From c2eaa24a6995875776d2ac7f47f8368a5899a8af Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Bill Niblock Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2021 20:27:25 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] Update to Styles and first Oblivion post --- _posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.html | 521 --------------- _posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.md | 608 ++++++++++++++++++ _posts/2015-05-06-TLS-Part-1.html | 6 +- _posts/2015-11-10-TLS-Part-2.html | 6 +- _posts/2018-01-28-letter-to-lucilius-11.md | 6 +- _posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-5.md | 4 +- _posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-6.md | 7 +- _posts/2020-06-14-setting-up-btrfs.md | 11 +- _posts/2020-06-18-gabriella_s-fall.md | 2 +- _posts/2020-06-19-jhoric_background.md | 2 +- _posts/2020-07-10-crater-of-igrevor.md | 13 +- _posts/2020-07-19-syncthing-part-1.md | 11 +- _posts/2020-09-06-pathfinder-druid.md | 9 +- .../2020-09-27-pathfinder-eldritch-knight.md | 7 +- _posts/2021-11-20-oblivion-linux.md | 229 +++---- src/styles/corrupt_typog.css | 9 +- 16 files changed, 741 insertions(+), 710 deletions(-) delete mode 100644 _posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.html create mode 100644 _posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.md diff --git a/_posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.html b/_posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.html deleted file mode 100644 index 5c3a27a..0000000 --- a/_posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,521 +0,0 @@ ---- - tabtitle: Ireland Log - title: A Log of My Travels in Ireland - topics: other - pub: "2015-01-01" - short_desc: "Once upon a time, I traveled to Ireland. It was quite the - experience. Me, my 3 friends Suf, Chris and Cary, Scion, shenanigans, - Guiness, whiskey, and Thunderstruck." ---- -

Day 1: 07/27/10

-Melon... *scatter* -

Today is travel day! Heading out right now towards JFK, then a 5 hour - lay-over there, then finally taking off towards the Emerald Isle! I'm both - excited and anxious, but surprisingly calm. I think it's to the point where - I'm ready to get things moving.

This flight will be rather uneventful: - short 55 minute hop to JFK. I'm looking forward to the longer flight. The - time will give me opportunity to read, relax and think... something I - haven't done enough of in the past week.

- -

Day 2: 07/28/10

-Left is safe!" -

Today we finally arrived in Ireland, first in Dublin and then Shannon. The - trip over was a bit of a challenge: a lack of sleep combined with an - atmosphere trying to promote one, all wrapped in the situation of no - comfortable way to actually get sleep helped to contribute to me not - sleeping more than 30 minutes tops. On the plus side, I did get to watch - Dorian Grey and Percy Jackson on the way over. Also, they served a very - delicious beef stew for dinner; I was pleasantly surprised.

Upon - arrival, we immediately set out to retrieve our luggage, which arrived - mostly unmolested. Then, as we proceeded out of the terminal, we finally - found our 4th member, Suf, waiting eagerly for our arrival; he had arrived a - day earlier, and had many a story to share about his adventures in Limerick - (our eventual destination for the day). We got our car, forgot our GPS, - recovered our GPS, and began driving toward Limerick from Shannon Airport. - We quickly discovered that, given our American driving-habits, we thought - every car driving on the "wrong side of the road" was going to kill us. I - think twice we all panicked for fear of our lives. But, once we adjusted (or - at least, once Suf did... Cary is still a bit iffy) the drive was relatively - quick and painless. We arrived not more than 30 minutes later in Limerick, - and made for the City Center to explore on foot the many shops and eateries - that the city had to offer, as well as pay a visit to "The Bitter End" Pub, - where Suf had visited on the previous night. We explored for a bit, had - lunch at The Bitter End, visited a shop so Cary could purchase a couple - shilelagh (spelling), wander to a tourist booth for information and, with - said acquired directions, made for our first B&B of the trip: Coonagh Lodge. - We relaxed and napped a bit at the Lodge, enough to recouperate for a voyage - back to Limerick, and made for some dinner and adventure. We explored - around, eventually stopping in at a place called "Wokking" for some - authentic Irish Chinese food, which turned out to be very tasty and filling. - We then explored for a pub, stopping at "Charlie St. George's" pub for a - quick pint and some people-watching. Then, we explored a bit more, and wound - up back at The Bitter End to enjoy an evening cup of tea and some relaxing - time. After this, we made back to the B&B, where I discovered that my power - brick likes to make a weird noise as it charges my laptop. I account it to - the different voltage, and pray that it doesn't explode and kill us - all.

Of most important note, Suf decided to enlighten us with some of - his arab cab driving slang, most notable of which is "Why for you fuck my - road?" An important question, to be sure, and one to be answered in the days - to come. A very steady lean into this adventure, which I prefer to the - alternative "kick-in-the-door" style. Hopefully I can figure out some way to - get my computer to connect to WPA2 connections so I can have internet more - readily. At least for tonight, I probably won't get back on (unfortunate - news for my KoL desires. Too many adventures will be wasted after I waste - the NS... Oh well...)

- -

Day 3: 07/29/10

-"Ya know, you keep that shirt on much longer, - you gonna get jungle rot" - Biff McBodyspray -

Today was our first big travel day. We left Limerick around 11:00 am and made - for Galway. Along the way we stopped in at the Cliffs of Moher, and then - continued on to our destination in Kinvara.

The Cliffs of Moher are - quite the site to see. Set along the Atlantic Ocean is a couple-mile stretch - of sheer cliffs, topped with walkways and occasional watch towers, or at - least ruins of them. We walked the Cliffs for about an hour, just exploring - the different angles and particulars of the cliffs themselves: the numerous - outcroppings, the way the waves would collide with the rock, the caves and - small inlets that the water had born away. All these details helped to - complete one heck of a view! I also enjoyed the visitor center, which was - built into the hillsides near the cliffs.

After the cliffs, we make - our way to Kinvara. We stop briefly at the Burren, a barren area of rocks - and not much else. Once we arrive, we check into our B&B and decide to hold - off on Galway until tomorrow night. This leaves us with plenty of time to - explore Kinvara proper. We relax for a bit and make to town for some dinner - and adventures. We decided to stop in at an Italian place called 'The Full - Tide Inn', and while waiting for our food, had quite the heated - philosophical discussion. It really put into perspective for me just how - unprepared I am to defend my own view/the Stoic view of topics. After - dinner, we walked out to Dunguaire Castle, which was unfortunately closed, - but we still were able to explore the surrounding grounds. We learned a bit - of background from a fellow tourist, and then made our way back into town to - buy a few snacks before heading back to our B&B. That night, despite our - best laid plans, we weren't able to get to Scion. However, luckily for me, - the internet access at the B&B was unprotected and therefore I could hop - onto KoL and finish up my ascension! I bought the trophie available to me - (the one regarding food recipies) and clammered through the astral gash to - return once more to my life of adventuring. I ascended as a Sauceror, - holding onto Pastamancy so I can really start to rack up the bonus - adventures from my cooking. A few adventures gone, I manage to get to level - 2 the first day, and am very excited to really get this sauce boiling.

- -

Day 4: 07/30/10

-"Be-buh-buh-day, be-buh-buh-day, E-DAY-OH, E-DAY-OH, THAT'S OK!" -

Holy crap, today seemed like an entire month's worth of exploration and - adventure. After a delicious traditional Irish breakfast, we made for - Galway.

In Galway we parked and set out for our busiest and most fun - day yet. I can tell you now that my feet are none to happy about the amount - of walking we achieved, but if nothing else this is a good reminder to - properly prepare next time: make sure my shoes are comfortable enough to - walk around in almost constantly. So, we park and make towards the city - center. Galway is situated along the coast of Galway Bay (go figure...) and - has a river running through the center of town. We head down the busy - pedestrian walkway and hit up a few shops. Chris, Suf and Cary all check out - a couple tattoo parlours, and me being less interested make for some good - people watching and relax a bit. We continue our walk through the busy - crowds, and eventually make our way to the river. Exploring it for a bit, - Cary and I decide to stop off at a river-side restaurant called 'Mustard', - where I get one of the most delicious pulled-pork sandwiches I've ever - enjoyed. Afterwards, we met back up with Chris and Suf, and walked out - towards the bay a bit. As we voyaged further away from the city, we met with - a couple of fellow travelers, and discovered a great bar to stop at in town, - known as 'E Brun' or 'The Bridge.' At the bar we met Bill, a local of - Galway, who told us of many great sites and happenings around town. An - important detail of our stay in Galway is that the Galway Races were going - on. Evidently, they're a big deal.

So, after our stop in the pub and a - delicious Guiness, we make to explore and find 'The Crane,' where Shela's - son will be playing live music later in the evening. We find it, and gather - from another local (and rather attractive) girl the location of a couple of - good niteclube. After finding the Crane we decide to hunt our a place to - eat, and eventually wander back to 'Kelly's', which helps to bring back - nostalgic memories of Geneseo and our own Kelly's. We enjoy a deliciously - filling meal there, compliments of Chris, and find out that later in the - evening we can enjoy Crane for some authentic (and rather good) Irish jazz - (which sounds not much different from any other type of jazz...). Thus far, - although I've been able to explain our day in only a few short paragraphs, - we've experienced to us what has felt like a lifetime worth of exploration. - But, the fun is only just about to start.

10:20pm, and we just left - The Crane Bar to head back to the B&B for some kick-ass Scion action. Along - the way, we overhear a few clubs, but nothing really catches our ear until - we get to Kelly's. We can hear the beats from outside, we can feel our feet - aching but wanting to join in, so we head upstairs and find (!!!)... a bunch - of people standing around as a DJ mixes. What a let down! Well, Suf wouldn't - have any of this, and neither would the rest of us, so after settling into - our comfortable corner, Suf finally finds a song that he'll groove to. And - groove he does. Following quickly in suite, we join him on the floor and - find ourselves almost alone dancing. The 4 American tourists are the only - ones dancing in the Irish Niteclub. Almost poetic, mostly pathetic. Well, - this quickly changes, as more people flock to the dance floor after seeing - our amazing example. And by no means am I exaggerating! We literally started - the dance party at a niteclub. We groove it and move it for a good couple of - hours before we take off for new adventures. After a bit of exploring, and a - lot of drunk people, we decide to split up: Chris and Suf head back to - Kelly's for some more dancing, Cary wanders the street talking to people, - and I, the lamest of the group, head back to the car to call it a night. - Before long, we all reconvene, load up the GPS and make our way back to the - B&B. This night has been legendary, and no degree of detailed description - can truly capture just how epic the night was.

Simply put: Galway was - unforgetable.

- -

Day 5: 07/31/10

-"Where are we heading again? Ballerina?" "BALLINA!" -

After the unbelievable adventure of Galway, we head out for our next stop in - Northwest Ireland: Ballina.

We set off after saying goodbye to our - thus-far favorite B&B and host Shiela, and head north. As we're driving, we - spot a few turn offs and decide to stop at one of them to explore a bit of - the countryside. We find our way onto a mountain, scale the smaller hills - leading up to it, and eventually make our way back to the car to continue - walking. As we're driving, we happen across one of the more epic scenes of - our voyage: the carved out "seat" of a mountain, which we refer to - afterwards as 'The God Seat.' Surely, the scene of epic Scion games to - come.

As we continue along our voyage, we stop off at Kylemore Abbey, - the most stunning scene I've seen in my life thus far. Imagine a white and - grey castle, then make it less war-oriented and more beautiful, then set it - on a gorgeous lake, at the base of a very impressive mountain. That's - Kylemore Abbey. We park and explore a bit, and I get several good pictures. - Further, I manage to spot a statue of something half way up the mountain, - made of white stone. Whoever made this statue certainly had a lot of - determination!

We leave the Abbey and finish our journey to our B&B - for the evening. We relax, settle in, and finally get to playing some Scion. - Cary volunteered to run first, so we play through the first half of his one - shot: saving a 'shie' from an Irish scion and his giant lackies. My - character, a defensive tank named Derrick Nasher, does quite well. We finish - up the session, spend our exp (making us even more boss), and crash for a - relatively early night.

This B&B also has an encrypted internet, so at - first I'm out of luck. However, on a whim I try out the Chromium build I - brought along (thanks Hexxeh!!), and manage to easily set up a connection - through that! I can't upload any files or pictures very well, but I can - still play some KoL and post a few updates to my social sites. Also, Google - Voice has proven to be a godsend! Being able to text from a website has been - my primary means of keeping in contact with the family back at home.

- -

Day 6: 08/01/10

-"...just chillax..." "Woah... I never expected - to hear 'chillax' outside of the states!" -A conversation between Kim and - Chris -

Day 2 of our stay in Ballina. We eat an early breakfast and make for Killary - Adventure for some archery!

We arrive in Killary around noon, and - enjoy an hour of arching with our instructor Kim and another instructor - named Dugal. I managed to shoot 2 bullseyes! It's amazing that if you - actually hold the weapon properly and keep proper form, you can actually aim - with it. Never would have thought otherwise... (/sarcasm). We joked, tried - out some trick shooting, played a HORSE-style game, and all-in-all came out - of the adventure feeling really great. Plus, we all got some wicked "battle - wounds" from the bow on our forearms.

After the archery, we decide to - head to Westport, on advice from Kim, for some shopping and to get lunch. We - immediately (perhaps fatefully) stumble upon a place called 'The Asgard' and - decide that there's no better place to eat in town than here. I enjoy some - Bangers and Mash - Asgard Style - and feel the wonderful feeling of fulness - once more. This trip has been a wonderful venture in delicious foods. The - traditional Irish breakfast (Egg, real bacon, sausages, black and white - pudding, half a tomatoe, toast, tea and juice) is so filling that most of - the time we feel no need to eat before dinner. Today, though, was a glaring - exception; that, and we had a different breakfast of pancakes and poached - eggs. After the Bangers and Mash, we split up: I head off to explore the - riverway and the port, while the others go shopping. I manage to snap quite - a few nice pictures, and figure out some more features on the camera, before - we meet back up and head back to Ballina, and then onwards to Enniscrone, - the birthplace of Cary's ancestors, the Grimes.

We arrive in - Enniscrone around 4:00 in the afternoon, to a beautiful sunny day and warm - weather. Enniscrone in a beach town, so we split up once again, with me - heading out towards the beach and the others once more hitting up the shops. - I walk along the Atlantic Ocean, soaking in the waves and the rays, and - eventually make my way back to the car to relax for a bit. We head back to - the B&B, rest for a bit, and decide that heading back to Enniscrone for some - delicious, authentic Irish-Chinese food would be best. And best it was: we - discovered the awesomness and addictivness that is puffed-rice prawn crisps. - Dinner was good, too.

We head back to the B&B and finish up Cary's - session of Scion. Chris set his crab-tank relic for self-destruct and took - care of all the giants for us, while I managed to manipulate our crazy Irish - scion friend Brian that he forgot how to fight, which led to his untimely - demise (or at least him falling unconscious...). We saved the 'shie', - secured the relic protected inside it, and got Brian's birthrights for - ourselves. A success, and a good start to our Scion adventures yet to come. - Cary hands the GM torch over to Chris, and we begin his session tonight: we - get tasked by Brigid (one of the Tuatha) to help out one of her daughters. - We manage to find her just in time for the night to expire, and so we call - it there. In KoL, I've managed to get to level 4, half-way towards 5, before - I call it a night. I haven't yet played all my available turns, but I'm - making decent progress. With a bit more practice I can probably get getting - to level 6 a 2-day process, which will help to speed through the slower part - of the game.

- -

Day 7: 08/02/10

-"Worst. Bank. Holiday. Ever." -

After a restful evening, and another delicious breakfast of pancakes and - poached eggs, we enjoy a quick chat with John, our host, before heading off - on our "driving day from hell." Our course will take us through the middle - of Ireland, stopping off at Athlone to see the oldest bar in Ireland (and - perhaps the world) and eventually into Tipperary for the evening

Our - first stop of the day is in Athlone, a city smack-dab in the middle of - Ireland. The drive to Athlone was a bit long, but still strikingly - beautiful. It seems like Ireland, despite it's rather small size, is still - host to some of the most grandiouse and beautiful scenes I've ever seen. We - arrive in Athlone around noon, and wander around a bit. Suf, Cary and I all - stop in at 'The Snug' for a quick pint, before we take off across the bridge - in the middle of town to hit up some shopping. We stop off in Athlone Castle - along the way for some great pictures, and run into Chris, who had wandered - off to find some shops, after we cross the bridge. Chris and I decide to - backtrack to the Castle, then wander around before we head back to Sean's. - Sean's is the oldest bar in Ireland, dating back towards 900AD, and quite - possible the oldest bar in the world. Obviously, I enjoy a pint of Guiness - before we head back to the car and continue along our day's - journey.

We decide to stop off at Clanmocnoise Abbey, a ruined abbey - just south of Athlone, before heading out to Tipperary. The sites there are - truely amazing, and the ruined Abbey is quite cool as well. The conservation - attempts have, thus far, done a good job of maintaining what was - salvageable, but the Abbey itself is beyond repair. After some cool - pictures, we continue on our way to Tipperary.

We finally arrive at - our destination for the evening. Tipperary is a small town, with a good - amount of shops and a very comfortable atmosphere. Unfortunately, and - unknown to us, due to the Bank Holiday most of the food shops are closed. We - settle for a fast-food place called "American Stars" and apologize to our - digestive tracks before heading back to our B&B for some Scion - action.

Scion has us defending Nikki from a couple of Fenrir, which we - succeed in doing, and then finding out our target was, in fact, a - doppleganger. We discover this a bit too late, though, and end our session - assaulting 'The God Seat' and a Norse Scion, who claims that "the ginger - bitch has got to go." Well, Derrick'll be damned if he let's a potential - future employer die that easily. The stage is set as both Derrick and the - Norse Scion enter their Collosus Armor, Cary's Scion enters his Warpspasm, - and Suf's Scion prepares to make pincushins out of the Frost Giants. After - Scion comes KoL, which sees my progression to level 5 and acquisition of - Advanced Sausecrafting. I adventure for a bit more, before fatigue wins and - I succumb to sleep.

- -

Day 8: 08/03/10

-"There any bars... excuse me... pubs around - here?" "Welcome to Ireland, lad!" - A conversation between me and a - bouncer -

Today we headed back to the Rock of Cashel to get a great tour around the - castle grounds. I took lots of pictures, bought a few things for myself and - a great sweater for my mom, fall down a few steps while wandering the castle - grounds (resulting in a beautiful leg-bruise to match my archery-provided - battle wound on my forearm), and we wrap up Tipperary and head to - Cork.

We arrive in Cork and are immediately thrust into the - realization that Cork is quite the large, industrial city. After a bit of - confusion finding our way to our B&B for the night, we decide to take some - naps to recover some energy and mana, and head out to find dinner and some - nighttime entertainment. On the generocity of our very funny and cheery - innkeep, we head to a place called Zak's, and are pleasantly surprised in - the meal; I had a delicious Irish-beef burger, some awesome garlic bread, - and a Murphy's to wash it all down (Murphy's is brewed in Cork; Guiness is - not very welcomed here). We finish dinner, and head out to find some clubs - for the night.

We start our evening off wandering the neighborhood - around Zak's. We find a place, rather populated and playing somewhat good - music, but quickly discover it's overpopulated with Binfo for the night. We - pass this pub, and ask the bouncer for any suggestions, and get pointed - towards a place called "Sober Lane." Ignoring the odd name, we head off in - the appropriate direction and run into a metal pub along the way, so I - insist we stop in and enjoy a drink. We get a pint, enjoy the music, and - move on. 'Sober Lane' turns out to be a much younger-oriented pub, which - doesn't dissappoint us, but it really pulls through when Chris discovers the - dart board in the back corner. We quickly take it over, playing darts until - the pub closes (oddly early, for our expectations), and Chris and I head out - to relax outside. Cary and Suf, being the charmers that they are, end up - chatting it with two girls local to the area, who invite all of us back to a - place called 'Cruscien Lar' (which we all continually misunderstand as - crusifixion). We follow them through the streets of Cork, and eventually - wind up at the closed pub. They hit the secret side enterence, and convince - the owner and co. to let us in.

Cruscien Lar (which I'm sure I'm - spelling wrong), ended up being the undeniable high point of Cork. Once we - got a bit more comfortable and began chatting with everyone, we really ended - up enjoying ourselves! And then, we met Alan. Alan is a veritable world - travelling musician. He has been pretty much everywhere, including state - side, with his band 'The Jordans' and he had many tales to share with us. He - mentioned that the prices for alcohol (and women (...and drugs)) were best - in Slovakia, that you'll never see anything more beautiful than the - Southeastern Asian countries, and that Russia really isn't that bad a place. - Really a lot of what we talked about fell into those topics, and it was a - conversation which I enjoyed thoroughly. Alan taught me that being a world - traveller doesn't take gobs of money and resources. All it takes is a desire - to explore, and a willingness to step outside your comfortable little - box.

Throughout the night we talked with Alan, and his friends Marie - and Ger (the girls which Cary and Suf connected with), about not only their - travels, but also their taste in music (which was gloriously - metal-oriented), their careers, their adventures and their aspirations. As - the night wound down, we all said our farewells, and left through the side - door. Our night was almost at an end! As we wandered back to the B&B, we - stumbled across a rather rowdy bunch, and Suf, being the social butterfly - that he is, decided to hop on board. We eventually were introduced to - Nollagh and her friends, who were travelling in our direction to a supposed - party. Considering we're still young, as was the night, we tagged along and - were eager to arrive at another Irish party. Sadly, the party was a bit of a - bust, and seeing as we were so close to home, we decided to just call it a - night. An awesome night, almost so much to as to rival our crazy adventures - in Galway.

- -

Day 9: 08/04/10

-"My father's name is Merry Merry Mack!" -

After a rather enjoyable rest, we departed from Cork on our way to our final - "big city" stop: Killarney. Killarney has a very homey feel about it. There - are plenty of tourist shops, plenty of sites and sounds to experience, and - the night life is absolutely amazing, but more on that in a bit.

We - arrived at our B&B to find that the owner had stepped out for a bit, so we - decided to just park and wander into town. We quickly found some great - shops, restaurants, pubs, and other such attractions. Chris and I wandered - around a few places, and I ended up finding a few good gifts for the family: - a corkscrew and wine stopper for dad, both made of pewter; and a hat for - Eric, which I think will suit him quite nicely. After a bit more wandering, - we headed back to the B&B to relax and recover before we hit the - town.

I think the most memorable part of Killarney for me was all the - festivities going on at night in the city. Almost every pub had live music, - there were people out walking and having a great time. There were lights, - and food, and music, and drinks... it just felt like a fun place to be! We - started our night wandering around a bit, and found ourselves at an outside - banquet of sorts, with life music. Suf and I, exemplifying our boistrious - nature, led the singing of the chorus (see the quote), and made our mark - early in the Killarney perspective. After our job was done there, we found - our way to a pub called 'Scruffy's', near an amazing hotel. The band playing - there had some great traditional music as well, which we joined in on. Had a - pint, made some friends, moved on down the road to our final destination for - the evening: McSorley's. McSorley's is appropriately named because my feet - at the end of the night were very McSore. To say the least, McSorely's is - about 50% enough to keep me in Ireland. The drinks were great, the - atmosphere was amazing, and, the best part of all, the music was fantastic. - This particular evening we were treated to a performance by a ground called - "Zoot Allures", a cover band. They played an AMAZING set, with so many great - songs, and such great energy, that it made me really wish American clubs - would pull their heads out of their asses and actually play good music. - Anyways, amazing music was played, several videos were filmed, - more-than-several beverages were consumed, and at the end of the night, the - lead singer from the group gave me a great, big bear hug. Naturally, I - returned the favor.

Well, Zoot Allures wasn't the end of the night for - us, as McSorely's has a secret back room dance club, so we obviously had to - make use of that. We danced for a good while, then Chris, Cary and I decided - to take off and get back to the B&B to sleep. We left a window open for Suf. - Once again, to say the least, Killarney is absolutely amazing!

- -

Day 10: 08/05/10

-The room fell silent, as the man lowered his - microphone to the crowd. A single bewildered bystander asked, "Yeah?" The - man only nodded, a knowning nod. The bystander tipped his head back, and - breathed deep the pub air, and finally, as the tension grew to an unberable - level, cried out: "THUNDERSTRUCK!!!" -

I thought the first night was amazing. Holy crap this town just keeps getting - better and better!

So, day 2. After some great, great sleep (which, of - the 4 of us, I'm the only one to wake up in time for breakfast), I clean - myself up and head to town. Yesterday I had seen an "internet cafe," and - figured it would be similar to what we call internet cafes in America (I was - wrong), so I made my way there to get my KoL fix, and check up on the tubes. - Well, the internet cafe was a pay-per-use computer room, so I threw my cash - at the front desk and got a couple hours of hardcore internet access. KoL - Update: beat the boss bat, the Goblin King, and the first part of my Nemesis - quest. Not bad, I guess, but I think it's safe to say that juggling an - acension with travelling abroad is a bit difficult, unless you know what - you're doing. I don't, for the most part.

After lunch at a (surprise!) - Chinese food place, we decided to take the afternoon off and head back to - the B&B to play some more Scion, before McSorley's opened up again. We did - some great stuff, saved the freckled Scion, then I made the decision to let - her die (which ended up coinciding with some major character development, so - that's nice), and then Cary's character died defending her. So, all in all, - we failed our mission, but succeeded at Scion. Huh.

Anyways, - McSorley's opened up shortly after the game, so we hit up dinner (more - Chinese), and I spent some time wandering around getting pictures of the - pubs we had visited. It's funny: my dad complimented me on all the pictures - of the beautiful scenary and what not, but he asked a very important - questions: where are all the pubs?? So I tried to rectify that our last - night in Killarney, snapping a picture of a few placed before winding my way - back to McSorley's for the evening. Round 2... FIGHT!

The cover band - at McSorley's tonight was not as good as the other band, which is the - equivalent as saying that the 200000 Candle-Power flashlight isn't as bright - as the 300000 Candle-power one: they're both way brighter (or, awesomer in - this case) than the required flashlight (or, typical American cover band, in - this case). Tonight's show was by Revenge, who paid tribute to some of the - older songs, including quite a bit of ACDC. We rocked out hard core, really - supporting the band out front by dancing and singing along. Then the moment - happened, the moment that Chris has claimed is the most epic moment of the - trip. The quote says it all, but in short: the band was playing - Thunderstruck by ACDC, and the lead singer lowered the mic to me to scream - "THUNDERSTRUCK!!" into, and it was amazing timing. I do have to say, - sometimes my timing is spectacular. Anyways, that memory will stick with me - forever, and I think with Chris, Suf and Cary as well, so I consider this - night an unbelievable success.

Once more, we invaded the back room, - only this time we stayed until close. We danced our way into another dance - party, because evidently we're all Lords of the Dance, and met some new - friends: May, a French girl there with friends. We danced with them, we - danced with total strangers, and we danced until we couldn't dance any more! - I literally understood what it meant to be out of mana that night. I had - barely the energy to return home, before I just passed out on my - bed.

Killarney is the city I would most enjoy in Ireland. Of all the - places we've gone, it's the city which feels the most alive. It has the - loudest pulse, the brightest flash, the sweetest music; it's the type of - environment I want to live in. While I don't think Ireland is quite the - island for me, if I did decide to live here, Killarney would be my final - destination.

- -

Day 11: 08/06/10

-"Wow, this place is nice. I don't think we belong here." -

Today we all are taking a bit of a down day. After the past 2 nights, I'm - exhausted, and ready to just sit around a do nothing for a bit. Well, - conveniently Cary is getting his tattoo today, so I got my wish. We check - out of our B&B, pack up the car, park in town and go exploring a bit more. - After I stop at the Tourist Information, I learn of a free Wi-Fi pub nearby, - and relax there for a couple of hours, enjoying some tea and playing some - KoL. I don't really achieve anything of any worth in game, and Suf, Cary and - Chris show up just in time for us to work on our Scion characters a bit and - head to dinner. We go to the Chinese food place we hit up last night for - lunch, and then Cary must depart for his tattoo. Chris, Suf and I all decide - to wander back into the pub for a bit, where I finish up my KoL for the day, - enjoy some more Scion, check the email, and generally just chillax.

We - leave Killarney around 5:30 and arrive at our second-to-last destination, - Ballyseede Castle Hotel. Since we have nothing to do until later, we settle - in, relax for a bit and get to playing some more Scion. That's right: WE - ROLEPLAYED IN A CASTLE.

After the session, we split up: Cary, Suf and - Chris all head back to Killarney (a whopping 15 minute drive) to hit up - McSorley's again, and I lame out and take the night off. Whilst waiting for - sleep to drift in, I enjoy some good ol' American past-time and watch a bit - o' telly: 'Analyze That' was on. I watched 'Analyze That' in a castle. Today - is just full of achievements!

- -

Day 12: 08/07/10

-"Ma'am? A quick question. We named the dogs: - this one is named Roger the Mighty, and this one is named George the Stout. - How close were we?" -

After a wonderful night's rest in the castle, we pack up our things, enjoy a - delicious breakfast, explore the castle grounds a bit more, and head off to - our final B&B, just outside of Shannon.

As we approached our - destination, we decided to stop by Limerick for lunch/dinner and just - explore our initial landing grounds one last time. We wander to 'The Bitter - End', take some pictures, and find our way to a Chinese food place (big - surprise) and an outdoor pub. Since we couldn't decide on which one to go - to, I suggested we go to both. This decision was met with much happiness. - After we finished our Chinese food (quite delicious), we headed next door, - and was met with delicious desserts and beautiful women. Our waitress let - slip it was her birthday, so in true, boistrious American style, we sang her - 'Happy Birthday!' (Hope it was a good one, Sam!). Apparently she got in - trouble for that... Oops...

Anyways, we hit up our B&B to drop stuff - off, and repack our bags for tomorrow's trip, and finish up our Scion - campaign. We hopped out to 'Durty Nelly's' for a quick dinner (and sadly, - our waitress Una already had her birthday a month ago) of traditional Fish - and Chips, then back to the B&B to finish up our night rolling the dice. - With the campaign finished, we hit the hay in preparation for tomorrow's - voyage. Hopefully none of my loot get's wrecked!

- -

Day 13: 08/08/10

-"Do I really have to be the asshole to say that - we travelled back in time in that hot tub?" - Hot Tub Time Machine -

And just as quickly as it began, our whirlwind tour comes to an end. We left - the B&B early this morning to get to the airport, returned the car without a - fuss, checked in our baggage, shuffled through customs and passport checks, - and eventually found our way to the gate. The airport in Shannon has free - Wi-Fi, which is epic, so I whiddle away at my turn-count in KoL, achieving - little but still enjoying the game. Shoot off a text to mom letting her know - things are on time, and eventually board my first of three flights for the - day.

The flight is rather uneventful. We're seated next to a kid - flying back from a wedding, so it was fun to chat with him for a bit. Then, - onto the free movies: Iron Man 2 (pretty boss), Hot Tub Time Machine - (really, quite the unknown comedy. Hilarious!) and Repo Men (meh, not really - my bowl of soup...) round out the trip. We land soundly in JFK, disembark, - and find our next flight delayed, so Chris, Suf and I, after bidding - farewell to Cary at the Terminal, head to 'NYC Sports Grill', right outside - our arrival gate from the beginning of the voyage, and enjoy some good ol' - fashion American burgers before our flight to Boston.

The flight to - Boston is painless, despite the Logan Airport's best attempt at being the - worst air port ever (I just really don't like it). We land safe and sound - back home, and I eagerly make my way to baggage claim to make sure - everything is safe there. I get my bags (w00t), find everything in one piece - and accounted for (w00t x2), and bid Chris and Lindsay farewell as my - parents drive up in the van.

Thus, our voyage ends. A successful first - trip overseas, and a more-or-less successful first attempt at travel - blogging too. Methinks I'll have to try this again sometime. Farewell, and - as they say on the Emerald Isle: CHEERS!

diff --git a/_posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.md b/_posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d8b9a34 --- /dev/null +++ b/_posts/2015-01-01-Ireland-Log.md @@ -0,0 +1,608 @@ +--- + tabtitle: Ireland Log + title: A Log of My Travels in Ireland + topics: other + pub: "2015-01-01" + short_desc: "Once upon a time, I traveled to Ireland. It was quite the + experience. Me, my 3 friends Suf, Chris and Cary, Scion, shenanigans, + Guiness, whiskey, and Thunderstruck." +--- +# Day 1: 07/27/10 + +``` +Melon... *scatter* +``` + +Today is travel day! Heading out right now towards JFK, then a 5 hour lay-over +there, then finally taking off towards the Emerald Isle! I'm both excited and +anxious, but surprisingly calm. I think it's to the point where I'm ready to get +things moving. + +This flight will be rather uneventful: short 55 minute hop to JFK. I'm looking +forward to the longer flight. The time will give me opportunity to read, relax +and think... something I haven't done enough of in the past week. + +# Day 2: 07/28/10 + +``` +Left is safe! +``` + +Today we finally arrived in Ireland, first in Dublin and then Shannon. The trip +over was a bit of a challenge: a lack of sleep combined with an atmosphere +trying to promote one, all wrapped in the situation of no comfortable way to +actually get sleep helped to contribute to me not sleeping more than 30 minutes +tops. On the plus side, I did get to watch Dorian Grey and Percy Jackson on the +way over. Also, they served a very delicious beef stew for dinner; I was +pleasantly surprised. + +Upon arrival, we immediately set out to retrieve our luggage, which arrived +mostly unmolested. Then, as we proceeded out of the terminal, we finally found +our 4th member, Suf, waiting eagerly for our arrival; he had arrived a day +earlier, and had many a story to share about his adventures in Limerick (our +eventual destination for the day). We got our car, forgot our GPS, recovered our +GPS, and began driving toward Limerick from Shannon Airport. We quickly +discovered that, given our American driving-habits, we thought every car driving +on the "wrong side of the road" was going to kill us. I think twice we all +panicked for fear of our lives. But, once we adjusted (or at least, once Suf +did... Cary is still a bit iffy) the drive was relatively quick and painless. We +arrived not more than 30 minutes later in Limerick, and made for the City Center +to explore on foot the many shops and eateries that the city had to offer, as +well as pay a visit to "The Bitter End" Pub, where Suf had visited on the +previous night. We explored for a bit, had lunch at The Bitter End, visited a +shop so Cary could purchase a couple shilelagh (spelling), wander to a tourist +booth for information and, with said acquired directions, made for our first B&B +of the trip: Coonagh Lodge. We relaxed and napped a bit at the Lodge, enough to +recouperate for a voyage back to Limerick, and made for some dinner and +adventure. We explored around, eventually stopping in at a place called +"Wokking" for some authentic Irish Chinese food, which turned out to be very +tasty and filling. We then explored for a pub, stopping at "Charlie St. +George's" pub for a quick pint and some people-watching. Then, we explored a bit +more, and wound up back at The Bitter End to enjoy an evening cup of tea and +some relaxing time. After this, we made back to the B&B, where I discovered that +my power brick likes to make a weird noise as it charges my laptop. I account it +to the different voltage, and pray that it doesn't explode and kill us all. + +Of most important note, Suf decided to enlighten us with some of his arab cab +driving slang, most notable of which is "Why for you fuck my road?" An important +question, to be sure, and one to be answered in the days to come. A very steady +lean into this adventure, which I prefer to the alternative "kick-in-the-door" +style. Hopefully I can figure out some way to get my computer to connect to WPA2 +connections so I can have internet more readily. At least for tonight, I +probably won't get back on (unfortunate news for my KoL desires. Too many +adventures will be wasted after I waste the NS... Oh well...) + +# Day 3: 07/29/10 + +``` +"Ya know, you keep that shirt on much longer, you gonna get jungle rot" - Biff McBodyspray +``` + +Today was our first big travel day. We left Limerick around 11:00 am and made +for Galway. Along the way we stopped in at the Cliffs of Moher, and then +continued on to our destination in Kinvara. + +The Cliffs of Moher are quite the site to see. Set along the Atlantic Ocean is a +couple-mile stretch of sheer cliffs, topped with walkways and occasional watch +towers, or at least ruins of them. We walked the Cliffs for about an hour, just +exploring the different angles and particulars of the cliffs themselves: the +numerous outcroppings, the way the waves would collide with the rock, the caves +and small inlets that the water had born away. All these details helped to +complete one heck of a view! I also enjoyed the visitor center, which was built +into the hillsides near the cliffs. + +After the cliffs, we make our way to Kinvara. We stop briefly at the Burren, a +barren area of rocks and not much else. Once we arrive, we check into our B&B +and decide to hold off on Galway until tomorrow night. This leaves us with +plenty of time to explore Kinvara proper. We relax for a bit and make to town +for some dinner and adventures. We decided to stop in at an Italian place called +'The Full Tide Inn', and while waiting for our food, had quite the heated +philosophical discussion. It really put into perspective for me just how +unprepared I am to defend my own view/the Stoic view of topics. After dinner, we +walked out to Dunguaire Castle, which was unfortunately closed, but we still +were able to explore the surrounding grounds. We learned a bit of background +from a fellow tourist, and then made our way back into town to buy a few snacks +before heading back to our B&B. That night, despite our best laid plans, we +weren't able to get to Scion. However, luckily for me, the internet access at +the B&B was unprotected and therefore I could hop onto KoL and finish up my +ascension! I bought the trophie available to me (the one regarding food +recipies) and clammered through the astral gash to return once more to my life +of adventuring. I ascended as a Sauceror, holding onto Pastamancy so I can +really start to rack up the bonus adventures from my cooking. A few adventures +gone, I manage to get to level 2 the first day, and am very excited to really +get this sauce boiling. + +# Day 4: 07/30/10 + +``` +Be-buh-buh-day, be-buh-buh-day, E-DAY-OH, E-DAY-OH, THAT'S OK! +``` + +Holy crap, today seemed like an entire month's worth of exploration and +adventure. After a delicious traditional Irish breakfast, we made for Galway. + +In Galway we parked and set out for our busiest and most fun day yet. I can tell +you now that my feet are none to happy about the amount of walking we achieved, +but if nothing else this is a good reminder to properly prepare next time: make +sure my shoes are comfortable enough to walk around in almost constantly. So, we +park and make towards the city center. Galway is situated along the coast of +Galway Bay (go figure...) and has a river running through the center of town. We +head down the busy pedestrian walkway and hit up a few shops. Chris, Suf and +Cary all check out a couple tattoo parlours, and me being less interested make +for some good people watching and relax a bit. We continue our walk through the +busy crowds, and eventually make our way to the river. Exploring it for a bit, +Cary and I decide to stop off at a river-side restaurant called 'Mustard', where +I get one of the most delicious pulled-pork sandwiches I've ever enjoyed. +Afterwards, we met back up with Chris and Suf, and walked out towards the bay a +bit. As we voyaged further away from the city, we met with a couple of fellow +travelers, and discovered a great bar to stop at in town, known as 'E Brun' or +'The Bridge.' At the bar we met Bill, a local of Galway, who told us of many +great sites and happenings around town. An important detail of our stay in +Galway is that the Galway Races were going on. Evidently, they're a big deal. + +So, after our stop in the pub and a delicious Guiness, we make to explore and +find 'The Crane,' where Shela's son will be playing live music later in the +evening. We find it, and gather from another local (and rather attractive) girl +the location of a couple of good niteclube. After finding the Crane we decide to +hunt our a place to eat, and eventually wander back to 'Kelly's', which helps to +bring back nostalgic memories of Geneseo and our own Kelly's. We enjoy a +deliciously filling meal there, compliments of Chris, and find out that later in +the evening we can enjoy Crane for some authentic (and rather good) Irish jazz +(which sounds not much different from any other type of jazz...). Thus far, +although I've been able to explain our day in only a few short paragraphs, we've +experienced to us what has felt like a lifetime worth of exploration. But, the +fun is only just about to start. + +10:20pm, and we just left The Crane Bar to head back to the B&B for some +kick-ass Scion action. Along the way, we overhear a few clubs, but nothing +really catches our ear until we get to Kelly's. We can hear the beats from +outside, we can feel our feet aching but wanting to join in, so we head upstairs +and find (!!!)... a bunch of people standing around as a DJ mixes. What a let +down! Well, Suf wouldn't have any of this, and neither would the rest of us, so +after settling into our comfortable corner, Suf finally finds a song that he'll +groove to. And groove he does. Following quickly in suite, we join him on the +floor and find ourselves almost alone dancing. The 4 American tourists are the +only ones dancing in the Irish Niteclub. Almost poetic, mostly pathetic. Well, +this quickly changes, as more people flock to the dance floor after seeing our +amazing example. And by no means am I exaggerating! We literally started the +dance party at a niteclub. We groove it and move it for a good couple of hours +before we take off for new adventures. After a bit of exploring, and a lot of +drunk people, we decide to split up: Chris and Suf head back to Kelly's for some +more dancing, Cary wanders the street talking to people, and I, the lamest of +the group, head back to the car to call it a night. Before long, we all +reconvene, load up the GPS and make our way back to the B&B. This night has been +legendary, and no degree of detailed description can truly capture just how epic +the night was. + +Simply put: Galway was unforgetable. + +# Day 5: 07/31/10 + +``` +"Where are we heading again? Ballerina?" "BALLINA!" +``` + +After the unbelievable adventure of Galway, we head out for our next stop in +Northwest Ireland: Ballina. + +We set off after saying goodbye to our thus-far favorite B&B and host Shiela, +and head north. As we're driving, we spot a few turn offs and decide to stop at +one of them to explore a bit of the countryside. We find our way onto a +mountain, scale the smaller hills leading up to it, and eventually make our way +back to the car to continue walking. As we're driving, we happen across one of +the more epic scenes of our voyage: the carved out "seat" of a mountain, which +we refer to afterwards as 'The God Seat.' Surely, the scene of epic Scion games +to come. + +As we continue along our voyage, we stop off at Kylemore Abbey, the most +stunning scene I've seen in my life thus far. Imagine a white and grey castle, +then make it less war-oriented and more beautiful, then set it on a gorgeous +lake, at the base of a very impressive mountain. That's Kylemore Abbey. We park +and explore a bit, and I get several good pictures. Further, I manage to spot a +statue of something half way up the mountain, made of white stone. Whoever made +this statue certainly had a lot of determination! + +We leave the Abbey and finish our journey to our B&B for the evening. We relax, +settle in, and finally get to playing some Scion. Cary volunteered to run +first, so we play through the first half of his one shot: saving a 'shie' from +an Irish scion and his giant lackies. My character, a defensive tank named +Derrick Nasher, does quite well. We finish up the session, spend our exp (making +us even more boss), and crash for a relatively early night. + +This B&B also has an encrypted internet, so at first I'm out of luck. However, +on a whim I try out the Chromium build I brought along (thanks Hexxeh!!), and +manage to easily set up a connection through that! I can't upload any files or +pictures very well, but I can still play some KoL and post a few updates to my +social sites. Also, Google Voice has proven to be a godsend! Being able to text +from a website has been my primary means of keeping in contact with the family +back at home. + +# Day 6: 08/01/10 + +``` +"...just chillax..." + +"Woah... I never expected to hear 'chillax' outside of the states!" + +- A conversation between Kim and Chris +``` + +Day 2 of our stay in Ballina. We eat an early breakfast and make for Killary +Adventure for some archery! + +We arrive in Killary around noon, and enjoy an hour of arching with our +instructor Kim and another instructor named Dugal. I managed to shoot 2 +bullseyes! It's amazing that if you actually hold the weapon properly and keep +proper form, you can actually aim with it. Never would have thought otherwise... +(/sarcasm). We joked, tried out some trick shooting, played a HORSE-style game, +and all-in-all came out of the adventure feeling really great. Plus, we all got +some wicked "battle wounds" from the bow on our forearms. + +After the archery, we decide to head to Westport, on advice from Kim, for some +shopping and to get lunch. We immediately (perhaps fatefully) stumble upon a +place called 'The Asgard' and decide that there's no better place to eat in town +than here. I enjoy some Bangers and Mash - Asgard Style - and feel the wonderful +feeling of fulness once more. This trip has been a wonderful venture in +delicious foods. The traditional Irish breakfast (Egg, real bacon, sausages, +black and white pudding, half a tomatoe, toast, tea and juice) is so filling +that most of the time we feel no need to eat before dinner. Today, though, was a +glaring exception; that, and we had a different breakfast of pancakes and +poached eggs. After the Bangers and Mash, we split up: I head off to explore the +riverway and the port, while the others go shopping. I manage to snap quite a +few nice pictures, and figure out some more features on the camera, before we +meet back up and head back to Ballina, and then onwards to Enniscrone, the +birthplace of Cary's ancestors, the Grimes. + +We arrive in Enniscrone around 4:00 in the afternoon, to a beautiful sunny day +and warm weather. Enniscrone in a beach town, so we split up once again, with me +heading out towards the beach and the others once more hitting up the shops. I +walk along the Atlantic Ocean, soaking in the waves and the rays, and eventually +make my way back to the car to relax for a bit. We head back to the B&B, rest +for a bit, and decide that heading back to Enniscrone for some delicious, +authentic Irish-Chinese food would be best. And best it was: we discovered the +awesomness and addictivness that is puffed-rice prawn crisps. Dinner was good, +too. + +We head back to the B&B and finish up Cary's session of Scion. Chris set his +crab-tank relic for self-destruct and took care of all the giants for us, while +I managed to manipulate our crazy Irish scion friend Brian that he forgot how to +fight, which led to his untimely demise (or at least him falling +unconscious...). We saved the 'shie', secured the relic protected inside it, and +got Brian's birthrights for ourselves. A success, and a good start to our Scion +adventures yet to come. Cary hands the GM torch over to Chris, and we begin his +session tonight: we get tasked by Brigid (one of the Tuatha) to help out one of +her daughters. We manage to find her just in time for the night to expire, and +so we call it there. In KoL, I've managed to get to level 4, half-way towards 5, +before I call it a night. I haven't yet played all my available turns, but I'm +making decent progress. With a bit more practice I can probably get getting to +level 6 a 2-day process, which will help to speed through the slower part of the +game. + +# Day 7: 08/02/10 + +``` +Worst. Bank. Holiday. Ever. +``` + +After a restful evening, and another delicious breakfast of pancakes and poached +eggs, we enjoy a quick chat with John, our host, before heading off on our +"driving day from hell." Our course will take us through the middle of Ireland, +stopping off at Athlone to see the oldest bar in Ireland (and perhaps the world) +and eventually into Tipperary for the evening + +Our first stop of the day is in Athlone, a city smack-dab in the middle of +Ireland. The drive to Athlone was a bit long, but still strikingly beautiful. It +seems like Ireland, despite it's rather small size, is still host to some of the +most grandiouse and beautiful scenes I've ever seen. We arrive in Athlone around +noon, and wander around a bit. Suf, Cary and I all stop in at 'The Snug' for a +quick pint, before we take off across the bridge in the middle of town to hit up +some shopping. We stop off in Athlone Castle along the way for some great +pictures, and run into Chris, who had wandered off to find some shops, after we +cross the bridge. Chris and I decide to backtrack to the Castle, then wander +around before we head back to Sean's. Sean's is the oldest bar in Ireland, +dating back towards 900AD, and quite possible the oldest bar in the world. +Obviously, I enjoy a pint of Guiness before we head back to the car and continue +along our day's journey. + +We decide to stop off at Clanmocnoise Abbey, a ruined abbey just south of +Athlone, before heading out to Tipperary. The sites there are truely amazing, +and the ruined Abbey is quite cool as well. The conservation attempts have, thus +far, done a good job of maintaining what was salvageable, but the Abbey itself +is beyond repair. After some cool pictures, we continue on our way to Tipperary. + +We finally arrive at our destination for the evening. Tipperary is a small town, +with a good amount of shops and a very comfortable atmosphere. Unfortunately, +and unknown to us, due to the Bank Holiday most of the food shops are closed. We +settle for a fast-food place called "American Stars" and apologize to our +digestive tracks before heading back to our B&B for some Scion action. + +Scion has us defending Nikki from a couple of Fenrir, which we succeed in doing, +and then finding out our target was, in fact, a doppleganger. We discover this a +bit too late, though, and end our session assaulting 'The God Seat' and a Norse +Scion, who claims that "the ginger bitch has got to go." Well, Derrick'll be +damned if he let's a potential future employer die that easily. The stage is set +as both Derrick and the Norse Scion enter their Collosus Armor, Cary's Scion +enters his Warpspasm, and Suf's Scion prepares to make pincushins out of the +Frost Giants. After Scion comes KoL, which sees my progression to level 5 and +acquisition of Advanced Sausecrafting. I adventure for a bit more, before +fatigue wins and I succumb to sleep. + +# Day 8: 08/03/10 + +``` +"There any bars... excuse me... pubs around here?" + +"Welcome to Ireland, lad!" + +- A conversation between me and a bouncer +``` + +Today we headed back to the Rock of Cashel to get a great tour around the castle +grounds. I took lots of pictures, bought a few things for myself and a great +sweater for my mom, fall down a few steps while wandering the castle grounds +(resulting in a beautiful leg-bruise to match my archery-provided battle wound +on my forearm), and we wrap up Tipperary and head to Cork. + +We arrive in Cork and are immediately thrust into the realization that Cork is +quite the large, industrial city. After a bit of confusion finding our way to +our B&B for the night, we decide to take some naps to recover some energy and +mana, and head out to find dinner and some nighttime entertainment. On the +generocity of our very funny and cheery innkeep, we head to a place called +Zak's, and are pleasantly surprised in the meal; I had a delicious Irish-beef +burger, some awesome garlic bread, and a Murphy's to wash it all down (Murphy's +is brewed in Cork; Guiness is not very welcomed here). We finish dinner, and +head out to find some clubs for the night. + +We start our evening off wandering the neighborhood around Zak's. We find a +place, rather populated and playing somewhat good music, but quickly discover +it's overpopulated with Binfo for the night. We pass this pub, and ask the +bouncer for any suggestions, and get pointed towards a place called "Sober +Lane." Ignoring the odd name, we head off in the appropriate direction and run +into a metal pub along the way, so I insist we stop in and enjoy a drink. We get +a pint, enjoy the music, and move on. 'Sober Lane' turns out to be a much +younger-oriented pub, which doesn't dissappoint us, but it really pulls through +when Chris discovers the dart board in the back corner. We quickly take it over, +playing darts until the pub closes (oddly early, for our expectations), and +Chris and I head out to relax outside. Cary and Suf, being the charmers that +they are, end up chatting it with two girls local to the area, who invite all of +us back to a place called 'Cruscien Lar' (which we all continually misunderstand +as crusifixion). We follow them through the streets of Cork, and eventually wind +up at the closed pub. They hit the secret side enterence, and convince the owner +and co. to let us in. + +Cruscien Lar (which I'm sure I'm spelling wrong), ended up being the undeniable +high point of Cork. Once we got a bit more comfortable and began chatting with +everyone, we really ended up enjoying ourselves! And then, we met Alan. Alan is +a veritable world travelling musician. He has been pretty much everywhere, +including state side, with his band 'The Jordans' and he had many tales to share +with us. He mentioned that the prices for alcohol (and women (...and drugs)) +were best in Slovakia, that you'll never see anything more beautiful than the +Southeastern Asian countries, and that Russia really isn't that bad a place. +Really a lot of what we talked about fell into those topics, and it was a +conversation which I enjoyed thoroughly. Alan taught me that being a world +traveller doesn't take gobs of money and resources. All it takes is a desire to +explore, and a willingness to step outside your comfortable little box. + +Throughout the night we talked with Alan, and his friends Marie and Ger (the +girls which Cary and Suf connected with), about not only their travels, but also +their taste in music (which was gloriously metal-oriented), their careers, their +adventures and their aspirations. As the night wound down, we all said our +farewells, and left through the side door. Our night was almost at an end! As we +wandered back to the B&B, we stumbled across a rather rowdy bunch, and Suf, +being the social butterfly that he is, decided to hop on board. We eventually +were introduced to Nollagh and her friends, who were travelling in our direction +to a supposed party. Considering we're still young, as was the night, we tagged +along and were eager to arrive at another Irish party. Sadly, the party was a +bit of a bust, and seeing as we were so close to home, we decided to just call +it a night. An awesome night, almost so much to as to rival our crazy adventures +in Galway. + +# Day 9: 08/04/10 + +``` +My father's name is Merry Merry Mack! +``` + +After a rather enjoyable rest, we departed from Cork on our way to our final +"big city" stop: Killarney. Killarney has a very homey feel about it. There are +plenty of tourist shops, plenty of sites and sounds to experience, and the night +life is absolutely amazing, but more on that in a bit. + +We arrived at our B&B to find that the owner had stepped out for a bit, so we +decided to just park and wander into town. We quickly found some great shops, +restaurants, pubs, and other such attractions. Chris and I wandered around a few +places, and I ended up finding a few good gifts for the family: a corkscrew and +wine stopper for dad, both made of pewter; and a hat for Eric, which I think +will suit him quite nicely. After a bit more wandering, we headed back to the +B&B to relax and recover before we hit the town. + +I think the most memorable part of Killarney for me was all the festivities +going on at night in the city. Almost every pub had live music, there were +people out walking and having a great time. There were lights, and food, and +music, and drinks... it just felt like a fun place to be! We started our night +wandering around a bit, and found ourselves at an outside banquet of sorts, with +life music. Suf and I, exemplifying our boistrious nature, led the singing of +the chorus (see the quote), and made our mark early in the Killarney +perspective. After our job was done there, we found our way to a pub called +'Scruffy's', near an amazing hotel. The band playing there had some great +traditional music as well, which we joined in on. Had a pint, made some friends, +moved on down the road to our final destination for the evening: McSorley's. +McSorley's is appropriately named because my feet at the end of the night were +very McSore. To say the least, McSorely's is about 50% enough to keep me in +Ireland. The drinks were great, the atmosphere was amazing, and, the best part +of all, the music was fantastic. This particular evening we were treated to a +performance by a ground called "Zoot Allures", a cover band. They played an +AMAZING set, with so many great songs, and such great energy, that it made me +really wish American clubs would pull their heads out of their asses and +actually play good music. Anyways, amazing music was played, several videos +were filmed, more-than-several beverages were consumed, and at the end of the +night, the lead singer from the group gave me a great, big bear hug. Naturally, +I returned the favor. + +Well, Zoot Allures wasn't the end of the night for us, as McSorely's has a +secret back room dance club, so we obviously had to make use of that. We danced +for a good while, then Chris, Cary and I decided to take off and get back to the +B&B to sleep. We left a window open for Suf. Once again, to say the least, +Killarney is absolutely amazing! + +# Day 10: 08/05/10 + +``` +The room fell silent, as the man lowered his microphone to the crowd. A single +bewildered bystander asked, "Yeah?" The man only nodded, a knowning nod. The +bystander tipped his head back, and breathed deep the pub air, and finally, as +the tension grew to an unberable level, cried out: "THUNDERSTRUCK!!!" +``` + +I thought the first night was amazing. Holy crap this town just keeps getting +better and better! + +So, day 2. After some great, great sleep (which, of the 4 of us, I'm the only +one to wake up in time for breakfast), I clean myself up and head to town. +Yesterday I had seen an "internet cafe," and figured it would be similar to what +we call internet cafes in America (I was wrong), so I made my way there to get +my KoL fix, and check up on the tubes. Well, the internet cafe was a +pay-per-use computer room, so I threw my cash at the front desk and got a couple +hours of hardcore internet access. KoL Update: beat the boss bat, the Goblin +King, and the first part of my Nemesis quest. Not bad, I guess, but I think it's +safe to say that juggling an acension with travelling abroad is a bit difficult, +unless you know what you're doing. I don't, for the most part. + +After lunch at a (surprise!) Chinese food place, we decided to take the +afternoon off and head back to the B&B to play some more Scion, before +McSorley's opened up again. We did some great stuff, saved the freckled Scion, +then I made the decision to let her die (which ended up coinciding with some +major character development, so that's nice), and then Cary's character died +defending her. So, all in all, we failed our mission, but succeeded at Scion. +Huh. + +Anyways, McSorley's opened up shortly after the game, so we hit up dinner (more +Chinese), and I spent some time wandering around getting pictures of the pubs we +had visited. It's funny: my dad complimented me on all the pictures of the +beautiful scenary and what not, but he asked a very important questions: where +are all the pubs?? So I tried to rectify that our last night in Killarney, +snapping a picture of a few placed before winding my way back to McSorley's for +the evening. Round 2... FIGHT! + +The cover band at McSorley's tonight was not as good as the other band, which is +the equivalent as saying that the 200000 Candle-Power flashlight isn't as bright +as the 300000 Candle-power one: they're both way brighter (or, awesomer in this +case) than the required flashlight (or, typical American cover band, in this +case). Tonight's show was by Revenge, who paid tribute to some of the older +songs, including quite a bit of ACDC. We rocked out hard core, really supporting +the band out front by dancing and singing along. Then the moment happened, the +moment that Chris has claimed is the most epic moment of the trip. The quote +says it all, but in short: the band was playing Thunderstruck by ACDC, and the +lead singer lowered the mic to me to scream "THUNDERSTRUCK!!" into, and it was +amazing timing. I do have to say, sometimes my timing is spectacular. Anyways, +that memory will stick with me forever, and I think with Chris, Suf and Cary as +well, so I consider this night an unbelievable success. + +Once more, we invaded the back room, only this time we stayed until close. We +danced our way into another dance party, because evidently we're all Lords of +the Dance, and met some new friends: May, a French girl there with friends. We +danced with them, we danced with total strangers, and we danced until we +couldn't dance any more! I literally understood what it meant to be out of mana +that night. I had barely the energy to return home, before I just passed out on +my bed. + +Killarney is the city I would most enjoy in Ireland. Of all the places we've +gone, it's the city which feels the most alive. It has the loudest pulse, the +brightest flash, the sweetest music; it's the type of environment I want to live +in. While I don't think Ireland is quite the island for me, if I did decide to +live here, Killarney would be my final destination. + +# Day 11: 08/06/10 + +``` +Wow, this place is nice. I don't think we belong here. +``` + +Today we all are taking a bit of a down day. After the past 2 nights, I'm +exhausted, and ready to just sit around a do nothing for a bit. Well, +conveniently Cary is getting his tattoo today, so I got my wish. We check out of +our B&B, pack up the car, park in town and go exploring a bit more. After I +stop at the Tourist Information, I learn of a free Wi-Fi pub nearby, and relax +there for a couple of hours, enjoying some tea and playing some KoL. I don't +really achieve anything of any worth in game, and Suf, Cary and Chris show up +just in time for us to work on our Scion characters a bit and head to dinner. We +go to the Chinese food place we hit up last night for lunch, and then Cary must +depart for his tattoo. Chris, Suf and I all decide to wander back into the pub +for a bit, where I finish up my KoL for the day, enjoy some more Scion, check +the email, and generally just chillax. + +We leave Killarney around 5:30 and arrive at our second-to-last destination, +Ballyseede Castle Hotel. Since we have nothing to do until later, we settle in, +relax for a bit and get to playing some more Scion. That's right: WE ROLEPLAYED +IN A CASTLE. + +After the session, we split up: Cary, Suf and Chris all head back to Killarney +(a whopping 15 minute drive) to hit up McSorley's again, and I lame out and take +the night off. Whilst waiting for sleep to drift in, I enjoy some good ol' +American past-time and watch a bit o' telly: 'Analyze That' was on. I watched +'Analyze That' in a castle. Today is just full of achievements! + +# Day 12: 08/07/10 + +``` +"Ma'am? A quick question. We named the dogs: this one is named Roger the Mighty, +and this one is named George the Stout. How close were we?" +``` + +After a wonderful night's rest in the castle, we pack up our things, enjoy a +delicious breakfast, explore the castle grounds a bit more, and head off to our +final B&B, just outside of Shannon. + +As we approached our destination, we decided to stop by Limerick for +lunch/dinner and just explore our initial landing grounds one last time. We +wander to 'The Bitter End', take some pictures, and find our way to a Chinese +food place (big surprise) and an outdoor pub. Since we couldn't decide on which +one to go to, I suggested we go to both. This decision was met with much +happiness. After we finished our Chinese food (quite delicious), we headed next +door, and was met with delicious desserts and beautiful women. Our waitress let +slip it was her birthday, so in true, boistrious American style, we sang her +'Happy Birthday!' (Hope it was a good one, Sam!). Apparently she got in trouble +for that... Oops... + +Anyways, we hit up our B&B to drop stuff off, and repack our bags for tomorrow's +trip, and finish up our Scion campaign. We hopped out to 'Durty Nelly's' for a +quick dinner (and sadly, our waitress Una already had her birthday a month ago) +of traditional Fish and Chips, then back to the B&B to finish up our night +rolling the dice. With the campaign finished, we hit the hay in preparation for +tomorrow's voyage. Hopefully none of my loot get's wrecked! + +# Day 13: 08/08/10 + +``` +"Do I really have to be the asshole to say that we travelled back in time in +that hot tub?" - Hot Tub Time Machine +``` + +And just as quickly as it began, our whirlwind tour comes to an end. We left the +B&B early this morning to get to the airport, returned the car without a fuss, +checked in our baggage, shuffled through customs and passport checks, and +eventually found our way to the gate. The airport in Shannon has free Wi-Fi, +which is epic, so I whiddle away at my turn-count in KoL, achieving little but +still enjoying the game. Shoot off a text to mom letting her know things are on +time, and eventually board my first of three flights for the day. + +The flight is rather uneventful. We're seated next to a kid flying back from a +wedding, so it was fun to chat with him for a bit. Then, onto the free movies: +Iron Man 2 (pretty boss), Hot Tub Time Machine (really, quite the unknown +comedy. Hilarious!) and Repo Men (meh, not really my bowl of soup...) round out +the trip. We land soundly in JFK, disembark, and find our next flight delayed, +so Chris, Suf and I, after bidding farewell to Cary at the Terminal, head to +'NYC Sports Grill', right outside our arrival gate from the beginning of the +voyage, and enjoy some good ol' fashion American burgers before our flight to +Boston. + +The flight to Boston is painless, despite the Logan Airport's best attempt at +being the worst air port ever (I just really don't like it). We land safe and +sound back home, and I eagerly make my way to baggage claim to make sure +everything is safe there. I get my bags (w00t), find everything in one piece and +accounted for (w00t x2), and bid Chris and Lindsay farewell as my parents drive +up in the van. + +Thus, our voyage ends. A successful first trip overseas, and a more-or-less +successful first attempt at travel blogging too. Methinks I'll have to try this +again sometime. Farewell, and as they say on the Emerald Isle: CHEERS! diff --git a/_posts/2015-05-06-TLS-Part-1.html b/_posts/2015-05-06-TLS-Part-1.html index 550b1ed..c4bbe23 100644 --- a/_posts/2015-05-06-TLS-Part-1.html +++ b/_posts/2015-05-06-TLS-Part-1.html @@ -92,8 +92,8 @@ thanks to TCP.

Part 2 focuses more on the specifics of TLS: certificates, cipher suites, and public key authentication.

-

Sources

-
    +

    Sources

    +
+ diff --git a/_posts/2015-11-10-TLS-Part-2.html b/_posts/2015-11-10-TLS-Part-2.html index f7edefa..9d4e45a 100644 --- a/_posts/2015-11-10-TLS-Part-2.html +++ b/_posts/2015-11-10-TLS-Part-2.html @@ -77,8 +77,8 @@ as a high-level overview of TLS, there are many more-detailed sources available. I would suggest a visit to your local Wikipedia as a good first step. Thanks for reading.

-

Sources

-
    +

    Sources

    +
+ diff --git a/_posts/2018-01-28-letter-to-lucilius-11.md b/_posts/2018-01-28-letter-to-lucilius-11.md index b8dbcb2..cbe7a77 100644 --- a/_posts/2018-01-28-letter-to-lucilius-11.md +++ b/_posts/2018-01-28-letter-to-lucilius-11.md @@ -101,7 +101,9 @@ follow. A few names jump out: Tim Ferris, and Elon Musk. Ferris for his unrelenting pursuit to better himself, and Musk for his unrelenting pursuit to better the world around him. -### Source +# Sources -[Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 11 on Wikisource]( +* [Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 11 on Wikisource]( https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_11) + +###### [Letter Index]({{ site.baseurl }}{% post_url 2018-01-15-Letters-To-Lucilius %}) diff --git a/_posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-5.md b/_posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-5.md index 9f823bd..f4d2b18 100644 --- a/_posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-5.md +++ b/_posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-5.md @@ -111,9 +111,9 @@ them effect your sense of self-worth. Second, endure the riches of yourself, and do not let it inflate your self-worth. Finally, endure all riches, and recognize them as an indifference, preferred but never at the expense of virtue. -### Source +# Source -[Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 5 on Wikisource]( +* [Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 5 on Wikisource]( https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_5) ###### [Letter Index]({{ site.baseurl }}{% post_url 2018-01-15-Letters-To-Lucilius %}) diff --git a/_posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-6.md b/_posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-6.md index 00c058a..2f68f67 100644 --- a/_posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-6.md +++ b/_posts/2018-02-11-letter-to-lucilius-6.md @@ -87,12 +87,11 @@ of fighting against every negative feeling or doubt, you must find strength and power. Only then will you live with such assurance that you will harbor respect wherever you walk. -### Source +# Sources -[Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 6 on Wikisource]( +* [Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 6 on Wikisource]( https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_6) - -[Why I Quit Being So Accomidating]( +* [Why I Quit Being So Accomidating]( https://mikecanex.wordpress.com/2012/12/26/1922-why-i-quit-being-so-accommodating/) ###### [Letter Index]({{ site.baseurl }}{% post_url 2018-01-15-Letters-To-Lucilius %}) diff --git a/_posts/2020-06-14-setting-up-btrfs.md b/_posts/2020-06-14-setting-up-btrfs.md index b2f3d67..326c549 100644 --- a/_posts/2020-06-14-setting-up-btrfs.md +++ b/_posts/2020-06-14-setting-up-btrfs.md @@ -226,10 +226,9 @@ I'm writing this post as part of [#100DaysToOffload]( https://100daystooffload.com), an initiative to inspire writing habits. Perhaps you could do the same. -### Sources +# Sources -|----| -|[btrfs on the Arch Wiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Btrfs)| -|[Snapper on the Arch Wiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Snapper)| -|[snap-sync](https://github.com/wesbarnett/snap-sync)| -|[The BTRFS Wiki](https://btrfs.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Main_Page)| +* [btrfs on the Arch Wiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Btrfs) +* [Snapper on the Arch Wiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Snapper) +* [snap-sync](https://github.com/wesbarnett/snap-sync) +* [The BTRFS Wiki](https://btrfs.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Main_Page) diff --git a/_posts/2020-06-18-gabriella_s-fall.md b/_posts/2020-06-18-gabriella_s-fall.md index 558565b..7f1095d 100644 --- a/_posts/2020-06-18-gabriella_s-fall.md +++ b/_posts/2020-06-18-gabriella_s-fall.md @@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ in her voice. “I am the patron of Silent Fall. I am Erathis. You asked for my help. I have given it.” -### 100 Days +# 100 Days I'm writing this post as part of [#100DaysToOffload](https://100daystooffload.com), an initiative to inspire writing habits. Perhaps you could do the same. diff --git a/_posts/2020-06-19-jhoric_background.md b/_posts/2020-06-19-jhoric_background.md index 4593565..e4974f5 100644 --- a/_posts/2020-06-19-jhoric_background.md +++ b/_posts/2020-06-19-jhoric_background.md @@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ survivor from inside the shop: a half elf. A contingent from the Flaming Fist arrested Jhoric, the half-elf, and a nearby gnome that witnessed the explosion. This is where his story truly begins. -### 100 Days +# 100 Days I'm writing this post as part of [#100DaysToOffload](https://100daystooffload.com), an initiative to inspire writing habits. Perhaps you could do the same. diff --git a/_posts/2020-07-10-crater-of-igrevor.md b/_posts/2020-07-10-crater-of-igrevor.md index 69ae1fb..d8ad968 100644 --- a/_posts/2020-07-10-crater-of-igrevor.md +++ b/_posts/2020-07-10-crater-of-igrevor.md @@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ mounts; and two [Umbral Dragon](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/dragons/dragon/-primal-umbral/umbral-dragon-juvenile) brothers. -## The crater of Igrevor +# The Crater of Igrevor >_While enjoying a pint and a quiet night at Tuckleberry’s tavern, The Leaf and >Lyre, the party is rudely interrupted by the sound of a massive explosion, @@ -299,7 +299,7 @@ scales of the dragon, which gives them the immunities of the dragon. This turned out to be a _very_ powerful option: immune to cold, death effects, negative energy, paralysis, sleep. -## Aftermath +# Aftermath I had a lot of fun with this one. The party made their way with through with consistent progress, and the boss battle was challenging but not overwhelming. I @@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ and the driving motivation for my upcoming third adventure. I look forward to sharing those as well! Feel free to make use of this adventure in your own games! -## MapTools +# MapTools But wait, there's more! This adventure was my first foray into MapTools, a free and open-source virtual table top system. It allows you to create detailed @@ -334,13 +334,12 @@ to the campaign maps for this adventure [here (click to download)]( {{ site.url }}/src/campaigns/crater_of_igrevor.cmpgn). -### 100 Days +# 100 Days I'm writing this post as part of [#100DaysToOffload](https://100daystooffload.com), an initiative to inspire writing habits. Perhaps you could do the same. -### Sources +# Sources -|----| -|[MapTools](https://www.rptools.net/toolbox/maptool/)| +* [MapTools](https://www.rptools.net/toolbox/maptool/) diff --git a/_posts/2020-07-19-syncthing-part-1.md b/_posts/2020-07-19-syncthing-part-1.md index 1c1ee7e..ac8f933 100644 --- a/_posts/2020-07-19-syncthing-part-1.md +++ b/_posts/2020-07-19-syncthing-part-1.md @@ -89,14 +89,13 @@ but I'm not certain that I'll hang onto it. For now, I just need a simple way to synchronize pictures between my phone and my desktop, and Syncthing provides that. -### 100 Days +# 100 Days I'm writing this post as part of [#100DaysToOffload](https://100daystooffload.com), an initiative to inspire writing habits. Perhaps you could do the same. -### Sources +# Sources -|----| -|[Syncthing](https://syncthing.net/)| -|[SyncTrayzor](https://github.com/canton7/SyncTrayzor)| -|[Markor](https://gsantner.net/project/markor.html)| +* [Syncthing](https://syncthing.net/) +* [SyncTrayzor](https://github.com/canton7/SyncTrayzor) +* [Markor](https://gsantner.net/project/markor.html) diff --git a/_posts/2020-09-06-pathfinder-druid.md b/_posts/2020-09-06-pathfinder-druid.md index f1ab99d..0e14fae 100644 --- a/_posts/2020-09-06-pathfinder-druid.md +++ b/_posts/2020-09-06-pathfinder-druid.md @@ -271,9 +271,8 @@ necessary. This is very much a first draft, but I think it could be a fun one! -### Sources +# Sources -|----| -|[Pathfinder SRD](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/)| -|[Prometheus Guide to the Druid](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PXamF43boZgYtCUlyJAMojfrPaAdYyjPOaGOo1vfqdM/edit#heading=h.nxj7sifd7tvs)| -|[Treantmonk's Guide to Druids](https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AcNyxDTKvAmqZGRtZzhzdjZfNDZnNHpzcmdodA&hl=en)| +* [Pathfinder SRD](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/) +* [Prometheus Guide to the Druid](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PXamF43boZgYtCUlyJAMojfrPaAdYyjPOaGOo1vfqdM/edit#heading=h.nxj7sifd7tvs) +* [Treantmonk's Guide to Druids](https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AcNyxDTKvAmqZGRtZzhzdjZfNDZnNHpzcmdodA&hl=en) diff --git a/_posts/2020-09-27-pathfinder-eldritch-knight.md b/_posts/2020-09-27-pathfinder-eldritch-knight.md index 6bddc94..2560bcd 100644 --- a/_posts/2020-09-27-pathfinder-eldritch-knight.md +++ b/_posts/2020-09-27-pathfinder-eldritch-knight.md @@ -305,8 +305,7 @@ out cool spells to add to the spell book, worthwhile scrolls, and just imagining scenarios. Despite the apparent short-comings, the Eldritch Knight can definitely hold it's own, though it does require a ramp-up time. -### Sources +# Sources -|----| -|[Pathfinder SRD](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/)| -|[The Muscle Wizard Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10x042PGSyqX4JqHbYFf7vDsK1NCnhBT2ck8i1eG6kpc/edit)| +* [Pathfinder SRD](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/) +* [The Muscle Wizard Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10x042PGSyqX4JqHbYFf7vDsK1NCnhBT2ck8i1eG6kpc/edit) diff --git a/_posts/2021-11-20-oblivion-linux.md b/_posts/2021-11-20-oblivion-linux.md index 2760d52..b9f9ff5 100644 --- a/_posts/2021-11-20-oblivion-linux.md +++ b/_posts/2021-11-20-oblivion-linux.md @@ -1,9 +1,12 @@ --- - tabtitle: "Oblivion on Linux" - title: "Oblivion on Linux, with Mods!" + tabtitle: "Oblivion on Linux Part 1, Tools" + title: "Oblivion on Linux, with Mods! Part 1 - Tools" topics: [gaming] - pub: "2021-11-20" - short_desc: "" + pub: "2021-11-28" + short_desc: "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is one of my favorite games of + all time. The vanilla game holds up, but mods take the game to an entirely + new level. Getting it working on Linux requires a bit of configuration, bit + is surprisingly accessible! This is part 1 of my journey." --- Oblivion holds a special place in my heart. I remember spending a summer in the @@ -20,7 +23,7 @@ that's what this write-up is all about! Starting from the beginning, Oblivion is available on many platforms, but my experiences here will assume the Steam installation. The primary difference will -be with respect to the how the tools used to mod Oblivion are run. I've got the +be with respect to how the tools used to mod Oblivion are run. I've got the Game of the Year edition, which is Steam ID `22330`. @@ -47,14 +50,21 @@ _Archives_ is where I store the actual archives of the mods I use. _Backups_ is where I store any relevant backups for my Oblivion game, such as saves or configuration files for the mods. _Tools_ is where I put the executables for all the tools I mentioned above. _WryeBash_ is used to store the unarchived mods -(which are called "projects") and mod data that `Wrye Bash` uses. +(which it calls "projects") and mod data that `Wrye Bash` uses. -Because each of these tools is run using Proton (or Wine for non-Steam -installs), I also have a set of aliases configured. +Because each of these tools is run using Proton, I also have a set of aliases +configured. Similar aliases could be setup for using Wine instead. For each +alias, modify the paths accordingly for your setup. I should also note that I'm +running Oblivion using [Glorious Eggroll's +Proton](https://github.com/GloriousEggroll/proton-ge-custom), version 6.16. I +haven't experimented with different Proton versions to find the most performant +version, but if I do in the future, I'll mention it. ## Wrye Bash -[Project Link](https://github.com/wrye-bash/wrye-bash) || [Homepage](https://wrye-bash.github.io/) || [Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/22368) +- [Project Link](https://github.com/wrye-bash/wrye-bash) +- [Homepage](https://wrye-bash.github.io/) +- [Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/22368) `Wrye Bash` is involved. I don't know how to use it fully. There are a few guides that helped me learn how to use it enough to get mods installed and @@ -72,10 +82,10 @@ Dispensation](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/49898). The easiest option is to use the stand-alone executable from the GitHub releases page. Extract the archive, and then use Proton to run the executable in the -_Mopy_ directory. This is the alias I use; replace directories accordingly: +_Mopy_ directory. This is the alias I use; replace paths accordingly: ``` -alias oblivion-wyre='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ +alias oblivion-wrye='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/ \ /path/to/proton/proton run /path/to/OblivionMods/Tools/Mopy/Wrye\ Bash.exe' ``` @@ -98,7 +108,8 @@ do anything else. ## LOOT -[Project Link](https://github.com/loot/loot) || [Homepage](https://loot.github.io/) +- [Project Link](https://github.com/loot/loot) +- [Homepage](https://loot.github.io/) `LOOT` sets the proper load order for mods. There is a native Linux client, but I ran into [this issue](https://github.com/loot/loot/issues/1615) and decided to @@ -108,10 +119,10 @@ with a stand-alone executable, and that's what I used. ### Setup Download the stand-alone executable, and extract it to _OblivionMods/Tools_. -This is the alias I use; replace directories accordingly: +This is the alias I use; replace paths accordingly: ``` -alias oblivion-wyre='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ +alias oblivion-loot='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/ \ /path/to/proton/proton run /path/to/OblivionMods/Tools/LOOT/LOOT.exe' ``` @@ -126,169 +137,105 @@ for configuration. determine the optimal load order for all installed mods. I ran into an issue where `LOOT` couldn't properly download the master list, and so as a work-around I manually downloaded the master list, and then configured `LOOT` to use that -local file instead of the remote Git repository. If everything works, and the -list of mods is there, then you can run a sort, and apply the changes. `LOOT` -will inform you of any "dirty" mods, which you can use the next tool the clear -up. I ended up keeping `LOOT` open, while stepping through the cleaning -procedure for each mod, until everything looked happy. +local file instead of the remote Git repository. Those instructions are covered +[in the FAQ](https://loot.github.io/docs/help/LOOT-FAQs.html#git-errors). If +everything works, and the list of mods is there, then you can run a sort, and +apply the changes. `LOOT` will inform you of any "dirty" mods, which you can use +the next tool the clear up. I ended up keeping `LOOT` open, while stepping +through the cleaning procedure for each mod, until everything looked happy. ## TES4Edit -[Project Link](https://github.com/TES5Edit/TES5Edit) || [Homepage](https://tes5edit.github.io/) || [Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/11536) +- [Project Link](https://github.com/TES5Edit/TES5Edit) +- [Homepage](https://tes5edit.github.io/) +- [Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/11536) `TES4Edit` is the Oblivion version of `xEdit`, which is an incredible tool. All -I use it for is to clean dirty mods. `LOOT` provides a link to the [quick -cleaning guide](https://tes5edit.github.io/docs/7-mod-cleaning-and-error-checking.html#ThreeEasyStepstocleanMods), which gives us exactly the steps required. +I use it for is to clean dirty mods. `LOOT` provides a link to the [quick cleaning +guide](https://tes5edit.github.io/docs/7-mod-cleaning-and-error-checking.html#ThreeEasyStepstocleanMods), +which gives us exactly the steps required. ### Setup Download the latest build from GitHub, and extract it to _OblivionMods/Tools_. This is the alias I use, which runs the "Quick Auto Clean" function; replace -directories accordingly: +paths accordingly: ``` -alias oblivion-wyre='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ - STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/ \ - /path/to/proton/proton run /path/to/OblivionMods/Tools/TES4Edit/TES4EditQuickAutoClean.exe' +alias oblivion-tes4edit-quick='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ + STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/ \ + /path/to/proton/proton run /path/to/OblivionMods/Tools/TES4Edit/TES4EditQuickAutoClean.exe' +``` + +TES4Edit is also useful for other, non-quick-clean functionality, so I have this +alias for that: + +``` +alias oblivion-tes4edit='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ + STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/ \ + /path/to/proton/proton run /path/to/OblivionMods/Tools/TES4Edit/TES4Edit.exe' ``` ### Usage -Run the alias, select the problematic file, and click "OK". Only one file can be -cleaned at a time. +Run the quick-clean alias, select the problematic file, and click "OK". Only one +file can be cleaned at a time. ## TES4LODGen -[Project Link](https://github.com/TES5Edit/xLODGen) || [Homepage](https://tes5edit.github.io/docs/16-xLODGen.html) || [Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/15781?tab=description) +- [Project Link](https://github.com/TES5Edit/xLODGen) +- [Homepage](https://tes5edit.github.io/docs/16-xLODGen.html) +- [Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/15781?tab=description) -`TES4LODGen` will generate the relevant LOD file ahead of time. Apparently it +`TES4LODGen` will generate the relevant LOD files ahead of time. Apparently it helps with performance in-game, but may result in slower initial load times when starting the game. ### Setup I downloaded the files from Nexus, and extracted the archive to -_OblivionMods/Tools/TES4LODGen_. +_OblivionMods/Tools/TES4LODGen_. Here's the alias; replace paths accordingly: + +``` +alias oblivion-tes4lodgen='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ + STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/ \ + /path/to/proton/proton run /path/to/OblivionMods/Tools/TES4LODGen/TES4LODGen.exe' +``` ### Usage Run the alias. The program should auto-find everything, do some magic, and will -eventually report that it has finished. At this point, you can close the -application. Here's the alias; replace directories accordingly: - -``` -alias oblivion-wyre='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ - STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/ \ - /path/to/proton/proton run /path/to/OblivionMods/Tools/TES4LODGen/TES4LODGen.exe' -``` +eventually report that it has finished. At that point, you can close the +application. ## BethINI +- [Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/46440) -# Mod List +`BethINI` helps manage the "oblivion.ini" file, providing sane options and a +wizard for configuration. While not required, it does help with optimizations. -Every player's mod list is different. Some will focus on visuals, making the -game as graphically impressive and pretty as possible. Others care primarily -about additional content. I tend towards the later, with a preference for -additional survival or realism mods. I recommend starting with the "Core Mods" -section in the [Oblivion Comprehensive Modding Guide by -Dispensation](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/49898) which will cover -some essential performance and enhancement mods. +### Setup -Below are some specific mods I would like to highlight, and which I enjoy. +I downloaded the files from Nexus, and extracted the archive to +_OblivionMods/Tools/Bethini_. If you use AutoHotKey apparently you can use that +to run it, but that doesn't make sense to me, so I went with the stand-alone +executable. Here's the alias; replace paths accordingly: + +``` +alias oblivion-bethini='STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/steamapps/compatdata/22330/ \ + STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH=/path/to/steam/directory/ \ + /path/to/proton/proton run /path/to/OblivionMods/Tools/BethINI/BethINI.exe' +``` + +### Usage + +Just like the rest, run the alias and answer the questions. `BethINI` will make +backups of the modified INI files before over-writing them. -## Survival Related +# Next Steps -### Basic Primary Needs & Personal Hygiene - -[Nexus Link - Basic Primary -Needs](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/37088) -[Nexus Link - Basic Personal -Hygiene](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/42038_) - -These two mods cover most of the survival aspects of my mod pack. "Basic Primary -Needs" adds hunger, thirst, and fatigue, while "Basic Personal Hygiene" adds -cleanliness. Managing these will feel tedious to some, but I really like having -to eat and drink, and visiting a bath house after a long time adventuring. - -Each mod can make use of [additional HUD Status -Bars](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/34905), which makes tracking the -new needs much easier. - -### Traveler's Tent - -[Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/49654) - -This mod adds a portable player home, and is supremely comfy. - - -## World Enhancement - -These I would consider my graphical improvements. I'm generally not too -concerned with making the game look good, but I love making the game feel more -realistic. These mods make Cyrodiil feel more alive. - -### Better Cities - -[Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/16513/) - -This is a massive collection of city overhaul and enhancement mods. I was -awe-struck when I walked around the Imperial City for the first time with this -mod enabled. Bravil felt like a dangerous, crowded harbor town. Leyawin looks -like an actual place people live. Though the improvements do come with FPS hits. -Doubly-so if enabling the Open Cities option, which moves cities into the -overworld space, instead of their own individual instances. It's a balancing -act: the immersion of walking directly into a city sometimes isn't worth -crashing to desktop when adventuring around cities. - -### COBL - -[Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/21104) - -"Common Oblivion" enriches the world of Oblivion by adding lots of little -things, and helping different mods "talk" to each other. I like to think of it -as filling in a lot of the details that couldn't be included initially. - -### Enhanced Economy - -[Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/25078) and [Lubrons -Patch](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/47184) - -This mod and the corresponding patch make the economy of the world more dynamic. -What I really like are the merchant quests that are added. Several merchants in -each town will ask you to find an item in one of the nearby dungeons. It adds -flavor to the game in just the right way. - -### Lights of Oblivion - Road Lanterns - -[Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/46131) - -A very simple mod that I feel really enhances my travel around Cyrodiil. I avoid -fast-traveling whenever possible, and walking lit roads at night feels comfy. - -### Natural Environments - -[Nexus Link](https://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/mods/2536) - - -### Cyrodiil Travel Services - -[AFK Mods -Link](https://www.afkmods.com/index.php?/files/file/263-cyrodiil-travel-services/) - -I really enjoyed that in Skyrim there was a dude with a wagon you could pay to -travel to the various cities. This mod adds similar functionality, and then -some. Useful when playing the game without fast-travel enabled. - - -## Overhauls - -Arguably, these are the heavy hitters. These mods will alter the mechanics of -the game, often making things more challenging but also more rewarding. - -### Maskar's Oblivion Overhaul - -### Vanilla Combat Enhanced - -### Supreme Magicka +Once all the tools are assembled, and usable, the next step is mods! In my next +post, I'll cover some of my favorite mods. The third part will then be a +complete walk-thru of my installation of my full mod list. diff --git a/src/styles/corrupt_typog.css b/src/styles/corrupt_typog.css index 3a0c2eb..e22185c 100644 --- a/src/styles/corrupt_typog.css +++ b/src/styles/corrupt_typog.css @@ -73,12 +73,13 @@ h2 { color: darkgrey; letter-spacing: 0.6em; } -/* Article section Header, right-aligned */ +/* Article section Sub-Header, left-aligned */ h3 { - text-align: right; + text-align: left; padding: 10px; - font: 1.0em "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; - color: darkgrey; letter-spacing: 0.6em; + margin-left: 10px; + font: 0.85em "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; + color: darkgrey; letter-spacing: 0.5em; } /* Article footer and tags */