If you’re old-skool like me, you know I’m talking about MACROSS! This month, a new television series entitled Macross: Frontier began airing in Japan, and I’m totally giddy.
The premier episode is on the usual streaming video sites, and it is chock-full of tributes to the 25+ year old original. I remember vividly how overwhelmed I was by the US incarnation (Robotech); it was like a show from the future had been beamed to my tv. Particularly, I loved the well-designed mecha and serious character development. Who knew green and blue hair could be cool? Anyway, for more about the series follow this link.
In addition to going online for the Gaile & Frog party this past weekend, I’ve begun my involvement in a number of new gaming titles. Friends of mine have started their PnP rpg campaigns, one in Savage Worlds: Deadlands, and the other in the latest d20 Star Wars. I play a vengeful Indian and a Verpine Force Adept respectively. Furthermore, we tried out another elaborate Fantasy Flight board game, Descent. This game benefits from having someone “Game Master” the baddies, so events can be suspenseful without necessarily resulting in a party wipe. It may become our miniatures game of choice for a long time.
In other news, I’ve also re-enlisted my webmaster guy to start upgrading the Healbot gallery page. Soon, there will be no more of my lame “untitled document” pages!
To compare appearance with the grayscale comics, I have a small drawing of Fairebuckle & Miette in color to show you. I’m considering having the new Healbot page feature the main characters with a full palette of tones. Honestly, I don’t think color improves the comics, however, it could make the homepage more contemporary. If you think the change would be a significant improvement, leave a comment…
Remember my friend who has the T-shirt biz, and could print some for Healbot if I had the money? Well, I can earn more “divine favor” if you go to the latest shirt-woot and vote for his Spring-theme contest entry. His tee is entitled “ZOMBIE GARDEN”, under the name of “SKAGHT”.
I believe you must have purchased a woot-item in order to vote.
The recent passing of RPG icon Gary Gygax started me thinking about milestones, in what we nerds consider our kinds of heroic Fantasy. I can roughly sort things into four generational blocks. A century ago, there were pioneers that penned and painted many dream-scapes that became the foundation for numerous fantasy genres. I place giants like R.E. Howard and Lovecraft in this first echelon. The second generation was much larger, and those “Sci-Fi Boys” pushed fantasy stories into Hollywood and around the world. Their movies, comics, and novels are best-sellers even today.
Going back 30 years, the third generation conquered every type of market. Gygax and his associates produced D&D, which revolutionized “hobby gaming”. Lucas and his Trilogy surmounted all box office records, while “nerdy” TV shows became ingrained in our culture. I feel bad for anyone who was born in the 1980’s…heh. Now, my generation “X” is carrying the ever-burning torch forward. I don’t think it is too soon to say our greatest contributions will be digital in nature, and just around the bend.
So what did I learn from pondering this slice of history? I learned that I can have one small hex on this giant fantasy map we’ve all made, and share my creations like Healbot Blues there. Thanks to my fellow “4th Gen” nerds, my contributions can be enjoyed anywhere there is a computer hooked to the internet. Now, I just have to conquer more hexes and build some castles!
Fairly soon there might be an interruption in access due to things moving around. When the service changes, I’ll edit this post with new information if need be.
All-righty, pay close attention to Healbot’s hint!
“A short while ago I defeated a Boss Monster in Sifhalla. However, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen a Boss creature of this kind. I’ve been to another location where there are similar critters just outside. I want you to find this other location I’m referring to in my comic!”
Good luck!
Even though the EotN Dungeons are the latest adventure areas, I’m surprised by how many are still lingering in the old farming areas. So, rather than be dragged back to the FoW or such, I’ve zoned out with a few Norn Title farmers for kicks. The trick appears to involve the HM effect on the “Dragon Facet” quest (which I did normally). I usually volunteer to heal all the wacky Ursans that think they can aggro mobs of ice & shadow monsters without dying. Of course, the loot deteriorates fast, but just a couple runs netted me 2 Norn Rank advancements and some better-skinned weapons.
Soon, I’ll have a new addition to the Healbot page for your enjoyment! I’m thinking that the Healbot gallery will become a stand-alone address when I refurbish it. My personal blog will remain with the other nerdy stuff nobody wants to see/buy.
I’ve finished a small Healbot addition for the site, but it requires some “interactive scripting” before I upload it. That part rests in the hands of my friend/web master. It will be self-explanatory, and good for about 1.5 minutes of entertainment!
I have to grumble about the film mis-treatment of one of my favorite games, Dungeon Siege. I cannot even bring myself to pay for a ticket after reading the scathing reviews. I now join the long line of nerds that have had their soul withered by evil movies made about their favorite things. Sadly, the lesser known games and comics have only a fraction of the fan base that worship titles like Star Trek. Those juggernauts live on even after the creators and actors have sunk their knives into it. At least Mr. Boll won’t have another chance to destroy a chunk of fandom…hopefully.
At last, the glimpse into Healbot’s future - where all is not generous healing and n00b rezzing! This is the last “weekly” comic; I’ll be changing things around as you know, and scripting a more user-friendly gallery.
My thanks to all viewers, especially those that say “gj” , or put a few bucks in my PayPal account. To the amphibians at Anet…I’ll see you at GENCON. Bring Swiss Cake Rolls. 
