Ouch!

I’d forgotten what it feels like the day after the marathon. At least I am now able to walk somewhat. It was a perfect day for running in Chicago, though. The temperature at the start was in the high 30s and it hit the low 40s by the time I finished. Well, maybe it was a bit chilly, but that didn’t stop us runners from putting in a good performance. I ran a 3:13:25, which was on the fast side of what I was expecting-- so I am pleased with myself. For comparison, the guy who won the race (Sammy Wanijru) ran a blistering 2:05:48 or so, setting the course record. That is smoking. We are talking running an average per mile pace that is probably beyond what most people can run for even 1 mile (i.e. 4:50 or faster)

So what does running have to do with gaming? Well, if it wasn’t for running, I think I would go crazy. Most of my time is spent sitting in front of a computer, and I find that too much sitting and not enough physical activity has some nasty side-effects like a flabby belly, bad back, and host of other trivial ailments that when added together are not so trivial. Running is an extremely efficient form of exercise so far as it packs the most intensity into the smallest amount of time, and it improves the one muscle in your body that you absolutely do not want to fail (i.e. your heart). In other words, if your heart stops working, your gaming days are over with, to say the least.

I also like to feel a little bit like one of those characters in the video games. You know, the lean fit ones that are always running everywhere in full armor. I haven’t quite perfect the running in plate mail part, though. Maybe it’s not entirely realistic… I have to say, though, that when I am out on a nice brisk run, I sometimes feel a bit like a wood elf ranger with an 18 constitution, if not exactly being one—more like a balding 30-something guy.

On the subject of “Blood & Gold,” I got nothing at the moment. I will probably be able to post some pictures of some areas I have been working on soon. I have also been adding some quests and rewriting some parts of the plot. That is pretty typical for me--getting ideas as I am actually building. This is also probably why every project I work on quickly balloons from being very manageable to epically ambitious (i.e. never getting done).

Marathon and Plot Hooks

I am making some progress on “Blood & Gold”, but I’ve been a little distracted this week. The reason is because I am running the Chicago Marathon this year (my first time in a long while) and it’s this next Sunday! I hope the weather is nice…

After the marathon, I will probably feel like spending the next several weeks sitting in my chair in front of my computer and not running—or very little running. That bodes well for me making some good progress on “Blood & Gold” in the next few weeks.

I’ve just started putting major conversations and plot mechanics in place, and I hope to have most of the plot and conversations done by the end of October or early November. One of the features I am proudest of is the multiple plot hooks that players will be able to choose from in the opening cutscene. I would be lying if I said that each plot hook will lead to a completely different game experience--I just don’t have enough time or resources to do something like that. But each choice will start the player off in a different direction and have some perks associated with it (think opening vignettes in Troika’s “Temple of Elemental Evil”). For instance, the hook you choose will determine where your characters call home during the adventure. Your choice will also lead to different starting quests. I am also toying with the idea of making some special rewards—such as magical items—available to characters based on the path they follow at the start.

Some of the plot hooks are as follows:

1) Aiding a Friend – you have been called to Deadsnows by Observer Kerilla Gemstar of the Hospice of Marthammor. She is concerned about the disappearance of one of her clerics, an old friend of yours.

2) Couriers – you are engaged to carry important documents from Silverymoon to Deadsnows. The documents are to be delivered to Lady Icespear (the nominal ruler of Deadsnows) and seem to concern some agreement between the Silvermaches and Deadsnows.

3) Duty Calls – A Harper agent in Deadsnows has observed unusual orc activity in the region. You are called upon by the Harpers to investigate.

4) Gold Fever – After hearing tales of the gold rush in Deadsnows, you set out in hopes of striking it rich either as a prospector or as a mercenary.

5) Law & Order – you have heard of the troubles visited upon Deadsnows by the sudden influx of prospectors and are headed to town so that you might help restore order in the area.

What do you think? Are there other hooks you would like to see?

I promise some more screen shots next time. Maybe some interior shots.