The Elder Scrolls Online- "Alliances at War" Trailer

My Latest Obsessions- Nov. 2012

Lately I've been trying to write more content for this blog and not just post links or videos of things I think are cool. I hope to be adding more content in the future, and this (hopefully) series is a start. I got the idea for this from Kristina Horner (italktosnakes on YouTube) with her "Things I'm Into" videos that she posts every month. Mine will be set up a lot like hers, but since we're two completely different people (duh!), the content will be quite varied. So, here we go!

Literature *This will include books as well as comics (web-based or otherwise)

~The Sword of Truth series~

As you can probably guess from my "What I'm Reading" posts, I have been reading this series by Terry Goodkind for a while now- and I love it! Yes, the books are ridiculously long, but I think that it's a good thing. Why would you want something that is fun, engaging, and high quality to be really short? The depth that Goodkind goes into is great, and he tackles more complex and sometimes adult issues, and does it in a careful, respectful way. The only complaint I would make about the series is that Goodkind has the annoying habit of reminding the reader of past content... a lot. If I read the previous books, I already know this content you're "reminding" me of, and don't need to hear it again. An occasional reminder is good, especially if you're pretty far in a series and you're referring to an event in a much earlier book. It just seems like it was put there solely for the purpose of growing the word/page count. Honestly, other than that, I really like this series of books, and I would highly recommend them to any avid reader- especially if you love fantasy!

~Questionable Content~

Holy moley, I have spent so much time on this web comic lately, it's not even funny! This comic has been around for a while (they have over 2000 comics- and counting!) and I just found out about it last week. The characters are awesome (Pintsize is my favorite, of course *pictured above*) and the story is engaging. All in all it's a delightful way to use my free time :)

~Dumbing of Age~

This is another recent web comic find from tumblr that I've been getting into as of late. Set on a college campus, and has a wide variety of characters, with an art style that doesn't make me want to gouge my eyes out. By that I mean that I can tell what the heck the author is trying to portray in each frame, it's cleaned up, and the text is large enough and clear enough for me to read. Tackles some intense topics sometimes, and I think that the creator pulls it off- most of the time. Sometimes when religion comes into play it gets taken a bit too far, but it doesn't take away from the comic much- the fact that I still read it proves that. You should at least give it a try! While I don't like this one as much as Questionable Content or the other web comics I read (blog post on those to come), I still really like it.

Games *Video or otherwise

~Dungeons and Dragons~

Back in college, my friends got me into D&D, which I had wanted to play for a while. Now that I've graduated, I haven't really found anyone to play with yet, but that hasn't stopped me from enjoying this awesome hobby! For the past couple months I've been working on creating a campaign that is based in the world of a book I was working on a while back. I wasn't having much success with writing the book, but I loved the world I created (and which I'm still working on), so I decided to make it into a D&D campaign! It's been working out pretty good so far. The main things that I've been focusing on lately have been the plot (main quests as well as side quests) and fleshing out the map. Lots of fun!

~The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim~

If you've read my blog at all- even in the past couple days, you could probably guess how much I freaking love this game. I've been getting back into playing it again after a short hiatus due to mods conflicting with the Hearthfire DLC (which I still have yet to play on my PC copy!). Now that I believe I've fixed the problem and started over with new characters, I think I'll be playing this more often. This will especially be true when the newly announced Dragonborn DLC hits the shelves (I posted the trailer for it on my blog today). I am SUPER excited for this DLC, as it looks to be bigger than Dawnguard was (and I loved Dawnguard!).

~Minecraft/Tekkit~

I think I will always play this game- it only gets boring if your imagination runs out of ideas! Plus, the Technic Pack mod collection adds a TON of new content and possibilities of play. While my ideas aren't the greatest (and certainly aren't very original), it is still very fun to build things and beat up creepers and endermen.

Music

~Lake Street Dive~

I recently heard about this group from a friend of Facebook who had posted a video of one of their performances. I liked it so much that I bought both of their albums and one of their EPs. The lead singer's voice is freaking gorgeous, and the musicianship is top notch. I absolutely LOVE their cover of "Rich Girl" by Hall and Oates! Go listen to their cover of I Want You Back by The Jackson 5 and you'll fall in love with them like I did!

~John Williams~

John Williams is one of the biggest, if not THE biggest name in film composing these days, and there's a reason why he's at the top. I've known about his music for a long time, but I just recently got back into listening to his soundtracks on my iPod. His ability to create wonderful and memorable melody lines is uncanny. I had the opportunity my freshman year of college to see him conduct the San Diego Symphony live. It was so awesome- one of my favorite concert experiences of all time! It would be hard for me to pick a favorite of his, but I guess if I had to, his Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Amistad, and Harry Potter soundtracks would be my top 5 picks. Also, John Williams Is The Man!

Skyrim Dragonborn DLC Trailer

Skyrim Inspired Minecraft

11 Incredible Skyrim-Inspired Minecraft Builds

Also, Minecraft for the Xbox360 is getting an update soon- with creative mode! Yay update 1.8.2!!

Skyrim: Dawnguard DLC Trailer

Skyrim Game Jam

Future DLC? I sure hope so! All of these ideas are really cool!

Skyrim Mod Ideas

There are tons of Skyrim mods out there, and a lot of them are really cool, but there are some things that I think should be added. Unfortunately I have no ability to mod, but it's not going to stop me from suggesting my ideas.

Oblivion Mods to Port to Skyrim

• Alir's Armor
• Capt. Molly Armor
• Acolyte of Kynareth
• Adelina Armor
• Baron Armor
• Wisteria Armor
• Serenity Armor
• Morrowind Robes and Dresses
• Bow of the Mongolian Horsemen
• Dall's Kukri

Mods to Add

• Rapiers
• Spears
• Halberds
• Falcata
• Kopis
• Throwing knives, hatchets, stars, javelins
• LotR Elven armor (2nd and 3rd Age) + shield
• LotR Rohirrim (Eomer & Theoden's) armor + shield
• LotR Gondorian infantry armor + shield
• LotR Istari staffs (Both of Gandalf's and Saruman's)
• LotR Gil-Galad's spear
• LotR Gimli's axes
• LotR Elven prologue spear
• LotR Isildur's sword
• LotR Haldir's bow and sword
• LotR Aragorn's dagger
• LotR Eowyn's sword
• LotR Eomer's sword
• LotR Boromir's sword
• LotR Faramir's sword
• Kit Rae Archeros dagger

The Dragonborn Comes by Malukah

Skyrim Tour

If you're not excited for this game, then something's definitely wrong with you!

Exclusive Skyrim Preview

This Kid Is Freaking Brilliant!

Khajiit Armorer

Skyrim Live-Action Trailer

Elder Scrolls Q&A Part 2

Part Deux!

26. Are you a vampire?

Nope

27. Your views on Necromancy.

Fun enemies to fight, but not as a PC (Player Character) option

28. Alchemy – cool or useless?

As of now, kind of useless, since all you can do is make potions, but it's a cool idea

29. Do you like the game’s soundtrack?

Heck yes!

30. Nirn or Oblivion?

Not sure I understand the question, so uhhhh...Oblivion?

31. Highest level you’ve ever reached?

30

32. Funniest moment.

Sheogorath's Daedra quest

33. Spells or weapons?

Depends on the character. Most of the time I choose weapons though

34. Scariest dungeon.

None of them...stupid leveled enemies system.

35. Your reaction when you get killed.

Dang it! I haven't saved for at least an hour, and now I have to do all that crap over again!

36. Your in-game name(s).

Ragnar Thorolf (Nord), Tarathiel Duurwen (Wood Elf), Lamothiel Naurwen (Dark Elf), Rhajj Stormcrow (Khajiit), & Krom gro-Nargg (Orc)

37. TES3 or 4?

TES4. They're both good, I just like 4 a little better

38. If you could change something about TES, you would …?

Mounted combat, no leveled enemies/dungeons, more variety in caves/dungeons, & weapon crafting

39. Do you know any Ayleid language?

Nope

40. Are you excited for the dragons in Skyrim?

YES!

41. Favorite shop.

Not including mods, probably The Best Defense

42. Should there be a TES movie?

It would be a cool idea, but it would end up getting ruined (*cough*like dungeon siege*cough*)

43. Did you ride the unicorn?

No

44. Worst enemy / monster?

Mud Crabs= least intimidating "monster" ever

45. Favorite weapon.

It depends on the character, but I usually tend to gravitate to claymores and bows

46. Least favorite kind(s) of weapons.

Daggers

47. What do you do when you get bored?

Dark Brotherhood quests

48. Do you own any TES merch?

Not that I know of, other than the games

49. Hardest quest.

Any quest where you have to make sure X stays alive, and X inevitably bull rushes into combat and gets themselves killed

50. What do you think about marriage in Tamriel?

Cool idea

Elder Scrolls Q&A Part 1

So to keep myself from going insane until The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim comes out, I thought I'd answer a few questions about the games. Haven't really done anything on my blog in a while anyway. Enjoy! ...or not. I decided that instead of posting 10 posts of 10 questions each, I'd just post 4 with 25 questions each. To make it a little easier to read, I put all of my answers in red.

1. First time you played an Elder Scrolls game.

Around 2000 or 2001 Had never heard of the game before, but I'm glad I picked it up.

2. When you got into The Elder Scrolls.

Junior High, although it might have been 6th grade

3. First Elder Scrolls game you knew.

Morrowind

4. Your favorite Elder Scrolls game.

Oblivion

5. Current amount of saves.

5 on the PC version and 4 on the Xbox360

6. Favorite platform to play The Elder Scrolls on.

PC

7. Favorite race.

Nord

8. Least favorite race. (racism?)

Imperials. Not because of "racism", but because they're useless in terms of race abilities- at least for the way I play

9. First skill you became a Master in.

Blade

10. Skill you don’t get at all.

Athletics

11. Favorite school of Magic.

Destruction, hands down.

12. Least favorite school of Magic.

Conjuration...never caught my interest. Hopefully Skyrim will change that.

13. What you do first after starting a new game.

Get a full set of armor and a better weapon. In Oblivion, I always explore Vilverin first.

14. Favorite province.

Bruma...or Cheydinhal. Can't decide.

15. Where should The Elder Scrolls VI take place?

Elsweyr or Valenwood!! High Rock would be interesting plot-wise as well...hmmm

16. Last time you’ve played an Elder Scrolls game.

Yesterday night :)

17. Favorite city.

Bruma

18. Least favorite city.

Bravil

19. Complete the sentence: If I could have a pet, it would be …?

A wolf or mountain lion

20. Favorite Daedric Prince.

Sheogorath. I mean, come on, who doesn't like cheese?

21. Favorite Daedra quest.

In terms of loot, Nocturnal or Clavicus Vile, but for enjoyment of quest, probably Sheogorath or Mephala
22. Favorite NPC.
Baurus and Gogron gro-Bolmog
23. Least favorite NPC.
Adoring Fan and Glarthir
24. Worst Oblivion Gate.
Any with the multiple tower gates
25. Favorite guild / brotherhood.
Dark Brotherhood