January 2008 Archives

So... I have like, a December's worth of stuff to write about that I didn't get around to. I sort of feel bad, but then again, I sort of don't- because it's been some pretty good times!

I'll start with what's recent, because I'm afraid to forget.

These past few days, I've had some pretty cool dreams. I know there should be three or four, but let's see how many I can recall.

Post-Apocalyptic

I dreamed I was on a transport or a train of some type in a world that was pretty run down... people in rags, random barrels of burning stuff lying around... There was a kid that I was following around, but at some point, the "kid" was replaced with my big sister. We were trying to get to the next train stop, so I led her through some of the broken down buildings and approached the station which was terribly crowded.

Instead, I decided to try our luck at a different station, further away. I remember leading her out of the run-down station (which resembled more of an over-crowded bus stop), and over some railroad tracks. The next thing I remember, there was a military feel, and we were like... veterans or something. Anyway, a large explosion sent a steam engine hurtling our way. My sister and I were cool, so we slid/ducked underneath it as it flew over our heads. That's all I remember of that.

Fantasy

This dream I had today... I was a sort of winged creature in a fantasy setting. I think I had a sort of master/teacher who was a harpy, and was able to communicate with me telepathically. I flew around the world (which had hard boundaries resembling a game map, though the world was physical), and observed an army of orcs besieging a castle. (The orcs looked like a bunch of Blankas, with the huge red mane & green skin). It was a lost cause to try to help, so I hid behind a grassy knoll far to the north, and waited for a sign from my mentor. She said that we should meet together at some place, but I decided to fly around the remnants of the castle (which was now an orc camp).

Unfortunately, instead of flying high in the sky, I decided to fly at near-ground level. The orc captain was bathing in a furo, and had the quick reaction to splash water on me as I flew by. My wings wet, I found myself unable to get lift and flew headlong towards a large bush.

Quickly, I drew on a spell and a cantrip, and was able to get the water off my wings with one spell, then cast an illusion that made it look like I crashed into the bush while I actually soared high up above into safety.

That's all I remember for that one.

I can't remember any more dreams for the time being. I really did like the fantasy dream, because it's so cool to be able to fly high up above the world.... since it's a dream, it feels pretty real, too!

So... a few days ago at Ono Hawaiian BBQ, I was hanging out with the Gamer House/OYWA guys, and we were starved for games to play. (That doesn't bother me now as much as it did a month ago~ ^^)... and so I was thinking, "What would be a cool game for times like this?"

The Natural Eight

Side-scrolling action platformer designed around LAN play for 2-8 people. Each player chooses one character/hero archetype to play as and joins together to try to beat levels with their friends!

Action is intense, but not necessarily fast, and each archetype has specialties that both change the way the game is played, and also plays a special role in helping out teammates. Of course, there's no way I could possibly do this project (the Epsilon Project is much more likely, though... still very unlikely). But it's kinda cool to think about it, and having a cool design might be worth it one day!

So far, I've come up with:

• The Marksman
• The Springheel
• The Biologic
• The Hardblooded
• The Spinblade

Though I'm not very certain on the Hardblooded.

The Marksman is the sniper. He can give sniper cover to his teammates and aim in any direction, easily taking out concealed/entrenched targets.

The Springheel is an expert acrobat. She is able to reach places no one else can. She's also able to gives friends a large jump-boost (by having them jump on her while she's crouched), letting them reach high places.

The Biologic is the medic. He can boost teammates defense/offense as well as stun enemies... in addition to his normal healing duties.

The Hardblooded is a blood opera guy. He can only use dual 1911's or shotguns, but with skill, he can dispatch many light-armored foes easily. He can also pull his teammates out of danger! If he dodges, or pulls a teammate aside at the perfect time, he'll automatically shoot at the enemy that fired the offending bullet, instantly killing most (mooks) enemies in one shot!

The Spinblade is the melee fighter who uses a katana, and has throwing knives as secondaries. He's very powerful, and can chop bullets out of mid-air. (He gets owned by buckshot.) I'm not sure how useful he is to a team... but it's totally necessary to have a melee guy! Maybe... he's good against heavily armored infantry, because he slices right through their armor!

Anyway, check back later for Part 2! In which I'll cover the EFC Winter Retreat '07, and the impromptu praise night for the New Year at EFC Alhambra. XD

Also, my attempt at dieting, and attempts to learn TGB.