Project: Story
Title: The Broken Rose Genre: Paranormal Romance Type: Fanfiction (FFVII) Novel Current Word Count: 277,196 Prior Word Count: 277,252 Word Difference: -56 Status: Editing Progress: Fourth edit of Chapter 7
Fourth edit here I am. I was hoping three would be enough, but I found enough the third time around to warrant one more go. Until I can read through a chapter and not make any major changes, I don’t count it done. I do think the fourth edit will just be a read through though, so it shouldn’t take that long.
The lovely flower above is a dahlia, which is one of the many blooms Sephiroth brings Aeris in this chapter. What better way to remind a flower maid who she is than to present her with the most familiar “tools” of her trade?
Quote: White winter roses that grew as far north as flowers would dare to bear bloom. Then marigolds hardy and hale. Asters of purple deeper than night plucked from the fields around Kalm. Before the Mythril Mine of old he discovered poppies blood hued with black hearts. While deep in a crag of the great red canyon, the general found rouge peonies. Far in the south in what once was Mideel, he’d gathered huge dahlia blooms. Finally, yellow crocus large with smooth petals that grew in the rich mountain earth. Guilt had rained down like fire from heaven, but he had gone there for her…
I want to wish a warm Happy New Years to everyone following or just reading. I’m not overly fond of the “this year is terrible” rhetoric, since a year is really just an arbitrary and human made unit of time, but I know seeing the number change from 6 to 7 will brighten quite a few spirits, and if that’s the case then it does matter (though considering what’s waiting for us in 2017 really makes me scratch my head at that, too…). This is going to be my last post of the year, and (hopefully) tomorrow, I’ll put out my year end wrap up and planning post. Even though 2016 and 2017 are arbitrary measures of time, I do still prescribe to many of the same rituals.
I wish you all light and luck in all of your endeavors in this unit of time and many more to come!
This is my current Final Fantasy Friday post where I’ll be discussing which characters I think exemplify each card of the Major Arcana. If this is your first time here, please head over to my Final Fantasy Tarot page for explanation. Now onto the next card!
The Sun is a card of triumph, simple pleasures, and truth. In opposition to the Moon, which symbolizes inspiration from dreams and otherwordly visions, the Sun is much more in your face and wide awake; intellect and youthful energy. I had quite a time figuring this one out. Final Fantasy boasts many characters with this quality, but I knew I needed someone who was not only childlike, but also a child.
Eiko literally flips the meaning of the Moon in giving Dagger clarity and closure on the princess’s oldest dreams. The little girl is the truth giver, revealing Garnet’s origins, welcoming her home, even as Eiko herself enjoys the pleasure of companionship in the breaking of solitude. While the sun’s light may not always fall on the happiest memories, it will still always show it plain, lighting a clear path, and giving you the courage to forge ahead armed with new revelations.
I was very close to picking Porom, since intellect and youthful energy are major components of the Sun card. Because he’s an irascible, five-year-old mage in training, I thought he would make a good match, but my own bias came into play. I’m not overly fond of Porom’s character (I like him even less in The After Years), and besides that, I’d already used Rydia from IV in The Moon entry. Not that I’m averse to using the same game twice in a row, but since I had another (and imo better) option, I figured I’d use it.
Relm from VI would certainly fit the artistic side of the card, along with the youthful energy, and she could arguably fulfill some of the truth aspect in reference to Shadow, but FFVI was very good at keeping that vague. Eiko’s traits are far clearer.
Selphie and Rikku from VIII and X respectively have that bright, optimistic aspect, and Rikku certainly is responsible for revealing some truths (for both Tidus and about Yuna), but while they’re both childlike/innocent in their way, I wanted someone who was actually a child.
No one guessed the card this week, but everyone who ventured did guess something right!
LightningEllen and Mr. Panda both went with Rikku who’s an alternate; Hungrygoriya went with Selphie who’s the same; and The Otaku Judge guessed Amarant(h) who is from the same game as Eiko. I like when everyone wins 🙂
Next week is Judgment, and I’m kicking myself a bit, because I totally could’ve used Gabranth for that instead of the Justice card…but I suppose he fits that Major Arcana, as well, and I’m never one to turn down an intellectual challenge. I do have something else in my notes (notice I said something and not someone), but I’m not sure yet if I’m going to go that route. What this means is Judgment could be a person/character or it could be a place/thing. Oh, and Judgment’s alternative name is The Angel, but that ship’s kind of sailed now hasn’t it?
A weekly post updated every Wednesday detailing my current reading projects and where I am with them in addition to what new titles I’ve added to my to-read list. Title links go to Goodreads to make it easier for interested parties to add any books that might strike their fancy. I attempt to use the covers for the edition I’m reading, and I’ll mention if this is not the case. If you have a Goodreads account feel free to friend me! I’d love to see what you’re reading and/or planning to read.
Books Currently Reading: 3
Title: The Mabinogion Tetralogy Author: Evangeline Walton Date Added: August 24, 2014 Date Started: July 31, 2016
Medium: Paperback Progress: 48%
Missing children and usurper kings. This could be ASOIAF. Rather I think Martin just borrowed from popular mythology, seeing as his motifs are quite common there.
I’m almost 50% done with this. There’s no chance I’m finishing it before the end of the year. I have much better luck with the other two.
I love this story so much. I received a Kindle Fire for Christmas this year, which makes it loads easier to read, since my phone still has a busted screen. I got through almost two chapters today at lunch, and the plot is heating up. I have some very strong suspicions who the “big bad” of the novel is going to be, but I”ll hold off on mentioning anything so I don’t spoil it for future readers. Even if my guess is correct, it won’t ruin the story for me.
Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses Series Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses Author: Sarah J. Maas Date Added: June 15, 2016 Date Started: November 20, 2016
Media: Paperback Progress: 53%
I’m letting my interest in what’s going on with the world contend with my dislike of Feyre and Tamlin’s relationship. Each chapter brings us closer and closer to what’s going on with the blight and who this nefarious “her” is.
I’m worried about my friend. I sent her a message yesterday, but still haven’t heard back. She could just be busy, but I tend to be a paranoid worry wart. I’m hoping I either hear back or see a story update.
Fanfictions Added to TBR List: 0
Books Added to Goodreads TBR List This Week: 4
Title: Seconds Author: Bryan Lee O’Malley Date Added: December 23, 2016
I really need to up my game with the comics on my TBR list, because this one as reviewed by Ignited Moth sounds phenomenal. Magic mushrooms and a written wish could give you another chance. I’m dying to know how this proceeds, because nothing ever pans out the way you expect in stories like this.
Title: The Killing Moon Series Title: Dreamblood Author: N.K. Jemisin Date Added: December 23, 2016
I’m trying so hard not to add new books to my list, but Cupcakes and Machetes reviewing these amazing books isn’t making it easier. I have Jemisin’s Thousand Kingdoms series on my list, and I really need to get on that. This book in question just sounds amazing: harvesting the power from dreams and keeping the peace.
Title: The House of Mirth Author: Edith Wharton Date Added: December 24, 2014
I almost added this to my to-be-reread list since I technically read this years ago for a high school (maybe college) class. I sort of remember it, but I more remember I enjoyed the writing style. I don’t think I ever finished it, though I do know how it ends.
I figured since I’m adding Edith Wharton books I might as well add this other one I’m interested in. Wasn’t Age of Innocence also a movie? Am I recalling that correctly? Either way, it’s now on my TBR list, and I’m going to eventually read it.
Total Books on Goodreads TBR List: 537
Change from Last Week: +4
Books Added to Goodreads To Be Reread List This Week: 0
Books Purchased This Week: 0
Even though the number says 0, I bought a shit ton of books this week with my Christmas Amazon GC money, but I’m going to wait until they’re in my possession to add them, so you’ll see them in drips and drops. I also have a Barnes and Noble gift card. I’m debating if I’m going to order online or go to the physical store. I really want that Hyrule Historia, but I don’t know if the B&N in Wayne has it in stock.
What are you currently reading and/or what’s on your radar to read next? What would you recommend based on my current and recently added? As always I look forward to your comments and suggestions!
I have an account at Grouvee, which is a essentially Goodreads for gamers, so please feel free to friend me there!
Original source of the banner art is located here.
Title: Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls Series: Final Fantasy Genre: RPG – Fantasy Developer: Square/Tose (GBA) Original Platform: NES Original Release Date: December 18, 1987 Current Platform: Gameboy Advance Current Platform Release Date: July 29, 2004 Date Started: November 20, 2016
I’m embarrassed to report that I’ve made absolutely no progress on this game in the past week. I suppose I could blame the holiday, but I’ve clocked loads of hours on World of Final Fantasy. I usually play my DS/GBA at night right before bed, but I can allow that Christmas and the lead up has exhausted me.
I’m still in the Elfheim area, still attempting to figure out the best place to grind in order to earn enough gil for all the upgrades. I’m ever open to your suggestions if you have them, as it will take me quite a long time if I can’t find a sweet spot.
Title: Final Fantasy IV Series: Final Fantasy Genre: RPG – Fantasy Developer: Square Original Platform: SNES Original Release Date: July 19, 1991 Current Platform: Game Boy Advance Current Platform Release Date: December 12, 2005 Date Started: October 24. 2016
As above to below. I haven’t spent any time playing this either, though I am happy to find out a good friend is currently playing it for the first time 🙂 I’m still in the Troia area, but I haven’t spoken to the clerics yet *spoiler* nor discovered Edward’s location and convalescence *end spoiler*
I’m hoping to catch up on this and DoS if not this week then next in the new year.
Title: World of Final Fantasy Series: Final Fantasy Genre: RPG – Fantasy Developer: Square Enix Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita Release Date: October 25, 2016 Date Bought: October 21, 2016 Date Started: November 5, 2016
You guessed it…I’ve been spending the majority of my time playing this and neglecting my other responsibilities not limited to gaming (we’re talking reading, editing, and essaying, too), but I can’t feel too much remorse. I fucking love this game.
I’m currently in the Train Graveyard just about to challenge the four murkrifts there and the fifth hidden one that appears afterwards. I have to give thanks again to EnterJayMent for his awesome tips for this game. He has a playthrough as well, but since I’m already doing that myself, I haven’t watched it. This is definitely a game I’d rather play than watch.
The funniest thing about this video was the My Little Pony ad that happened right before it. Talk about appropriate advertisement.
I think after this chapter, I’m going to spend some time grinding in either the Nether Nebula (where I can hopefully catch another Fritt) or the Windswept Mire where I can fight the Flan Princess/Malboro Menace combination over and over again. I’d like to get my Mirages leveled to a point where I can transfigure into the ones that only require a particular level. This seems like the best course of action at this time, and I can update my Excel spreadsheet
Games Currently Watching
Title: Mass Effect II Series: Mass Effect Genre: Action RPG – Sci-Fi Developer: BioWare Original Platform(s): Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 Original Release Date: January 26, 2010 Let’s Player: Olizandri Date Started: November 19, 2016
I think this game may have the best voice acting of any I’ve ever seen. Now that’s not saying much since I’m mostly an old schooler so most of the games I play/watch predate voice acting. Everyone I’ve spoken to agrees that Fem Shep is the best choice, which makes me feel a bit bad for Male Shep’s voice actor, but Jennifer Hale is totally boss.
I’ve just been introduced to the drell assassin; I think his name is Thane, but I don’t completely recall. All of the dialogue is so compelling in both intonation and delivery. You truly can’t turn away from the cut scenes.
This let’s play has the distinct honor of not only being another one by my friend/fellow blogger Hungry Goriya, but also the first one I’ve watched where I’ve never heard of or seen the game before. I grew up a Nintendo girl and didn’t have much dealings with Sega. Obviously, I know the big names like Sonic and Spyro, but I’d never played or even seen an RPG for that system until now. Well…not for the original system at least. I have played Grandia II, which was originally released for the Dreamcast.
Like most RPGs of the 80s era, Miracle Warriors is difficult, requiring much strategy and guile even at the start. Where current games ease you in, MW drops you right into the boiling water, forcing you to jump around to escape the scald. Running away from certain enemies is paramount to survival and grinding up large amounts of guilders (the game’s currency) is an initial requirement. I’m certainly enjoying watching an expert play and can’t wait for the next installment to go up.
Games Added to Playlist: 2
Oxenfree
Limbo
I added these two together, but can’t for the life of me remember who mentioned/recommended them. It was probably Cheap Boss Attack...I’ve added so many games because of that guy hehe.
Limbo is about a little boy seeking to rescue his sister from a dreary world, and the cover itself sends chills down my spine.
The darkness with that splash of eerie light certainly sets the mood.
Oxenfree is about a group of friends who accidentally open up a paranormal rift on an old military island. Oops. I hate when my friends and I do that. Very messy.
Games Bought This Week: 1
The Last Story
I didn’t buy it, but rather received it as a present from my awesome older brother, but I don’t have a section for gifts. I suppose I could have this be Games Bought/Received, but since I buy most of my games myself, I doubt this issue will come up that often. I do have to sit down and figure out the order of operations for my next gaming projects since I now have a lot of hefty RPGs to get through. I’m planning on writing a year end wrap up where I’ll be discussing this and my other 2017 plans.
Since we’ve just had a major holiday and are still currently enmeshed in a few others (it’s the 4th night of Hanukkah, the 2nd night of Kwanzaa, and the third day of Christmas if that’s a thing you do), did you receive any of the games on your wish list? I almost bought a Vita with the massive amounts of Amazon gift cards I was given, but I decided against it. I have more than enough games to keep me occupied for years to come without adding another system to the mix, though I really do want a Vita at some point. It’s around $200 though so I decided to hold off and spend some money on books. I think the rest of the balance will go towards purchasing some audio/video equipment so I can finally start my recording projects. That’s something else I’ll talk bout in my year end/new year plans post.
What are you currently playing and/or watching? Is it something new or old? Is it a first time run or a replay? What’s the genre? Would you recommend it? What’s on your radar to play next?
The Question of the Week is posted every Sunday and will consist of a question followed by my answer and explanation to the same. Some questions will only require a simple answer that could potentially be followed by an explanation. Many questions will be writer oriented, but not all. Everyone is encouraged to answer in the comments and discussions/follow up questions are more than welcome!
What’s your favorite Christmas movie or TV special?
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas is probably my favorite Christmas special, yet I always cry a bit at the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas when they decorate Charlie Brown’s sad, tired Christmas tree, it perks up, and they sing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” I don’t know why. I’m not religious, but I am sentimental, and (admission time) I cry over something at least once a day. A beautiful passage of music will move me or I’ll see/read something poignant. It’s really not hard for the Shameful Narcissist to bring the waterworks.
The Grinch gets me because I love the Heel Face Turn (shock…) and redemption stories (double shock). Side note: If you go to the TV Tropes link, you’ll see the Grinch is the poster child FOR the Heel Face Turn.
It always amused me how his eyes went from red irises surrounded by yellow to the “more wholesome” blue, because of course that’s what happens when you turn from evil to good in children’s stories. Either way, the message of the Grinch is one we still sorely need. It’s ubiquitous and eternal since, despite the fact it centers around Christmas, it’s not really religious.
What’s your favorite Christmas movie or TV special? Is it something you’ve loved for a long time or is it new to your heart?
I suppose I should say my obligatory Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays since it is the big day for the first and continues for the second. While Christmas morning was always the most exciting time of my youth, I find in my old age, I enjoy Christmas night much more. I can relax, play with my toys, and recuperate from the day’s festivities. I also still have a ton of dough left to make so I’ll probably bake that and eat a ton of cookies.
Project: Story
Title: The Broken Rose Genre: Paranormal Romance Type: Fanfiction (FFVII) Novel Current Word Count: 277,252 Prior Word Count: 277,650 Word Difference: -398 Status: Editing Progress: Third edit of Chapter 7
I really hope I finish my edits of Chapter 7 this week as I’m running out of pictures. This one isn’t exactly the hairstyle I describe Aeris having, but it’s the closest I could find. The little Cetra’s is just one set of braids at the forelocks with a ribbon behind the crown, which is amazingly difficult to find, and I have no idea why. Googling “Renaissance braids” netted me the image above, but I know I’ve seen the hairstyle I’m going to describe in the quote below many times before. I always equate it to movies set in Ireland or Scotland where they wrap braided hair around the crown from the forelocks. You’d think there’d be a ready name for this, but alas there isn’t.
I will probably be doing a fourth edit of Chapter 7 since I do significant changes with every pass through. I generally edit until I’m only making minor tweaks. If I do anything major, I have to go through it again to ensure it all flows well, and last night I wound up stopping at a place where I must’ve cut a part out, but I didn’t sew the tattered ends back together *headdesk*
I’m not sure if I mentioned this last week, but someone on Deviant Art started reading and favoriting this story there. In her comment on the “Warning and Foreword,” she mentioned she was a rape/assault survivor 😦 The pressure for me not to fuck this up has increased exponentially.
Quote: He braided her hair, twin ties at the forelocks, wrapping around her crown. A bright blue ribbon adorned at the juncture where the two plaits became one. Both flowed down the waves like deep diving fish in the brightening chestnut mane. Aeris wished her hands could fly half so fast or remember the dance to bind, but they were still clumsy and held to her crown could only recall coldest chains. Sephiroth tried to reteach using his silver locks, but her fingers just slid through smooth silk. She forced her tears back in futility, and he kissed her, lamenting the past.
I’m not even going to pretend I’m working on any other writing project until the new year. There’s too much going on, and I’m just way too tired with too little time. I’m working on this while doing laundry, and afterwards I have to make cookies.
So I’m just going to say Merry Christmas Eve, Merry Christmas for tomorrow for those who celebrate, and Happy Hanukkah for those who celebrate!
What are you currently working on? Is it a creative writing project, essay, review, or something else? Have you just started something new or are you wrapping up a long term project?
This is my current Final Fantasy Friday post where I’ll be discussing which characters I think exemplify each card of the Major Arcana. If this is your first time here, please head over to my Final Fantasy Tarot page for explanation. Now onto the next card!
The Moon is a mysterious card, difficult to divine, enigmatic, and mysterious. This bled into the meta, making it quite the challenge to pick a character who exemplified it. Ironically, the prior Star card was swayed by the insightful input of my fellow bloggers when I was fairly certain on this point; however, though I was flexible on The Moon, in the end I decided to go with Rydia whom I choose a year ago when I first conceived of this project. I suppose that even though the moon is changeable, it always comes back around 😉
This Major Arcana represents intellectual light as a mere reflection, and beyond it is an unknown mystery that cannot be revealed, esoteric knowledge. Rydia is washed overboard by Leviathan and ends up in the Feymarch or fairy realm. When she returns she has knowledge beyond mortal men. She has been to the other side and come back. The Moon is a card of that scary, dreamy, secret otherworld where the darkest of magic lies.
I can’t believe it took me so long to make the connection with Lucrecia’s last name being freaking Crescent, and she most certainly possessed dark, esoteric knowledge that kept her from every finding peace. Her self-imprisonment in crystal could be seen as an escape to another world where what she did and what she knows can cause her pain no more.
Vincent is similar with his self-imposed imprisonment in a coffin beneath the Shinra Mansion, the place where it all began. He also has that dark side of Chaos, which while not activated by the moon, could almost be equated with werewolf mythos. This is on top of the former Turk being aligned with vampire mythos, something I’ve always believed but can’t quite explain. The coffin connection along with the moody-broody attitude and eternal regret help spur this along. Squeenix has managed to create a character that encompasses both werewolf and vampire traits without being too over the top with either of that. That’s freaking impressive.
Seifer from FFVII was another consideration due The Moon card also being associated with the fine line between psychopathy and genius. Seifer fell in love with his idea of the romantic dream and pursued this ideal for better or worse.
Finally, Auron from X because of his in between state as an unsent. He rides the line between Spira and the otherworld and is possessed of esoteric knowledge.
While no one picked Rydia, both guessers still win this week! LightningEllen choose Auron who’s an alternate, and Mr. Panda opted for FuSoYa who is from the same game as Rydia 🙂
Next week’s card is The Sun, an undeniably optimistic card, representing joy, enlightenment, victory, and happiness among other things.
A weekly post updated every Wednesday detailing my current reading projects and where I am with them in addition to what new titles I’ve added to my to-read list. Title links go to Goodreads to make it easier for interested parties to add any books that might strike their fancy. I attempt to use the covers for the edition I’m reading, and I’ll mention if this is not the case. If you have a Goodreads account feel free to friend me! I’d love to see what you’re reading and/or planning to read.
Books Currently Reading: 3
Title: The Mabinogion Tetralogy Author: Evangeline Walton Date Added: August 24, 2014 Date Started: July 31, 2016
Medium: Paperback Progress: 45%
I didn’t make any percentage progress, but I did read a chapter or so. Since this book is so long, getting through only a few pages doesn’t net me much quantifiable progress, but rest assured, this is not a book I’m going to be putting down.
It’s getting very interesting in Buxton Manor and its environs. To say anymore would be to give a major part of the story away, and I want people to read this to not only enjoy a good tale, but to give the author support!
I also realized I’m a dumbass and never put a link to the author’s blog. I’ve remedied that under his name above. It goes to a post about pre-ordering a physical copy (which it’s too late to do now, since the book is out. I have it on Kindle), but there are other links below for it. You know what, I’ll just link to the first sample chapter. That seems to make the most sense, and I’ll retain the link for as long as I’m reading it. Hopefully Jonathon won’t mind!
Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses Series Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses Author: Sarah J. Maas Date Added: June 15, 2016 Date Started: November 20, 2016
Media: Paperback Progress: 42%
So I now have an ever bigger gripe than Feyre and Tamlin’s insta-romance. Suddenly, the story turned a bit rapey. No rape happened, but there were some “I was looking for you” shenanigans, which is okay, but then it turned into what could be considered an (non-sexual) assault and then afterwards a “it’s your own fault for not staying in your room.” Um, what the fuck? Then later, an apology with flowers. Um, yeah, that’s par for the course to an abusive relationship. Thorns/Roses is obviously better written than Twilight or Fifty Shades of Gray, but I’m not going to let that excuse things like this. I’m still planning on finishing it, and I’m hoping something happens that’ll redeem the story and that particular character a little, because right now I’m really not impressed with the latter, even though I’m enjoying the former.
I will say the Beauty and the Beast vibe is obviously stronger, and I can certainly see shades of the Scottish ballad about Tam Lin, as the titular character in that was changed into a beast (among other things), while his true love Janet forced herself to hold onto him for the time of 21 heartbeats. I’m curious how Maas might weave this poetry in.
Still no update on this. I may shoot the author a message on tumblr (if it isn’t down as I’ve heard), not just to inquire about the story, but also to see how she’s doing.
Fanfictions Currently Reading: 0
Fanfictions Added to TBR List: 0
Books Added to Goodreads TBR List This Week: 3
Title: A Lion Among Men Series Title: The Wicked Years Author: Gregory Maguire Date Added: December 17, 2016
This was one of my husband’s White Elephant presents. I don’t think he was overly interested in it, but I have Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister already on my TBR list, and this is the third book in the series. I’ve always been a fan of retellings and have heard good things about Mr. Maguire’s. I’m hoping I do enjoy Wicked as I was sort of ruined from liking the musical by overzealous friends/fans.
This volume follows the exploits of the Cowardly Lion and what’s really drawing me to it is how the animals of Oz are treated like second class citizens in the kingdom. I’m really curious to see the interplay of that.
Ah okay, in looking up Confessions, that’s apparently a standalone, and the book in question is in a different series entirely though they’re both by the same author.
Title: Maresi Series Title: The Red Abbey Chronicles Author: Maria Turtschaninoff Date Added: December 18, 2016
Don’t let the “red abbey” part fool you, this is not a tale of Redwall. It’s a novel of a more realistic haven where women and girls can escape and heal from abuse and oppression. The titular character, a 13 year old novice, arrived there in the winter, and now lives happily protected by the Mother and exploring the vast library. She takes another girl, Jai, under her wing, and learns it will take more than books to fix the ills of society.
I’m trying to curb the amount of books I add to my TBR list, which is why the numbers have been lowered, but when I saw Kim review this, I knew I had to make an exception. I’m going to (eventually) do another sample download to try to remove as many novels as possible if they don’t strike my fancy, but this may very well not happen until after the holidays.
Title: Nemesis Author: Brendan Reichs Date Added: December 20, 2016
Again I’m really trying to curb the number of books I add to my TBR list, but meteors and serial murders are just too much for me to pass up. Is Min dreaming of a past life or a future death, and how does Noah fit in with his nightmares of murder? Is he Min’s murderer? And then we have the Anvil, a giant meteor/asteroid that could wipe out life on earth. All you need do to pique my curiosity is entice my VII sense.
Total Books on Goodreads TBR List: 533
Change from Last Week: +3
Books Added to Goodreads To Be Reread List This Week: 0
Books Purchased This Week: 0
What are you currently reading and/or what’s on your radar to read next? What would you recommend based on my current and recently added? As always I look forward to your comments and suggestions!
I have an account at Grouvee, which is a essentially Goodreads for gamers, so please feel free to friend me there!
Original source of the banner art is located here.
Title: Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls Series: Final Fantasy Genre: RPG – Fantasy Developer: Square/Tose (GBA) Original Platform: NES Original Release Date: December 18, 1987 Current Platform: Gameboy Advance Current Platform Release Date: July 29, 2004 Date Started: November 20, 2016
I sailed to Elfheim this week. Huh, that sentence sounds like the opening line to an epic story. Alas my experience wasn’t quite so exciting. The next level of spells and upgraded weapons are really expensive, and the enemies in the area don’t drop much GP. I might turn to the Google and see if there’s a better place to farm. I seem to recall when I was playing (or watching) the original that there was a good grind spot so that’ll be my next goal. To give you an example, one new spell is 1000GP, but the enemies are still dropping only around 100-300GP, and I need to buy at least eight spells.
Title: Final Fantasy IV Series: Final Fantasy Genre: RPG – Fantasy Developer: Square Original Platform: SNES Original Release Date: July 19, 1991 Current Platform: Game Boy Advance Current Platform Release Date: December 12, 2005 Date Started: October 24. 2016
My next task is to go to Troia Castle. I explored the town and found some secret stuff, but last time I played, I was too tired to progress the story. The part with the Dark Elf requires you to not have any metal weapons in his cave, so your best equipment is useless.
Huh, I just realized I’m in an analogous place in IV that I am in DoS. I have to defeat the Dark Elf there (whose name is Astos; no wonder he’s pissed) in order to break the spell on Elfheim’s sleeping prince. It’s a bit of a gender reversed sleeping beauty.
Title: World of Final Fantasy Series: Final Fantasy Genre: RPG – Fantasy Developer: Square Enix Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita Release Date: October 25, 2016 Date Bought: October 21, 2016 Date Started: November 5, 2016
I’m off Thursday and Friday this week and along with Christmas planning and preparation, I get to play more WOFF. I just finished up a part involving an “underground” city with a Norse name, and my next goal is to search out some of the Mirages I missed there and on the sands.
I’m trying to formulate a plan to obtain more Mirages since you can transfigure new forms from the ones you have. So for example right now I have Shiva and Bablizz/Mishiva, the latter being one Mirage that I can now transfigure into both forms, and both can be transfigured from Shiva. If I can obtain one more Shiva, I could transfigure her into a Mishiva (or a Bablizz) and then have one of each. The same goes for Ifrit. Usually Mirages will give you another prism of themselves as you go along their grid, and I’m hoping this holds for the Shiva, Ifrit, and Ramuh (I still need to get a Zapt).
I’m debating making another chart that shows which Mirages can be transfigured from others. Then I can put a plan into place to obtain them. I could go back to the Nether Nebula to look for another Fritt (since I can now transfigure him into Affrite). It’s a decent leveling spot so while I was hoping for an encounter, I could grind. There’s also the Windswept Mire with its Flan Princess and Malboro Menace. I think I’m finally at a level where I should be able to defeat them pretty easily.
As you can tell, I’m taking my time with this game. I’m going to eke as much enjoyment out of it as I can. The next story part is The Big Bridge, which I keep hearing about. I know it’s a very long chapter, and one of the earlier interventions is finally going to open up in the Girl’s Tearoom. My guess is you can’t do an intervention until you reach the point of its location in the story line. It’s odd that it showed up as the third one right from the get-go.
Games Currently Watching
Title: Mass Effect II Series: Mass Effect Genre: Action RPG – Sci-Fi Developer: BioWare Original Platform(s): Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 Original Release Date: January 26, 2010 Let’s Player: Olizandri Date Started: November 19, 2016
I just watched one of the most beautiful parts of this game. It probably wouldn’t stand out to most people, but it was an utter dream of perfection, showcasing how expert programming, animation, storytelling, and voice work can come together. And this was in not one, but two situations on Ilium. The first involves Shepherd talking to the holder of a contract for Zhu’s Hope where she (Shepherd) convinces her to alter an inhumane caveat, and the second is the reaction of the asari whom Shepherd did this for. The subtle intricacies of how emotions play out in the second situation is so well done.
The video should start at the correct point, so just hit play if you’re curious. I don’t think it will spoil much unless you’re really interested to know how Shepherd handled the Thorian in the first installment and don’t want that given away.
I will say that the quality of these games only seems to go up, and I’m hoping by watching all of them, I’ll be a bit more lenient on that controversial ending.
Title: Faxanadu Series: Dragon Slayer Genre: Action/RPG Developer: Hudson Soft Original Platform(s): Nintendo Entertainment System Original Release Date: November 17, 1987 Let’s Player: Hungry Goriya Date Started: December 18, 2016
I’m happy to report I’m watching another Hungry Goriya Let’s Play, and this is actually the game that got me into watching Let’s Plays. Years ago, I came across something that reminded me of it, and because I neither had the game (nor the skill to play it even if I did), I decided to seek an internet solution. Thus my introduction to the world of LPing was born. I’d seen videos about such before, but never liked listening to any where the player spoke, because their voice and/or mannerisms annoyed me. The first Kid Icarus I watched was just a silent play through, and I loved that, but Odinspack33 had a calm, chill voice, and I realized that it was just the matter of finding the right LPer.
So I’m happy to watch a friend play through this game again! I didn’t know (until I checked the Great Wiki) that it was part of a series called Dragon Slayer and is a spinoff of Xanadu (the name being a portmanteau of that and Famicom). You really do learn something new every day.
This was one of those games we rented in my youth, but neither I nor my brother ever even got so far as to obtain the mattock. Now that I’m reading more about the story, I’m seeing similarities with another game you all know I love. A fallen meteorite brought an Evil One to the world, and it transformed the dwarves into monsters and set them against the elves. Hm, I seem to recall a motif where an evil alien creature fell to the world and mutated people into monsters, so that appears to be a fairly common staple of fantasy/fantasy video games.
What are you currently playing and/or watching? Is it something new or old? Is it a first time run or a replay? What’s the genre? Would you recommend it? What’s on your radar to play next?
The Question of the Week is posted every Sunday and will consist of a question followed by my answer and explanation to the same. Some questions will only require a simple answer that could potentially be followed by an explanation. Many questions will be writer oriented, but not all. Everyone is encouraged to answer in the comments and discussions/follow up questions are more than welcome!
What’s your favorite Christmas/Holiday episode?
As luck would have it, I’m currently watching one of my favorite Christmas episodes right now: Family Guy “Road to the North Pole,” where Brian and Stewie travel to Santa’s workshop so the megalomaniac baby can kill the jolly old man due to a mall Santa slighting him. Of course once they reach the pole, things aren’t quite what they expect. It has one of the best songs in the series, “Christmas Time Is Killing Us.”
I’m also fond of the Futurama Xmas episodes where the Santa robot tries to kill everyone out too late on Christmas Eve,
My favorite Christmas episode though is from American Dad. Season 8 Ep. 7 “Season’s Beatings.” Stan is thwarted in his dream to play Christ at the Crucifixion, because he doesn’t have the abs for it per Father Donovan. The minister gives him the job of playing Santa Claus, but Stan’s disappointment is compounded with rage when he finds out Roger’s gotten the role since the drunken alien has absolutely no respect for Christianity and only did it because it sounded fun. Stan proceeds to beat the shit out of Roger on national TV, which gets him thrown out of the church. The only way to reverse the excommunication is to either donate $10 million, find the Holy Grail, or kill the antichrist, and as luck would have it, Hayley and Jeff recently adopted a toddler who would up being said antichrist! What else can be said at this point besides shenanigans ensue.
What’s your favorite Christmas episode? This question is more geared towards specific television shows. I’ll have one about Christmas specials next week 🙂
The Shameful Narcissist Speaks 
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