I am such a Romantic

I cannot get over Taylor Swift's new song Love Story. This song is just adorable. I don't mind admitting that either. It is songs like this that catch a glimmer of what real love is. That wild want for what seems impossible. You want to be with that special person so bad, and nothing in the world matters except that you have some one that you love more than life itself. I found my love luckily. We've been married for five years and we have an adventure every day with our son.

It is sad that so many people laugh at love. In reality is there anything more powerful? I have seen people do incredible things in the name of love. There is some implied girly impression attached to love lately. This is such a foolish impression. I truly hope that everyone can find the same love I have found with my wife. A bigger gift I cannot even think of.

I Feel Limited Today

I have to work, I don't get to see my family for a large portion of the day, and I need sleep. With all that put together I know I have to do the following:

-Write a speech and present it.
-Work, and be diligent!
-Drive 1 hour and 10 minutes home.

Now what I want to do is as follows:

-Hang out with my family (and make more martian matter creations).
-Play my Wii (Mario Kart baby!)
-Put together my new Knights.
-Write some more on my blog.
-Raid some heavy on Galava with my friend.
-I want to read my books and comics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just feel beat and it is only my second day of work. I can handle it but I would love to recover properly and be my best physically and mentally. On the plus side this weekend will be nice and I finally bought my own measuring tape for Warhammer Fantasy. Ha! They won't call me a good for nothing Bretonnian any longer... I can't wait to read the ending to Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett of course. It just gets better and better. Well, back to the daily grind.

New Arrivals

Lord Rincewind stood in thought near the hearth. He held a steaming mug of tea that he sipped from. Concern and worry was clear on his face. He needed knights to fill the ranks of his army. His lady fair gracefully enter the tower sitting room and said, "Dear Lord and husband, worry no longer for I bring good tidings."

Lord Rincewind turned to look at his lady with a questioning look. Outside the snow swirled as it fell but slowed soon after. The night sky was full of stars and a way off from the castle stood the snow covered trees of the Twilight Woods.

"I have received a dream this very Christmas night that the Lady shall grant you the knights you need for your army, but they will get lost on their way here. To help them find their way to your army I sent a woodsman into the Twilight Woods. He returned empty handed though. I then sent a letter your enemy Lord Hannibal and asked that he celebrate peace this Christmas and as a gesture of good will, help your knights to find their way to Mousillon. I hope I have not offended your honor in doing this and even now your knights arrive from the southeast," explained the Mousillon Lady of the Keep.

Lord Rincewind suffered a variety of emotions before setting his tea down to run to the window to see for himself. Ten knights rode out of the Twilight Woods brushing snow off pines and oaks as they passed in silence. They made for Mousillon Keep at a gallop, a Grail and Questing banner whipping in the air as the front gate started to open.

Lord Rincewind smiled with joy and ran over to his lady fair and embraced her to kiss her fiercely. "Thank you my lady!" he exclaimed happily. He ran once more to the window prying it open and yelling down orders to his servants that they should prepare to welcome more knights. He looked back at the woods and on a hill just at the edge of the woods, astride a charger Lord Hannibal watched the knights enter the keep safely. Lord Rincewind looked at his enemy and saluted awkwardly and then with more certainty. "I feel that there will be a time when Lord Hannibal and I will fight on the same side. Who knows when but he has done a good deed on this day," Lord Rincewind whispered to himself. He closed the window and walked back to doze by the fire with his lady fair.

Just a Skirmish

Yesterday I was teaching a friend how to play Warhammer with his Dwarven Army by using my other friend's Wood Elf Army in a skirmish.  First off I was really impressed that my friend had painted most of his Dwarven troops already.  They looked sharp.  On top of this they are tough little buggers.  They have terrible move and yet some how they can close the gap with you if you aren't careful.  I wanted to let him get some charges off though as my little way of letting the Wood Elves have it.  Unethical perhaps but the second skirmish I really tried to play a quick ambush that totally backfired, putting my troops in very precarious positions with the lack of any armor penetrating attacks really.  This is why wood elves have to move a lot.  They need to get more ranged attack opportunities so that they can widdle down the opposing side.  A very important lesson learned.  

The stakes of the next battle will be posted soon.  The new year will bring victories for Lord Rincewind.  Huzzah!

The Mousillon Muster of Lord Rincewind

"By the Lady! Where is Bill and his longbowmen when you need them?" Lord Rincewind lamented. He urged his destrier to a shabby group of longbowmen. "You miscreants have any battlefield experience, or are you going to soil yourselves at the first sight of an elf?" Lord Rincewind demanded of the startled men.

"If it pleases m'lord I killed an elf or two in the past," offered a scratchy voiced brigand. Lord Rincewind looked at his Knights in surprise.

"You emptied the dungeon for this lot? The Lady save us!" he cried out in frustration as he dismounted and walked up to the brigands that gathered for the general muster of Mousillon. "I am going to make this very clear for you vermin. I need real bastards fighting in my longbowmen ranks. Men that know how to volley arrows into whatever unlucky dog he is told to target. I have a lady to win back and this is not going to easy. I have already lost a lance of Grail Knights to these... mercenaries of Lord Hannibal. May that villain suffer the pox as he sits astride his horse for inflicting such disgrace upon the men of Mousillon."

"You're in luck m'lord we knows som' them dwarf fellows. Right tough they are. Got a reputation for fightin' in the Black Fire Pass against some that green skin lot," replied Grim the longbowmen captain.

"Damn good thing. I tire of losing my reputation on the battlefield against Lord Hannibal. FORM INTO COLUMN! WE RIDE! FOR THE LADY AND LANDUIN!"

Knights fell in behind the marching men-at-arms who sang the Mousillon song of victory with drums thrumming along. A wind blew by whipping pennants in the air as they charged south once more to do battle to gain glory, land (Mousillon II), and the honor of vengeance.

Defeat's Bitter Taste

Lord Rincewind rode slowly out of the woods with a disgusted sneer on his face. His knights were covered with mud, blood, and tired looking. Lord Rincewind pulled away from the column destined for Mousillon. He raised his right gauntlet and shook it with great anger, "I vow to personally ride down you way watchers when next we meet," he yelled. He rode to join his column of knights and looked back at the woods every now and then, but not with fear. He wanted to reclaim his standard and his honor. "We shall meet again elves..." The rain started and the column disappeared in the fog.

If you haven't guessed yet my troops were massacred by the wood elves. Only my Knights of the Realm got away. I should have pictures to post soon. My Grail Knights got ambushed by the wood elf way watchers. It was a very unfriendly welcome. So the wood elves keep their woods and Lord Rincewind lost the Battle of the Wolf Wood. I sigh with humility as I plan my next battle. Lord Rincewind plots by his hearth.

The Battle is Set

My Knights Charge

The Paladin Stands Alone Against the Elves

The Peasant Bowmen Fall

Lord Rincewind and the Knights of the Realm Ride Down the Glade Guards

My Favorite Military Units (Real and Fantasy)

212th Legion: Clone unit led commanded by Obi Wan Kenobi during the Clone Wars

901st and 902nd Panzergrendaier Regiments: subordinate to the Panzer Lehr Division.  Fought to stem the tide of the British and U.S. army divisions.  Led by General Lieutenant Bayerlein.

21st and 15th Panzer Divisions: Afrika Korps panzer units that blazed across the North African desert.  Led by FM Rommel.

95th Regiment of Foot (Riflemen): participated in the Peninsula War and Waterloo with the British.

101st Airborne Division: the toughest U.S. unit in World War II... in my opinion.

Bretonnian Knights: Warhammer Fantasy Army made up of knights and peasants from the lands of Bretonnia.

There are more but I cannot think about them at the moment.  I'll update this post with the remembered information.

I Love Coffee

I want to thank my lovely wife for brewing me coffee all the time. She is too nice to this grumpy wizard. I am very fortunate to have her as my wife. I'm also thankful for my barbarian of a son. He keeps things interesting.

My Alter Ego

If I had an alter ego then it would be Chuck Bass. If you don't know who that is then you just don't know.

The March to Wolfs Rest

The column of men worked its way through a narrow path in the rain drenched woods. The once brilliant black armor of the Knights was dull without the sun out. Thunder rolled across the clouds near the Paravon Mountains. Comforted by their vows given to their Lord Rincewind and the Lady of the Lake to take on any noble exploit the Knights rode their chargers silent with vigilance. A gang of brutes led the column of Bretonnians. Some called the brutes 'the bloody bastards of Bretonnia' for their handiwork in battle, others just called them bastards because they were peasant scum the lot of them. Each Men-at-arms' suit of mail bore scars from past battles. Some had even survived Lord Rincewind's Folly. They wouldn't admit that they were there though. Happy in their mud stomping march, their misery was held at bay only by the close proximity of the Knights.

A vulgar roar of laughter followed the Knights as the Longbowmen brought up the rear. Not as encumbered as the Men-at-arms the Longbowmen trudged through churned mud laughing every time Bill the Brigand fell smack into the watery earth. Most of the Longbowmen were into their cups with whiskey heavy on their breath.

"Oi, take a care Bill. Lord 'ill have you for a flogging if you slow us down he will."

"S'all right. I keeps meself movin' at a pace. Can't go to war without getting a little smudge o' dirt on yer boots," Bill replied to his comrade.

"I reckon we'll be fighting a rough one against those Wood Elfs."

"Tis nothing if ya gets close enough to stick 'em with a knife!" Bill offered as he pretended to wield a dagger and jabbed forwarded a few times. An observer might think Bill was shaking a feather duster out with all his efforts. Bill's comrades laughed at his antics and marched on.

Off in on the horizon about a days march out stood the ancient oaks of the Wood Elves Realm. Wolfs Rest was only welcoming to those invited, but Lord Rincewind brought war with him. He didn't need an invitation. His Knights were going to get a clean charge off on these pesky Wood Elves if he had to cut the whole forest down. The Lady's Blessing strengthened Lord Rincewind's determination. Lord Hannibal tried to hide his ward Natalie Portman in the woods. He was going to be disappointed when Lord Rincewind reclaimed her for his own.

Prepping for Christmas

I am listening to Christmas music on pandora radio. It is delightful! I love this time of year and I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas season with little to fuss over other than what was their favorite moment. I am going to try and send out more Christmas cards this year. Watch out, you just might get a Happy Hogswatch card in the mail. You are cool if you do.

I am going to have to host a party or two. I want a Fezziwig Christmas party! Or perhaps a Hogfather orient party. I have so much to do this season I should plan everything out as far possible as I can.

Post your favorite Christmas song! And your favorite Christmas food or tradition! I want to hear it.

Happy Holidays

Lending a Hand in Eveningstar

Uktar 1, The Rotting (Late Autumn)
After twelve days of recovery since the ordeal at Stormguard Manor the Warders of the Night managed to recruit a freezing lone swordsman of questionable ancestry, travel through the Storm Horn Mountains, and find civilization in a cozy Cormyrian town called Eveningstar. The doppelganger's betrayal of the Warders left them without any real direction or goal. The annoying good deed fanatics, the Harpers, wanted the Warders to work for them exclusively. It is not unwise to want such patronage from such confident heroes such as the Warders of the Night, but... there were the casualties. The Warders lost Kairon, Gidian, and Elrich to different callings. Finkle and Velencia's companions Orchestra and Donn died during the bloodletting at Stormguard Manor. The attrition was brutal for the band of friends. You never knew when your number would come up as an adventurer. Luckily the Warders were filled to the brim with adventurers with something they were working for, and they were going to get it.

The Purple Dragon Knight's application of peace bonds brought groans from all but Finkle upon the Warders arrival at Eveningstar. He seemed to be fine with the whole affair. Then again Finkle wasn't Finkle anymore. He was Gar, or was it Henry. Who knew? He never answered to anything unless a friend was addressing him. Velencia made her way to the Dancing Dryad Inn and Tavern with her companion osprey. She left the bird of prey on the balcony and suggested that he go for a fly around of the area to look for some food. The bird bowed its head in thanks before flying off. Velencia made for the common room to grab a bite to eat and thank the Innkeeper Uncle Jack for the fine accommodations. Tala, Alana, Daria, and Ryltar took a dip in the steaming waters of the bathing area at the Dancing Dryad Inn to wash off all the mud off from the road. They relaxed letting the heat seep back into their bones after many long winter nights bundled up with friends wondering if they would survive the night.

The boots of two out of three adventurers scraped on the cobblestone avenue leading to Evard's Black Goods Shop of General Stores. The right leaning building looked fortified despite its inability to stand up straight like the rest of the buildings in town. It can be assured that the resale value would be hurt by this state. Roderick, Valtar, and Finkle cautiously entered the shop only to be greeted at sword point with a Gnome in bad need of some dental enhancement herbs, such as mint for instance, holding a heavy crossbow aimed at their midsections and head. The trio introduced themselves as eager to pay customers and the misunderstanding was quickly resolved. The store owner Evard sold a Ring of Slight Disguise to Valtar, two Fake Peace Bonds and Masterwork Locksmith Tools to Finkle, and the magic lorebook of Azreal the Elven Mage and a custom created Amulet of Shadovar Detection (Detection of Shades, Shadovar agents, and the Shadowfell within 20ft) to Roderick. After Finkle fenced his goods, a small platinum statue, the trio left Evard's shop knowing that they made many a great deal bargaining with the newly blind store owner. They got some gossip in the mix to boot.

In the early evening the Warders gathered in the common room, sans Daria who was visiting the local Temple of Chauntea, chatting about their day. Civilization tasted delicious, smelled clean, offered many handsome trinkets for purchase for those with money, and most importantly had warm beds to sleep in. Eveningstar was shaping up to be a quiet place to stay. After eating their evening feast the Warders decided to figure out what to do next when some belligerent farmers interrupted a quiet evening amongst friends. A brute tried to punch Finkle but was discouraged by Alana's quick reflexes. A small tavern brawl broke out with many chairs and a window suffering great harm. Lucky for the farmers the Warders left the foolish dogs in one piece so that the Purple Dragon Knights had something to collect when they arrived. Uncle Jack made sure the Warders' flagons were refilled in a hurry and collected some coin for the damages.

Roderick later spread out the job announcements on the ale stained table for all the Warders to regard. It became apparent that they wanted to help fix a mill that was supposedly used by the townspeople, and that they would meet with the ward that needed protecting on their journey to the Dalelands to deliver a secret message in a magically sealed scroll. The Warders planned out how they would accomplish the mill repair when Jenna, the Harper friend, Halfling from Evereska walked in bearing a courier case. She was the ward and she was surprised to find Roderick and Tala surrounded by so many new faces. Roderick's joy at seeing Jenna bothered Velencia who didn't have time for overly friendly Halfling tarts chatting up a fellow that would do much better with a woman who knew how to handle herself in a tough situation... At least that is what Velencia thought about the matter as she sipped her warm cider. It was agreed that the Warders would travel with Jenna to the Dalelands after they fixed the Eveningstar mill on the morrow. Jenna was overjoyed at the news and turned in for the night after warning about losing two body guards already from a Shadovar ambush. The Shadovar really didn't want the scroll's message to make it to the Harper Council in Mistledale. The Warders turned in later after Roderick received his new magical trinket from Evard's Gnome assistant Mik.

The Warders greeted the new day of the first day of Uktar and The Feast of the Moon, a holiday to remember ancestors and the dead for the first tenday of the month, with a large breakfast. They must have foreseen their dire future when deciding on what to eat. The heroes made off for the mill with purpose after their meal. Jenna would wait at the Dancing Dryad Inn until the Warders returned from fixing the mill. Winter wasn't far off and if the mill could be repaired that would be one less thing for Sheriff Cane to worry about while Brimble Pop kept on with his explosively successful experiments.

The Warders approached the rundown mill with a look of confusion and caution crossing their faces. The place looked far from a quick repair away to helping the town prepare for winter. Something didn't sit right with the situation. With weapons drawn most of the heroes went into the mill to investigate. Tala, Ryltar, and Alana waited outside as the other Warders poked around inside. Just as Valtar reached the last room all chaos broke loose. Ironwood doors fell into place, Blade Spiders fell from the ceilings, and Valtar was facing a Vampiress all... by... himself. Ryltar sprung into action making for the window on the side of the mill with haste. Alana exchanged words of encouragement for Finkle's words of desperation over the presence of big spiders. A more misunderstood conversation has not been had in ages. Finkle survived though so laughs were sure to be in his future over the ordeal. Velencia, Finkle, and Roderick worked bravely to kill off the two spiders in the room with them. The poisonous wounds delivered unto the heroes weakened their bodies extending the duration of the combat. They eventually succeeded in working their best abilities into defeating their foes. Alana and Tala pinned down a spider until help could arrive. The spider died last out of all the Warders of the Night foes. Valtar faced with some very bad math worked to deflect blows and survive. His blades cut the air faster than he ever swung them before. After all his life depended on it.

A burst of sunlight illuminated the room for a moment as Ryltar flipped in on the scene. A quick calculation of the situation got Ryltar the head start he needed in killing the Vampiress Kitten Rames. This was one job Kitten was going to get her money's worth. The fire attack that Ryltar used to try to hit Kitten missed only to slightly wound her as Valtar cut her with deep slashes on her shoulders. Ryltar smirked as Kitten disengaged from Valtar to engage him instead. His fire had hit the blackout curtain burning it to nothing and leaving the window uncovered. Before Ryltar needed to defend himself Kitten made the biggest mistake of her unlife and became dust as the morning sun blasted her with its radiant rays. Valtar slew the spider quickly thereafter.

Gathering up some treasure and regrouping from the ambush the Warders of the Night returned to the Dancing Dryad Inn after yet another incident of peril and excitement. It was going to be a long ride to Mistledale by the looks of it.