Friday, 30 October 2009
-
NaNoWriMo 2009
Less then 30 hours until the start of NaNoWriMo for the year of 2009. For those who don't know, let me explain. NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month where you basically try to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. The goal is to get the story down rather then create a work of art. Editing is for another month, November is strictly for writing, and writing fast.
It'll be my fourth year participating and hopefully my third win. Pieces from my second year are on my xanga page is anyone is interested, though it really feels like a piece of crap when I look at it now. I never did go back and edit it. Anyway, I'll be updating this entry, hopefully, daily for those who might like to keep up with word count progress. My actual novel won't be coming up here as I'm actually thinking about converting it into comic form over on my SmackJeeves account, but I hope I'll get some luck wished on me anyway.
NaNoWriMo 2009
Title: Life Less Ordinary
Genre: Mainstream/Young Adult Fiction
Story: Following Tomo as he tries to make it with the new guy in school.
11/1/09 Word Count
2198/50,000 Words
11/2/09
4036/50000
11/3/09
5748/50000
11/4/09
6717/50000
… … … … … …
11/15/09
21060/50000
Sunday, 18 October 2009
-
Sequel Wars :: Lost Kingdoms
Because my next biggest love besides writing and drawing, is playing video games.
I feel that Lost Kingdoms is one of the greater unknown games that has had the pleasure of appearing on the Gamecube. Surprise, surprise when I happened to be grazing through my new Nintendo Power those years ago to discover that it was good enough to get a sequel. And what a sequel it was, improving upon the original, as good sequels should.
The original starts off rather simply, you're Princess Katia and you're kingdom is threatened by a black fog that is swallowing up much of the land. Your father left sometime earlier to help but he hasn't come back and you're planning to go out and find him. You're given control to explore the castle and pick up a runestone which let's you use cards in battle and a quick battle against a couple of skeletons (if I remember right) to try out the battle system.
This battle system is altogether the most interesting aspect of both games. Four cards from your deck (limit of 30 cards) are set to the four main buttons (a,b,y,x) to let you control the monsters. What they do depends on what kind of card it is: Summons, weapons, or independent. I prefer the weapons type myself. Entering battles works sort of like random battles in any RPG, where walking into a certain area locks you into a square of a the map with the sudden appearance of monsters. Defeat them all or flee the battle (at the cost of the stones that let you use cards) and you're allowed to explore the map again.
The game plays through a series of missions, that usually involve exploring an area and reaching the end and fighting the boss. You can receive side missions, as well as directions for the main story from the crone Gurd, who own the card shop. You can buy and transform new cards here, though you'll have to sell cards, as it's the only real way to make money.
The best part of this, for me at least, is that it actually does present a challenge. The Boss, the first form anyway, is surprisingly difficult, when you find yourself using half your cards just to reach him. The story isn't as strong as it could be but the game attempts to make up for it with an interesting card system and some complicated levels.
The second game really picks up where the first falters, though there is still room for improvement. The graphics aren't as great as could be hoped for, the battle system is improved upon and more of a story is involved.
This time you start as Tara, a no-nonsense member of a group of bandits. She, like Katia, owns a runestone and can weild cards right from the beginning of the game. Battles work essentially the same, though there is no "random battle" feel as the monsters wander about in the opening. A new card type is also introduced, allowing you to transform into the monster for a limited amount of time.
Progressing though the game feels similar to the first game, as you run through areas, fighting monsters and looking for the exit. You'll occasionally get snippets of story, not as much as you could want, but more then the first game gave you. Extra areas are available again, letting you fight exclusive monsters and pick up special cards. There's also the Proving Grounds and Colosseum the first that tests your abilities, and the second that allows you chance to fight against the bosses of the first game.
The major fault in this second game is how pathetically easy the boss is. Reaching the boss is no challenge and neither is standing behind the immobilized boss and wailing on him with weapons cards. You might have to dodge a few projectile attacks but if you have a fairy summoned it's really no problem. New to this game is also the availability of two endings if you happen to save a certain character though both endings don't seem to conclude the story and you're left wanting for another game.
Both games falter in the graphics and story departments but make up for it in the introduction of a unique battle system. I also adore the soundtracks for both games, although lacking in voice acting (Katia's squeaks are a little annoying) the music is interesting and I always enjoy visiting the Plains of Rowahl to listen to the music. I find that both games stand on equal ground each better and worse then the other in small ways.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
-
Writing… but not writing…
I have been working on C of A. The next five or so chapters are done, on paper. I always like to write in a notebook or journal first so it always feels like a hassle to type it in the computer. You know, "I already wrote this, it feels like I'm writing it again" kind of thing. I'd try simply writing on a computer, but the great interwebs always distracts me too easily.
Speaking of writing, we're getting down to almost one month 'til NaNoWriMo. The fourth year where I try to reach 50,000 words in 30 days. Passed twice but I've never actually finished the story. This year will be that year! I'll write it all out and finish, and then it will sit in a notebook because I don't feel like typing it up and editing it. ~(*3*)~
But in any case, more C of A may or may not come. I'm planning some big things with it for my College Exit Portfolio, complete with digital illustrations and all printed out nicely and such. Just gotta get working. Got a year or so.
Sunday, 06 September 2009
-
C of A: Man
Man is a peculiar beast at best. It is difficult to determine from what beings man originated; from where he gained the ability to stand on two feet; from where he developed the ability to grip things in his hands. Many theories exist but the truth cannot be known and I am left only with the ability to label and discuss some of these strange traits.
Man is a creature of varying heights, ±5.5 feet on average. He is a creature of keen knowledge or intense strength, varying on the particular's will to push himself. Personality can be highly variable as well, whether quick to anger or willing to listen and compromise. He may spend his days in work, farming, milling and related professions, or wish only to entertain himself whether with the perusal of dusty tomes or the more social company of others.
I find that man is most known for his curious dress, depending on what group you come into contact with. Of the working group, such expression isn't very highly noted, perhaps the browns and other natural colors could be a type of camouflage to appear less noteworthy. The more rich and highly classed individuals are known more for dressing in a variety of colors, different materials, and painting their faces. I see this as a double edged sword myself, the bright colors distinguish themselves as a higher class but this distinguishing also opens them up to hostile action. It is much easier to kill off a creature that flaunts himself, leaving me with no surprise as to why so many have found themselves assassinated. My own thoughts.
A curious creature is man, as varying as all of the days that he manages to live.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
-
C of A: Man-Like Creatures
It is with great hesitation that i classify any creature as Man-Like. I think, were I an elf, that I might find such a term offending or misleading. Those that I have met however care very little and I can find no alternative description and must settle with the term "Man-like". In my small attempt to make up for this, should any but myself care, I will place man himself in this section and label him as any other creature. For should I not be able to label all living things, plants aside, creatures?
Friday, 28 August 2009
-
C of A: Preparation
I find it worth mentioning, for those more adventuresome spirits, that I did not embark upon my travels lightly. One cannot up and decide that they are leaving house and home and will spend the rest of their days adventuring. How would one be able to sleep and survive without some form of preparation.
I for one was forced to spend many a day preparing and gathering guides and supplies before I was able to set out. Food, clothing, pack animals, and feed for those as well, the lists and coin add up quickly, especially if you have the need of a guide while exploring unknown or dangerous areas. This is not a place to cut your though, better to avoid the danger thanks to a helpful guide or some warrior prepared to protect and defend you.
I was lucky to have several experienced adventurers near enough to me and willing to continue traveling. Of course they scoffed at my proposal at first. "Galavanting off into sure death" they considered it. They didn't exactly see what a little bookworm was up to, and why he should wish to traverse all of Andora just to catalog some creatures.
The adventurers came to be some of my most welcome companions and managed to save my hide on more then one occasion. I cannot say that I would wish to follow them on such an expedition again, having quite enough of it to last me a lifetime, but I was surely comfortable and happy knowing that I had a seasoned warrior or two at my back and the comfort of stories in our camp when the nights were cold and lonely. Of no fairer adventure could I ever hope to partake.
Sunday, 23 August 2009
-
Creatures of Andora: Forward
(My attempt at starting this "book". I'm not altogether happy with this opening, but I guess it will take a little time to jump into character)
Man is a truly sheltered species. He is content to waste away his years moving through the same motions as he has all of his life, never expanding his borders, never reaching out and witnessing something extraordinary.
In most cases.
I understand the difficulties, for some, to leave house and home and embark on such adventures that may seem only stories. Some have families to care for and a living to make or are just altogether unfit for such travel. It is for you that I walk this path, that I might discover and witness such things in your stead and hope that my feeble attempts at storytelling are enough to cast the image before your eyes.
It is my hope, in this humble work to inspire a sense of wonder in regards to this world that we have been set upon. I hope to broaden your horizons and allow you to know that there is much in this world that is wonderful beyond your daily good fortunes.
As this work focuses upon the creatures of this world I hope to also instill a sense of respect and caution. Much of this world is strange and wondrous, but not all is benevolent. It is not always the great dragons and wraiths that are most challenging to be rid, even the smallest pixie may cause great torment if they wish you ill.
And so I bid you, to enjoy the wonders that I wish to unfold for you, in the best words that I can imagine. Perhaps my words may be able to inspire you and reveal such secret creatures of world, or perhaps you will only see them as farce. Either way, I thank for the selection of this tome and the attention that you may afford it.
Leratio M.
Saturday, 22 August 2009
-
Creatures of Andora
I am such a bad novelists, saying that I'm going to write and then never getting into it. Maybe it's 'cause school starts up on Monday and I wanna just relax until then, or it's that I've gotta serious case of video game addiction right now. Either way, I haven't been writing and I feel bad about it.
So I came up with something that I can work until I get around the next novel attempt (NaNoWriMo Novemeber) is work on a "book" of sorts on mythical creatures. I came up with this fantasy universe for a novel called Phoenix Renaissance but that idea fell into complete disarray. I still like the world that it was based around and a bunch of the creatures I came up with.
So it'll kinda feel like a textbook/biography of an anonymous character searching for and discovering creatures in the world of Andora. I'll also try to put up some sketches with each section. I think it'll be fun, hope some of my readers will enjoy it.
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
-
Video Games I've played…
For my own benefit, and sheer amusement, a list of all of the video games I've played. I probably missed a few, so this'll get updated a bunch as I figure out more and play more.
________________________
Nintendo
________________________
Gameboy Color:
Pokemon Yellow
Pokemon Blue
Pokemon Gold
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone (Unbeaten)
(4)
Game Boy Advance:
Breath of Fire 2
Golden Sun: The Lost Age
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Final Fantasy 1
Final Fantasy 2
Sonic Advance
The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons (Unbeaten)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (Unbeaten)
Tang Tang (Unbeaten)
Dokapon (Unbeaten)
(12)
DS:
Nintendogs: Lab and Friends
Animal Crossings: Wild World
The World Ends With You
Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations
Apollo Justice
Final Fantasy 3
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Rings of Fate
Chrono Trigger
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Unbeaten)
Super Princess Peach (Unbeaten)
Knights in the Nightmare (Unbeaten)
Mario 64 (Unbeaten)
Zoo Tycoon (Unbeaten)
Drawn to Life (Unbeaten)
(13)
N64:
Star War: Rouge Squadron
Mario Kart
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Star Fox 64
Mario Party 2
Mario Party 3
Pokemon Snap
Hey You Pikachu
Super Smash Brothers
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Conker's Bad Fur Day
WWF (Unbeaten)
Toy Story (Unbeaten)
A Bugs Life (Unbeaten)
Gauntlet Legends (Unbeaten)
Indiana Jones (Unbeaten)
Hybrid Heaven (Unbeaten)
Pokemon Puzzle League (Unbeaten)
Pokemon Stadium (Unbeaten)
Pokemon Stadium 2 (Unbeaten)
Banjo Kazooie (Unbeaten)
Banjo Twooie (Unbeaten)
James Bond 007: Golden Eye (Unbeaten)
James Bond 007: The World is Not Enough (Unbeaten)
(28)
Gamecube:
Star Fox Adventures
The Legend of Zelda Windwaker
Tales of Symphonia
Baten Kaitos
Baten Kaitos Origins (Unbeaten)
Lost Kingdoms
Lost Kingdoms 2
Bauldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
Eternal Darkness
Super Smash Brothers: Melee
Soul Calibur 2
Sims: Bustin' Out
Luigi's Mansion
Crazy Taxi
Animal Crossings
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
Resident Evil 4
BeyBlade VForce
Metroid Prime (Unbeaten)
Metroid Prime 2 (Unbeaten)
Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex (Unbeaten)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest (Unbeaten)
Super Mario Sunshine (Unbeaten)
Evolution Worlds (Unbeaten)
Harry Potter: The Chamber of Secrets (Unbeaten)
Lego Star Wars (Unbeaten)
Shadow the Hedgehog (Unbeaten)
Sonic: Adventure 2 Battle (Unbeaten)
Skies of Arcadia (Unbeaten)
Pikmin (Unbeaten)
Star Fox: Assault (Unbeaten)
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (Unbeaten)
(32)
Wii:
Super Smash Brothers Brawl
Metroid Prime 3
Animal Crossings: City Folk
Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Mario Party 8
No More Heros
Bleach: Shattered Blade
Guitar Hero 2
Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (Unbeaten)
Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix (Unbeaten)
(11)
Downloads:
Mario Kart
Kirby (Unbeaten)
The Legend of Zelda (Unbeaten)
The Legend of Zelda 2 (Unbeaten)
Metroid (Unbeaten)
Super Metroid (Unbeaten)
(6)
___________________
Microsoft
___________________
XBox:
Halo (Unbeaten)
(1)
XBox 360:
Devil May Cry 4
Tomb Raider (Unbeaten)
Elder Scrolls 4 (Unbeaten)
Stars Wars: Force Unleashed (Unbeaten)
(4)
__________________
Sega
__________________
Dreamcast:
Power Stone 2
Resident Evil: Code Veronica (Unbeaten)
(2)
__________________
Sony
__________________
PSP:
Final Fantasy 7: Crisis Core
God of War: Chains of Olympus
Final Fantasy: Dissidia (Demo)
(3)
Playstation:
Need For Speed
The Lion King
The Legend of Dragoon
Final Fantasy 9
Resident Evil (Unbeaten)
Resident Evil 3 (Unbeaten)
Final Fantasy 4 (Unbeaten)
Final Fantasy 7 (Unbeaten)
Chrono Trigger (Unbeaten)
Chrono Cross (Unbeaten)
Lunar: Silver Star Story (Unbeaten)
(11)
PS2:
Final Fantasy 10
Final Fantasy 12
Okami
Ico
Shadow of the Colossus
Tales of the Abyss
Devil May Cry
Devil May Cry 2 (Unbeaten)
Devil May Cry 3
Sims 2
Zone of Enders
Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts 2
Jak 2
Jak 3
DDR Extreme
DDR Extreme 2
Ratchet and Clank
Ephemeral Fantasia (Unbeaten)
Zone of Enders: The Second Runner (Unbeaten)
Galarian's Ash (Unbeaten)
Myst III: Exile (Unbeaten)
God of War (Unbeaten)
Jak and Daxter (Unbeaten)
Dark Cloud (Unbeaten)
Onimusha: Warlords (Unbeaten)
Resident Evil: Code Veronica X (Unbeaten)
.hack//GU Vol. 1 (Unbeaten)
.hack//GU Vol. 2 (Unbeaten)
(29)
PS3
Devil May Cry 4
Resident Evil 5
Bioshock
Little Big Planet
Metal Gear Solid 4
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Flower
Trash Panic!
Resistance: Fall of man (Unbeaten)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma (Unbeaten)
Valkyria Chronicles (Unbeaten)
Dead Space (Unbeaten)
Sacred 2 (Unbeaten)
Mirror's Edge (Unbeaten)
Folklore (Unbeaten)
Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires (Unbeaten)
(16)
_____________________
PC:
_____________________
Amazon Trail 3rd Edition
Sims 3
Lands of Lore:Throne of Chaos (Unbeaten)
Diablo 2 (Unbeaten)
Mummy: Tomb of the Pharaoh (Unbeaten)
(5)
Saturday, 25 July 2009
-
I think…
That I'll be starting over on my novel… already. I'm currently reading a book on writing and it's making me realize that I need to do some more planning and research and just restructuring altogether. I guess it's better to start over earlier rather then when I get to the middle and realize that something is wrong.
Welp, we'll see how long this re-planning goes. Could be awhile, a week or so… Either I'll start over or I'll start working on a different story for awhile… or just some random ramblings. We'll see.
Morago_san
-
- Member Since: 5/13/2005
Connect
Archives
Don't worry - your calendar is here… to see it in action just click "Save"
above and refresh the page.
Chatboard (3)