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Ok, I admit that I've failed somewhere before. But anyway welcome. Just a brief intro on what you should expect here:
1. Football. Not gonna post much of that any soon since season is over. :S
2. Anime, Games, etc. Just abt anything conceivable under the Japanese radar barring anything and everything Rule 34. Now that's illegal. Period. -.-;
3. Music. Everything to do with it is listed under the tab.
5. Unacceptable humour: Anything and everything is fair game here. As long as I don't get rounded up by the ISA. -.-'

6.
The Known World=Fantasy world building in process. I: Used to be glossary, now devoted to random rambling; II: Character Concepts; III: Lore.
7. der Wolf=my Fictionpress account under the moniker Tsumujikaze no Soujutsu. A Ranger's Tale is hosted under this page. :)
8. New section now upped. Maybe I should also gun for upping A Ranger's Tale here since I do have this funny feeling that traffic coming to here is way more than whatever I'll get in FP.

Statement of intent: Everything said here is a figment of personal opinion, be it me or anybody commenting. I try to be responsible, but my parents=/=parents of the world.

@Druid of Luhn: Crap. Should have remembered far earlier to give you the credit for your CSS text box code. :(

A/N: But sadly, it seems that your CSS text box code has now been halved efficiency wise. :(

That most important note I should have added: Any images posted in this blog are NOT my own stuff. I got them from Google image search, I don't earn any shit by being a thief and liar. Those responsible for the pictures, rest assured that you all are great artists in your own regards. Sadly, we all know what limited space means in terms of posting.

Latest Note: Changed alignment for my page widgets due to my worry that I can't centre align the thing.

Note on A Ranger's Tale: In case any complaining fella wants to have a legal case with me, let this be known that A Ranger's Tale is rated M by default. I've upped the swearing and somewhat a bit on the dark/gritty factor. You all have been warned, let no little boy and girl enter the forbidden realm.

Latest on ART: A Ranger's Tale now starting to kick back in gear. But I really hate the insanely fluctuating climate here in S'pore.

P.S: Oh, and one more thing. Vid below is yet another ideal OP for A Ranger's Tale.

Friday 31 October 2014

The Solar Trilogy; Volume I: Interloper (the real deal)

Okay, server down, not gonna waste my time waiting 2 hrs straight. I mean I need to sleep, okay?! Thankfully I managed to redo the invocation quest in Sword Coast Adventure. Take note, ppl. In case you've yet to realize it, extending your Celestial Coins shelf life by 30 hrs regularly is the best way to regulate your real time.

Immediate target(s) to achieve
1. Get that damned tier 1 Epic Forest Warden body armor (apparently, some crazy Neverwinners actually did an equally batshit crazy test drive here).

2. Exact my much desired vengeance on that damned Dread Caves dungeon boss (have to admit I've gotten over whatever mutiny happening N ages ago, makes it easier for me to blame that masterbrain).

3. Score that final damned Briartwine shard (realized I got myself really damned lucky in getting shard no.3 due to Dungeon Delves event switched on. Lol I only noticed "12 mins remaining" when I exited from Idris' Black House).

4, Doing a damned run out for Gray Wolf Den. (Got a rough idea on how to screw the boss, but def need countless Kenny moments to prove whatever theory bs relevant).

5. Get one Unicorn tier body armor in the most likely event where I actually scored myself a whopping 90 seals (and tbh, it's far more economic friendly compared to keeping your fingers crossed).

6. In the event where pt 1 or 5 gets accomplished, gonna start hitting Rothe Valley. 3 more tries before getting Cloak of the Emerald Enclave, further 20 hrs more before scoring a random Unicorn tier equipment (wait... then why I so damned stupid to temp buang Rothe Valley????? Some more got title leh!!!!!!!!)

7. Try doing an actual foundry. Been wanting to do a foundry, too much of a lazy bastard to do so despite alrdy hitting max lvl for dunno how many weeks liao...

Some interesting conjectures...
1. Running any given campaign quest at your current lvl depends on two things: current lvl (atm only for ToD) and current gear score (for the rest). Basically, it means running ToD asap would be far more advantageous in both the short and long run. This>Proof that I really stupid.

2. Gear score factor also works the same for Gauntlgrym mine craft.

3. If you see anybody putting the [Looking for Party] tab in the name of dragon killing, pls don't laugh. Yes, I know it's 100% possible to finish any given ToD quest in solo. But it doesn't really give you the license to troll that poor fella. This is NOT a conjecture, but a basic rule of civility.

4. Apparently, getting a random shard IS possible if you happen to be a skirmish bum. Scored myself a few during the Call to Arms event for Pit Fight. Also got myself 2-3 of those while doing Wild Hunt rush. Again NOT a conjecture. Got problem w/the c-word, go take a plane to either Cambridge or Oxford.

With all clearance done, let the show begin!


Part 1: Characters

Arylos

Basic Information
Home-Hullack Forest

Former Home(s)-Wheloon; Hermit's Woods

Gender-Male

Race-Wood elf

Patron deity-Kelemvor

Known language-Common; Elven; Goblin; Drow; Drow Sign; Undercommon

Dates
Born-1364 DR (discovered as an abandoned infant)

Rules Information
Alignment-Chaotic Good (formerly Chaotic Neutral)

4th Edition Statistics
Class: Ranger             10
           Rogue              3
           Stormwarden   1

Will also appear in:
Dreamer (Volume III of the Solar Trilogy)
Starlit Cloak (Volume II of the Lunar Trilogy)
Midnight Gem (Volume III of the Lunar Trilogy; mentioned)

Interesting stuff:

{*} {*} {*} {*}

Irion the Hunter

Basic Information
Home-Hullack Forest

Former Home(s)-Cormanthor; the Gray Forest; the High Forest

Gender-Male

Race-Wood elf

Patron deity-Fenmarel Mestarine

Known language-Common; Elven; Goblin; Drow; Drow Sign

Dates
Born-around 1385 DR (rumored to be that day where the Spellplague struck)

Rules Information
Alignment-Chaotic Neutral

4th Edition Statistics
Class: Ranger             13
           Fighter             4
           Pathfinder        2

Will also appear in:
Dreamer (Volume III of the Solar Trilogy)
Starlit Cloak (Volume II of the Lunar Trilogy)
Midnight Gem (Volume III of the Lunar Trilogy; mentioned)


Interesting stuff:

{*} {*} {*} {*}

Herial the Warder

Basic Information
Home-Hermit's Wood

Former Home(s)-Neverwinter

Gender-Male

Race-Human

Patron deity-Torm

Known language-Common; Goblin

Dates
Born-1353 DR
Died-around 1400 DR

Rules Information
Alignment-Lawful Neutral (formerly Lawful Good)

4th Edition Statistics
Class: Paladin                   13
           Divine Champion  4

Will also appear in:
Dreamer (Volume III of the Solar Trilogy)


Interesting stuff:

{*} {*} {*} {*}

Brave Unknown

Basic Information
Home-Wheloon

Former Home(s)-None/unknown

Gender-Male

Race-Human

Patron deity-Kelemvor

Known language-Common

Dates
Born-Not known
Died-1374 DR

Rules Information
Alignment-True Neutral

4th Edition Statistics
Class: Fighter  10
           Paladin  5

Will also appear in:
Midnight Gem (Volume III of the Lunar Trilogy; mentioned)


Interesting stuff:

{*} {*} {*} {*}

Kory

Basic Information
Home-Wheloon

Former Home(s)-Koryo (sold into slavery)

Gender-Female

Race-Koryan human

Patron deity-Sune

Known language-Common; Koryo

Occupation-Tavern wench

Dates
Born-1368 DR
Died-1386 DR

Will also appear in:
Rebel (Volume II of the Solar Trilogy; brief cameo)
Crescent Knives (Volume I of the Lunar Trilogy; brief mention)


Interesting stuff:


{*} {*} {*} {*}


Lewyn Hawkseal

Basic Information
Home-Sword Coast

Former Home(s)-Luskan

Gender-Female

Race-Half elf

Patron deity-Gond

Known language-Common; Dwarven

Dates
Born-1466 DR

Rules Information
Alignment-Chaotic Neutral

4th Edition Statistics
Class: Rogue    6
           Fighter   4  
           Wizard   2

Will also appear in:
Rebel (Volume II of the Solar Trilogy)
Starlit Cloak (Volume II of the Lunar Trilogy)


Interesting stuff:

To be cont'd, now too drained liao...

Thursday 30 October 2014

The Solar Trilogy, Volume I: Interloper (apologies for cancelling this b/c of time factor)

Apparently, calling myself a FR fanboy is just me saying I'm a Wood Elves fanboy for Warhammer Fantasy. And all for what? Because the only badass character bouncing in my mind is Drizzt Do'Urden. Just don't ask me why R.A Salvatore decided to create some weird mortal-goddess pr0n since I've yet to progress anywhere beyond the Hunter's Blades trilogy. What I do know, however, is the fact that Lloth is fated to trolled and to be trolled. As for Mielikki, I never knew until recently that her inability to troll actually resulted in that greatest troll-job ever known to the Faerûnian pantheon.

Moral of the story?
Ao is officially impressed.

A/N: Just don't ask me whether I support Drizzt scoring with both Cattie-brie and Dahlia Sin'felle. It's already bad enough when I tried toying with Drizzt-Innovindil and Drizzt-Ellifain. She-Hulk was right in calling Deadpool a perv.

But before that...
Last night, I got a taste of being the Indian chief against Idris. While failure to score my desired Epic tier 1 Forest Warden body armor was truly a bummer, I have to say the overall experience is more than enough to offset this minor setback (that plus it's far harder getting a piece of whichever epic enchantment you want so badly. Yay! 1 more Brairtwine to go!!!!). After all, one thing I like abt running lvl 60 epics is due to the gamer having at least a decent chance in scoring an actual epic gear. Just don't ask me abt legendary gear b/c I've yet to score one. [1]

One interesting fact abt Neverwinter is the fact that plenty of gamers complained that Wizards of the Coast have officially sold themselves out. [2] To be brutally fair, the fans are right in feeling hard done. Why? Because we're talking abt a legacy also known for games like Icewind Dale and Baldur's Gate. Old school D&D blessed w/equally old school goodness+evilness+neutralness. [3] So how do I view the current sellout?

Despite a heavier emphasis on pay to play [4], Neverwinter remains a player in the F2P industry. I do not profess to know how many RPG fans are still considered living fossils ever since Link managed to bail Zelda out, but I do understand the makers' need to remain competitive. We have the client-based ones and browser-based ones. The latter case is considered more cost-cheap while the former need constant upgrading. [5] To assume something you're not confident about is NOT a fan's way of thinking. In short, hard decisions need to be made in the name of scoring w/casual audience. In this sense, I can only say both parties are equally correct.

So how did my first time go? Things do have a funny way in falling into place at unexpected timing. Firstly, allow me to be a dick by giving a few advice:

1. When queuing for dungeon raids (esp for epic ones), take note on how many red slots are there. See the blue one? That's you. See the green one(s)? That's them. See the red one(s)? We're talking abt Jeor Mormont and Craster's Keep. Unless you happen to be a lvl 120 Hunter Ranger going by the name of Coldhands [6], your Stag won't mean a shit. Period. In short, any number of red beyond the count of 1 means you should just bail out from the queue. No point being Robb Stark. [7]

2. Even w/having a full 5, one cannot discount Jeor Mormont getting himself killed. In the event where more than 1 member decides to bail, let Coldhands be the judge. After all, we're only Neverwinners, not Kelemvor. Yes, I understand the worst kind of pain inflicted by PUG members cursed by their unknown actual age.

3. Understand that it pays to be patient nevertheless. One surest sign that you should start warging back to Protector's Enclave/whatever starting pt relevant is having 2 or more members saying "**** it, we can't win against the Others anyway." In short, perceive the circumstances correctly if you desire to score at least once w/the Khaleesi herself. [8]

4. If you end up waiting like an idiot just when you're so close to victory (i.e. facing the last boss), take a deep breath and say "**** it, I'm gonna bail out on this stupid Greece of a stage. 3 mins waiting like some kum-lan idiot and still no reinforcements..."

5. To all those ppl who think killing that last boss is like finding a Dragonglass cache beyond the Wall, allow me to point out the fact that we've actually got a literal fat bastard killing one of these pesky Others. In short, pls grow some brains. If got no brains, pls grow some patience. No use injury kit, use that 3 min campfire chill to exchange useful pointers. [9]

6. Depending on how long you're planning to sit in front of the computer, make sure you're mentally prepared to queue for like... 1 hr or so? Most likely you'll end up singing karaoke [10] like some 22 yr old local lass for around 15-45 mins. That is before that gong ends interrupting your self-inflicted misery. No matter what, just make sure that similar circumstances listed below don't happen...

Stevia: You're still playing that game?
Me: Okay, just a bit more.
Stevia: Why are you so obsessed? I don't remember myself being so obsessed with my cat and she's still alive!
Me: Actually I only need 3K more Astral Diamonds.
Stevia: For what?
Me: For that cat priced at 800K AD

Now that point form analysis is over, allow me to share my personal experience in being that Indian chief.

1. I wasn't the leader originally. Somehow or another, I went Shift+1 upon seeing 3 green+1 red. Turned out that it's a 4 man gang. iirc 4 man still can make it.

2. Subsequent turnover, team from 4 nerfed to 2. tbh I've had half the mind to bail. Thankfully, me and that other Control Wizard end having a consensus to wait until the 1st boss.

3. By time we're prepared to kill boss no.1 like a boss, the team ended up getting 5 bosses instead of just 2. Just don't ask who suggested voting me as the CEO.

4. Getting 5 bosses means a breeze in terms of pwning Idris' sorry ass. iirc I've got nothing personal against PUGs. In fact, all my dungeon crawls were done w/PUGs. It's just a shame that there will always be ppl shaming the PUG humans by renaming themselves as pugs. Come to think of it, every of my epic dungeon rush was actually done w/the help of 4 true blue talented pros. [11] In particular, whoever the Control Wizard in the gang would always be that lightning blot CC pro. No j/k.

5. Believe it or not, fighting that stupid dead man chest involves plenty of CC from range. You can try pulling a melee duel or even a gank or two. I can guarantee you death by some stupid cheesy bigass knockdown bs. My suggestion is to leave this job for the CC specs since you don't call yourself one if you happen to be Great Weapon Fighter or Guardian Fighter. As for general mob clear, do anything so long you don't get caught. [12]

6. Scarily enough, having a healthy mix of party buff and CC means outright pwnage. As me being that impromptu skipper, Arylos somehow ended up becoming Andrea "Il Gigante" Pirlo. Don't believe me? Beh hiao kin, let limpeh do demo.

Daily:
Disruptive Shot (25% AP=can become Gambit liao)
Cold Steel Hurricane (100% AP, I suspect my gang got 1 Devoted Cleric able to do AP instant restore. 100% full no less).

Encounter:
Q-Binding Arrow/Oak Skin
(BA=had fun CC'ing the shit out of any mob engaged by the rest, it was terrible for them. I mean the mob, not my mates)
(OS=I spam, all become #TeamDeadpool, me become 2nd highest in Field Medic list)

E-Fox's Cunning/Fox Shift
(FC=everybody dodge once for free=absolute troll)
(FS=add this to Twin Blade Storm, troll the rest. Strongly recommended combo from yous truly if you happen to rush any mission belonging to the Tyranny of Dragons campaign)

R-Split the Sky/Throw Caution
(StS=can't use this, pls don't call yourself a Stormwarden. Ridiculously effective in dungeon raids due to mass AoE stacking w/other CC party members' BSMD [13]. Just make sure you know what's the terrain and who's standing behind you)
(TC=practically crap in normal PvE and absolutely so for every PvP, certified BSSD [14] in skirmish and dungeon rushing)

At-Will:
Left click-Rapid Shot/Rapid Strike
(dunno what is staple, go back to secondary school)

Right click-Aimed Shot/Aimed Strike
(Extremely hard to master due to charging time, absurdly effective for scoundrels like Arylos. In short, dodging is every melee striker's BFF [15]. Just don't ask me whether I've maxed out Scoundrel's Training feat b/c I forgot alrdy)

Some tips in fighting Idris
1. Firstly, destroying the yellow crystals is a systematic job. You can try going upstairs before doing so, just don't ask me what'll happen b/c I suspect Iron Man will display a reaction no diff from the Black Panther himself. [16]

2. Pt 1 doesn't bring you to Idris, but at least you're one less boss nearer.

3. There are two ways to kill Idris. Either your entire party try ganking her on that narrow platform or you can try emulating my party's crazy stunt.

a. You know Control Wizards and imba knockbacks? Try this on her, you won't regret it.

b. Doing so merely means your party is running the risk of leaving behind 1-3 bodyguards on the platform. Remember guys, this is why you need ppl like Hunter Rangers high on combat+Guardian Fighter/Great Weapon Fighter. Keep calm and carry plenty of healing potions.

c. Done correctly and your other 2 members should be able to join the rest asap. In any event of death, pls do the dead a favor by reviving them. Even that jerk Boromir shouldn't have died like one. [17]

d. Believe it or not, Idris is quintessentially a goddess in close quarters fight due to those huge balls of dark ebola looming all over. Don't worry, you won't die if you get hit. Just that you'll be incapacitated for a while. [18]

d. Effectiveness of her dark globes will be tactically nerfed once you force her onto open ground. In short, more room to dodge=more room to gank=more room to CC that beyotch.

e. One thing I found out via my first stint as that Indian chief is the fact that you won't run the risk of mob respawn if your team's approach is aggressive enough. This isn't just true for Idris, but other bosses as well. At the end of the day, there are only two factors to consider. Terrain and team layout.

P.S & unrelated: Tried searching for a song that caught my ear, finally found it.

[1]: Actually come to think of it, the devs are truly a bunch devious devils. Who'd have imagine playing your character at max 60 can AND will yield much better returns compared to... well, having your Trickster Rogue still stuck at lvl 29 or so.
[2]: Altho how this actually measures up against Marvel selling itself to Disney remains a hot topic of online debate.
[3]: In short, badassery-ness.
[4]: Literally speaking, this is F2P ARPG we're talking abt. Understanding the importance of Zen means Neverwinter being technically P2P.
[5]: Trust me when I say I've played Marvel Heroes 2015 as well.
[6]: Come to think of it, I should just try kick-starting my A Song of Ice and Fire articles. Starting w/Coldhands no less.
[9]: In the event where general consensus is "**** it, guys. We no score w/Dany b/c we all no Jon Snow!", be assured that entire party should be absolved of any blame and flame.
[12]: Those who have gone thru NSF, you all don't buat bodoh, okay?
[13]: Bull Shit of Mass Destruction
[14]: Bull Shit of Solo Destruction
[15]: Best Friend Forever or Badass Friend Forever, you be the judge.

Sunday 26 October 2014

The Neverwinter Six: The Solar Trilogy (to be cont'd ofc!)

Starting on ART latest chap, finally got the motivation to do something useful to my future apart from analysing football. Sadly, it seems that either I'm destined to Teesside or somewhere under the tutelage of G.R.R Troll. But firstly...

Something which others have alrdy knew...
Tried my hand in killing the mastermind behind the Whispering Caverns, turned out to be total failure. 3 ppl disconnected (note that by getting yourself disconnected, it doesn't mean  a thing unless you've made it clear beforehand that Ned Stark has just summoned you for public execution). The most retarded thing ofc is not abt whether the Night's Watch are starting to desert, but rather the fact that we got 2 more new ppl coming in and that they can't get themselves into the fray. I swear this must be some kind of trolling b/c when you joined in any party instance AFTER shit has begun, you should be popping up at the latest campfire. I know b/c I've been through it correctly twice.

With the ranting gone, let's just take a look and ask ourselves how in the blue hell can we kill that stupid underground kraken.

1. To end the mastermind is to kill off the troll asap. Note that I am using singular here.

2. The longer you delay, the faster you die. It's like Le Professeur playing football against Big Sam back when Arsenal ended up getting totally arsed by Dougie "hopefully still Super Doug" Freedman's ex.

3. See the brain, kill the brain. The moment you see tentacles coming up, be very sure that the devs must've been influenced by that weird Japanese stuff called Saya no Uta.

4. Take down the tentacle asap, this requires team effort. In short, there's no sin in ganking a cheesy AI.

5. And speaking abt cheesy, all you need to switch off the brain is this:
a. Apply plenty of damage increment buff+debuff.
b. Once the tentacle goes down, it means you're legit to either apply brain death or go brain dead.
c. Thankfully, the devs decided that trolling isn't cool after the anti-trolling bill introduced by Downing Street. In short, you can expect plenty of mob chase when dealing w/the tentacle and nigh kosong mob spawn afterwards.
d. If you happen to play HR, pls for the love of the devs, do NOT stray from the mastermind! This is extremely important b/c firstly, it doesn't make any sense for you to shoot pot from afar when in fact point blank firing is merely considered a rare scenario. Secondly, staying afar means straying afar. Can't blame you for initiating mob chase for this instance.

6. I actually learnt that the hard way. That plus pulling off Split the Sky is extremely vital if you happen to be a Stormwarden. Combat, Archery, or Trapper, the Rock has this to say. You won't become Ciro Immobile overnight, but at least you can add in damage plus toasting an immobile mob all for free.

7. Which now comes to switching stance+Clint "not Joey" Barton's semi-namesake. If you can't even do this at lvl 60...

Epic Enchantments I'm now out to get...
Frost
(current no of shards: 1)
Need this apply Recovery debuff. In particular, solo killing a cultist mob can be extremely excruciating due to absurd AP rate. Especially useful in dragon kill.
Feytouched
(current no of shards: 1)
Even more kisiao due to that 3% rule. I encourage trying this against Lostmauth and Severin 4 teh evulz.
Lightning
(current no of shards: 2)
Gonna use this for my TR.

Barkwood
(current no of shards: 3)
Gonna use this for my TR. Then I realised I accidentally bound it on my HR. I so damn retarded sia...
Briartwine
(current no of shards: 2)
Once I get 4 of this, I'm gonna pull off a fail-proof merge due to me being lucky enough to earn my 1st Coalescent Ward at my 1st try in getting Coffer of Wondrous Augmentation. That plus I firmly believe getting 3 more Feytouched from Arylos' betters @Sharandar will require some bloody anal 4D luck.

Which now comes to...
The Neverwinter Six: The Solar Trilogy

Interloper
Rebel
Dreamer

Volume I: Interloper


"Remember who you are, do not call yourself for what you are. Time will change every one of us. Humans, elves, and dwarves... we all are victims to our years. If only the gods can never change, then you alone must decide whether Kelemvor has watched over you."

Those were the last words young Arylos heard from that only man he called father. No one knew the elderly warrior's name, not even the young wood elf himself. Yet, he could never forget that fateful day where his only kin was brutally taken away by death. Death by arrows and the sword, death at the hands of those who worship Shar herself...

"Have you heard of it? We are accused of plotting outright rebellion! You have nothing to do with this, so leave! Far better it is for one to suffer than both!"

1479 DR, the year where Wheloon has officially became a prison city. Here, only the mighty ruled with an iron fist. None has ever traveled there, no one has ever escaped from its walls. If the past could be seen as kind to Arylos, then the present was anything but that. Distrusted at best and mostly hated, the wood elf has carved out a minor repute as a ruthless survival artist. Memories of Sharran cultists haunted his every step, any move made would surely invoke the ire of those around him.

Yet, little did Arylos know that what appeared to be an everyday occurrence would herald a new life for him. Life as a proper Or-tel-quessir, life as one who could never belong to his own people. A ranger blessed with a tactical mind unrivaled, an interloper cursed with the name of Kelemvor murmured in his heart. From Cormyr to Waterdeep, from the Crown of the North to what used to be the Jewel of the North...

"This must be where my life starts now. The beginning of my years and the end of my time."

The first volume of this trilogy will take the readers on a journey like never before. It will be a journey of adventure and loss, a journey of questions asked. Here begins a story about life and heroes, a tale of those soon to be known as The Neverwinter Six.

Thursday 23 October 2014

Forgotten Realms: The Neverwinter Six

Tried to re-kicking my ART engine, realized I might need to swear off the PC first due to the most obvious. Or at least I need to invoke, then straightaway exit the game. In case you guys are wondering wtf this post title is all abt, rest assured that you'll know the answer verily soon.

In other news, my beloved Boro has yet again courted the mockery of Steve, Carl, and Benny. 2-0 to Wolves, at least we're still 3rd. Ah well, at least ufotable mina-tachi managed to alert me to something special...

But firstly...
Allow me to express my thanks to each and every of my fellow Corsairs from Luskan for giving this stupid crew mate one hell of a blast in raiding Gauntlgrym. While I cannot comment on my Delzoun rivals, it's actually 100% refreshing to have 4 intelligent ppl leading the way. One problematic issue w/Domination is the fact that once you get yourself into a fix, chances are that it's b/c your team mates are equally dumb, if not dumber. [1] I've had the unwanted experience of getting a runt or two swearing off the rest. [2] You see, it's one thing to call your PUG mtes morons, quite another to realize that even a n00b knows how to cap. [3] Domination is for wolves, not cubs. Thankfully, I've had the honor to fight alongside plenty of wolves in Gauntlgrym.

Now it must be stated that Gauntlgrym is for those who understand organization. It is a battle between the Shinsengumi and Isshin-shishi, it's the Faerûn word for the Boshin War. Firstly, let me say that you'll need prolonged exposure in watching Angelina Jolie in order to perfectly understand the finer art of tomb raiding. It's easy to run about like a headless chicken, quite another to have a duergar taking off your head. The duergars in Gauntlgrym are not just pure evil, but also tough evil. If your gear score numbers less than... like 6K or so at least, chances are that you won't survive getting ganked by 3-4 of those dwarven terrorists.
If you happen to be a Control Wizard or Scourge Warlock, chances are that you'll be able to CC them to death.
If you happen to play a melee striker, good luck to you b/c you'll need plenty of that. [4]

The thing w/fighting Gauntlgrym is this:
There are specific zones meant for specific purposes.

The Forge
For those who are new, I suggest sticking to re-forging weapons after your betters and seniors manage to acquire enough fire to flame the forge. If you happen to kill a fire elemental or three so that you can loot their fire, you better rush back to the forge asap before it officially gets flamed.

The Iron Stables and Water Pump
Same as above, just make sure you don't try multi-tasking. We, the citizens of S'pore, are good at doing this b/c of the society, but trust me when I say intelligent ppl tend to focus rather than to scatter-focus. Either you water the pump or you flame the forge, either you kill earth elementals or fire elementals. If you're not busy re-arming the infantry at the forge, make sure you start re-armoring the cavalry.

Kill dwarven terrorists, kill their boss
Killing the Blasphemer is extremely tricky. You don't go toe to toe w/the Head of Terrorism mano-a-mano unless you happen to be the Manny Pacquiao of Neverwinter. Even then, it merely means you're not necessarily Pinoy. There has to be strict coordination between members. Kill this head like Manchester United, NOT Manchester Dis-United. My suggestion is very simple for those cursed w/gear score of 7K or less: let those who know the game deal w/him. Gauntlgrym is extremely huge and its terrain are peppered w/fire, earth, and dwarven terrorists. Crypt raid is NOT dungeon raid. Which means you'll be allowed as many human team mates as possibly allowed. Therefore, you must discern which area you're gonna zone. Then decide for yourself whether by killing the HoT, you'll be awarded the title of Clegane Slayer.

There is PvP and there is...
PvP actually takes place at the same time as stage 2. Which means it's up to you whether you'll want to join in the proverbial Royal Rumble or stay back and pump in supplies 4 teh lulz. My suggestion is very straightforward: do NOT click that obscene button unless you manage to secure at least 1 key advantage out of the possible 2. Why I say this is NOT b/c I'm out to discourage ppl from learning PvP the cold hard way. Rather, you'll need manpower to secure tactical leverage for your team. Either your buddies manage win the artillery competition or getting the Mega Big Show himself to aid you. iirc if you lose out on both, then allow me to quote a buddy from TFF her fave quote:

Yay, we're screwed! -.-'
~credit to Oddrun who happens to be a German. [5]

After securing either or even both advantages (that is if your team is absurdly efficient enough. Pls be clever and watch the meter in blue), you can have 2 choices: join in the fun or continue supplying help. At this point of time, it depends on whether you're game for doing PvP. If yes, then be mentally prepared to get yourself killed more than 10 times, intelligent friends or no intelligent friends. If no, then you might have to knuckle down doubly hard b/c chances are that many of your faction-mtes would be out going mano-a-mano against the rest. In short, you'll have to gather a whooping 5 elemental materials at one go rather than just one piece per interaction. iirc, this would be when the PvP is its climax.

Fardelver or Dwarf King?
It depends on whether you're a tomb raider fit for a king. If no, then you can only run Fardelver. If yes, then you'll need to decide which one to go first. Via whatever I've seen in the team chat, it seems that plenty of Neverwinners prefer going on a FC speed clear. For my case, I prefer queuing for Dwarf King. Now the one thing is this: Before taking the leap, make sure you do two things:
1. Situate yourself at the relevant crypt.
2. It doesn't hurt to be extra careful by posting in the chat where you'll want to do the raid.

Trust me, you wouldn't want getting yourself into the wrong crypt. I was stupid enough to commit this mistake earlier today.

Oh, and one more thing: Do NOT speed run! Gauntlgrym dungeons might be straightforward terrain wise, but it's residents are anything but that. In short, don't even contemplate joining the Gauntlgrym events if you can't handle the heat. I've had this experience of getting myself on the receiving end for Fardelver, but at least I know this was my team mates having a minor lolz rather than truly allowing me to sink or swim. [6]

The Neverwinter Six: Solar Trilogy

What is a hero's worth? Is it his present or future? Perhaps even neither, for every man is a child of his past. It's like understanding a tree. Lastly the canopy, secondly the trunk, and firstly its roots.
~Herial the Warder

Neverwinter, Jewel of the North. A city which has seen its glory long gone by, the legacy left behind by Lord Nasher Alagondar now in tattered ruins.

The Spellplague, mother of the Wailing Years. An event set off by the god of murder and goddess of the night. The day Mystra perished became a decade of woe. Mystra may have returned, but what else more?

Open Lord Dagult Neverember, ruler of Waterdeep or Neverwinter?

The Hero of Neverwinter, legend or a knave?

Kelemvor and Cyric, Selûne and Shar. The battle is now set, a game of chess no mortal can ever hope to play.

To be cont'd...

[1]: Just don't ask me whether Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are now at Gauntlgrym.
[2]: Ok, I'm being hypocritical here since I'm only 1.6. Still, bailing out halfway just b/c you're some immature prick is 1000 x more uncool than Carlito.
[3]: For those who enjoy calling others retarded while having 0 kills/assist, Iron Man has something to say.
[4]: It is also for this reason that Hunter Rangers tend to be ridiculously powerful ONLY in the hands of those verily best in the business. I mean why should you play a HR or TR if you can't even ****ing master the dodge mechanic?
[5]: Now to think of it, it'd be damn scary if my future gf has a friend living in Germany, Hamburg or no Hamburg.
[6]: Somehow or another, it seems that I might have gleaned a decent or far better rep as some ARPG n00b.

Monday 20 October 2014

Decided to do something useful (?)

Apparently, the worst way to die in dungeon raid is getting your loading time suspended even before the metre hits the halfway mark. While this is surely not a case of devs screwing me, def I'd have suffered the loss of like... maybe 3-4 Unicorn seals? Thankfully, I only managed to get myself screwed after completung my Sharandar quests for the day. iirc tho, that's the worst way to exit a dungeon raid, folks. Trust me when I said I was about to screw that dragon before the bandwidth or whatever decided to screw me.

On a lighter note, my beloved Boro won 2-1 against Brighton at away. Either my sudden absence meant nothing to the team at all or Karanka must have done some super inspiring pre-match pep talk. Either way, I'm still a piss poor blogger who happen to defy the typical S'porean standard of high standard. Might as well do something light on the srs end here...


No, not you Mr Randy Tan...
'Tis no j/k. I've got a churchmate by that name. More specifically Randy part. Before I launch myself into plagiarist mode, allow me to wish Mr Randy Tan and his beloved waifu a "how's life over there in Nippon" greeting.

With belated formalities done, let us continue onto what truly defines the R-word. Whenever we talk abt Randy, two things come to mind.

Randy the Legend. That'd be the late Randy Savage, better known as "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

The other Randy is... well, for the overdose of cheesiness, let's just call him Randy the Legend Killer.

One thing I noticed abt Randy Jr is this:
1. Others see him as an arrogant S.O.B.
2. He sees himself as a genius.
3. Just when John Cena started to become strong, he's still getting himself beaten up by others.

While I profess to have nothing do do w/pt 1, I do have a self-perception when it comes to pt 2. As for pt 3, I'll be the first to out myself as a victim of playground idiocracy for like... more than 10 yrs to near 20 yrs? Maybe that's why I've learnt to be self-cynical. Now if only Gibbo will contact me and offer me a contract next season...

Before I get into the groove...



She-Hulk was right in calling me "someone not right up there"...
Someone should just do a speedrun for this one...

Disclaimer: I do not claim responsibility over Juventus pwning that other Lions team 5-kosong...
Disclaimer: I do not claim responsibility on that famous 30 try penalty shootout.
To all parents: If your kids can't be educated in the classroom...
To She-Hulk: Okay, I know that's lame...
Okay, She-Hulk confirm will kill me this time round, #rko or no #rko
Moral of the story; To all sikeena, pls dun try this @home, @school or @gf's home
Next contender for $$$ in the Bank: Tony Hawk
If anyone finds this scene familiar, be assured that this is what Marauder's Rush looks like in RL
Problem, Jackie Chan?
Truly out of nowhere...
Wrong guy? Houston, we've got problem here...


Some last (?) words to die Schlange of 32SIB:
I can assure you that ppl like Ser A.Fergie, Mourinho, and even Le Professeur himself are considered elephants for a reason.

Tuesday 7 October 2014

Yesterday was public holiday...

...therefore, I'm not gonna wish anyone Selamat Hari Raya Haji. This is not b/c I'm a dick, but rather ppl might have the wrong idea that I'm gonna up some image of a pig in the name of trollololz. Ofc since I'm a S'porean, it's only right for me to understand what needs to be understood. Let alone embrace whatever that is right. To all whom it may concern, be assured that you won't have an excuse to issue a fatwa on me. To all in S'pore whom this may concern, I have faith in you all that Islam is indeed a religion of peace. Just don't ask me how many Christians are Islamophobic b/c I'm not some stark raving mad moral crusader out to kill Saladin.

Re-spec is fun to do...
...but not so fun to rehab. Apparently, I don't really have much luck in daily quests.
Firstly, I've accepted the fact that I hate Domination unless the devs promise me a fixed format for team members allocation (i.e. 2 magic users a must, other details be damned).
Secondly, I've accepted the fact that I was too stupid to go story questing first. By time I realized it, I've missed out that dungeon crawl @Helm's Hold.
Thirdly, Foundry quests are fun to do since you can just lay back and deal the smackdown. Sadly, you'll be hard pressed for time once the demand got upgraded to lvl 50 (i.e. you need to do 4 foundry quests like me).
Fourthly, queuing for Skirmish and Dungeon can be a bitch at times. Depending on the number of players gangbanging the AI, waiting time can range from as fast as 5 mins or so to a whooping 15 mins at least (in particular, it seems that the majority actually enjoy Dungeon gangbanging above Skirmish gangbanging).
Fifth wise, it seems that the higher lvl you are, the longer your queuing time for the relevant Dungeon/Skirmish (e.g. I wanted to clear Gate Crashers at max lvl 50 thrice. Still waiting to clear this as Daily Skirmish).
Lastly (but not the least), I took part in too little Skirmishes while missing out on at least 1 Dungeon. My only excuse for this lame emo moment?
Level up=too fast, too furious=I blame that 2 x XP weekend+Siege of Neverwinter. This was especially so for SoN due to that 1 week duration.

A/N: In case you've yet to discover, burning 38K worth of Astral Diamonds can be a bitch esp if you're out to lvl up whatever enchantment relevant. Rank 5 and beyond, no less. Some more I yet to upgrade any of my companion. T_T

Challenge of the Gods
Not to be confused by the humane tendency to be one, I rather enjoyed this event even though I failed horribly at certain challenges (most notably Chauntea, Corellon, Kelemvor, and Moradin). One thing I realized is that you'll really need to customize your Encounter power tray.

1. iirc there's nothing difficult in trying to please that beautiful Sune Firehair (in fact, you don't even deserve to do CotG if Lady Firehair is not impressed).

2. But I discovered too late that in order to complete challenges offered by Chauntea, Corellon, and Kelemvor, one does not simply fight through enemies 7 lvls below you. In fact, the only real chance of completing whichever gauntlet thrown is to run a gauntlet brimming w/monsters around 7 lvls higher (if not, at least 4 lvls higher or so).

3. As for Moradin, I nvr got that good fortune to find one. Must be b/c Arylos is an Elf.

4. Amaunator can be a bitch at times. It really depends on which Encounter powers you use. For convenience's sake, I'd suggest having only 1 buff/support Encounter skill w/the other 2 being outright damaging.

5. Tymora is best suited for daring bastards out to gimp 10 enemies w/o getting themselves gimped. In short, choose the stage, not the enemy.

6. Believe it or not, Oghma can either be your god/goddess' BFF or that outright S.O.B (altho choice of pantheon will affect the game as much as whether your female Sun Elf character is wearing bikini @Pirates' Skyhold). Magic users enjoy his dare, 99% of fighters will not. Ironically, Arylos became friends with the Lord of Knowledge due to my absurdly effective Disruptive Shot at 25% Action cost.

7. Really enjoyed taking up the dare of Selûne. Killing 5 tough enemies can either be tougher or easier than otherwise presumed. Quite a bit like taking up Tymora's tease in terms of choosing the stage. Arylos was gimping reptiles for free @Pirates' Skyhold due to around 6 lvl worth of PC supremacy.

8. If you're itching to test Tempus and/or Torm, either you're a Guardian Fighter (which to be fair, might have been nerfed) or a Great Weapon Fighter (nerf-reverse. Maybe?). In the event which you happen to be neither...

9. If I look like some weirdo since primary school, be assured that Arylos also has two more friends in the form of T&T.

10. If you're any manner of an actual fighter (even more so if you're melee like me), then Silvanus shall be both your fang and claw. Just make sure not to activate Marauder's Escape if you happen to be artillery spec.

11. Speaking of Tempus and Torm tho, that reminds of my childhood @my ah-ma's house. Back then for the 2 RTM, the FCC really let them be.

And since I need to zzzz soon...
Recently, I realized SGH has a new addition. While I don't know whether there are professional cosplayers here (no innuendo present here), at least that particular lass might make my workplace somewhat attractive to the Japanese. Enough prattle here. Since I'm gonna end this Neverwinter post on Faerun pantheon, might as well stir up some minor shit...

Cosplay of the Gods

Friday 3 October 2014

Nothing better to do, time to stir shit

Realised that I'm playing too much Neverwinter. Realised that I cannot play Domination due to lottery factor. Realised I need someone 100% alive to kick me up the arse so that I can somehow re-kick A Ranger's Tale and Rogue Economist back to life (in particular, Kork M.Hancock needs critical care and resuscitation). But firstly, let us enjoy some girls, drinks, money.

Seriously guys, the original McCoy was INDEED entitled Girls, Drinks, Money. True to its nature, MOGEF wasn't amused.

On girls

Lars Alterfate: There are only two types of girls worthy of my fancy. Whores and the domineering type.

Caylon the Swift: That's interesting. Pretty sure I belong to the second type.

Lars Alterfate: Gutted to say you're too much of a lady, too little of a decent lass.

On dreams

Garyth Parkins: Enjoy those minstrels' tales while they last, Guy.

Guy Cody: Why?

Garyth Parkins: Because wherever heroes are, monsters will be there.

Guy Cody: That's the whole point about being a hero, right?

Garyth Parkins: You know nothing, laddie buck. But very soon, you'll know everything.

On money

Tristan Ajax: Women and ale, these are the two things a man can't do without.

Aeranath: You forgot to mention money.

On marrying beneath self

Louthes Eliaden: That boy resembles too much of yourself, Moggray.

Moggray Tonn: I don't like where you're gonna take this, Louthes.

Louthes Eliaden: I do not desire giving my daughter's hand to him. If Alestrial must marry, and she will, it must be someone like Jarvis Dukas.

Moggray Tonn: I don't want to see Guy Cody ruined like my past.

Louthes Eliaden: So it's settled then.

Moggray Tonn: If only that girl of yours stays happy within the next two years. Don't forget how you ruined Emma just because I chose to back out.

Louthes Eliaden: Stay your tongue, Northern Lion. Know your status and rank.

Moggray Tonn: Fuck your status, fuck your rank, fuck you.

On power and lack of rape

Eliador de Lioncourt: Power is not a flickering flame, but that most fickle lover.

Alestrial Eliaden: And I truly hope it will leave you soon enough.

Eliador de Lioncourt: Still a brave girl cursed with little sense, I see.

Alestrial Eliaden: And what will you do about it? Buying other men to rape me again?

Eliador de Lioncourt: This, I will not. You are too powerful an individual to be raped again.

Alestrial Eliaden: You monster.

On Elves and sex

Karen Tenias: Is this what you Elves do?

Conwer de Ladrun: If you mean getting yourself penetrated in three areas instead of just one... well, yeah.

On more Elves and one more Elf

Karen Tenias: You also joined your underlings in their debauchery, am I right?

Kerstein de Bladefort: Woman, watch your tongue. I would have forced you on the bed if you're not so valuable a pawn.

On death and more sex

Tristan Ajax: Just curious to know when was your last kill?

Kerstein de Bladefort: Two days ago when I was having sex with a whore.

Tristan Ajax: You killed the whore?

Kerstein de Bladefort: The assassin happened to be her.

Tristan Ajax: I stand corrected then.

On beauties and the beasts

Karen Tenias: I should never have loved one like him.

Hazel de Halfbeau: Yet there you are, totally infatuated with our Wraith Lord.

Karen Tenias: Alas, this I know.

[=] [=] [=] [=]

Lolyx: How did I get here? You better give me an answer, Goldie.

Lars Alterfate: We got here by becoming a flock of crows.

Lolyx: Don't mess around me. If I have a club...

Lars Alterfate: You wouldn't able to do so anyway. Tell me what you see before realising we're here.

Lolyx: I... I saw... a...

Lars Alterfate: What you've seen is a being of a thousand beasts. Someone worse than Demons because of the souls devoured.

[=] [=] [=] [=]

Lukas Brun: What will you do if your beloved one day becomes an animal?

Alestrial Eliaden: Guy will never become one like you or some others.

Lukas Brun: Some others? Fairest daughter of Eliaden, I know a lion when I see one.

[=] [=] [=] [=]

Erik: You can try leashing a wolf at your own risk, lassie. Don't say I didn't warn you if your hand gets bitten off.

Alestrial Eliaden: You speak of Aeranath like some sort of savage beast.

Erik: A wolf knows best the sinful man. This is a common sellsword saying and Aeranath has lived more than long enough as one.

Alestrial Eliaden: As a wolf or sellsword?

Erik: Both.

[=] [=] [=] [=]

Kagetsu no Hyo'Ah: This savagery doesn't disturb you at all?

Aeranath: Do I look like your dog?

[=] [=] [=] [=]

Moggray Tonn: He resembles too much like me.

Southgate Garatt: I'm afraid the Northern Lion might have been surpassed by the cub. Sorry to break this to you, Moggray.

Moggray Tonn: That's why I say he resembles too much like me.

[=] [=] [=] [=]

Fergie Malom: I've yet to seen a fighter crazier than Garyth Parkins himself.

Joes Mouriz: That is until his laddie buck arrives at Merseyside. You may be blind at first, Fergie. But I'm not.

[=] [=] [=] [=]

Lolyx: That man gives me the shivers when we first met. How could you live with him for so long?

Ceres: Because he saved me when I deserved no mercy from my captors.

Lolyx: But they're all rapists! Or at least that's my guess.

Ceres: You're right, Lolyx. They're out to rape me. Arondight may be a beast, but at least he saved me from evil men.



To be cont'd (?)....
I now too sleepy liao...