tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57608354261640179652024-03-08T12:56:17.647-08:00Points of ConvergenceA diverse blog about topics related to World of Warcraft and living a real life on the other side of the game.Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-53119005114150677142009-01-01T20:54:00.001-08:002009-01-01T20:54:27.517-08:00Welcome to 2009: Beneath Two Skies!<p>January first is a day for new beginnings. Whether it's the hot start to your shiny new resolution or just a chance to reset, refresh, and maybe look forward to the next year with an extra ounce of optimism, the first day on the Western calendar is the right time to make a change.</p> <p>So, I shall. </p> <p>As of today, <strong>Points of Convergence</strong> is no more. </p> <p>This blog has moved to become <strong><a href="http://www.twoskies.net" target="_blank">Beneath Two Skies</a></strong>, a <a href="http://www.wordpress.org" target="_blank">self-hosted</a> and much more polished version of the <a href="http://www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Blogger</a> site that you've come to know over the past 11 months. </p> <p>Everything from this site has been transferred to the new location, where it is fully indexed, searchable and available to future visitors. Subsequent posts, contact updates, comments and everything else will now be handled exclusively in the new location.</p> <p>Thanks to the moderately comprehensible folks at <a href="http://www.feedburner.com" target="_blank">Feedburner.com</a>, you should find that your RSS feeds automatically update to the new site*, however you will need to <a href="http://www.twoskies.net" target="_blank">update your bookmarks</a> if you visit me manually.</p> <p>So, goodbye to PoC. Hello to <a href="http://www.twoskies.net" target="_blank">B2S</a>. I'm ready and excited to begin a shiny year in a great new location with all kinds of sleek content on the way. I hope you'll join me there!</p> <p>Best wishes, <br />~Rhoelyn</p> <p><font size="1">*Cough. I think. I hope.</font></p> Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-7582844947395756762008-12-29T19:13:00.001-08:002008-12-29T19:13:46.898-08:00What's Wrong with This Picture?<p align="center"><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WhatsWrongwithThisPicture_12A7B/SomethingWrong.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Something Wrong" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WhatsWrongwithThisPicture_12A7B/SomethingWrong_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I just... can't quite put my <strike>finger</strike> paw on it. Hrmm....</p> Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-59788765869634643542008-12-22T15:58:00.000-08:002008-12-22T16:10:08.758-08:00Of Titans and Demiurges 06: Arist Sandara<p>In this season, I always find myself drawn even more than usual* to beautiful and sparkly things. With no ulterior motive whatsoever**, I'll wander through the jewelry stores for an extra dose of glimmer and tune the old <a href="http://www.pandora.com/" target="_blank">Pandora</a> to my <a href="http://www.pandora.com/stations/c6c517e35070edfa54f578f9f5fdd491b605a4ab5f33e08b" target="_blank">Opera station</a> for a few precious weeks. Why? Because <em>it's all so pretty</em>! For whatever insane reason my brain comes up with, during the holidays I want to soak up ambiance and emotionalism and gorgeousness like an hungry little human sponge - Achem. I mean... <em>nightelf</em> sponge, of course. o:}<br /></p><p>In that same vein, I've been returning over and over again to one particular page that I've recently discovered. <a href="http://sandara.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Sandara of DeviantArt</a> sure seems to have 'beautiful' and 'emotional' in spades in her rich, painterly art. Check it out:</p><a href="http://sandara.deviantart.com/art/Drain-Soul-84803179" target="_blank"><img alt="Drain_Soul_by_sandara" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TnD06_Sandara/Drain_Soul_by_sandara.jpg" align="left" border="0" width="250" height="461" /></a> <a href="http://sandara.deviantart.com/art/going-home-for-the-holidays-106395250" target="_blank"><img style="border-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 15px;" alt="going_home_for_the_holidays_by_sandara" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TnD06_Sandara/going_home_for_the_holidays_by_sandara.jpg" border="0" width="295" height="228" /></a> <a href="http://sandara.deviantart.com/art/roughwork-90622100" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px;" alt="roughwork_by_sandara" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TnD06_Sandara/roughwork_by_sandara.jpg" border="0" width="348" height="228" /></a><p align="center"> </p>Ahh.... <em>Sigh</em>. :) These are only a few examples from a very lovely and diverse gallery; Sandara has many more paintings of WoW characters as well as a wonderful selection of non-WoW-related art that still gets high points for style and execution. She's got the dynamic lines, the graceful forms and figures, and the evocative lighting that makes me just want to stare and stare (and maybe drool) and stare some more!<br /><br />I highly encourage everyone to follow the links to the full-sized images*** and take a few moments to really look them over - admire the quiet detail and softly gritty flow of her brush strokes. Follow a line and watch how it becomes much more than just a line of paint in the way it interacts with the shapes and colors around it. This is the 'painterly' style, and I think she's a perfect example of how and why it works so very well. The paintings manage to look rough and finished at the same time, controlled and somehow still loose enough to make you wonder how every pixel can seem to be in the right place and a random place all at the same time. Mmm... yep, she gives me my holiday artsy glow every single time.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* Yes, it's possible. Tough to believe, I know. But possible!<br />** I promise, Mr. Rhoelyn. I wasn't hinting at anything more. Really!<br />*** If you're not familiar with <a href="http://www.deviantart.com/">DeviantArt</a>, please follow my link and then<span style="font-weight: bold;"> click the image itself</span> on her DevArt gallery page one more time to see the full sized version. We intarwebtubes are thumbnail-happy, nowadays. :P<br /></span>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-55340903993858546582008-12-17T11:43:00.000-08:002008-12-17T12:14:31.359-08:00A Look Back: First Responses<p>Not too far on the other side of the horizon, a pleasing and arguably important date for the blog approaches. The end of January, 2009 will mark the first anniversary of <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Points of Convergence</a>, and watching and planning for that approaching event has gotten me feeling nostalgic. I wasn't quite sure what to do with that feeling until fellow blogger, <a href="http://justawowgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">OneAmongMany</a>, tagged me via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/rhoelyn" target="_blank">Tweet</a>.</p><p style=""></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/ALookBack/teamwork.jpg" width="450" /></div><p></p><h3>Mad Props</h3>After what may very well be <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/01/that-first-step.html" target="_blank">the most boring first post</a> in the history of blogdom, PoC got a real start with <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/01/we-writers-are-masters-of-disguise.html" target="_blank">a quick introduction to yours truly</a>. I was lucky enough to be greeted and welcomed to the blogging world by a few really top notch people. It's those first-supporters of my work that I want to slap with some mad props and thank, today. You are the ones who gave me my first push and helped me to keep going through a busy and stressful year.<br /><ol><li><a href="http://construed.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sweetflag</a> - My very first commenter, Sweetflag was a visitor from the UK who has since branched out from <a href="http://sweetflag.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">WoW-blogging</a> to general game and culture blogging, as you can see in his (I'm guessing gender) new blogging location, <a href="http://construed.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Construed</a>. </li><br /><li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09486800879602370399" target="_blank">Asaradragoness</a> - A frequent return visitor to the site, Asara's always been a supportive voice and an uplifting commenter around PoC. She has a <a href="http://asaradragon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">personal / WoW blog</a> that is currently hosting a bunch of pictures of just about the cutest young family in the whole known world. Best wishes to you and yours, Asara!</li><br /><li><a href="http://mamadruid.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">MamaDruid</a> - Here's another friendly face that got her start on my blog early. MamaDruid, beyond being an enthusiastic and friendly supporter of PoC, has one of those blogs that are just the way I like them: covering a great breadth of WoW-related topics with an emphasis on fun things to do and see, interesting experiences, and little in-game adventures and discoveries.<br /><br />MamaDruid is currently MIA in the blogging world (as you'll see if you click her blog link), but myself and all the <a href="http://twitter.com/Rhoelyn/followers" target="_blank">Twitteratti</a> are hoping she'll reappear soon and that everything is going well in the mean time. Come back to us, MamaDruid!<br /></li></ol><h3>Honorable Mention</h3><ol><li><a href="http://www.bananashoulders.com/" target="_blank">Siha</a> - Although she didn't comment on the first commented post in PoC, I wanted to give an honorable mention shout-out to a great blogger and fellow <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Server:Proudmoore_US" target="_blank">Proudmoore</a> <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Alliance" target="_blank">Alliance</a> player, <a href="http://www.bananashoulders.com/about/" target="_blank">Siha</a> of <a href="http://www.bananashoulders.com/" target="_blank">Banana Shoulders</a>. She introduced herself on <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/02/intro-rhoelyn-toon.html" target="_blank">my second post</a>, the introduction to my namesake toon, <a href="http://www.wowarmory.com/character-sheet.xml?r=Proudmoore&n=Rhoelyn" target="_blank">Rhoelyn</a>, and has held a special place in my heart (and <a href="http://www.bloglines.com/public/Vayenne" target="_blank">my feed reader</a>) because of her great writing, her wonderful guides, and the remote possibility that I might actually run into her in-game.<br /><br />Somehow, despite a few /who attempts, that has still not actually managed to happen in the past near-year. Of course, she keeps crazy Aussie hours and I keep crazy American hours. We're probably passing on the login screen, each night.<br /></li></ol><h3>Tagged</h3>That's right! It's my turn to pass on the nostalgic feeling to others. You are tagged:<br /><a href="http://www.resto4life.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.resto4life.com/" target="_blank">Phaelia</a> <<>> <a href="http://kestrelsaerie.us/" target="_blank">Kestrel</a> <<>> <a href="http://tehkholabides.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Khol Drake</a> <<>> <a href="http://flashofmoonfire.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hana</a> <<>> <a href="http://doctorsofphilosophy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Faradhim</a><br /></div>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-73560153368197702592008-12-11T20:10:00.000-08:002008-12-11T21:47:27.437-08:00Insidious Voice<p>You don't know me, and I have no intention of telling you my name. I just want you to know something that I didn't, be prepared for a danger that no one acknowledges...</p> <p>_________</p> <p>It began with a whisper. A threat. </p> <p align="center"><img style="margin: 5px" height="63" alt="Pre-Wrath Frozen Shade 1" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/InsidiousVoice_121FB/PreWrathFrozenShade1.jpg" width="458" /></p> <p>I'm a soldier of <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=1519" target="_blank">Stormwind</a>, a fighter by caste and by calling. Sure, I may be relatively young, but if I had a silver for every doom-and-gloom, end-of-your-world promise from <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Illidan_Stormrage" target="_blank">an overly dramatic enemy</a>, I wouldn't be the only adventurer in <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3520" target="_blank">Shadowmoon</a> who's still riding <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=18778" target="_blank">a damn horse</a>. So, like I have with every other insidious voice I've ever met, I scoffed and ignored my mysterious new chatterbox friend. </p> <p>Thus, I entered the fray with my blade sheathed and my back exposed. Maybe not the brightest strategy, in retrospect. </p> <p>The voice haunted me for days and days. Like a rude neighbor or an extra <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=25217" target="_blank">murloc</a>, it would pop up at all the worst times:</p> <p>As I fought... </p> <p align="center"><img style="margin: 5px" height="63" alt="Pre-Wrath Frozen Shade 5" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/InsidiousVoice_121FB/PreWrathFrozenShade5.jpg" width="392" /></p> <p>As I traveled... </p> <p align="center"><img style="margin: 5px" height="30" alt="Pre-Wrath Frozen Shade 4" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/InsidiousVoice_121FB/PreWrathFrozenShade4.jpg" width="451" /></p> <p>As I ate...</p> <p align="center"><img style="margin: 5px" height="63" alt="Pre-Wrath Frozen Shade 7" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/InsidiousVoice_121FB/PreWrathFrozenShade7.jpg" width="435" /></p> <p>Someone .... some<em>thing</em>... always at my side. Whispering. Threatening. Promising.</p> <p>Enticing.</p> <p>Oh, I was pissed for the first fortnight - pissed and tired and frustrated because I couldn't make the voice in my ear shut the hell up.  I tried every trick I knew to find the whisperer; I can't convey in intelligible words how badly I wanted to shut him up with a <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=34859" target="_blank">conveniently sharp object</a> through the gullet. Whoever or whatever he was, though, he always stayed well out of sight and <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=11578" target="_blank">all of my most deadly ranges</a>, much to my bush-kicking and stool-shattering dismay. </p> <p>But then, after another week or two... something shifted, something too subtle for my brute-force brain to catch. The voice was ... maybe not so bad. Maybe a little bit of welcome company on the trail. Maybe a little bit of an amusing distraction from the rote of killing <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=17132" target="_blank">clefthoof</a> number five hundred and seventy-six.  Maybe a friend. </p> <p>I need you to understand. I'm a loyal citizen, a devoted servant of the <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/House_of_Wrynn" target="_blank">Wrynn Dynasty</a>, and not at all interested in <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Lich_King" target="_blank">the wholesale slaughter of every living being on Azeroth</a>. Like every good human, I hate the <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Scourge" target="_blank">Scourge</a>, mistrust the <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Forsaken" target="_blank">Forsaken</a>, and spend my leisure hours beating down uppity <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Horde" target="_blank">Hordies</a>. </p> <p>But that voice... it started to confuse me. As if, somehow, I could still be a good person - maybe a <em>better</em> person! - if I gave myself over to its side. Just a loaner, let's say. My sword arm and my tough shield for a bit of cold glory, simple death, blessed silence. It made it all sound so ... peaceful. </p> <p>I hear the insanity in that concept, now.  A few days ago, though... Well, let's just say that I was finding it a lot more comfortable wielding the pointy end of a big, metal stick than the grey matter between my ears. I stopped looking for a pest to slaughter and started looking for a potential friend. </p> <p>That's when, in the wee hours of the morning in a quiet inn in Telaar, I finally found him. </p> <p align="center"><img style="margin: 5px" height="365" alt="Pre-Wrath Frozen Shade" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/InsidiousVoice_121FB/PreWrathFrozenShade.jpg" width="296" /></p> <p>A Shade. An <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=210" target="_blank">Icecrown</a> ghost no more substantial than my <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=2048" target="_blank">battle shout</a>, but equally as deadly. I stared into the empty place where his eyes should have been, and I felt my knees bending, felt hand falling away from its comfortable place on the pommel of <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=38237" target="_blank">my axe</a>. </p> <p>And then it spoke... one last taunt. One first command. </p> <p align="center"><img style="margin: 5px" height="85" alt="Pre-Wrath Frozen Shade 6" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/InsidiousVoice_121FB/PreWrathFrozenShade6.jpg" width="431" /> </p> <p>Even now, I don't know why those simple words woke me. Perhaps the power of the Light was so much greater, so much stronger, that even the merest thought of it was enough to shatter whatever spell the Frozen Shade had woven. Perhaps I was only barely in its clutches, staring down the cliff's face of insanity but not yet fallen. I don't know. And, at the end of the day, I don't care. I'm no mage to worry about why things are the way they are. I only care about results.  </p> <p>With a growl and a move that I like to think is about twice as fast as <a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/InsidiousVoice_121FB/NetherstormSkyscapeManaForge.jpg" target="_blank">mana forge lightning</a> , I drew my axe and threw it through the fiend's throat. </p> <p>... the innkeeper had a few things to say to me about that when she saw the damage to her wall, by the way. </p> <p align="center"><img style="margin: 5px" height="59" alt="Pre-Wrath Frozen Shade 3" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/InsidiousVoice_121FB/PreWrathFrozenShade3.jpg" width="416" /></p> <p>The Shade braved one more whisper as I made my way to <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=1519" target="_blank">Stormwind</a>, one last silly little threat. For the first time, I laughed at it. I probably should've done that from the start, whistling my way home to deliver what was apparently <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=39698" target="_blank">a far more precious treasure</a> than I'd ever realized.</p> Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-33140446193613819912008-11-23T11:19:00.000-08:002008-12-17T14:32:56.789-08:00A Day You Mustn't Miss!<p>November 23rd, 2004. Does the date ring a bell?</p> <p>... well, it didn't with me, but then I'm no good with dates. Luckily, Blizzard is much more on top of things. :)</p> <h3 align="center">Happy 4th Birthday, World of Warcraft!</h3> <p align="center"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 0px;" height="438" alt="4th Anniversary - 112308" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/ADayYouMustntMiss_BB78/4thAnniversary112308.png" width="364" /></p> <p>If you do nothing else to celebrate the anniversary of <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com" target="_blank">our glorious foray into Azeroth and Outlands</a>, at least make sure that you take a second to log in. Just log in. <a href="http://www.blizzard.com" target="_blank">Blizzard</a> is giving us all <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?achievement=2398" target="_blank">an easy achievement</a> and a <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=61855" target="_blank">wonderful little polar-bear pet</a>. </p> <p align="center"><img style="margin: 5px" height="198" alt="Baby Blizzard Bear - 112308" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/ADayYouMustntMiss_BB78/BabyBlizzardBear112308.jpg" width="284" /> </p> <blockquote> <p align="center">I will love him and hug him and call him George!</p> </blockquote> <p align="center"></p>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-10108602388684202722008-11-13T21:51:00.001-08:002008-11-13T22:04:05.078-08:00Wrath Night - A Picturebook Story<center> <div style="width: 450px; text-align: center; align: center"> <p>Once upon a time... a brave druid answered the call to fight Evil...</p> <a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightLinedup.jpg" target="_blank"></a> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightLinedup.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - Lined up" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightLinedup_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Joined by dozens of friends ... er... acquaint--... er... okay, dozens of total strangers, he waited for the sun to set and the boat to arrive that would carry him to ever-greater glory.</p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightKanhazBoat.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - Kan haz Boat" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightKanhazBoat_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>And arrive it did...</p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightFirstBoat.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - First Boat" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightFirstBoat_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>With visions of daring do and swooning damsels in distress dancing in his head, he faced forward as the majestic Kraken crested her first waves.</p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightFirstBoatEver.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - First Boat Ever" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightFirstBoatEver_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>(He rather thought maybe that Joebaahb fellow was on the wrong ship, just for the record... )<a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightToNorthrend.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - To Northrend" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightToNorthrend_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>... and then... </p> <h3>POOF!</h3> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightLolzfalsealarm.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - Lolz false alarm" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightLolzfalsealarm_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>...</p> <p>Yeah. <em>Achem</em>. </p> <p>Once upon a time, a brave druid <em>who had logged out and back in</em> answered the call to fight Evil. Again. </p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightLininguptake2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - Lining up - take 2" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightLininguptake2_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>The Kraken returned, inevitable as the tides, to whisk the eager adventurers to a new world...</p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightBoat2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - Boat 2" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightBoat2_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Her briney deck was full to bursting as she once again  set sail...</p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightBoatez.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - Boatez" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightBoatez_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a>But fate (and maybe Blizzard) is cruel.</p> <h3>RE-POOF!</h3> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightOMGLOLZ.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - OMGLOLZ" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightOMGLOLZ_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Rhese fought with despair, but the wisdom of friends and countrymen soon buoyed his flagging spirits...</p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightBlindLeadingBlind.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - Blind Leading Blind" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightBlindLeadingBlind_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>... more or less. He couldn't help but liken the moment to "the blind leading the blind." </p> <p>... -_-</p> <p>Still, ever a druid to harken to sage advice, our druidic hero proceeded to log, reboot, turn three circles, light some candles to the Wrath gods, and then wait the requisite short eternity for Kraken v. 3.0</p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightTigereatez.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - Tiger eatez" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightTigereatez_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <p>She arrived just in time.</p> <p>... What? After all that waiting, tiger was hungry, okay?!</p> </a> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/Wrath4thtimesthecharm.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath - 4th times the charm" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/Wrath4thtimesthecharm_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a>    Aligned against anything that would stand in their way, the heroes of Azeroth (finally) felt the stinging rain of Northrend...  </p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/ValianceKeepBoreanTundra.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Valiance Keep - Borean Tundra" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/ValianceKeepBoreanTundra_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a>... and faced the mighty walls of Valiance Keep. </p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/ValianceKeepBoreanTundra.jpg" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightValianceinSight.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Wrath Night - Valiance in Sight" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/WrathNightValianceinSight_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></a> </p> <p>And so, the brave druid who ventured to the frozen north (through many trials and tribulations) gained the first reward of many...</p> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/DiscoveredValianceKeep.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px" height="342" alt="Discovered - Valiance Keep" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/WrathNightAPicturebookStory_13415/DiscoveredValianceKeep_thumb.jpg" width="450" /></a></p> <h3>The ... Beginning. </h3> <h3>^_^</h3> </div> </center> Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-8473563825260320642008-11-05T15:28:00.000-08:002008-11-06T12:52:05.353-08:00Public Service Announcement: Just Say NO!Dear <a href="http://www.slashhug.net/clown-suits-and-kara-runs/" target="outside">Khierra</a>,<br /><br />You don't know me, but I am a hat activist. I scour Azeroth for <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=34847" target="outside">the Headgear</a> that <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=7720" target="outside">Should</a> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=32525" target="outside">Never</a> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=33810" target="outside">Be</a> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=31003" target="outside">Seen</a>. Wherever I findi t, I find a <span style="font-style: italic;">cause</span>, and I am compelled to lobby long and hard against its use. Horrible hats are a blight on the eyeballs of Azerothians everywhere!<br /><br />Yours, dear druid, is one of <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=33286" target="outside">Them</a>.<br /><br />Please understand. I sympathize; I know the temptation that a stat-rich new headpiece offers. I spent my own <a href="http://twoskies.net/images/RhoeNewb.jpg" target="outside">period of weakness</a> beneath the brim of a particularly rancid millinery confection. I don't blame you for the errors of your youth, but I do beg you to see the Light. I don't think I could bear to see another young adventurer fall to <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=33356" target="outside">the same evil</a> that has claimed so many, including <a href="http://www.wowarmory.com/character-sheet.xml?r=Proudmoore&n=Esyllt" target="outside">a dear friend of mine</a>.<br /><br />Be strong, young sister. Hide your helm for the good of all Azeroth (and Outlands).<br /><br />And remember...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/evilhat.jpg" alt="Evil Hat!" width="275" /><br /></div><br />With Best Intentions,<br />~Rhoelyn of ProudmooreRhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-40831522543626488252008-11-04T13:56:00.001-08:002008-11-04T17:21:38.297-08:00The Day the World (of Warcraft) Stood Still<p><img style="margin: 5px" height="313" alt="election08" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TheDaytheWorldofWarcraftStoodStill_AE7E/election08.png" width="600" /></p> <p><span style="font-size: 78%"><strong>By </strong></span><span style="font-size: 78%"><strong><a href="mailto:%20adreina@gmail.com">R.A. Silverwing</a></strong></span> <span style="font-size: 78%"><strong>| Tuesday, November 4, 2008, 3:56 PM</strong></span></p> <p>Months of preparation. Billions of gold in campaign funds. Two thousand five hundred and ninety-three babies of all races kissed. At least three aides lost to tragic attempts to give friendly pats to hunter pets.</p> <p>Yes, we've all been waiting with baited breath as our candidates made their speeches, took their stands, and brought forth their glorious plans for the future of Azeroth and the Outlands. We've all been watching the calendars count down to one short, historic day that will change our lives and determine the course of the next four years. A day that has finally come.</p> <p><strong>Welcome, Alliance and Horde alike, to Election Day 2008!</strong></p> <h3>The Candidates: DeNUBlicans <br /></h3> <p><img style="margin: 5px" height="352" alt="saurfang4prez" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TheDaytheWorldofWarcraftStoodStill_AE7E/saurfang4prez.jpg" width="300" align="left" /> A celebrated war veteran, a household name, a seasoned and experienced politician - <strong><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=14720" target="_blank">High Overlord Saurfang</a></strong> and his lovely (albeit previously relatively unknown) running mate, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=25088" target="_blank">Captain Valindria</a> of the Shattered Sun, have built a strong platform based on using productivity and <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=5441" target="_blank">extra beatings for peons</a> and <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=26339" target="_blank">adventurers</a> alike to rebuild our failing economy and revitalize a depressed national outlook. </p> <p>Despite his advancing age, Saurfang's strength and prowess suggest that Azeroth (and the Outlands) will enjoy four years of firm leadership and a no-holds-barred aggressive front against the forces of chaos. High Overlord Saurfang believes that it is strategically and morally essential that we support the fledgling <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=18481" target="_blank">government of Shattrath</a> until it is capable of governing itself and defending its people.</p> <p>The Azeroth (and Outland) that Saurfang and Valindria envision is a powerful, independent environment that uses a balanced approach to care for the health and well-being of every citizen. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 78%">Except maybe the scummiest of the Alliance scum. Those guys can rot in jail until the day they wake up Forsaken. </span></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Soundbytes of the Campaign:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <blockquote> <p>Introduction for H.O. Saurfang at the DeNUBlican National Convention:</p> <blockquote> <p>"High Lord Saurfang can cleave Azeroth and hit Outland. He can execute his enemy at 100% health, just to save time. The Deeprun Tram was made when he charged at IF from SW. </p> <p>If he was a hunter, he'd tame Omen. If he was a warlock, he would enslave Kazzak. And if he decided to go to Outland, Nefarian would be his mount."</p> </blockquote> </blockquote> </li> <li> <blockquote> <p>Saurfang's take on <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Illidan_Stormrage" target="_blank">Illidan Stormrage</a>, from an interview with Bobwa Waters:</p> <blockquote> <p>"Stupid nightelven kid. Thinks cuz he was locked away for a few thousand years, he gets to be all emo and go cut the world. Lemme tell you something, Bobwa. He doesn't know pain. He doesn't know fifty years in a prison camp where they tear out yer toenails cuz ya didn't stand up straight enough. <br /> <br />Oh, yeah. <strong>I</strong> know pain. I eat it fer breakfast in the mornin', and then I give the extra helpins to my enemies with some left over for my butler, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_norris" target="_blank">Chuck</a>. That kid better stay off MY lawn, or I'll have to teach his tattooed butt just what pain really is. " </p> </blockquote> </blockquote> </li> <li> <blockquote> <p>Valindria in discussions with the Kurenai vizier:</p> <blockquote> <p>"Oh, golly! We should go hunting merlocs, don'cha'know? I tell you what, there's nothing quite as invigorating as stalking a little rawgler across the beaches of Quel'Dee isle. It's peachy keen."</p> </blockquote> </blockquote> </li> </ul> <h3>The Candidates: Evocrats</h3> <p><img style="margin: 5px" height="215" alt="vargothrandom" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TheDaytheWorldofWarcraftStoodStill_AE7E/vargothrandom.jpg" width="450" align="right" /><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=19481" target="_blank">Archmage Marvin Vargoth</a> is out to break the mold, and as the first <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Kirin_Tor" target="_blank">Kirin'Tor</a> to run for President, he's off to a great start! With his running mate, some guy that no one knows or cares about, he's spreading the fever for <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=28271" target="_blank">change</a>, promising lower mana costs for all casters and a policy of tending to the needs closer to home as a first priority. </p> <p>Young (relatively) and idealistic, many are heralding Vargoth as the firecracker force that this World needs to get back on its feet and make itself strong once more. He wants to close the gap between the 70s and the 30s, proposing sweeping XP tax changes that will take from the rich and give to the poor.</p> <p>The Azeroth (and Outland) that Vargoth and that other guy envision is a place of peace and stability, one that is free from the squabbles of the day and prospering due to self-sufficiency, equality, and affordable polymorphs for all.</p> <p><strong>Soundbytes of the Campaign:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <blockquote> <p>Vargoth at the Evocratic National Convention:</p> <blockquote> <p>"The land is in worse shape than I could've imagined. If the damage continues at this rate, then our world will be nothing but cosmic gravel very soon.</p> <p>Where will it stop, I wonder? Perhaps the better question is, 'will it stop?'"</p> </blockquote> </blockquote> </li> <li> <blockquote> <p>That other guy, from an interview with Bobwa Waters:</p> <blockquote> <p>Bobwa: "Who are you, again?" <br />JoeRandom: "... " </p> </blockquote> </blockquote> </li> <li> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.wowarmory.com/character-skills.xml?r=Proudmoore&n=Ultarn" target="_blank">Ultarn</a> the Warrior, citizen of Ironforge:</p> <blockquote> <p>"The only thing I know fer sure about that Vargoth fellow is that <strong>he wins battles</strong>. When my friends and I are facing a beating at the hands of Vashj or Kael, worn down and tired as we may be, we always have our ace ready. All he has to do is stand there and wave, do a bit of laughin', maybe, and we got all we need for our victory. <br /> <br />Y'ask me, I'd rather have him not-fighting at my side than about a third of my raid members...* "</p> </blockquote> </blockquote> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 78%">* Cough. Ultarn never said this. Shhhh.... artistic license!</span></p> Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-34081381208582747612008-10-22T13:07:00.000-07:002008-10-24T11:56:43.479-07:00Slow Down: Genius at Work<div style="float: right; width: 400px;"><img src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/forumsasplode.jpg" width="394" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Most awesome graphic EVAR made by <a href="http://www.resto4life.com/about/">Phaelia</a> of <a href="http://www.resto4life.com/">Resto4Life</a>, master model-viewer and all around cool tree. <3)</span></div>Dear beloved readers,<br /><br />Please, even if you hate me and want to wring my neck for prolonged negligence, do yourself a favor and go read <a href="http://criticalqq.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/the-forums-asplode/" target="outside">this post</a> from <a href="http://criticalqq.wordpress.com/author/criticalqq/" target="outside">Euripides</a> of <a href="http://criticalqq.wordpress.com/" target="outside">Critical QQ</a>. Genius deserves an audience. (Plus, I'm hoping you'll forgive me for not amusing you if I can at least send you to someone who can.)<br /><br />I am totally NOT dead. I have been spending the worst, most annoying kind of time on the blog, lately.... the kind you can't see. Bear with me just a few more days.<br /><br />Oh, and set aside that afternoon coffee <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> you go visit 'Pides. Your keyboard and monitor will thank you for it later.<br /><br />Coffee laughsplosions are bad, m'kay,<br />~RhoelynRhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-56289571484102881542008-09-29T13:10:00.000-07:002008-09-30T15:31:54.712-07:00Cuz, ya know... shift happens.<div><img src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/shifthappens-thumb.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68); margin: 10px; float: left;" width="61" /></div>... And I guess I like playing with it when it does. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.resto4life.com/2008/09/29/shift-happens-submissions/">}} Go visit Phaelia to see what I'm talking about. {{</a><br /><br />I'm not really the type of person to ask for everyone to vote for me, but I encourage you to put in your vote for whichever new shirt you prefer. There are some great designs in the running.<br /><br />Ah, and if the naked man-flesh isn't to your taste, I was going to create a naked-girlelf version for the boys if my shirt wins. So, y'know... just keep that in mind. We're not gender-biased here at POC! Much.<br /><br />:9 Purple man...Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-81514091567441641582008-09-19T10:34:00.000-07:002008-09-19T11:01:21.790-07:00An' It Be a Holiday!<p>If'n ye 'as an ounce o' sense in yer barnacle-'fested, landlubber brain, ye'll 'ave already seen <a href="http://criticalqq.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/ahoy-thar/" target="_blank">'Ripides' warnin'</a> an' perpared yerself. If'n not, then ye deserves ta <strong>dangle from th'mizzenmast</strong> by yer rotted toes, ye blitherin' slackjaw squiffy!<br /></p><p><strong>T'day be <a href="http://www.talklikeapirate.com/" target="_blank">International Talk Like a Pirate Day</a></strong>, an' ain't nothin' like an 'earty chorus of <em>avasts</em> an' <em>ahoys</em> t'make th' lowest jack be feelin' like a swashbucklin' 'ero with a wench on each arm, I tells ye.<br /></p><p>So, hoist the mainsails, ye scurvey sons o' a biscuit eater. Tis time t'be takin' th'ways of the sweet trade t'yer black 'an twisted 'earts 'til ya be loaded t'th' gunwales an' caterwhaulin' loudly 'nuff what t'send th' lilly-livered runnin' fer shore. Drink up, me hearties, yo ho! </p>An' be makin' sure ye raise at leas' one mug o' grog t'th' cap'n an' 'is best mate. They be deservin' th'honor, says I. 'Sides, Cap'n Slappy an' Ol' Chumbucket been knowed t'put th' black mark on scalliwag's fer less'n that.<br /><h3 align="center">'Appy Talk Like a Pirate Day, ye pack 'o scurvey dogs!</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://talklikeapirate.com/"><img alt="pirateday2008" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/pirateday2008.jpg" width="612" height="267" /></a><br /></div><br />Piratical linkin's:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.talklikeapirate.com/" target="_blank">The Official Home of Talk Like a Pirate Day</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/talklikeapirate" target="_blank">The Official Pirate Booty</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.yarr.org.uk/" target="_blank">Talk Like a Pirate Day's official British HQ</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/283/story/100129.html" target="_blank">The news column that launched a thousand Pirate ships.<br /><br /></a></li> <li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Talk_Like_a_Pirate_Day" target="_blank">Talk Like a Pirate Day on Wikipedia<br /><br /></a></li><li><a href="http://lady-jess.com/2008/wow/special-events/you-can-be-one-too" target="_blank">Lady Jess tells us how to be a Pirate for a day in WoW<br /><br /></a></li> <li> Anyone else feelin' a bit like <a href="http://needmorerage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ratshag</a> be infestin' they brain? >_O </li></ul>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-72394431370079038192008-09-18T20:27:00.001-07:002008-09-18T20:27:17.784-07:00The Name of the Game<p align="left">A blog's name is a very large part of its identity. It is the author's 'face' to the masses, her signpost on the busy highway of webbitude, and the map that gets drawn whenever someone wants to spread the word about her blog. That's why, when <a href="http://www.resto4life.com/2008/09/03/so-you-think-you-can-blog-youre-right/" target="_blank">wise bloggers write about how to get yourself started</a>, they draw attention to the importance of choosing a name. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TheNameoftheGame_11C5D/stockvault_7378_20070408.jpg"><img style="margin: 10px 5px" height="200" alt="stockvault_7378_20070408" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TheNameoftheGame_11C5D/stockvault_7378_20070408_thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a> </p> <h3>What's in a name?</h3> <em>Points of Convergence</em> was named for a relatively simple concept. We who play World of Warcraft with the kind of love and dedication that has kept us in the game for literal <em>years</em> face a challenge that is new to modern society. <strong>We live in two worlds at once</strong>, bound to each by responsibilities both assigned and assumed. We need to go to school or work. We need to go to raid or gain levels. We need to pay bills and make soccer practice. We need to grind Badges and study Hunter specs. <p><strong>Demands from the real world become comparable to demands from Azeroth and Outlands</strong>, forcing us to walk a very fine mental, physical, and emotional line between one and the other. </p> <p>That's why I wanted to create a blog to write about the points where these two worlds meet; to try to remind everyone that there is more bridging Azeroth and Earth than a login screen. The inspiration that comes from our second home can create <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/02/titans-and-demiurges-01-artist-llanir.html" target="_blank">beautiful art</a>, <a href="http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=9023788551&sid=1&pageNo=1" target="_blank">touching fiction</a>, <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/08/21/world-of-warcrafts-ghoul-doll/" target="_blank">wonderful crafts</a>, and even <a href="http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/board.html?forumId=10001&sid=1" target="_blank">lively social discourse</a>. The every day needs that come from our first home can be met in <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/03/stat-balance-human-snacking-well-fed.html" target="_blank">healthful and intelligent ways</a> without forcing us to sacrifice one life for the other. It seemed only natural to me that a blog about these convergence points between our two homes was named... yes... <em>Points of Convergence</em>. </p> <p>However, with the self-hosted blog in the works, I've encountered an unexpected weakness in the title: it doesn't translate very well to an ergonomic URL. Now, at this point, we could digress into a discussion of what makes a good, 'ergonomic' URL, but I don't want y'all to fall asleep and drool on my web page. Suffice to say that I want to adhere to three simple rules for the new site's URL:</p> <ol> <li><strong>It should be clearly evocative of the blog title.</strong>  Bonus points if it can also be evocative of the blog's purpose and its larger affiliation to the World of Warcraft. </li> <li><strong>It should be reasonably short and easy to type.</strong> Length is more acceptable than it used to be, but I would like to adhere as much as possible to a K.I.S.S.philosophy in the new blog. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) Shorter is better. Also, if you have to pull out a dictionary to spell my URL, I have done something wrong (and possibly educated you :) ). </li> <li><strong>It should be available.</strong> More and more, people are 'speculating' on the URL market, which means that the finite combinations of meaningful URLs are slowly being claimed. A lot of perfectly good options are not options because they're already taken.  </li> </ol> <h3>A PoC by any other name...</h3> <p><a href="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TheNameoftheGame_11C5D/stockvault_9399_20080103.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 15px 15px" height="162" alt="stockvault_9399_20080103" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/TheNameoftheGame_11C5D/stockvault_9399_20080103_thumb.jpg" width="240" align="right" /></a>Herein lies the problem. <a href="http://www.pointsofconvergence.net">www.pointsofconvergence.net</a> (.com is taken) rather forcefully violates the second rule. It's long and tough to spell. Of course, every possible version of 'converge' or 'convergence' or 'PoC' was claimed back when the internet was <a href="http://www.snopes.com/quotes/internet.asp" target="_blank">a baby at Al Gore's knee</a>. </p> <p>Thus, I have been stretching the old right-brain to try to come up with some decent (though perhaps less obvious) alternatives, either through creative rescramblification of <em>Points of Convergence</em> or through... yes, renaming the blog. It's not something I would choose to do lightly, but when your ergonomic URL is at stake, you need to consider all feasible options. </p> <p>Here's some of what I've been brainstorming: <br /> <br /></p> <div align="center"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="658" align="center" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="186"> <p align="center"><strong>URL:</strong>  pointsconverge.com</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="230"> <p align="center"><strong>URL:  </strong>ptsofconvergence.com</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="237"> <p align="center"><strong>URL:</strong>  weconverge.com</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="189"> <p align="center"><strong>Name:</strong> Arcane Tomes <br /><strong>URL:</strong>   arcanetomes.com</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="230"> <p align="center"><strong>Name:</strong> Beneath Two Skies <br /><strong>URL:</strong>  twoskies.net</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="237"> <p align="center"><strong>Name:</strong> Nexus Points <br /><strong>URL:</strong> nexus-points.com</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> I have my favorites and my less-favorites. I also have a longer list with some that are downright crazy. What I'd like to know, though, is what <em>you</em> think. Which of these could you see yourself typing in that browser bar*?</div> <p><font size="1">* HA! As if anyone actually types URLs, any more. Hello, </font><a href="http://www.google.com" target="_blank"><font size="1">Google</font></a><font size="1"> and </font><a href="http://www.bloglines.com" target="_blank"><font size="1">Feed Readers</font></a><font size="1">. :)</font></p> Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-91191479787778890602008-09-11T21:42:00.000-07:002008-09-12T09:13:23.745-07:00WHadLibs?<p>Here on the technological cutting-edge that is Points of Convergence, we have long had a tool that is beautiful and new to the <a href="http://www.blogazeroth.com/" target="_blank">BlogAzeroth</a> community. (Ahem. Well, not <em>new</em> so much as <em>resumed </em>after the forum upgrade and institution of a new theme. But hey, let me dramatize, okay? It makes things tastier.)</p> <p>As I was saying, BlogAzeroth has a new toy that has been proving a little oddly fun to play with. Here is a transcript of the thread that started what I can only call a new game with <em>great potential</em>.</p> <p>Post title: WE CAN HAZ TOOLTIPS!</p> <blockquote> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.resto4life.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Phaelia</strong></a><strong>:</strong> I'm too sexy for my <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=33203">shirt</a>, too sexy for my <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=33203">shirt</a>, so sexy it <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=22570">hurts</a>. </p> <p><strong>Rhoelyn:</strong> I'm a <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=8524">model</a>. You know what I <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=21325">mean</a>, and I do my little turn on the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=768">cat</a><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=33357">walk</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.qqpewpew.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Behemothdn</strong></a><strong>:</strong> And I'm too sexy for my <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=38506">hat</a> <br />Too sexy for my <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=38506">hat</a> what do you think about that?<img alt="Felorc is too sexy for his pirate hat!" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/adreina/SMn5gyCVDcI/AAAAAAAAAE0/rMdVqaPK364/felorc-toosexy%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" width="130" height="185" /> </p> <p><a href="http://www.resto4life.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Phaelia</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Also, I <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=15846">shake</a> my little <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=21270">tush</a> on the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=768">cat</a><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?spell=33357">walk</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://tsf.ariffic.com/" target="_blank"><strong>StoppableForce</strong></a><strong>:</strong> And I'm too sexy for your <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=31444">party</a> <br />Too sexy for your <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=38577">party</a> <br />No way I'm <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=38301">disco</a> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=13379">dancing</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.qqpewpew.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Behemothdn</strong></a><strong>:</strong> I'm too sexy for my <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=8491">cat</a> too sexy for my <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=8485">cat</a> <br /><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=8489">Poor pussy</a> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=8490">poor pussy cat</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.thegnogue.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Leaf</strong></a><strong>:</strong> I'm too sexy for my <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=19802">love</a>, too sexy for my <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=21817">love</a>. <br /><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=34258">Love</a>'s going to leave me.</p> </blockquote> </blockquote> <p>Hrm. Well, maybe we all need to go back and review the lyrics, but much random fun has been had. Worse, though. It's given me an idea. Drumroll, please...</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="WHadLibs!" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/adreina/SMn4NpXewxI/AAAAAAAAAE4/MdpzjLo4Y34/whadlibs-logo%5B27%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="122" /> </p> <p align="center">Let's play WHadLibs! Here's how it works:</p> <p>Below, you'll find a short excerpt from ... something. Anything can do, but for today, it's a great piece of wit from my idol, <a href="http://tehkholabides.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Khol Drake</a>. In the passage, I've marked certain words in <u><strong>boldface and underline</strong></u>. Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to take each of the marked words and find the funniest, most clever, at least <em>semi</em>-relevant <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/" target="_blank">WoWHead</a> link you can to <strong>turn it into a hyperlink</strong>. You have all of the contents of <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/" target="_blank">WoWHead</a> to play with, but bonus brownie points can be earned by choosing links that are creative, unique, funny, and / or alter the meaning of the sentence. (Get it? It's <a href="http://www.madlibs.com/" target="_blank">Madlibs</a>, but with Java code and prettier graphics. Thus, it's WoWHeadLibs... WHadLibs. BOHOHO! My dorkery knows no bounds. )</p> <p><strong>Copy, paste, and add in your links, then post your version of the story in the comments.</strong> We'd all love to be amused by whatever you can come up with. Heck, who knows. If this is a fun enough game, I'd love to turn it into a contest and have a weekly WHadLibs winner. I'd give you a badge of honor and a spotlight widget on the sidebar. :)</p> <p>Remember, to get a good tooltip, you'll want to avoid NPCs and places, as only objects, abilities, quests and spells have proper popups. The idea is that no one should have to click through to WoWHead to read your story. (Sorry, WoWHead dudes, but c'mon. You don't really need the extra hits from 'lil ol' us.) Also, it's worth mentioning that in order to read the comments with proper tooltips displaying, you will have to read them on this <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/09/whadlibs.html">post's permalink page</a>. Blogger's comment entry page is staid and boring and does not support anything as fun as little boxes that follow your mouse around like lost puppies. </p> <p>Ah, well. ... soon, we will be free, my minions! Duh-duh-DUHHHH.... >:}</p> <p>Achem. Anyway. Here's your WHadlib for the day:</p> <blockquote> <p>āReally, <strong><u>Frank</u></strong>ācan I call you Frank? You donāt even have to actually have any real <strong><u>information</u></strong>, Frank. Just point me toward <u><strong>someone</strong></u> who does and you get to stumble away from here...well, once your <u><strong>kneecaps</strong></u> heal, anyway.ā</p> <p>āMānameās Edward,ā the <strong><u>lieutenant</u></strong> slurred through his swollen, bleeding lips. I probably shouldnāt have <u><strong>punched </strong></u>him in the mouth so many times. He was having <strong><u>trouble</u></strong> speaking.</p> <p align="right">-- excerpt from <a href="http://tehkholabides.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Stab In the Dark</a>, <a href="http://tehkholabides.blogspot.com/2008/08/part-twelfth-uncomfortable-compromises.html" target="_blank">Part the Twelfth: Uncomfortable Compromises</a></p> </blockquote> <p>Have at thee!</p>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-19954294864065445512008-08-26T12:41:00.000-07:002008-08-26T15:28:50.654-07:00Curtain Call: Anna's Friday Five - RP StyleThough you may not know it*, I'm a serious sucker for a bit of Roleplaying. Despite all its well-advertised <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/09/17/blizzard-disbands-extreme-erotic-roleplaying-guild/" target="outside">faults</a> and <a href="http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=7475816867&sid=1" target="outside">foibles</a> in the WoW community, it is a great way to add interest and depth to the smallest aspects of the game. Have you ever composed a little diddy while cooking Brilliant Smallfish in Bloodhoof Village? Juggled rings over fire totems for coppers in Stormwind's Trade District? Have you ever toured the Barrens on your brand new, completely runaway lizard mount, screaming curses and pleas to stop the whole way?<br /><br />I have. No joke. I have screenshots (somewhere). That kind of little foolery and fun makes the 40 points' worth of cooking skillups, practice with new totem hotkeys, and the long run from Ratchet to Thousand Needles an order of magnitude more enjoyable than they could have been. As an added bonus, you never know who'll bite and start playing along, whether you're on a roleplay server or not!<br /><br />That's why I was so thrilled to read Anna of <a href="http://toomanyannas.com/blog/" target="outside">Too Many Annas</a>' <a href="http://toomanyannas.com/blog/rp/friday-five-1/" target="outside">most recent Friday Five post</a>. She's borrowed the famous <a href="http://friday5.org/" target="outside">Friday Five meme</a>** and put a fun, roleplayer's twist on it: she's asking her Friday Five questions to our toon(s) instead of us. Starting out light, it seems like she's going to use it as a way to ease the newcomers into the concept of developing a character for roleplaying. If you ask me, it's also a great way for the non-newcomers to explore their character a bit more, perhaps even flesh out some details they hadn't encountered for themselves, yet.<br /><br />All I know for sure is that I'm stoked, and the toons in my head are all clamoring for attention. Here's my Friday Five - RP Style. Let's see yours!<br /><br /><blockquote><ol><li><strong>What is your characterās name?<br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">My name is Rhoelyn. In the lands outside of Teldrassil, I am sometimes given the surname of Silverwing, though I rarely use it for fear that the Sentinels to whom it truly belongs would object. I believe my friend, Axus, chose it in reference to my hair. I would never presume to call him unimaginative, but ... well... </span><br /></blockquote></strong></li><li><strong>Why did he/she pick his/her class?<br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">One does not choose to become a priestess of Elune; the Goddess does the choosing, and we who are so blessed answer Her call. I believe I knew this was my path from a very young age. Suffice to say, I cannot remember a time before I knew that I was a healer and lightbringer. Certainly, I would not know how to <span style="font-style: italic;">be</span> anything but a priest. It is my role in the deepest, most intrinsic sense.</span><br /></blockquote></strong></li><li><strong>Whatās the worst trouble he/she ever got into as a child?<br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">Somehow, though I have ever been the last child to <span style="font-style: italic;">cause</span> trouble, I found myself in it quite often when I was young. I suppose that has something to do with my brother, Rhese, and his unerring ability to convince me to join in whatever adventure he had found for the day. No matter how clearly I saw the danger, I never had the heart to tell him 'no' when he turned that excited smile my way. Not then, and certainly not now.<br /><br />The worst punishment we ever received, though, was when we decided to follow a friendly furbolg we encountered outside Starfall Village. He told the <span style="font-style: italic;">most</span> amusing stories, and before we realized it, we were standing on the outskirts of Astranaar, waving goodbye as he flew off on a hippogryph. When our keepers finally found us, they were so upset that they refused to let us out of their sight for a solid fortnight. It was very ... stifling. </span></blockquote></strong></li><li><strong>What is his/her favorite thing to eat?<br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">My favorite food? Hm. I do not really have a favorite. I just eat what I need to be well fed. Does the flavor really matter?<br /><br />... then again, I did <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> enjoy that <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=21812" target="outside">Box of Chocolates</a> from my friend, <a href="http://www.wowarmory.com/character-sheet.xml?r=Proudmoore&n=Rastelli" target="outside">Rastelli</a>. Do candies count?</span><br /></blockquote></strong></li><li><strong>What does he/she have in his/her pockets?<br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">Oh, dear. Are you sure you really want to explore that potentially hazardous topic? I carry so much in my packs that they are near to being classified as disaster areas. Truly.<br /><br />Imagine a dank, cluttered space bursting with a dozen different types of herbs, potions, cloth, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=32388" target="outside">odd dusts</a>, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=11018" target="outside">dirt</a>, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=28292" target="outside">keepsakes</a>, and even a few <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=27711" target="outside">pieces</a> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=27709" target="outside">of</a> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=27707" target="outside">equipment</a>. Now, add quest items - most of them grisly and rotting - a few <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=11325">dormant</a> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=18381">pets</a>, a pretty <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=21157">dress</a> or <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=22279">two</a>, and one very small purse of Gold.<br /><br />I pity poor <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=15186" target="outside">Murky</a> for having to put up with it, but he seems to be quite content to spend his days swimming amongst the detritus.</span><br /></blockquote></strong></li></ol> </blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">* Or does the <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/05/words-arent-enough.html" target="outside">comic silliness</a> give it away? :o<br />** Gasp. Yes, another one! They are rather... viral. ;)</span>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-2751124385298873682008-08-13T10:15:00.001-07:002008-08-13T11:08:39.076-07:00Titans and Demiurges 05: The WoW Sketch MemeI've made a decision.<br /><br />No, it's not the one that you're expecting. Despite my long silence and my relative blogging youth, I am not interested in announcing that I'm done blogging or that life's too busy or whatever. The fact is, I love this blog (despite all its rough edges). I have decided that it's time to stop waiting for life to slow down before I "get back to the blog" and start making time and energy for writing a higher priority.<br /><br />So, here I am to tell you that I'm still here and still committed despite the long, inexcusable silence. I've been saving up all kinds of good ideas and information while I was gone, and I'm eager to share the wonder. I'm also digging away at converting to a new, self-hosted blogging platform, a new URL, and a more mature (less girly *cough*) look for PoC. If that's not <span style="font-weight:bold;">NOT</span> giving up, then I dunno what is.<br /><br />I didn't have the heart to apologize with empty excuses during the long silence, so I hope that the sketch comics were enjoyable enough to be some fraction of the apology you're owed. I will continue the little mini-tale that I've started, and maybe when Rhoelyn finds her way back to the surface, my own life will ease up. (One can hope, right?)<br /><br />Now, with all that said... Let's do something fun. :)<br /><br />Anyone who's spent any time running around in the lighter journaling world (like <a href="http://www.livejournal.com" target="outside">Livejournal</a>, for example), has probably run into a meme or three.<br /><blockquote><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme" target="outside">A <span style="font-weight:bold;">meme</span></a> (pronounced /miĖm/)[1] is any thought or behavior that can be passed from one person to another by means of imitation. Examples include thoughts, ideas, theories, gestures, practices, fashions, habits, songs and dances. Memes propagate themselves and can move through the cultural sociosphere in a manner similar to the contagious behavior of a virus.</blockquote>From a more practical perspective, blogging memes are short little quizzes that ask you to give your take on a set of questions, then pass the quiz along by 'tagging' your friends to see their answers. The fun comes from trying to be creative, honest, funny, or just downright weird in your answers so that readers and friends can enjoy your input and give you their own to enjoy. It's a way to slowly and openly get to know yourself and other writers.<br /><br />The art community has taken this concept and (of course) adapted it to what they love most, and the perfect example of this for those of us who love both WoW and art would be the <a href="http://crimsonviper38.deviantart.com/art/The-WoW-Meme-79231542" target="outside">WoW Sketch Meme</a>, provided by <a href="http://crimsonviper38.deviantart.com/" target="outside">Crimson Viper</a> of <a href="http://www.deviantart.com/" target="outside">DeviantArt</a>. He has written a set of questions to be answered in whatever way you please, either with a sketch, a scribble, some writing, or even a pasted picture or screenshot.<br /><br />I'm not going to post a thousand links, but if you look at the comments of <a href="http://crimsonviper38.deviantart.com/art/The-WoW-Meme-79231542" target="outside">the Meme's gallery page</a>, you can go visit an easy two dozen examples of how other artists have completed the meme. There are some great and really funny answers in there!<br /><br />And, of course, I'm not allowed to even tell you about this Meme without having my own entry ready to present as the fee for spreading the madness. If you click the little image below, consider yourself tagged! Go, enjoy, and toss together your own answers to share with the community. I'd love to see how WoW inspires you. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vayenne.deviantart.com/art/WoW-Sketch-Meme-Rhoelyn-94747382" target="outside"><img src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/Rhoe_WoW_Meme_thmb.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" width="312" /></a></div>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-90530515904642764912008-06-15T21:59:00.000-07:002008-08-27T15:36:20.510-07:00Words... Part 2<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/faceofearthcomic%202.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" width="500" /></div><br /><br />I'm not dead... quite. -_-Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-64160484718646157282008-05-09T15:05:00.000-07:002008-08-27T15:36:03.481-07:00Words Aren't Enough<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/faceofearthcomic.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" width="500" /></div><div style="border: 0px none ; text-align: left;"><br /><a href="http://www.resto4life.com/2008/05/07/the-arbor-day-challenge/" target="outside"><img src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aad_125x150.png" style="border: 0px none ; margin-left: 100px;" width="125" /></a></div>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-47904932459248835032008-04-21T20:57:00.000-07:002008-04-21T23:41:47.810-07:00Skillups: Super Potion Candles... maybe?One of my favorite things about the wide world of crafting is that it's perfectly okay - encouraged, even! - to build on someone else's idea. If you see a pattern you like, see a design you admire, see a wooden carving with a shape you adore, you're nothing more or less than an inspired artist if you take the three and meld them together to create something that is wholly and truly your own. Those three crafters that inspired you are most likely to be flattered that you found something in their work worth pondering, nurturing, and evolving as your own.<br /><br />It's beautiful and rare, this sense of community with strangers. Not all types of artisans share it.<br /><br />Shelbi of <a href="http://www.thebronzekettle.com/" target="outside">The Bronze Kettle</a>, who I think is precisely this type of artisan and crafter, is today's source, the origin of an idea that was simple, elegant and ripe for expansion. As I mentioned <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/04/link-love-potpourri-from-blogosphere.html" target="outside">last week</a>, she took over the <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/category/world-of-warcrafts/" target="outside">World of Warcrafts column</a> on <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/" target="outside">WoWInsider</a> and had me drooling over her very first post, called <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/10/world-of-warcrafts-super-potions/" target="outside">Super Potions</a>. In case anyone <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/03/sacrum-particulae-11-easy-outlands.html" target="outside">missed</a> <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/03/sacrum-particulae-11-easy-outlands_26.html" target="outside">the memo</a>, I am a rabid alchemist at heart. If you put adorable, shiny, bubbly little bottles of 'alchemy potions' within my real-life grasp, I will (and did) <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> to have them. Being a complicated dreamer, however, I wanted to go a step farther. I wanted my potions to have a purpose beyond just looking incredibly cool on my mantle; I wanted them to light up my desk and fill the air with enchanting fragrances. Thus, I took Shelbi's concept, already conveniently made of candle materials, and took it to the next step. Super Potions became Super Potion Candles.<br /><br />Here's how:<br /><h3>Step 1: Gathering the Mats</h3>Following Shelbi's simple advice, I took my trusty credit card to my local craft store for everything I needed to make sweet little gel candles in potion-shaped bottles. There, tucked in between the soap molds and the decorative cake-baking supplies, I found my treasure trove of real-life alchemical goodness:<br /><div style="margin: 5px; float: right;"><a href="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/theequipment.jpg" target="outside"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Gathered Mats" src="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/theequipment-thb.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><ol><li>One vat of Gel Wax - $20</li><li>Liquid dye vials in three colors; red, yellow and blue - $6</li><li>Liquid candle scents in three varieties; cinnamon, vanilla, and lavendar - $10 *</li><li>Medium-weight, bleached wick; 3' roll - $2</li><li>Wick clips; packet of 25 - $2</li><li>Assorted small bottles, complete with cute little corks - $1 each</li><li>Pretty, sheer ribbon that was on sale by the counter; 2 rolls - $1 each<br /></li></ol>I decided <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> to get the $20 special melting pot (which is only special insomuch as it saves you from the temptation of using your nice cookware to melt insidious wax), but I also didn't want to use my nice cookware to melt insidious wax. Thus, I stopped by the great little grocery at the end of the street for a few supplemental supplies:<br /><ol><li>Coffee stirring sticks; pack of 100 - $1</li><li>Aluminum foil mini-loaf pans; pack of 3 - $2</li><li>Plastic funnels; set of 3 - $1</li></ol>And that's all. <span style="font-weight: bold;">In total, it cost me about $45 to get started</span>, but I will have dyes, fragrances, and wicks for at least another dozen potion candles. It won't be this expensive every time I get the urge to whip me up a bit of pretty elixir.<br /><br />One more item, by the way, which I forgot but really missed. Make sure you have some super glue on hand. Something that takes about 30-60 seconds to set up but makes a firm bond will really help you to get the wick clips well secured to the bottom of the bottle. Believe you-me, it's a pain when your oh-so-brilliant, cobbled-up attempts to stick those suckers down give way the moment you pour in the wax. Sigh.<br /><br />Anyway, you need to farm up three more (hopefully easy) items before you can start your crafting:<br /><ol><li>Super Glue</li><li>Pliers</li><li>Protective surface (aluminum foil, in my case)<br /></li></ol>Set it all up in a nice, open space near the stove.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/thesetup.jpg" target="outside"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Mmm... space!" src="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/thesetup-thmb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h3>Step 2: Wick-ed Ways</h3>There's really only one significant difference between what I did and what Shelbi described in her column, and that is the process of adding a wick to your potion-candles. It's not really that complicated, but to do a really straight, well-centered wick in a poured candle can be just a little bit challenging. .... especially if you don't have the aforementioned super glue to help hold your clip to the glass. Double-sigh.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 5px; float: right;"><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/lowstovetop.png" target="outside"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Gently melting." src="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/lowstovetop-thmb.png" width="200" /></a></p><br /><a href="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/wicktabs.jpg" target="outside"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Wick-ed" src="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/wicktabs-thmb.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /></div>Start this process either before you put the wax on to melt or while it's melting. A lot of the literature I read said that the wax would melt in around 5 minutes or so, but I found that it took more like 10 minutes at my nice, low temperature. I probably could have sped that up, but I didn't want to a) risk burning the wax through my thin tinfoil pans and b) risk not having the wicks ready when the wax was ready. Thus, I cut my wax, put it on the stove, and then got started to the measuring, cutting and clamping of my wicks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Measuring:</span> It's always better to have too much wick than too little.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cutting:</span> Measure twice. Cut once. Buy plenty more wick material than you need.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clamping:</span> No wussies allowed. You really want to take your pliers, get a good grip on your wick material, and cinch that little guy hard and tight. Imagine it's the head of that rogue that showed up for the first time, last Gruul run, and won the roll for <span style="font-style: italic;">your</span> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=28830" target="outside">Dragonspine Trophy</a>.<br /><br />There you go. A nice length of wick clamped into a little metal tab is all that separates the <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/10/world-of-warcrafts-super-potions/" target="outside">Super Potion</a> from the Super Potion Candle. However, our work isn't quite done. That wick isn't going to do its job well, chillin' on the countertop. It's time to take that ever-so-important superglue and a handy coffee stirrer and attach the clip to the bottom center of the bottle.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Note:</span> It's tough in smaller bottles, but really work hard to make sure you center that wick. Candles made all wonky and crosswise in the wick department do wonky and crosswise things when they're burning. It's worth extra effort now to save you disappointment when it self-destructs, later.<br /><h3>Step 3: Pour Your Heart Out<br /></h3>By the time your wick is assembled and installed in the bottle, your wax should be pretty well liquefied. You may have already added your dyes and fragrances, or you may be ready to do that, now. It doesn't really make a difference so long as you mix them in before you start pouring your wax into the bottle. Just remember, as Shelbi said... Go slowly. You can't undrop any color or fragrance if you make it too strong, but you can always add more if it's too weak. Now, I didn't have one, but I do recommend that you use an eyedropper if you want to be precise with the liquid additives. I found that they poured very poorly and ended up dripping down the bottle as much as anything else.<br /><br />Anyway, melt your wax, mix it up to be the color and fragrance you want, and grab your funnel and a hot pad. (Those aluminum baking pans, not surprisingly, get nice and hot through and through. Great for wax melting. Not-great for finger not-melting.) You'll need to be a little mindful of your wick, but basically that just means shove it off to the side when you put your funnel in there. No, nubby nubcrafter. Don't let the wick fall into the bottle. :P<br /><br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/pouringwax.jpg" target="outside"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Dribble, dribble." src="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/pouringwax-thmb.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />Okay. Your candle is coming along, but remember what I said about wicks? Straight and centered. Take another of those handy coffee stirring sticks and wrap the extra wick around it like spaghetti until you have it braced against the top of the bottle. If you do this right, it will give you a gentle tension on the wick that will make it stay upright and straight while the wax cools. It will also let you adjust it to keep that line of highly-flammable string in the center of your volume of wax. If it's not staying on its own, you can always grab some tape and tape the ends of the stirrer to the sides of the bottle to give it a helping hand. There are lots of different ways to ensure your wick fidelity. Me, I used a few different ones to experiment, including the diabolical <a href="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/coolingcandle.jpg" target="outside">cork-bracing method</a> (which was not necessarily the best). :P<br /><h3>Step 4: WTS 3x [Super Almost-awesome Candle Potion]<br /></h3>About 30 minutes of cooling time and a wick-trim later, I had three adorable little bottles of colorful, bubble-thick gel. I was enthralled. Thrilled. Ever-so proud. I grabbed my sale ribbon and a hot-glue gun that I found in the closet and set about simulating some of the potion icons I looked up on <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/" target="outside">WoWHead</a>. Ta-da! Three Super Potion Candles!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/threepotcandles.jpg" target="outside"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Super Potion Candles" src="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/threepotcandles-thmb.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Wiktory, right? Supreme glory and the glow of accomplishment?<br /><br />I thought so. For about ten minutes. Then, I went to take my <span style="font-style: italic;">coup-de-grace</span> photo, the one where my three pretty candles were all lit and glowing with their own majestic power.<br /><br />...<br /><br />Let's discuss, for one moment, the needs of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combustion" target="outside">combustion reaction</a>.<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ignition</span> - Check. Provided by my Flickr lighter. Or a piece of burning wick. Or ... heck, lots of options here.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fuel</span> - Check. Provided by a taught little white wick and that wonderful gel wax. </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oxidant</span> - .... um. Maybe not so much. Now, this is a very subtle problem that I didn't see coming at all. Let's take a glance at the scale of our potion bottles.<br /></li><br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Oh, snap." src="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/necktoosmall.jpg" width="400" /></div><br />That, boys and girls, is an index finger. You can see that the mouth of the bottle, wonderful and potion-shaped as it is, is only about 3/4" interior diameter. It opens out from there to an ~3" diameter 'ball' bottle. It's small and cute and sparkly, and it doesn't sound too bad until you start thinking about air-flow-in versus air-flow-out. Go ahead. Give it some thought.<br /><br />Yep, you guessed it. These candles will never light. Believe me, I tried everything. The fact is that the mouth is too small to allow oxygen to flow in while smoke and carbon dioxide flow out. Instead, any flame that enters that mouth instantly suffocates on its own excrement (nice mental image, eh?). It diminishes, then sputters and dies within a second.<br /></ol>Bummer. :(<br /><br />But hey, that's okay. It's a very important candle-making lesson learned, and it certainly doesn't put my dream of potion candles out of reach! Now, I need to do more shopping and find slightly larger bottles that will let me have my candles and burn them, too. A larger mouth or a slightly different shape with less neck will make these work just fine. I'll report back when I find them and can really give you that <span style="font-style: italic;">coup-de-grace</span> photo I wanted. Until then, I have "Super Potions" that are every bit as fun as Shelbi promised and looking hawt beside my friend the <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/03/titans-and-demiurges-02-orc-rider.html" target="outside">Orcish Rider</a>.<br /><br />Maybe not a full wiktory, but hey... I'm happy. Who can be sad when looking at real-life alchemy pots?!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/threepotnotcandles.jpg" target="outside"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Super Potion Not-Candles" src="http://twoskies.net/images/toots/superpotcandles/threepotnotcandles-thmb.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* Note: Liquid additives ONLY. You can't use the solid candle scents that you'll see. They cloud the gel wax and make your sparkling potions look like vials of rancid Troll Temper.</span><p></p>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-44186279053896643522008-04-10T10:59:00.000-07:002008-04-11T08:19:05.531-07:00Link Love: Potpourri from the BlogosphereRumors of my death have been gr--... well, <span style="font-style: italic;">moderately</span> exaggerated. I apologize for the quiet week. I'm not much of one for a dozen excuses; I've just been very busy and exhausted from a crunch at work and a convergence of many different real-life energy and time sinks. The work crunch will last a while, yet, but I am hoping that this weekend will give me a chance to clear out the rest of the rubble. I'll be back to a quality pair of posts, next week.<br /><br />For today, however, here are some great places to go and enjoy the content I'm not up to providing:<br /><ol><li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/category/world-of-warcrafts/" target="outside">World of Warcrafts</a> at <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/" target="outside">WoW Insider</a> is not exactly a brand new cloumn, but since it was taken over by <a href="http://www.thebronzekettle.com/?page_id=2" target="outside">Shelbi</a> from <a href="http://www.thebronzekettle.com/" target="outside">The Bronze Kettle</a>, it may as well be. The quality of the crafts she has offered up is already leaps and bounds above her predecessor. If you're looking for an afternoon project, a bit of fun to share with the kids, or just a cool distraction to get you out of the game for an hour or two, then you should definitely check out her column and see what you can make. I'm really tempted to make myself some <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/10/world-of-warcrafts-super-potions/" target="outside">potion candles</a> for my desktop.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68); margin: 2px;" src="http://twoskies.net/images/doodads/linklove.jpg" alt="" width="228" /><br /></div></li><li>Maybe gameplay ideas are more your creative flavor for the week? If so, then I think you should go read <a href="http://www.bananashoulders.com/" target="outside">Siha of Banana Shoulders</a>. She has great advice for those of the paladin ilk, and I really enjoyed her creative method for <a href="http://www.bananashoulders.com/2008/04/06/farming-for-shattered-sun-rep/" target="outside">Farming For Shattered Sun Rep</a>. When all your quests and group runs are exhausted for the day, you can use this method for eeking out a bit more of the <a href="http://wowhead.com/?faction=1077" target="outside">SSO</a> love on your way to Exalted. That's the way to think outside the box, Siha!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68); margin: 2px;" src="http://twoskies.net/images/doodads/linklove.jpg" alt="" width="228" /></div></li><li>Roleplay is always fun, and perhaps never more so than when you're <a href="http://cheerfulcorpse.blogspot.com/" target="outside">A Cheerful Corpse</a> or <a href="http://needmorerage.blogspot.com/" target="outside">an Orc with an attitude and a tendency to cross-dress</a>. Both blogs are short, sweet reads that are guaranteed to amuse or make you think twice about some of your character assumptions. I know I'll never look at <a href="http://needmorerage.blogspot.com/2008/03/me-date-with-jaina-proudmoore.html" target="outside">Jaina Proudmoore</a> the same way, again.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68); margin: 2px;" src="http://twoskies.net/images/doodads/linklove.jpg" alt="" width="228" /></div></li><li>Another fun blog to visit is this newcomer: <a href="http://hooha.org/" target="outside">Warcraft and Other Hooha</a>. I think if you click the link, you'll immediately pick up on why I like to visit so much. Ankhara has some great screenshots displayed, both of the lovely variety and of the funny variety, and I am excited to go investigate a couple of the obscure quests she's highlighted. She's a promising new blogger, and I can't wait to see what else she brings us.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68); margin: 2px;" src="http://twoskies.net/images/doodads/linklove.jpg" alt="" width="228" /></div></li><li><a href="http://www.mamadruid.com/" target="outside">Mama Druid</a>, true to her name, is trying to protect us from our own stupidity.* She <a href="http://www.mamadruid.com/2008/04/03/n00b-guilds-beware-the-wolf-in-sheeps-clothing/" target="outside">has shared</a> a profile of an interesting and moderately frightening new 'type' of player that might be lurking on the other side of the hedge, hungrily eyeballing your guild bank. I highly recommend you read her description and make sure that your guildies know better than to use the /ginvite command like a revolving door.</li></ol><span style="font-size:85%;">Oh, and since I will never, ever, ever write a 'oh, lookit mah shiny new loot' post, I think I'll take this small, unobtrusive opportunity to share a <span style="font-weight: bold;">squee</span> from last night. After topping off with a <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Karazhan" target="outside">Karazhan</a> run, I took <a href="http://www.wowarmory.com/character-sheet.xml?r=Proudmoore&n=Rhoelyn" target="outside">Rhoelyn</a> and her entire wad of 154 <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=29434" target="outside">Badges of Justice</a> to our new friend, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=25046" target="outside">Smith Hauthaa</a>**. After much grunting and sweating, some syllables of obscure words of power, and a bit of magical investiture, my dear Shadow Priest was rewarded with the best thing since sliced bread (although I suppose it would be really good at slicing said bread). We're the proud wielder of the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=34895" target="outside">Scryer's Blade of Focus</a>. Faces everywhere had better be trembling in fear. :D</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* Talk about aiming high, huh? :P<br />** I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">very </span>proud of my server for being the first to unlock the smith, but this isn't a WoW News blog. If you want to read more about the path through 2.4 content on Proudmoore, then please go visit Siha at <a href="http://www.bananashoulders.com/" target="outside">Banana Shoulders</a>. :)</span>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-48879619405278887262008-04-04T09:29:00.001-07:002008-04-04T13:53:15.248-07:00Titans and Demiurges 04 - My Little DreadsteedWell, hey. Since yesterday was a cop-out, and today has dropped some fun, creative fodder in my lap... Here we are with an off-schedule update.<br /><br /><a href="http://wertle.livejournal.com/" target="outside">Wertle</a> over at the <a href="http://community.livejournal.com/wow_fanart/" target="outside">Livejournal WoW_Fanart</a> community has made a great gift for a guildmate. Inspired by an old <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/" target="outside">WoW Insider</a> <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/09/22/congratulations-to-our-art-card-winners/" target="outside">contest</a> entry by <a href="http://kestrelmas.deviantart.com/" target="outside">Amynnah</a>, she customized a <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/mylittlepony/" target="outside">My Little Pony</a> into an adorable dreadsteed present. Isn't that just about the cutest thing since babies and kittens?!<br /><br />It begs the question... what other 'My Little Pony' customizations could the game inspire? I wonder if you could get as far as a <a href="http://sevendaysgrace.de/wowscrn/gnome_ram1.jpg" target="outside">Ram</a> or a <a href="http://i.thottbot.com/ss/o/14099.jpg" target="outside">Talbuk</a>? And what other toys might be customizable into fun creations from our World of Warcraft experiences?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68); margin: 5px;" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/mylittledreadsteed.png" alt="Inspiration of a Dreadsteed" width="487" /></div>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-90051734337616264602008-04-03T18:02:00.000-07:002008-04-03T18:09:52.800-07:00Cop Out: Gnome on a TurtleToday has been... odd, to say the least. I'll spare you the details. Suffice to say that I ain't writin' nothing, and ya can't make me!<br /><br />It's time for a quality cop-out*...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><h3>Cue the Gnome on a Turtle!<br /></h3><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68); margin: 5px;" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/gnomeonaturtle.jpg" alt="Gnome on a turtle!" /></div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* "Quality" being a relative term, of course. I'll be back with a real update on Monday. :)<br />PS: For those of you from the guild, bonus points if you can guess the guest-gnome!<br /></span>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-57993925382884559662008-04-01T10:33:00.000-07:002008-04-01T14:24:19.059-07:00Compendium of Fools - 2008If you haven't looked at your calendar - I mean, <span style="font-style: italic;">really looked</span> at that-there datestamp, then you're in for a rough day. It's April 1st, and that means you're best served to suspend all belief until 11:59 PM tonight.<br /><br />On the bright side, presuming you didn't fall for any of it, this is a great day for a smile and a laugh, both of which I love to bring to my audience. Thus, though it's not an official update day here at PoC, I give you my Compendium of Fools. Go. Enjoy. Lock your gullibility in the closet on your way out the door.<br /><ol><li><div style="margin: 5px; float: right;"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Slugs with lasers!" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aprilfools/aprilfools-lucifron-mc.gif" width="100" /></div>Blizzard has announced its newest foray into the Console market: <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/moltencore/" target="outside">World of Warcraft, The Molten Core</a>. With such features as movement in any of <span style="font-style: italic;">8 unique directions</span>, glorious 192i resolutions, and SOUND, how can you possibly resist what is sure to be a record-breaking release for your PS3 and Xbox 360?! (... or maybe the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_2600" target="outside">Atari 2600</a>?)<br /><br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/moltencore/" target="outside"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="The Molten Core" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aprilfools/aprilfools-moltencore.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></li><li>In a monumental feat of productivity, Blizzard has also taken the opportunity to announce a new hero class for the Wrath of the Lich King expansion: <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/wrath/features/bard/bardclass.xml" target="outside">the Bard</a>. If you thought 2.4 was breaking the barriers of gameplay, then you've <span style="font-style: italic;">got</span> to see what's in store for those of us who take the path of hardcore Rock damage. Sexy <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> powerful, this new ultimate class may just beat the Death Knight into obscurity.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/wrath/features/bard/bardclass.xml" target="outside"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="The Bard" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aprilfools/aprilfools-bard.png" width="358" /></a></div></li><li>There's more. Blizzard has brought a new addition to its <a href="http://www.starcraft2.com/" target="outside">StarcraftII</a> page. The Terran Marines are getting a <span style="font-style: italic;">boss</span> new unit, and he ain't there to chew no cud. Meet the <a href="http://www.starcraft2.com/features/terran/taurenmarine.xml" target="outside">Mad Cow Marine</a>, the baddest bovine on the block! After so long, it's finally true. There <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> a cow level.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.starcraft2.com/features/terran/taurenmarine.xml" target="outside"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="The Mad Cow" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aprilfools/aprilfools-madcow.jpg" width="228" /></a></div></li><li>Last, but certainly not least, <a href="http://www.blizzard.com/us/diablo2exp/" target="outside">Diablo II</a> hasn't escaped the Blizzmonster initiative for 2008. Added to the expansion page is a wonderful new accessory, <a href="http://www.blizzard.com/us/diablo2exp/pinata.html" target="outside">the Loot PiƱata</a>. I don't know how we ever dungeon crawled without it. (Though I wish I knew who found this page, because they need a big old pat on the back. I could not find any linkage from the Diablo II site.)<div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blizzard.com/us/diablo2exp/pinata.html" target="outside"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Loot Pinata" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aprilfools/aprilfools-diabloii.png" width="200" /></a><br /></div></li><li>WoW Insider, long considered a key source for all the latest WoW info, tips, and tricks, has decided that it's time to move along with the tide of change. Say goodbye to WoW Insider and hello to Hello Kitty Insider, your source for HKSuperman and so much more. <a href="http://thebigbearbutt.com/2008/04/01/well-its-been-done-to-us/" target="outside">Triple B assures us that this is no joke</a>, so it must be true. Have <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> got your <a href="http://www.hellokittyonline.com/us/" target="outside">Hello Kitty Online</a> beta key, yet?<br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/" target="outside"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="HKO Insider" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aprilfools/aprilfools-hkoinsider.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></li><li><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/" target="outside">WoWHead</a>, the popular and very useful WoW database site, has gotten a minimalist... and rather familiar-looking overhaul for this most auspicious of holidays. Now, where have we seen <a href="http://www.thottbot.com/" target="outside"><span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> look</a>, before? Hmmm...<br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/" target="outside"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="WoWHead" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aprilfools/aprilfools-wowhead.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></li><li><div style="margin: 5px; float: right;"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Druidity and Roguery" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aprilfools/aprilfools-valenna-phae.png" width="150" /></div>Phaelia and Valenna, apparently having recently traded WoW accounts altogether, have written up their respective guides to their new 70 classes. Check out <a href="http://www.resto4life.com/2008/03/31/phaelias-guide-to-roguery/" target="outside">Phaelia's Guide to Roguery</a> and <a href="http://www.parrydodgespin.com/2008/04/01/valennas-guide-to-druidity/" target="outside">Valenna's Guide to Druidity</a>. Not only are these two <a href="http://www.blogazeroth.com/" target="outside">BlogAzeroth</a> founders wise about their new toons, but they are apparently well versed in the creation of new and exotic WoW terminology. Who will be next to pontificate about classifery?!</li><li>Over at <a href="http://dwarfpriest.com/" target="outside">A Dwarf Priest</a>, our earnest and honest little healiforating friend is not trying to fool you for this April 1st, but she is doing a good job of amusing you. <a href="http://dwarfpriest.com/2008/04/01/happy-april-fools-day/" target="outside">Check out the amusing and impressive loot on her boyfriend's Loot-a-day World of Warcraft calendar.</a> I'd totally go for with a gnome in those babies! Wouldn't you?!</li><li>McLovin' has done it, again. Always the first to bring us the latest news from the Tech front, he has yet another wild scoop over on his <a href="http://www.worldofmatticus.com/" target="outside">World of McLovin'</a>. <a href="http://www.worldofmatticus.com/2008/04/01/breaking-introducing-the-iraid/" target="outside">The iRaid</a>, long rumored to be in development, is confirmed, and WoW is on its way to your handheld. Sweet! Farming during boring meetings never looked so simple.<br /><div style="margin: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.matticus.com/" target="outside"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="World of McLovin'" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/aprilfools/aprilfools-mclovin.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></li><li><a href="http://www.leafshine.net/" target="outside">Leafshine</a> brings us a very new, very important secret to that 10-man instance that we all love to hate. Make sure you go see her <a href="http://www.leafshine.net/2008/04/the-secrets-of.html" target="outside">Secrets of Karazhan video</a>! If you follow her simple moves, you'll be <span style="font-size:78%;">rick</span>rollin' your way to phat lewtz in no time.<br /></li></ol>These are the WoW April Fools that I've found so far. What else can we add to our list? Have you found anything hilarious? Whatever you choose, have a fun and lighthearted Tuesday. Happy April Fools Day!<br /><br /><blockquote><h3>Late edit:</h3> I just found this one, and though it's not WoW-related, I think this crowd will appreciate the tease.<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">From </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ign.com/" target="outside">IGN</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, we have </span><a href="http://movies.ign.com/articles/863/863492p1.html" target="outside"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Legend of Zelda: The Movie</span></a></li></ol>Ah, if ONLY this were real... and about 50x less B-quality. :P But still, it's a great present for April Fools Day. We can dream!</blockquote>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-31893798338731046902008-03-31T22:21:00.000-07:002008-04-08T09:30:25.478-07:00Titans and Demiurges 03 - Burning Crusade: The MovieI almost scrapped today's topic at the last minute. Almost. Why? Because what I'm about to link you isn't new. It's been <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/02/01/wow-moviewatch-burning-crusade-the-movie/" target="outside">linked before</a>, and in fact, has gotten a whole lot of link love* since its publication on Feb. 1st, 2008.<br /><br />Upon careful consideration, though.... I don't believe that any of the blogs that I've seen, the recommendations, or even the random forum posts really have reached the beating heart of what makes this video great. It deserves a second - and even a third - look. Sit down with a cup of something nice to drink and no distractions and really just <span style="font-style: italic;">absorb</span> all 31 minutes and 15 seconds of this artistic look at the raid content of <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/burningcrusade/" target="outside">The Burning Crusade</a>.<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Burning Crusade: The Movie<br />By <a href="http://www.gametube.org/machinima/jackInterview.html" target="outside">Jack</a> of <a href="http://www.easy-productions.com/" target="outside">Easy Productions (FR)</a><br /></h3><center><br /><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-03798377469589599 visible ontop" href="http://www.gametube.org/miniPlayer.swf?vidId=u/92gEfdqWXof9zKhpEIaF5jplfo="></a><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-03798377469589599 visible ontop" href="http://www.gametube.org/miniPlayer.swf?vidId=u/92gEfdqWXof9zKhpEIaF5jplfo="></a><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-05804055729500495 visible ontop" href="http://www.gametube.org/miniPlayer.swf?vidId=u/92gEfdqWXof9zKhpEIaF5jplfo="></a><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" height="372" width="451"><param name="movie" value="http://www.gametube.org/miniPlayer.swf?vidId=u/92gEfdqWXof9zKhpEIaF5jplfo="><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.gametube.org/miniPlayer.swf?vidId=u/92gEfdqWXof9zKhpEIaF5jplfo=" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="372" width="451"></embed></object></center><br /><br />Now, if you're still wondering why I'm linking this movie, then I think you need to go watch it again. This is not <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> a PvE movie. It's not just another Guild X killed Vashj Youtube knockoff. Unlike so many of its "peers", this look at in-game content aspires to an intense level of artistry - aspires and succeeds! It's electrifying, dramatic, beautiful, and inspiring. If you've never seen these 25-man instances, it makes you want to go forth and conquer. If you're fighting your way through progression, it reminds you just why that 12-wipe night was worth it. If you've already fought these battles and seen these bosses, then this video shows you everything you were too busy staring at your actionbars and threat meters to notice.<br /><br />How did Jack do it? The technicalities of programs and filters / effects could probably fill a month's worth of blogging**, but let's take a look at the artistic principles that he has used to turn months worth of game play into a half hour of visual appeal.<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cinematography</span> - The cameras are seldom still on an action movie set. Sweeping, panning, zooming and fading the viewer's eye forces them into the action, making them feel like a part of what's happening on-screen. Jack has used this to great affect to heighten the emotion and the sense of excitement. You don't just stare at Vashj from across the room. You rush in at her, watching her hideous fangs and taloned hands get ever closer to your skin. You watch in horror as Illidan leaps into the air and comes crashing down toward you.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Color Adjustment</span> - There is a very complex interplay between our brain, our emotions, and our eyes when it comes to colors. They have a meaning to us that seems to go far beyond what the words 'red', 'blue', and 'yellow' could possibly contain. That's why visual artists of any type work hard to understand and use the deeper meanings of color, and Jack is certainly no exception. Just look what he does at about 10:15 with the Voidreaver battle; we watch the Voidreaver go from a bright and vibrant enemy to a dull, grey, and lifeless hunk of metal in a handful of pieces on the floor. The subtle use of desaturation helps to lend a certain sense of loss to his death.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Score Composition</span> - As brilliant as the visuals are in this film, it would be a gross oversight to fail to mention the soundtrack (except, maybe, for the unfortunate Linkin' Park at 17:50). Seamlessly mixed, Jack has chosen a handful of powerful compositions and matched them to the action, letting their resounding drums and energetic strings add to the tide of the video, drawing you up to crescendos at the instant of a boss's death again and again. It's hard to define the art of music beyond to say that the notes should do the same thing to your heart that the action does. I think, in that, Jack has found unequivocal success.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dialogue</span> - It almost feels funny to talk about dialogue in a video like this, but it most definitely <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> there. Moreover, it's meaningful in multiple ways - not only to the 'story' of progression that Jack is telling, the smaller understory of the determined Paladin and his nightelven guide; but also to the <span style="font-style: italic;">game</span>, the source of his carefully-chosen words and effects. Unlike so many of his peers in the machinima realm, Jack didn't try to create his own homebrewed sounds, but instead he borrowed from Blizzard's expert studio. In so doing, he not only ensured that his dialogue was rich and recorded with impeccable quality but also that his video tapped into a larger sense of being <span style="font-style: italic;">in</span> the game. Even if you don't recognize the voices, you recognize the <span style="font-style: italic;">sound</span> of World of Warcraft dialogue, and it brings all kinds of in-game memories up to mix with the content you are seeing for (possibly) the first time. Did you recognize any of the soundbytes from your own game experiences***?<span style="font-style: italic;"></span> How did that jolt of recognition make you feel?</li></ol>Alright, that's enough from me. I hope you understand, now, why I felt that this video needed a re-examination despite its travels around the blogosphere and the larger interweb tubes. It's not just about the PvE. It's not just about the game. It's not just about 25 friends gathering up and shooting some vids while they go after their phat porples. It's about artistry and the manipulation of the human mind for the sake of evoking emotion. And I give Jack from the Empire full marks for knowing his tools and using them to the best of their advantage.<br /><br />Thank you, Jack!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* 121485 views as of today. @_@<br />** Blogging by someone NOT me, as I don't know how to do these miraculous and wonderful things to in-game imagery. Imagine the havoc I could wreak if I did?! We're talking about the Screenshot fool being given an MPG Nuke to play with, here.<br />*** Gruul the Dragonslayer's gravely voice at 24:10, perhaps?<br /></span>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5760835426164017965.post-77986795647686610172008-03-27T13:12:00.000-07:002008-04-02T09:10:37.054-07:00Sacrum Particulae - 11 Easy Outlands Recipes That You Need - Part 2<div style="margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; float: left;"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Don't Breathe the Fumes!" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/gif/alchemycauldron.gif" width="173" /></div>When I think about content in <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/" target="outside">World of Warcraft</a>, I always put 5-man 'group play' on a higher tier than solo play. 'Higher' meaning 'harder', more difficult to initiate, coordinate, and execute. There are people for whom this is not necessarily the case, and I am honestly happy for you who can pop online and into an instance in five minutes. For me, getting a group - whether PuG or guild! - has always been an overall frustrating, time-consuming, and difficult process, the reasons for which are fodder for another day's discussion.<br /><br />Suffice to say, when I think of the second half of <a href="http://rhoelyn.blogspot.com/2008/03/sacrum-particulae-11-easy-outlands.html" target="outside">the list that we began on Monday</a>, it sticks in my mind as the <span style="font-style: italic;">hard</span> half because the process of even getting to the mobs we need to kill (or the reputation we need to garner) is longer and less-straightforward. They are hidden behind swirling instance portals and an elusive smoke-screen of coordination that is commonly known as 'group balance.' PuG and guild channels can sometimes banish the smoke... and can sometimes fail to make a dent. It's the patience-requiring reality of 5-man game content.<br /><br />Bah. Where's that gnomish contraption that spawns Tier5 warriors, again??<br /><br />Thus, we're about to foray into a want-list that we all still share. I haven't gotten any of these recipes, myself. In fact, I haven't managed even one farming run since I first noted this list, last week. (Granted, at least part of that is because of the massive distraction that is the <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Shattered_Sun_Offensive" target="outside">Shattered Sun Offensive</a> and <a href="http://worldofwarcraft.com/patchnotes/" target="outside">patch 2.4</a>. It takes nothing less than brand-new environs, tasty lore-bits, <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Kalecgos" target="outside">blue-haired dragon-men</a>, and beautiful cooperation between two previously-opposing factions* to temporarily drag me away from my devotion to all things alchemical. Even were that insufficient to distract <span style="font-style: italic;">me</span>, every 70 I know spends all their non-raid time in <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Isle_of_Quel%27Danas" target="outside">Quel'Danas</a>.) That isn't to say that I don't know the instances; just that I don't have direct experience with how little or much is required to get the drops we need, want, and simply <span style="font-style: italic;">demand</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span> for our alchemy screens. We're going to have to discover that particular sweet pain, together.<br /><br />Personally, I can't wait!<br /><h3>Part 2 - Group Alchemy:<br /></h3>I've already alluded to the instancing requirement for these five recipes, but I should probably be more clear about what I mean. You will be running various dungeons for one of two reasons: either you need to kill instance mob <span style="font-weight: bold;">X</span> until you get your recipe to drop <span style="font-style: italic;">or</span> you need to earn <span style="font-weight: bold;">Y</span> more faction reputation to hit rep level <span style="font-weight: bold;">Z</span>, where you will be able to purchase your recipe from the appropriate Quartermaster. Let's look at where you're going and why:<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Recipe: </span><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=22921" target="outside">Recipe: Major Frost Protection Potion</a> - farmed from <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=18344" target="outside">Nexus-Prince Shaffar</a> in the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3792" target="outside">Mana-Tombs</a> (Normal or Heroic).<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Nexus-Prince Shaffar" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/nexus-prince-shaffar.jpg" width="150" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Mobs: </span>Mana-Tombs is the northmost of the Auchindoun instances, a place infested by the remnants of the catastrophic magic that destroyed the ancient Draenic city. It's also infested by ethereals seeking to harvest this rampant energy for fun and profit. In Normal mode, it is a level 64-66 instance that culminates in an encounter with our alchemy-friend, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=18344" target="outside">Nexus-Prince Shaffar</a>, a rather arrogant fellow who doesn't seem to want to let you and your group clear the place out so the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?faction=933" target="outside">Consortium</a> can steal his profit margin. Imagine that.<br /><br />You can run this instance on either Normal or Heroic mode for a chance to get your recipe drop, however it is worth noting that a Heroic run nets you a much higher drop rate. Heroic Nexus-Prince Shaffar weighs in at a 15-25% chance to drop our recipe while Normal Nexus-Prince Shaffar offers only 3-14%. You don't need an ethereal's keen nose for business to sniff out the surer deal, but you will definitely need a more powerful group.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fringe Benefits: </span>Forgetting, for the moment, that instance runs in general offer all kinds of opportunities for gear upgrades, Mana-Tombs has a few benefits that will help you get your party together. First, drag your Enchanting and Blacksmithing friends along for their chances to get <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=22543" target="outside">Formula: Enchant Boots - Fortitude</a> from the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=18317" target="outside">Ethereal Priests</a> and <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=23615" target="outside">Plans: Swiftsteel Gloves</a> from the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=18314" target="outside">Nexus Stalkers</a>. Their recipes drop in both Normal and Heroic modes, so they have no excuse not to contribute to the farming effort. Second, kills in the Mana-Tombs are great ways to get Consortium reputation. Normal Mana-Tombs kills give rep up to Honored, and Heroic Mana-Tombs kills give rep up to Exalted. Their Quartermaster has all kinds of <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=33305" target="outside">great goodies</a> for your guild's tradeskillers - especially the <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Jewelcrafting" target="outside">Jewelcrafters</a>, and each month they give out free gems, the quality of which increases with rep level. Even though they don't have any alchemy recipes to offer, you can always find uses for that monthly <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=25422" target="outside">Bulging Sack of Gems</a>.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Recipe: </span><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=22920" target="outside">Recipe: Major Fire Protection Potion</a> - farmed from <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=19221" target="outside">Nethermancer Sepethrea</a> and <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=19168" target="outside">Sunseeker Astromages</a> (Normal or Heroic) in <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3849" target="outside">The Mechanar</a>.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Nethermancer Sepethrea" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/nethermancersepethrea.jpg" width="150" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Mobs:</span><span> The Mechanar is the southernmost and first wing of the Tempest Keep, an old Draenic temple that has been pre-empted by the most scientifically-inclined of Kael'thas' Sindorei followers. There are precisely 10 Sunseeker Astromages in The Mechanaar and precisely 1 Nethermancer Sepethrea, so with a drop rate that is 3-14% on both of them in Normal Mode and 25-50% on Nethermance Sepethrea in Heroic mode, it looks like a bit of a challenging recipe to grab. Whether Normal or Heroic, it is a level 70 dungeon. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fringe Benefits:</span><span> Your friendly neighborhood <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Tailoring" target="outside">Tailors</a> are great people to convince to come on this particular set of farming runs, as the Mechanar is also known to drop <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=21906" target="outside">Pattern: Arcanoweave Boots</a> and <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=21907" target="outside">Pattern: Arcanoweave Robe</a> for their sewing pleasure. Kills here are also very valuable for their <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?faction=935" target="outside">Sha'tar</a> reputation, which is one of the 'big 3' factions with which every toon should make nice, no matter race, creed, color, tradeskill or sexual orientation. Mechanar kills will garner your reputation with them all the way through Exalted, so don't be shy about bribing your friends to come along. It's for their own good as well as yours. </span><br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Recipe:</span><span> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=22927" target="outside">Recipe: Ironshield Potion</a> - farmed from <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=17862" target="outside">Captain Skarloc</a> (Normal and Heroic) in <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=2367" target="outside">Old Hillsbrad Foothills</a></span>.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Captain Skarloc" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/captskarloc.jpg" width="200" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Mobs: </span>The timing on this particular instance is great, as it was a tough little cookie to crack on Heroic mode before patch 2.4 gave it a smack with the good old nerf bat. Now, you have two feasible options: look for a 3-14% drop rate in the level 66-68 Normal version of the instance or upgrade to the 25-50% drop rate in the level 70 Heroic version. In fact, it was also a tough little cookie to <span style="font-style: italic;">reach</span> before 2.4, but with the introduction of a new teleport** to get you from the wilds of Outlands to the well-hidden Caverns of Time in Tanaris, the path to alchemical glory is a lot more friendly than it was last week. Either way, you're going to want to go say kind things to the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?faction=989" target="outside">Keepers of Time</a> to get yourself started on this particular timeline-saving farming endeavor.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fringe Benefits: </span>Durnholde is the instance to which you should be dragging your Leatherworking and Jewelcrafting friends, as they both stand to gain a nice craftable piece out of it. Because all Leatherworkers are pimps at heart, they will definitely want to get their <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=25729" target="outside">Pattern: Stylin' Adventure Hat</a> from the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=17820" target="outside">Durnholde Riflemen</a>, which will complement their velvet suit and bling-bling quite nicely. Oh, and speaking of bling, the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=24173" target="outside">Design: Circle of Arcane Might</a> is no cubic zirconia, itself. The <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=18096" target="outside">Epoch Hunter</a> drops it, so we can only assume he's a closet blinger, himself.<br /><br />Beyond those, we've got our usual phat lewtz and friendly faces - this time of the draconic variety. Durnholde (and all the Caverns of Time instances) gives reputation with the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?faction=989" target="outside">Keepers of Time</a> all the way from Neutral to Exalted. Those confusing, non-linear time dragons have something for everyone, though the Engineers, Tailors, and Blacksmiths may feel left out of the recipe fun. Sorry, guys. Grab some great gear, instead, okay?<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Recipe:</span> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=22922" target="outside">Recipe: Major Nature Protection Potion</a> - purchased from <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=17904" target="outside">Fedryen Swiftspear</a>, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?faction=942" target="outside">Cenarion Expedition</a> Quartermaster in <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3521" target="outside">Zangarmarsh</a>. Exalted rep level.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Fedryen Swiftspear" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/fedryenswiftspear.jpg" width="120" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Reputation:</span> Cenarion Expedition rep comes primarily from instance runs and quests, bolstered here and there by some <a href="http://wowhead.com/?item=24368" target="outside">rep turn-in items</a> ... that you get from the instances, anyway. Any of the Coilfang Reservoir dungeons will get you CE rep, however Normal mode on <a href="http://wowhead.com/?zone=3717" target="outside">Slavepens</a> and the <a href="http://wowhead.com/?zone=3716" target="outside">Underbog</a> will only get you as far as Honored. To reach Revered or Exalted, you will need to run the <a href="http://wowhead.com/?zone=3715" target="outside">Steamvault</a> or any of the three on Heroic mode.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fringe Benefits:</span> The CE has no less than five Alchemy recipes to give to the people who work hard to become their bestest best new buds in the whole wide world. They also offer six Blacksmithing plans, an Engineering schematic, two Jewelcrafting designs, five Leatherworking patterns, two Enchanting patterns, a Tailoring recipe, and the best darn<a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=29171" target="outside"> Bear-tanking weapon</a> a <a href="http://www.wowarmory.com/character-sheet.xml?r=Proudmoore&n=Rhese" target="outside">babybear</a> could ever want***. Look, if they aren't already Exalted with CE, they have no excuse not to come. Drag their butts along and get them some great phat lewtz, to go with your shiny, new potion.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Recipe:</span> <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?item=22910" target="outside">Recipe: Elixir of Major Shadow Power</a> - purchased from <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=21655" target="outside">Nakodu</a>, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?faction=1011" target="outside">Lower City</a> Quartermaster in <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3703" target="outside">Shattrath City</a>. Revered rep level.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="Nakodu" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/nakodu.jpg" width="150" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Reputation:</span> Lower City reputation comes from a lower-level item turnin, quests, and - sensing a theme, here? - instance runs. Specifically, you will need kills from the <span style="font-style: italic;">other</span> Auchindoun instances, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3790" target="outside">Auchenai Crypts</a>, <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3791" target="outside">Sethekk Halls</a>, and the <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3789" target="outside">Shadow Labyrinth</a>. Heroic runs will give you reputation up to Exalted, however if Normal instancing is more your speed, you will be limited to the Shadow Labs after you hit Honored. Learn2Heroic?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fringe Benefits:</span> Like their CE cousins, the Lower City loot-handlers seem to love just about everyone. By the time one reaches Exalted, they are offering two Alchemy potions, four Jewelcrafting designs, a great Leatherworking pattern, two Enchanting formulae, a Tailoring pattern and a lot of great gear. That's not even mentioning the gear and rewards that can drop from the required instances on the way <span style="font-style: italic;">to</span> Exalted. </li></ol>There you have it. <div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;"><img style="border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68);" alt="LOVE!" src="http://www.twoskies.net/images/scroll_heart.png" width="80" /></div>Eleven great recipes and five new potential cauldrons, all yours for the taking. Now you know where to look, so even if you don't want to <span style="font-style: italic;">farm</span> repeatedly for these recipes, you'll be aware of which opportunities might benefit your tradeskill. Shadow Labs for the 29th time might be just a bit more palatable if you know you stand to gain something very useful from it.<br /><br />So, who has gotten the lucky drops? What other great recipes / rewards have you found out there? Does anyone else squee like an imploding cheerleader every time that pretty little scroll icon shows up in their loot window?? ^_^<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* I always found it very sad that I couldn't be friends with both the Aldor and the Scryer, so their mutual effort as the Shattered Sun Offensive makes my carebear-fangirl-meter swing way over to Happy. :)<br />** Available at Revered with the Keepers of Time and accomplished by talking to an NPC in Shattrath City...<br />*** And, oh <span style="font-style: italic;">boy</span>, does he want it! GIMMEGIMMEGIMME!<br /></span>Rhoelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15170174403165386052noreply@blogger.com4