All-Star Lineup

Presenting My Character Creations

I finally have my 8 professions created and will give you my reasonings behind each one. Most people are either getting to level 80 or starting their alternate characters and might need some character creation ideas. Please feel free to message me in game, I would love to hear from you.

The Mesmer

Afasia Brokenmirror

I originally wanted to name her Aphasia Brokenmirror but it was 1 character too long, so I cut it short with the F.  I had known from the beginning that my mesmer was going to be Charr because I had heard through the grapevine that they would be rare. I plan to have bright colorful armor on her so that her illusions distract the eye. It also contrasts nicely with her white fur.  Speaking of distractions, her name is the longest length possible and I noticed this can be very effective in the heat of battle. The advantage that illusions also have your name will prove awesome in PvP when split second reactions are being tested.

The Engineer

Pew Pew OMG Lazer

ROFL!!!1! 0|-| 44`/! |-|0\/\/  |= (_) // // '/! Ok. I get it. I'm on the Tarnished Coast server and roleplay when I can. This name is against everything most rpers stand for. Can I not have a little bit of fun? I have great character names that can be taken seriously. This name just not one of them. In fact, I think the name matches the personality of this character. Fun loving and tech savvy, Pew is typical of Generation Z kids. Spoiled, self-absorbed and just wanting to chill. I feel this name is a tip of the hat to the technology generation, just as Tyria is having a technological revolution. Airships, plumbing and moving machines...the dark time the dragons have brought upon the world will lead to an Enlightenment. And FYI, since this is my only male human, he is the closest that looks like me. ;D

The Thief

LoKi Hermagistus

This was the last character I created and for a month I had no idea what race to make him.  I knew it would be a he and that he'd be a seedy character, just could not decide on a race for the life of me.  I decided to go Norn in honor of the first thief youtube video I saw from the closed betas. It does seem funny that a big ol' Norn can disappear in the shadows. Peek-a-boo~! Pretty scary. I named him after my GW1 Dervish because I drew a blank. I knew I wanted to play thief and would enjoy it but as you can tell, I've just been coming out blank with this character's backstory. Had a thief in D&D that I loved but I'll leave the past where it belongs.

The Warrior

Roadkill Kitty

Oh Lawd! This rough and tough Kitty will put a smackdown on anyone who gets in his way.  When I finally take him for a test drive that is. I spent all the last stress tests with Roadkill and fell in love with the Warrior class. This is extremely odd since I never like tanking or melee classes. But it is so much fun being an 18-wheeler and running down everyone. I had no idea. My brother has always said that I always go for mage or healer classes and end up looking like a dead dork when a warrior comes and busts me upside the head. Roadkill says enough is enough, no more Mr. Nice Geek.

The Necromancer

Dark Willow Rising

I'll be honest (am I not always?) Necro is my least favorite class next to Engineer. Not that I dislike them, Guild Wars fanboy here, they are just my LEAST favorite. Just like pizza. I LOVE pizza but pepperoni or vegetable pizza are my least favorite. I'll still eat it and enjoy it. ;p  This is my ONLY toon to be a direct descendant of an original GW1 character. As you've might of read in a past post, she is dirt poor and not the most likeable person. Just because you are from the direct line of those that lived in bright and shiny Ascalon before the Burning, does not mean you will be successful.

The Ranger

Swagg

Swagg: So Swagg 8.) He's got the moves, the class and the rocking pets to make it all work. This Asura is the epitome of cool. But in order for his swagger to come off as genuine, I've stripped him of Asuran arrogance. Regular "human" arrogance is enough, too much more and it makes people want to vomit.  How does Swagg show that he is a down to earth guy...uh? Asura? He will go out of his way to res someone in need. It is not beneath him. Swaggy!

The Elementalist

Delonix Regina

Named after my favorite tree, she is smoking hot, even for a salad lady. I originally created a red flowered, fire elementalist that matched my Beta version. But I found myself yearning to be a healer again and although I realize my role would be support and not healer, I figured any advantage will help. I deleted the original after getting to about level 5 and went back to character creation. Besides, I saw too many female Elementalist Sylvari that looked like me.  Back at the drawing board, I made sure to get a bit more creative with facial features and chose a hair color I was extremeley satisfied with.  Her hair is purple but at night, the tips glow a bright orange. Most people stick to a similar glowing color but I went to the exact opposite on the color wheel. Purple and orange make a nice contrast.

The Royal Poinciana is a beautiful tree and can grow large with the most stunning flowers. Looking at this tree days before character creation, I realized such a magnificent tree has a variety of colors that can be used. Especially since most I have seen have red, orange or yellow flowers. Although there are some purple flowered varities I pass by work everyday. Side note. Found out the true scientific name is Delonix Regia, but whatever. She is now lvl 18 and it does sound better. :p

The Guardian

Bump Back Betty

What else can I say about the Triple B that I haven't said already? I truly enjoy playing Guardian and she will always be my "first" GW2 character. I have spent some time with her in WvW and have found that I love both Snow Leopard and Tome of Courage as Elite skills.  I like to change it up every few minutes depending on strategy. Big Zerg! Headed right for us? Snow Leopard goes in and mows down 3-4 people before evading out just in the knick of time.  My fellow servermates fighting hard and things look grim? Have no fear! Ms. Bumpback brings out her Tome of Courage and heals the masses. The length and width of Protective Spirit is very helpful reaching team members a bit further from you.  Pacifism is the biggest troll to the opposing team and while there is no dedicated healer in GW2, Light of Deliverance fully heals up to 5 nearby allies. If that isn't extremely useful and supportive, I don't know what is. So that sums it up for Betty and her personality. She loves to be helpful and supportive. Carefree and generous. And if you're nice to her, she might send you some goodies to munch on. ;D

80 and Loving It

A Special Look at Betty's Journey

Giants are look smaller when you're a Norn.

This weekend Bump Back Betty finally hit level 80 and I must say, it was an exciting moment. I was on the island of Orr, fighting my way ever so closer to Zhaitan when I noticed a character by the name of Eagle Eye. I thought this was interesting and found myself fighting a Risen Eagle with him. I see this as a great addition to Betty's character development and have decided that the Spirit of the Wild, Eagle has decided to help her along side Snow Leopard. But the actual leveling to 80 was hilarious and here it is. The xp points that put Betty over the top was killing a...Risen Chicken. Yes, a chicken. It was a pretty big chicken, a Veteran in fact but I did find this entertaining.

That is one big Easter Egg! Big surprise when I found this.

After running around for 5 more minutes, I headed back to Lion's Arch and decide to give Betty the prize she deserves for a job well done. A Ruby Orichalcum Amulet, crafted by yours truly. Just what she wanted for Wintersday, thank Dwayna! I also changed up her armor colors a bit to look a bit more prestigious. I kept the Banana dye for the golden look but decided to change the light pink and blues to a dark, respectable forest green. It is now time for her to explore and find an armor that will fit her status as an Elite Guardian.

He doesn't look so tough!

Future plans include WvW, which I must say, Tarnished Coast has been rocking the past week. I am super proud that our server has been keeping a lead. If we control Stonemist, we are keeping the defenses up and if we do not control Stonemist, we are dominating the areas around it and wisely putting pressure on it. People are listening and working together and this is what is ensuring our success. Being respectful and stratigizing go hand in hand. People will not listen to you if you are demanding them to come to your aid or insulting them. The people who are putting battle tactics out there are obviously those who have figured the map and area advantages.

This is MY story.

Freaky Friday Forest Post

Being Nice is Harder Than Being Mean

Who here has said something nasty online? We are all guilty.

On Reddit this week, people were able to ask why their account was banned when their character names were not in violation of the naming policies. They put some of these people in their place by actually showing what they wrote in /map chat. For dropping N-bombs and BOTH F-bombs (sometimes both in one sentence) they had been temporarily banned; not so much for cursing but for verbal abuse.

As a liberal and someone who always stands up for free speech, I surprisingly found myself delighted when I read this. I have noticed how brazen people become when they can hide behind a computer screen.  They also do not think of the consequences of their actions because the Internet is not a face-to-face reality but an electronic cold world. You do not see the look of hurt on the person's face who you have insulted. You can not be empathetic to someone you do not know. Just ask yourself these questions the next time you are about to say something nasty to someone online: Would I behave this way at work? At school? In public? No, you would not. Because saying nasty things to people in public is not socially acceptable and unless you are a sociopath, you would feel a sense of shame for being so uncouth.

Into the Mists

LFG The Villany of Galrath

I have spent some time in PvP the past few days and find it exhilarating. I did a lot of WvW during the BWEs but have only spent about half an hour since launch. Until the servers are not balanced I will not throw myself to the wolves to be torn apart and have to pay for armor repair. Currently, Tarnished Coast has control of about 5%, another server has 4% and Northern Shiverpeaks owns the rest.  In two weeks when the servers are balanced I'll join in but I refuse to be a victim of Zergfest 2012.

Now sPVP Map Conquest is where I have been sneaking in every once in a while. Looked up armor possibilities and tried to figure out which build would be the best for my style of play.  I noticed that too many people were running away from me during battles, so I set up a lot of immobolization and it has been highly successful. Where you going? Stay right there! WHACK! I've been finishing off a whole slew of peeps. The Triple B is currently using Sword/Shield and Scepter/Torch with Signet of Judgement and Signet of Wrath as my  movement impeders. Also, one of my runes chills the area when I swap to sword so I can hack and slash whoever is around me. Hint to other Guardians: If you can keep 'em still, you can put a whole world of hurt on them. Stupid thieves! ;p

In terms of team strategy, people need to start realizing that zerging on these small maps is a sure loss.  The best strategy is to split up in teams of 2 or 3 but this is easier said than done.  Most people are stubborn in PvP and do what they want to do without thinking about the team. I also noticed that in PvP (GW1 as well as GW2) there is this lack of communication or people thinking their way is the only way. Maybe it is just that there is lack of experience but let me put an example of how I came to these conclusions.

Forest of Nifhel

The Triple B, daughter of Snow Leopard

The battle has begun and I have spawned blue so I immesdiately hit "Save Yourselves" and sprint to the Henge. I see that my whole party is headed to the Henge and quickly think to myself that we need to split up so I take the initiative and head directly to the Keep. At this point, everyone who was headed to the Henge obviously gets confused and follows me to the Keep. WHAT? Do you see what zerg mentality and the stubborn insistance of letting someone else do it does? The Henge went uncaptured and nobody followed up by heading Northeast and killing Chieftain Utahein. We successfully got the Keep but we missed out on 35 points because we did not do the essential task of taking our area. Was I to blame for trying to break free from the wolf pack or rushing to the Keep? Or were the other players at fault for blindly following someone like me and not thinking for themselves? Maybe tonight makes a week and people still haven't thought about the best strategy methods for maximizing points.

Later, being on a team that did split up wisely and efficiently, we faced an enemy team where EVERYONE was roaming around in a group. The other team member I was paired up with ended up slaughtered and we respawned at different times. I ended up alone and headed to the mines to neutralize the point. We had the other 2 capture points so I figured the enemy team would be busy trying to reclaim those. Within seconds, the whole enemy team was headed for me. Why were they headed to a point they had under control? I'm figuring that they saw me during a retreat from the Keep, all alone and helpless.

I found myself alone a few times against 4 or 5 enemies and could tell how they were so excited to finish me. They all striked F and I saw 4 finishing animations going, all trying to take advatnage of the wonderful Ms. Bumpback. I laughed at this. You all really followed little ol' me? What you do not understand is, I am willing to take one for the team (every now and then) and have pulled you away from your true purpose on this map. To win! So go ahead, get your moment of satisfaction of hitting a girl when she is down. Trololo!

Swagg All Day

Congratulations to Arenanet for officially releasing Guild Wars 2! Friday night's prelaunch was a very exciting moment but due to the work week, I only lasted 30 minutes.

Meet the Coolest Asura Ever, Swagg

Chilling with my homey, Rocko.

They told us that we could log in up to 3 hours early on Friday night and I was ready. I was spamming log in like everybody else 4  hours early. You can never be too sure. Why did I find the need to log in right when the client went up you might ask? One word name reservation! Because of Asura naming conventions, one word names were going to be hot and I figured someone would want the name Swagg.  I logged in, picked Tarnished Coast for my server and clicked Asura, male, ranger and skip to the end. (I could NOT spare a second in character creation) I entered Swagg and as soon as it went through started cheering like I did when Spain won the Eurocup this Summer. Okay, I admit, I was louder. I had been losing sleep about not getting this name. Once in the game, I went back and deleted Swagg since the name is reserved for 24 hours. Risky but it worked, took my time remaking him and I was set. Betty was next.

Why bother? We Can Play Forever!

Changing armor color daily until perfect. Stay tuned for pictures.

I made Betty with her fabulous cornrows to emulate my GW1 monk, Homeboy Cornrow and was off to start her legend. I completed the tutorial and slayed Issomir but was immediately kicked off and had to start again. There was major lag but what do you expect the first hour of launch? I was exhausted, I had been up since 6:30am EST and it was 12:30am EST. I knew to leave well enough alone and decided I would be playing laggy for a while and would enjoy the game more with some sleep. This was no stress test or beta! GW2 would be there when I wake up!

I didn't bother posting anything the past few days figuring anyone who would be interested in reading this blog would be too busy playing. Shoot! I was too busy playing.

Crafting Addiction

I mentioned in a previous blog entry that I was excited to try out crafting and spend some time on it. But I NEVER anticipated how much I would love it! I went with Jeweler and Chef thinking I would benefit from the money to be made from jewelry and the boosts from cooking. The variety of recipes are to be appreciated and I enjoy sending my friends full course meals and treats. Sharing is caring! The elegant yet simple system of jewelry crafting is fascinating and I find will be highly useful when you want to boost a stat.

Most people I know are trying to finish areas but I do not have the patience to stick to one zone. I don't feel this is what Arenanet intended for us to do. I finished Hoelbrak and the Grove and decided I will do little by little of the other areas. My true motivator and purpose in Tyria is to go from area to area in search of crafting materials while stopping to do whatever event or quest heart feels right at the time. I always have top of the line sickles and pickaxes ready to put a hurt on any node that looks at me funny. I stopped with the wood chopping after I realized how expensive steel and darksteel tools were getting.

Starting gold today. Made sure I saved up for extra xp.

Black Lion Trading Company

I bought 4,000 gems on Sunday and was a little nervous when they didn't show up immediately. I realized that I put my faith in Arenanet when I did this and would have to be patient. I knew they had to have a system in place in case this happened.  The purchase appeared immediately on my statement so I had proof that it was processing or being worked on. The next morning they were waiting for me in the gem store. :D

I bought the 3 character slots I wanted to be able to make all the professions. (Haven't done them all, too busy crafting.) 1 extra bag slot for Betty. The best purchase I used my gems for were 2 bank slots that OH MY! am I ever thankful for those with all the excess jewelry I have for sale when....well...

The Black Lion Trading Company has been down since prelaunch. It was up for a bit but would freeze up and if you were lucky could get in after 20 minutes of waiting. I have so much jewelry to sell it is crazy. One of my alternates was made just to hold a whole bank slot of jewelry. The poor Necro who I want to mistreat is currently holding some expensive jewelry for Betty and will get paid very little. Oh the struggles of the proletariat! At least I found a way for her to make money so she can afford a copper axe involving her character development.

Oh happy day when the Black Lion trade Company comes back into commission. I understand that people are having a horrible amount of lag, log in issues, errors and account bans. However, the only issue I truly have is with the BLTC which prevents me from doing what I need to and enjoying the game to the fullest. I have to admit that the sleeping quaggan (maintenance down picture) is adorable and because of this, I will be patient for a while longer.

Roadkill sleeping at BLTC in LA.

The Countdown and Character Immersion

Get Ready...Get Set...GO!!!1!

Stay hood!

Just one more night! W00T! Tomorrow when I wake up will be like Christmas morning. I promise Dwayna that I will treat everyone with respect and kindness. I have to wake up at 6:30am (3:30am Arenanet time-see how easy time conversion is? Sheesh people!) so I don't think I'll be able to make it to midnight (this is considering that launch is 3 hours early). So as soon as I get home from work at 4pm, I will be napping as long as I can. I HAVE to log in the moment launch happens because of a 1 word name that I KNOW will be snatched up immediately if I don't act fast. WHEN I get it, I will post it on here. Until then, it is a small secret only a few know.

Played an hour stress test today and tested Necro. Meh! I prefer the Mesmer from the other day. I didn't take pics or anything because...PFFFT! I barely had time! The highlight of my stress test was running into a friend from the forums the last 10 minutes. It was one of those, "OMG, it was meant to be" moments.

Character Immersion and My Two Humans

Dark Willow Rising
She was created to farm piles of dust in the Black Curtain almost 4 years ago today.

No big secret that I will be doing some serious RPing in the Tarnished Coast server and that I will be covering all 8 professions with some gems I plan to buy. Not going crazy with the gems now but I have my character lists with descriptions, races and professions. I am totally ready and as you can tell very enthusiastic. In preparing for the RPing, I have had to make certain decision and know what I want to do with my toons and the limits I will set for them. Not because I care what other people think, but I want to make sure as I play them that I can follow some consistency in their story that I am trying to create.

I will be rolling humans for my Necro and Engineer. For now, these are the only humans I plan to have. The only race I am undecided on is for my thief. Here are summaries of their character descriptions.

My Necro is an indigent Human who takes the hard knocks of life everyday. This is why she chose the dark arts of Necromancy as her profession. She learned her art from an old beggar women who once plagued the world with her magicks.

My Engineer is a bourgeois Human that is given everything by mummy and daddy. His inexhaustible supply of ammo and guns only supplement his prodigal lifestyle. He lacks in experience due to his indolent ways but makes up for it by fawning those around him.

I figured 80-90% of the gold and loot that my Necro makes will be put into the bank and transferred over to my Engineer in order to make the difference in their social status far more evident to me when I plan on where to take them. She will have to work harder and he will have life easier. I believe that this will help me keep my story going and exemplify the moods and personality of these characters. I have asked the community their opinion and they have suggested transmutation stones for "poorer" looking armor and muted colors for my Necro and more vibrant colors for my Engineer.

I also wondered what were some other way to make this character immersion I have planned for them richer. Crafting specialties are another aspect to pay attention to in the beginning. How can an extremely poor Necro specialize in Cooking if she can barely eat or better yet, Jewelry crafting? I figured she will buy food with the little money she finds and a logging axe for firewood to help her work her way up slowly. As for my Engineer, the sky is the limit. He's rich, B*tch! 

And no I am not being sexist! I'm a radical feminist! Can't you tell by how strong and powerful I made Betty? The Necro is female because she will be the descendant of my GW1 Necro and the Engineer because I think Human Engineers are hotties and look like pretty boys. I made one for BWE2 and called him Pew Pew OMG Lazer but this name will not do for an RP community. Can you imagine? ROFL! "What do I call you?" I need to be taken a bit more seriously. If they don't like Dark Willow Rising...well as Smosh says, "SHUT UP!" she is lower class and just goes by Willow. You know season 6 of Buffy WAS the best right?

How am I going to get through the day tomorrow?

RIP Cutie Pututti

R.I.P. b. 8/21/2012  - d. 8/21/2012

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye

Today was most likely the last stress test for Guild Wars 2. I decided to use the stress test wisely and utilize it for testing the Mesmer profession. I've always found the Mesmer to have interesting skills that are just up my alley but I could never find the time. Messing with people, casting illusions and trickery have always intrigued me and I knew I would be playing one but I had to see first hand. Let us just say that I am even more confused about what I will play at launch but I'm going to stick with Betty. :D

So this blog entry is dedicated to the end of the Beta Weekend Events and stress tests. Here is to my Mesmer, Cutie Pututti, who will never see Tyria again. That being said, I have decided that he passed away in Calderon Forest, the Sylvari starting area. (Hey! Not every character should live.) Here is to the end of an era of tests and impatient facebook posts (not on my part ;p ) and the start of a new age...the Age of Guild Wars 2.

A Photo Album of Memories

In honor of launch, I will be posting these pictures in no particular order.

Roadkill kitty with the famous Jora statue in Hoelbrak.

The Triple B in front of her famous hangout, the Snow Leopard Lodge. 

Hammers are a lady's weapon of choice.

In honor of Dr. John Dorian...EAGLE!!!1! Had fun following people in L.A.

Arenanet gave us some pretty cool GW2 hats for free today.

Here is a little throwback to GW1 and Hecate Antaia. I haven't finished her story...yet.

3 days to go! Now i have to wait. QQ

Mabon Market in Calderon Forest...or Tomorrowland in Belgium?

                         
                                             

Mini Castles FTW!

A popular thread started by Pyrah Maribeau in the roleplayer forums started a lot of controversy. He argued that RP should not be limited to taverns. I totally agree!

Why is Nobody Listening?

I mentioned in my first post on the forums how I look forward to RP in the many castles/forts we come across in our adventures. After that, nobody ever posted in the thread again and I was fine with that.

"In Artergon Woods (Metrica Province) the small castle with a vista on top seems a nice area for rp with some friends. One of my toons will definitely be living there."

In response to Pyrah's amazing "A Call to Arms for RPs" thread I responded.

I totally agree with you and hope to see more RP out in the open. Some of the ideal places I can't wait to RP in are the forts and mini castles scattered around Tyria. There is a quaint little fort (with a vista) in Artergon Woods - Metrica Province and another in Kessex Hills between Triskellion Vale and Earthworks Buff.

I know there are several but found these personally charming. I think being able to move around these little castles will allow more room for RP and characters can do more than simply go to the bar for a drink. In fact, you can RP about the attacking centaurs around the corner and go back to playing out your character. Some of these castles have little rooms that can be used as part of the story if needed. I know there will be some jerk that says they are King/Queen of a castle but at least there are many to choose from and an ignore option. 

Now not to be a snob or believe I am the most important person in the world, I thought someone would say..."Hey! That is a great idea!" But alas, nobody said anything about the castles! Grrrr! *Betty shakes her fist at the screen* I understand most people go about their lives and do not really pay much attention to what is going on outside of their immediate worlds, granted, but come on! Didn't this idea excite anyone else?

The Start of a Revolution

Who is going to help me chop wood for the castle fireplace?

I am sure people will naturally be drawn to these areas, I mean come on, Tarnished Coast is the unofficial RP server. However, I am making it a point to get as many people to RP these castles and forts as I can. If you want a tavern so badly, I'm sure a "traditionalist" will start playing a barkeep...inside these castles! Many of them have rooms and they can be utilized for several purposes. But how cool will it be for people to be wandering around Tyria and finding a castle with not just NPCs but real people acting out RP situations in these "rest stops". There are so many different niches for people within a keep that could ultimately help develop their character and make them have a richer narrative.

Imagine a castle life RP that incorporates Anet's event system to the surrounding areas. You could be in the middle of a conversation and be alerted to the Veteran Destroyer wreaking havoc on the farmers across the plains. Returning to the castle after victory would give substance to story and character development. "Say ol' chap! Do you recall the time we tore that Veteran Destroyer to pieces after nearly falling to ours deaths from the castle wall?" seems a lot more interesting than "Remember when we drank those pints of ale at the tavern?" Just picking up something to do like chopping wood or running to the well to get some water could open a whole world of possibilities. And if after two or three nights of RPing at the same fort, the group tires, the group could always elect five scouts to go and find a new land/fort for the "starving" people of Artergon Woods or wherever. You could always come back after a week or two if there are fond memories. New people stopping by would also keep the selected castle interesting and fresh.

King of the Hill

The con with any RP is the jerk who thinks they are the "Joffery" of everyone. Playing out a castle RP, there is bound to be hierarchical power struggles which could be a bad thing. As I mentioned in the post above, the solution would be ignore the person or turn the other cheek and head to another less populated castle. It all really depends on how many people are playing in the area and the recognition of authority. As in any political situation, legitimacy must be ascribed to a ruler or they have no power. Someone might claim, "I am the King of this keep and all the surrounding lands." But people will most likely be turned off by this proclamation or some would actually accept that. The later will probably happen with larger guilds and their megalomanic leader, with lackeys trying to move up to officer status. 

A Special Thanks

This blog entry is dedicated to my new friend, the mute Asura elementalist, Maranari. I know that I can count on her to help change the world of Tyria, one castle at a time. Her new blog can be reached by clicking the following link: http://gw2-speechless.blogspot.ca/