Since my friend asked me for some help setting up her son's Pokewalker the other day I decided to write up the instructions in a fun little blog post.
I'd call this a Discipline Blog post however, it won't have any of the other earmarks of a normal post as I have misplaced my Pokewalker and I'm a bit out of practice.
Anyway, to all the Pokemon enthusiasts out there: Enjoy!
How to setup and use your Pokewalker attachment for Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver:
So, you’ve visited your local game store or gone online and used your hard-earned money to purchase your very own copy of Pokémon: Heart Gold or Soul Silver with Pokewalker, and you are incredibly excited to start walking around in real-life with your favorite Pokémon, gaining experience while catching more Pokémon in the field. Unfortunately, you have no idea how to begin using your Pokewalker.
To begin, you must have advanced far enough into the main story of the game to be able to catch Pokémon. This should not be too difficult, about five to ten minutes of steady game play should get you where you need to be. Once you’ve gained access to poke balls (I also recommend buying some extras from the local Pokemart) start wandering into the tall grass found all around the beginning areas of the game. Spend a little time leveling up and capturing Pokémon. Once you have captured at least one Pokémon, you are nearly ready to begin using your Pokewalker.
Now, you must take a trip to your local Pokémon Center. Once there access the PC located near the lovely young lady at the counter who offers to heal your Pokémon free of charge. When the menu options show, select “Someone’s PC” you are now given several options (Deposit Pokémon, Withdraw Pokémon, Move Pokémon, and Move Items). You may either simply deposit a Pokémon from your team of 2-6 currently travelling with you, or (if you are a more advanced user of the Pokémon storage system) you can use “Move Pokémon” to have more controlled distribution of the Pokémon on your team and in storage. Once you have at least one Pokémon in storage you can begin using your Pokewalker attachment.
Restart your game, when you come to the menu screen (after pressing Start on the title screen) move down through the menu options until you have selected “Connect to Pokewalker”. The on screen directions tell you how to connect the Pokewalker; however, for ease I’ll also explain the process. When prompted, press and hold the large central button on the Pokewalker until the LCD display shows a background and a number (usually 0). Once you can see the LCD image, press the central button again to access the Pokewalker menu (the cursor should default to the CONNECT option but if not you may have to press the left and right buttons to move it to the appropriate menu option).
With CONNECT highlighted, point the Pokewalker at the DS cartridge and press the central button again (depending on how much time you’ve taken to do this the Pokewalker may go into sleep mode again, simply press and hold the central button as before to resume its functioning) . You should see some flashing lights on your DS screen indicating a connection and you will also hear a beep on your Pokewalker attachment (if the sound is on).
Once the connection has been made, you can select the option “Go for a Stroll” which will then allow you to select both a Pokémon from those currently stored in your PC to move to the Pokewalker, and a route to stroll on (you begin only able to use 2 routes but unlock more as you use the Pokewalker. Select your chosen Pokémon and connect again to the Pokewalker. You will hear a chime on the Pokewalker indicating that you have successfully moved a Pokémon over (there will also be an indication on the DS).
When you want to switch Pokémon out of the Pokewalker or unlock new routes (or unload the Pokémon and Items you’ve found on your stroll) simply follow the same connection process and select the option “Return from Stroll”. Upon return all Pokémon and Items found during your stroll with be deposited into your PC (along with the Pokémon you’ve been strolling with) and your bag respectively (you will need to do this periodically as the Pokewalker can only hold 3 Pokémon and 3 Items at a time). You then repeat the above process to go on another stroll either with the same Pokémon as before or with another one currently stored in your PC.
With that you’ve learned how to utilize your Pokewalker attachment. Now get out there, get walking and level up your favorite Pokémon, I personally keep my Gyrados on me at all times!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Discipline Blog Redux #2
Discipline Blog Redux #2
Pokewalker Steps Taken: 11455 (Woo-Hoo! Most in one day since I've started using the thing!)
Running Dungeons and Dragons
Today I’m running a session of Dungeons and Dragons (3.5, homebrew world), so in honor of that occasion, I’ve decided to write a quick piece about the world that the game is taking place in. I may also diverge from the key topic to share some particularly noteworthy gaming moments if I feel so moved.
The World of Bhakaras –
Like many fantasy worlds, Bhakaras is full of medieval weaponry, magical spells, and odd looking races of humanoids and monsters. Unlike many other fantasy worlds, except perhaps some of the worlds found in Final Fantasy style computer games, Bhakaras also has technology (of various kinds and at various levels) available to it. Even that doesn’t make it stand out completely however. Time travel, high technology, steampunk technology and medieval societies all have a place in this world and basically anything is possible.
Current Age of Bhakaras – The Age of Galiria (5735 a.r.c. – Annotated Renaissance Calendar)
Central to the campaign I’m currently running is the nation-state of Galiria. Originally founded as a small feudal city-state in the year 1077 a.r.c. Galiria grew in the aftermath of the fall of Prosempst (Pronounced Pross-M-Pissed). Several small outlying noble settlements and villages all united under the banner of Lord Valys Galerian III and a standing militia was founded in the wake of the influx of Prosemptan refugees. Within a decade, Galiria had officially established its borders (the forest line of Hylar to the north, the Viridian rift to the west, the Kalinost seas to the east and the Blightline to the south).
Galiria’s population consists of Humans (approx 70%), Elves (10% - mostly High Elves), Dwarves (5% - Mostly Hill Dwarves), T’lorians (5% mostly found in the capitol), and about 10% of Monster Races (Goblinoids, Draconic/Kobold, etc. – mostly found in small settlements away from villages, towns and cities).
Although the technology and wealth found in Galiria does vary greatly between the various sized settlements throughout, overall Galiria has a semi-industrial level of technology with a Steampunk Neo-Victorian feel to the architecture, clothing and technological devices. Although natural talent for Magical and Psychic ability is rare among the populace of Galiria, both areas of study are well-known and integrated into the daily lives of many of Galiria’s citizens. Many of the Steampunk devices are fueled using Magical or Psionic power sources, and the Galirian Academy of Scientific Study has departments devoted to the use and construction of Magical and Psionic devices.
The Galirian Academy of Scientific Study also serves as the central hub for all interactions with the T’lorian population in Galiria. The T’lorians (an advanced race from the Kovertan peninsula) came to Galiria shortly after the fall of Prosempst and offered to share some of their knowledge and experience by forming the Academy. In its current incarnation, the Academy has several satellite locations throughout the region and is the central hub for all academic study on the mainland. In addition, it serves as the training ground for nobility, scientists, engineers, sorcerers, psions, and more.
Over more than 4000 years, the Galirian political structures have changed drastically. Originally a feudal city-state ruled by a noble family. When the nation grew, it became a full-fledged monarchy. After nearly 500 years of rule by the Galerian royal house, a military coup occurred and the Royal family was forced into hiding. Until the early 2000’s, Galiria was a police state and all of the citizens of Galiria were forced to serve in the Militia. Finally, the Galirian royal family put together a legitimate resistance movement and for more than one-hundred years the nation fractured into smaller city-states, it was believed that the age of Galiria had passed during this time. However, the Galirian civil-war finally came to an end when the Viridian rift erupted in 2136 spewing out an army of golem-like warriors who began to lay waste to all in their path.
The Darkestarr Family Line –
Dekall Darkestarr, a T’lorian renegade, began traveling throughout Galiria shortly after the eruption. Little is known about the man except that in the years following the eruption he would often arrive in towns being attacked and save them from destruction before disappearing. For more than a decade “The Darkestarr” was considered a legend and little more, a sort of guardian angel. However, in 2145 the elusive and enigmatic T’lorian wed the Galirian princess Serra Galerian. The ceremony was very public (held in the destroyed central square of Old Galiria) and served as a uniting event for the nation. Within less than a year, the Galirian royal family had regained much of its lost power and the Galirian militia was rebuilt. Over the next fifteen years, the T’lorian and the Princess worked to reunite Galiria and re-establish its borders while working to eject the still massing golem armies. In addition, the first known children of a T’lorian/Human pairing began to be born as the Darkestarrs started having children. Despite being the co-ruler of Galiria very little is known about Dekall Darkestarr. However, his family line continues to this day. During Dekall and Serra’s reign Galiria had returned to a sort of Monarchy, however, both agreed that if Galiria was to survive a new system of government had to be formed. As a result, Gailria eventually adopted a system of government that was essentially a representational monarchy and a republic fused into one.
Well, that’s all I have in me for now… there will probably be more World of Bhakaras themed posts done every Thursday (my gaming day) if not more frequently… I’m currently working on the writing out of the actual system of government in Galiria which I may post as well. Anyway, thanks for listening to my ramblings. See you tomorrow!
Pokewalker Steps Taken: 11455 (Woo-Hoo! Most in one day since I've started using the thing!)
Running Dungeons and Dragons
Today I’m running a session of Dungeons and Dragons (3.5, homebrew world), so in honor of that occasion, I’ve decided to write a quick piece about the world that the game is taking place in. I may also diverge from the key topic to share some particularly noteworthy gaming moments if I feel so moved.
The World of Bhakaras –
Like many fantasy worlds, Bhakaras is full of medieval weaponry, magical spells, and odd looking races of humanoids and monsters. Unlike many other fantasy worlds, except perhaps some of the worlds found in Final Fantasy style computer games, Bhakaras also has technology (of various kinds and at various levels) available to it. Even that doesn’t make it stand out completely however. Time travel, high technology, steampunk technology and medieval societies all have a place in this world and basically anything is possible.
Current Age of Bhakaras – The Age of Galiria (5735 a.r.c. – Annotated Renaissance Calendar)
Central to the campaign I’m currently running is the nation-state of Galiria. Originally founded as a small feudal city-state in the year 1077 a.r.c. Galiria grew in the aftermath of the fall of Prosempst (Pronounced Pross-M-Pissed). Several small outlying noble settlements and villages all united under the banner of Lord Valys Galerian III and a standing militia was founded in the wake of the influx of Prosemptan refugees. Within a decade, Galiria had officially established its borders (the forest line of Hylar to the north, the Viridian rift to the west, the Kalinost seas to the east and the Blightline to the south).
Galiria’s population consists of Humans (approx 70%), Elves (10% - mostly High Elves), Dwarves (5% - Mostly Hill Dwarves), T’lorians (5% mostly found in the capitol), and about 10% of Monster Races (Goblinoids, Draconic/Kobold, etc. – mostly found in small settlements away from villages, towns and cities).
Although the technology and wealth found in Galiria does vary greatly between the various sized settlements throughout, overall Galiria has a semi-industrial level of technology with a Steampunk Neo-Victorian feel to the architecture, clothing and technological devices. Although natural talent for Magical and Psychic ability is rare among the populace of Galiria, both areas of study are well-known and integrated into the daily lives of many of Galiria’s citizens. Many of the Steampunk devices are fueled using Magical or Psionic power sources, and the Galirian Academy of Scientific Study has departments devoted to the use and construction of Magical and Psionic devices.
The Galirian Academy of Scientific Study also serves as the central hub for all interactions with the T’lorian population in Galiria. The T’lorians (an advanced race from the Kovertan peninsula) came to Galiria shortly after the fall of Prosempst and offered to share some of their knowledge and experience by forming the Academy. In its current incarnation, the Academy has several satellite locations throughout the region and is the central hub for all academic study on the mainland. In addition, it serves as the training ground for nobility, scientists, engineers, sorcerers, psions, and more.
Over more than 4000 years, the Galirian political structures have changed drastically. Originally a feudal city-state ruled by a noble family. When the nation grew, it became a full-fledged monarchy. After nearly 500 years of rule by the Galerian royal house, a military coup occurred and the Royal family was forced into hiding. Until the early 2000’s, Galiria was a police state and all of the citizens of Galiria were forced to serve in the Militia. Finally, the Galirian royal family put together a legitimate resistance movement and for more than one-hundred years the nation fractured into smaller city-states, it was believed that the age of Galiria had passed during this time. However, the Galirian civil-war finally came to an end when the Viridian rift erupted in 2136 spewing out an army of golem-like warriors who began to lay waste to all in their path.
The Darkestarr Family Line –
Dekall Darkestarr, a T’lorian renegade, began traveling throughout Galiria shortly after the eruption. Little is known about the man except that in the years following the eruption he would often arrive in towns being attacked and save them from destruction before disappearing. For more than a decade “The Darkestarr” was considered a legend and little more, a sort of guardian angel. However, in 2145 the elusive and enigmatic T’lorian wed the Galirian princess Serra Galerian. The ceremony was very public (held in the destroyed central square of Old Galiria) and served as a uniting event for the nation. Within less than a year, the Galirian royal family had regained much of its lost power and the Galirian militia was rebuilt. Over the next fifteen years, the T’lorian and the Princess worked to reunite Galiria and re-establish its borders while working to eject the still massing golem armies. In addition, the first known children of a T’lorian/Human pairing began to be born as the Darkestarrs started having children. Despite being the co-ruler of Galiria very little is known about Dekall Darkestarr. However, his family line continues to this day. During Dekall and Serra’s reign Galiria had returned to a sort of Monarchy, however, both agreed that if Galiria was to survive a new system of government had to be formed. As a result, Gailria eventually adopted a system of government that was essentially a representational monarchy and a republic fused into one.
Well, that’s all I have in me for now… there will probably be more World of Bhakaras themed posts done every Thursday (my gaming day) if not more frequently… I’m currently working on the writing out of the actual system of government in Galiria which I may post as well. Anyway, thanks for listening to my ramblings. See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Discipline Blog Redux
Discipline Blog Redux
Ok, so the universe didn’t exactly work in my favor for the past few months and, as it unfortunately does way too often, my personal growth and development took a back seat to general damage control living. Anyway, I thought I’d take this moment to attempt to restart the “Discipline Blog” and really make some progress in increasing my productivity.
Some notes about the redux: Instead of putting down the amount of time that I’ve been walking each day, I’m instead going to use my newly acquired Pokewalker to record the number of steps taken. Other than that the format won’t be changing much.
Pokewalking today: 873 steps (grand total of approximately 8000 over the previous weekend at PortCon Maine)
Speaking of PortCon, I decided to write a little about some of the things I enjoy geeking out about.
Doctor Who Fans (Whovians) -
Normally, Doctor Who fans are not found frequently at PortCon (Anime and UK Sci-Fi doesn’t seem to have a lot of overlap). As a matter of fact, in the past 6 years of attendance the only other Whovian I’d actually encountered was a man who was talking about the good Doctor while standing in line who proceeded to be incredibly pleased when I pulled my Sonic Screwdriver out of my pocket and proceeded to point it at him and activate it (causing a small blue light to flash at him while a high pitched whirring noise emitted from the device). However, this year I was pleased to not only see some Whovians out in public - First person I saw was a young man in a “Gallifrey University” t-shirt - but actual Whovian cos-players. I got to see 2 David Tennant Doctors, 1 Tom Baker Doctor, 1 Donna Noble, and someone in a gas mask asking con-goers “Are you my mummy?” I was pleased to say the least and was also saddened that this year I wasn’t carrying my Sonic at all times. By the way, no spoilers but I just need to say that Stephen Moffat has officially and very successfully taken over the reins of Doctor Who and the season/series finale for this year was both excellent and infuriating (because I have to wait until next spring for more episodes - not counting the Christmas special).
Star Wars Miniatures
While most of the sessions of the WotC Star Wars Miniature Battle game that I ran this weekend were pretty basic simple scenarios designed to teach people to play the game, I managed to squeeze in two amazing games. The first lasted more than four hours and consisted of myself, another Mini’s staffer, and two young players (a brother and sister) who have been playing minis at the con regularly for years. It got very silly and the dice rolls were oddly crazy (rolls for initiative that went 18, 18, 19, 20 or 1, 5, *a comment that there’s no way a 5 was going to win* followed by a 3, and another 1) and several series of critical hits and misses. It was a blast and we had quite a bit of fun. The second game, and last of the con was a game between myself and the other Mini’s staffer who was part of the first game. Mandalorian commandos versus Rebel Commandos and a lone Ewok sounds epic right? Well, the game lasted for almost two hours and it came down in the end to each of us having only one character left, (He had Canderous Ordo and I had Han Solo, Scoundrel) after nearly ten full rounds of Canderous rapid firing down the hall and regenerating from numerous shots by Han, and Han dodging and weaving while getting in pot shots on Canderous, both characters were at the point where one hit by either character would end the game. Unfortunately for me, the force was not with Han in the end and he was struck a fatal blow. Despite my loss, I had a blast and ended the con on a high note.
Heroclix
I hadn’t played Heroclix in more than a year, but when the opportunity arose for me to compete in a tournament using two sentinels as my army I couldn’t resist. My first battle was perhaps the best. My sentinels faced off against a lone Superman Prime and while the empowered god-like figure was capable of crushing my giant robots in a straight up fight the fact that he was alone on the board left him with a critical weakness. After exchanging blows for several rounds, the unthinkable occurred! A sentinel captured Prime and ran away with him, ending the skirmish. Although my robots started strong, the Sentinels failed against all of their other opponents and placed low in the tournament. Yet in a magical unspoken deal, every person in the tournament ended up with exactly what they wanted despite having been handed different prizes. Unfortunately, the con has reignited my interest in playing Heroclix (and other Mini’s games) again… like I need more things to spend money on.
Ramblings
Well, I think that about wraps up this mess. I apologize in advance for the mess that this is… writing it at 3am can have a dramatic impact upon the skill presented. See you all tomorrow!
Ok, so the universe didn’t exactly work in my favor for the past few months and, as it unfortunately does way too often, my personal growth and development took a back seat to general damage control living. Anyway, I thought I’d take this moment to attempt to restart the “Discipline Blog” and really make some progress in increasing my productivity.
Some notes about the redux: Instead of putting down the amount of time that I’ve been walking each day, I’m instead going to use my newly acquired Pokewalker to record the number of steps taken. Other than that the format won’t be changing much.
Pokewalking today: 873 steps (grand total of approximately 8000 over the previous weekend at PortCon Maine)
Speaking of PortCon, I decided to write a little about some of the things I enjoy geeking out about.
Doctor Who Fans (Whovians) -
Normally, Doctor Who fans are not found frequently at PortCon (Anime and UK Sci-Fi doesn’t seem to have a lot of overlap). As a matter of fact, in the past 6 years of attendance the only other Whovian I’d actually encountered was a man who was talking about the good Doctor while standing in line who proceeded to be incredibly pleased when I pulled my Sonic Screwdriver out of my pocket and proceeded to point it at him and activate it (causing a small blue light to flash at him while a high pitched whirring noise emitted from the device). However, this year I was pleased to not only see some Whovians out in public - First person I saw was a young man in a “Gallifrey University” t-shirt - but actual Whovian cos-players. I got to see 2 David Tennant Doctors, 1 Tom Baker Doctor, 1 Donna Noble, and someone in a gas mask asking con-goers “Are you my mummy?” I was pleased to say the least and was also saddened that this year I wasn’t carrying my Sonic at all times. By the way, no spoilers but I just need to say that Stephen Moffat has officially and very successfully taken over the reins of Doctor Who and the season/series finale for this year was both excellent and infuriating (because I have to wait until next spring for more episodes - not counting the Christmas special).
Star Wars Miniatures
While most of the sessions of the WotC Star Wars Miniature Battle game that I ran this weekend were pretty basic simple scenarios designed to teach people to play the game, I managed to squeeze in two amazing games. The first lasted more than four hours and consisted of myself, another Mini’s staffer, and two young players (a brother and sister) who have been playing minis at the con regularly for years. It got very silly and the dice rolls were oddly crazy (rolls for initiative that went 18, 18, 19, 20 or 1, 5, *a comment that there’s no way a 5 was going to win* followed by a 3, and another 1) and several series of critical hits and misses. It was a blast and we had quite a bit of fun. The second game, and last of the con was a game between myself and the other Mini’s staffer who was part of the first game. Mandalorian commandos versus Rebel Commandos and a lone Ewok sounds epic right? Well, the game lasted for almost two hours and it came down in the end to each of us having only one character left, (He had Canderous Ordo and I had Han Solo, Scoundrel) after nearly ten full rounds of Canderous rapid firing down the hall and regenerating from numerous shots by Han, and Han dodging and weaving while getting in pot shots on Canderous, both characters were at the point where one hit by either character would end the game. Unfortunately for me, the force was not with Han in the end and he was struck a fatal blow. Despite my loss, I had a blast and ended the con on a high note.
Heroclix
I hadn’t played Heroclix in more than a year, but when the opportunity arose for me to compete in a tournament using two sentinels as my army I couldn’t resist. My first battle was perhaps the best. My sentinels faced off against a lone Superman Prime and while the empowered god-like figure was capable of crushing my giant robots in a straight up fight the fact that he was alone on the board left him with a critical weakness. After exchanging blows for several rounds, the unthinkable occurred! A sentinel captured Prime and ran away with him, ending the skirmish. Although my robots started strong, the Sentinels failed against all of their other opponents and placed low in the tournament. Yet in a magical unspoken deal, every person in the tournament ended up with exactly what they wanted despite having been handed different prizes. Unfortunately, the con has reignited my interest in playing Heroclix (and other Mini’s games) again… like I need more things to spend money on.
Ramblings
Well, I think that about wraps up this mess. I apologize in advance for the mess that this is… writing it at 3am can have a dramatic impact upon the skill presented. See you all tomorrow!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Discipline Blog - Day 5
Discipline Blog - Day 5
Getting off my ass time: 2 hours (I took a walk early this morning to my bank only to discover that the branch closest to my house closed, apparently within the last week).
Today’s blog, unlike the previous couple, will be a small short story of sorts based upon one of my characters on World of Warcraft. This is simply a free-writing exercise so I apologize if it’s terrible or boring. I hope you enjoy it!
Magister Saphyron felt his robes become moist and was unsure if it was blood, sweat or urine that was the culprit. He hoped that it wasn’t urine, but given the circumstances, he couldn’t be sure he hadn’t wet himself. Saphyron was surrounded by a growing swarm of varied undead abominations. Slobbering ghouls and zombies were being trampled by bloated, stitched together horrors, all attempting to intercept and devour the Magister and his few remaining family members. Saphyron’s verdant eyes flashed and a wave of flowing ice erupted forth from him. The wave crashed upon the undead freezing them in place for a moment.
“Brother, I won’t leave without you!” Vhelian, Saphyron’s eldest younger sibling, gripped the back of Saphyron’s midnight blue robes tightly.
“You don’t get a say, I’m sorry Vhelian.” Saphyron gestured at his young brother and his angry eyes rolled back into his head. As Vhelian’s grip weakened, Saphyron pushed his brother’s sleeping form onto the boat with the others. “Live on. Belore.”
The loud crack of smashing ice signaled that the undead would soon be upon Saphyron. He turned from the small ship and began chanting. A burst of vermillion flame began to spin between Saphyron’s raised hands, and he cracked a crooked smile as he felt the first undead reach into the open wound in his side. Blood. The frothing mass of undead descended upon Saphyron’s form, and he unleashed the giant fireball. Instead of striking the undead directly, the explosive force destroyed the dock behind Saphyron and pushed the boat away from the Isle of Quel’Danas. Saphyron crumpled under the weight of the undead swarm. He turned his head away from the oncoming doom and looked towards his siblings. The last thing Saphyron felt was a sharp pain as the chain of an Abomnation came down upon his skull.
*****
This one is mine. He was a beloved son of Quel’thalas. He shall serve us in death, and the desecration will be complete.
Saphyron felt cold. It was worse than the deepest chill he had gotten from calling forth elemental cold. There was nothing around him except a periwinkle mist and a quiet whispering that issued forth from all around him. He heard only one word clearly. Serve.
A sudden burst of pain similar to hiccoughing and belching at the same time jarred Saphyron back into reality. Saphyron could feel the cold stone floor beneath his skin. I’m naked. Curious. Saphyron pushed himself off the floor. His whole body felt like he’d just crawled out of river in the coldest part of Northrend. Saphyron’s skin had taken on a bluish tinge yet he was whole. No sign at all that he had been cut open, gnawed on, or bludgeoned to death that he could see. He wanted to say he was alive, but even as the words formed in his mind he knew it wasn’t true. Even now he was beginning to hear the whispers of the Lich King in his mind.
Come Saphyron, be my weapon against the living.
Saphyron’s senses slowly came back to him and he began to look around the chamber. It was minimalist to a fault. No furniture could be found, only black marble walls and a cold slate floor. Some silver etched dark blue cloth was piled in the corner. Saphyron realized that the cloth was all that remained of his robes. Gingerly, he gathered up the tattered cloth and wrapped it around his waist. It’s cold enough without having to worry about freezing my bits off. Not that I expect to get any use out of them now. Saphyron began to approach the door. Unlocked? No such luck. The bastard isn’t going to make this easy.
Saphyron pressed his hands against the door and attempted to call forth the energy to blow apart the lock, but nothing happened. Hmm, no magic? Being dead is going to be much worse than I imagined. Saphyron let a small sigh escape from his lips and watched in amazement as small ice crystals began to form on the door. Of course! Fire magic may be impossible, but my cold spells should be intensified significantly. He pulled as much air into his lungs and expelled it as a cloud of ice. The door lock and much of the area around it had become frozen. The lock mechanism should be brittle now. With a powerful kick, Saphyron attempted to force the door open. Saphyron’s foot passed through the door as it shattered from the force of his kick. By the Dawn! That didn’t even hurt me. I should have barely cracked the lock. Apparently, death has done quite a bit for my physical strength.
Saphyron began to walk down the halls of the stone prison. Aside from the occasional skull, adorned with blue flaming eyes, the hall was as unremarkable as his cell. Every slapping footstep on the stone brought Saphyron closer to his destiny. He could feel the power inside himself. It was different than the power he had when he was alive. His body was stronger. He paused occasionally to marvel at how good his body looked. He was always a confident mage, but this was different. He couldn’t understand why this made him feel so good. It must be the Lich King’s manipulation.
This whole scenario was reminiscent of Saphyron’s graduation ceremony at the Magister’s Terrace. Saphyron approached the end of the hall and saw his mortal enemy standing on the balcony beyond. He couldn’t suppress a feeling of awe and terror at being so close to the Lich King. It was not unlike coming face to face with the would-be ruler of the High Elves. He could remember vividly the final words of Prince Sunstrider’s speech as he encouraged us not to fear the possibility of giving up our lives for Silvermoon and her allies. He told us, "Death is only the beginning".
The Lich King is going to use me as a puppet. I know this, and yet…I can’t stop myself from feeling that my death has lead the greatest moment of my life.
Getting off my ass time: 2 hours (I took a walk early this morning to my bank only to discover that the branch closest to my house closed, apparently within the last week).
Today’s blog, unlike the previous couple, will be a small short story of sorts based upon one of my characters on World of Warcraft. This is simply a free-writing exercise so I apologize if it’s terrible or boring. I hope you enjoy it!
Magister Saphyron felt his robes become moist and was unsure if it was blood, sweat or urine that was the culprit. He hoped that it wasn’t urine, but given the circumstances, he couldn’t be sure he hadn’t wet himself. Saphyron was surrounded by a growing swarm of varied undead abominations. Slobbering ghouls and zombies were being trampled by bloated, stitched together horrors, all attempting to intercept and devour the Magister and his few remaining family members. Saphyron’s verdant eyes flashed and a wave of flowing ice erupted forth from him. The wave crashed upon the undead freezing them in place for a moment.
“Brother, I won’t leave without you!” Vhelian, Saphyron’s eldest younger sibling, gripped the back of Saphyron’s midnight blue robes tightly.
“You don’t get a say, I’m sorry Vhelian.” Saphyron gestured at his young brother and his angry eyes rolled back into his head. As Vhelian’s grip weakened, Saphyron pushed his brother’s sleeping form onto the boat with the others. “Live on. Belore.”
The loud crack of smashing ice signaled that the undead would soon be upon Saphyron. He turned from the small ship and began chanting. A burst of vermillion flame began to spin between Saphyron’s raised hands, and he cracked a crooked smile as he felt the first undead reach into the open wound in his side. Blood. The frothing mass of undead descended upon Saphyron’s form, and he unleashed the giant fireball. Instead of striking the undead directly, the explosive force destroyed the dock behind Saphyron and pushed the boat away from the Isle of Quel’Danas. Saphyron crumpled under the weight of the undead swarm. He turned his head away from the oncoming doom and looked towards his siblings. The last thing Saphyron felt was a sharp pain as the chain of an Abomnation came down upon his skull.
*****
This one is mine. He was a beloved son of Quel’thalas. He shall serve us in death, and the desecration will be complete.
Saphyron felt cold. It was worse than the deepest chill he had gotten from calling forth elemental cold. There was nothing around him except a periwinkle mist and a quiet whispering that issued forth from all around him. He heard only one word clearly. Serve.
A sudden burst of pain similar to hiccoughing and belching at the same time jarred Saphyron back into reality. Saphyron could feel the cold stone floor beneath his skin. I’m naked. Curious. Saphyron pushed himself off the floor. His whole body felt like he’d just crawled out of river in the coldest part of Northrend. Saphyron’s skin had taken on a bluish tinge yet he was whole. No sign at all that he had been cut open, gnawed on, or bludgeoned to death that he could see. He wanted to say he was alive, but even as the words formed in his mind he knew it wasn’t true. Even now he was beginning to hear the whispers of the Lich King in his mind.
Come Saphyron, be my weapon against the living.
Saphyron’s senses slowly came back to him and he began to look around the chamber. It was minimalist to a fault. No furniture could be found, only black marble walls and a cold slate floor. Some silver etched dark blue cloth was piled in the corner. Saphyron realized that the cloth was all that remained of his robes. Gingerly, he gathered up the tattered cloth and wrapped it around his waist. It’s cold enough without having to worry about freezing my bits off. Not that I expect to get any use out of them now. Saphyron began to approach the door. Unlocked? No such luck. The bastard isn’t going to make this easy.
Saphyron pressed his hands against the door and attempted to call forth the energy to blow apart the lock, but nothing happened. Hmm, no magic? Being dead is going to be much worse than I imagined. Saphyron let a small sigh escape from his lips and watched in amazement as small ice crystals began to form on the door. Of course! Fire magic may be impossible, but my cold spells should be intensified significantly. He pulled as much air into his lungs and expelled it as a cloud of ice. The door lock and much of the area around it had become frozen. The lock mechanism should be brittle now. With a powerful kick, Saphyron attempted to force the door open. Saphyron’s foot passed through the door as it shattered from the force of his kick. By the Dawn! That didn’t even hurt me. I should have barely cracked the lock. Apparently, death has done quite a bit for my physical strength.
Saphyron began to walk down the halls of the stone prison. Aside from the occasional skull, adorned with blue flaming eyes, the hall was as unremarkable as his cell. Every slapping footstep on the stone brought Saphyron closer to his destiny. He could feel the power inside himself. It was different than the power he had when he was alive. His body was stronger. He paused occasionally to marvel at how good his body looked. He was always a confident mage, but this was different. He couldn’t understand why this made him feel so good. It must be the Lich King’s manipulation.
This whole scenario was reminiscent of Saphyron’s graduation ceremony at the Magister’s Terrace. Saphyron approached the end of the hall and saw his mortal enemy standing on the balcony beyond. He couldn’t suppress a feeling of awe and terror at being so close to the Lich King. It was not unlike coming face to face with the would-be ruler of the High Elves. He could remember vividly the final words of Prince Sunstrider’s speech as he encouraged us not to fear the possibility of giving up our lives for Silvermoon and her allies. He told us, "Death is only the beginning".
The Lich King is going to use me as a puppet. I know this, and yet…I can’t stop myself from feeling that my death has lead the greatest moment of my life.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Discipline Blog – Days 2,3 and 4
Discipline Blog – Days 2,3 and 4
Get off my ass time: Day 2, 30 minutes… one short walk to absorb some sun… plus additional time up and down stairs for laundry; Day 3, 1hour … wandering around the school and mingling at a local benefit dinner; Day 4, 45 min (so far)… mingling and chatting with people at “Island Getaway Day” (I’m anticipating about another hour + grocery shopping after class).
The reason for the delay in my posts this week has mostly been due to the unforeseen, and unfortunate, demise of my laptop. The poor thing was barely a year old, and spent almost every waking hour with me. It survived four semesters of classes, often being very vocal in providing information to my classmates and professors when needed. It shall be missed. Let us observe a moment of silence for its passing.
Anyway, Today I’d like to discuss the future of the human race. Kinda pretentious, no?
Mankind is ultimately doomed, right? I mean, everything in existence points to us being a fleeting passing moment in the grand scheme of universal history. Everything that lives dies. So, obviously, humanity won’t last forever. As a result of the awareness of our impending doom, human imagination has been working overtime to produce (and reproduce) millions upon millions of various scenarios about the end of the human race. Nuclear wars, biblical Armageddon, eradication by meteors or robots or aliens or us, are just a few of the examples. We are obsessed with the mortality of our civilization.
Fundamentally, this affects us much in the same way that it affects an individual who spends his whole life worrying about how, when, where, and why he or she is going to die. They forget about the fact that they are still alive. More importantly, they often forget that humanity is less about death and more about the people who continue to live on.
I’m currently writing my senior thesis on an idea that addresses the very issue at hand, by examining a specific doomsday scenario and how to avoid it. However, as I’m trying to illustrate, the point of it isn’t about the fact that we are doomed; it’s about what do we do if our doom isn’t as close at hand as anyone imagines. As The Doctor says, “You spend all your time thinking about dying you can’t imagine the impossible…that you survive” (almost assuredly a misquote from the 2005 series episode “The End of the World” because I don’t have the materials handy to cross-reference well at the moment). So, whenever you get the chance and as much as possible, think about the possibility that we survive INDEFINITELY. I think when you start working it out you’ll see that it’s a far more complex, interesting and terrifying thing than thinking about how we are going to end.
There is another ulterior motive for my talking about this… that is to say: (Regardless of any other issues out there and whether or not you approve or disapprove of the methods or policies of those in power) PLEASE support anything that increases the growth and development of our space program, because personally, I am incapable of imagining a lasting future for humanity if we don’t get out there and expand into the greater cosmos.
Good night to you all, may the winds of change not smell of Durian (think wet garbage under a hot sun…).
Get off my ass time: Day 2, 30 minutes… one short walk to absorb some sun… plus additional time up and down stairs for laundry; Day 3, 1hour … wandering around the school and mingling at a local benefit dinner; Day 4, 45 min (so far)… mingling and chatting with people at “Island Getaway Day” (I’m anticipating about another hour + grocery shopping after class).
The reason for the delay in my posts this week has mostly been due to the unforeseen, and unfortunate, demise of my laptop. The poor thing was barely a year old, and spent almost every waking hour with me. It survived four semesters of classes, often being very vocal in providing information to my classmates and professors when needed. It shall be missed. Let us observe a moment of silence for its passing.
Anyway, Today I’d like to discuss the future of the human race. Kinda pretentious, no?
Mankind is ultimately doomed, right? I mean, everything in existence points to us being a fleeting passing moment in the grand scheme of universal history. Everything that lives dies. So, obviously, humanity won’t last forever. As a result of the awareness of our impending doom, human imagination has been working overtime to produce (and reproduce) millions upon millions of various scenarios about the end of the human race. Nuclear wars, biblical Armageddon, eradication by meteors or robots or aliens or us, are just a few of the examples. We are obsessed with the mortality of our civilization.
Fundamentally, this affects us much in the same way that it affects an individual who spends his whole life worrying about how, when, where, and why he or she is going to die. They forget about the fact that they are still alive. More importantly, they often forget that humanity is less about death and more about the people who continue to live on.
I’m currently writing my senior thesis on an idea that addresses the very issue at hand, by examining a specific doomsday scenario and how to avoid it. However, as I’m trying to illustrate, the point of it isn’t about the fact that we are doomed; it’s about what do we do if our doom isn’t as close at hand as anyone imagines. As The Doctor says, “You spend all your time thinking about dying you can’t imagine the impossible…that you survive” (almost assuredly a misquote from the 2005 series episode “The End of the World” because I don’t have the materials handy to cross-reference well at the moment). So, whenever you get the chance and as much as possible, think about the possibility that we survive INDEFINITELY. I think when you start working it out you’ll see that it’s a far more complex, interesting and terrifying thing than thinking about how we are going to end.
There is another ulterior motive for my talking about this… that is to say: (Regardless of any other issues out there and whether or not you approve or disapprove of the methods or policies of those in power) PLEASE support anything that increases the growth and development of our space program, because personally, I am incapable of imagining a lasting future for humanity if we don’t get out there and expand into the greater cosmos.
Good night to you all, may the winds of change not smell of Durian (think wet garbage under a hot sun…).
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Start of a New Era
The Start of a New Era
I am an aspiring professional writer, specifically an aspiring professional screenwriter. However, truth be told, I’m a terrible procrastinator and have gotten out of the habit of writing regularly. As a result I’m undertaking a new personal project: A Discipline Blog. Now I know what you are thinking and I promise this will not be a blog about any forays into S&M (Sorry, folks). Now that at least half of you have stopped reading, I can discuss what this is going to be about.
In order to be successful both personally and professionally, I need to produce some results. On the professional side, that means I need to get on my ass and write. On the personal side, it means that I need to get off my ass and move around, explore, and live for a bit. So, this “Discipline Blog” will hopefully help me do that.
My intention is to begin each blog with a statement of what I have done outside the house, preferably to get some exercise, before writing the blog each day. After that, I intend to find something, anything to write about. The topics may range from celebrity gossip, to interesting things about MMORPGs, to something new I learned or encountered at school that particular day, or any number of other topics. In other words, the blog will be about whatever is on my mind that day. Hopefully, you’ll find it interesting.
Discipline Blog – Day 1 – April 12, 2010
Off my ass time: 0 hours, 15 minutes. Today is the first day and as such, I’ve been on my feet only as long as it takes to walk down my stairs, and to/from classrooms.
Topic of conversation: Why am I not going for a walk right now?
It is a gorgeous sunny day and I’m sitting in front of a computer screen typing, listening to David Guetta and Akon’s “Sexy Bitch” and not walking around the campus soaking up some of the sunlight and “fresh” air. So, I have to ask myself, why? There are several obvious answers: 1) I’m at the school and my job is to sit on my butt and wait for students to arrive so I can provide some writing support. 2) My classes are indoors. 3) I’m lazy. 4) I’m practicing for my career as a writer which will, unfortunately, involve at lot of me sitting on my ass staring at a computer screen. All of those reasons are true and complete bullshit.
My body feels like it’s filled with writhing throngs of cells waiting to move their bodies so I can move mine. I want to be outside. I want to enjoy the day. Sedentary life be damned! So, why am I not outside walking? I can offer no explanation.
Before this gets too far into an exercise in self-centered, arrogant, self-flagellation or (even worse) a form of written masturbation, let me try and find a point in all of this spew. This should be an exercise in meta-thinking. Very rarely do we ever really pinpoint our motivations. By starting this “Discipline Blog,” I’m hoping that will I be able to share my thoughts and ramblings while developing some form of disciplined writing habits and maybe (if I’m incredibly lucky) entertain, educate, and inform some people out there in the universe. So I appreciate you putting up with my selfish needs and reading this and may we have a nice ride together.
Oh, and I appreciate comments and criticism. Please share. :-D
I am an aspiring professional writer, specifically an aspiring professional screenwriter. However, truth be told, I’m a terrible procrastinator and have gotten out of the habit of writing regularly. As a result I’m undertaking a new personal project: A Discipline Blog. Now I know what you are thinking and I promise this will not be a blog about any forays into S&M (Sorry, folks). Now that at least half of you have stopped reading, I can discuss what this is going to be about.
In order to be successful both personally and professionally, I need to produce some results. On the professional side, that means I need to get on my ass and write. On the personal side, it means that I need to get off my ass and move around, explore, and live for a bit. So, this “Discipline Blog” will hopefully help me do that.
My intention is to begin each blog with a statement of what I have done outside the house, preferably to get some exercise, before writing the blog each day. After that, I intend to find something, anything to write about. The topics may range from celebrity gossip, to interesting things about MMORPGs, to something new I learned or encountered at school that particular day, or any number of other topics. In other words, the blog will be about whatever is on my mind that day. Hopefully, you’ll find it interesting.
Discipline Blog – Day 1 – April 12, 2010
Off my ass time: 0 hours, 15 minutes. Today is the first day and as such, I’ve been on my feet only as long as it takes to walk down my stairs, and to/from classrooms.
Topic of conversation: Why am I not going for a walk right now?
It is a gorgeous sunny day and I’m sitting in front of a computer screen typing, listening to David Guetta and Akon’s “Sexy Bitch” and not walking around the campus soaking up some of the sunlight and “fresh” air. So, I have to ask myself, why? There are several obvious answers: 1) I’m at the school and my job is to sit on my butt and wait for students to arrive so I can provide some writing support. 2) My classes are indoors. 3) I’m lazy. 4) I’m practicing for my career as a writer which will, unfortunately, involve at lot of me sitting on my ass staring at a computer screen. All of those reasons are true and complete bullshit.
My body feels like it’s filled with writhing throngs of cells waiting to move their bodies so I can move mine. I want to be outside. I want to enjoy the day. Sedentary life be damned! So, why am I not outside walking? I can offer no explanation.
Before this gets too far into an exercise in self-centered, arrogant, self-flagellation or (even worse) a form of written masturbation, let me try and find a point in all of this spew. This should be an exercise in meta-thinking. Very rarely do we ever really pinpoint our motivations. By starting this “Discipline Blog,” I’m hoping that will I be able to share my thoughts and ramblings while developing some form of disciplined writing habits and maybe (if I’m incredibly lucky) entertain, educate, and inform some people out there in the universe. So I appreciate you putting up with my selfish needs and reading this and may we have a nice ride together.
Oh, and I appreciate comments and criticism. Please share. :-D
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