tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141985502024-03-13T12:01:43.118-07:00Ravings of a Northern WriterThe diverse mutterings of an engineer, gamer, naval officer and writer (in no particular order)Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-79649619196765840612023-04-10T21:34:00.006-07:002023-04-10T21:34:52.053-07:00'Anthology' weekend<p> So a few friends in our gaming group have decided to have a weekend of 'other' games. In lieu of our regular Pathfinder or Starfinder games, we have figured on having an 'anthology' weekend, where we each get to preview a new RPG that the group hasn't played.</p><p>So far, the others are bringing Delta Green, Cyberpunk, and Call of Cthulhu. Each should be pretty interesting, and I've never played any of those games of any previous version. </p><p>For me, I'm bringing Torg: Eternity. The revised edition of the old West End Games multi-reality RPG. This new one maintains the basic rules of the orignal, while amping the action to eleventy and giving a lot more depth and awesomeness to each Cosm. </p><p>For those who may not know, Torg was designed by the original Star Wars RPG company, West End Games, back in the early 1990s. The idea was that other realities have invaded our 'Core Earth' to steal our possibility energy, as ours is the richest the Reality Raiders have ever found. To do this, the invading Cosms overlay their reality onto ours. So, in parts of North America, the Living Land has overlaid our reality with a primitive one, where technology doesn't work. The characters take the role of Storm Knights, those fighting the invading High Lords to beat them back from our reality. </p><p>I'm looking forward to running the game. Back in the 90s, it was one of our go-to games, and it suits a cinematic, action-movie style that is a lot of fun.</p><p>Hopefully we'll have some new campaign ideas by the time we're done.</p>Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-28073433477752231652023-03-31T18:46:00.006-07:002023-03-31T18:46:39.125-07:00Tyr's Last Ride<p> Today we took Tyr for his final ride.</p><p>His ashes are now mixed with Star in the urn for both of them.</p><p>It was a rough day, though necessary.</p><p>We had a chance to send him off, and this time there was no way I wasn't staying with him.</p><p>Fly free, my man. See you in time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAjdrKPxRcADUSZFyZAeaKAwaD7WPSCqUL08ee0eDyubKrWEA2oFsxItDiCiaOe76Sty6EWalR8QojlMmNQSwXZrEKB5E5ZXYNhVhrjjDh6cjbhTsLiNUW13r-v6NQVQe3WmcD1uXpViYSBISh1diMKxTvJ4tWFco0ALww6Ggu7IQRFnR-g/s3264/20130817_100617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAjdrKPxRcADUSZFyZAeaKAwaD7WPSCqUL08ee0eDyubKrWEA2oFsxItDiCiaOe76Sty6EWalR8QojlMmNQSwXZrEKB5E5ZXYNhVhrjjDh6cjbhTsLiNUW13r-v6NQVQe3WmcD1uXpViYSBISh1diMKxTvJ4tWFco0ALww6Ggu7IQRFnR-g/s320/20130817_100617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-8756261367231348112023-03-27T21:40:00.003-07:002023-03-27T21:40:31.537-07:00Slammed by work and life<p> What a week (or two!).</p><p>Tried to get some writing done, and maybe a bit of painting but was just slammed with work stuff, life stuff, and a whole bunch of conflicting schedules.</p><p>I did manage to get out to see John Wick 4 with my eldest, and we both loved it. Phenomenal soundtrack too. Will have to have another watch of that one, and maybe give it a review soon.</p><p>Only two weekends left for skiing, which is sad, but then we transition into the camping season. Time to get the new trailer out and in the field.</p><p>Until then, keep your guns at hand, your dice warmed up, and your miniatures looking good.</p>Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-33502056686884801522023-03-07T22:57:00.002-08:002023-03-07T22:58:00.450-08:00Painting work<p> Happy March to all you who still might stop by.</p><p>For today, I offer some progress on the miniatures painting front, with a grab bag of interesting models.</p><p>First off, a sphinx model from Reaper Miniatures, taken from one of the Bones kickstarters, a great model that I used for the Mummy's Mask adventure path for the Pathfinder RPG. I was really pleased with the way her face turned out, and the wings came out perfectly. Matches the cover of Volume 3 of that AP, the character of Tetisurah, guardian of the Tomb of Chisisek.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqvDmnd0X2Iph6VAeghyqSammQgOQ_2NwTCkYkWOk_DE1yDxFaExeIMsg2b2A0znoAX5-3YH3_vzciyRL-yOzRipRnOz3C3ZG1tluEVoniYsDoPfTMDfSO-5CZ9-kVob1xh6q5QNpnL05Dir3w5WJxvkeWeGP4nGKJtu3W3kmRJVawjLksQ/s2547/DSC_0002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2275" data-original-width="2547" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqvDmnd0X2Iph6VAeghyqSammQgOQ_2NwTCkYkWOk_DE1yDxFaExeIMsg2b2A0znoAX5-3YH3_vzciyRL-yOzRipRnOz3C3ZG1tluEVoniYsDoPfTMDfSO-5CZ9-kVob1xh6q5QNpnL05Dir3w5WJxvkeWeGP4nGKJtu3W3kmRJVawjLksQ/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeo9NuJpwY2k_45fftHogThwFhsUNZML2908E3dCDKfsoZUAlNn9EFWheEcJjNBXRGdr6aHw-SKD-qh9etII9I8awdRa5m6rY7WBd-hcXoPbt5j2cwEqcdQRzq3ff_1rWDY2NXp6N6STRXQl5BfWD-GcpHpRgfypW6yj2b_MNLNkRKbQYCHQ/s2344/DSC_0003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2202" data-original-width="2344" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeo9NuJpwY2k_45fftHogThwFhsUNZML2908E3dCDKfsoZUAlNn9EFWheEcJjNBXRGdr6aHw-SKD-qh9etII9I8awdRa5m6rY7WBd-hcXoPbt5j2cwEqcdQRzq3ff_1rWDY2NXp6N6STRXQl5BfWD-GcpHpRgfypW6yj2b_MNLNkRKbQYCHQ/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_ASGtRyb4HWcrKTfpLKQ9gtK6I_tMm5eHZuUwOu5zruUtP1uJnr2NcL-Tx1-8dDcP5e5lQMqXOHE7yvPFMwkt-InJxPqrR02VJaOchEDMQwyIZ0ptTssXLUHD3CbXnhCXbwnVM4T7fYSlWdqc0zenEsqvKReuulgOoWSTZ5rjgN6jUOGFg/s2603/DSC_0004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2170" data-original-width="2603" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_ASGtRyb4HWcrKTfpLKQ9gtK6I_tMm5eHZuUwOu5zruUtP1uJnr2NcL-Tx1-8dDcP5e5lQMqXOHE7yvPFMwkt-InJxPqrR02VJaOchEDMQwyIZ0ptTssXLUHD3CbXnhCXbwnVM4T7fYSlWdqc0zenEsqvKReuulgOoWSTZ5rjgN6jUOGFg/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQf5aB3iwJvX7tCX2jWwHCVNiXxf4FJT5JhcWC199ACGEBddGTipKXNcY9Oimvf8XGINtOlgownR-c5xoWk2KgR8hRM5y_lFihTvj6ZqnQ-TCQEz4jHgtwd8JqkYGRGpAxD20l-gNvK07TxZzINRdqK9Wu4cEcxCiOEbcWJCfTi0IDaXtcA/s2841/DSC_0005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="2841" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQf5aB3iwJvX7tCX2jWwHCVNiXxf4FJT5JhcWC199ACGEBddGTipKXNcY9Oimvf8XGINtOlgownR-c5xoWk2KgR8hRM5y_lFihTvj6ZqnQ-TCQEz4jHgtwd8JqkYGRGpAxD20l-gNvK07TxZzINRdqK9Wu4cEcxCiOEbcWJCfTi0IDaXtcA/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She turned out really well. A mix of GW, Reaper and P3 paints throughout. If anyone is interested in details on the colours used, comment below and I'll list the paints and techniques.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next up is a barbarian on her sabre-tooth lion, from Hasslefree Miniatures. This was purely for fun, and I got to play with some skin tones and the fur on the lion. More of a Frazetta look here, and a truly beautiful miniature to paint. Again, GW, Reaper and P3 paints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUnk8PWa85S1pH7C31J6p4SyRRQO2jE-yJY3JIzeBxVePGMJts-Ocy8N2jcmjB4-4iEHaIJkh22WmFT9TGqbyn-6hzc2RUuQnBtr7Y_1mNpVxzX6PhNx86u1OaNkKf_gDFvzSW48btppXC9reSJl4qNI2CNQfyjmh5wNY7IhPko4uTxYdyw/s2082/DSC_0006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="1961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUnk8PWa85S1pH7C31J6p4SyRRQO2jE-yJY3JIzeBxVePGMJts-Ocy8N2jcmjB4-4iEHaIJkh22WmFT9TGqbyn-6hzc2RUuQnBtr7Y_1mNpVxzX6PhNx86u1OaNkKf_gDFvzSW48btppXC9reSJl4qNI2CNQfyjmh5wNY7IhPko4uTxYdyw/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="301" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSF1kODUuSXdgFPHj_PmERSv48Us5whtULdnt8gabgt1C4H4vxJKo-9sNn2q7CSClxlQeOEciiMouO_qzZOeuRAgZK2mhwfl8ScgCaEKZBkacUhxoYVmCdqR800TfgrlBLWvJ9q3-HukqIcRCem8WzKuLxlWOzN_2wPQ-97HH3O9nvGjobwQ/s2448/DSC_0007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSF1kODUuSXdgFPHj_PmERSv48Us5whtULdnt8gabgt1C4H4vxJKo-9sNn2q7CSClxlQeOEciiMouO_qzZOeuRAgZK2mhwfl8ScgCaEKZBkacUhxoYVmCdqR800TfgrlBLWvJ9q3-HukqIcRCem8WzKuLxlWOzN_2wPQ-97HH3O9nvGjobwQ/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="307" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRpFPVPkFvq1tJAvNAxW0yXCM52WU6S1d9N0o_flb9SuQayx9_nHqRwpbkstBe-qome2jIMa3ZhEnLcCFgFWJaG1ZthNUBgqwdyAD8j8SOWnMKyxukwSlXa0vbb1skG-5vKPkoJwINMa9N_5D3jdvhQYdRn2t0UXzkgP4kg6_wcHrDFRYxg/s2333/DSC_0008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="2326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRpFPVPkFvq1tJAvNAxW0yXCM52WU6S1d9N0o_flb9SuQayx9_nHqRwpbkstBe-qome2jIMa3ZhEnLcCFgFWJaG1ZthNUBgqwdyAD8j8SOWnMKyxukwSlXa0vbb1skG-5vKPkoJwINMa9N_5D3jdvhQYdRn2t0UXzkgP4kg6_wcHrDFRYxg/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWfJ-dxFDAqxqAK0WTOhujhqLCs-P5jCt86P__BCORGBTOybu2EE15TJpU7YFxnqWVzXzueyPHGM9GaLOKNZSYUBrL6YrFVybxjj81u7m2HQ7I-aZv_iJ4ln-Bi-fs4ovtevJT3YO90clCIwN94dp2j21HY-ug3Qfh5oKpfrpZbH-P66rcQ/s2303/DSC_0009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2175" data-original-width="2303" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWfJ-dxFDAqxqAK0WTOhujhqLCs-P5jCt86P__BCORGBTOybu2EE15TJpU7YFxnqWVzXzueyPHGM9GaLOKNZSYUBrL6YrFVybxjj81u7m2HQ7I-aZv_iJ4ln-Bi-fs4ovtevJT3YO90clCIwN94dp2j21HY-ug3Qfh5oKpfrpZbH-P66rcQ/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlWAp9lnKaEQ-ZWICfcDr_2985ny5aiaTbo6UUWLydGWljapuklhzL9pTFZ0WWN7uc0jWUmA1k5kG6_JgsQe2nrEGXcJRUXJT9JRmXqwwa-w2LgAKPcXMYxWM7XUFXbSnfreBcR9Z7pu3MUV4t85nC7JlEONTKRy1ZgQ3pOkj78kBdqAPoQ/s2464/DSC_0010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2282" data-original-width="2464" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlWAp9lnKaEQ-ZWICfcDr_2985ny5aiaTbo6UUWLydGWljapuklhzL9pTFZ0WWN7uc0jWUmA1k5kG6_JgsQe2nrEGXcJRUXJT9JRmXqwwa-w2LgAKPcXMYxWM7XUFXbSnfreBcR9Z7pu3MUV4t85nC7JlEONTKRy1ZgQ3pOkj78kBdqAPoQ/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mz8g6Ug1rtYVjSymtikWkWtp5iKlG3D-Gy4R8Am7umMczG2c5UDJUEGFZO1lJfJIJSEsWQDdntUrc0pMJcI5hgGn3o89EnHuL31_rhbRSRKdZYw1pKc5IVtK6GRA1HQEQyMy7H3Cboc1Tta-fj0rjpwU4Lcsi4sCgoGVDoCkta3pkM163A/s2742/DSC_0011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2654" data-original-width="2742" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mz8g6Ug1rtYVjSymtikWkWtp5iKlG3D-Gy4R8Am7umMczG2c5UDJUEGFZO1lJfJIJSEsWQDdntUrc0pMJcI5hgGn3o89EnHuL31_rhbRSRKdZYw1pKc5IVtK6GRA1HQEQyMy7H3Cboc1Tta-fj0rjpwU4Lcsi4sCgoGVDoCkta3pkM163A/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still need to work on my photo technique. I was a bit distant with the lights, but didn't realize until I had downloaded the photos so they're all a bit brightened. The focus isn't perfect on some either but next time I'll do a better setup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next is a quick Bones Basilisk from Reaper. Done up for that same Mummy's Mask campaign. Nothing crazy here, but a fun mini to paint and get on the table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBuDKTMcnhEBqrEYCRN7un4_A9-xbFEmw9NyT410XrMHpNR_AM_1bHX9Rb4MxFLdP7lDXXsv1rkYVmslF125UlGY29zPzkrgPxnvxWiQqNumrJ-chgdzPhWsttdWH18kgktpZRHidu21fw1qLTw1VRYI5phFEmzurbv0ppe37DXTaRf6aCQ/s1916/DSC_0012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1892" data-original-width="1916" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBuDKTMcnhEBqrEYCRN7un4_A9-xbFEmw9NyT410XrMHpNR_AM_1bHX9Rb4MxFLdP7lDXXsv1rkYVmslF125UlGY29zPzkrgPxnvxWiQqNumrJ-chgdzPhWsttdWH18kgktpZRHidu21fw1qLTw1VRYI5phFEmzurbv0ppe37DXTaRf6aCQ/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JbBK_jfUOJjS8gAiBxxSpwHjyCzYN4QxoR1_ZAydgECemcnYMAKXUGHltqLxa02_95e9d6drVhzl5PCFCWxIzAaYetJgtiSM-9auN_GOZpw97vfOxBhcA1ogl4LR0VbKlv68HmHhlo4YAJbtK9zOEYveAkCgkd-gHKx5fAC60mq9_4rn6A/s2252/DSC_0013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2076" data-original-width="2252" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JbBK_jfUOJjS8gAiBxxSpwHjyCzYN4QxoR1_ZAydgECemcnYMAKXUGHltqLxa02_95e9d6drVhzl5PCFCWxIzAaYetJgtiSM-9auN_GOZpw97vfOxBhcA1ogl4LR0VbKlv68HmHhlo4YAJbtK9zOEYveAkCgkd-gHKx5fAC60mq9_4rn6A/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next up is a Hasslefree mini from the Matt Dixon Kickstarter. Another example of why skin tones can be <i>hard</i>. Smoothing the highlights on flesh tones takes some doing, particularly for nudes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fYAIXP5VtFWfG1ehaYWhWlDV49PRtRIL_Yg0nozz0gRCy99WY6OcJyCs4rCxXNT4tIHRzs8hCqnsJzxMNO5XVjonhJTImnbZkvRU4CHlO7D4qJ_JfGSVIP-vao3EGivsmOJmHkIOEwIJSvMtTUq74T-dF6YamakpcNGdFxLNEReBPbZWIg/s1647/DSC_0015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="1647" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fYAIXP5VtFWfG1ehaYWhWlDV49PRtRIL_Yg0nozz0gRCy99WY6OcJyCs4rCxXNT4tIHRzs8hCqnsJzxMNO5XVjonhJTImnbZkvRU4CHlO7D4qJ_JfGSVIP-vao3EGivsmOJmHkIOEwIJSvMtTUq74T-dF6YamakpcNGdFxLNEReBPbZWIg/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt6wmfbgLVkPJdOMnTLmikTwolZg1ZWghTiBfgt14pODDSZPvq6zDPaPTwed5lw1xdvfhKwK2BVErQ8yg2XyDdMb8PWpzt_G001P8vthiVoEUSVp8DSirxv4cxfE4lBf3LRBeMc6kivDKfVCc3euxY1vVdPn1hvPKGF4itKPeEmW3hfq2WA/s1826/DSC_0016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1826" data-original-width="1529" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt6wmfbgLVkPJdOMnTLmikTwolZg1ZWghTiBfgt14pODDSZPvq6zDPaPTwed5lw1xdvfhKwK2BVErQ8yg2XyDdMb8PWpzt_G001P8vthiVoEUSVp8DSirxv4cxfE4lBf3LRBeMc6kivDKfVCc3euxY1vVdPn1hvPKGF4itKPeEmW3hfq2WA/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmel6Jv-Q1_YKcDoz7ZJZHY0SYVh20agUn3HRfndEeXFucJ90j1iM0S7y5K_rX3cBzwRbpwmoGiybSyxT6gn5wYiqcBbVMPNatUMiKyhJrbhlXV9DbFq6epE5r72qKemD3XSBLnprjCFDXd4t9oXeqkTKoyA3JhsGpU6XCl9-nfqpPFjgv9Q/s1768/DSC_0017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="1768" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmel6Jv-Q1_YKcDoz7ZJZHY0SYVh20agUn3HRfndEeXFucJ90j1iM0S7y5K_rX3cBzwRbpwmoGiybSyxT6gn5wYiqcBbVMPNatUMiKyhJrbhlXV9DbFq6epE5r72qKemD3XSBLnprjCFDXd4t9oXeqkTKoyA3JhsGpU6XCl9-nfqpPFjgv9Q/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZZXMj1eUcv0QtoajMMQ-13UTxs0szhNm8I9a5fdbSUCKrzKOYDKtj_KiN_siSpGtjSPb4-6gZE1xCkkGpUInV3vCXYTj86GpnTncsr3dFPo_RRiv_Bdr32MCquTcyjGebTanOauzYIhqjrUiIxOud0XRngsX_4SzyyrlG3Rg3W3Q6S_z2Q/s2082/DSC_0018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="1772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZZXMj1eUcv0QtoajMMQ-13UTxs0szhNm8I9a5fdbSUCKrzKOYDKtj_KiN_siSpGtjSPb4-6gZE1xCkkGpUInV3vCXYTj86GpnTncsr3dFPo_RRiv_Bdr32MCquTcyjGebTanOauzYIhqjrUiIxOud0XRngsX_4SzyyrlG3Rg3W3Q6S_z2Q/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="272" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A great mini to paint though. The sculpts from Hasslefree are fantastic. Again, all the minis here are a mix of GW, P3 and Reaper paints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A rogue-type mini next. Bones so there's some softness in the deep recesses, but otherwise a solid mini. Not sure what he's stealing, but he's definitely working hard to get away with it. The cloak turned out beautifully (P3 Bastion Grey as a base) and was a lot of fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGa8-3n4aTyu_p107m7klYeV8uReXnzi6f8xsnifCiFoRoBxUsYGU_uAQyxIcM_aLK_tqFQUh4b5XhNsjlbHN82GXOuT0U8-t_XQktAF_GHXrSDTozKfIZEokDtJWsOOaClBdXtg7jHOapV0kJ-v9S7VjkZv0XvdUYLUDf9emh_lAVa-hAw/s1992/DSC_0019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1852" data-original-width="1992" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGa8-3n4aTyu_p107m7klYeV8uReXnzi6f8xsnifCiFoRoBxUsYGU_uAQyxIcM_aLK_tqFQUh4b5XhNsjlbHN82GXOuT0U8-t_XQktAF_GHXrSDTozKfIZEokDtJWsOOaClBdXtg7jHOapV0kJ-v9S7VjkZv0XvdUYLUDf9emh_lAVa-hAw/s320/DSC_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4uE9hYIpdP7GJ077XdFlTtWPGupu6K94cuo-BAEkPLohzM0ju_lroDKEZ3kg6lAP9qWaKi6V3DPQgjcMKwie7bzaarqFrUwvZ1Z-MdiLmNfBXCf7zFnCsY3GSiMw3WMuwM0CM0uPRSZM5sjIeoxzmhXTPV8NCj63EfmbLni7s35EzGUmmg/s1797/DSC_0020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="1797" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4uE9hYIpdP7GJ077XdFlTtWPGupu6K94cuo-BAEkPLohzM0ju_lroDKEZ3kg6lAP9qWaKi6V3DPQgjcMKwie7bzaarqFrUwvZ1Z-MdiLmNfBXCf7zFnCsY3GSiMw3WMuwM0CM0uPRSZM5sjIeoxzmhXTPV8NCj63EfmbLni7s35EzGUmmg/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV2Iq5MXNBjFDDHHzQGHO7fImmm-kwO5RQ82ea8oZ3jkCpGE686JalwT7Md7NXk7sdhb9ZltbJfT89yZQAbTfTB_wiKjDZtxzDZdHL5OLzVl1_TyflUWxBqqkEPEL76WM6r5QznNcS_JLahdrNA0nANxbjvWh__zg8wkqO6yoqn-Y_U5htg/s2070/DSC_0021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1769" data-original-width="2070" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV2Iq5MXNBjFDDHHzQGHO7fImmm-kwO5RQ82ea8oZ3jkCpGE686JalwT7Md7NXk7sdhb9ZltbJfT89yZQAbTfTB_wiKjDZtxzDZdHL5OLzVl1_TyflUWxBqqkEPEL76WM6r5QznNcS_JLahdrNA0nANxbjvWh__zg8wkqO6yoqn-Y_U5htg/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, a character made from Hero Forge, the custom mini company. I went in on the Kickstarter when they first started up, as I was working up a character for a Pathfinder campaign (Serpent's Skull adventure path) and there aren't too many halfling clerics of Shelyn out there, armed with glaives. Turned out rather well, to be honest. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hMF2E-bVhwXZg-YZB89rGOuqRnkm1dJ-qM4-bDvFH6uFHWTBnvcovxOHvdjXKkpZtCTM1vsv64sVxAOF1svCZdmNL_XsjI6FoarxWPdQHgXgMDNjfywac_vjmKVoHLf3m5gttAiRtg6K0O52lVr_nRwSP1E0iTZHKQTugil0jGPD8iyWIg/s1953/DSC_0022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1818" data-original-width="1953" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hMF2E-bVhwXZg-YZB89rGOuqRnkm1dJ-qM4-bDvFH6uFHWTBnvcovxOHvdjXKkpZtCTM1vsv64sVxAOF1svCZdmNL_XsjI6FoarxWPdQHgXgMDNjfywac_vjmKVoHLf3m5gttAiRtg6K0O52lVr_nRwSP1E0iTZHKQTugil0jGPD8iyWIg/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYs7OePDQMNR_lBczIwCDCMVNeM6vyrzjZeeCauqC1PLB5850oihnxeWR5NDD7QnS9xCgEl4bDjDtPFXlikd0Mn3L8XwejoE4ZVr7xsyDhw5u5Celo9zdCerZGHTexsWinPLpPYg-wltxRsmFmsmQfuBwLZiiVVMc6Z-dSvB34wdyO8eRjUQ/s1918/DSC_0023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="1918" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYs7OePDQMNR_lBczIwCDCMVNeM6vyrzjZeeCauqC1PLB5850oihnxeWR5NDD7QnS9xCgEl4bDjDtPFXlikd0Mn3L8XwejoE4ZVr7xsyDhw5u5Celo9zdCerZGHTexsWinPLpPYg-wltxRsmFmsmQfuBwLZiiVVMc6Z-dSvB34wdyO8eRjUQ/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlEAPlhiwbvrW7o4fYtR8QLcJ1-qL6PGL64uC14l44BU90PxloDxqMXVUxLVxZdwnSpnoNCadIig9vdajLyb0UdKKAOVM_8HAnrixZLzQL4vyVpuxDXKxu4f5Pvv2RBlZiBNy_xqML9LNxtKCwYWuyXu3ThfmQvervPsCC9aVWO3BeSERRg/s2189/DSC_0024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2189" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlEAPlhiwbvrW7o4fYtR8QLcJ1-qL6PGL64uC14l44BU90PxloDxqMXVUxLVxZdwnSpnoNCadIig9vdajLyb0UdKKAOVM_8HAnrixZLzQL4vyVpuxDXKxu4f5Pvv2RBlZiBNy_xqML9LNxtKCwYWuyXu3ThfmQvervPsCC9aVWO3BeSERRg/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that's all for today. Actually painted up a bit of a storm over the past few months, in and around that pesky day job and whatnot.</div>Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-13243305613969540852022-08-22T20:18:00.005-07:002022-08-22T20:18:52.527-07:00Update on goals<p>Updating some of this year's goals, turns out some of them are actually done! </p><p>2. Gaming - we've managed to stick to a reasonable schedule and actually finish one adventure path volume (Mummy's Mask volume 3). Now our other GM is running volume 3 of Serpent's Skull. So that goal is accomplished (getting back to a regular schedule).</p><p>3. Hobby - well, I did some painting, but this goal will stretch out a bit. Still, keep on keeping on.</p><p>4. Fitness - I kept up with my fitness routine, and started cycling again (at least until my shifter cable broke, need to get that fixed). Saw some gains and plan to continue.</p><p>5. Shooting - participated in all of this year's shoots, and managed to top my division twice (yes, it's only the 'U' and then 'D' divisions, but I'll still take it, for someone who just started.</p><p>So far so good. The only one lacking is number 1 - Writing. On that front, today I restarted that effort with a total of 811 words. Nothing earth-shattering, but a solid restart. Just like the six cubic yards of gravel we had to hand carry to the back yard for a project, it happens one bucket at a time.</p><p>Aside from that, we just returned from a two week road trip, camping throughout British Columbia. What a great time. A fantastic break from work and a good mental reset. Easy to unplug when there's no cell service of any kind, not even 9-1-1!</p><p>So, this year is proving successful, and even includes some good home improvement work, which occupied a large portion of the spring/summer period.</p><p>More to follow, but time to buckle down and get to work if Queen's Legacy is to be drafted this year...</p>Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-47677541576528057672022-06-08T19:43:00.006-07:002022-06-08T19:43:50.919-07:00World Pet Memorial Day<p> Apparently today is World Pet Memorial Day. I think I like this day.</p><p>There have been more, but these three were <i>mine.</i></p><p>Silver, my Little One, how I've missed you longer than I had you, but so long as I draw breath you will never be forgotten.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1w58Gb4t1OPUqJ-aRCwqm_QdhXPEeAsrIBGlrhKOGizoG9WwcYaSkr2DaEJIs_WS-CsFHWZ2guqvIVcjb5d76y3DCgqVH-6MqA88SpZe0X99RBsjqjmz7de9bufzQUCqsNBWMbqy_gpPgxfvDXW7Br2-6-Y5iIODgSPsYTNErYsr77CEww/s1166/EPSON012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1166" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1w58Gb4t1OPUqJ-aRCwqm_QdhXPEeAsrIBGlrhKOGizoG9WwcYaSkr2DaEJIs_WS-CsFHWZ2guqvIVcjb5d76y3DCgqVH-6MqA88SpZe0X99RBsjqjmz7de9bufzQUCqsNBWMbqy_gpPgxfvDXW7Br2-6-Y5iIODgSPsYTNErYsr77CEww/s320/EPSON012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now for Star (black), who was my Whisky Buddy, the pretty girl full of purrs. Her brother Tyr, the Dude, who both were my sweet, beautiful housebeasts.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucXcw9NvyIlKLBBnNd94kbpvpKN07mEm5KzX7LWBs0DcuL4GFRsylSHaqakvFnbqReG-3rqUbaVfh5-L8vXKe905zZ_rNx74HRRjHHTt4ruBeEYxDAeteKEdthzyk8hJ-h_S6nKnXF3__GPETkN_tNtx_gG2murZeCVPhdnHyflD35amyhw/s2048/20150416_074643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucXcw9NvyIlKLBBnNd94kbpvpKN07mEm5KzX7LWBs0DcuL4GFRsylSHaqakvFnbqReG-3rqUbaVfh5-L8vXKe905zZ_rNx74HRRjHHTt4ruBeEYxDAeteKEdthzyk8hJ-h_S6nKnXF3__GPETkN_tNtx_gG2murZeCVPhdnHyflD35amyhw/s320/20150416_074643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Always with me, all of you.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-21812724418450341832022-03-10T21:05:00.001-08:002022-03-10T21:05:36.921-08:002022 Goals<p> Made some goals for 2022, now that I've had a chance to sort through a few things.</p><p>1. Writing - Put words down, finish the first draft of Queen's Legacy</p><p>2. Gaming - keep to a regular plan and schedule for games</p><p>3. Hobby - Pick one army, work on it before all else</p><p>4. Fitness - time to get back to lifting weights and cycling more</p><p>5. Shooting - join the South Island Action Shooting club and do some matches</p><p>More to follow as I work my way through all of these. I figure these are the five pillars for 2022 to work on.</p><p><br /></p>Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-1430122277696602852022-02-08T23:10:00.004-08:002022-02-08T23:10:54.846-08:00Tyr<p> Well, that was a year and a half or so.</p><p>Like last time, I had no ability to post for a bit. 2020 was a tough year. That was the year my Dude, my baby man, passed away on 2 November, 2020. I haven't wanted to put anything up until I could write this, as (like with Star) he is more important than anything else I put up here. And it hurt, damn it.</p><p>It was in 2004 when we got Tyr and Star, as I mentioned. Here is his photo from that employee post wall back at F&P.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1rgPJNngIqMMV9wjSUCXHzdyf_j8bJLBJMxkzbbmhV6igwyEKBakLlnjjMreRdZq49Fc7cLUrpMLnxEBsYuaVf75g9D6drboASYZ0Wtb-4LquVWd64y_NyLHpCIBS8ORswd3GlSnVC41d5-P89Za-Omj6kg4U00KEQ5qW4XXFTiB0ripR_A=s835" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="683" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1rgPJNngIqMMV9wjSUCXHzdyf_j8bJLBJMxkzbbmhV6igwyEKBakLlnjjMreRdZq49Fc7cLUrpMLnxEBsYuaVf75g9D6drboASYZ0Wtb-4LquVWd64y_NyLHpCIBS8ORswd3GlSnVC41d5-P89Za-Omj6kg4U00KEQ5qW4XXFTiB0ripR_A=w328-h400" width="328" /></a></div><br /><p>That's my Dude! Of the two, he was less curious, but also more flexible. Within a short time, he connected with me and was fast becoming a 'daddy's cat.' We didn't notice until my wife was home on maternal leave after our second was born. She noticed that this guy would do his rounds of the house until about 0830 or so, then up to bed in our bedroom. In those days, we had a lower bed and he would creep under the overhanging blankets and snooze away under the blankets, all nice and toasty. Then, hours later, she would hear the ka-thump of a cat hitting the floor. He'd trot down the stairs and that's when she knew my truck was on our street, because he heard it and it was 'daddy time.'</p><p>Many an evening was spent with Star on my footstool and Tyr on my lap in the library in the house in Orangeville. I could read for hours with the two of them snoozing away. </p><p>Then, the big move. Coming out west was the biggest move they ever made. Tyr was the most relaxed in the car. Star, while curious, was nervous and that first night needed some serious cuddles in the hotel room. Tyr was happy if his people were there, because that made everything okay. We had the setup in the back of the Jeep where they had the whole cargo area to themselves. One day, getting out of the Jeep, he didn't want to come out of the cat condo. So, instead of fighting him, I just picked it up, rolled the opening against my chest, and carried it and him inside! Silly dude.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcCoLaLAPeqxKcJTIYSAr8WLsz5I-pUhegMwcagssLDTgfkGrooHSLB7Crf0jO0_DO2cogBMNfUH5AR22-p-wDqXH8jZk23WhyYjt47DsPdANtUe7jkvoBjgzpY4ROZRlPuK5-gRwzpZ8FJon3fSwIzSHtR2Oijs5I1xl9LabduqZESftG-Q=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcCoLaLAPeqxKcJTIYSAr8WLsz5I-pUhegMwcagssLDTgfkGrooHSLB7Crf0jO0_DO2cogBMNfUH5AR22-p-wDqXH8jZk23WhyYjt47DsPdANtUe7jkvoBjgzpY4ROZRlPuK5-gRwzpZ8FJon3fSwIzSHtR2Oijs5I1xl9LabduqZESftG-Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Here he is in one of the hotel rooms on the way, wondering when the noms will be put down. All he needed was his people. That curious look on his face was the norm. He had a way of looking at you, where you knew he knew what you were about. A curious face, confident that the world was his to explore.</p><p>Either that, or the eyes of judgement. He also had a look where you knew he was judging you. We called him the Dude of Judgement.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyfz7Z5qH9Rq1Y2mLmdJeCeA-6UpEI4DlGB69zx975dGdt42gaoYvEcVcAjj1AXuYGHL4KpXB-h1aXEtrn39pMG7gKCTut1hQj82OJhyFS4ggJFu6CUj8U6_-xIZrO-1JsWfWbmbJjDdOS00-Dcm-4qKdOXqutoTs7AegEKvn4vEwMdaiaAQ=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyfz7Z5qH9Rq1Y2mLmdJeCeA-6UpEI4DlGB69zx975dGdt42gaoYvEcVcAjj1AXuYGHL4KpXB-h1aXEtrn39pMG7gKCTut1hQj82OJhyFS4ggJFu6CUj8U6_-xIZrO-1JsWfWbmbJjDdOS00-Dcm-4qKdOXqutoTs7AegEKvn4vEwMdaiaAQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This pic is a bit later, in 2019. He was also the one who was a creature of ritual. Around 2030 at night, he would be sitting at the top of the stairs, waiting. If we didn't come to bed, around 2100 he would wander down to the living room, staring as if to tell us it was time for bed. If we still didn't get up, around 2130 he would come into the room and meow at us, telling us it was time to come to bed so he could have cuddles and people to sleep with.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXizhCz1JmET_SMnvstkNzY_lOak3krhTGoW8S8s8TElXiTdFvpALyG9mkunwBwlp2f79HyiXDE1JJ4lj5T1Hu7_f0yduJp1EAsGsJjQReMjklY15M4fkV6TfFf_YfciwbzC7czA_Xezrdxlzp3uGEp_nbp12CLNrncYy8avKI0P_HB632fQ=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXizhCz1JmET_SMnvstkNzY_lOak3krhTGoW8S8s8TElXiTdFvpALyG9mkunwBwlp2f79HyiXDE1JJ4lj5T1Hu7_f0yduJp1EAsGsJjQReMjklY15M4fkV6TfFf_YfciwbzC7czA_Xezrdxlzp3uGEp_nbp12CLNrncYy8avKI0P_HB632fQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This one's actually from the Library, but the face is the same. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrbU37bLQt2u6zMyr7ZfpmWMeMFbLaTW1fFWfBv1dxFkj2B3zRvw6jHVhcHGyZ0CRowYriQb3mEj7ZaM8QPlHHpChPtoOEIpHfM7abQysQD7-1QhMKQlBA99McaVWJ67QJqRAQNiTiFLTvfz_9B0PBbMPMh59rNqLY5c5pFmBSwwYHVUCgJw=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrbU37bLQt2u6zMyr7ZfpmWMeMFbLaTW1fFWfBv1dxFkj2B3zRvw6jHVhcHGyZ0CRowYriQb3mEj7ZaM8QPlHHpChPtoOEIpHfM7abQysQD7-1QhMKQlBA99McaVWJ67QJqRAQNiTiFLTvfz_9B0PBbMPMh59rNqLY5c5pFmBSwwYHVUCgJw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He was a bit chonky, but not too bad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilxAv5EdFRiZmwzgnw0dA3FpENMmkSisooyXF4xHEG5uTiO4krK_svCdZg3v3cw5JVgNpGut8hAqT9MT2Ybnn2hGs8VKT1yv-SFqwUNnCKdbQo0afXPrHGxltOjU8fQxgVdmAp-qcFKnHaK56sf-uVNuizAmOqQ97URAZgCbyrXWke_U5CcQ=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilxAv5EdFRiZmwzgnw0dA3FpENMmkSisooyXF4xHEG5uTiO4krK_svCdZg3v3cw5JVgNpGut8hAqT9MT2Ybnn2hGs8VKT1yv-SFqwUNnCKdbQo0afXPrHGxltOjU8fQxgVdmAp-qcFKnHaK56sf-uVNuizAmOqQ97URAZgCbyrXWke_U5CcQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tummy rubs were one of his favourites.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixBZlmq9ElGp65-njvAkIvhaWeINYE7ns1xLuO1lQUKanhWNMJrtgcDMo9Ibr7rGriv0lXtD_Bjojr4g82BBUU62Y7KYEuRI9lQdEGufGrOwSh8hS-PKKV6pcIws6dR1DdYOV9sZFDaMFFRzX11xr6TIgy0ByvfU8LQawMeaG8qesT9LKzMg=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixBZlmq9ElGp65-njvAkIvhaWeINYE7ns1xLuO1lQUKanhWNMJrtgcDMo9Ibr7rGriv0lXtD_Bjojr4g82BBUU62Y7KYEuRI9lQdEGufGrOwSh8hS-PKKV6pcIws6dR1DdYOV9sZFDaMFFRzX11xr6TIgy0ByvfU8LQawMeaG8qesT9LKzMg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So were sunlit window sills. The house we're in now has 2x6 framed walls, providing cat-sized ledges at every window. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As he got older, he became even more of a daddy's cat. When Star passed in 2017, I think he held on even closer as both of them were 'my' cats. This was the cat who had to come to bed with me every night. There he would curl up next to me and I would wrap my arm around him for some scratchies before falling asleep. This was the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He was also my constant sidekick. Always hanging out in whatever room I was in. Judging everyone else as they came and went, but happy to just be with me. He was the one you could talk to in a normal voice, and he'd look at you like he knew what you meant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He was also having some sort of trouble, and we had him in to the vet for ultrasounds and other investigations. As we were getting to the bottom of what was wrong with him, I had to deploy in August 2020, with a return in December of that year. I knew he had some sort of health issue, though aside from diarrhea and weight loss he was no different. No pain, no discomfort. I spent extra time with him before I left, but it could never have been enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I was deployed, we kept up with the vet appointments, and it appeared there was something in his gut, possibly a tumour, but not entirely clear. More follow-ups were needed. I was on the other side of the planet. He took a turn for the worse, and when my wife took him to the vet, whatever it was had clearly advanced. He rebounded that weekend, and seemed to be coming back to his old self. Then it came for him. He couldn't walk, could barely lift his head. It was time. My wife and daughters took him for his final ride on 2 November, 2020, while a part of my soul died that day, in a darkened cabin aboard HMCS <i>Winnipeg</i>, and I begged any deity that would hear me for one last chance to hold my Dude, and tell him I love him so much. That it would all be okay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think I spent most of 2021 recovering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fly free, my baby man. Fly free until we meet again in whatever holds us beyond the veil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8Bfq7A7kMLf0XVl7H3eyrjvnbugaF7tPxbucRgs33ps3ER_GwhnYgd7hkArB679WvPoNTxTwIynfp1PIlPvwsUboLVt8oBUw5WUFXl_NEDzbBMlE_c9PG-6foNewRf4vhQ-qzU2B5stmK5kbzTPSbLzL9R7Eypz8aSvFjoqCWZIDBiKNC5g=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8Bfq7A7kMLf0XVl7H3eyrjvnbugaF7tPxbucRgs33ps3ER_GwhnYgd7hkArB679WvPoNTxTwIynfp1PIlPvwsUboLVt8oBUw5WUFXl_NEDzbBMlE_c9PG-6foNewRf4vhQ-qzU2B5stmK5kbzTPSbLzL9R7Eypz8aSvFjoqCWZIDBiKNC5g=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He always loved the 'warm,' a cozy seat by the fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnTna8_coO0eAJH1JEEaCr6jODcAbvNo3rb6LZzIX8SnrHh2US0GTiSKovi7G1lQfcyhs37HDdOMgwvtghxn24m6uisXrCVqm-quT4GR9Ac5U-LORl7f-Pgd2cQSK0doyir69BVGWVm6tYcc2uSqYr3RT2X3vVI2pDP3MDQAbXMbMN3p56Sg=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1280" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnTna8_coO0eAJH1JEEaCr6jODcAbvNo3rb6LZzIX8SnrHh2US0GTiSKovi7G1lQfcyhs37HDdOMgwvtghxn24m6uisXrCVqm-quT4GR9Ac5U-LORl7f-Pgd2cQSK0doyir69BVGWVm6tYcc2uSqYr3RT2X3vVI2pDP3MDQAbXMbMN3p56Sg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of more handsome looks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwiawEM_ZEdktb3r7e3BO9av02SnpaKYKtLQ9BHVlUsDz2lsCVlQAgacWX0wmZ1-N3D0DpaHWjhoJ_exNzqii5z3Cyh-LI98I6HPQzhswhT4gZrqaRnp5ChYIPsrgGyGd-A6s8VPOy_nWUGAAhWUl4hqPErI5OHkGoq_wKypY-v4BTp_sfTw=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwiawEM_ZEdktb3r7e3BO9av02SnpaKYKtLQ9BHVlUsDz2lsCVlQAgacWX0wmZ1-N3D0DpaHWjhoJ_exNzqii5z3Cyh-LI98I6HPQzhswhT4gZrqaRnp5ChYIPsrgGyGd-A6s8VPOy_nWUGAAhWUl4hqPErI5OHkGoq_wKypY-v4BTp_sfTw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having a seat on the dashboard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBFoD58XHxj-cU5BYbIUU1zoygdms0bX2bWLSvjQkhn7avLqmHcLl9821fXQimvg-GfFasn8e5Un-2s0V9Ke9xEr37QgPhXCq3zFNInHha3mKkB7RjCB_ECS-lyqCef8NOy7D8U-It0hHZagpjOAeLWX9_wuFUUGXV_bjjMh9YAgPHPeaGLA=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBFoD58XHxj-cU5BYbIUU1zoygdms0bX2bWLSvjQkhn7avLqmHcLl9821fXQimvg-GfFasn8e5Un-2s0V9Ke9xEr37QgPhXCq3zFNInHha3mKkB7RjCB_ECS-lyqCef8NOy7D8U-It0hHZagpjOAeLWX9_wuFUUGXV_bjjMh9YAgPHPeaGLA=s320" width="240" /></a></div>All three of them. Tyr, Siam and Star, in their catpile. All are waiting for us on the other side of the Bridge. <div><br /></div><div>Fortunately we have other housebeasts to give us comfort. They can never be replaced, but we have more to love. There was a meme I saw once, and it asked: "What's the hardest part of having a cat?" and the answer was "the goodbye." Truer words were never said, but I wouldn't trade any of those moments with them for anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to have a good, stiff drink, probably get no more writing done, and look at some photos.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-12617970167555240892020-02-04T21:26:00.000-08:002020-02-04T21:26:39.424-08:00Photo Setup ImprovementsFinally got about to trialling a new setup for miniatures photography. Took two desk lamps and replaced the bulbs with 'daylight' grade LED bulbs. Massive increase in brightness and a bright white hue as well.<br />
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The result: a dramatic increase in brightness and proper colour. Witness below, some Eldar models (three warlocks and a Bonesinger). Much better colour than some previous photos.<br />
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This last one I cropped it a bit and touched the brightness up a hair, so there's room to improve.</div>
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Granted, still needs some work on tweaking the grey behind (it's actually a white page). I have some references for setting the white balance on the camera, so that will be the next step. This was a simple setup on the gaming table with the models on a bright white piece of paper, and two desk lights aimed at them camera A/B style. Keeps the shadows to a minimum. <br />
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Some Reaper Miniatures minis had the same effect, though backing away a little and zooming in seemed to work a bit better. <br />
A lovely rogue mini that just yelled 'red' at me when I was choosing the colour.<br />
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The photos are much better, you can see the green mildew at the base of the stone wall.</div>
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This Succubus was a tough one to paint. Flesh tones, especially on a model that is little else, are harder than they look. Turned out fairly well, though in my experimentation I found a slightly darker skin tone I can use in the future. More of an olive-skinned look.</div>
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I'm going to have to revisit this guy's varnish a bit. He's a bit shiny, and I'm not sure what happened there. The photo came out well though.</div>
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That went well, for some quick experimentation and a very quick setup. More fiddling around is needed but I'm on a much better path than before. This post is Ironclad-approved!</div>
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<br />Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-53920517482923935402019-10-14T21:48:00.004-07:002019-10-14T21:48:56.879-07:00Slinging PaintA few quick hits as I sling some paint on the last day of the Thanksgiving weekend. Working on a bunch of things, though I realized if we're planning to play Pathfinder next Saturday, and I'm away at sea the whole working week, then I had best paint up the miniatures I plan to use. Sorta makes sense...<br />
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The lighting isn't great, but there's a bunch going on here. From L to R, there's a dragon's wings, some Daemonettes of Slaanesh for my Hedonites army, a succubus figure (with detached wing) and two mummies for our next Mummy's Mask adventure path session. Somewhere back there are the two pilots for my Space Marine Land Speeder for my Blackbirds Chapter of Space Marines (also Warhammer 40000).</div>
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Some detail on the mummies and succubus. And a well used paint palette. I need the mummies for next week's game, and the succubus is there to work on while I wait for ink washes to dry and such. Seldom do I only have one model (or group of models on the go) at one time. Usually there's a few things so I'm always filling the time while other stuff is drying.</div>
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Over to the 'working desk' I've got the aforementioned Land Speeder, then a sphinx model I'll need for a future instalment of Mummy's Mask. Then the green dragon (Reaper's Everblight) who is the owner of the wings above, the Fane of Slaanesh (a terrain piece for Warhammer Age of Sigmar) and a unit of Seekers of Slaanesh, the next part of my Hedonites army.</div>
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That's the state of the desk right now. Going to sea for a week I hope to get back to some writing but we're preparing for a big deployment next year, and as a HOD (head of department) that means lots and lots of prep work. [sigh] And it will be bouncy this week (4-5m seas)! <br />
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See y'all in a few days...Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-46532238206182621092019-09-05T21:46:00.001-07:002019-09-05T21:46:27.494-07:00Off to the Con...Off to RustyCon this weekend! Should be fun, and meet some writerly types. More when I'm back.Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-10936573593964982302019-01-04T09:53:00.002-08:002019-01-04T09:53:40.875-08:00Happy 2019!I hope you all had a good holiday, having much food, merriment and gaming. <br />
<br />
I, for one, had an excellent holiday, filled with gaming, skiing and relaxing. Fortunately, I was able to take three full weeks off during the holidays. In fact, I don't go back to work until Monday. Eat your heart out...<br />
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Despite a few issues, such as having to get our hot water heater looked at for a low flow problem, the holidays were super smooth. We eschewed any major parties or events, aside from a short ski trip to Mt. Washington over New Year's Eve. It was good. Relaxing by the fire, good food, good wine and other libations. Makes for a relaxing holiday.<br />
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As always, my ambitious to do list suffered. Always figuring I have more time/energy than actual, but at least I managed to pick away at a few things. Sadly, very little painting got done, but the new year shall bring more opportunities.<br />
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This year will be more models, more gaming, even some more writing, as well as some more philosophy as I feel like writing it. <br />
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May the coming year bring us more free markets, smaller government, less taxes and more prosperity!Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-39460725591234198202018-11-29T19:27:00.000-08:002018-11-29T19:27:37.897-08:00Painting progressOver the last few weeks I've made some progress on painting. First up is the finally-finished Eldar Hemlock Wraithfighter. It's on the far right, and pictured with the 1000 points of Eldar I've been working on for the Warhammer 40k builder's league at our local game shop, <a href="http://www.everythinggames.ca/" target="_blank">Everything Games.</a><br />
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Doing this builder's league, for me at least, was a way to push more painting, and get more models done. Given that the league is over, but I've managed to paint quite a few things, I'd call it a mixed success. <br />
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A closer look at the Hemlock, showing the painted cockpit. This model fits together great, but those smooth, curvilinear surfaces take a LOT of coats of paint. Will have to use an airbrush for future models like this one. Still, it turned out rather nicely for the efforts.<br />
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However, there's still more to do to finish the 2000 points of models for the league (or, more appropriately, my own goal).<br />
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That whole shelf needs to be done, less some of the unprimed guys at the back.<br />
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However, for now I'm working on a bit of a palate cleanser, a mini for my D&D warlock character in the campaign we play weekly after work.<br />
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He's coming along nicely, and it's always refreshing to paint a model that is more 'freeform,' in that there's no uniform, no specific colour scheme, just a chance to play with colour choices and painting techniques.<br />
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After this guy, it's back to the grind with my team of Imperial Guard for the Kill Team game, as well as the ruined building terrain pieces (one of which is pictured behind them, sprayed grey for a basecoat).<br />
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After that, maybe back to a dragon I had started before the builders' leagues took all my painting time.<br />
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She'll be a green dragon, though I've always liked the Larry Elmore style contrasting belly scales, so I went with a nice, deep yellow. The base and wings are in front, separate so as to get all the hidden areas.<br />
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Along with all that, there's the Age of Sigmar builder's league, so I've got a bunch of Seraphon to paint up for that one...Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-30038556080831279922018-11-20T21:36:00.000-08:002018-11-20T21:36:19.296-08:00Your Student Loans are Your Problem<div class="MsoNormal">
Your student loans are your problem. Not inflicted on you by some nebulous
‘patriarchy,’ ‘system,’ or other make-believe oppression. You wanted to go to university or college. You wanted to learn something. You signed on the dotted line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s say that again: <i>You
signed on the dotted line.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What did you sign?
Well, you willingly said you would be happy to borrow money from someone
(the taxpayer, the bank, a lender, uncle Bob) to fund your education, and
committed to paying it back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s review that last part again: <i>Committed to paying it back.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there’s the crux of the matter. You said you’d pay it back. Put your name to it, in fact. Therefore, it stands to reason that that’s
exactly what you should do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why am I thinking of this?
I’ve seen a few of the debt forgiveness posts floating around social
media, as well as those stupid “I am the 99%” wanna-memes. Plus the talk floating up from below the 49<sup>th</sup>
about debt forgiveness and other idiot ideas like ‘free’ tuition. I put free in quotes because, frankly, it’s
not free. Someone is paying, and why the
hell shouldn’t it be you? That and I had some ideas I wanted to wrangle in my mind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, now you’ve got student loans. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I got these to better myself!” you cry. “I need this to earn a living wage!” you wail
(whatever a living wage actually is).
“You just want education for the rich!” as your teeth gnash together like jackhammers of envy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fair. Cool story
bro. Don’t care. I don’t care what your reasons are. They're your reasons and not my concern. However, you took someone else’s money, and used it
for a purpose, and now you have to give it back. Sometimes with interest. That’s how it works. No one looks twice about the fact that you
have to pay back a mortgage, or a car loan, or a credit card. Makes perfect sense. You spent the money pre-emptively, then you
pay it back. In many cases, in a planned
fashion, financing something of worth is a sensible way to do business.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, why shouldn’t you have to pay back your student
loans? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But it’s so hard!” you whine. “I don’t make a living wage!” you bitch. Too damn bad.
I thought your loans were for an education that would pay off? Did you do research into your chosen field? Did you look to see what your degree program
would earn you on the other side?
No? Well, you made your choice,
now deal with it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you should have gone to the school in town, rather
than add residence to the tally. Maybe
you should have considered a shorter program, or a trade instead. Maybe skipped it altogether if your degree
program was so useless as to be a ‘barista mill’ (no offence to real
baristas. I truly appreciate someone who
can make a good cup of coffee.
Seriously, caffeine = fuel).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bottom line, if the degree program you want ends in the word
“studies” or has the term “social justice” anywhere in it, chances are it’s
<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Worthless-Aaron-Clarey-ebook/dp/B006N0THIM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542778013&sr=8-1&keywords=worthless" target="_blank">worthless</a>. As in, no one will pay you do
to that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you know what? Go
ahead and do it anyway. Whatever floats
your boat. The thing is, the rest of
society should not be held to account for your choices. If you can’t make a 'living wage,' then that’s
on you for the program you picked.
Didn’t get any skills anyone wants to pay you to do? That’s on you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now we can cue the chorus of “we were 18 and had no idea!”
wailing. Well, you should have. You’re 18 years old, for goodness sake! Old enough to be sent overseas in
combat. Old enough to decide the future
of your nation at the ballot box. More
than old enough to guide 5 tonnes of steel, plastic and glass at 100km/hr on a
highway. Old enough to own a gun. Why aren’t you old enough to choose your
major intelligently?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Granted, guidance counselors are completely useless. Parents have been, in many cases, similarly
clueless for different reasons. “Any
degree is a good degree” and “follow your passion and the money will follow”
are stupid ideas that should die in fire.
They’re wrong. They're 'nice to haves.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, be ready to move.
If you can’t find work at ‘home’ then you have to move. Sorry muffin, you can’t stay in your hometown
forever if there are no jobs in your field in that town. Maybe not in your home province even. Get over it, or stay there and suck it
up. Yes, it sucks building up a new
support network in a completely new place.
Yes, it sucks to have a long distance relationship with your
parents/kids/grandparents/family/long time friends. Get over it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pay the money back, and in so doing keep your integrity and
your honour intact. Or don't take it in the first place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parents: consider various saving options if you’re going to
push your kids to some sort of post-secondary.
RESPs (Canadian registered education savings plans) are a great
idea. Or just bank the money a little
bit every year. If they don’t go, or
need less, then you’ve got some extra cash at the end to use, or they can use
it to launch themselves into the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right about now I expect there will be some whinging in the background
about how the cost of tuition is “out of control!!11!1!!!!!eleventy!!11!!!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I agree.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cost of tuition in many programs has risen dramatically,
even since the days I was in school some twenty years ago. Why? I
lay much of the blame on government money.
Interestingly, this fact may also shed light on a solution to both the
problems of excess student loans that people can’t pay back as well as rising
costs of tuition for worthless degrees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
End government student loans. All of them.
Loans, grants, any government money going to students to study. No exceptions.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ll wait while the statists amongst you recoil in
horror. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Why did government money cause this problem? Short version: it was too easy to get.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Government student loans have been around for decades, and
in most cases the loans were analyzed in a ‘needs based’ fashion. That means those who qualified did so on the
basis of being unable to afford post-secondary education, or having low ability
to afford it. The amount would often be
keyed to the resources available to a given student. This sounds like a good solution, in that
those who really needed the money to go would qualify for it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, what happens when there’s an easy source of money
that isn’t tested for means of payback? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, the universities can compensate for cash flow problems (read:
stupid, profligate spending) by jacking up tuition. Isn’t that bad for students? Well, yes, but the government student loans
kept flowing so the system kept churning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Add to that the progressive credentialism of needing ever
more greater levels of education (“masters preferred” in job postings) which
don’t really add value, as well as various professional faculties (law and
medicine, I’m looking at you) needing a ‘pre-degree’ to qualify for your 'real' degree, and you can
see why the costs can soar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, why will ending government student loans solve the
problem? Well, it won’t for those who
already have student loans. You took the
money, you need to pay it back. Else
you’re ultimately just a thief. Sorry not sorry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What
ending government student loans will do is put the onus back onto the borrowers
to prove that their student loan will be a reasonable investment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, who should give student loans? Private institutions. Let the banks do it. Loaning money is, after all, a core aspect of
their business. What it will also do is
force borrowers to answer the question: will I be able to pay this loan
back. Lenders will also analyze the risk
of a given loan, just as they do right now. If you are intent on
pursuing a ‘victim studies’ degree, for which the average annual earnings on
graduation amount to minimum wage service work, then the chance of that bank or
lender authorizing a huge loan is minimal.
They’ll look at what you likely can pay back, so you may qualify for a
few thousand, no more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go for a STEM degree, and likely you’ll qualify for
more. Should you take all of it? Only if you absolutely have to. But at least as an engineer you have a good
shot at handling that debt. The loan
gets treated as a lending risk, with the attendant analysis conducted by the lender, and
ideally students won’t even qualify for a debt load they couldn’t afford. If they need more, they can work for it in
the summers or part time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do I have full faith that banks will properly analyze the
risk? Well, no more or less than they
already do. And it's then between the lender and borrower, with no involvement from the rest of us. The onus will be put back on the borrowers
and lenders to make sure they all have eyes wide open before money changes
hands. Maybe it will also make some
students think twice about their choices before taking on large amounts of
money with only a nebulous idea of payback.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
That, and the government won’t be on the hook for defaulted
loans or need to have the cash reserve to fork over the money. And that means less risk and burden to the
taxpayer, which is the very best part of all.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-58437151024560136452018-08-13T19:15:00.001-07:002018-08-13T19:15:11.173-07:00StarI started writing this post a while ago. Then realized I needed to download some more photos from my phone. Then, well, I just didn't. And then couldn't for a while. And after that I didn't want something else to go up first, because she deserved to be the next post. Or maybe I just didn't feel up to it. Between Star and Buddy, 2017 was best viewed in the rear-view mirror.<br />
<br />
July 31st, 2017, my beloved Star passed away. <br />
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<br />
Just shy of her 13th birthday. It was not a surprise, in that she had contracted the cryptococcus fungus, and it had made its way into her central nervous system. It was only a matter of time, and we loved her fiercely for that last year. <br />
<br />
It started those thirteen years ago when my wife saw a posting at her work for two kittens to a good home. The usual sort of post and she broached the idea, knowing I had lost my last cat not too many years ago. She asked if we should get one, and I said 'why not both?' Thus Star and her brother Tyr came into our lives.<br />
<br />
Here she is, in her very first photo: (yes, it's an actual polaroid that was scanned)<br />
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Her name came from the little white 'star' on her chest. <br />
<br />
We brought them home in the next few days, and ever since then they have been a feature of our house.<br />
<br />
Here she is with her brother, in a typical 'cat pile' on the couch:<br />
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While Tyr was the more laid back one, Star would be the first to explore a new place, a new thing or just check out what was going on. During the drive across the country, however, they swapped roles. He was chill and happy so long as 'his people' were there. Star, however, was not amused and just wanted to cuddle down with daddy every night. She was also the 'library cat.' Her favourite place was the footstool to my reading chair in the library, whether in our house in Orangeville, ON or now here in Victoria. <br />
<br />
She would also purr at the drop of a hat. Neither loud nor soft, she had this consistent motor that would activate as soon as you touched her or paid her any attention. She would happily be picked up (she had no problem being carried), climb halfway up my shoulder and purr away while I walked around the house with her. Star and Tyr bonded with me over the years, I was definitely their 'cat daddy.'<br />
<br />
She was also my whisky drinking buddy. Star had a fascination with any sort of liquid, particularly held in cups. When you were in the bath she'd come and dip her paw in to see the water move. If you left a glass of something she'd play with it to the point of knocking it over. So, one day I was having a wee dram, and Star came over to see what I had in my glass. Well, she came over and jammed her face into my glass, and got a face-full of <a href="http://www.laphroaig.com/" target="_blank">Laphroaig</a> Quarter Cask single malt Scotch whisky. As you can imagine, what she really got was a face full of peat smoke! <br />
<br />
She jumps off the couch and across the room, huffing and sneezing the whole way. I figured that was that, and she'd be gone to go have a nap somewhere where her nose wouldn't be full of delicious, molten campfire on your tongue. <br />
<br />
I was wrong.<br />
<br />
The next thing I know, she's back on the couch, crawling into my lap and this time bringing her head slowly towards my whisky glass, carefully sniffing it. From that day on, she was hooked. Every time I have a dram, she had to come over and check it out. She had preferences too, the smokier the better. Laphroaig, Jura, all the good peaty ones were her favourites, while many of the Speysides left her bored. Over time, she occasionally would lick my finger if I dipped it in, but for her the smell was enough. I figure with her sense of smell, it must have held so many different flavours.<br />
<br />
When she started having seizures, I took her to the vet, and ultimately some bloodwork revealed the fungus infection. I did some reading and if it gets past the blood-brain barrier, it's only a matter of time.<br />
<br />
We decided that that time would be nothing but love. And it was. No matter that she would have seizures, no matter that towards the end she couldn't control her bladder as well as normal, she always had a place on the couch, in front of the fire, or anywhere else. When she couldn't jump up on the beds, we would lift her there. She kept catpiling with her brother and enjoying the big windowsills in the house.<br />
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<br />
Eventually she decided that my daughter's room was the place to be, and that became her sanctuary away from the others. We moved some food and water in and kept her favourite blanket there for her. Sure, she had 'accidents' there but nothing that couldn't be washed out.<br />
<br />
One day, she was on my daughter's bed, both of them napping. It was just another weekend day, a Sunday. I was folding some laundry and my oldest comes into the room saying there's something wrong with Star.<br />
<br />
While napping, she had slipped away.<br />
<br />
Knowing it was coming didn't help. I've been down this road before, and it's never easy. Nor do I want it to be. I want to feel it, to know that there's a hole in your heart and rage at the universe because it took away your little cat. But it is the way of things.<br />
<br />
So instead, I leave this tribute. No one may ever read it, and it may languish in a small corner of the internet but let it be known that this one, small cat <i>mattered.</i> To me, to our family, and the world is dimmer now that she left it.<br />
<br />
Shine on, little Star. I love you. Always.<br />
<br />
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All three of the 'original crew'</div>
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She had the best 'laser beam' eyes. A beautiful green.</div>
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Keeping an eye on things</div>
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Nap time in the library</div>
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Not a lot of photos of one without the other</div>
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Making friends</div>
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Checking out Spot the gerbil</div>
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What a pretty girl!</div>
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<br />Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-43767863292217683312018-04-12T18:12:00.001-07:002018-04-12T18:12:17.527-07:00I'm not dead yet...I haven't fallen off the world yet. More to come this weekend.Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-81529879733293597732017-05-15T21:42:00.001-07:002017-05-15T21:42:41.038-07:00Irons in the fireSo many irons in the fire the last few weeks, it's been crazy.<br />
<br />
However, to give you something to bide your time, here's my Reaper quarterly contest, Sir Conlan.<br />
<br />
First Bones mini I ever painted, and the material stacks up well against anything else. Very strange not to use primer though. Very strange indeed.<br />
<br />
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<br />
A friend of mine has a much better photo setup, and now that I've been able to pick his brain, mine will get better too. Much better (which I will tell all of you about too).Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-55559196419055001482017-04-03T20:43:00.001-07:002017-04-03T20:59:28.731-07:00BuddyToday my daughter's bearded dragon, Buddy, passed away. Not a happy day in our household. She was so happy to get him, she saved her own money, learned everything she needed to and finally, here he was.<br />
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Some say reptiles don't make very good pets. I'd say they're wrong, though to each their own. He grew pretty quick, and eventually made for a good hat.<br />
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He was a pretty happy dude. Enjoyed chasing crickets in his tank for breakfast, lounging on his log and looking out the window, and coming out to roam the living room and say hello to the cats.<br />
<br />
He could be pretty cuddly too. In the evening when it was time for bed he would happily crawl up into the crook of your neck and sit there, slowly falling asleep. Put a blanket on him (it kept your body heat in for him) and he would lie there as long as you'd let him.<br />
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Most days I'd go in to say hi and give him a scritch on the top of his head or a nice stroke. He enjoyed that, closing his eyes and revelling in the attention.<br />
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Climbing was something else he enjoyed. <br />
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He was a special guy, and it's been heartbreaking this evening.<br />
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Here's to you , Buddy. Love you. We'll miss you.<br />
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<br />Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-70885856971324526042017-02-23T22:36:00.004-08:002017-02-23T22:36:44.826-08:00Ironclad approvedOver the last few months (and by last few I mean September and onwards), I managed to get a fair bit of painting done. That, of course, when I wasn't working, doing family things or otherwise engaged.<br />
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From the cabinet comes my warjacks from the journeyman league last summer, who contributed to my 'best painted' award at the end.<br />
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For starters, the Ironclad. A heavy warjack with a quake hammer and open fist. The colours are very traditional Cygnar, which is one of the things I was initially attracted to. <br />
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The gold is Rhulic Gold shaded by brown ink/Sanguine Base mix, then some Umbral Umber into that mix for a final wash. Clean up with Rhulic Gold again and highlight with Shining Gold.<br />
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The steel portions are pig iron followed by a mix of Exile Blue and Armour Wash. Add in some Umbral Umber for a final shade (not too much or it gets 'muddy' looking). Highlight with Cold Steel and Quicksilver and done!<br />
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Normally I paint from the inside out, meaning the areas recessed farthest in get done first. In this case it was eyes and boiler grille first, using Heartfire and Ember Orange to give it a warm, firey glow. The arcane bits in blue on the hammer are Arcane Blue with blue ink and Meredius Blue, using Morrow White for the mix. Dials and gauges on the back are Hammerfall Khaki with Morrow White.<br />
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The Cygnus on the hull was tough as yellow is a pain in the butt sometimes. However, keeping the paint fluid and gradually building up from Rucksack Ran to Cygnar Yellow and beyond with Menoth White Highlight made it stand out nicely.<br />
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The bases on all of them are a wet layer of Umbral Umber (somewhere between a wash and paint) to get into all the recesses. This is followed by a heavy drybrush of Bootstrap Leather and a final touch of Rucksack Tan. Two thin lines for front/back facing and a cleanup of the black rim and the base is done.<br />
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Here's his buddy the Charger, a lovely 'jack with a dual cannon and a hammer for squashing those who get too close. Same techniques on this one, and I think he looks rather spiffy. Ready to lay some smack on the enemies of Cygnar.<br />
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Finally, a group shot with Major Beth Maddox.<br />
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And two more photos of the warlock mini from the previous post. A bit better photo quality.</div>
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Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-9033149024154592862017-02-20T21:16:00.000-08:002017-02-20T21:16:05.629-08:00Warlock modelHere's some photos of a warlock model I completed for Reaper Miniatures' quarterly contest. How it works is the previous winner selects a mini ($10 or less) and anyone who wants to paint one up and submit a single photo can do so. Winners are judged by amount of likes and you get a prize for the online store.<br />
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Here's the one I did for the contest. I went with something different, in that yellow is a colour I very seldom use. Yes, I use it for trim and a bunch of other smaller things, but never to date as the largest part of a model. Honestly, it turned out better than I thought.<br />
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The base coat is P3 Heartfire paint, with Bloodstone and Brown ink used in various amounts for shading, and highlighted with Cygnar Yellow and Menoth White. The actual contest winner was a splendid model, well deserving of the honour. As my my guy, well, my photo quality was crap, which I think hurt me. The colour is way too yellow-ish in the background. Next time I will have to work on the lighting. Nevertheless, it was fun to do and I anticipate doing more of these, if for no reason than to push my painting further.<br />
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<br />Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-59324857763331408922017-01-05T21:35:00.002-08:002017-01-05T21:35:41.396-08:00Happy New Year 2017Tomorrow there will be miniatures posts. Mostly while I try to sort out a better photography setup. Plus there has been quite a bit of painting since the Journeyman league and other chances to paint.<br />
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That said, happy new year to all in 2017 and I hope your holidays were good.<br />
<br />Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-63967744905979364752016-12-05T20:41:00.002-08:002016-12-05T20:42:19.741-08:00Warcasters and other miniature goodnessAnother hiatus, and another long dearth of posting.<br />
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For those who might care, it happened that my later summer/fall got slammed with waaaaay too much work. After my boss retired I took his duties for a month or so, then went full bore into teaching for 6+ hours a day, every day for most of October and half of November. I'm still digging out from the pile, but am managing to leave (mostly) on time. It's been a treat.<br />
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That said, prior to the madness, there was a <a href="http://www.privateerpress.com/" target="_blank">Warmachine/Hordes</a> Journeyman League held at <a href="http://www.everythinggames.ca/" target="_blank">Everything Games</a> this past summer to coincide with the release of the Warmachine and Hordes mark III rules. As such, my youngest and I participated in the league and had an absolute blast. For those not in the know, a Journeyman league involves building your force from a starter box (essentially one warlock/warcaster and from two to four warbeasts/warjacks) to a mighty army of 75 points. It also served to bring us up to speed on the new rules which, while not super different from mark II, had a few key changes. Mostly, it sped up gameplay and made for more aggressive maneuvering and action, so overall, mark III gets a resounding thumbs up.<br />
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The league gives points for defeating opponents as well as painting miniatures over the course of the league. You get a point per week for each win, as well as a point for having more painted (that means completed) models than the previous week. The scenarios change as well, forcing you to give up your one-trick tactic and do something different.<br />
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Overall, a lot of fun, and I met a lot of cool players at EG who I would happily cross swords with again. Sadly, the final tournament didn't happen as only three people showed up. However, my youngest daughter took the Destroyer award (for most games won) while I took the Creator award (for best painted). Out of a field of 20 or so, I'll take that!<br />
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Speaking of painted, I made good progress on my models for my Cygnar force. First off is my warcaster, Major Beth Maddox. She is new to the mark III release, and while it took me a game or three to start getting the hang of her gameplay, she turned out to be one of my favourite warcasters.<br />
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As a Stormblade turned warcaster, she is full of electro-goodness. This gives her good synergy with other units, such as Stormblades or warjacks like the Firefly. Frankly, she does a great job supporting an elite troop and several warjacks, by the end of the league I was really enjoying her and her battlegroup.<br />
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I do need to work on a better photo setup though. Ah well, one thing at a time.<br />
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More model photos to follow, and a dissection of the list I finally developed during the league.Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-71646039374373636412016-08-30T21:23:00.000-07:002016-08-30T21:23:33.371-07:00Gamemastering - just do itGamemastering, that is, being the game master (or dungeon master, for those D&D players out there) for a roleplaying game is not something done easily. I've been playing for thirty-one years, and over those years I've been the gamemaster (GM) since day one. Starting with the red box Basic Set back in 1985, I've helmed countless games. I like to think I've become rather skilled at it, if my players are to be believed, but I'm not providing this information to brag, only to provide some context in that I know a bit about what I'm talking about.<br />
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First rule of gamemastering: just do it. Get out there, take charge at the head of the table and run a game. <br />
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I leave that on its own line, because that's the most important part. Gamemastering is, by and large, a performance skill. I don't mean actual performance, though that helps and can be fun, but rather performing the act of running the game makes you better at it.<br />
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"Yes, yes. Thanks tips, glad you're on that for us." you're thinking. And in some ways you're right. Practice makes perfect and all that. However, I've seen people be overwhelmed by the task of running the game, with all the story details, character details, monster/opponent details overwhelms them, because they aren't used to channelling that flow yet. That's the real core of the practice part. You've done it enough times that some things become mental muscle memory, and you focus on the action going on in a particular scene. That's what happened over the many years I've been GMing. Now I make it look easy, because I've been over the hard parts. That said, I'm always learning and tightening my game.<br />
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If you're a new GM, one thing you need to accept is that your game will not run perfect. Hell, I've been doing this for 31 years or so, and my game sessions aren't always perfect. If it goes well, you and the players have fun, and you get to tell a group story, then the real goal has been met.<br />
<br />
There are two areas that, if you pay attention to them, can help your first (or latest) session go well:<br />
<br />
Materiel:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The adventure itself - whether written notes, a published module or something in between, you need this</li>
<li>Dice - if I have to explain this... (mind you, have plenty)</li>
<li>Pens, pencils, erasers - include extra for 'that guy'</li>
<li>Paper for making notes, maps, etc.</li>
<li>A gamemaster screen - yes, I've known GMs who don't use one. It's creepy and weird. As a player I don't want to know what's going on there, and as a GM I like to have the privacy to keep things surprising</li>
<li>Campaign notes - even if it's your first session, have some idea of who the heroes are, where they are, and what is happening around them</li>
</ul>
<div>
Optional materiel (depending on game system):</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Vinyl game mat marked in squares - for those games like Pathfinder which work well with minis for combat or situations where you have to ask "where, exactly, does your character step?"</li>
<li>Markers for said mat</li>
<li>Miniatures</li>
<li>Props - this one varies, but sometimes, the right prop at the right time works wonders</li>
</ul>
<div>
Preparation:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Read the adventure. Oh, you wrote it? Read it again. Be prepared for what happens in it. Think ahead to the NPCs and how you want to play them.</li>
<li>Make sure your notes are organized. No one wants to wait while you flip for the random factoid written on the 35th post-it note stuck in your spiral-bound notebook, half the pages of which are scattered on the floor around your chair</li>
</ul>
<div>
It sounds like a lot, but really it's not. Have the tools you need, and be familiar with the adventure you plan to run. That way, when the players do something oddball, or a foe dies easier than planned, you can adjust because you know what else is there. You know that if they whip through one encounter, the guard trolls in the next chamber are probably going to come to investigate. If you misjudged their power, you can add an extra enemy or two to some encounters (or take them away).</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And now a note for players: cut the GM some slack. I'm not saying put up with a terrible game, or not give some feedback, but when you know your friend sitting behind that screen is taking their shot as a beginner, understand that they're not going to be as smooth as your regular GM. He or she will say "give me a sec, have to check something..." so be patient. If they need to do a retcon here and there (yes, just because the baddies forgot to take your weapons doesn't necessarily mean it was planned that way). Give them a chance, and they'll tighten their game. Until one day when they forget to take your weapons it will be intentional, and that encounter, my friends, is like an open book exam. Bring your worst because you'll need it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
More musings on the fine art of roleplaying games to come, but remember - gather your tools, plan your adventure, and get stuck in and do it. Practice will make you perfect, and you'll have fun doing it.</div>
</div>
Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-50240743273502110602016-08-09T21:13:00.001-07:002016-08-09T21:13:55.004-07:00Star Trek Beyond – A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We finally got out to see the new Star Trek movie, and frankly, I was impressed. Full disclosure: I am not as much a fan of the new (Bravo) timeline as I am of the original (Alpha) timeline, with TOS, TNG, DS9 and VOY. That said, I have been entertained by all three new Star Trek films to date. In fact, I found Beyond to be the best of the three.<u></u><u></u></div>
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There will be some spoilers ahead. You were warned.</div>
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Firstly, about Beyond it and of itself. This one seemed to have the best balance between activities for all the crew. No one was neglected, and no one stole more spotlight than normal (let's face it, Kirk, Spock and McCoy are still the big three). I liked Scotty's scenes and the guest stars were really good in their roles. Jayla in particular I thought was a really fun character. The action was well paced and neither too fast (such as in the first one) nor was there any dragging parts. Well done to the writers, director and editor on this one. I also found that each character started coming into their own, rather than being a slight caricature of the previous incarnation in the original series and films. While they can't seem to go a single movie without showing some emotion on Spock, it was well handled.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The film itself gave some serious fanservice to the timeline that wasn't erased by the first film. The USS <i>Franklin</i> is the same class of ship as the NX-01 <i>Enterprise</i>, captained by Capt. Archer. They even talk about polarizing the hull plating and using phased array cannons. Very nice to see, and it ties the movie into the greater Star Trek multiverse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">This one also had a pleasantly independent storyline. It wasn't a less-effective remake of The Wrath of Khan (looking at you Into Darkness), and also wasn't loaded with heaps of backstory like Star Trek (2009).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Another good point is that J.J. Abrams was only a producer on this one. While he's a decent director (not as hot as he's made out to be), he shows no respect for the established milieu of a world he goes to play in. This showed in his blatant disregard of even the most basic treknology, and was also apparent in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This film was much more true to the Star Trek milieu and felt much more like a Star Trek story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">While Star Trek's place is better served on television, this film was a solid addition to the new timeline and really set them on their own course into the new unknown being created in this film series. While there might be some quibbles, I recommend it highly to fans and casual fans alike.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It will be interesting to see the adventures of the new <i>Enterprise-A.</i> (Though at this rate they'll need more of the alphabet.)</span></div>
Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14198550.post-16804947838803259682016-08-06T20:30:00.000-07:002016-08-06T20:30:22.298-07:00Unboxing - Epix Haven TerrainHere's another Kickstarter I threw in on. A feed popped up from the Pathfinder Society facebook page, and the miniature terrain buildings from a Norwegian startup called <a href="http://www.epixhaven.com/" target="_blank">Epix Haven</a> looked pretty good. When they said these buildings were true 28mm scale I figured I'd go in for one, maybe two.<br />
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Well, they arrived (back in the spring) on time and in great condition, thanks to the packing methods. Each piece has it's own box. The two I kickstarted for were the <a href="http://shop.epixhaven.com/products/tower-freestanding" target="_blank">Freestanding Tower</a> and the <a href="http://shop.epixhaven.com/products/tudor-house" target="_blank">Tudor House</a>.<br />
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Let me first say, before I let the photos do the talking, that these are awesome. I mean really awesome. So many buildings out there are not true 25/28mm scale, and while they're perfectly usable, these have full interiors with 1" grids marked in the surface texture. That makes them good for wargaming and roleplaying games. They are also super impressive and beautifully detailed and painted.<br />
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Now for the pictures...<br />
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First up is the packaging. Every single one of these comes in it's own box. And not just any box.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYVQTCLvKYk/V6ajW6t7d9I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/k5GAE0piOgU6QxsKrYEyMguS6cw08h8IwCLcB/s1600/DSCN0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYVQTCLvKYk/V6ajW6t7d9I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/k5GAE0piOgU6QxsKrYEyMguS6cw08h8IwCLcB/s320/DSCN0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each one comes in it's own full package, packed in tight-fitting foam to keep it safe. Here's the Tudor house:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-peTtgUZDFPI/V6ajcE3gD3I/AAAAAAAAAzU/AuhA71fAQNU7FxXojOv7fAY5pIsZv2MwwCEw/s1600/DSCN0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-peTtgUZDFPI/V6ajcE3gD3I/AAAAAAAAAzU/AuhA71fAQNU7FxXojOv7fAY5pIsZv2MwwCEw/s320/DSCN0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky_8IjXFYGk/V6ajkiZ_QNI/AAAAAAAAA0w/7mVSgzQKMBg6tJrhweLpryiiknukgK3HQCEw/s1600/DSCN0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky_8IjXFYGk/V6ajkiZ_QNI/AAAAAAAAA0w/7mVSgzQKMBg6tJrhweLpryiiknukgK3HQCEw/s320/DSCN0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take out the upper floor piece on the right and you see the packing job on the smaller pieces:</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zyqvS9xGqo/V6ajkwMugrI/AAAAAAAAA0w/3JaCu0eC4okjibh6lDvIonhtcZJ52LnNgCEw/s1600/DSCN0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zyqvS9xGqo/V6ajkwMugrI/AAAAAAAAA0w/3JaCu0eC4okjibh6lDvIonhtcZJ52LnNgCEw/s320/DSCN0057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take all the pieces out and you can see the difference true 28mm makes:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BfIazDdQjkY/V6ajs73BLlI/AAAAAAAAA0w/2TMgrszCWt48bgCCdFuGZr6MtBYKH_KSwCEw/s1600/DSCN0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BfIazDdQjkY/V6ajs73BLlI/AAAAAAAAA0w/2TMgrszCWt48bgCCdFuGZr6MtBYKH_KSwCEw/s320/DSCN0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The miniatures in the photo are a few human-sized ones from the Pathfinder Battles range. You can see the scale of it already. The chimney is attached to the roof by magnets built into the parts already. The upper floor is on the left, the ground floor on the right, and there's even a set of stairs. This adds to the sense of scale:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpjXsm0o0uk/V6akEzoiKgI/AAAAAAAAA04/p6n-WDLBnfAM_NyJQIYElBaS7VBd54GGQCEw/s1600/DSCN0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpjXsm0o0uk/V6akEzoiKgI/AAAAAAAAA04/p6n-WDLBnfAM_NyJQIYElBaS7VBd54GGQCEw/s320/DSCN0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgS-n-zAcrs/V6aj-ZKRtrI/AAAAAAAAA0w/mjYzQHsGcFIJAPFWzsAKKVdKEyLbIfQbwCEw/s1600/DSCN0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgS-n-zAcrs/V6aj-ZKRtrI/AAAAAAAAA0w/mjYzQHsGcFIJAPFWzsAKKVdKEyLbIfQbwCEw/s320/DSCN0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y_jB6trx3pE/V6akGItH5pI/AAAAAAAAA04/2m6MZd1JtC48iv5ovthqx4gQltHw5Ou9QCEw/s1600/DSCN0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y_jB6trx3pE/V6akGItH5pI/AAAAAAAAA04/2m6MZd1JtC48iv5ovthqx4gQltHw5Ou9QCEw/s320/DSCN0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Tudor house is just waiting the heroes' next bar brawl. Add that to the bar set from the latest Pathfinder Battles Rusty Dragon Inn expansion and good things will happen.</div>
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The stand alone tower is just as impressive. Packed the same way:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXiByge_fVM/V6akMnABNWI/AAAAAAAAA04/wMiCwdJ9IX0dDe9XsV5kN02U8J7V4_WKgCEw/s1600/DSCN0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXiByge_fVM/V6akMnABNWI/AAAAAAAAA04/wMiCwdJ9IX0dDe9XsV5kN02U8J7V4_WKgCEw/s320/DSCN0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each segment is one of the floors of the tower. The stairwells are packed inside each level, and assemble as shown (again with the built-in magnets):</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AllfsETcbWE/V6akQNHDNpI/AAAAAAAAA04/nkJqaEAg6gQtUZv5BXezKJkIibQ6KuKPgCEw/s1600/DSCN0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AllfsETcbWE/V6akQNHDNpI/AAAAAAAAA04/nkJqaEAg6gQtUZv5BXezKJkIibQ6KuKPgCEw/s320/DSCN0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see the 1" squares inside. Ignore them and you've got perfect wargames terrain. Note the warrior in the third photo. Again, true 28mm scale. The 'stick' on the right is a flagpole that goes on top (left off for photos). The Tudor House in the background shows scale as well, and just how awesome a layout you could do with more of these things.</div>
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Look carefully in the windows and you may even see the archer in there. </div>
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Ironclad approves!</div>
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These terrain pieces are premium models, and while not cheap, their price is certainly competitive for what they provide. Without question this is a case of getting what you paid for. Thankfully I got my pieces at Kickstarter prices. Would that my budget was larger I'd have the entire castle.</div>
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In summary, these terrain pieces are fantastic. They are high quality, well-painted resin that match the most common scale out there for RPGs and wargames. You can't go wrong with laying some of these sweet pieces out on your table, and frankly, I can't wait to use them.</div>
Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14732264471007486923noreply@blogger.com0