Volourn

It can be. It's up the player. If you want to spend your time fighting other players you can. If you want to spend your time temaing up with players against monsters in story mode; you can. i prefer that myself; though I have toa dmit as far as PvP goes; GW is fun as you can only attack other players in prearranged tournaments and contests. There is no such thing as PKing...

There was always more than one reason given for the war. People seem to ignore them all; but one. Very convinent. The fact that Iraq broke multiple UN Resolutions, murdered its own people, and the possible threat of nuclear weapons were just three of the reasons. "If we're talking UNSC resolutions, however...by that logic, we ought to be in Israel, right now. Israel, after all, holds the world record on UNSC resolutions broken, most of them dealing with Geneva Convention violations and nuclear capability pursuit/disclosure." As above, breaking UN Resolutions is just one of the reasons why Iraq was invaded. Going by that alone then yes Isreal deserves to be invaded; but it isn't so they aren't. "The BBC reported the successes and the setbacks during the war. They didn't report that the coalition was losing the war, but they did (I think, it's a while ago now) report that there was doubt about how soon and how complete the coalition's occupation of Iraq would be. They were cautious, and they have been proved right in this. Despite the coalition's announcement that major combat has ceased, Iraq is now in a desperate state. Has the US won the war, or is the war continuing?" They reported multiple falsehoods about how Iraq was kicking the Coalition's butt. They didn't knwow aht theyw ere talking about like hwo they claim that they would never be able tot ake Baghdad or how deadly the Elite Iraqi soldiers would destroy the Amerikans. They amde the Iraqi Information Minsiter proud. Iraq isn't nowhere near a 'desperate' state. It's on its way to recovery. people seem tof roget that it took years to get Germany and Japan back to 'normal' life. Besides, Iraqis are alreayd getting more quality water and more efficent electrical useage than they were getting priot to the war. As above, many screw ups have occured on part of the Coaltion; but overall; they have done well. Surely better than the UN and their 'Oil For Food Program'.

"few Desert Storm era mortar shells with Sarin gas is not WMD's, sorry mate, the war was illegal." A. I'm not your mate. We have never 'mated'. I know you find me attractive; but no, keep your wet dreams to yourself. B. But, allowing someone like Hussein to mass murder innocent Iraqis or STEALING UN dollars is a ok. Nope, his constant lies and feet dragging over UN Resolutions is what made this war legal. Afterall, he broke UN Resolution after UN Resolution. I believe one UN Resolution promised 'dire consequences' if he continued along that path. he did, and wa ssuitbaly punished. Was the war handled in the best way? No. But, it was mostc ertainly legal. Both in terms of Amerikan Law which is what ultimately matters, and even in the joke that is UN/World Law.

"I would question your definition of "Free" -- I doubt Al Gore could have his own chat show on Fox. As much as it is denied, I certainly believe that there is an implicit -- if not overt -- editorial policy straight from the Board of Directors." It's free. Fox, as a non government business, can allow or disallow anyone from being on their channel. It very much is Free Press. The Board of Directors has every right to set editioral policy. That still doens't change the fact that it is Free Press. "For the record, I think the war is illegal" The war was very legal.

"The problem with Guild Wars, from what I've heard, is that it's geared towards the PvP crowd. I'd rather have something in which to act cooperatively. I don't really have the energy to go heavy PvP. I've done it, but I would probably just grab a good FPS if that were my goal." Nope. Like Drakron said, it's party based vs. monsters mostly. I've spent 90% of my time doing that and not fighting other players. And, the story mode is pretty decent at that... D&D Online looks silly. Doesn't even have all the races and classes last I checked amongst ohter things. Not impressed with that along with the pay per month thing which means no go automatically for me.

Ive only played the PC versions; but I doubt theres any *real* difference between the two. Hence, i will refrain from using my membrane on this pemtane.

"wasn't, or at least not in the sense your thinking of. Lucasarts had the concept and through there conection with Hasboro, who owns Wizards of The Coast, who developed The Star Wars & Dungeons & Dragons D20 systems, who had contracted bioware to develop Neverwinter Nights due in part to the long standing history with Bioware, & Black Isle. The web is probably much more complex. However any game coming out with the Lucasarts Label for Star Wars in one way shape or form is a story concept that Lucasarts has come up with. Now this is not to say that Bioware didn't have a hand in furthering that story originally in there own vision. Obsidian did the same when they picked up the development of the sequel halfway through the sequels development. Oh and yes Bioware had started K2 but then Lucasarts was not pleased with the progress of development and gave Obsidian a chance at the game and final production was done by them." No. You are wrong. It's been made clear that BIO wrote KOTOR, and LA approved it after a give and take. This is a fact. "Your character (in Jade Empire) is approached by a writer /director who has written a great story and played it outside the Imperial Capital. After its success he was invited to present the same story in the Capital itself but upon arrival he found that a number of important elements of the story have been changed and rewritten by a new director. The story is no longer about what it was meant to be

Having free press isn't the problem. Afterall, both BBC and Fox News are examples of 'Free Press' news organizations.

"So how do minotaurs reproduce?" Like they normally do... They take human woman.... It's just now it's possible for the rare female to be born who are, at this at the moment, unable to procreate with other males... but, they can mate (eww.. cna't believe we're discussing this) with human males which has the same high chance of producing male minotaurs... "And what does a female one look like?" To non-minotaurs, like any ugly male minotaur other than the blatant 'female' parts...

"Now that's a character! I likee a lot. I disagree that she is not as exciting, that's an injustice. She is obviously an intelligent character, therefore not as easy to write a brief synopsis of, as she has subtleties and hidden depths." Heh. That's why I wrote 'on the surface'.

"Nobody was "canned" the director general and chairman of the BBC both resigned." Uh. Please. Canned, resigned, it's basically the same thing. They lost their jobs because of doing a poor job due to thier baisness. And, yes, BBC is partial. They were very much anti war,a nd their work showed it. of course, they are nowhere as bias as Fox News is; but who is? Being positvely comapred to Fox is not a compliment. Don't get me wrong. I like BBC, and they are one of my two main sources of news (along with CNN); but they do have their own biases much like CNN is slightly bias in favor of the war. Slightly. On the other hand, Fox News is just a joke. :D

Character Name: Emilia Grivolon Race: Elf Sex: Female Age: 140 Class: Wizardess Personality: This young elf loves life, and spends her time enjoying it rather than being a book worm unlike the stereotypical mage. She makes friends easy. In fact, according to her overbearing father, a tad too easy. She loves to learn, and experience new things no matter what they are with few exemptions. Combat Style: Emilia dislikes combat, and avoids it at all costs. The sight of blood is almost enough to make her faint. She'll always suggest a diplomatic solution before allowing things to get violent in all; but the most extreme cases. When she is forced to battle, she grudgingly does so with her dagger, and shortbow which she cna use with a little skill. The elf, of course, much prefers to use spells - most notebaly those magics that hold, charm, or otherwise hinder any possible foes. She has damaging spells in her repetoire which she will used when things get really rough. Skills of Note: A great singing voice, wonderful dancer, intelligent use of wizardry spells, knowledgeable about Elven History, and the ability to make friends with most anyone. Hometown: Small elven tree village of Utopia in the Forest of Peaceful Breezes. Goals: To make friends, and experience as much as possible. Description: This young, and beautiful elven maiden has shiny blue eyes, and long flowing red hair. Her earrings are crafted out gold, and have the following markings - E+F Forever. Noteworthy Equipment: Outisde of her spellbook, and earrings, Emilia carries nothing of note. Background: Lady Grivolon was born in the aptly named village of Utopia. The place is very well hidden, and has pretyy much been in peaceful existence for what seems like an eternity. Emilia was the only daughter of the High Councilman, and was appropriately spoiled and recived the best training possible in singing, and dancing until it was apparant that she had much potential in the Magical Arts. Eventually, the quiet life bored her, so she begged her father to let her go exploring, and grudgingly (after ten years), he let her. This began the lf maiden's adventuring life. She has been doing so for twenty years now, and what has occured during that time has made the once vibrant lady into a more self assured, more relaxed version of ehrself who still enjoys life; but has the wisdom not to show too much excitement during inappropriate times. One can only wonder what has caused this subtle change in Emilia's outlook. Yes, not as exciting as the other NPCs - on the surface, at least... MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW: Time to do a grand showing of the Chapter 1 henchmen (actually, just five of 'em as the last one shall remain a secret) ... Do not read if you don't want to see the weird freaks you may land up adventuring with during part 1.... 1. Hykul Witcheta the 3rd, Ghast (Human), Fighter/Blackguard/Cleric, Male. 2. Emilia Grivolon, Elf, Wizard, Female. 3. Kelvrin Jorns, Human, Fighter, Male. 4. Wryly, Wererat (Human), Rogue, Male. 5. Baxroxa the Mighty Strong, Minotaur, (no class/barbarian like), Female. Yes, some pretty weird ones there including the female minotaurs. Another example of how the World of Durnla differs. 99% of minos are male as per usual; but once and awhile; a female does exist... Enjoy.

"You're not a professional then, Volo? Could have fooled me." It's prbably I'm so arrogant that I sound like a professional. (outside of typos, heh). j/k Mkrkeu. " "Do the scores degrade over a period of time? Can't have Gorf rated to Jade Empire standards." Depends on the game. I used to love the GB series; but I surely wouldn't rate them high now. However, the Ultima series is still amongst the best imo, even now.

BBC is often partial. Afterall, their previous Editior (I believe it was their Editior) got canned because they got caught for their brand of impartiality...

"And as for the Dwarven flute-playing archetype, we have not been appraised of her character portfolio as yet ..." Page 16. "The Drow is an assassin: I was labouring under the impression that assassins were evil." Damn Rules Lawyers. :D

Wow. That reporter shouldn't be a reporter. I mean, he wasn't even close to being professional. LMAO

Ahh.. You want a goody character portfolio.. Ok, ok. Who says the dwarven female bard is evil? Or the drow. <_<

I'm not a professional. Mkrkeu makes the big bucks reviewing games. I'm just someone who would want to make the big bucks reveiwing games. :D As for something being 92% and not 93%; it's a complicated process with lots of counter referenciing, large computers, and bribery tod etermine it. Seriously, it's just a rough estimate for me. The scores tend to go up, and down for me every once, and awhile. For me, it's the range that matters. 90%+ = The best 85% - 90% = Second tier 80% - 84% = Great; but some major flaws 70% - 79% = Solid, and fun; this game won't win any awards though from me 61% - 69% = Some good parts to it; but overall I did not enjoy it as much as I could have 60% + lower = Worthless game

You mean like a conversation or something? Hmm... Is there a way to export those so i can post it ehre? i'd rather not rewrite them.. Espically since most enocunters include thousands of words....

Heh. Ok... What should be the next thing(s) posted?...

LOL Don't blame me. That's what the toolset calls it. There's various natural attacks in the toolset. Slam, claw, bite, and lots more... (w00t)

Ha. But, no.

"What's a "slam" attack?" Just another way to say 'fist'. Heh. P.S. Oh.

MONSTERS, MONSTERS, MONSTERS ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Overview: The monsters will be split up in groups of two for chapters 1-3. Each chapter will have monsters that is used for summons mostly, and another used for encountering... Chapter 1 ----------- Monster: Corpsed Witcheta (Encountered), (Chaotic Evil) Type: Undead, Zombie Abilities: Str 16, Dex 8, Con 8, Int 5, Wis 5, Chr 10 Hit Dice: 4d12 (36hp) Initiave: -1 Speed: Very slow AC: 11 (+2 natural, -1dex) Attacks: Slam (+6 attack) Damage: 1d8+5 Special Qualities: Undead properties, Tyrant Fog Zombie Mist, Damage Reduction (-/2) Saves: Fort +1, Reflex +1, Will +2 Skills: Disc +10 Feats: Knockdown, Weapon Focus (slam), Weapon Specialization (slam), Toughness Challenge Rating: 4 Description: This awful smelling; awful looking undead thing just wants to do one thing - eat your brain. Background: These zombies are the corpses of the cursed Witchetas, unwilling recepients of the gift of Unlife. They're only purpose is to eat the brains of the living, and they apparantly prefer the brains of fellow family members... Monster: Raven of Darkness (Summoned), (Chaotic Evil), (Level 1 Evil Cleric) Type: Animal, Fiend Abilities: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 6, Wis 14, Chr6 Hit Dice: 1d8 +1 (7hp) Iniative: +2 Speed: Normal AC: 14 (+2 dex, +2 size) Attacks: Claw (+3 attack) Damage: 1d6 -1 Special Qualities: Fiendish Bonus Spells (Bane x2, Darkness x2, Ultravision x1) Saves: Fort +3, Reflex +4, Will +2 Skills: Hide +7, Listen +9, Move Silently +7, Spot +9, Taunt +7 Feats: Alertness, Weapon Finesse CR: 2 Description: With their cold eyes and glossy black feathers, these airborne scavengers are often considered ill omens or harbingers of death. Background: These ravens are chosen from the Powers of the Lower Hells to be their eyes, and ears on the mortal plains. Ravens of Darkness stalk their victims, and attack when the time is right. They are often summoned by evil priests to commit dark deeds as well as to scout during the night. Chapter 2 ----------- Monster: Stone Defender Golem (Encountered), (True Neutral) Type: Construct Abilities: Str 30, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 6, Wis 12, Chr 6 Hit Dice: 15d10 + 90 (200hp) Initiative: +0 Speed: Normal AC: 30 (+19 natural, -1 size, +2 armour skin) Attacks: Fist (+21/+16/+11 attack) Damage: 3d6 +12 Special Qualities: Stone Golem properties, Earthquake spell x1 (level 15), Bolts ( Knockdown x3, Slow x3, & Stun x3), Knockdown Immunity Saves: Fort +12, Reflex +7, Will +8 Skills: Listen +11, Search +11, Spot +11 Feats: Power Attack, Improved Power Attack, Knockdown, Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization, Armourskin, Toughness CR: 17 Description: Carved and etched with arcane symbols, Stone Defender Golems are even more powerful than normal stone golems whom they are an improved version of. Background: Crafted by the dwarves of Holderhiem Stronghold, these stone golems are the very pillars of their defense. Or at least were before their collapse. The golems are crafted by the very senior of the Mithril Council which consist of the clan's strongest warrior, most powerful stone wizard, and the wisest priest of Mother Graystone. The three of them along with the power of stone and mithril infuse the construct with the power need to defend the stronghold from all who dare threaten it. It is believed by those who have heard or seen the golem (a rarity in ofitself) that these golems are unqiue to the Holderhiem Clan. Monster: Harpy Siren (Summoned), (Chaotic Evil), (Level 5 Bard) Type: Monstrous, Harpy Abilities: Str 10, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Chr 18 Hit Dice: 12d8 + 36 (126hp) Initiative: +12 Speed: Fast AC: 24 ( +8 natural, +4 dex, +2 armour skin) Attacks: Claws x2 (+16/+11/+6 attack) Damage: 2d4 (x2) Special Qualities: Harpy Siren qualities, Sound Burst Defense (cast spell on hit), Spells (Charm Monster x4, Confusion x2, Prismatic Spray x1), Captivating Song x4 Saves: Fort +14, Reflex +14, Will +11 Skills: Concentration +14, Discipline +8, Hide +9, Listen +14, Lore +5, Move Silently + 9, Spellcraft +6, Spot +14, Taunt +10, Tumble +9 Feats: Improved Initiative, Superior Initiative, Curse Song, Bard Song, Weapon Focus, Ambidexterity, Cleave, TwoWeapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Armour Skin, Dodge, Great Fortitude, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Toughness, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Greater Spell Focus (Enchantment), Blindfighting, Tymora's Smile, Uncanny Dodge 3 CR: 13 Description/Background: A more malignant and wretched creature than the harpy is difficult to imagine. Taking great glee in causing suffering and death, the sadistic harpy is always watching for new victims. Sirens are the the mistress of their small islands and anything within their considerable reach is theirs to do with as they please. Chapter 3 ----------- Monster: Ice Ogre (Encountered), (Lawful Evil) Type: Giant, Ogre Abilities: Str 24, Dex 16, Con 20, Int 8, Wis 8, Chr 6 Hit Dice: 12d8 + 8d12 + 120 (270hp) Initiative: +3 Speed: Fast (plus Barbarian movement bonus) AC: 22 (+8 natural, +3dex, -1 size, +2 armour skin) Attack: Iced Double Axe +3 (+26/+21/+16/+11 attack) and Iced Double Axe +3 (+26/+21 attack) Damage: 1d8 + 12 (+1d8 cold) / 1d8 + 8 (+1d8 cold) Special Qualities: Cold Immunity, Regen 2, DR -/+3, Cold Bolt x5, Pulse Bolt x3, Aura of Cold x1 Saves: Fort =20, Reflex +10, Will +10 Skills: Concentration +10, Discipline +22, Listen +3, Spot +3 Feats: Disarm, Power Attack, Knockdown, Ambidexterity, Improved Two Weapon Fighting, Two Weapon Fighting, Weapon Focus (Double axe), Weapon Specialization (Double axe), Armourskin, Damage Reduction 3, Toughness, Uncanny Dodge 1 CR: 19 Description: Glassy white ogres covered in drived, unwashed blood from previous victims. Background: Ice Ogres live in the White Blood Mountains, and pledge their loyalty to the ancient white dragon, Matriarch Ablishoas. This loyalty is unshakeable. Unlike most ogres (which they look down upon), Ice Ogres do not lie no matter what and unless their mistress demands someone's death, they may be negotiated with. Ablishoas often hands them various potions when they go out on guard duty. The usual types of potions are potions of speed, bless, and invisibility so foolish adventurers ar eoften caught offguard. Even though they lack intelligence, ice ogres are so well trianed in disarming their fools, they have become masters of this feat much to their foes' chagrin. Monster: Avoral (Summoned), (Neutral Good), (Level 8 Good Cleric) Type: Outsider, Celestial Abilities: Str 18, Dex 18, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 16, Chr 16 Hit Dice: 13d8 + 4d10 + 68 (198hp) Initiative: +8 Speed: Fast AC: 22 (+8 natural, +4 dex) Attacks: Claw x2 (+21), Bastard Sword (+25/+20/+15/+10) Damage: Claw 1d4+4 dmaage, Bastard Sword +1d10+9 damage Special Qualities: Celestial qualities, Spell resistance 26, Aura of Fear x1, various innate spells (all cast at level 12) Saves: Fort +15, Reflex +13, Will +12 Skills: Animal Empathy +19, Discipline +16, Concentration +13, Heal +13, Hide +14, Listen +13, Lore +8, Spellcraft +15, Spot +13, Tumble +9 Feats: Disarm, Improved Disarm, Whirlwind Attack, Alertness, Ambidexterity, Two Weapon Fighting, Improved Critical (bastards word), Weapon Focus (bastard sword), Weapon Specialization (bastard sword), Dodge, Mobility, Toughness, Improved Initiave, Lay On Hands, Spring Attack, Still Mind, Turn Undead CR: 18 Description: Avorals have the bodies of tall, muscular golden humans, but with long, powerful wings. Avorals, like all angels, are worthy servants of good. However, unlike most of their allies, these heavenly beings have no qualms using any means neccessary to put an end to evil wherever they may find it. Backgrounds: Celestials from the High Heavens, avorals hate evil, and seek it out where itever it hides to snuff out the foul precense. They have no problem with being summoned by those aligned with the Powers of Good as long as its for a worthy cause. As you can see, some very powerful creatures in there. Some notes to keep in mind, unlike pnp, undead do recieve hit point bonuses from consitution, and many creatures get more feats than they should under normal circumsatnces. Thems the breaks... There ya go. Metaldigital: "That's true, because your Golems look like BoG standard garden varieties ... until combat!" Yup. BoG? Hehe. Yeah, it sure hurts ya when he hits. <>

"You're probably right since you've spent a lot more time than me with this game, but from what I've seen, it's very linear, very combat oriented and the choices I've made haven't affected much. Yet." It is linear. This is true. But, not that much more linear than KOTOR. If you take out the ability to travel tot he 4 planets, KOTOR is just as linear. Combat oriented? No more than any other BIO RPG or for that matter 99% of RPGs including Gothic or Fallout. That said, JE actually gets points for ridding itself of most pointless combat. There is very rarely a time where there's combat for combat's sake which exists in the BGs, NWNs, KOTORs, or FOs. Choices do effect things. In fact, they do right from the start. You said you played between 5-8 hours. I'm gonna assume you finished ch1... I'll give you just one exmaple here. How did you handle the guy who has a debt in Gao the Greater? Your choice here can definitely effect you later.