ENoa4's RPG/NWN Blog

2011-12-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

Very funny t-shirt on woot today. http://shirt.woot.com/

2011-10-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

My son and I read "A Wrinkle In Time" by Madeline L'Engle for his school book report. I read the story when I was a little older than him and recall really enjoying it, although I could not remember much. I enjoyed it all over again. It was a bit advanced for my nine year son but he did well and wound up with an A+ on his book report. Today I stumbled on a TV\direct to video release of "A Wrinkle In Time" by Disney on netflix. It's not great, but considering it was a direct to video style production, it was quite enjoyable and a nice way to finish the experience with the book, particularly for my son.

Tom Clancy - Dead or Alive

2011-10-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

My father in law loaned me 'Dead or Alive' one of Tom Clancy's latest books. I've always been a fan of the Jack Ryan series of Clancy novels, but I stopped reading them after 'Bear and the Dragon', when Clancy switched from Jack Ryan to Jack Ryan Jr. I have to say how pleasantly surprised by 'Dead or Alive' It's well written (which is no surprise for a Clancy novel), exciting and relevant for the current time period, as opposed to his early books like, "The Hunt for Red October". All of the old characters I remember are there, just as vivid as ever. It feels very much as if I am revisiting an old friend. I have about 200 pages to go, and I've borrowed 'Teeth of the Tiger', the first Jack Ryan Jr book which I skipped. In December the Next Jack Ryan book is coming out. I am eagerly looking forward to it.

Mass Effect 1 and 2

2011-10-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

During the summer a good friend of mine picked up Mass Effect 1 and 2 for me. They were both fantastic games. They had a very cinematic feel and were better than most other computer RPGs I have played. In most computer RPGs the combat system seems to evolve into a pause, heal, pause, use power, pause heal kind of pattern. It become pretty dull. In both Mass Effect 1 and 2 that wasn't necessary, although you can and do need to pause. It really felt like it found a nice line between a 3rd person shooter and an RPG combat system. I would highly recommend both games to anyone. They can be purchased online through Steam.I can't wait for Mass Effect 3 next Spring.

Roku

2011-07-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

I purchase two roku units in early June and cut way back on cable service. We had two DVRs and a pretty extensive lineup of channels through Comcast. Now we have one DVR and the economy plan. We subscribed to Netflix steaming service and hulu plus, for a total cost of $17 per month. After recouping the cost of the roku, which are $75 each, we’ll be saving a lot of money.

The Roku with Netflix and hulu plus has really changed the way we watch television. We only kept cable to watch particular shows that are not (yet) available through Netflix and Hulu. Other than the shows we record on the DVR, we never watch cable. It’s all on demand viewing via Netflix and Hulu. I don’t think our kids have watched any television through cable since the switch.

The savings and selection are nice, but there is a downside. First and foremost, there are almost no live sports through the Roku. You can watch live baseball for a fee, but I only watch Big 10 football. I will sorely miss that.

The biggest problem impacts some television models and Roku has been trying to resolve it for 4 years+ Sometimes when switching to the Roku you will only see a green screen. This only occurs if you are using an HDMI cable with specific television sets. I want to use the HDMI cable to get a 1080 picture when it’s available. There are a variety of ways to work around this problem. You can restart the Roku but this takes 3 minutes. You can reseat the HDMI cable but this is hard on the cable and I’ve read you can damage the cable or the HDMI port on your Roku or TV. Reseating the cable every time you want to watch TV is a real drag. I have found if I switch from a HD signal off another HDMI device to the Roku it’s fine 100% of the time. If I switch from a standard def signal or a device using component cables, it produces the green screen 100% of the time.

I’ve read you can set your Roku to 720p max or use component cables, but I really want that 1080p picture when it’s available, so I haven’t tested these methods.

Roku forums and support have been pretty good. I had trouble setting up one of the two units I purchased and their support staff did an excellent job resolving the issue. Information on the green screen issue has been inconsistent and unclear.

Now that I have a way to make my roku work 100% of the time, I’m quite happy with the purchase. It’s a nice addition and has really changed how my family watches TV.

Bioware Accounts Hacked

2011-06-24T06:24:00.001-07:00

I received this email today. I verified it's true via various news stories on the net. If you use your your bioware password in more than one place, for an email account another message board, etc... change it. Now.

We recently learned that hackers gained unauthorized access to the
decade-old BioWare server system supporting the Neverwinter Nights
forums. We immediately took appropriate steps to protect our
consumers' data and launched a thorough ongoing evaluation of the
breach. We have determined that no credit card data was compromised
from the servers, nor did we ever have or store sensitive data like
social security numbers. Our investigation shows that information
such as user names, encrypted passwords, email addresses, mailing
addresses, names, phone numbers, CD keys and birth dates from
accounts on the system may have been compromised, as well as other
information (if any) that you may have associated with this forum
account. In an abundance of caution, we have disabled your legacy
Account. To create a new account please visit social.bioware.com.

We take the security of your information very seriously and regret
any inconvenience this may have caused you. If your username, email
address and/or password on your Neverwinter Nights account are
similar to those you use on other sites, we recommend changing the
password at those sites as well. We advise all of our fans to always
be aware of any suspicious emails or account activity and report any
suspicious emails and account activity to Customer Support at
1-877-357-6007.

If you have questions, please visit our FAQ at
http://support.ea.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5367/ or contact
Customer Support at the phone number above.

Aaryn Flynn
Studio GM, BioWare Edmonton
VP, Electronic Arts

2010-10-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

I’ve written a 294 page 4th Edition D&D adventure, broken into 7 chapters. I’m looking for a DM with 4th edition experience to read it and provide me with some feedback. Of course I’d be happy to send you a copy if you are not experienced with 4th edition, or if you are not a DM. I’d be thrilled beyond words to hear that someone wanted to run it, but for now, I’d be more than content with a little feedback.

If you are interested send me your e-mail address and I’ll e-mail it along to you. Due to the images in the adventure the entire size is over 20 MB, but I can send it in a few chunks if that’s helpful.

This writing project has taken me about a year. I used to be an avid D&D Dungeon Master. Writing for computer games gradually took over for me about 10-15 years ago as my gaming friends scattered around the states and as I got married and had kids. About a year ago, I quit writing modules for Neverwinter Nights 2. It just took too much time away from my family and the progress was quite slow. It became more about programming and less about storytelling and true gaming. I did pick up the core rulebooks just over two years ago, and excitedly listened to the initial 4th edition podcasts on www.RPGMP3.com. It helped me get a better sense of the game mechanics, but nothing substitutes for actual game play. Unfortunately that's just not in the cards for me now.

I could have written a balanced 1st or 2nd edition module without half trying, I have loads of experience. However I felt very compelled to write 4th edition material. I remain most concerned about game balance. I have a wealth of experience writing and running games, but none with 4th edition. They seem to have some idiot proof formulates suggested in the DMG, but this is what I worry about this the most.
The first two chapters are fairly well edited thanks to my wife. Chapters 3-5 have had light editing from me, but need more editing. Chapters 6-7 are in need of some cleanup, but despite the typos, and other grammatical problems, I’m sure someone could wade through them.

Again, if you are interested in taking a look at what I’ve done please send me your e-mail address and I'll get it to you. If someone is actually interested in running it after taking a look, please let me know how it goes.

Hythum for 4th Edition D&D is complete.

2010-09-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

It's done. Written. Finished. Ok, the last three chapters have not be edited at all. Chapters 3-7 need editing from my wife. Chapter 7 is very short (10 pages) and weak. It could use a better treatment, but it's done. I will take a good long break, without editing 5-7 for some time. I have no idea if anyone will use or even read all of this crap but its done. For a quick and easy warm up project it's taken me over one year to write. UGH! and Hooray all at the same time.

Chapter 5 is finished

2010-09-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Chapter 5 of my writing project is finished. Two more chapters to go. Chapter 6 is simple, and chapter 7 is quite short. I need to pull together some maps for Chapter 6 and set up a new word document to work in.

I have edited the 1st 4 chapters, and my wife has re-edited the first 2.

An internet friend of mine who is a very experienced and skilled GM has graciously agreed to skim the first few chapters as time allows. He's a busy fellow and what I've written is long, so I am thrilled that he will take a peak. He's got a copy of the 1st four chapters. I'm guessing it will be a few months or longer before he can skim them, but I am very appreciative of his time and willingness to look it over.

I don't know if anyone will read or play what I've written. I've questioned weather I will finish it or not. Given that there are only two chapters to go, I feel a sense of accomplishment and renewed energy for the project.

Onward!

Chapter 4 of 7 is finished

2010-08-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

Chapter 4 of 7 is finished. Chapters 1 and 2 have been edited. Chapters 3 and 4 will be edited in the next week or so by my lovely wife. (Thank you wife.) Presently it's about 200 pages long.

Onward to chapter 5.

Editing

2010-07-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

I've got about 180 pages written and I'm definitely past the half way mark for my writing project. My wonderful wife has graciously offered to read and edit what I am writing. It is SORELY needed. There is a gentleman I know, a very experienced 4th edition DM who offered to read what I was writing. That was over a year ago, and he had no idea it would be this large, but when I hit 2/3 I may ask if he'll look it over.

Paper and Pencil Project

2010-06-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have been writing a 4th Edition Paper and Pencil version of Hythum since last Fall. I'm through the first 3 and half sections and it clocks in at nearly 150 pages, I'm guessing it will be 200 - 300 pages when I'm done. I'm not quite sure where to post it or how to distribute it, or if anyone will ever read or use it.

I wrote to Hal over at rpgmp3.com last Summer/Fall and asked if he'd look at what I was writing. He was nice enough to agree, but I had no idea it would wind up being this long. I don't really feel like I can hold him to his kind offer, but when I get more done I intend to ask him and perhaps send it along.

It's in dire need of proof reading which is not my strong suit. My wife has offered to proof it, but D&D content is unusual to say the least and it may be difficult for her to get through it.

I've been travelling on vacation with the family so its been a few weeks and with the onset of summer I'm outside more and writing less.

Those were the droids you were looking for

2010-01-02T07:30:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T05:47:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas fellow modders and RPG fans!

Inching Forward

2009-10-12T17:06:00.001-07:00

Not too much to report. I am still inching forward. I came up with a couple of hours over the past week to put in. I've been quite busy with work and family. Not much time to write, but I'll keep chipping away at it.

Maps

2009-09-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

I'm busy but cranking out a bit of content here and there, mostly maps. I'm getting a better feel for producing maps with AutoRealm, Dunjinni and Paint.Net If it were just for me, something more crude would suffice, but I'm trying to make them look nice.

First Combat Encounter Written

2009-09-13T08:14:00.001-07:00

I've made some progress over the past week or so.

I wrote my first custom trap last week, I'm cranking out a few maps of different styles and today I wrote my first combat encounter.

If this were a first or second edition encounter I could probably write it without cracking the cover of a book. However, I carefully looked at how they were printed in pubished modules, balanced the encounter according to the encounter level guidelines, and copied info about the monsters carefully into the encounter. It's a lot of copy work, but I'm sure it will go faster as I get used to it. I can see how the system is very convienent and valuable for the DM. All the info is right at his or her fingertips.

I did loose any opportunity for productivity yesterday. We had a bit of an issue at the house. You can read about it here if you are curious:

Broken Toilet and Water Damage Part 1

Broken Toilet and Water Damage Part 2

Map's

2009-09-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

I got a little hung up on maps today. I spent several hours creating my first interior map. I used to do them all by hand, but looking at what's out there I'd like to create something a little nicer.

I picked up a copy of Dunjinni after playing with the demo for a while. It didn't work out for my first map but I have high hopes it will be useful later in the process. I used AutoRealm and Paint.net to create my first interior.

I did eventually get through it, and start a written key for the area. Hopefully future maps will go further. Although I have not written a combat encounter, it's really starting to feel like I'm really writing this thing now.

Writing and Reading - Hythum PnP

2009-09-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

My copy of the 4th Edition Monster Manual arrived. I also downloaded a copy of Keep on the Shadowfell, a 4th Edition Module. This has given me a better feel for how new modules are laid out.

I started writing the introduction and plot synopsis for Hythum, I'm going to turn that into a very large module or set of modules for 4th Edition. Not much meat an potatoes yet, but I have the pieces coming together, I'm most worried about balance. 1st and 2nd edition, no problem. 4th edition, they have some clear guides, but I haven't played, and it's unlikely I will have time in the near future.

It was a nice creative outlet.

Free Mind

2009-09-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

I've done a modest amount of work. I've started roughing out a map or two and I've compiled my plot outline and locations in Free Mind. Free Mind is a great program, definately worth checking out.

I downloaded a copy of an official 4th E module to read and I'm eagerly awaiting my copy of the Monster Manual. Work should begin in earnest soon. It's nice to be having this creative outlet again.

It Lives - Writing PnP Modules

2009-08-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

I've been corresponding regularly with an old friend. He recently suggested I write a text based RPG app for Facebook. I am an MS SQL / ASP.NET guy and don't really have the time or inclination to program this, or learn Php and MySQL.

I have however been thinking about doing more home movies, or short films for my kids. I think I can spin a good yarn, and I have a pretty good vocabulary, but I'm not sure I'm much of a writer. Still writing has always been tempting.

I've always thought about writing a PnP module for DnD. If it were 1st or 2nd edition I'd have no qualms about game balance, but I've not played much 3rd edition, and I've never played 4th edition.

With all that said, I ordered the 4th edition monster manual today, it's the last of the core rulebooks I need for 4th Edition. I'm not sure how far this will go, but I am giving it some thought. Perhaps I can look up my old friends over at RPGMP3.com and see if they might look over what I put together.

At any rate, perhaps D&D and RPG will make a comeback again, not for NWN2 but in some form there may be a resurgence. Time will tell.

Zork for NWN2 is out!!!

2009-08-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

He did it! He finished it! Zork for NWN2 by Amraphael is complete.

Amraphael has been a pleasure to correspond with over the past couple of years. He provided me with an amazing Airship model for my unfinished NWN2 version of Hythum and I am thrilled that a his project is complete. He certainly put a tremendous amount of effort into it.

It's been 10+ months since I've played or modded for NWN2, but I may have to crack the game out to give Zork a try.

Way to go Amraphael!

April 11th?

2009-05-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Has it really been since April 11th since I posted on this blog.

ZOIKS!

What have I been up to? Believe it or not, not a bit of NWN2 since the end of the Halloween mod. I suppose I've posted here or when someone rates a mod, but not anything of weight.

I have been playing games on and off. I really got hooked on Medieval Total War I and II, amazing highly addictive stuff. I've also been playing a bit of Thief 3 and an old Indiana Jones PC game from 2003.

In general less time playing games and more time reading and hanging with my kids.

David Arneson, co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons game, dies at 61

2009-04-11T09:45:00.001-07:00

MINNEAPOLIS — David Arneson, one of the masterminds who created the original version of the award-winning fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, died Tuesday in St. Paul following a two-year battle with cancer. He was 61.

Arneson teamed up with co-creator Gary Gygax in 1974 to create Dungeons & Dragons, which remains one of the best-known and best-selling role-playing games of all time. An estimated 20 million people have played the game in which players create characters who embark on imaginary adventures within a fantasy setting. Characters solve dilemmas, engage in battles and gather treasure and knowledge, and in the process they earn points to become increasingly powerful over a series of sessions.

The game became wildly popular with wargamers at its debut and soon after became a favorite of high school and college students.

As a University of Minnesota history student in the late 1960s, Arneson developed an interest in naval war games and re-creating battles complete with miniature armies and fleets. He had begun to design Blackmoor, a role-playing game of his own that involved medieval miniatures exploring the dungeons of a castle inhabited by monsters, when he attended GenCon in 1969, said Wizards of the Coast, the subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. which produces the game. That is where he met Gygax and, along with Jeff Perren, they collaborated to create a game of sailing-ship battles called Don't Give Up the Ship.

They swapped ideas and came up with the script that eventually led to Dungeons & Dragons.

New workplace accomodations in economic downtimes

2009-03-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Old Games

2009-03-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

I've picked up some old games and am having a very good time with them.

I've been playing Thief Deadly Shadows (aka Thief 3). I loved the first one and the 3rd does not disappoint.

I picked up Medieval Total War Gold. Dated graphics, but a fabulous game. The latest total war looks incredible, but I didn't want to spend the money and wasn't sure if my computer would cut the mustard.

Finally I picked up Indiana Jones and the Emporor's Tomb. This is a nod to my kids who love Indiana Jones. I'm not a huge fan of the lego games that are out now. They are fine, but I get bored pretty quick. Hopefully this will be a treat for me and my kids.

I've spend the rest of my time reading, SQL 2008, Asp.net 3.5, AJAX, Social Networking Asp.net 3.5 and AJAX, Web 2.0 Portals with ASP.net 3.5 and AJAX. Windows server 2008. IIS 7.0. Lots and lots of reading for work.

Age of Empires III

2009-02-09T16:47:00.001-08:00

Looks like Age of Empires III is back as the game of choice, that an some off line gaming. I've managed a few games of Risk with my eldest son. Not much D&D or NWN action, but I poke javascript:void(0)around NWVault, can't quite seem to stop.

Still Here

2009-01-20T17:16:00.000-08:00

I'm still here.

Not much gaming lately. Picked up Spider Man friend or foe and played with kids. They love it.

Vacation is almost over

2009-01-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

Well my long Christmas vacation at home is nearly over and Tuesday I'll be back at work. I feel refreshed and kind of miss my work, but it doesn't compare to a week with my kids. It's my favorite week of the year.

I've been playing a lot of Half Life, I finished HL2, HL2-Ep1 and am nearly done with HL2-Ep2. My young kids are watching me play Portal, which is PG.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

This is likely to be my last pre-Christmas blog entry, so Merry Christmas to all of my family and friends out there in internetland.

60,000 Piece Star Wars Diaorama

2008-12-22T10:58:00.001-08:00

My dad forwarded this. Mark Borlase has built a 5' x 10' Hoth base diorama consisting of between 55,000 to 60,000 pieces of LEGO and containing 50 real lights and a remote controlled device that can deploy troops from the AT-ATs.

The diorama took 4 years to complete and cost over $3,000.

Can You Guess What This Is?

2008-12-08T05:28:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what this is?

.

.

.

.

.

Its a hard disk drive in 1956....

The Volume and Size of 5MB memory storage in 1956.

In September 1956 IBM launched the 305 RAMAC, the first computer with a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD weighed over a ton and stored 5MB of data.

Makes you appreciate your 4 GB USB thumb drive, doesn't it?

What I'm playing and working on

2008-12-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

I've stopped with Age of Empires III for a little bit, but holy cow did I log a lot of hours playing that game. I'm replaying Half Life 2 right now.

Most of my time is going towards movie editing. Each year I make a family DVD that's about 30 minutes in length as a gift to grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc... I've a version complete and will watch it with my wife and kids for feedback. I had loads of problems rendering the final DVD which gave me flash backs to NWN2 mod crashes and corruption, but I did eventually get it to render.

I may make a couple of movies for my kids, to give to them at Christmas. I used a small green screen and I plan to have their toys eating our house or driving up in our driveway. I think they will get a kick out of it.

I've got to make the family holiday card, and it's kid party central this weekend.

We had my office party last night (very fun) and my kids have a few parties to attend today. Busy but it should be good.

Hope all is well out there in NWN/RPG world!

Classic Games

2008-11-30T06:06:00.000-08:00

This list of classic games was sent by my brother. Supposedly they are all remade and down loadable, but I haven't checked them out yet. Looks like there are some oldies but goodies on the list. Here is the list.

RETRO GAMES REMAKES

All remade games at classic retro games in one categorized longlist:

Action
Bomber
Bombermaaan
Booga-Boo (2)
Burgertime (Burgerland)
Cannon Fodder
Choplifter
Chronos: A Tapestry of Time
Cookie
Cookie (2)
Cookie (3)
Cosmos
Cybernoid 2: The Revenge
Donkey Kong Jr.
Dynablaster
Elite The new kind
Freeway
Frogger
GhostBusters
Ghostbusters II
Green Beret (Rush'n Attack)
Green Beret Fenix
H.E.R.O
Hunchback
Kennedy Approach
Lunar Lander
Lunar Lander
Lunar Lander
Lunar Rescue
Magical Tree
Oil's Well
Oil's Well (Tubopac)
Omega Race
Pooyan
Prison Riot
Pssst
Q-bert
Robocop
Robocop II
Robotron: 2084
Robotron: 2084
Sir Lancelot
Stop the Express
Wizard of Wor
Z-Tack
Adventure
Black Cauldron
Cauldron
Chaos Funk
Danger Mouse
Exile (II)
Ghouls and Ghosts
Haunted House
Head over Heels
Head Over Heels (II)
Head over Heels 2
KnightLore
La Abadia del Crimen
Legend of Zelda
Zub
Fighting
Archon
Barbarian
Barbarian Returns
Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee II
Karate Champ
Kung Fu Master
Kung-Fu Master (2)
Way Of The Exploding Fist
Who Dares Wins 2
Wild Streets
Yie Ar Kung-Fu
Yie Ar Kung-Fu 2
Maze
Amoto's Puf
Centipede
Crazy Chicken
Digger
Mazogs (and Maziacs)
Mousetrap
Ms Pacman
Oh Mummy
Orion
PacMan
Spectres
Wizard of Wor (2)
Platform
Abusimbel Profanation
Alex Kidd
Auf Wiedersehen Monty
Auf Wiedersehen Monty Christmas Special
Auf Wiedersehen Monty: On the Run
B.C.'s Quest for Tires
Blagger
Blinky's scary school
Bomb Jack
Booga-Boo
Brian Bloodaxe
Bubble Bobble (Bub & Bob Bros)
Burgertime
Burgertime (Burgertimes)
Camelot Warriors
Castlevania - Dark Century
Chuckie Egg
Chuckie Egg
Chuckie Egg
Dizzy Lives
Dizzy: Excalibur
Donkey Kong
Elevator Action
Equinox
Finders Keepers
Fred
Fred (aka Roland on the ropes)
Fred 2 Pyramania
Ghosts 'n' Goblins
GODS
Great Giana Sisters
Humphrey
Jet Set Willy
Jet Set Willy (Willy's Miner Nightmare)
Jet Set Willy 2006
Jetpac
Lionheart
Lode Runner
Lode Runner 2
Lode Runner Live
Manic Miner
Manic Miner II
Manic Miner III
Manic Miner IV
Maze of Galious
Maze of Galious
Nebulus (Tower Toppler)
Pitfall
Punchy
Rick Dangerous
Rick Dangerous (II)
Rick Dangerous (III)
Roland in Time
Sonic
Sonic Chaos
Spiky Harold
Starquake
Super Mario Bros
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. (with 2 player mode)
Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario Bros. 3
Technician Ted
Technician Ted (The return of)
The Goonies
Turmoil
Turmoil (2)
Turrican
Turrican 32k
Turrican Hurrican
Turrican WindStille
Wonderboy
Wonderboy III The Dragon's Trap
Xain'D Sleena
Pong Style
Breakout
Pong
Puzzle
Atomic
Atomix
Berzerk
Bomber Dash
Boulder Dash
Boulder Dash
Bubble Ghost
BugBomber
ClockWiser
Crillion
Crossfire
Deflektor
Dizzy
Go Bear Go!
Guru Logi Champ
Jumbly
King's Valley
King's Valley (Telos)
King's Valley II
Lemmings
Locomotion (2)
Mazogs
Pushover
Puyo Puyo (Magical Feeling)
Rise Out
Sensitive
Sensitive (2)
Sensitive (3)
Skooter
Soko-Ban Armageddon
Styx
Timebomb
Racing
Afterburner (Master Burner)
F-1 Spirit
Rally-X
RoadFighter
Shooters
1942 (World War 2)
Asteroids
Asteroids (2)
Asteroids (3)
Bedlam
Centipede (Millenipede)
Demon Attack
Galaxian
IO
Nemesis
Nemesis (Gradius)
Raid on Bungeling Bay
Rip Off
River Raid
Scramble
Scramble (2)
Scramble (3)
Scramble (4)
Space Invaders
Space Invaders (2)
Space Invaders (3)
Space Invaders (4)
Space Invaders 1978
Xevious
Yar's Revenge
Zaxxon
Tetris Clones
9T Lines Tetris
Columns
Columns X

Red Letter Day?

2008-11-30T06:04:00.000-08:00

I uninstalled Neverwinter Nights 1 last Wednesday night. Does that qualify as a red letter day of some sort.

Definitely weird, it's been on my CPU for a while.

NWN2 is of course still installed.

Worst game ever?

2008-11-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine pointed out this game and the following youtube clip. It's a game called 'Big Rigs'. Apparently it's one of the lowest rated games every and some have given it the dubious title of 'worst game ever'. I've never played it but it looks pretty bad.

If you can get it to run, which is supposedly quite difficult, it's barely playable. Note the following in the video:

* Missing walkmesh on the bridge
* Going 160 MPH in a circle (rotating)
* Stopping rotation on a dime.
* Driving through buildings.
* Driving stright up a sheer cliff.
* Driving off the edge of the world.

I'm told you can't die and the only challenge is trying to find the finish line.

Star Trek XI Trailer

2008-11-17T16:29:00.001-08:00

Oh... this is where I will be next May.

Bouncty Rock Community Halloween Mod is out!

2008-10-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

It's here! It's finally here! The Bouncy Rock Halloween module is available. Many community members participated and built their own areas with in the mod, myself included. Download it here and enjoy! I certainly plan to.

-- EDIT 11/1/2008 --
I've started playing this mod, the quality is quite good from what I have seen. The intro was terrific, the town looks great. I stopped by my house of course which loaded up and looked as expected.

I stopped by Amrapheal's, very entertaining. I stopped by Johnny Ree and Liso's house. Uh... very well done... very unexpected... very funny and very twisted. It hurt my brain.

Bit 'o Modding and Other Gaming News

2008-10-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

I did a tiny bit of modding. I was asked to tone down the monsters I included in my house for the Halloween Mod. I popped open the editors and scaled them back a bit. It did not take long.

Otherwise, lots and lots of Age of Empires III. I've been skirmishing with different civilizations, building up my home cities to level 40. The expansion packs are quite good.

Otherwise, lots of busy but fun family stuff.

I am looking forward to the Bouncy Rock Halloween Mod. Should be pretty fun.

The Snuggie Cult

2008-10-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone seen this commercial. It's too funny. This is going on both of my blogs.

Truly Retired

2008-10-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well I never thought it would happen, but I think I am really and truly retired from modding. When I stopped in the past it was always at the end of a project, never in mid-project. This is also the longest I have been away from modding or level writing. I've even put down my 4th edition D & D rule books, although I plan to finish reading them. I'm even on a very long break from playing NWN or NWN2.

I'm amazed I ever had the time to dedicate to the projects I completed. Now that I'm not doing it I have no idea how I ever was able to come up with the time.

So... what am I doing.

I am looking forward to the release of Bouncy Rock Halloween mod.

I am spending more time with my kids.

I am playing lots of Age of Empires III.

I'm happy, but shocked that I actually, truly, honestly think I've stopped.

I'm alive!

2008-10-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Not much gaming news, but I'm alive and busy. Read my personal blog if you are curious.

Legendary actor Paul Newman dies at age 83

2008-09-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite actors, Paul Newman, has passed away.

Legendary actor Paul Newman dies at age 83
Saturday September 27 9:16 AM ET

Paul Newman, the Academy-Award winning superstar who personified cool as an activist, race car driver, popcorn impresario and the anti-hero of such films as "Hud," "Cool Hand Luke" and "The Color of Money," has died. He was 83.

Newman died Friday after a long battle with cancer at his farmhouse near Westport, publicist Jeff Sanderson said. He was surrounded by his family and close friends.

In May, Newman he had dropped plans to direct a fall production of "Of Mice and Men," citing unspecified health issues.

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He got his start in theater and on television during the 1950s, and went on to become one of the world's most enduring and popular film stars, a legend held in awe by his peers. He was nominated for Oscars 10 times, winning one regular award and two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including "Exodus," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Verdict," "The Sting" and "Absence of Malice."

Newman worked with some of the greatest directors of the past half century, from Alfred Hitchcock and John Huston to Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese and the Coen brothers. His co-stars included Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and, most famously, Robert Redford, his sidekick in "Butch Cassidy" and "The Sting."

He sometimes teamed with his wife and fellow Oscar winner, Joanne Woodward, with whom he had one of Hollywood's rare long-term marriages. "I have steak at home, why go out for hamburger?" Newman told Playboy magazine when asked if he was tempted to stray. They wed in 1958, around the same time they both appeared in "The Long Hot Summer," and Newman directed her in several films, including "Rachel, Rachel" and "The Glass Menagerie"

With his strong, classically handsome face and piercing blue eyes, Newman was a heartthrob just as likely to play against his looks, becoming a favorite with critics for his convincing portrayals of rebels, tough guys and losers. "I was always a character actor," he once said. "I just looked like Little Red Riding Hood."

Newman had a soft spot for underdogs in real life, giving tens of millions to charities through his food company and setting up camps for severely ill children. Passionately opposed to the Vietnam War, and in favor of civil rights, he was so famously liberal that he ended up on President Nixon's "enemies list," one of the actor's proudest achievements, he liked to say.

A screen legend by his mid-40s, he waited a long time for his first competitive Oscar, winning in 1987 for "The Color of Money," a reprise of the role of pool shark "Fast" Eddie Felson, whom Newman portrayed in the 1961 film "The Hustler."

Newman delivered a magnetic performance in "The Hustler," playing a smooth-talking, whiskey-chugging pool shark who takes on Minnesota Fats played by Jackie Gleason and becomes entangled with a gambler played by George C. Scott. In the sequel directed by Scorsese "Fast Eddie" is no longer the high-stakes hustler he once was, but rather an aging liquor salesman who takes a young pool player (Cruise) under his wing before making a comeback.

He won an honorary Oscar in 1986 "in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft." In 1994, he won a third Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for his charitable work.

His most recent academy nod was a supporting actor nomination for the 2002 film "Road to Perdition." One of Newman's nominations was as a producer; the other nine were in acting categories. (Jack Nicholson holds the record among actors for Oscar nominations, with 12; actress Meryl Streep has had 14.)

As he passed his 80th birthday, he remained in demand, winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the 2005 HBO drama "Empire Falls" and providing the voice of a crusty 1951 car in the 2006 Disney-Pixar hit, "Cars."

But in May 2007, he told ABC's "Good Morning America" he had given up acting, though he intended to remain active in charity projects. "I'm not able to work anymore as an actor at the level I would want to," he said. "You start to lose your memory, your confidence, your invention. So that's pretty much a closed book for me."

He received his first Oscar nomination for playing a bitter, alcoholic former star athlete in the 1958 film "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Elizabeth Taylor played his unhappy wife and Burl Ives his wealthy, domineering father in Tennessee Williams' harrowing drama, which was given an upbeat ending for the screen.

In "Cool Hand Luke," he was nominated for his gritty role as a rebellious inmate in a brutal Southern prison. The movie was one of the biggest hits of 1967 and included a tagline, delivered one time by Newman and one time by prison warden Strother Martin, that helped define the generation gap, "What we've got here is (a) failure to communicate."

Newman's hair was graying, but he was as gourgeous as ever and on the verge of his greatest popular success. In 1969, Newman teamed with Redford for "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," a comic Western about two outlaws running out of time. Newman paired with Redford again in 1973 in "The Sting," a comedy about two Depression-era con men. Both were multiple Oscar winners and huge hits, irreverent, unforgettable pairings of two of the best-looking actors of their time.

Newman also turned to producing and directing. In 1968, he directed "Rachel, Rachel," a film about a lonely spinster's rebirth. The movie received four Oscar nominations, including Newman, for producer of a best motion picture, and Woodward, for best actress. The film earned Newman the best director award from the New York Film Critics.

In the 1970s, Newman, admittedly bored with acting, became fascinated with auto racing, a sport he studied when he starred in the 1972 film, "Winning." After turning professional in 1977, Newman and his driving team made strong showings in several major races, including fifth place in Daytona in 1977 and second place in the Le Mans in 1979.

"Racing is the best way I know to get away from all the rubbish of Hollywood," he told People magazine in 1979.

Despite his love of race cars, Newman continued to make movies and continued to pile up Oscar nominations, his looks remarkably intact, his acting becoming more subtle, nothing like the mannered method performances of his early years, when he was sometimes dismissed as a Brando imitator. "It takes a long time for an actor to develop the assurance that the trim, silver-haired Paul Newman has acquired," Pauline Kael wrote of him in the early 1980s.

In 1982, he got his Oscar fifth nomination for his portrayal of an honest businessman persecuted by an irresponsible reporter in "Absence of Malice." The following year, he got his sixth for playing a down-and-out alcoholic attorney in "The Verdict."

In 1995, he was nominated for his slyest, most understated work yet, the town curmudgeon and deadbeat in "Nobody's Fool." New York Times critic Caryn James found his acting "without cheap sentiment and self-pity," and observed, "It says everything about Mr. Newman's performance, the single best of this year and among the finest he has ever given, that you never stop to wonder how a guy as good-looking as Paul Newman ended up this way."

Newman, who shunned Hollywood life, was reluctant to give interviews and usually refused to sign autographs because he found the majesty of the act offensive, according to one friend.

He also claimed that he never read reviews of his movies.

"If they're good you get a fat head and if they're bad you're depressed for three weeks," he said.

Off the screen, Newman had a taste for beer and was known for his practical jokes. He once had a Porsche installed in Redford's hallway crushed and covered with ribbons.

"I think that my sense of humor is the only thing that keeps me sane," he told Newsweek magazine in a 1994 interview.

In 1982, Newman and his Westport neighbor, writer A.E. Hotchner, started a company to market Newman's original oil-and-vinegar dressing. Newman's Own, which began as a joke, grew into a multimillion-dollar business selling popcorn, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and other foods. All of the company's profits are donated to charities. By 2007, the company had donated more than $175 million, according to its Web site.

In 1988, Newman founded a camp in northeastern Connecticut for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He went on to establish similar camps in several other states and in Europe.

He and Woodward bought an 18th century farmhouse in Westport, where they raised their three daughters, Elinor "Nell," Melissa and Clea.

Newman had two daughters, Susan and Stephanie, and a son, Scott, from a previous marriage to Jacqueline Witte.

Scott died in 1978 of an accidental overdose of alcohol and Valium. After his only son's death, Newman established the Scott Newman Foundation to finance the production of anti-drug films for children.

Newman was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the second of two boys of Arthur S. Newman, a partner in a sporting goods store, and Theresa Fetzer Newman.

He was raised in the affluent suburb of Shaker Heights, where he was encouraged him to pursue his interest in the arts by his mother and his uncle Joseph Newman, a well-known Ohio poet and journalist.

Following World War II service in the Navy, he enrolled at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he got a degree in English and was active in student productions.

He later studied at Yale University's School of Drama, then headed to New York to work in theater and television, his classmates at the famed Actor's Studio including Brando, James Dean and Karl Malden. His breakthrough was enabled by tragedy: Dean, scheduled to star as the disfigured boxer in a television adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's "The Battler," died in a car crash in 1955. His role was taken by Newman, then a little-known performer.

Newman started in movies the year before, in "The Silver Chalice," a costume film he so despised that he took out an ad in Variety to apologize. By 1958, he had won the best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for the shiftless Ben Quick in "The Long Hot Summer."

In December 1994, about a month before his 70th birthday, he told Newsweek magazine he had changed little with age.

"I'm not mellower, I'm not less angry, I'm not less self-critical, I'm not less tenacious," he said. "Maybe the best part is that your liver can't handle those beers at noon anymore," he said.

Newman is survived by his wife, five children, two grandsons and his older brother Arthur.

___

On the Net:

http://www.newmansown.com/

Lost Fans?

2008-09-26T16:31:00.000-07:00

Any Lost-ies out there. I am a fan, I watched the show from season 1 - 4 starting in mid summer. Great stuff.

There are spoilers if you haven't watched them all, but here are some alternate endings to season 4.

News?

2008-09-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

Well there isn't much gaming news. I've been playing Jedi Knight Jedi Academy for the 14th time for my two youngest boys. They LOVE it and can't get enough. I'm a bit tired of the game but I'm never tired of my kids.

Otherwise I'm still playing Age of Empires III. Not much Neverwinter in the past few weeks, but I'm keeping up with Neverwinter Podcast and doing a blog roll once and a while.

All is well I suppose. Quite busy but well.

Lost Star Wars Scene

2008-09-13T17:15:00.001-07:00

I actually had the wrong clip posted... sorry about that...

Halloween Mod

2008-09-08T15:35:00.001-07:00

I submitted my areas for the Halloween module yesterday. Hopefully everyone enjoys them. They are simple but hopefully entertaining.

Dark Avenger - Hythum

2008-09-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

I've been playing Dark Avenger Part 2 (finally). It's the first mod I've played since I stopped modding. So far it lives up the first part and the area design is better than the original, it's very moody and really contributes effectively to the story, some of the tactical situations are interesting too, the open battle comes to mind right away. It's a great deal of fun and I've got to give two thumbs up to Wyrin for a job very well done. I'll write more when I've finished it.

I've talked to Skunkeen about Hythum, and he's going to take a look at my wiki, notes, and finished areas. I've offered them to him if he'd like to try to make use of them. The odds of me returning to modding are decreasing each day, although my closest friends all smile when I tell them I'm done and refuse to believe me.

Halloween Mod - Area Nearly Complete

2008-08-30T12:33:00.001-07:00

I did create both levels for my 'house' in the BouncyRock Halloween level. They need a bit of testing and are not terribly complicated but they are done and hopefully will be entertaining. I am guessing 1-4 hours of testing and debugging.

What this small project did teach me for good or for ill, is I think my modding vacation will become a true modding retirement. After 6 NWN1 modules (two unreleased) and 3 NWN2 projects (one unfinished), I think I've had my fill of modding.

Also pulling me away are some great adventures, I've started to dig in on Pool of Radiance and Dark Avenger 2. It's fun to just PLAY again.

Comcast Data Limit

2008-08-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

Comcast to make monthly Internet use cap official
Thursday August 28, 6:21 pm ET
Comcast to set official limit on Internet use to deter bandwidth hogs

It's official comacast is imposing a data transfer limit. I'm a comcast user, I doubt I'll go over but it still kinda crappy.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Comcast Corp., the nation's second-largest Internet service provider, Thursday said it would set an official limit on the amount of data subscribers can download and upload each month.

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On Oct. 1, the cable company will update its user agreement to say that users will be allowed 250 gigabytes of traffic per month, the company announced on its Web site.

Comcast has already reserved the right to cut off subscribers who use too much bandwidth each month, without specifying exactly what constitutes excessive use.

"We've listened to feedback from our customers who asked that we provide a specific threshold for data usage and this would help them understand the amount of usage that would qualify as excessive," the company said in a statement on its Web site.

Customers who go over the limit are contacted by the company and asked to curb their usage.

"We know from experience the vast majority of customers we ask to curb usage do so voluntarily," the company said.

Comcast floated the idea of a 250 gigabyte cap in May and mentioned then that it might charge users $15 for every 10 gigabytes they go over, but the overage fee was missing in Thursday's announcement.

Curbing the top users is necessary to keep the network fast and responsive for other users, Comcast has said.

Comcast stressed that the bandwidth cap is far above the median monthly usage of its customers, which 2 to 3 gigabytes.

Very few subscribers use more than 250 gigabytes, it said. A user could download 125 standard-definition movies, about four per day, before hitting the limit.

The cap is also above those of some other ISPs. Cox Communications' monthly caps vary from 5 gigabytes to 75 gigabytes depending the subscriber's plan. Time Warner Cable Inc. is testing caps between 5 gigabytes and 40 gigabytes in one market. Frontier Communications Co., a phone company, plans to start charging extra for use of more than 5 gigabytes per month.

Halloween Mod - The Short Version

2008-08-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

So... I opened up the toolset to write the small lower level of my house for the Halloween mod. I'm considering just doing the one room upstairs and a little dialog with my avatar and stopping there.

I have some fun ideas for the lower level, but I don't seem to be inspired to mod. Weird huh? I've never been uninspired to mod. The ideas I have would be neat, but I think I may be truly and completely burned out on the toolset.

Hythum is massive and looked massive. My Halloween mod is tiny and it seems like a big time sink. I could easily tie off the room I have, which was my original concept and I think I'd be in good shape. At any rate, I'm going to set this aside and if I get the bug over the three day weekend I may work on it, and if not I may wrap it up and be finished!

Hopefully it's still a little entertaining.

Halloween Mod

2008-08-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

I've done a good amount of work on my Halloween mod. I've stolen a couple of areas from my unfinished Hythum module, created an avatar for myself and written a bunch of dialog, that will hopefully be humorous and entertaining.

I've got the main 'room' done, but plan a small lower level with a wee bit of combat and treasure.

Nothing complicated here. Simple and easy.

I have noticed it's VERY TEMPTING to take it up again, but I've also noticed it does pull be away from other things. I'm trying to remain very disciplines and put it down whenever my kids want to do ANYTHING else, but it's hard when I am thinking about dialog, even slightly silly dialog to stop.

I don't know. This Halloween mod could be my last hurrah. Time will tell.

Storm of Zehir Gameplay Video

2008-08-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Halloween Project - The Problem with modding and Common Errors

2008-08-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

So... I've been modding for and hour and half and it feels like I've never left it. My six year old son had to ask me for food five times before I turned it off and made him something to eat. THAT is the problem with modding. I can't stop. It's like a drug. I love it but can never seem to get enough. Hopefully this small project will give me something that is not going to consume too much time. I promised one room and already have plans for one room plus a possible level full of rooms. It's VERY VERY Hard for me to stop modding. I am DONE for today , but that's probably a lie.

At any rate, I need a little help. I'm thinking about doing something a little humorous in my mod. I need other modders to describe common toolset problems, issues and errors. Particularly things that would be easy for most to understand and recognize. Problems with an area baking, problems with 2da files, crashes, area corruption. If you were a driven half insane by the toolset but couldn't put it down, what would someone hear you babbling about? If you were a minion of a half insane person driven half mad by the toolset how would you describe the modding related tasks he is asking you to do?

I have some ideas, but knowing the group that regularly reads this blog I figure I might get some very entertaining suggestions.

(you can tell I'm modding when the posts occur more than once per day)

Small Modding Project

2008-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok... I know I'm on permanent vacation but I'm taking a break from my break to contribute to the NWN2 Bouncy Rock Halloween Modding Project.

Liso has gentle prodded me and I've agreeded. Liso used 'persuade' skill Enoa4 fails 'will' check.

So what's this all about. Take a look at this bouncy rock post for the straight scoop but in a nutshell.

What: This is an idea to bring the community of builders together for a collaborative module project in the Halloween spirit.

The system is simple - One exterior area that will link together many individual interior projects.

Each builder that joins the project will only need to do the following things:

* Build an interior (Your House)
* Create yourself (NPC) w/ a simple conversation ("Hi, I'm , happy Halloween!"
* Then create a trick or treat for the Player.

Example of Tricks & Treats:

* Haunted House of Horrors (walkthrough)
* Share a Spooky Story
* Give out a cool custom item that does neat things

Sounds like... FUN!

Dragon Age: Origins - Toolset Confirmed

2008-08-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dragon Age: Origins - Toolset Confirmed

I subscribed to the Dragon Age World Builders newsletter. I received the following newsletter tonight.

Introducing the Dragon Age Toolset

The Dragon Age Toolset provides builders with powerful, developer-grade tools.

Key features include:
Dragon Age Toolset
Ruins in Korkari Wilds area. Toolset in
background. Insert: In-Game Create Original Adventures: Using Dragon Age's rich set of assets and locations as starting blocks, you can modify these stunning areas by adding new quests, characters and scripting to create your own adventures, conversations and cut-scenes.

Powerful Script Editor: You can fully customize combat and creature AI to create detailed action sequences full of heart-pounding party-based tactical combat.

On-Going Toolset Content Updates: We have plans to release additional assets and features for the toolset in the future, allowing for expanded creation of new areas.

Toolset Demonstration Highlights

At PAX, Dragon Age: Origins Producer Fernando Melo and Senior Designer Ferret Baudoin will be presenting a 45 minute overview of the toolset for Dragon Age fans.

*

The demonstration takes place in the Ruins of Ostagar area
*

A quick look at the extremely flexible Face Morphing feature
*

Clothing, armor and weapons will be selected giving a quick look at the variety
*

Enemy monsters will be selected and placed in the area
*

The new dialogue editor will be featured
*

The module created on stage will be played through live in the Dragon Age: Origins game

I know, I know! I'm trying not to mod for NWN2 let alone some other game, but still it's exciting news.

4th Edition D & D

2008-08-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of the 4th Edition Players Handbook and Dungeon Masters Guide for my birthday. I have been slowly skimming and reading them to relax. I miss paper and pencil games. I miss running a D & D campaign. I wonder if I'll ever get to do it again. I think I'd get the same 'bang' I get out of modding with much lower time commitment. Funny PnP games take longer to play but can be written relatively quickly and mods take forever to write and not too long to play. Hmmm.....

My dream is to rope my three young sons into a PnP game when they are old enough. The youngest, doesn't quite read yet, but I've already got him, I can tell. The oldest will give it a go and I bet he will enjoy it, but he's busy. The middle one, I'm not sure... I'm just not sure.

Maybe I can find a local game to participate in.

I've also dabbled with the idea of a online game or participating in a DM led NWN2 game. It could be lots of fun.

I still think about modding, but have taken no steps back to it. I'm happily playing Age of Empires III/War Chiefs/Asian Dynasties and a little bit of 'Fate' to entertain my kids.

Ka Mon Ra

2008-08-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

I've corresponded with David J Zewalk for several years, ever since I had a site hosted by Lord Alexander over at the now offline RPGS web server. David has been steadily working on a PnP module, 'Ka Mon Ra' ever since I have known him. Recently he finished the module and it is now sold in local gaming shops in the
Cleveland area.

The Temple of Ka Mon Ra is a 120-page perfect bound book full color book. Independent authors and artist created all artwork and writing, which is reminiscent from the old Dungeon and Dragon Modules. The adventure module features a completely unique storyline that will keep all the players engaged throughout the entire campaign.

The Temple of Ka Mon Ra uses the 3.5 Dungeons and Dragons rules system. The 3.5 rules system allows players to completely customize their characters to their choice, which makes this Adventure Module a completely new experience every time it is played with a different group.

You just learn about the strange deaths occurring throughout the Jungle Outpost, Taboo. Each of the murdered victims had their hands sliced from their wrists for some unforeseen dark purpose. You also hear rumors of vampires attacks occurring at night, randomly striking any unfortunate soul who happens to cross their path. Stranger yet, the King and Queen who were on their return trip back to the Kingdoms of the Northlands, after some heavy trade negotiations, are under the influence of some type of dark magic. All these events are somehow connected to a nearby ancient temple ruin, THE TEMPLE of KA MON RA.

David let me know the module can be purchased from the following stores.

WARZONE MATRIX
4704 Rocky River Drive
Cleveland Ohio 44135
216 433 1316

RECESS comics, games & more
Great Northern Mall
North Olmsted OH 44070
440 779 7008

Way to go David!

Temptation to start again

2008-08-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

I am tempted to crack open the toolset today. It's the strongest temptation I've felt since I decided to take a break about a month ago. I miss the story telling, and creative outlet. I've even received a kind offer from a fellow modder I greatly respect to help with some scripting.

I really want to open it up and get back to work.

On the other hand. It tends to DOMINATE my time. I am more likely to stop working on the computer right now and go outside, exercise, get involved in other more practical projects, and spend time with my kids.

My wife and kids always come first, but I am also acutely aware of the pull that modding holds over me. I frequently get to the point where I am excited about and trying to carve out blocks of time to work on my modding project, to the detriment of other activities and interests. I feel mentally free since I've been on my break.

My kids start school in a few weeks and I'm using that as an excuse to hold off on starting up again. I need my time and energy to help them.

I did pick up the 4th edition Players Handbook and DMG and have been reading them. I think I'd be satistifed with a good old fashion real, regular D&D game. I used to run them and I think that's what I am REALLY hungering for, but that also seems quite impossible.

So, I am tempted, but torn and am tying to resist at the moment. I miss many things about modding, and there are other things I don't miss at all and am happy to be rid of.

In short, I'm still on vacation, at least semi-retired. :-)

Outstanding Podcast with Wyrin D'njargo

2008-08-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'm halfway through this weeks Neverwinter Podcast. I'm a big fan of Wyrin D'njargo's work and I've commented many times his Dark Avenger series. It's one of the few mods that really got me out of my typical 'hero' mindset and had me playing a man seeking revenge. Really great stuff.

Wyrin, congratulations on the AME award, and congratulation on the podcast interview. This is one of those interviews I was extra excited to listen to. Great job to Wyrin and the podcast team.

Listen to the podcast here.

Eldest Son's Award Winning Artwork

2008-07-26T08:15:00.001-07:00

I've mentioned my eldest son is a talented artist, and he won top honors in several categories at the county fair this year. Take a peak here at my personal blog to see photos of his work.

My Neverwinter Nights Podcast T-Shirt

2008-07-22T15:28:00.001-07:00

I got it! I got it!

My official Neverwinter Nights Podcast T-Shirt. I won it as a part of the contest they ran earlier this summer. Look! It's me. Wearing my official t-shirt!

Thanks to the podcast team for my T-Shirt and the wonderful entertainment you have provided via the podcast. Keep the great stuff coming and I'll keep listening.

Age of Empires III: The War Chiefs and The Asian Dynasties

2008-07-20T07:15:00.001-07:00

I received Age of Empires III: The War Chiefs and The Asian Dynasties for my birthday, and I've started playing through War Chiefs. I had been on an AOE III role and was getting a bit burned out on it but I must say the War Chiefs has added some new twists that I am really enjoying. It's really got me going on this game again.

That and an epic two player co-op game yesterday afternoon with Darmok really have me itching to play more.

I downloaded this weeks NWN podcast but it may get transferred to my IPOD for a listed. I haven't had a chance to play it yet, but I am looking forward to it.

Darmok Speaks

2008-07-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

Darmok, my good friend of *mumbledy mumble* years. (it's been so long we don't speak of it) has commented that he had not checked my blog in nearly two weeks. Well... my good friend and office mate said now that I am not working on my mod I haven't been posting. I was surprised to see a 10 day gap and although I am not quite ready to dive back into mod writing today this 'challenge' from Darmok along with a reply to my previous post from Tauschitz did get me thinking about it again.

Maybe... possibly...

I don't know, I've got a big work project perhaps when that's done.

The thing is my good friend Darmok should be restraining me. He should tell me to 'put the toolset down and slowly back away', but NOOOO... he taunts me. He taunts me! He goads me back towards the toolset. 'Just try one more dose, it won't hurt you'.

Darn it! I need to make a will save or call my modders anonymous sponsor.

(if anyone is at all unclear, this kind of good natured ribbing has been going on between Darmok and myself for *mumbledy mumble* years)

AND... now that I think about it, Darmok needs to finish a swamp area for Hythum. When he finishes the swamp I'll finish the island. (unless I can't resist and start tinkering in the toolset because I am a modding junkie)

Anyone want half finished giant modding project to complete?

DMFI Version of Keep on the Borderlands Released

2008-07-16T06:15:00.001-07:00

The DMFI version of B2 Keep on the Borderlands has been released.

Carlo did a great deal of work making this a reality. I helped with a few screen shots and a bit of information but he really did the bulk of the work.

There is a thread on the NWNPodcast forums about a group setting up a multiplayer run through of keep on the borderlands. I hope it goes well.

Keep on the Borderlands - DMFI Edition

2008-07-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I've been working with Carlo on the DMFI edition of B2: Keep on the Borderlands. Actually it would be much more accurate to say Carlo has been working on the DMFI edition of Keep on the Borderlands, and I've helped answer questions and gather screen shots of the maps for the DM to use.

The DMFI wands are integrated with the mod and Carlo has done a bang up job of the player and DM documentation.

The mod should be up on the vault, under the same entry as the original mod in the near future. Carlo is waiting for the 1.13 patch to be released to make sure there are no issues.

Here are some specs on the modl

Module PC Level Range
1-3

Suggested Number of PCs
4-6 (fewer if multiple NPC companions are used)

Play Time:
10-12 hours

Setting:
May be placed in any desired campaign setting

Keep your eyes here and on the vault for the release of this mod. I rarely get to play multiplayer and am an old DM, but strongly feel this NWN should be played multiplayer or best yet with a DM. I am thrilled to see this mod on the way.

Many thanks and kudos to Carlo.

Ernie

Brave Noob World

2008-07-06T05:59:00.001-07:00

You have to check out this video on Amraphael's blog. Really funny stuff.

Modding Hiatus

2008-07-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks,

I am officially taking a modding Hiatus. How long? I don't know.

I am going to help with a DMFI related adaptation of Keep on the Borderlands, but then I'm turning off the editor for a while.

My friend Bruce (aka Darmok) said, maybe modding is more of a winter sport. Perhaps? I don't know. I just know I need to get away from it for a while. I've always joked it's like an addiction and it really is. I feel like I'm in a good place right now. Tomochan just made the hall of fame and received an AME award.

I have more hours than I can count poured into Hythum. The area design is done. The plot outline is done and I have dialog done for maybe 5-10% of the mod. It's hard to put it down with so much poured into it.

Now for the guilt. Amraphael made an amazing airship model for me to use in this mod. I feel a great deal of gratitude and quite a bit of guilt for stepping away from something that he put so much effort into.

I written to a friend about this, talked about it with my wife and discussed it with Darmok/Bruce. No one is telling me to take a break. In fact I usually hear, 'you seem to get a lot out of it.' I feel like it's dominating my thoughts too much.

I want to play a few mods, play other games, play with my kids, get out an exercise more. Maybe after 4 NWN mods and 2.5 NWN2 mods I'm burned out. Maybe in two days I'll have the editor open again.

I am backing up all of my Hythum related files to DVD right now. One will stay with me and another will go to Darmok/Bruce.

I'm not sure when I will pick this up again, but I need to feel like it's not waiting for me for a little bit. I'm an old school D&D Dungeon Master and I'm never going to stop creating for D&D but I definitely need a break from modding for a while.

I may be back in the toolset in two days, two months or maybe even longer. For now I'm officially on Hiatus. Maybe when it's cold out I'll try again. Maybe if the surgeon wants to fix my other foot I'll try again. I just don't know.

I'll still blog and linger around. I'm not going anywhere, I'm just not modding for a bit.

Tomoachan Makes the Hall of Fame

2008-07-01T12:43:00.001-07:00

Tomoachan made the NWVault Hall of Fame this month. Many thanks to all who downloaded and rated the module so kindly.

Dialog - UGH!

2008-06-26T17:07:00.001-07:00

I'm inching my way through dialog. I was ok with my first effort and am not satisfied with my current work. It feels rather flat and I'm afraid it's not terribly interesting. I'm unusually busy professionally and it's hard to find the motivation to mod at the moment but I will continue to inch forward. :-)

AME Awards - Tomoachan Wins for PnP Conversion

2008-06-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

WOO HOO!!!! Tomoachan wins for PnP converstion.

Visit AME here.

Or listen to NWPodcast

Community Contribution Award
Community Contribution Award:
Grinning Fool
From beta testing until today, Grinning Fool has continued to support the community and NWN2 tirelessly. He has worked as a Community Rep on the toolset, answering questions and gathering up bugs on behalf of the community and making sure they reach the ears and eyes of Obsidian Entertainment. He’s also enhanced and added to the toolset’s features through a number of very useful plugins.

Veteran Award
Veteran Author Award:
Adam Miller
Adam Miller wins the Veteran Author Golden Dragon Award for his consistenly top quality modules, produced across both NWN and NWN2. With the Dark Waters campaign, he continues to innovate and stretch the engine to the very limits.

Debut Author Award
Debut Author Award:
Zach Holbrook
Zach Holbrook (aka Maerduin) produced one of the defining modules of 2007 with Harp & Chrysanthemum. His attention to detail; from landscapes to music, character writing to story, makes him this year’s Debut Award winner.

Best Sound
Best Sound/Music:
New Music Tracks for Harp & Chrysanthemum by Zach Holbrook
This year’s Best Sound/Music Golden Dragon Award goes to the new music tracks produced for Harp & Chrysanthemum, by Zach Holbrook. They combine interesting use of voice and backing with an excellent fit to the module itself.

Best Tileset 07
Best Tileset:
RWS Deep Halls by RWS
The Best Tileset Golden Dragon Award goes to Robinson Workshop’s Deep Halls tileset, a new and deeply atmospheric interior for Neverwinter Nights 2.

Best CC 07
Best Custom Content:
Sorceress Ashura VFX Pack
This VFX pack includes an astonishing array of weird, practical and beautiful visual effects: from ship wakes to the sparkles on a pile of treasure. The sheer depth and wonder of this pack makes it this year’s Custom Content Golden Dragon award winner.

Multiplayer Award
Best Multiplayer Module:
Tomb of Horrors revisited by BM Productions
Tomb of Horrors is a devilishly difficult module based on the old PnP classic that really comes into its own in multiplayer mode, where strong thinking and team play will see you succeed… or fall.

RP Award
Best Roleplaying Module:
Dark Avenger by Wyrin
Dark Avenger takes the 2007 Golden Dragon award for Best Roleplay module, because roleplaying is really central to the concept behind this superb module. You play the story character, but you define your role, your character and your background, and this impacts the world around you.

Action Award
Best Action Module:
Moonshadows Chapter 1 by Alex Hugon
Hugie’s Moonshadows is a blend of high action and gorgeous landscapes, set in the Forgotten Realms. With excellent polish, and varying difficulty, it offers an exciting journey for all players.

Adventure Award
Best Adventure Module:
Dark Waters Chapter 1 by Adam Miller
Dark Waters sets a compelling mood, tells an interesting story set in a world with a well-developed history, includes extremely well-developed companions with richly drawn personalities, and exhibits extraordinary attention to detail.

Replayable award
Most Re-playable Module:
Pool of Radiance Remastered by Markus ‘Wayne’ Schlegel
This remake of the SSI classic captures the Most Replayable Golden Dragon Award. A strong story is enhanced with a plethora of choice on gear, companions and class options, and topped off with a variety of combat situations.

PNP Award
Best PnP Conversion Module:
Tomoachan by Enoa4
Enoa4 has added a great deal of polish to the original PnP classic; with a strengthened backstory, excellent area design and smart use of custom content. Whether you have played the original or not, Tomoachan offers an excellent gameplay experience.

Progress?

2008-06-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

It's been 11 days since my last post. I've been away on vacation and then got the stomach flu (or something like it) shortly thereafter. In the 11 days since my last post I customized the appearance of one NPC.

Let's hear it for progress!!!

At this rate I should be complete on July 7th, 2059.

The summer is busy with both fun and work so I'm not sure how much work I'll really get done.

I've thought about taking a break to play some games too. We'll see.

Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir

2008-06-10T06:08:00.001-07:00

Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir hearkens back to the days of the Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale franchises by including full party customization, dungeon crawling, and free exploration of a non-linear game world via an Overland Map. The gripping storyline foreshadows the events that will take place in the Forgotten Realms with the coming of release this June of the Fourth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons® Roleplaying Game.

In the aftermath of the defeat of the King of Shadows, the Sword Coast is in the midst of an uneasy economic recovery. Trade syndicates have sprung up to exploit the post-war confusion for their own ends. The players’ party will wade into this uncertain environment; in order to increase their own fortunes, they can either ally with a syndicate to create a trade empire, or cut their own path through Faerûn by preying upon caravans and selling the goods on the black market. As they attempt to extend their influence, players will become aware of a new faction working behind the scenes: the evil, shapeshifting, serpentine Yuan-Ti.

In addition to trading and economic manipulation, the Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir Overland Map allows players to explore the Chultan Peninsula and Sword Coast in a non-linear manner never before seen in any of the Neverwinter Nights games. Exploration will take players from well-known locations, like Neverwinter and Crossroad Keep, to more exotic areas, such as the xenophobic jungle nation of Samarach. Groups of highwaymen and monsters populate the Overland Map and the farther from civilization the player roams, the more difficult the encounters become. The 15-hour campaign in Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir is also packed with new classes, spells, creatures, and playable races.

Fans of the compelling multiplayer features of Neverwinter Nights 2 will also be able to take advantage of new improvements to the multiplayer experience, while modders will be able to take advantage of the power and flexibility of the Overland Map and Trading System features along with other world-building enhancements.

Game Features:

· Travel the Sword Coast and Samarach using the open ended exploration of the new Overland Map. Use skills like Spot and Survival while on the Overland Map to avoid ambushes and even find hidden locales and lost artifacts.

· Create your own full party of adventurers. Devastate your foes with a squad of fireball-flinging Sorcerers, form a solid wall of steel with a party of Fighters, or strike the perfect balance in your party by spreading out the classes you choose for your characters.

· Improved party gameplay including streamlined party conversations, a new Teamwork Benefit System, and powerful party feats.

· The world's economy reacts to your adventures and choices. And, through trading and quests, you can expand your merchant company into a massive trading empire.

Campaign Lock up and Loadscreens

2008-06-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

I spend most of the day preparing load screens then a few hours trying to figure out why the related HAK file was causing the game to lock while loading. Eventually I realized the HAK file and load screens are fine, it's the fact that I am loading the module as a campaign. I'm not sure what I've got fouled up but I am curious. I'll have to read up on campaigns when I have time. I'm going to noodle with the load screens and confirm they are working then stop for the night.

Everything loads fine in the editor. Very odd.

* UPDATE #1 *

Looks like the load screens are not working either. They don't cause the module to fail, but they don't work either. Very odd. I'll post some of the 2da file here and would be happy to e-mail it to someone for a peak if they'd like.

* Update #2 *

Found this on Wendersanven.com *
http://www.wendersnaven.com/resource/44

There's only one way I managed to solve the unpacking module hang when starting a new campaign:

1) Close down your starting module in the toolset. For some odd reason the toolset is fussy about having it open when making it the starting module.

2) Make a new campaign in the campaign editor and type in the starter module name to be exactly the same as the filename without the .mod extension.

3) Hit the save campaign button.

4) Lastly add your starter module to the list of modules the campaign will use. This last step may not be essential to get the starter mod loading but will definitely be needed later on.

I'm off to test this.

* UPDATE #3 *

Nope. That wasn't it.

* UPDATE #4 *

HOORAY! Success. It looks like I was missing an underscore from the file name (DUH). What's funny is I had the editor add and set the name. I manually checked the name half a dozen times while working on this since that was a common problem but never noticed the missing underscore. Problem solved.

The loadscreens were there but were random. Tackling that is next.

* UPDATE #5 *

Loadscreens are working but not the way I'd expect. I replaced rather than added lines to the loadscreens.2da file thinking I wasn't going to use the old ones. Fine, except the old image names are still used. UGH! Ok, I can fix or work around that. I have the power bar plug in and it has a load screen editor, which shows the correct name of the image (my name) and has a feature to copy it to any area in the current mod. This appears to work if the area is OPEN but not if it's closed. I have a number of solutions I can pursue. I'm thinking creating a new 2da with added rows may be the way to go but it will take a while. I may just suffer with what I've got. I have a workable solution. If it ain't broken...

* UPDATE #6 *

Loadscreens are fixed. I rewrote the 2da. I'm on the road.

Over the weekend I started on dialog and a few books and journal entries. Even though this is a a re-write of existing material there is a lot to do.

Hythum, Tomoachan, and Lego Star Wars

2008-06-08T05:55:00.000-07:00

I am building NPCs and witting dialog for Hythum. My time has been limited so I have not made too much progress but I am moving forward. I've decided to re-write dialog as I go rather than import it. I can improve upon what I have written and the scripting options are much more robust in NWN2. So far I'm enjoying it but don't expect as many screen shots for a while.

I have some fun personal obligations over the next few weeks so there will probably be a work slow down ahead.

Tomoachan is nearing 5000 downloads and has an overall rating of 8.72. It should make the hall of fame when I cross the 5000 mark which is pretty cool. Downloads are coming in at a trickle so it will be interesting to see if I make it in June or July. Keep on the Borderlands has 13000+ downloads but I think Tomoachan is a better mod. Rather curious, but it was out first, it supports multiplayer and was out very early driving more people to it.

I've been playing quite a big of Lego Star Wars II The Original Trilogy with my middle son. He is having a blast. I enjoy playing with him but get a little tired of the game and don't have too much patience for it. I do however have loads of patience for my son.

What to do next?

2008-06-03T18:10:00.000-07:00

I'm at a bit of a crossroads from a modding standpoint.

I had planned to do the area design first. My modding partner Darmok has an area to finish. He was going to do another 6-12 areas of various sizes beyond the one he is working on now. After talking to Darmok it sounds like I will probably take on some of the remaining areas.

I've gathered screen shots of everything that's done to use as the basis for load screens.

I've exported all the dialog from Hythum for NWN1 and taken a peak. (yuck... what a mess)

I've even documented all of the resources I have used thus far for the readme file.

What's next? What should I do next?

I'm tempted to work on major NPCs and dialog. If so I'm tempted to re-write a lot if not all of the dialog. I could start testing and debugging the transitions and major plot points without many bad guys in place.

Or... I could plow ahead with more area design. I'm just not sure what I want to do next. I do feel like I have reached a major milestone, although it's not a clearly defined one.

Bonus Hythum Screen Shot

2008-06-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

I was grabbing load screen images for Hythum. There are MANY areas in this module. I'll post a semi-final count in a week or two. At any rate I was rather taken with the screen shot I will use for the in transit load screen displayed many times when traveling by airship. Most of the credit goes to Amraphael for the airship model. Here it is.

Another interior done

2008-06-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

I'm working on an interior area. The initial draft is done. I tried a few experiments and I'm not completely happy with the result. The screen shots don't quite do it justice, but they give you the idea.

I've got an underground lake, and tried to give an underwater effect walk into the lake and lower the camera. I used a blue light that's only visible under the water to give a blue tint and used the steam geyser to produce air bubbles and a distortion. This effect is not required or essential but I thought it would be kind of neat if I could pull it off.

The first two pictures are the lake surface in a dark cavern.

The next two are shots from underneath the surface of the water. It's not great, I've seen good underwater areas build but usually the whole area is underwater, not just a few tiles within the area.

I'm not completely satisfied with how this turned out either but I thought I'd post it anyway.

More of that red lighting I've been stuck on. The areas with the common lighting are all tied together and hopefully the similar lighting helps convey that.

Hythum Progress

2008-05-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

I've finished the second to last area I had originally planned to build. I thought this was the last areas, I recalled one more cave area I need to build.

There are a few sizeable areas that have not been constructed. Darmok was planning to work on some or all of those. He's got at least one in progress, but I may work on some of the other areas he was going to tackle.

If I leave the area design alone for a while I can build some of my primary NPCs and begin porting over dialog from the original Hythum. Any way you slice it this is a milestone of some sort.

Hang it up?

2008-05-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ever want to hang it up? I'm modding now and am likely to continue for an hour or so but in the same breath part of me wants to hang it up.

Just a little burn out. It will pass. This is a good activity for me while my foot is healing. :-)

Evil Fortress Interior

2008-05-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

More screen shots from Hythum. It's a good portion of the interior of the evil fortress I posted the exterior of recently. Enjoy!
Barracks

Temple/Shrine

Temple/Shrine

Temple/Shrine

Temple/Shrine

Temple/Shrine

Entryway/Hallway
Hallway

Forge/Armory

Forge/Armory

Forge/Armory
Forge/Armory
Forge/Armory
Forge/Armory
Forge/Armory

Large Fire

2008-05-25T10:26:00.001-07:00

When I place the large fire visual effect in the Toolset or when I open an area in which I've used this effect I hear a large fire audio effect at deafening, speaker blowing volume. Anyone else run into this? Any way around it? It's more of a nuisance than a problem but I'd love to avoid it.

Evil Stronghold

2008-05-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Some screenshots from todays work on Hythum. I've been putting this area together all week and it's nearly done. If I have been producing like this during my entire recovery I'd be sitting pretty.

Oh well.

I don't like some of the weeds in the middle of the road and need to clean them up but overall I am quite happy with what I have.

Pictures of my foot... yuck!

2008-05-14T09:26:00.001-07:00

If you are brave of heart, have a strong stomach, and actually want to see pictures of my foot that's healing from surgery, then swing on over to my personal blog for some pictures.

Neverwinter Podcast Special - Mysteries of Westgate.

2008-05-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Neverwinter Nights Podcast sent ace gamer, Michele aka Liso66, to LA for a special press event surrounding Mysteries of Westgate. Way to go Liso!

She managed to get a great interview with Alan Miranda, CEO of Ossian Studios , and Russ aka Tiberius .

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Progress and Pictures

2008-05-10T12:24:00.001-07:00

During the week I didn't make much progress, I spend my evenings with my foot elevated and away from the computer, but today I got a good 4-5 hours in on a new exterior area. Good progress was made and I have some screen shots to share.

Overall, I'm making some progress too. I decided to focus almost exclusively on area design first. I've finished more than 50% perhaps even 60-70% of the areas I'll need. I've jumped over a few sections that my modding partner Darmok is working on and I've started on designing the areas in the second to last chapter of the module. The last act repeats locales already designed and there isn't much work.

After this exterior I have 1 more exterior then a multi-level interior to put together. When that's complete I will visit with Darmok about the areas I've leaped over and see if he wants me to tackle a few.

I'm actually thinking ahead beyond area design. I've got to create some key NPCs and some uniforms that will pop up here and there in the module.

I'm going to look at dialog from the original Hythum. I'm tempted to re-write it all but something tells me I should salvage and re-use some of it.

Hope everyone out there is well.

Funny Dominos Pizza Commercial

2008-05-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

Modding work and screenshots

2008-05-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

I did get in some modding work this weekend. I planned to spend it all with my foot elevated, but my youngest son's computer died. I replaced the hard drive and rebuild XP (twice), updated, install software, etc... At any rate since I was in the computer room watching progress indicators I got a TON of modding done.

I'm not going to offer much explanation about what you are seeing. It's after the siege mentioned in early posts, but I'm going become a bit vague about what I'm posting. If you played the original you may remember, if not... time will tell.

With out further ado, an octet of screen shots.

Work and D & D collide

2008-05-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

I am working on a SQL database query and was reading some documentation. It reads:

A format file is required to define column types in the result set. The only exception is when SINGLE_CLOB, SINGLE_BLOB, or SINGLE_NCLOB is specified; in which case, the format file is not required.

Or maybe there should be exceptions when it's a Gelatinous Cube or Green Slime.

(I actually am familiar with BLOB, etc... but I don't use them much).

I got a good laugh out of that and had to share.

2007 AME Awards

2008-04-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to be nominated last week for the Academy of Modding Excellence, Veteran Author Award. The post they second half of their nominees today. Many fine modules and authors were included. I am thrilled to be non-minated for PnP mod of the year.

Community Contribution Award:
Grinning Fool
Robinson Workshop
Tanita

Veteran Author Award:
ENoa4 (Keep on the Borderlands, Tomoachan)
Adam Miller (Dark Waters, Pirate Cards)
John McA (Conan Chronicles)

Debut Author Award:
human_male
Wyrin D’njargo
Falloutboy
Zach Holbrook

Best Sound/Music:
To be announced

Best Tileset:
Cryptpit by witness
RWS Deep Halls by RWS
“The Sewer Tileset” by Restless

Best Custom Content:
Building Construction Kit by Nytir
TonyK’s Companion and Monster AI Hak
Sorceress Ashura VFX Pack

Best Multiplayer Module:
Tomb of Horrors revisited by BM Productions
Mystery at Willowbow by Saorsa

Best Roleplaying Module:
Harp & Chrysanthemum by Maerduin
Dark Avenger by Wyrin
Sublety of Thay by dirtywick

Best Action Module:
Tragedy in Tragidor by Phoenixus
The Corruption of Kiahoro by human_male
Moonshadows Chapter 1 by Alex Hugon

Best Adventure Module:
Dark Avenger Chapter 1 by Wyrin D’njargo
Dark Waters Chapter 1 by Adam Miller
Conan Chronicles 1: Legion of the Dead by John McA

Most Re-playable Module:
Pirate Cards by Adam Miller
Pool of Radiance Remastered by Markus ‘Wayne’ Schlegel

Best PnP Conversion Module:
Tomoachan by Enoa4
Red Hand of Doom by sgt_why

Of course visit the Academy of Modding Excellence for full information.

Quote of the day

2008-04-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

Are you trying to use some kind of low pressure digit routing through the parnatic channel of the CPU instead of call forwarding?

Slow down

2008-04-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have blogged about my recovery on my personal blog several times, but felt like posting a bit here. My new cast and return to 40 hour work weeks has caused my foot to swell. I have some tingling, stinging and numbness in a few toes too. When I go home at night I like to mod for an hour or two but lately I've been coming home and putting my feet up, elevating them as much as possible.

I remain frustrated by the disruption of my forward momentum.

Oh well. What can you do.

Seahaven by Merecraft

2008-04-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

I've got another blog for you to check out. Merecraft is working on Seahaven for NWN2. He's posted a few times here and on other sites too and I was reading through his blog for the first time today and added a link. It's definitely worth a look. The screen shots look quite nice.

AME NWN2 2007 Nominations

2008-04-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wyrin just let me know that I've been nominated for the Academy for Modding Excellence Veteran Author Award. I had no idea until he wrote to me and I'm positively stunned and quite honored. Adam Miller and John McA are also nominated in this category and I am humbled to be included along with these fine authors.

My bet is on Adam Miller to win in this category, but it's a thrill to be included regardless of the outcome.

That really put a kick in my step. We'll it would have if I weren't on crutches recovering from foot surgery. But if I could... I would. ;-)

Thanks to Wyrin for alerting me to this news.

WOW!

Here is the full listing:
RECOGNITION AWARDS
Community Contribution Award:
Grinning Fool
Robinson Workshop
Tanita

Veteran Author Award:
ENoa4 (Keep on the Borderlands, Tomoachan)
Adam Miller (Dark Waters, Pirate Cards)
John McA (Conan Chronicles)

Debut Author Award:
human_male
Wyrin D’njargo
Falloutboy
Zach Holbrook

CUSTOM CONTENT AWARDS
Best Sound/Music:
To be announced

Best Tileset:
Cryptpit by witness
RWS Deep Halls by RWS
“The Sewer Tileset” by Restless

Best Custom Content:
Building Construction Kit by Nytir
TonyK’s Companion and Monster AI Hak
Sorceress Ashura VFX Pack

Exterior Area Complete

2008-04-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Some spoilers ahead.

During Hythum there you participate in the defense of a keep under siege. Before the siege begins you have an opportunity for an optional stealth/scouting mission. I've completed an area where you sneak through the woods, and near or into the enemy camp. Of course, there are no bad guys yet, I'm still just working on area layout. I had hoped to complete MANY areas while recovering, but this is basically it. I have been busy telecommuting almost the entire time I've been at the computer. I don't view this area as quite done yet, but it's getting close, so I thought I would share the NWN2 fruits of my foot surgery.

It's a night mission, so it's rather dark.

Bouncy Rock Link Updated

2008-04-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

I updated the blog roll at the right to list Bouncy Rock, and I removed a few blogs that have been redirected to that site. If you haven't been on the Bouncy Rock forums I highly recommend trying it out. Great fun.

Another Area Layout Complete

2008-04-19T12:13:00.001-07:00

I got in a few solid hours of modding today. The first real effort since my surgery. I finished a simple interior, just a few rooms in a castle. There will be important dialog in this area, and it serves as a place to rest, gain some information and prepare for the next, and very significant part of the plot. Not particularly exciting, but they are both appropriate and very needed rooms. Most important, I have real forward momentum for the first time in a few weeks.

Up in the very near future. I will do some area design and perhaps quite a bit more. The next area requires me to add some monsters, scripts and do some real testing. The area design is too interdependent on the specifics of what will happen to do it any other way. So, some of the up coming screen shots might be very interesting.

Earthquake

2008-04-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

There was an earthquake in Central Illinois. My wife was up for the main event but I just felt a pretty good aftershock (4.5) You can read about it on just about any major news outlet, or on my personal blog.

Bit O' Modding

2008-04-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

The recovery continues. Somehow I had pictured myself with my foot up at my computer doing hours upon hours of modding. Unfortunately I've spent hours upon hours in my recliner or in bed. I'm still relaxing but I miss modding. The few hours I can manage at the computer are designated for telecommuting to work.

This after noon I decided to take a crack at modding for just a bit. I spend about 30-40 minutes on an area. Not much done, fixed a few tiles, added some rugs, a tapestry a table and some doors, but the toolset was open and forward progress however modest has been achieved.

So with my foot throbbing (it really is throbbing now) I'm shutting down and headed back to the la-z-boy

Anyone got a potion of cure light wounds?

2008-04-13T17:34:00.001-07:00

Anyone got a potion of heal? Cure serious wounds? Cure light wounds? How about some sort of healing cantrip? Aspirin?

I'm back but not at full force. My foot is still attached to my ankle but it hurts like the dickens. The surgeon was very pleased and the procedure went quite well. I was hoping to be taking fewer drugs at this point but alas that is not the case. Don't get me wrong I'm glad I have them due to the pain. My goal is to get an hour or so of computer time tomorrow. I was hoping to telecommute for 4 hours on Tuesday but may need more time before I reach that goal. I can't work on drugs and I'm not quite ready to reduce them enough to work just yet. I am however making excellent progress.

My wife is a saint and has been amazing taking care of both me and the children.

Ok. I've got to call it quits and get to a comfortable chair.

Later folks.