some smarts, you can break into anything.  The concrete deadline makes us short in both areas, I'm afraid."

Thinking for a moment, Keating continues: "However, if our job is to test the security measures, I officially state that we are being stunted already - it's the way of administration  really."

Shrugging his shoulders, Keating falls silent.

12
Brandon Sanderson / Re: Warbreaker: Free Ebook
« on: March 12, 2007, 05:58:58 PM »
Thanks for bringing that up, Dawncawley.  I've always wanted Viv's chapters to focus more on her goal of rescuing her sister.  That was her prime motivation (even though it was selfish - ViV wanted to feel useful) to go to Hallendren.  And that motivation just got so buried and forgotten, Viv's character has a shallowness - mirrored by her time with the Merc's.

I didn't see a mind influencing effect stem from the breaths - but I did think it was because Vasher was more in command, mentally and emotionally. 

What really bothers me, and maybe it's because of the 1 chapter a week - is that the build to the climax was kind of slow for Brandon.  This latest chapter has me on the edge of my seat - but to what?  I'm not sure what I (as a reader) am supposed to feel for - I know nothing about Idris anymore, it's been to long since we heard anything from there.  Viv seems fine now, she learned her lesson not to judge. 

So what can I expect in the next few remaining chapters?  Denth vs. Vasher?  Too easy, and we know Vasher will win (he's definitely not Kelsier).  Lightsong vs. Blushweaver?  While it would be cool reading about 2 armies of zombies fighting...  it's still just zombies.  Maybe a personal battle?  Neither of them have shown much competence at swords or magic.  Siri and Susebron vs. Priests?  While this one seems compelling, this is the political conflict, and seems the least one prone to a violent conclusion.

I'm not saying I don't love the story - I do.  I'm just saying it better be one hell of an ending to tie up all the loose ends.  I want to see Lightsong be more of the detective, that aspect of the story was great.  But then...  this is exactly what Bradon wants us to think.  I'm guessing that he wants the reader to feel frustrated with Siri's lack of perspective - just as she is. 

There are just some things I'm not 'feelin.'

13
S.N.E.A.K.S. / Re: Chapter One: The Trouble with Trinkets
« on: March 12, 2007, 05:38:05 PM »
Keating signed the paperwork with a sigh and tossed them flippantly on the desk.
"Useless bureaucracy," he muttered as he hurried to catch up to his new "teammates."

"Solon.  Think on this," Keating says.  Mentally, the conversation continued.  I'm just here to get paid.  Trying to lay low, let some heat die off.  If you can't deal - then stay out of my way.  If you can - then I'm sure I'll make a valuable asset to this team..  The word team had a sarcastic twist to it.

To the others, Keating put on his most winning smile.  "I'm sure we won't need too many things from a few dwarves.  Simple in and out job.  We scope current security, maybe shadow the mark for a week.  Check for extra special stuff, like magic.  See what weak spots we can infiltrate to get an interior look.  Night may seem like the best time to pull a heist - but I'm betting this 'Lord Col' would have less security during the day."

Leaning back against the doorframe, he crossed his arms.  "We should also check the Lord for two other things.  The first being if he is going to throw any parties soon."

14
S.N.E.A.K.S. / Re: Chapter One: The Trouble with Trinkets
« on: March 04, 2007, 04:42:02 PM »
"Oh man, I'm so terribly late."

It looks as if Keating just got out of bed - ruffled clothes, unkept hair, and he has not shaved.
But, relying on his personal charm, he gives the elf one of his best grins.

"I'm sure this won't be a problem - will it?"

15
Role-Playing Games / Re: review: Complete Mage
« on: February 28, 2007, 08:16:23 PM »
Well, the TSR power-creep came from 2 things.  First, there were at least 3 independent groups of writers, all doing different things.  They never communicated on balance, function, integration, and even design.  The Second thing was the time tables imposed by the big-wigs.  There wasn't enough time to cross-reference material.

Now, everything goes through the same three departments, R&D (basic design stage), the Writing (where "fluff" tends to get added), and Editing.  But the editing department know just as much about the rules as the R&D guys - if not more.  Of course there are some slips, but when is anything perfect?

The things to look forward to in a new D&D book (Complete, Environment, Monster, or Adventure) are the feats, PrC's, spells, and magic items.  New systems - such as Luck feats in Complete Scoundrel - still require DM approval, but they are there, and official.  Whenever I come up with something, my players either groan and take it like green NyQuil, or just ignore it.

New books are balanced within themselves - General Feats are all on the same level.  Tactical, Divine, and Metamagic feats are introduced in new books all the time, and are as varied in usefulness as the core PH feats.  Variant feats (again under DM discretion) are definatly more campaign specific (even FR talent feats are over-powered if you think about it).

The functions - especially of the Complete Mage - of the newer books remains top-notch.  They are *all* written from the standpoint of the reader having ONLY the PH, MM, and DMG.  Given that, there is bound to be repetition. 

As for integration, the Complete Mage does an amazing job meshing with Complete Arcana (stuff for Warlocks), PH (expanded core class options), DMG (PrC's and magic items), and even other books.

As for design, the only think I miss are the "lines" from the PH - I loved those!  But the illustrations are superb (those old 2E soft cover adventures were like cave paintings with boobs).

I think 4.0 is a while away, and WotC has to make some kind of money from D&D.  Tailoring books so that players can use them helps - meaning that even the DM 'scape books have player info in them.

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