Meet the Authors......... (or Lurkers)

[valkry]

No, not another story...Managing to double post a few times a week is quite enough for my brain to handle. Actually, I would be typing along listening to the MP3 player at work and I would catch myself wondering what music Anotherrogue and MysidiaClash listen to when they write.  I've figured out that Ekuth is more likely to be watching the History Channel then football, and Ferunnia might have a jack & coke next to the ashtray by her computer. Then I wondered if anyone could be wondering this kind of stuff about me....? So I figured I'd try starting an 'interview thread.'  If you have any questions you want to add to the interview, or any you don't feel comfortable answering, please edit at will, but I'm hoping this will help us get to know each other just a bit better. I trust you to read my 'baby' and none of my family or friends have read it (then again, hubby won't MMORPG-afraid of addiction-and friends are WoWs, so wouldn't mean much to them). Stats: Hobbies (other then EQ): What I must have when I'm writting: Favorite Music, Books, TV shows: Stats: <font color="#009933">Female, Human, just dinged 5th tier in Oct. Married (MT is 33rd lvl Guardian) 2 kids (boy: 5th 1/2ling 'zerker, girl: 4th Gnome SK)</font> Hobbies: <font color="#009933">Old school pen & paper D&D, we have a regular weekly group. Crafts: jewelry-making, needlecraft, sewing, trying to teach my kids to cook.. (I'm ok if I plan ahead, but if I just have to come-up with something...I might live on Goldfish crackers and Coca-cola). <font color="#ffffff">What I must have when I'm writting:</font> I write most of the story at work (in between set up/runs of final QA testing), so I can't get too weird, so laptop, mp3 player, coke or strong Euro-style coffee, and maybe Flaming Hot Cheetos. <font color="#ffffff">Music:</font> I'm listening to Conan & Serenity soundtracks, Warren Zevon, Gipsy Kings, Jesse Cook, Gary Myrick, 38 Special, House of Blues mix,  couple goth tunes, the Heavy Classics and Greg Allman for work/writting. The only thing I can truly rule out musically is much polka (song or two is my limit) and really free-form jazz (just sounds like noise to me). <font color="#ffffff">Books:</font> Mysteries, SciFi, how-tos (esp crafts), Martha Stewart & Real Simple mags and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom w/ my kids. <font color="#ffffff">TV shows:</font> I would watch CSIs till I couldn't see straight, but I'n not allowed to chose the program very often.  I love House and Bones and fight to watch them. I also love Avitar, What not to Wear, and the Food Network, and any of the other "reality TV" channels, like Discovery, History, TLC, DIY. <font color="#ffffff">Ok, so what are the rest of you lurkers & authors like?</font> </font> <div></div>

[Ferunnia]

Well, to dissaude anyones ideas to the contrary, I'll post the same stats and such as Valkry outlined. Stats: 23 male. (gasp, but my favorite toons to roleplay have always been female. I see oogly hairy men all day at work [construction worker I am] so I prefer to watch a femme toon running around on screen. The fact that I love women might have someting to do with this choice too).Hobbies: Old skewl again, pnp dnd. I do crochet (gasp again, no I'm not [Removed for Content] <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />, it's soothing to my oftimes frustrated mind) Read a lot. Watch a little t.v. Play almost any sport. Work. Help my g/f take care of her son. Listen to music, play mmo's. Going out drinking with my g/f and friends. Concerts.<font color="#009933"><font color="#ffffff">What I must have when I'm writting: A computer and a keyboard. MS word or similar program. Other than that I'm not picky. Music is nice, but not necessary.</font></font><font color="#009933"><font color="#ffffff">Music: Heavy metal, hard rock, alternative, little pop, little country, very little rap, Weird Al (can't really be classified), not a jazz fan, I could do classical (like Beethoven, Mozart) that's about it. Books: I have read more books than I theoretically should have been able to look at without my eyes popping out. Own hundreds of books. Sci-fi/Fantasy, mystery, horror, and I love informational magazines (National Geographic, Popular Science/Mechanics, tons of computer and gaming magazines, so forth and so on). But, I'll read anything if I'm bored, and there is no limit to that. I do mean ANYTHING. T.V. shows: CSI is cool, but I'm a cartoon freak. List is way too long for one post <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Also enjoy informative programming, as listed by Valkry.</font></font><div></div>

[Ekuthh]

<DIV>Alright, alright... my turn.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Stats:  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>35, male.  I guess you could call my new career "Demolition Hauling".  Or "Salvage Materials Relocation Faciltator".  It's a job, it pays the bills. One wife, whom I worship more than air, two little offspring.  Boy, 4 and Girl, 2 (who, of course, has daddy wrapped around her little finger- but I'll never admit it.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hobbies:  </DIV> <DIV>Yup, me too, Old School pnp D&D.  By old school I mean reeeeaaaallly old school.  I still have my basic and extended set.  Remember before AD&D?  Haven't played in a dog's age though, I got tired of always being the DM.  I wanna play, dang it!</DIV> <DIV>Cardmodels.  That is models made entirely from paper and elmer's glue.  See <A href="http://www.cardmodels.net" target=_blank>www.cardmodels.net</A> for more details on the best hobby ever.  Reading (when I have the time) I typically read three books simultaneously- a serious longhair non-fiction on whatever is my current interest, a classic such as Plato's "Repulic", et. al, and a light and fluffy fantasy/whatever book (this includes, much to my chagrin, romance novels.  Yes ladies, men do read that trash too.).  Except my wife doesnt read them anymore.  Says that I ruined them for her by being better than the books.  I think that's a compliment...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Writing Essentials:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Computer/Keyboard like Ferrunia.  Writing manually takes too much time and aggravates my Carpal Tunnel.  MW Word is my WP of choice.  I actually find music distracting when I'm writing (or rather, transposing the movie that's playing in my head).  I write best in the early AM, between 1:00 to 4:00.  Night owl by genetics.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Music:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm very ecclectic in my tastes, which can run to anything from Mozart, Pink Floyd, Rush (2112- best albumn!), 80's tunes, Christian Rock (hey, before they broke up, Creed kicked).  Musical soundtracks (Rodgers and Hammerstein, NOT Sondheim or *shudder* Cole Porter).  Give me the classics please.  Moulin Rouge soundtrack.  And now for the really obscure- Planet P Project.  Specifically the "Pink World" albumn, which is THE best concept rock albumn EVER.  Pity most folks never heard of it.  See also Tony Carey.  Google, Ebay or Amazon it.  You won't be sorry.  Try your local import shop.  If they don't have it (probably) they can order it.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Books:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Good god, where to start.  I read just about anything and everything.  By 5th grade I had read every book in the school library and they had to bring in books from the high school just to keep me occupied.  I taught the section on Ancient Egypt for my high school honors class in Anthropology.  Heavy emphasis on the classics.  Currently reading "Wicked- the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West"... NOT a children's tale...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>TV:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>History Channel.  History International.  Battlestar Galactica (new).  Rome on HBO.  New season starts Sunday!  Family Guy.  Futurama.  Certain Anime. (Akira, Robotech)... </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Gah.  That's enough.  Thank god we aren't submitting pictures.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Ferunnia]

I mean old school too by DnD. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> I still have a couple of first edition books floating around, the full second edition, and am currently playing 3rd. And yes, being the dm sucks ***. But I guess me knowing everything about building the characters of my dreams makes me a bit unruly..like that time me and me brother blew up an entire block of this city we were adventuring in...ohhhh memoriesssss!<div></div>

[anotherrogue]

<DIV>I suppose I could share as well...  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Stats:  25, female. I am substitute teaching (kinda sorta) hoping to find my own classroom for the fall. Engaged to, and living with the Tumna... who also is my editor (just grammar, and sometimes I don't think he checks real hard, especially when I am staring at him saying "think it's good?" "are you sure it's good?" and "why are you retyping that?") I am fairly certain he deserves a sainthood (though on occasion he does try to add more Troll parts <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> to umm "help the story") No little ones for us, though I do have a dog that is getting all old and cranky...   </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>What I must have when writing: computer and keyboard... though I did actually used to write with pencil and paper in high school. I also need a cold beverage and either itunes up, or my headphones (music actually works as a focus for me, as when it is quiet I will sit... write a sentence go to look up something, and end up surfing the internet for hours). I try to keep as little around me to distract me, but enough to keep me sitting.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hobbies: Hrmm... well I play other video games besides EQ. When they were bigger I was huge into the puzzle/adventure games (Kings Quest series, Laura Bow, Shivers...) I do play Sims2 (I have my own mini- soap opera going on). Outside of gaming in general I read.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Music: I am actually very random when it comes to music. I have everything from metal to disney and what I listen to definately depends upon my mood. When I am writing I tend to stick to instrumental (though not all classical, just songs with no words so I won't be tempted to sing/focus on the lyrics). However, sometimes a song will come on and invoke a mood/emotion or even cause me to write a scene in my head... if I am feeding off that I tend to hit repeat and, for Tum's sanity, use my headphones.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Books: I love to read (I was one of those kids that read all sides of the cereal box when eating breakfast in the morning) enjoying fantasy, sci-fi, and realistic fiction.  Currently I am reading "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" as well.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>TV Shows: I like CSI, Lost, Heroes... but we don't have cable or "rabbit ears" so we usually go to a friend's house to watch these programs or buy them off iTunes. </DIV>

[niko_teen]

<P>Stats: </P> <P>25, male, But my wife would bare witness that I rarely act as if I was older then 12. I’m a Corrections Officer by trade for the time being. Basically if you come to see me at work you either had way too much fun or did something naughty. Like Ekuth said it pays the bills until I can get back in DOD (Department of defense) contracting. I’ve got just one little demon running around my house a 2 ½ yr old who has two modes of operation. Either she is daddy’s snuggle bunny or tearing through the house tormenting the dog, cat and my wife (not necessarily in the order).</P> <P> </P> <P>Hobbies: </P> <P>D&D 3.5 and WOD (world of darkness) more specifically Vampire the Requiem each take up a night/afternoon each week. I grew up on D&D 2nd edition and eventually started eq1 back in the day since it was too difficult to get a steady group rolling. More often the not I also find myself the DM as well but I’m guessing here that as writers we would all find ourselves the game masters more often then not?</P> <P>I run a Pee wee football and farm team baseball team with my cousin when either of those are in season. I also spend a few hours each week at the local youth center. Hey I went there as a kid and it doesn’t hurt to keep the cycle rolling.</P> <P> </P> <P>Writing Essentials:</P> <P>Computer/Keyboard/Laptop and sometimes the headset. The good old fashioned pen and paper takes WAY too long and well so does the head set half the time. But if it’s a slow moving part I’ll un-mute the mic and put the headset on. Just when I’ve got one of those days where I’m just flying along I cannot even speak into the mic fast enough to keep pace I’ve gotta resort to keyboard. That and lastly gotta have the laptop for road trips and the such. Just never know when I’m going to get an idea that I’d like to incorporate into the story and well… took one to many mortar rounds the head so I don’t remember well if I don’t write it down.</P> <P>Cannot belive i forgot to mention DEW!!!! Mt. Dew by the 2 liter bottle and well chain smoking I need to get anything written. I find the mix of lack of sleep / hyper cafinated and strung out on nicotine (get the name now, Nicotine... Niko Teen) helps me get stuff down. Granded editing takes  three times as long when I'm in this state and i also end up deleteing 90% of it cause is jsut doesn't make sense.</P> <P> </P> <P>Music:</P> <P> I’m a music [Removed for Content]. The wife hates it but I am constantly buying new CDs or an mp3. I’ve got everything from Beethoven to Cradle of Filth to Kenny Chesney. Not that I like all music, Jazz makes me ears wanna bleed and well I cannot listen to techno in the car anymore. Even when you work for the sheriff’s Department you get a ticket when you going 93 in a 55. But anyway I love the music and I’ll even change around what I am listening to depending on what I’m writing. A touching love scene = Country/Classical, a battle scene = Rap/Metal/Techno, and just some little filler maybe some trance or a classical selection.</P> <P> </P> <P>Books:</P> <P>I wish to god that I had time to read. Mostly I only read when I there is a nice power outage. I live WAY out in the boonies so get off my land before I shoot (j/k). I aspire to one day be able to write like Terry Goodkind or George R. R. Martin.</P> <P> </P> <P>TV: </P> <P>Well quite simply I do not watch TV at home. We’re trying to set an example for my daughter that she should be up about and playing instead of just sitting on the couch watching TV. Now that being said I’m pretty sure that I have Every Disney DVD in existence and we watch a movie or two depending on our behavior. As well as fair amount of Anime (the good stuff, FMP, Samurai Champloo, Samurai X (the OVAs, the series sucked IMO), Shiro no Toki, Elfin lied, and the list goes on and on.)</P> <P>At work though I’ll watch History Channel, Discovery Channel, Battlestar Galactica and SG1/SG Atlantis.</P><p>Message Edited by niko_teen on <span class=date_text>01-09-2007</span> <span class=time_text>04:10 AM</span>

[dano]

<P>Oh well, I guess I should post too then :smileyvery-happy:</P> <P> </P> <P><U>Stats</U></P> <P>26 Male, living on my own (with cat) and single... Not much else I can say, Dark blonde hair blue eyes, about 5'10". I currently work in the IT industry (real geek here) as a IT co-ordinator. Pay's the bills and I get to shout at people :smileytongue:</P> <P> </P> <P><U>Hobbies</U></P> <P>I tend to live a quiet life, the usual, come home and feed the cat.. errm.... play PC and drink.. go out to the pub alot. Watch films (mainly action or comedy) I will be the first to say that I was never a DnD fan. sorry peeps. Like listening to music and reading.</P> <P> </P> <P><U>Music</U></P> <P>I listen to nealry everything, I have over 5000 mp3's on the PC so I am a bit of a music freak. no Jazz or reggae, some heavey metal,... other than that, i have just about everything else from 1953 ~ current day</P> <P> </P> <P><U>Books</U></P> <P>Where to start... well, the full works of Shakespere, I'll read anything by Sir Arthur Conan dolyle, Charles Dickens. Favourite books are Macbeth and Moby [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn]. Also read Harry Potter books and The Sharpe series... many more though too.</P> <P> </P> <P><U>TV</U></P> <P>I am aware of the invention... never watch the thing save for Star Trek, Futurama. Oh and Scrubs.</P> <P> </P> <P>I usually do my writing at work but get my idea's at home... </P><p>Message Edited by danous on <span class=date_text>01-09-2007</span> <span class=time_text>04:29 PM</span>

[MysidiaDrakkenbane]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <P></P> <HR> <P><BR>Stats: <FONT color=#cc33ff>I am a 27 year old female. I am currently married to the person who plays Machene/Austforbeer. My RL brothers play Xerbius and Kryimsson. Raevenwolf, Feja, Akahsha, Aconitine, and Mysidia are all my toons that I play. My husband and I have been together for 8 years and have been married a little over one year. We currently live in NJ (ten minutes from Princeton) and are very close (emotionally and location) to both of our sides of the family. </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc33ff>I am the office manager for a staffing firm. I'm 5'10", long dark blond hair, blue-gray and yes... the white streak I refer to on Mysidia is in fact my own birthmark. It sits in the same place as my character. For years I used to dye my hair red to "blot it out" because of being constantly picked on when I was younger...but I've learned to love it and now I even get it brightened by my hair dresser.  My picture is on EQ2faces.com somewhere, but that was when my hair was red.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc33ff>I was born in NJ - moved to VA when I was 7 - then moved back to NJ when I was 16. The descriptions you read when I describe the wilderness stems pretty much from my backyard being a forest when I was growing up. Yes, I miss it dearly.</FONT><BR><BR>Hobbies: <FONT color=#cc66ff>I play quite a bit of video games. If I'm not on EQ2, I'm either writing or playing on the PS2 or Xbox. I tend to stay more indoors during the colder months. I love any RPG and the stories behind them. And although I suck at it, I do play Halo and Halo 2. The story was just too good to pass up. </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>I also bellydance and swordfight and I attend the New York Renaissance Festival (In Tuxedo NY) every year in full garb. I dabble in Photoshop (See Ekuth's and my sig) and I'm learning how to do the Movie Maker. I do occassionally draw, but I'm better painting pictures with words. </FONT><FONT color=#009933><BR><BR><FONT color=#ffffff>What I must have when I'm writting:</FONT> </FONT><FONT color=#cc66ff>My music. It sets the mood and makes me feel the emotion I put onto paper (or onto the screen.) Depending on where I am in a story will determine what I listen to. If I am writing, it's New Age music all the way. </FONT></P><FONT color=#cc66ff></FONT><FONT color=#009933> <P><BR><FONT color=#ffffff>Music:</FONT>.<FONT color=#cc66ff>This might surprise some of you, might not for others. I have a HUGE collection of music. My library includes: Loreena McKennitt (what I'm listening to right now), Enya, Enigma, Era, Dead Can Dance, Eminem, Amorphis, Iced Earth, Metalica, Aerosmith, Adiemus, Deep Forest, Deep Purple, Steve Miller Band, Lynard Skynard, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Evanescence, Offspring, Missy Elliot, Acen, Jem, Anna Nalick, Afro Celt Soundsystem, Type O Negative, Staind, Shinedown, Stone Temple Pilots, Beetles, Nirvana, Pearl Jam (anything Ten and before), Tori Amos, Nickleback, Marylin Manson, Korn, Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Billy Idol, Billy Joel, Peter Gabrielle, David Bowe, and probably a whole bunch of others I'm forgetting. Let's put it this way, I have 3300 MP3's. This also includes the various soundtracks to some of the movies I watch and video games I play.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>When I write, I usually have Lorenna McKennitt, Enigma, Conan the Barbarian Soundtrack, Dead Can Dance, and Adiemus playing, depending on what part I'm writing. If that particular song evokes the emotion I'm writing, then I'll be listening to it. You can probably guess which artists I'm listening to when I'm writing.</FONT><BR><BR><FONT color=#ffffff>Books:</FONT> <FONT color=#cc66ff>David Eddings owns my soul.</FONT><BR><BR><FONT color=#ffffff>TV shows:</FONT> <FONT color=#cc66ff>CSI, Star Trek (Original, TNG, Voyager, DS9), & Law and Order (SVU, CI, Original)</FONT><BR><BR></P></FONT> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR><p>Message Edited by MysidiaClash on <span class=date_text>01-09-2007</span> <span class=time_text>11:57 AM</span>

[Ekuthh]

<P>Mysidia, you aren't like a long lost sister of mine, are you?</P> <P>I was born in Newton, NJ... though I grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado (same affinity for forests, just yours was slightly greener than mine.) Our music collections could be mirrors of each other... although you tend towards some of the harder edges of metal.</P> <P>Wow.  Alot of D&D's here.  That shouldn't surprise me, though! :smileywink:</P> <P>Danous, you're in Europe someplace, aren't you?  I'm guessing a Brit or Welsh, maybe.</P>

[MysidiaDrakkenbane]

<P>Ekuth, Kindred Souls, my man... Kindred Souls.</P> <P>I'm a D&D player too, and it's where I started Mysidia's story...some 15 years ago.</P>

[valkry]

I was a bit surprised how often the questions were getting the same answers, then I realized it really wasn't all that surprising. Common backgrounds and interests allow appriciation of each others tales. Danous might already be in bed (timezones), so I'll rat him out...my Runney-eye server-mate is a real Brit, unlike me...I'm just Euro-friendly. Niko, Sounds a bit like you have the same muse I do. Never picked up cigs, but its amazing the things your brain can come up with if you are dead-tired and caffine buzzing... So, Dog-face or Devil-Dog? The mortar comment means you weren't a flyer or a floater. I guess the big surprise for me was that Ferunnia is cross-dressing (usually it is only male & female High Elf casters I get confused about), and less the half of us really listen to music while writting. I've noticed that certain of my characters have even developed their own theme songs, and it really helps me write that character if I play their music. Aunt Rolyes has used "Theocracy" from Conan since Eq1 (used to hum it to myself as I bard-ran groups from Qeynos to FP). Zazha is really starting to get into Warren Zevon, but I think she might use the Jarhead soundtrack in the coming chapters (music was a bit too rabid-male for her early years). That and I'm mildly disappointed to know I'm the High Elf (meaning oldest) of the group. <span>:smileysad:</span> <font color="#ff0000" size="4">Now to the lurkers, come on people, help us know who else we are writing for....this thread has already had over 100 readers, so either the seven of us have nothing to do and are re-re-re-reading the posts, or someone else is out there.</font> <div></div>

[niko_teen]

Sorry to dissapoint but I'm no devil-dog here. Just an army grunt with a bit too much combat to return normal, which subsequently is a lot of my drive for Teaeran. I spent the majority of my adult years getting shot at. Some DMZ duty in korea followed up by two tours in iraq (where i got shot once <Yea for body armor!>, stabbed by a little kid and hit with a rochette off a mortar round) and some 200 - 250 combat enguagements. I'm not sure how many they all just bleed into one another but i was a rarity that we went a single day without being drawn into a firefight let alone those days where we had a new one ever few hours. Teaeran suffers from COS (combat opperational stress disorder) among other things that the character and i do not hold in common.Oh on cigs tho, They're bad for you no picking them up (PSA accomplished). But if it makes you feel any better I was born old, If that makes any sense? Just a young pup but I'm balding and going grey already. It's truely bad cause my wife, who is older then me, looks like she could be a teenager. So in public we look more like a father and daughter then husband and wife.Oh and on the Common instrest... is it really all that suprsing I mean come on we're all basicly doing the same thing here. Throwing our stories out there for the masses and enjoying the stories written by others. So why would it be so unrealistic that we've got common drives to lead us to the same place.I found a new TV series though. Veronica Mars, it's got the whole teen drama private eye thingy that I'm way too old to be watching. My brother's fiancee (without a date set) got it for me for Xmas and well now I'm hooked. But anyway gunna watch another episode or two then hit the sack before work tonight.<div></div>

[Asp728]

<DIV>I'm a lurker.  I enjoy reading your works.  My "stats" lol..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>32 year old male.  Married for 5 going on 6 years to a beautiful school teacher.  My wife is not a gamer, though I met her at an arcade a long time ago (10+ years) <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> (she worked there and i was a regular.  Street Fighter 2 and Mortal Kombat  FTW!).  We have a 14 month old little girl who might just be the cutest, smartest baby alive (no bias, I swear!).  I work for the government (Department Of Defense) and ummm...read only on my approved break times!  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I love reading.  I was in the Army for 13 years (6 as a militay poolice officer and 7 as a communications chief).  Deployed twice.  During deployments is where i did most of my reading.  Not much else to do some places.  I have stories, but this isn't the forum for that <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I listen to all types of music.  Satellite radio is a great invention.  Wife listens to classical and plays piano & flute.  So I hear that as well.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm not sure if i fit a particular "mold" of a gamer.  I barely dabbled in DnD.  I think my first gaming was on an Apple 2e playing The Bard's Tale (early-mid 80s, i think?).  If I had my way, i'd be a serious hahrdcore raider, but a wife, baby and 2 dogs prevent that.  Somehow, I still manage to do quite a bit.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Anyway, you writers need to write more.  It's a slow day at work so I need more reading material!</DIV>

[MysidiaDrakkenbane]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> niko_teen wrote:<BR>Sorry to dissapoint but I'm no devil-dog here. Just an army grunt with a bit too much combat to return normal, which subsequently is a lot of my drive for Teaeran. I spent the majority of my adult years getting shot at. Some DMZ duty in korea followed up by two tours in iraq (where i got shot once <Yea for body armor!>, stabbed by a little kid and hit with a rochette off a mortar round) and some 200 - 250 combat enguagements. I'm not sure how many they all just bleed into one another but i was a rarity that we went a single day without being drawn into a firefight let alone those days where we had a new one ever few hours. Teaeran suffers from COS (combat opperational stress disorder) among other things that the character and i do not hold in common.<BR><BR>Oh on cigs tho, They're bad for you no picking them up (PSA accomplished). But if it makes you feel any better I was born old, If that makes any sense? Just a young pup but I'm balding and going grey already. It's truely bad cause my wife, who is older then me, looks like she could be a teenager. So in public we look more like a father and daughter then husband and wife.<BR><BR>Oh and on the Common instrest... is it really all that suprsing I mean come on we're all basicly doing the same thing here. Throwing our stories out there for the masses and enjoying the stories written by others. So why would it be so unrealistic that we've got common drives to lead us to the same place.<BR><BR>I found a new TV series though. Veronica Mars, it's got the whole teen drama private eye thingy that I'm way too old to be watching. My brother's fiancee (without a date set) got it for me for Xmas and well now I'm hooked. But anyway gunna watch another episode or two then hit the sack before work tonight.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR><FONT color=#cc66ff>Old souls tend to look at the world differently and observe more than most. </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>I have a (now 7 year old) cousin I babysit for once in a while and I'm amazed on how he sees life. I'm also amazed on how much energy they can store. If they can find a way to bottle and sell it, they'd make millions. </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>And I'd like to extend my personal thanks to you for doing what most of us can't in keeping Liberty safe on our backstoop. /bow.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>If you're talking about series, though, I LOVE La Femme Nikita and was really sad when they took it off the air. From some of my stories, you can also tell that I watched a lot of Xena, Conan, Sonja, Hercules, Legend type of stuff growing up. </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>(I'm running off of 4 - 16oz cups of coffee so if I ramble, please excuse...)</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>My favorite color is purple. I'm Irish/Lithuanian/German decent. (Basically I can drink with the best of them and I know how to make perogies. WOOT!)</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>When I'm trying to relax, I like to cook. I'll just break out my crock pot, or frying pan, and just add a dab of this and that. Machene loves it when I do. I'll just throw on my playlist and sing while I'm cooking. (My husband says I can sing well, but you'll never get me doing it in public on my own in front of anyone sober. I did the choir thing in highschool, but that was pretty much it.) Basically, I'm a Taurus to a fault.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>I was grounded... a lot... as a child. (My mother attributes it to having a free spirit and a rebelious nature, like my dad. Makes for a strong willed woman who doesn't take crap in the outside world, but a hellish child to raise. ) So my imagination stems from me laying on my bed not being able to do anything but stare at the ceiling. I told my mom that if I get a book published, my dedication page will say "This is to my mom for grounding me all that time as a child. Without it, I probably wouldn't be able to imagine like this."</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>I'm the eldest of my siblings and had to raise my two brothers when my mom had to go back to work. I'm very close to both of them. Kryimsson is two years younger than me, Xerbius is 6 years younger. We all play D&D together and attend the ren fairs together too. </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>My mother got all of us hooked on video games. When we were growing up, she used to have "Nintendo Nights" with us in the summertime, when school was out. We'd stay up really late trying to beat whatever game she'd get at the beginning of the summer. It's that time I remember the most. Not the toys she bought us, but the time I spent with her, growing up. So to danous, I applaud you. She will remember that, trust me.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>My dad worked (and still does) as an Nissan Technician (auto mechanic). Some of my summers used to be spent helping him out in the garage. The smell of diesel and oil reminds me of my childhood. I don't know much about what goes on under the hood of a car, but I know enough not to get ripped off at a dealership or another mechanic. And I know enough to install a car stereo in a car. My dad used to play "nerf wars" with my brothers and I, around the house. </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#cc66ff>Ok, I think I've rambled enough. </FONT></P>

[ChibiKitsu]

<div></div><div></div>*finally delurks* Stats: I feel so... young. 19 female still training for a career in scribing and educating. Hobbies (other then EQ): DND second or third edition (taught when I was eight because I have geeks for parents), reading, writing (novels, a screenplay, poetry, and some children's books), costume play (mostly anime costumes, but some Sandman and soon some X-Men; I am soon to start work on a Ratonga costume so I can be Karis at a convention), human combat chess and stage combat, sketching super-deformed versions of anyone (my Antonia Bayle and Lucan D'Lere ones still scare me) What I must have when I'm writting: Music (the EverQuest soundtrack for my EQ work), one of several giant whiteboards for story mapping, laptop, something to drink, a dictionary, at least one of my writing books, a notebook, some pens and colored pencils, and hopefully my muse.Music: Anime or game soundtracks, rock (especially Thursday and Nightwish), and Renaissance music (much love to the Minstrels of Mayhem), sometimes some technoBooks: The Legend of Drizzt series; RA Salvatore is my writing idol. Most any other fantasy I can get my hands on, or anything written by Neil Gaiman. I have several packed bookshelves in my room (big bookshelves, too), so I could never really pick out a favorite past Drizzt.TV shows: I don't watch a lot of TV outside of Monk and Ghost Whisperer, but I watch a good deal of anime and cartoons. Currently going through the old X-Men series, and just finished X-Men Evolution. College has sucked away a lot of what I like to do, however, so this gets to stay short.<div></div><p>Message Edited by ChibiKitsune on <span class="date_text">01-10-2007</span> <span class="time_text">06:41 AM</span></p><p>Message Edited by ChibiKitsune on <span class=date_text>01-11-2007</span> <span class=time_text>08:02 AM</span>

[valkry]

<DIV>Chibi, glad to see you made it, hope finals went well for last semster. Was missing your story...love that shortie girl.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Asp & Niko, if you are reading my thread, I'd really appriciate your view-point on the next part of the storyline. My background is a bit more SeaFury (floater) then Militia, so if I don't quite get the ground-side tone right, feel free to realign me. And don't worry about the hair thing Niko...reason they had you guys cut it short was cause they know what that life-style can do to us (hides the box of hair-coloring behind her back). I earned every one of my gray hairs & laughlines while I was in. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Can't believe I forgot to mention the most influential book & video game in my life. Tom Clancy's Red Storm Rising and the very early, pre-general release Beta of Aegis:  Defender of the Fleet. Granted I did the LARP versions of both of these (would have died on page 196 in RSR and the live version of ADF was very cool from the geek point of view, but the most insanely BORING game I have ever played...but the $1Billion play systems ROCKS)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Mysidia, Honey, put the cup down and slowwwlllyyy step away from the coffee pot. :smileywink: Either that or start writting your next three chapters.</DIV><p>Message Edited by valkry18 on <span class=date_text>01-10-2007</span> <span class=time_text>12:08 PM</span>

[MysticmorganRo]

<P>Guess its my turn to introduce myself to ya'll.  So here goes.</P> <P>Stats: 36 year old female, married for 5 1/2 years.  I have a 14 year old daughter and a 12 year old son (I'm still not ready to have a teenager!!)  I am an auditor for my state's Department of Education.<BR>Hobbies (other then EQ): I play SWG with some friends, started out in EQ1,   I love to read, sci-fi/fantasy, Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb, and too many others to really list. hmmm other hobbies.. until recently I was taking bellydancing classes once a week, but my teacher has gotten too busy, and no one else is teaching anything above beginner classes. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P><BR>What I must have when I'm writting:  I don't really need much of anything, as I am just now getting back into writing after a 20 year hiatus or so.  The couple of stories here I wrote on paper then typed them up.  Other character blogs I just do in Word and copy/paste into the blog system.</P> <P><BR>Favorite Music, Books, TV shows:  I don't watch a lot of TV, I listen to mostly country music, but some friends are expanding my interests, my books are as I said above hehe</P> <P>Other than that there's not much about me.  I never played D&D, but have always been interested in the fantasy genre of things.  I used to collect unicorns as a child and have alwyas adored dragons.  So playing an elf works very well for me!  If you want to know anything else, please ask, chances are I'll even answer! hehe<BR></P>

[Tain]

<P>Ok, you want the lurkers?  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Here we go!!!!</P> <P> </P> <P>Stats: <FONT color=#ccccff>Female, 33, mother of a 13-year-old girl who, if she keeps back talking me, may not make it to her 14th year, hehehe.  I work in a Children's Hospital and I'm a forum addict <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></FONT></P><FONT color=#ccccff></FONT> <P><BR>Hobbies: <FONT color=#ccccff>I don't really have any hobbies other than EQII and reading.</FONT><FONT color=#009933><BR><BR><BR><FONT color=#ffffff>Music:</FONT> <FONT color=#ccccff>I like a little of everything but country.  Love The Kooks and I'm a big 90s alternative fan.</FONT></FONT></P><FONT color=#009933><FONT color=#ccccff></FONT> <P><BR><FONT color=#ffffff>Books:</FONT> <FONT color=#ccccff>George R.R. Martin's series, Dean Koontz, Tolkien (of course), Jean Auel, Marion Zimmer Bradley  (oh a bit of everything)</FONT><BR></P> <P><FONT color=#ffffff>TV shows:</FONT> <FONT color=#ccccff>Heroes!!!!!!!  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></FONT></P></FONT>

[Asp728]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Tainda wrote:<BR> <P><FONT color=#ccccff>mother of a 13-year-old girl who, <STRONG>if she keeps back talking me, may not make it to her 14th year</STRONG>, hehehe. </FONT><BR></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>hahaha!  If I could only count the number of times my parents told me similar things when I was growing up.  I wonder how long it'll be before I say the same thing <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I am not looking forward to the rebellious years.  I like her at 14 months.  It's tiring chasing her around all day, but so much fun.<BR>

[Tain]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Asp728 wrote:<BR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Tainda wrote:<BR> <P><FONT color=#ccccff>mother of a 13-year-old girl who, <STRONG>if she keeps back talking me, may not make it to her 14th year</STRONG>, hehehe. </FONT><BR></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>hahaha!  If I could only count the number of times my parents told me similar things when I was growing up.  I wonder how long it'll be before I say the same thing <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I am not looking forward to the rebellious years.  I like her at 14 months.  It's tiring chasing her around all day, but so much fun.<BR><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Enjoy it while you can!!!!</P> <P>My parents told me the same thing too <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[Kassabba]

my Nam is Larry, I are a grimm spellbindeer, i watch Kassabba rite storees about me that mak me laf, of cors I kant reely laf cause i have no lips or cheeks 4 that mattr. I haf no brother or sisstrs, cept maybee that bone we found in the forst last week. It loked like someone i used to kno.I was summnd about sevn hours ago cause the dishs needid too be washed and Kassabba iss sooooo lazy, and he eats all; the snaks and wont share the remot. I am tryng to writ a str of my own but i keep eattin the pencil and we haf run out of them. Anyway i haf to go, we are going to hunt bearss in the forst agin, i dont kno why we keep doin that cause we always end up ded..Yours in undeathLarry

[megaira13]

<div><i>"And now for the really obscure- Planet P Project.  Specifically the "Pink World" albumn, which is THE best concept rock albumn EVER.  Pity most folks never heard of it."</i>Oh, wierdness. You're now one of 2 people I've ever met who know who they are.  The first was the high school boyfriend who introduced me to them (you're 2 years older than he is, otherwise I'd be suspicious! He was remarkably creative as well, with a taste for the macabre).   </div>

[Raevin]

I'll just continue to lurk for now.  I don't know that I qualify as author anymore...  Since I haven't written anything new for months and months.  (Yes, I slack!)  /sob

[Ferunnia]

No excuse! Once a writer always one, in my opinion. If you're not comfortable sharing that's one thing, but don't act like you don't deserve to be a writer. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><div></div>

[valkry]

I figured we were ALL writers, some of us just take the extra step of posting our memiors here, but everyone (ok 99% of you) write the lives and adventures of your charcters when ever you can log in and play EQ. <div></div>

[Sordia]

I lurk more then write, but you said lurkers too! Stats: Female, 34.  Wife with two children 11 and 2.<font color="#009933"></font> Hobbies: Reading, writing, altitis with Eq2.<font color="#009933"> <font color="#ffffff">What I must have when I'm writting:</font>  <font color="#ffffff">Something anything to write with.  I prefer typing though but I write when inspired.  Most times I write when I can't seem to get a story out of my head.  I have however even been known to write in crayon if that is the only thing that happens to be around at the time.  Other then that I don't need anything, not even quiet or anything remotely close to it.</font> <font color="#ffffff">Music:</font>  <font color="#ffffff">Well up until two years ago ((and the birth of my son))  I would have said anything but country and rap.  My son however from birth loved country music.  Colic can cause you to do strange things, and so flipping through the channels one day, we noticed that he stopped crying when he heard Leanne Rhymes ((sp)) on CMT.  Slowly the music grew on me, and now the whole family actually listens to it.  Lyrically I actually find most of the themes fit regular middle american lives, and I can very much relate to a lot of what is sung about being in my thirties, happily married with kids.  I still love all music pretty much, except rap ((unless it is very very old school rap like Beastie Boys or Run DMC)) but more often then not you will find:  Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Allison Krauss, Carrie Underwood, Dirks Bentley or some other country artist in my cd player.  I'll still pull out Ministry or Rage or any other number of good 90's alternative, but you have to watch the lyrics around the kids.</font> <font color="#ffffff">Books:</font> <font color="#ffffff">Mostly children's books at this point.  When I actually get to read for me, I devour about anything.  Eddings is a favorite, as is Orson Scott Card.</font> <font color="#ffffff">TV shows:  House, Bones,  Good Eats,  Avatar,  The propert ladder, Flip this house, and Antiques Roadshow.  Blues Clues however seems to be on most in my house, or  Hannah Montana, That's So Raven, and other Disney shows for the 11-year-old.</font> </font><div></div>

[Jnom]

<P>Wow...I feel unqualified to be posting here... <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> It's like everyone has a beam of light shining down from the clouds when they speak...plus the "ahhhh" of the celestial choir...</P> <P>So many people write at work... I tried to do that when I first started to try my hand at this, but just couldn't focus enough to do it.</P> <P>Stats: 28, male, unfortunately no time for kids...</P> <P>Writing: I need to type. I find manual writing too difficult to edit, and too painful on my wrists and fingers. Need to have a full stomach, otherwise I start writing about food, which makes me hungrier. Need to be off work and have a day off the following day. I tried writing at work while on call before, but being a resident doc,  I found the material produced not as much to my liking. That's about it, not too picky. Some 80's-90's pop music doesn't hurt either.</P> <P>Reading: I read the light fantasy novels generally, nothing too deep. Generally pick up whatever ends up on the Bestseller's list and follow a series to the end.</P> <P>Hobbies: not too much time for hobbies now, but back in my high school days I was a DnD fan. Also played the White Wolf RPG's for a bit. Now I'm just a closet RPG'er. </P> <P>Back to lurking for a few days until the stars align.</P> <P>Have a good day all.</P>

[niko_teen]

<div></div><div><blockquote><hr>Jnom wrote: <p> It's like everyone has a beam of light shining down from the clouds when they speak...plus the "ahhhh" of the celestial choir...</p><hr size="2" width="100%"></blockquote>Hey now i resent that comment. I see myself more along the like of theme song from metalaclopse (late night crtoon network cartoon for gorwn ups) and flame roaring in the back ground then a beam of light. hehehehe just paying around.(Had to add in that fact that I'm just playing around, mild sacasm ust doesn't come across in the written word as well as the spoken)</div><p>Message Edited by niko_teen on <span class=date_text>01-14-2007</span> <span class=time_text>06:29 PM</span>

[R2D2s_Lovechild]

<P>Ok, I best add myself to the lurker/writer list then :smileywink:</P> <P>Stats: I'm a 34 year old guy, my name is Stu. I live with my girlfriend Ali and 4 year old son Kyle in Northants, UK. I'm currently doing temp work where-ever it takes me. I'm 5' 11", dark brown hair (receding nicely with plenty of grey lol), slim build, bluey-green eyes. </P> <P><BR>Hobbies (other then EQ): Trying to keep my son amused on a daily basis (keeps me young at heart!). I used to read a lot in my youth, but never seen to have the time or inclination. I spend far to much time staring at my pc, browsing various forums & playing EQ2. Oh dear, I need more hobbies!</P> <P><BR>What I must have when I'm writing: A pc with word or works. Coffee. Peace & quiet. The latter very rarely seems available though!</P> <P><BR>Favorite Music: I was a rocker & a goth in my youth, and still dig out the old tunes occasionally (much to my girlfriends' bemusement). Old favourites are The Cult, Sisters of Mercy, Def Leppard, Queen (gf is a Queen fan too so ok there!), Status Quo, Sheryl Crow, and anything melodic really. I can't stand rap or RnB. BBC Radio 2 seems to cater for me quite nicely these days. </P> <P>Books: I always loved Tolkien! I find him a bit hard going now though. I recently tried re-reading Lord of the Rings, but gave up before they even got to Moria. I shall try again someday! </P> <P>TV shows: Doctor Who is my all-time favourite show. I grew up watching it, and cursed the day the BBC cancelled it. Of course it's back now which fills me with joy, especially as my son & gf seem to like it too. I spend endless hours talking about on forums with other fans. I'm also a big fan of Lost and it's new rival Heroes. As well as Futurama, Simpsons, and anything else that pokes fun at life in general. I'm strangely hooked to Desperate Housewives too. </P> <P> </P> <P>Btw, Danous, hello! It's Kalako, Aliwoo's bf! I love your story. I didn't actually realise you were the author until your Guardian Gayresh mentioned his name! :smileyvery-happy: And I cannot believe Raijinn the mod haxx0red your book list! Have they never heard of Moby [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] the novel? (I bet they've just got word checker they run on each thread! It made me giggle anyway!) </P> <P>(OMG, they instantly edited my post too lol. Is that really such a naughty word? [Removed for Content], the world has gone P.C. crazy hehe!)<BR></P> <P>Message Edited by RustyDalek on <SPAN class=date_text>01-15-2007</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>12:07 AM</SPAN> <P><SPAN class=time_text></SPAN> <P><SPAN class=time_text>Just a quick question for all you writers. Apologies because I haven't read many of your stories (but I will honest!). </SPAN> <P><SPAN class=time_text>How do you approach the nature of the reset button in EQ2? By that I mean how do you write about events and battles with nameds? Once a named has been beaten do you just write them off as dead for good, or resurrected somehow, or what? I'd love to write about my guild's victories against Vyemm & Tarinax, but I'm struggling to think of a way to approach it without hitting into continuity problems. Or should I just gloss over these minor details and just get on with it? Perhaps I'll just say we <EM>subdued</EM> Vyemm, rather than outright killed him, seeing as we're talking about an infamous raid mob? And perhaps the same goes for <EM>any </EM>named in the game; the gods resurrect them to keep us all busy? </SPAN> <P><SPAN class=time_text>It really is making my head hurt trying to think of a way round it! I want my guild to seem a force not to be messed with, but not at the expense of future chapters, and interaction with other guilds/npc's. I really do love the lore & legend of this fabulous game, and want to try and stay true to it as much as possible, not just rewrite it to suit my story.</SPAN></P> <P>Message Edited by RustyDalek on <SPAN class=date_text>01-15-2007</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>10:51 AM</SPAN></P><p>Message Edited by RustyDalek on <span class=date_text>01-15-2007</span> <span class=time_text>10:52 AM</span>

[Zagats]

<P>Stats : (as far as you know) Iksar Brigand.  Married, 1 hatchling.</P> <P>Hobbies : Other than EQ2, I play trading card games, particularly Naruto.  Was a really good YuGiOh player in my time, got up to 8th in my state, and quit because the game is now too luck-based (i know all card games have a bit of luck, but when luck is all there is, screw it).  I also board games alot.</P> <P>What I must have when writing : A phone not ringing, no one talking.  Quiet, I guess, is the word im looking for.  And the Budweiser "real men of genius" tune in my head.</P> <P>Music : Big fan of Tori Amos, Tool, and Evanescence.</P> <P>Books : My favorite author is Neil Gaiman, with Raymond Feist coming in a close 2nd.  Currently reading the Harry Potter series, as I've run out of other things my in home library to read.  It's not a bad read I suppose.  It's not "Neverwhere" though.</P> <P>TV Shows : Family Guy, Robot Chicken, WWE, MAD TV, and FOOTBALL!</P>

[niko_teen]

<div></div><a href="../view_profile?user.id=278712" target="top"><span></span></a>Rysty Dalek,         On the subject of Named i count then as  Dead and gone. But at the same time just because you killed say "Emp Crush" doesn't mean that a new orc isn't going to step in and fill the role as the New Emp crush. Its a tactic I used in past stories I'd just make mention that you're goign back to kill the new orc/dragon/fufu bunny rabit that took over the role<div></div>

[valkry]

Not that I will get anywhere close to a raid, and since I'm now a guild of one (guild folded, but I kept the name active, and hey...who couldn't use about 30 lvls of guild bank vaults), not very likely too raid but..... I would go with Niko for the most parts. "Emp Crush is dead, long live Emp Crush" works great for that type of uber-mob. Someone like Varsoon or the other undead bad-boys, I might go for the defeated, but through their vile spell casting, they are able to continue to bring themselves back from the dead....after all, we know they managed it at least one. I'd explain that Varsoon spent a while in a weakend state, then after rebuilding himself and gathering more minions, was ready to pick up were he was so rudely interrupted. So while the characters can't truely 'kill' him, they can through careful monitoring and regular beat-downs, keep him in check. The last type of mob (and forgive my inability to name an example - I really wouldn't know a raid if it bit me) would be the type of living mob that should be able to be killed and who would not be likely to be replaced by another. So you have defeated the evil FuFuBunny (/winks at Niko), but you didn't realize that the bunny minions had learned much greater fuzz-magic then you had expected.  At the moment just before FuFu's final breath, it disappears...teleported away by a special contingrancy spell pre-cast by the  joint efforts of the  fuzz-magi/clergy.  FuFu's items remain, but FuFu itself is out of the clutchs of the valient raiders. Maybe the next time you raid FuFu you write about how the guild plans to foil the Fuzz casters and let FuFu finally get permanently killed. For the PC who you need to write out of the story line....but can't /won't kill off outright: I've used the 'retired for medical reasons,' and a nasty divorce as alternatives.  Depending on the timeline, the shattering is the outright best character killer, but not always in sync with the story lines. Finally don't forget....dead never truly means dead in Norrath. I can think of at least a few storys that have active 'ghost' characters. I have three active dead charcters and can fore see adding five more to that number. Ghosts are wonderful because they can be corrupted by death, or true to their nature. They can have a one time walk-on part, deliver some important piece of info/power (the mother in Ekuth's Kinslayer) or be regular characters who's presence/absence is part of the living characters normal life (Zazha's father, uncle and aunt in my story). Hope this helps. <div></div>

[R2D2s_Lovechild]

<DIV>Thanks for the tips Valkry & Niko. Some sound advice from you both. Regular nameds can always get replaced. And the ideas about the never-ending raid mobs are great. I shall certainly use them.</DIV> <DIV>btw, I realise the current few chapters of my story may be getting a little bogged down by to many characters, as someone suggested. I've tried to keep it to a minimum for now. But my guild's interest has been amazing, and they all want to feature! If things get to complicated I'm counting on you guys to tell me! My guild and I all know and love these characters, as we're a fairly close-knit community who play the game for fun, as well as furthering our guild.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I shall probably branch my stories out into more than one direction. (i.e. more than one thread) Otherwise things will be to complicated for the casual reader.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I've created a monster task for myself here, but I'm loving it so far. Very few things have managed to stop me playing EQ2 every night, but I think I've found something that may cut down my playing time lol.</DIV> <DIV>I'm enjoying it thoroughly, and I'll even try and take the time out to read all of your stories too. What I've read so far in "Travellers tales" has been awesome.</DIV><p>Message Edited by RustyDalek on <span class=date_text>01-15-2007</span> <span class=time_text>11:16 PM</span>

[niko_teen]

<DIV>Well as a person who actually belive it or not, likes to write more then to play the game, it is an eventuality that you'll end up writtign mroe then playing once it becomes one of your pashions. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I tell you another thing when i first started writting I'd say prob half of my guild mates got really into it. Of course everyone wanted their mention as well. Forseeing the problem (from my other stories) I vowed to only add new character when i could fit them in and also only if the said person was willing to add into the story as well. I personally spend a lot of time talking to players of Chevele, Rose, Mast and Yeena and well I think you'd notice those would be the main characters in my story (I find the talking out a plot line help me fill in all of the gaps that I have difficulties filling in). As the story flows along it picks it own path but I've started working in some of the other characters into larger roles.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Also as time goes by some people from the guild will leave the game, loose their active intrest, or just dissapear for lengthy amounts of time. So just be careful as you move along. Everyone wants to be in, you jsut have to make them work for it =)</DIV>

[Jnom]

<DIV>As someone who is also in a guild of one, if I may also add...</DIV> <DIV>For the most part, your story is yours, and while it may be game events that inspire your creation, I tend to favor the approach that eventually the story begins to take a life of its own, and sometimes trying to hard to bend it to events that happen in game diminishes from its quality. So whenever I run into a problem trying to merge game mechanics with story flow, story flow always wins out.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Happy writing all.</DIV>

[ChibiKitsu]

...I still feel way too young.I'm part of a small guild, and I love roleplaying with them. When I can, at least, which hasn't been at all recently. I doubt they'd ever make it into Karis's story, however, because I've detailed out what is going to happen, before joining, and while they might have a cameo, the conservative writer in me is loathe to use their characters. I like the characters, love them, but they belong to their players, and I'd feel horrible using them. I even have a hard time letting myself use some NPCs. I mean, Lucan D'lere, sure, with Anotina Bayle, it's pretty essential. But Chef Schmenko, or a Named? Mrr, still not sure. But that's probably just me. ^_^<a href="http://eq2.allakhazam.com/db/mob.html?eq2mob=3325" target=_blank></a><div></div>

[valkry]

<DIV><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> ChibiKitsune wrote:<BR>...I still feel way too young.<BR><BR>I'm part of a small guild, and I love roleplaying with them. When I can, at least, which hasn't been at all recently. I doubt they'd ever make it into Karis's story, however, because I've detailed out what is going to happen, before joining, and while they might have a cameo, the conservative writer in me is loathe to use their characters. I like the characters, love them, but they belong to their players, and I'd feel horrible using them. I even have a hard time letting myself use some NPCs. I mean, Lucan D'lere, sure, with Anotina Bayle, it's pretty essential. But Chef Schmenko, or a Named? Mrr, still not sure. But that's probably just me. ^_^<A href="http://eq2.allakhazam.com/db/mob.html?eq2mob=3325" target=_blank><BR></A> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Better too young, then too old, Darling. You can always grow older, but that growing younger trick is very very difficult.:smileytongue:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I will use certain former player characters, because they were the family of my character. The family relationships are such a part of my tale, that I couldn't write about the girls without them. There is only one of the members of my original group playing EQ2, but we might manage just a quick 'hi' now. I still have a ways before he might get introduced, so I'll ask permission. I guess I think of the story as a tribute to fallen players, folks who made EQ what it is for me, and writting part of their story is a way to honor them.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I try to stay totally in-lore (with the exception of a bit of a time-warp around the shattering), so I try to describe things like 'class' in a way so you understand that I'm talking about Guardians, with out actually calling them that. Given that artifical boundary I have set for myself...and the fact that after 3 pages of thread, I've <U>finally</U> got the main character out of the newbie zones....I really needed to use the npcs. You can't stay in two zones for that long and not notice the natives. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I will say I tried to be faithful to the characters I barrowed: Reana is still a flirty, party-girl, who sells food near the docks, the thugs from the south court...still controlling The Gang, Aquila and Titus (who can be found in West FP...remember he was transfered into the main city) were given career paths based on their age and ranks. Ro (the street cur) was not named due to the possible short life of a Beggar's street dog, but he stayed warry and hungery.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hopefully my readers had to stop and wonder if Gordinius or Urielius were real npc's or totally my creation.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would probably feel different about writting active PC's into the story...but I don't see my giving up my soloing path any time soon...so Danos might be the only I would hijack into my thread.</DIV>

[MysticmorganRo]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> valkry18 wrote:<BR> <DIV><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> ChibiKitsune wrote:<BR>...I still feel way too young.<BR><BR>I'm part of a small guild, and I love roleplaying with them. When I can, at least, which hasn't been at all recently. I doubt they'd ever make it into Karis's story, however, because I've detailed out what is going to happen, before joining, and while they might have a cameo, the conservative writer in me is loathe to use their characters. I like the characters, love them, but they belong to their players, and I'd feel horrible using them. I even have a hard time letting myself use some NPCs. I mean, Lucan D'lere, sure, with Anotina Bayle, it's pretty essential. But Chef Schmenko, or a Named? Mrr, still not sure. But that's probably just me. ^_^<A href="http://eq2.allakhazam.com/db/mob.html?eq2mob=3325" target=_blank><BR></A> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Better too young, then too old, Darling. You can always grow older, but that growing younger trick is very very difficult.:smileytongue:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>__________________________________________________ _____________________________________________</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As my husband always says... Growing up is optional... Growing old is mandatory.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>

[niko_teen]

Oh I like that quote.. I think most definately I am going to steal it and mostly claim credit too.<div></div>

[MysidiaDrakkenbane]

Growing older never bothered me. It was far better than the alternative. (The day you stop aging is the day you're dead.)

[Asp728]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> MysticmorganRose wrote:<BR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As my husband always says... Growing up is optional... Growing old is mandatory.</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>I like that.  When my 12 year old nephew is around, I tend to act more his age (according to my wife lol) than a grown adult.  Life was more fun as a 12 year old playing games than a 30-something year old with a morgage, 2 car payments, a job, etc.  </P> <P>I don't think i want to grow up <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[AvalonSpirit]

<p>ive been caught, netted, beaten, and dragged kicking and screaming through the door..... and its all Teaaran's fault. <i mean Niko, lol once you know someone by one name its hard to call them anything else>.  basically i got caught lurking, and when i finally posted a start to my tales, the trap was sprung, and Tea yelled at me to come here and post.  and as a lowly apprentice i must follow orders.. <note - <i>to a point, lol</i>></p><p>so following the rules, lets get out the original template...</p><p>stats: 26 female, currently calling ohio home but going to change to california this summer.  I've moved alot growing up and cant really say that i'm from anywhere lol.  just alot of bouncing around.  but overall i think ive spent the most time in colorado.  i am the youngest with two older brothers, one of whom finally came home from iraq last month /cheers.  i am a 70 fury on befallen (gianavur), and im having fun with a 50 bruiser (batty), and recently fell in love with a baby dirge i started (ariko).</p><p>hobbies: books, lots and lots of books.  i read just about anything though i gravitate more to fantasy <go figure> and if i have vampires and werewolves and such all the better.  though i read so much that i will and have read just about anything close by.  i dont watch tv much,  its usually a last resort sorta thing, but its generally CSI, star trek or murder-she-wrote (lol yes my mom's fault).  i listen to alot of music, just about any style but rap.  celtic types are my favorite for relaxing, or getting motivated to get a task done such as writing or catching up on old stuff around the house like filing and such.  i used to hike alot when i was in colorado, i miss the mountains.  occasionally i get a wild hair for something different and i'll dig out my old crafting stuff and work on dreamcatchers or some cross-stitch or some such.  mostly nowadays i dont have alot of free time.</p><p>what i must have when im writing: music, no distractions <or atleast nothing directed at me>.  sometimes i'lll head out to a coffee shot so i can sit in the back corner alone.  i probably go through mountain dew by the gallon.  for utensils ive used everything from post it notes to childrens crayola markers, though i usually do more doodling or sketching when im that limited.</p><p>currently im enrolled in classes to become a Paramedic.  my finals and national registry test are the beginning of may so i have been focused on cramming clinicals lately.  this is why the delay to moving, though once i get out there i'll have yet more training to do before cali will honor my license.  in the meantime im working as a security guard since it allows me time to get my studying and such done at work and minimizes my time demans, not to mention provides that all needed paycheck. </p>

[Fasci]

Brand new lurker, here!  (can one be considered a lurker after just one day?)  Came by to see what Bluberry's been up to & started checking out the other stories, too. Stats: 33 male, married (well, close-to, anyway <img src="/smilies/136dd33cba83140c7ce38db096d05aed.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />) My partner & I live in the Philly 'burbs with our furry children: a dog & two cats. I manage a professional "high-brow" Renaissance wind band. Hubby is not into EQ, and doesn't see why I like it so much. (sigh) Hobbies (other then EQ): reading, walks/hikes, pondering the hidden life of trees, wondering if there really are fairies living in/around my garden. Oo. And board games. We love having people over for Game Night. I loved the pnp d&d as a kid, but my family was convinced it was "of the devil", so that never really got anywhere. What I must have when I'm writing: Pad and pen. I'll re-write & edit on the computer, but I have a hard time actually writing first drafts there. I judge too much and misuse the backspace key. I do most of my writing on the train these days. Favorite Music, Books, TV shows: fav music changes a LOT. Right now I'm into the Indigo Girls again. I also like to listen to Steve Roach. Not sure why, exactly. It's kinda weird....  As to books, I've loved Tolkien & C.S. Lewis for as long as I can remember reading. Also love George MacDonald, Ursula K. LeGuin, Madeleine L'Engle. I find Anne Rice's novels completely engrossing, especially the Lives of the Mayfair Witches. And I remember thoroughly enjoying Anne McCaffrey's Dragonrider series, though I haven't picked them up again for years. Currently reading Gulliver's Travels, The Silmarillion (re-reading), and The Four Agreements.  TV? That's just background noise (though I do enjoy Charmed & Angel repeats). Thanks for the great stories. One of these days I'll dust off Tarth's story & see where it goes...

[kyrr]

<cite>MysticmorganRose wrote:</cite><blockquote> <blockquote> As my husband always says... Growing up is optional... Growing old is mandatory. </blockquote><p></blockquote> </p><p> Hehe, I have a T-Shirt that says that. <img src="/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Ferunnia]

You can be a lurker in five minutes if you read stories yet don't feel comfortable posting in them or just don't have time, or whatever it is that keeps the vast numbers (it seems) of lurkers from usually saying anything. I personally have no clue how many seperate entities read my story for instance. I do know Ekuth had a massive lurker following for part one of Kinslayer, some of whom revealed themselves later in his story or when he was being unusually quiet. Blah Blah b.s. I haven 't been a lurker for forever though, so my info may be useless. (besides, I'm answering a question I'd be surprised if the author expected answered, I'm just bored and can't put out a chapter atm. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />) /shameless self-promotion to go read my story and tell me if you think it sucks/is a good read/whatever and post you lurkers, post! <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Alycs]

I've been lurking for a bit. Took the plunger by the handle and hav...oh..wait...wrong metaphor!  Sorry.  /em looks embarrased. I took the bulls by the horn and started trying to write what Dejen tells me to.  Chai's bugging me as well.  She's just less likely to fry me where I stand(or sit in this case).  HER I can run from!  /grin  Besides, Debacle will just patch me up so I can eventually write her story. <b>Stats: </b>Female, 41.  Mother of three - 18yo, 12yo, 10yo.  All of them girls.  All of them I adore.  Marital status - ask and I might go into the sordid, convoluted mess. <b>Hobbies:</b> I used to love SWG. Model trains, though I don't have any space for them right now.  Fiber arts, reading - Mostly sci-fi and fantasy, movies - no horror/kill flicks.  I sort of like the action/adventure, martial arts as well as sci-fi/fantasy.  'Chick flicks' are okay, but I have to be in the mood for them. Long time tabletop RPG's, including a play be email Marvel Superhero's I'm playing with an old GM of mine.  I don't have a fav, enjoy the system when the GM is competent.   I can't GM to save my life. Society for Creative Anachronism.  Music - my tastes tend to run on the dark side.  Some jewelry making/beadwork.  There's more, I don't think I'll try to type it all out. <b>TV:</b> CSI, Iron Chef America, some other food shows, mostly the challenges.  I love Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis, Battlestar Galactica and Hero's. <b>Books:</b>Some of my favorite authors are McCaffrey - Anne and Todd, Auel, Lackey, Asimov, Asprin and numerous more authors. <b>What I need when writing?</b>  Either a muse or a character beating on me.  And usually it takes me a dozen rewrites.  I honestly don't feel my stuff is half as good as what most people post.  My family on the hand - the whole extended - has told me to [Removed for Content](no, some of them used the whole words) and post it already.  I'm adhd among other things, so I've always got noise going to keep parts of my mind occupied.  Usually music that I'm memorizing the words to.  I'll keep a story up and work on it until it LOOKS right.

[Xova]

<p>I *just* recently started to lurk in this forum thanks to Ekuth's stories so I suppose I can introduce myself here. I'm better known on the Vox and PvP boards, but it doesn't hurt to reveal a little more about myself to new folks! <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Stats: Female, about to ding 32. Brown hair, green eyes, 5'5". Southern California resident all my life and I can't imagine living anyplace else. Divorced from my husband with whom I have managed to remain close friends with despite not working out as a couple. "Mommy" to a gorgeous blonde-haired, blue-eyed 4 year old son who is my entire world and is charming, funny, precocious, brilliant, and sweet. Also "parent" to 4 cats that are the actual rulers of my household and tolerate my presence because I feed them and scratch their ears on occasion. Oldest of 4 kids and "auntie" to 2 little boys thanks to my younger sister. BA in History, and currently working as an onsite property manager for a large residential community here in SoCal. And been dating my boyfriend (who also plays on Vox) for over the past year.</p><p>Hobbies (other then EQ): Hobbies? What are those? LOL. Since becoming a mom, my private time is limited, but when I do get time I love to read. I also love video games and shopping! Favorite Music: I love all kinds of music to be honest. My all-time favorite band is U2 (something about their music just really speaks to my soul) but really I listen to everything from classical to metal to jazz to rock to new age to rap to folk and so forth. Lately I have been listening to a lot of Muse and Metallica.</p><p>Books: I love fantasy/sci-fi books (Tolkein, Robert Jordan, Terry Brooks, Salvatore, DnD, Forgotten Realms, etc.), horror novels (Steven King, Lovecraft). I also like historical and political novels. Right now I am reading Barak Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope", and next I will likely go through the Wheel of Time series again (for like the umpteenth time.)</p><p>TV shows: I never watch TV anymore and when I usually do it's set to Disney Channel or Nick Jr. Doodlebops FTW!</p><p>Other stuff: I mentioned earlier that I love video games and truly that's what I spend most of my free time doing these days is playing various games. I started in SWG where I had an Entertainer and a Combat Medic. I also dabble with Guild Wars, WoW, Second Life, and then of course EQ2. Most of my time is spent in EQ2 these days though (not that I am complaining of course!)</p>

[SilverclawII]

<p>Well, I suppose I should introduce myself.</p><p>I've started one story here, couldn't concentrate enough to continue, taking a break from the game and trying to revive it. I haven't read much here, though I may begin. Descriptions of bloody battles don't disturb me as much as detailed love scenes, language, and taboos, so thank you to those that give the generous warning of your contents.</p><p><b>Stats:</b> 20-something single male that lives in the Western US who's very protective of his identity. Chances are if I don't know you in RL, I won't be telling much over the internet. I think it's safe to describe myself as between 5'5" and 6', medium build, brown hair, and brown eyes. As for my main, he's male, full-blood Vah Shir Paladin married to a wild Kerra Ranger that's as "Kerra" as one can get. Father of two cubs. Been L50 for the longest time since I disabled my combat exp when I was playing, and will likely stay L50 for even longer since I'm taking a break from the game, though not from the forums.  Hoping to go into computer programming someday, preferably gaming or simulations.</p><p><b>Hobbies:</b> Reading and writing mostly, now that I'm taking a break from computer games. Tried the pencil and paper roleplaying, but found I couldn't stand the sluggish pace, even if I enjoy the content. AD&D books are probably the only books I'll read more than once. If I still had my Neverwinter Nights on the computer, I'd be working on a module. When I left it was a fifteen second cinema scene that entails the introduction to my non-EQII story.</p><p><b>Music:</b> Mostly what the soft-rock and modern station disc jockeys play on the radio. Favorites come from "Linkin Park" and "Even Essence" (Forgive me if I spell either wrong), though not favorite enough for me to spend my money on CDs.</p><p><b>Books:</b> Every DC and Marvel book found in the Library's "Graphic Novel" section...both adults and young adults. A little bit of manga and funnies, "Garfield" and "Fox Trot" come to mind. As for the novels, just about anything in the Fantasy genre. Currently going through the "Forgotten Realms" related books. Favorite author's have been J.R. Tolkein, Terry Brooks, and R.A. Salvatore.</p><p><b>TV:</b> Still enjoy the Saturday Morning cartoons. Between two channels I can watch what I'm wanting to see and miss the ones I can't stand, like any "Scooby-Doo" related show. When are they finally going to put that dog to sleep? Favorite TV series when I had cable were "Full Metal Alchemist" and "Ghost in the Shell/Ghost in the Shell 2ndGig." Favorite series of all time would be "Thundercats"</p><p><b>Other stuff:</b> I am reluctant to call myself a "fan" of anything, even EQII. In my mind, "fans" are either screaming, boy band-crazed, girls, or the folks in character costumes that camp out overnight at the movie theatre entrance for the first premiere. If I hear too much about it, I get sick of it. Songs, Movies, Books, or whatever. Best example I can think of was the "Harry Potter" series. It wasn't until the second book was printed did I actually pick up the a copy of the first book at the library. I opened it, finished it, and my first thought was, "Dang it! It really is good!"</p>

[Velissa]

<p>Been lurking and sometimes posting for a while now, so thought I better share some stuff here:</p><p> Stats:  29 and holding year old female, married 2 little girls (15 months, 5 years), in the great frozen north(MN, Val must be around here somewhere)</p><p>Hobbies: EQ and tinkering with computers, reading, and playing with the kiddies</p><p>Music:  80's and 90's rock, somehow considered classic now by the local radio station.  Favs are Guns and Roses, Metalica.... and the like.</p><p>Books: Just about every book by Dean Koontz, and I mean I have read almost all of them.  I also like Steven King and John Saul.  Currectly reading LotR for the 5 or 6th time.  </p><p>TV: Let me see..... Easiest to go by nights:  </p><p>Monday, watch 24 and tape Heros</p><p>Tuesday, House</p><p>Wed, free night so Hubby watches the kids and I play EQ a bit more</p><p>Thurs, Survivor, CSi</p><p>Fri, Ghost Whisperer</p><p>Sat, usualy movie night</p><p>Sun, Iron Chef America</p><p>Other stuff:  Mmmmm played EQlive for almost 2 years, met some great people and when most of the guild left there, I followed some of my closer friends to EQ2.  Currectly I am one of the Co-Leaders of a guild with that same friend.  Not much of a writer, but I love reading all of your wonderful tales.</p><p><edit for spelling></p>

[niko_teen]

<p>I've already posted here but felt the need to update some of my info:</p><p><b>Stats:</b> mid 20s though i feel like I've already got one foot in the grave. Grumpy pretty much all of the time, send me a tell in game and I'll be grumpy.</p><p><b>Hobbies:</b> Being grumpy, writting grumpy stories and all around being grumpy to the people i encoutner on a daily basis.</p><p><b>Music:</b> anything loud and or grumpy</p><p><b>Books:</b> my favs would be anything with a grumpy plot, grumpy characters or int eh least a grumpy writer</p><p><b>TV:</b> Don't find the time to watch TV anymore. Besides it is more fun to sit on my back porch and by grumpy to my neibors and their children.</p><p><b>Other stuff:</b> I'm uhhh... am grumpy</p><p><<eddited to remove the very unNiko like comment>></p>

[Keera]

<p>You slipped! You put a "LOL"  at the end... that's not veyr grumpy now... /frown</p>

[valkry]

Velissa@Guk wrote: <blockquote><p> Stats:  29 and holding year old female, married 2 little girls (15 months, 5 years), in the great frozen north(MN, Val must be around here somewhere)</p></blockquote>/Waves to Velissa from the outer huts in the NorthWest area of Halas (trans: Maple Grove, MN)

[Velissa]

<cite>valkry wrote:</cite><blockquote>Waves to Velissa from the outer huts in the NorthWest area of Halas (trans: Maple Grove, MN) </blockquote> <waves>  Hehehe, other side of the cities from there.   Live close to the river on the south east side of the twin cities.

[niko_teen]

CAreful not to fall in you might end up curled up in bed with tea in limbo until I get around to finishing the scene

[Velissa]

Not THAT close to the river.  Hehehehe, it is within a few miles however.

[Eldrie]

Hi guys! I started posting my story, "Common Blood" a couple weeks ago and then Valkry encouraged me to post in this thread, so here I am. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Stats: I'm in my mid 20s and live in the San Francisco area. Right now I work a crappy retail job but (fingers crossed) that should be changing soon. My boyfriend and I have two ridiculous cats who seem more like children than pets most of the time. Hobbies: Writing's the main thing lately, but I've also been getting into painting more (acrylics/mixed media). Been trying to spend more time outside lately, too. We're going to Yosemite next month which should be awesome. What I must have when I'm writting: I bring a notebook with me to work every day and try to write on my lunch breaks, though some days I write more than others. The notebook stuff is an outline of sorts, with a lot less emphasis on sounding good and more on getting the thoughts out. The "real" story I write at my computer at home, usually with EQ2 running in the background so I can run around and look at the environments and stuff. Also usually have to have Firefox open so I can alt-tab to whatever website I'm reading. I guess I'm kinda ADD when I'm at my computer. Music: Last night I went to see The Arcade Fire at The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley. Amazing show, third time I've seen them now. I listen to a lot of indie stuff, some of it not very well known (Wolf Parade, The Bell Orchestre, Rachel's, Pia Fraus, etc). My fave genre is probably shoegaze: My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Airiel, Air Formation, etc. Radio wise I usually listen to NPR. This American Life and Fresh Air are both super interesting. Books: I love books of all kinds. Most recently I read <i>Wicked</i>, which I see Ekuthh was reading awhile ago. I've been trying to read <i>The Killer Angels</i>, which is a sequel to <i>Gods and Generals</i> (though Killer Angels was written first, by the father of the man who wrote Gods and Generals). The amount of historical research that went into both books is staggering and I highly recommend them. TV Shows: Heroes! I had so much fun watching Heroes this season. My favorite shows of all time are probably Deadwood, Sex in the City, and Six Feet Under. I also love Dexter and can't wait for the next season. Unfortunately I must admit that I have a secret love for terrible reality shows like America's Next Top Model, which we always get together and watch on girl's night.

[Gwaelin LDL]

I guess now that I've posted a story, I meet the requirements of posting here. <b>Stats:</b> 30 Male, living in Eastern Oregon.  Divorced, no kids. <b>Hobbies:</b> Books, anime, consoles and comics. <b>What I must have when writing:</b> An idea helps a lot, but those have been few and far between.  Until my new story, it had been about two years since my last completed story, and that was extremely brief as well. <b>Music:  </b>The vast majority of my collection is old, good metal and rock (i.e. Pantera, Iron Maiden, early Metallica, Alice Cooper, etc.)  Then there's a few other random bits that have caught my attention. <b>Books:</b> Mostly fantasy, with bits of SciFi thrown in.  Robert Heinlein, Orson Scott Card, Neil Gaiman and Weis & Hickman make up my favorites. <b>TV Shows:</b>  Heroes, 24, House, My Name is Earl, Rescue Me and The Riches make up the entire list of current run shows I watch.  Past favorites include Firefly, Buffy, X Files, and Addams Family.

[Skullsmasher]

<p>Don't know if I'm supposed to post here yet...but I did start somthing...so...well...if I"m not you can shoot me later.</p><p> Stats:  Male  15   Western WA</p><p>Hobbies: Grinding 50, bringing up my grades, and writing.</p><p> What I need when I'm writing: A pencil and paper.</p><p>Music: Christian Rock and Parodies.</p><p>Books: Fantasy, Tad Williams mostly, some Stephen R. Donaldson</p><p>TV: Mythbusters, Who wants to be a Millionaire?, those murder investigation/crime shows, and then a crapload of cartoons (basically whichever one is on)</p>

[AvalonSpirit]

<p>bah no shooting here all are welcome <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  and heck the bravery of the initial post gets kudos in my opinion. <img src="/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>welcome folks</p>

[BrokenAria]

<p>Arhea Orandearg is in the guild hall of the Writers and Readers Anonymous group! No autographs please, but the party can begin. </p><p>/em kicks a chair out and away from the table, then sits down propping her feeting up on the table while placing her lute case on the floor beside her. </p><p>I figured it was time I came out of the shadows. Besides? Who wants a talented musician like myself sneaking around behind you when I should be right our front singing you my own stories?</p><p>/em reaches a lean arm down beside her and pops open her lute case, pulling the stringed instrument up and across her lap. </p><p>So, who wants to hear my song?</p><p>/em runs her fingers over the strings, cringing when the instrument is mildly out of tune...</p><p>One moment...</p><p>/em tunes her lute then plays a two strong chords. As she looks up at her small audience smiling then begins to play dulcet tones beneath her story...</p><p>---</p><p><i>"You've never heard a song quite like mine, </i></p><p><i>It's a song about death and heart-ache and--</i></p><p><i>Oh, just pass the wine!"</i></p><p><b>Stats:</b> I've been lurking this forum for ages... actually, I originally stalked the EQ1 fan fiction forum- since BETA! Then I moved on to EQ2 after its launch. No, no-- I'm only 21, well, I'll be 21 in 9 days. (Ahem, everyone should write me a cute flash fiction. Hmm... maybe I'll actually run it as a contest. Look at the end for details. XD ) Oh, yeah, I'm female and I live near the capital of the US of A. </p><p> <i>"You see I'm an artist in my own right, </i></p><p><i>I paint, I act, I sing, </i></p><p><i>And I write."</i></p><p> <b>Hobbies:</b> I've been playing MMO's since EQ1 Beta. I've played about 12 different MMO titles, but I always come back to EverQuest. When I'm not having my soul sucked away by EverQuest, I love to play sports (Especially, tennis, field hockey and basketball.), sing (I have a wonderful mezzo-soprano to alto/belter voice. Think Amy Lee.), design graphics and web sites (My minor is web development.), read (If I could redo my undergrad education, I would have done Literature and Psycholgy/Sociology then become a Young Adult book reviewer and how it relates to current adolescents and their issues.), and of course write (I'm at the end of the sentence and could make this a new thought- but... everything else is in parentheses. I used to post on the old EQ fan fiction boards, but I think it's time I start a new one. I have the prologue in the works now. Perhaps, I'll run it as a "pilot" and see if you want me to keep going. If you don't- well, I'll keep writing it any way. I'm stubborn like that.).</p><p><i>"My talent is my weapon, </i></p><p><i>But so is my heart.</i></p><p><i>Despite that it's broken and torn apart."</i> <b>What I must have when writing:</b> My life. Obviously, I have to be alive to write, but no- I need my life experiences, my love for new information, lessons and ideas. Not to mention my excellent people watching skills. I also have to have my dreams and those wonderful moments on the metro to work where I'm half awake and half asleep and have this amazing movie running through my brain. Then give me anything to write with- preferably a computer, but I'll write on my arm if I am desperate to get an idea/thought down. </p><p><i>"I hardly sing of triumph,</i></p><p><i>Or glory,</i></p><p><i>Or love, </i></p><p><i>If I do it's of loss or the fears to fail."</i> <b>Music:  </b>My main character Arhea and I are very alike. She's a half-elf dirge and I imagine her singing and playing all of my favorite songs. Perhaps, she's this projection of what I am now and how I would be if I were placed in Norrath. Lamenting my life and enraging my comrades with songs about our jerk fathers. (Yes, I'm a total emo-rocker. No- I'm not scene or emo by definition or stereotype. The songs are just so bloody catchy and I can relate to a lot of the lyrics. Many loves lost. Broken family. Etc.) Favorite bands: Evanescence, Paramore, Linkin Park, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Within Temptation.)</p><p><i>"I read of lands far and wide, </i></p><p><i>Dreaming of the chance to visit, </i></p><p><i>But only to find they no longer exist."</i> <b>Books:</b> YA Fiction all the way. Like I said, I want to analyze it, but I'd have to go back and redo my undergraduate education and I can't afford that. I have one more year left! And I go to private institution that is 33K a year, I'm not bargaining for another 99K of debt. Some of my favorite authors are Holly Black, Stephanie Meyer, Francine Pascal, Sarah Dessen. For the more mature reads- Jodi Picoult, Anne Rice, Lackey. I'm a big high-fantasy, modernized fairy tale readers or real-life situations with "real" characters. If you all have "young adults" who you want to get reading or need some insight on a book they are reading swing me a PM- I've read almost every single book on that YA book shelf in any bookstore. </p><p><i>"I'll sing of their downfall, </i></p><p><i>And remind my brethern that we must-</i></p><p><i>We must protect our own lives</i></p><p><i>Or fall with the fate of our ancestors."</i> <b>TV Shows:</b>  I don't really sit down and watch television. I usually wait for the box sets. Being the typic "young adult"... I like One Tree Hill. So, not actually high school but it is delicious... oh, James Lafferty. I want one! Haha. I love NCIS, Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, Friends, and Will & Grace. </p><p><i>"Some times my lyrics,</i></p><p><i>It won't always follow the trend.</i></p><p><i>And all though I'll stop playing...</i></p><p><i>My song won't end."</i></p><p><i>---</i></p><p>/em leaves the last few minor chords to linger over the guild hall as she closes her eyes. She gives it another minute or two then sets her lute in her case. </p><p>So, who wants to break open a bottle of Fayberry Wine?</p><p>---</p><p>And as I promised. A <a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?start=0&topic_id=365661�" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">flash fiction challenge</a> in honor of my birthday. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> </p>

[niko_teen]

So I was digging through some of the old pages of stuff to see how far back some of my stories have fallen and came across this one. Since we have a lot of new blood around here I was thinking of popping this up to the top. Gives the new people a chance to add in their piece and maybe some of the old foggies like myself to do a new one maybe?

[Rioghna]

<p>Since you went to the trouble of popping I thought I'd add in my "little" blurb... </p><p><b>Stats:</b>  Human, female, late 30's although I have the chipmunk cheeks of a 20-something.  Which means that no-one yet really believes I'm in my 30's... myself included.  If I didn't have the photographic proof that I've lived overseas in several countries for most of my 20s I'd never believe it... well, that and I now have the mortgage for the condo that seems to symbolize the shackles of adulthood...gah, they chafe on my trim (but of course) wanderlusty sort of ankles.  I'm a tech person for a fairly large Canadian firm in Toronto so hence my sporadic writing and playing record of late.  I'm not married, have no kids (I didn't think it fair to drag either all over the world) but now that I've put down apparent semi-roots I have two cats.  One cat adopted and she's a street kitty, carries brass knuckles in her pockets and would take you down if you blinked wrong (or didn't give her food, treats, toys etc).  The other is a Bengal (one F level shy of being considered domestic) who is in training to be a Vah Shir... seriously you don't want to be in the way when she's hunting those evil pigeons outside the window... and you know they are evil (Lucan would be so lucky to be half that evil).</p><p><i>***disclaimer after re-reading this - this writer has serious problem being serious... I might have to attend a group for it... or take a course... or pills... or several glasses of wine... or give it up as a lost cause.  Whichever comes first, cheapest, or easiest, of course.***</i><b>Hobbies (other then EQ):</b>  Err... work, work and work at the moment.  Oh, seriously, right then.  Well, a little beadwork - I took it up at my sister's suggestion to keep me busy at night when I was trying to understand tv in other languages and failing miserably.  I have managed to work my way up to incredibly simple bracelets and necklaces that a child could string but plan to someday make it to incredibly simple bracelets and necklaces that an adult might make.  My Mother tried to teach me knitting but has since written me off as a lost cause since I seem to be only functional with scarves and afghans provided the use the exact same basic ... er thingy... stitch or whatever it's called when you loop the thread over the needles.  Photography.  I used to sail and ski but the sail boat has been in my parents' shed since I started traveling and the skis have been in storage since I left Japan.  But I'll get them out as soon as I feel ready to brave the spiders (or find someone to do it for me as they are my one bane... spiders... I have many spider stories of fear...trust me... spiders are up to something.)<i>***second disclaimer - writer has verbal diarrhea... it's genetic with no cure (I'm sure there's a pamphlet somewhere telling how much of the population suffers from it) ***</i></p><p><b>What I must have when I'm writing:</b>  Absolute silence.  Hah, hah, hah, er, no.   Mostly because that never happens in my life.  Ever.  Um... I must have something to drink at hand because getting up to forage in the kitchen (which of course is like... five steps away from my computer nook) is just too far away, seriously, too far.  A nice crisp glass of coke, mountain dew (chilled not shaken), perhaps a nice vintage root beer and so forth.  Music if I'm sitting down to focus on the writing and it's not really the music that I'd logically think I should be listening to... <b>Music:</b>  I have a pretty broad range of music on my cd shelves.  Well, except Japanese Enka - you won't find that there.  Unless someone gave it too me as a gift and I've been too nice (see lazy) to throw it in the donation bin somewhere.  But there is pretty much music from around the world, different types like kodo (hey who doesn't like music played by men in little loincloths, honestly), rock etc, etc, yadda, yadda, yadda.  My favourite changes with the mood I'm in.  And I get songs stuck in my head rather badly.  I once spent an entire week in Amsterdam humming Wheatus' "Teenage Dirtbag" song, for example.  It wasn't even in my cd collection.  Right now it's The DNC's "Swing Baby Swing" from a lottery commercial... dang alluring lotteries.  I want my millions and the song on my ipod...grrrr. </p><p><b>Books:</b>  I am a bookaholic.  I don't attend meetings because this is one vice I refuse to give up (even when living abroad... Kinokuniya here I come).  Like music, I change favourites every so often...sort of.  I still keep the old favourites on the bookshelf and re-read periodically.  Like Tolkien who has been a favourite since I was ten.  I've had multiple copies of The Hobbit over the years (someday they will make a sturdy cover and pages that stay stuck together...oh yes they will).  I'm in a Terry Pratchett sort of mood of late.  Mostly the Wee Free Men state of mind with Rob Anybody (whom I keep picturing as Gerard Butler in a totally weird dream sequence...er... ahem... private life, right... must remember that is private), Wee Jock and Smaller than Wee Jock but Bigger than Wee Jock Jock.  Ahhh, who can't love a pictsie??  Also Lindsey Davis who writes about Rome and Marcus Didius Falco... he's such a charming ragamuffiny rogue.  Okay, so any book that makes me laugh while I'm sitting in a waiting room, to get my allergy shot, that is full of sickies is my kind of book.  I never tire of the dirty looks I get... never.</p><p><b>TV:</b>  Heroes, John Amsterdam, Jpod (sadly cancelled...), er... Dancing with the Stars if I PVR-it because then I can watch it in fast forward... it's amazing how many shows have become 100% more entertaining with Tivo... well, the Canadian version of Tivo.  I have a penchant for liking shows that get cancelled quickly... grrr... like Wonderfalls, Dead Like Me (I am slightly concerned for Pushing Daisies as it's by the same guy...and I like it).  Then there's my British dvd collection with Blacks Books, Coupling and so forth.</p><p>And that's me in a little nutshell (no Austin Powers jokes if you please).  Further questions will be answered between the hours of 12:59:59 p.m. and 13:00:00.  Unless you are, in fact, Gerard Butler and then questions will be answered at any time.  </p>

[niko_teen]

<p>Updated since it's been over a year since the last time that posted. Also like Ekuthh my status has changed a lot since this meet the authors/lurkers post was generated.</p><p>Stats: </p><p>27, male, married with 2 children. I guess that I am located in central Maryland, but this place is still pretty much the DC metro area even if I am a fair distance North of the beltway; I still have to drive into DC from time to time for meetings and conferences. Since the last post on here I've gotten back into DOD contracting. Not contractor like pouring concrete or carpentry, more like a lot of teaching coupled with consulting work and a fair amount of international travel.</p><p>I've got the dirge (3 1/2 year old girl) and little tike who is too little to have a class yet. Once he starts walking we'll see if he ends up being a swashy or zerker. Currently I don't see either of them very much being 600 miles away but we're fixing to change that come the end of May.</p><p>Hobbies: </p><p>Eberon campaign takes up one of my Saturdays every other week. The great part is that I get to play and not be shackled in as DM. (I love my bow-fighter and his randomly cycling psychosis and memory issues. There is nothing more fun then getting reduced to zero HP, having one's memory reset and just randomly wandering off because I don't know who's side I'm suppose to be one. Or better yet helping the enemy faction capture my party because they said I was on their side and I couldn't remember any better if I was or wasn't.) </p><p>Playing the ever-crack as me and some of the local friends refer to Everquest and writing. Granted I am coming off of a six month hiatus both from playing and also from writing. Things were just a little to hectic at work from October - February but I'm back now. It is just a little sad for me that this large fan base that I had accumulated at one point has all but faded away.</p><p>Rescuing my bosses [I cannot control my vocabulary]. Believe it or not but I spend a large amount of every week running out to put out the fires that get started and keep the client happy.</p><p>Lastly college is my newest endeavor.  I haven't decided if I am going to take a summer class or not yet but I've got my GI bill to use or I am going to loose what I put into it. So I might as well finish up my degree. That and well I'm pretty much capped on my income until I can get a stupid piece of paper that says I've wasted money on an education.</p><p>Writing Essentials:</p><p>DEW! First and foremost I need my Mt Dew and maybe a can or two of monster when the brain needs a real kick to get moving.</p><p>Desktop or Laptop and sometimes the headset. The good old fashioned pen and paper takes WAY too long and well so does the head set half the time. But if it's a slow moving part I'll un-mute the mic and put the headset on. Just when I've got one of those days where I'm just flying along I cannot even speak into the mic fast enough to keep pace I've gotta resort to keyboard. That and lastly gotta have the laptop for road trips and the such. Just never know when I'm going to get an idea that I'd like to incorporate into the story and well... took one to many mortar rounds the head so I don't remember well if I don't write it down.</p><p>Music:</p><p>I'm a music [Removed for Content]. The wife hates it but I am constantly buying new CDs or an mp3 (or a dozen). I've got everything from Beethoven to Cradle of Filth to Kenny Chesney. I love music and I'll even change around what I am listening to depending on what I'm writing. A touching love scene = Country/Classical/Light rock, a battle scene = Rap/Metal/Hard rock/Techno, and just some little filler maybe some trance or a classical selection.</p><p>Let it be known that music is as essential to my writing as having a computer to type away on. It just has this way of awakening my muse.</p><p>Books:</p><p>I wish to god that I had time to read. Mostly I only read when I'm on a plane or it's my turn to be the navigator when driving to any of the military bases this side of the Mississippi. I aspire to one day be able to write like Terry Goodkind or George R. R. Martin.</p><p>TV: </p><p>Well quite simply I do not watch much TV at home BSG (Battlestar Galitica & CNN Headline news). We're trying to set an example for my daughter that she should be up about and playing instead of just sitting on the couch watching TV. Now that being said I'm pretty sure that I have Every Disney DVD in existence and we watch a movie or two depending on our behavior. As well as fair amount of Anime (the good stuff, FMP, Samurai Champloo, Samurai X (the OVAs, the series sucked IMO), Shiro no Toki, Elfin lied, and the list goes on and on.)</p>