A Very Bera Christmas

Yes, yes I know that this is extremely bera, but I have been at work over the last couple of days working. No, not non-stop I have taken breaks to spend Christmas time with the family and to see my friends and such (I even managed to squeeze a viewing of Yogi Bear in there somewhere, but that was more to get out of the Christmas heat than to watch the film) but yes, most of my time has been spent feverishly sketching animation frames and then inking, coloring and animating them.

I don't have too much experience with animation, but thankfully, we have the internet to teach me the basics, for run cycles and such, as well as lipsync. This time is interesting because I don't really have anyone to tell me if it's any good >_<

The last animation project I worked on (waaaay back when) was with Mr. Kaoskongo and thankfully I had his expert guidance behind my hand. And also his ability to annoy me by repeating Fat Boy Slims "Bird of Prey" while we were working. I cannot listen to that song nowadays without feeling a pang of stressful worry. Strange really, how we associate music with feelings, but there ya go.

Anyway, that's what Christmas was for me. Time spent mostly in the office, or sleeping.

And although it's late, I do wish all of a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Festival of the Dark Elder Gods of Frost.

Ka-Ding!

Mike gained another level yesterday (in terms of yeaaars) so the gang put their collective thinking caps on and we made him a card. And had dinner and beers and such, we're not that cheap :P

Mr. Kaoskongo is the man who made that awesome achievement bar, I drew the centaur. I could feel my inner furry trying to get out, but I punched him in the head so hopefully this doesn't awaken something in me.

Derezzed

Tron Legacy OST is win, by the way. Drew this yesterday while trying to get through an artists block. When in doubt, draw boobies. And swords. Short post is short!

Puncher of Suns

Lazy comics. They're fast, they're dirty and they in no way represent any effort at all on my part to make the art amazing. But, there's something fun about them.

Comic based on my awesome adventure on the Uto Ni Yalo this weekend (thanks Oceanic!). I did, however, get sunburn. It's no joke people, make sure you slip, slop and slap!

And it's weird how that sounds like it should be a sex technique.

After you ding 85...

I think you'd probably want a smoke break.

So yeah, Seedus is 85! Did I mention that I bought Cataclysm? That world (of warcraft) shattering expansion?

80 to 85 was good fun, the quests were rad, the zones were fresh and the gear was...let's just say I dropped my tier 10 like it was hot. Anyway, that's the lazy art/update post. Was considering making a seperate mage-y blog (a la Soul Fire Blues) to keep the art and the WoW seperate. And also because I haven't been able to find a mage blog to read that keeps me updated on the things I need for Cataclysm.

You know, apart from WoW Insider.

Changing Vocations

A totally lazy comic about changing jobs in Dragon Quest. I was wondering how someone would feel, after after getting used to being a certain class for 20 whole levels, about changing for a new job. I imagine it would be like a dude who has worked for 5 years after high school as a plumber, suddenly becoming a salesman.

But maybe, that's just me reading too much into things again.

A wall of text and pictures appears!

So I've had a little more time with DQ9. Since the game came out ages ago, this is not a review by any means, but more my thoughts on the game.

First off, I like how it's almost a back to basics sort of RPG. There are no flashy over the top attempts to disguise it for what it is, a hearkening back to the days of SNES RPGs. Battles are turn based, and if you're not regular about grinding levels or upgrading your equipment, monsters will stomp your face harder than an elephant at a breakdancing competition.

I've also already mentioned in earlier posts how much I love the fact that each and every piece of equipment you buy or make shows up on your characters. This had a slight drawback for me at one point because there was a pair of pants that were really well suited for my Mage. Unfortunately, he never got to wear them because the model was a pair of briefs. Bright. Blue. Briefs.

DQ9 also has a pretty extensive crafting system. Sure you can buy equipment from the store, but if you take the time to scour bookshelves for recipes and the wilderness for ingredients, you can easily make gear that surpasses what you can buy for your level. It helps to give you that extra edge against monsters and bosses and well, theres nothing like making your own stuff.

You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned anything of the story though. I will admit, it's pretty generic fantasy, but the NPC's and the way they are written make up for this somewhat. However, the story in DQ9 is merely an excuse to get you from Town A to Dungeon B and then on to Town C.

All the while, however, throwing wonderful loot and goodies at your face. Eventually, you get the ability to change a characters Vocation, and from this point how you handle battles depends on how well you can balance your characters skill points, abilities and strengths. For example, at the moment I am levelling Mikey as a thief. However, he still has his bonuses from the time I levelled him as a Warrior, and as such, is not as squishy as a regular thief. Basically, I don't have to worry about him too much.

This will probably not be the last post about Dragon Quest IX, seeing as how when I get this far or invested in an RPG I usually end up finishing it. (Except for Warcraft... /cry)

All in all though, it's an awesome game for fans of old school RPGs and probably also people who like dressing up little people in matching outfits to fight monsters.

So mean!

The Adventure Continues

So, while my progress in Dragon Quest IX has been slow, there has been progress. Thought I'd just post what my party looks like at the moment ^_^

I love how customizable the party members are. Although I haven't changed any vocations yet, since I still have the basic ones.

Omega is the partys Mage. His job is to stand in the back and throw spells at people, which sometimes decimates an entire group of foes at once! You kinda have to keep an eye on his MP though. He goes through it like a hot knife through butter if you're not careful.

Mikey the Warrior has the highest strength, the best armor and the most HP of the party. And he also costs the most to outfit Kaos is a bit of an enigma to me. He's the priest...but he's also reeeally good with his spear. I guess since he doesn't have any offensive spells, he needs some way to kill monsters. I don't question it, I just let him do his thing.

And finally we have the Minstrel Albie. No, that's not a hand-me-down suit of armor, it's actually got awesome stats, it just looks the same as the level 10 chestpiece that mikey was wearing. I made it through Alchemy...and it took ages to farm the Snakeskin required for it. Was totally worth it though!

And that's how the gang in DQIX is doing so far!

Fiji Loading Screen

Next time, I'll remember to add the actual content before hitting publish >_>

How to Win: Barrel Nights

As a veteran of many a Barrel Night, I thought it would be a good idea to share some knowledge on the subject with you. Herein you will find several hints and tips at surviving and getting the most out of a Barrel Night.

What is a Barrel Night?

First of all, the basics, a Barrel Night is a fundraising event usually held in a bar or an open area. The purpose of which is to make money. I don't have any tips on how to organise a barrel night, I can however, tell you how to make the most of your time at one.

Upon your arrival, you will be given a cup and pointed in the direction of the bar. Hold onto this cup, because you should only get one. While there are kegs remaining, your cup will be refilled when you have emptied it. This is the basic rule, try not to forget it on your journey down drunkenness avenue.

Tip One: Scope out the Situation
Observation is an important part of things like this. If the place seems crowded near the bar, you can bet your sweet pajamas that the kegs are going to run out quick. You have a couple of options here, if there are people walking around with jugs mark their faces and try and keep them happy. They will fill up your cup, ensuring you have a steady supply of alcohol. Otherwise, you have no choice but to try and get as close to the bar as possible.

Proximity to those sweet beer spewing taps will ensure that you will get your beer, and will soon be spewing beer yourself.

Tip Two: Observe the competitionThere's always a couple of really heavy drinkers at barrel nights, it's important to make note of where they are, and at what stage of drunkeness they have attained. If they are swaying slowly or relatively sober, then chances are that the kegs have not been drained. If they are deadly quiet, then they are probably really wasted and might punch you in the face if you get in their way of the bar. Take note, it's the key to survival.

Tip Three: Get your monies worthThe average price of a barrel night ticket is $10. If you take into account the size of your cup, and the available alcohol, it should be easy enough to work out how much you need to drink. For a barrel night with 3 kegs and normal sized cups with a ticket price of $10 this would be 4 cups. Anything after that is bonus, and will put you on your way to winning.

Tip Four: Keep your friends closeYou shouldn't be going to these things alone, by the way, there is safety in numbers. Also, you may find it handy to take turns returning to the bar to fill up those cups, if there is a huge crowd. Also, it's no fun drinking alone, and can be quite dangerous if you get too smashed. Watch each others backs and keep each other safe. Real friends don't let friends drink alone.

Random bits of wisdom:

If there is chaser provided at a barrel night, it is a win.

Always know where the bathroom is, especially if you're going somewhere new.

Keep tabs on the amount of beer remaining. It's as simple as asking the bartender. Review your tactics as necessary.

And try to have fun, your binge drinking is helping some raise funds! It's for charity!

Disclaimer: Awesome Cake is not responsible for any hangovers, bar fights, illegitimate children or random people calling you a douche for following these tips and hints. However, if you do manage to win a barrel night, we will of course award you with a very special imagi-prize.