Hello Antonia Baylers!
Its been a while - cant seem to find the time to tear myself away from the game. Without further ado, here is vol 23!
Previously on LOST (in Norrath):
I:
- Finally completed armorer crafting and am now level 70!
- Ran into some rl friends that have been playing on the server
- Explored the new content in patch 35
- Completed my Kyle Bayle armor set.
Blackhawk of the month!
This month the award goes to HARUACHAI! Since joining the team a couple of months ago, "Mrs Hammertime" has become a significant presence on the team and a constant source of help for members of the team. Haru consistently keeps guild chat fun and lively , always has some spare mats on hand for those in need, and helps anyone she is able whenever the need arises. Congrats and well done Haru!!
Roleplayer of the Month!
This month the award goes to EMMALINDE. Emma is the first person I have met that is in character ALL the time. An erudite wizard, Emma has accompanied the team on several adventures and remained very true to her character's background and societal role even when those around her were OOC. Creative, non-God-moding and a heck of a lot of fun. Congrats!
Completely Shameless and unabashedly positive plug for the guild:
The Blachawks are always seeking members of all levels, playstyles, classes and races. Whether you are a lvl 1 Arasai dirge or a lvl 70 Barbarian Warlock we want you! We ask that members only join our guild and no other (on AB at least) and that you conduct yourself honorably in all your dealings in guild and out. If you are interested in learning more, please read the FAQ on Blackhawksguild.com!
The things I think I think
- 1.) I think that the next expansion is going to be a VERY welcome influx of new content Most of all, I am looking forward in the increase in the level cap. Yes, I know, a very vocal minority will grumble. To them I say - shut off your xp and stay at Tier 7. Don't advocate for stunting everyone elses character growth. I find that too many people are in a race to get to the "endgame content". A game called EverQuest should not have an endgame. Your character should always be able to grow , gain new skills and new gear. For me , at least, that's what makes the game immersive.
And yes, I know, "its just the same spell you had ten levels ago with a little more damage". Yep. Sure is. But that is a separate issue entirely. I hope for all new skills with the new expansion. Will we get em? Probably not. But that's completely different from whether or not to increase the cap. Growth = interested players. No growth = a stunted playerbase of all capped players. Look at SWG - lvl cap is 90 - no increase at all since the inception of combat levels. Everyone is running around capped with the best gear. Granted - it is a different game, and managed poorly at that. But trust me. When you run out of new content that is challenging (and that's the operative word here - how many more 75 x 4^^^ epics can they add to the game?) - then the game becomes tired.
Lastly on this topic, for those of you unconvinced about what I said above - please - be aware of the following:
Level 80 will NOT NOT NOT NOT be the last level cap increase ever. Write it down. Remember it. It might be a year, it might be two - but the level cap WILL go up again. They designed this game to ultimately support characters up to level 200. We may not ever get that high, but I can assure you, Id bet we see it go beyond 80 in the next two years. Plan accordingly. Play accordingly. Don't set a goal of becoming "perfect" by collecting all the best gear with the assumption that you will never ever grow again. You will. Count on it. ‘Nuff said.
- 2.) I think I have extremely mixed feelings about the free server transfers now that they are over. On one hand, the transfers have brought a ton of new folks to this server, many of whom have signed on with the Blackhawks, and I have made some really great friends.
On the other hand is something, well, troubling. Over the past couple of days, I have noticed that the level channels are not quite the friendly places they once were. This time last year - if someone asked a question in the level channel and got a response of "[I cannot control my vocabulary] noob - learn to play the game" - the AB community would've jumped all over the person saying it , the original question would have been answered and the griefer would've learned that the AB community is a little bit different. We adhere to a higher standard here, or at least I thought we did.
Last night, I saw something that I never thought Id see on AB, racism. Some idiot named his character "Blackjew" and was spouting a bunch of crap on the level 1-9 channel. Im sure the guy thought he was being clever by doing it on a holiday weekend, figuring if he deletes his toon before Monday, no one would be the wiser. I sincerely hope this person gets caught, and banned from the game permanently. Even more appalling to me were the few people who tried to support this person in the level chat. Thankfully the majority of people stood up for whats right and he went away. If that person reads this, I want you to know, what you did was classless, wrong, and will not be tolerated. To those who told this idiot to knock it off, you have my admiration and respect. Thank you.
Overall, Id like to welcome anyone new to the server. Try and start fresh here. More than once this past few weeks I've met people stunned by the fact that they ask for help and , gasp!, they actually get it. To them I say, return the favor to the next guy who you meet that needs a hand. So what If you're on the Nek dock on your way to Bonemire, if that lvl 35 person asks about getting to Nek castle, take a moment and tell him. After all, this the AB server, home to the best community in the game.
- 3.) I think I am NEVER ever ever ever going to finish the Claymore line. I am on the LAST mob, Tarinax, and I just cannot seem to get it done. I have been on no fewer than a dozen raids against him, and still, through either bad luck, or some cosmic joke, I am unable to kill him. I've tried no fewer than 12 times and SOMETHING always happens. I've tried with the League (who ARE able to kill him) and several of the more well known raiding guilds on the server, and even several alliances. Teams and groups that consistently kill him on the first try, and for whatever reason it never seems to happen. Either someone leaves their pets out , or someone is out of position or some bizzaro thing happens ( my favorite so far is having him down to 25% and four ppl LD'd simultaneously - sigh). So Im putting the call out. Is there ANYONE out there who can help me wrap this up? I don't care about loot, debt or anything else that may happen - Im looking for anyone who can lend a hand and help me get it done. Any takers? (waits for the sounds of crickets chirping)
Non EQ2 thoughts and random musings
- Anyone see the LOST season finale? Holy Cow! Shame we have to wait until 2008 for more.
- The Shield is consistently the best show on TV that no one watches.
- There is no better feeling in the world than standing in the backyard of the home I now own, with a cold beer in one hand and a pair of tongs in the other as a grill up some steak for dinner.
- The Celtics got SCREWED in the NBA lottery. The lottery should be abolished. Worst team gets the first pick, celts shouldve been 2nd - not 5th. Reason # 37625 why the NBA is almost the worst professional sports league (hockey is much much worse management wise)
- How about them RED SOX? Here's some insight for any baseball fans out there. Our team is in first place. By ten games. And we're all still nervoud about making the playoffs. 86 yrs of losing does that to you. And yeah , incredibly, they won one back in '04 - old habits die hard I guess hehe
- Rosie O'Donnell is a moron.
- Jimmy Carter was right.
- I cant wait for the Simpsons movie (sorry almost drifted into politics - hadda break things up)
Quote of the week: on perserverance :
"The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart."
Ingersoll, Robert G
( darn it. I AM going to kill you Tarinax. Someday. Somehow. Hehe.)
So what's cookin in Kaalenarc's Kitchen this time around?
Kaal's Grilled Chicken Fettucine Alfredo
What you need:
2 Chicken breasts
1 lb. fettuccine noodles
1/2 c. butter
2/3 c. heavy cream
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 c grated Romano cheese
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash pepper
chopped parsley
minced garlic
About an hour beforehand put the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag. Add Extra Virgin olive oil, vinegar and a pinch of oregano. Also 1 tsp minced garlic. Shake and Store in fridge.
In large kettle, bring 4 quarts water with 1 tablespoon salt to boiling. Add noodles; return to boiling. Boil, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until tender but firm. Drain noodles; keep warm.
While water is boiling , fire up the BBQ grill and let it heat up. Grill the chicken breasts on both sides until cooked but tender. Cook them slowly so there is no charring. Remove from grill and cut into forkful size pieces.
To make Alfredo Sauce: Heat butter and cream in medium saucepan until butter is melted. Remove from heat. Add 1 cup Romano cheese, salt and pepper. Stir until sauce is blended and fairly smooth.
Add to drained noodles and toss until they are well coated. Top with pieces of the grilled chicken. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve at once.
That's all for now folks! Cya next time!
