Wolf n' Moose Spoor

::: Thursday, August 29, 2002 :::

Those of you who do not like reading of heroic deeds or intrepid adventurers, read no farther; you may not like what you find...Ye have been warned

The Adventure Journal of Maximum Critwell of the League of Stalwart Defenders: 2nd entry

After a thorough investigation of the dagger with the "L" on it, we discovered it had belonged to Lucius. (Not as obvious as you would think, by the way).We waited patiently at a tavern and caught a recent cult recruit going by the name of Enzo, who led us to the Yellow Sign cult headquarters in Scurvytown. There we discovered a subterranean complex which held a temple to a dark god called the Unspeakable One. While we were there, Dakota Stephens burned a library filled with valuable information on this dark cult. He was prompted by an off-hand remark by yours truly who said, "We should burn this place." Not really meaning it, of course, but the impressionalble young rogue thought it was a smashing idea. Then a burning idea. Alas, at least Winny was able to salvage a letter from someone named N'Tal who we have decided is some type of higher up in this evil cult, and information on the damn light house. We were attacked by strange snake men who we later discovered came from a dark pool with an underwater entrance that will bear some further investigation.

Once into the temple, we had a titanic struggle agianst the temple's caretaker. It was none other than Milos from the Temple of Delleb. It turns out that he was a shape-changing snake man who was obviously leading the cult in the city. Now, he is just dead. The chilling thing is that he may not be working alone. There could be these creatures spread throughout the city in human form, sowing discord and destruction and evil. We need to keep an eye out for them, and root them out to defend this city's innocent citizens from the insidiousness of this foul cult. In addition, we are planning on awaiting the arrival of this N'Tal and stopping him in his tracks before he is able to get his fangs into this city. Under Milos's foul altar we found Lucius in a sack, alive. We returned him to Egil and there was much rejoicing. Another successful mission by the League of Stalwart Defenders, defending the weak and those who cannot defend themselves. Now, we make preparations to stop this foul cancer that has invaded Freeport. The cult of the unspeakable one will be destroyed. This we promise.

Note to Self: Sometimes a beggar is just a beggar.

::: posted by Eliot Resol at 8:13 PM 222 comments

::: Thursday, August 22, 2002 :::

OK my post disappeared, take 2:

Just a note, I'm migrating the WolfandMoose.com (and by association, the YACCB.org) sites to a new host.

I found a host that does more for almost 50% less money. So I'll be able to do PHP, SQL, CGI, and all them other hi-falutin' TLA's in the near future.

So if things get a bit squirrly or disappear in the near future, that's why

::: posted by Wolf at 8:03 PM 3 comments

::: Wednesday, August 21, 2002 :::

Those of you who do not like reading of heroic deeds or intrepid adventurers, read no farther; you may not like what you find...Ye have been warned

We found ourselves in the city of Freeport in the Serpent's Teeth Isles without funds and without employment. Freeport swiftly proved to be a city of scoundrels, ruffians, and pirates. Immediately upon debarking from the ship of our unlucky former employer, we were set upon by a press gang who we met with steel and spell and sent fleeing in fear. Upon seeing our impressive use of force, a man stepped forward and identified himself as Egil of Delleb, a priest of the local temple to the god of knowledge. He bought us a drink and told us a tale of his friend, Lucius, who had started acting not himself, violated the sanctity of his temple and disappeared for five years. He retruned not too long ago with books he used to buy his way back into the temple and his old job. Everything seemed to be fine until he recently disappeared. Egil wanted to hire us to discreetly investigate the disappearance of his friend and aid the missing librarian if possible. Being the defenders of those in need, we readily took him up on his offer.

After a misunderstanding with the orcish crew of an orc pirate named Scarbelly (aptly named, I assure you), a revelation that Dakota Stephens will never have a job as a diplomat, and an ambush by well-armed men bearing yellow shields emblazoned with a foul rune that made most of my fellow Leaguers uneasy (who we defeated with some effort, I might add), we have decided there is more to the disappearance of this Lucius than is readily apparent. Furthermore, my Old Critwell Danger Sense tells me that whatever Lucius has found himself involved with is not good. Tomorrow we follow our final lead, an address in Scurvytown found on the warm, dead body of the leader of the Yellow shields. Maybe there we shall find some answers to the questions plaguing our minds.

Note to Self: Never smoke snakeweed again.

::: posted by Eliot Resol at 12:47 AM 0 comments

::: Tuesday, August 20, 2002 :::

League of Defenders

Dakota the rogue to Orc Pirate Captain Scarbelly in a seedy dockside tavern "The Rusty Hook" the day after the party has sacked the captain's ship and killed most of the crew.

"Well, we've split up our party so most of them aren't here right now. . ."

::: posted by Wolf at 10:40 AM 0 comments

::: Monday, August 19, 2002 :::

The Turtle

The turtle lives 'twixt plated decks
Which practically conceal its sex.
I think it clever of the turtle
In such a fix to be so fertile.

The truth I do not stretch or shove
When I state that the dog is full of love.
I've also found, by actual test,
A wet dog is the lovingest.

A couple of examples of Odgen Nash's Animal ditties. The first one was included in a piece by Anthony Plog for Trumpet Narrator and Piano that I performed on my Senior Recital. Maybe i'll make an mp3 of it and put it up. Actually, I suppose then I'd have to watch my performance tape. I performed that recital in 1994? and I have yet to watch it. I'm probably detached enough from the event by now.

Everyone knows Odgen Nash's poetry I would have to think. The most famous example of which is probably "Candy is Dandy, but Liquor is quicker."

Odgen Nash would have been 100 years old today.
The postal service is releasing a commemorative stamp in honor of his life and works.

::: Sunday, August 18, 2002 :::

The Moose Cadet has a question for the ladies reading this (and any guys that want to comment, too): Does any lady actually LIKE going to a shower (bridal or baby) that isn't their own?

I went to my husband's cousin's baby shower today with my mother-in-law and other assorted family members from my husband's side of the family, and once the eating was done, it seemed like nobody was paying attention to anything. There were several young children there (appx. 4 years old and younger) and they were everywhere once they finished eating. The hall was crowded (about 75 people) - and this was a second baby shower for the honoree - I thought a little large for a baby shower, but what do I know? - so the area was a little cramped.

At the beginning, things were slow waiting for everyone to arrive. The children got antsy quickly. Once everyone arrived, they fed the children first (a good idea because they were lurking by the gift table - imagine that!) After people finished eating, they began to talk to the people around them. So with the children wandering everywhere, people talking to others around them, and cleanup underway, nobody seemed to have any interest in the gifts being opened or door prizes given out.

I have noticed this type of scenario at most of the showers (bridal and baby) that I have been to. Most people like to be social and visit with friends, but my preference is to have the more informal get-together (the shoes off, casual clothes, no one cares what you are wearing, feet up, relaxed social atmosphere). Do ladies actually like these more formal events (more formal clothes, more polite conversation (and topics), proper behavior, uncomfortable chairs, etc.) crammed in a room with other women to celebrate a milestone in a woman's life if nobody really cares what is given to the honoree (except to see that someone didn't repeat YOUR gift for them)? Am I a reject of the female gender because I prefer informal parties? Why do we stay for the opening of the gifts and hoopla if we all sit there and talk with the people around us. Wouldn't it be better for the honoree to say - "Thanks for the gifts - we'll open them at home - so thanks for coming and for your kindness!" ? (Ok, that would be rude but I hope you get the idea.)

I learned that the father to be and some friends (who made up the cleanup committee) were sitting on a couch in the back room watching a game, eating, talking, etc. To me, that sounded infinitely more enjoyable. No pretenses, no formal behavior and discussions expected, no several hour ritual (eating, game(s), gifts, etc.). So am I a reject, or is this something that all women feel about these events?

::: Thursday, August 15, 2002 :::

I had no idea medical science had come this far

::: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 :::

Bwahahaha User friendly.org

::: Monday, August 12, 2002 :::

In addition last night had a gig in Newton Falls. Hot enough to boil a monkey's bum and still. no wind at all.
Overall though it went pretty good. Only 3 trumpets. so we had to scramble to cover parts in some pieces. On the Blue & the Gray I still didn't get the high C at the end, but I didn't even try; I knew i'd never get it (it was very near the end of the program).

Next concert September 11. If anyone from the band is reading this, don't forget the rehearsal on September 5th.

::: posted by Wolf at 10:41 AM 0 comments

Boring RPGeek Talk

Next monday starts my new campaign. Freeport and the evil pink bunnies of death and distruction. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Well not quite anyway. Looking forward to it really. I've wanted to run these modules for a long time; and I think they're really well written, except for the typographical errors etc. . .but good stuff in them nevertheless.

The Players are all making their characters (I went with a 28 point-buy system so I didn't have to watch them roll dice for ability scores).

James and Mary'd like this one I think; lots of ships and nautical terms like bilge and poop-deck. (There ya go alex, a poop reference :))

Drenn'd like it, and does since he's run the same modules I think, because of some of the subject matter. (Don't wanna give it away to my players)

In preparation for running this before, which I didn't, I bought the Freeport adventures hard-back that details the city as a campaign setting location. Great book, again except for the editing; but I can forgive that. I can't wait for the party to decide to check out some of the taverns in scurvytown :)

OK this group needs a name, like Company of the Starshield, etc. . .Post your suggestions, you can win ------ ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

::: posted by Wolf at 9:06 AM 0 comments

OK some people asked me why Milo didn't report on the last Starshield game. so here it is:

Milo: Don't come any closer or I'll shoot ya.
Bodak: [shuffle] [shuffle]
DM: roll initiative
[roll]
Perry: Damn a 24 dexterity and I roll a 5, "15"
Bodak: unnuggggggh
DM: Save vs. Fortitude
Perry: rolled a 3 + 8 bonus =
Milo: Ahh, i've had dirtier looks from my landlad. . .Urk* [die die die]
Fin

repeat for remaining 4 party members in the room. Only one of whom made the DC 15 save. We're 11th level most of us only needed to roll an 8, and actually I think most needed less. Oh well, that's why the game has dice.

::: Saturday, August 10, 2002 :::

This is the MooseCadet, again. I still need to borrow the phrase "Mistakes were made" (boy, were they ever) for my concert tonight. I did the new one, the one that I've just gotten recently, the one that was assigned on Monday to sing today, first. The term that best decribes that piece - Crash And Burn - yep that about sums it up. At least my mind (and I use that term loosely) managed to catch the piano cues that I needed to come in, the problem was my mind said when it heard them, "OK, there it went." I came in late a couple of times, and missed one entrance at the end and couldn't find a suitable place to insert the voice, so that ending was toast. I don't know if people could tell (the singer sitting beside me when I sat down said, "Great job!"), but I knew I blew it, and that's bad enough. Luckily, my other piece I knew well and I felt very comfortable with it today. Even the nice, high A seemed to float nicely (I hope). So at least I got to redeem myself. Now I get to do the whole thing again on Monday. oh goodie....

::: posted by Moose Cadet at 9:01 PM 0 comments

::: Thursday, August 08, 2002 :::

This is the Moosecadet. Alex, do you have the copyright to the "Mistakes were made" part of your blog? If not, I'd like to borrow that phrase for this post. Here are the problems:

Mistake #1: I listened to a friend and signed up for a Master's Degree program at the university I work at. I have been taking voice lessons for teacher recertification, so now that I will be starting on the degree, I am fair game for performances.

Mistake #2: I agreed to sing at an upcoming concert this Saturday. My teacher told me a few weeks ago that the husband of my first voice teacher (she taught me for the Bachelor's Degree) and my first voice teacher will be there for this concert, and are "curious" as to how my voice is doing with the lessons from the new teacher. Did I mention that there are major EGO factions at this school (which is generally the case with competitive musicians, and that my previous teacher was not happy with the fact that I had changed teachers, especially the one I chose (again suggested by that friend I talked about before)? I hope they leave the daggers at home this Saturday.

Mistake #3: At my lesson on Monday, my teacher told me that he has decided to have some of his students do 2 numbers, instead of just one. I'm one of the lucky ones. We've practiced one piece for the last several weeks. For my second one, does he suggest one that I know - NO he asks for the one he just gave me recently that we've NEVER practiced before. Now I have to learn, and memorize this aria in Italian for Saturday. P.S. I still don't know where this performance is exactly, what time it is, and what I should wear. Also, this "friend" who talked me into all of this, will be elsewhere performing, and can't even be there for moral support. AACK!!!!!!

::: posted by Moose Cadet at 10:55 PM 0 comments

::: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 :::

In Pennsylvania they now have a state-wide 'do not call' list that will place your name in the database for 5 years. Penalties for violators are $1000 a call or $3000 if the recipient is over 65 years old.

Sounds like a great idea, I wish we had one like that in Ohio. Maybe i'll write my Congressman about it. . .

It is so satisfying to see the mighty have fallen. I only wish it was I who had taken the spark of life from your mortal coils. Especially that fool, Blind Melonius. Pity I was not able to torture him, but as long as that piece of rubbish is dead and gone, I will be able to rejoice. One less obstacle in our way. Good night, Starshield, your existence was much too short. I will miss killing you.

::: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 :::

Starshield

This message was recently circulated throughout the City of Argos, Chill 16, NE 1215 roughly two weeks after the demise of The Company of the Starshield.

Slayers of Starshield Have Been Vanquished

The remains of the Company of the Starshield and their associates were returned to their headquarters in our fair city today. The Company had been in service to our beloved Yvessa Truth, searching for the cause of the undead uprisings that were until recently plaguing our fair city. Apparently the group fell victim to the undead for they had reportedly become undead themselves. Through the efforts of The Company of Palan's Light--brought in after the disappearance of the Company of the Starshield--Palan's Light were able to defeat and then return the bodies of Starshield to their mansion. In addition, the Company of Palan's Light were also able to defeat the cause of the undead threat, minions of an evil figure known as Garseth the Gold. Not much is known about this evil person, but the Company of Palan's light is currently trying to hunt him down after defeating his forces here in Argos and in the Arkham Cemetery.

No word yet from the Starshield House as to what will be done with the bodies of the dead. Sheldon, business manager of the Company, wanted to discount rumors that the Company of the Starshield were simply Crypt-raiding at the Tomas Family Crypts. "They were in service to their city and its Lord Mayor. To think that they would dare take anything, let alone a family's fortune from its final resting place is preposterous. They were doing what The Company of the Starshield was formed to do, protecting those who cannot protect themselves and nothing else," said Sheldon.

The city mourns at the passing of some of its greatest heroes. Hopefully death will not hold them for long, or if it does that this city does not forget their valiant sacrifice. May Palan guide them into the light of eternal life.

::: posted by Wolf at 8:26 AM 0 comments

::: Monday, August 05, 2002 :::

The earth's getting too flat

Those of you readers in the north and south parts of the globe need to cut back a little (small news for some of us) in order to let the earth round out a little. Those of you on the equator need to forget the diet and have that extra helping of ice cream.

::: posted by Wolf at 8:32 AM 0 comments

::: Friday, August 02, 2002 :::

Just got back from playing a concert in Mercer, PA. This concert is always our favorite to play, a real joy. The people there are always receptive and enthusiastic. I was worried about the heat, it's been in the upper 80s and humid all week. This evening was wonderful though; a nice breeze kicked up and the humidity went down.

Our performance was very tight most of the night; it started to get a little dark at the very end and they couldn't turn on the lights for us because the key wasn't available. My own performance could have been better, but I think most musicians will say that after any performance, with the possible exception of Pope Sleipnir, since he's infallable.
In the Blue & The gray medly for some reason I couldn't hit the high note at the end. I don't know why really either, I had plenty of chops left but something was wrong in the embouchre.

Clear Track polka went over really well, quite a crowd pleaser, lots of clapping.

The only drawback to the evening was the jackhammers going on behind us. A little Friday-night overtime I guess.

::: posted by Wolf at 10:39 PM 0 comments

::: Thursday, August 01, 2002 :::

Yay! I have new glasses, and new contacts! And the contacts are so freakin' huge I can serve tea on them. Well I guess the bigger size is supposed to make them more secure in the eye and more comfortable. So far they're really comfortable, I don't notice them at all. (I never noticed my old ones either unless something got in my eye though.)

Also, new roof on the house! Huzzah! looks great. One roofer said that it had the same visual impact as putting new siding/repainting and now that I see it, I see he was right. With new roof and new gutters, the house looks 100% better.

Things heating up on the GLMF message boards. It seems a vendor inappropriately sprinkled/dumped fairy dust on a little girl which ruined a rather expensive hair-do that should have lasted a long time by filling it with glitter that won't come out without completly unbraiding the hair.

Fairy dusting, like kilt-checks, should only be performed with consent.

::: posted by Wolf at 4:47 PM 0 comments