Valar Guild

August 4, 2013 Sunday Meeting

5pm EDT (UTC - 5)
AIM: Valar Guild Meetingplace

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Transcript work by
Ar-Pharazon and Varda.

Attending: (6)
    AriehnV, ArPharazonV, fladrifv, Indis-(V)/karakedi25, Gilraen-(V)/Iryenth, GwaihirValar

Before-meeting
Meeting begins
Membership:
    Varda
    Arien's Bruce
       The Island of Skye
    Ar-Pharazon
Web:
Gaming:
    LoL
    Project X-Zone
    Chess
    Total Annihilation
       Arm vs Core
    Diablo 3
    WoW
    LotRO
Tolkien:
    Festival in the Shire Arts and Exhibitions
    ExhibitionsThere
    Topic: plants .. flowers in particular, seem to crop up all over LOTR , some are named , some explained where planted and used. Link.
    Tolkien Moment: Taters. Plus comments and link.
After-meeting:
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Before-meeting
You have just entered room "valarguildmeetingplace."
ArPharazonV: Aiya!
AriehnV: Aiya :-)
AriehnV: how are you?
ArPharazonV: Good! Just got some more loot in WoW, 4-piece bonus now :-)
AriehnV: nice one :-D
ArPharazonV: Did you get Varda's email?
AriehnV: just read it
AriehnV: didnt check it before :-(
ArPharazonV: There, just invited Fladrif, Gwaihir and Gilraen
Iryenth has entered the room.
ArPharazonV: Seems you're in charge, Arien!
AriehnV: Aiya Gilraen :-)
AriehnV: Guess you have to put up with me *nods*
Iryenth: aiya
AriehnV: right this will be a short one by the looks of it ^^
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AriehnV: anyways ..Elen sila lumenn omentielvo - a star shines upon the hour of our meeting :-)
AriehnV: One always forgets the translation of this nice phrase and it really is beautiful
AriehnV: and on this note let's start with membership news
ArPharazonV: A star? *looks around*
ArPharazonV: must be the sun then!
ArPharazonV: Only star here is Arien!
AriehnV: first of all : you are here :-D
AriehnV: second ... the Stargiver is not here :-(
AriehnV: Varda had to go to a friend to help out with computer troubles and Eonwe is trapped at work as usual [Note: Varda and Fangorn went to Elwing's house to help with some computer problems and overnighted.]
AriehnV: My fiance Bruce is slowly getting better but still in hospital on the mainland
AriehnV: I hope he will be back on the island at some point during the week
ArPharazonV: I didn't realize you were on an island.
AriehnV: Isle of Skye :-)
ArPharazonV: Whereabouts is that?
Iryenth: I'm glad to hear he's doing better
AriehnV: Northwest coast of Scotland about 110 miles from Fort William and Inverness
ArPharazonV: Ah, northwest.
AriehnV: so fairly high up north
ArPharazonV: Well, also glad to hear he's getting better, hope it happens fast enough for you :-)
AriehnV: we used to be a "real" Island until 8 years ago .. but they built a bridge
AriehnV: google for "Skye Bridge" and you ' ll hear all about it hehe
ArPharazonV: Hah. A bridge makes not an island!
ArPharazonV: or... makes not an island not an island?
AriehnV: and i hope it goes fast as well .. but likely not fast enough
AriehnV: hehe it will always stay island since without the bridge we still would have to rely on ferries .. which we have by the way
AriehnV: three ferry *ports* .. Mallaig, Kylerhea and Uig
AriehnV: they serve as links to the Outer Isles ... the Outer Hebrides
ArPharazonV: Always so weird to read... since my brother's name is Ferry.
ArPharazonV: So.. we have a Ferry too!
AriehnV: :-D
AriehnV: that is funny hehe
AriehnV: it is about 30 miles acoss to the Isle of Harris (south) and Lewis (North of the same island although any Leodhsach or Hearrach likely would kill me for that ;-) )
AriehnV: after Lewis .. next stop is New York or so :-)
ArPharazonV: So it's the same island but the inhabitants don't agree?
ArPharazonV: Or Reykjavik :-)
AriehnV: guess depends on whether you move north or west
AriehnV: aye
AriehnV: it has a long bloody history between the clans of the island(s)
ArPharazonV: Ah, clan-feuds, always fun.
AriehnV: today it is rather word and mock fights , thrown at each other in fun
AriehnV: you have that almost anywhere in a country .. like Netherlands and Flanders .. in that range
AriehnV: anyhows we drift away ;-)
ArPharazonV: Oh, we make some jokes about each other, but not as much as we used to.
ArPharazonV: They're just neighbours now.
AriehnV: does anyone else have membership news?
ArPharazonV: Back from few-day vacation, was fun, and survived through hottest days of the year, less fun.
AriehnV: yay for vacations :-)
AriehnV: have you been anywhere nice?
ArPharazonV: Still in the netherlands. Vacation site around a lake. Not sure what it's called in English, we call it a "camping" in the Netherlands; places for tents, caravans, few cabin things... little shop, swimming pool, etc.
AriehnV: yes camp sites
ArPharazonV: Camp site. That'll do.
AriehnV: very nice
ArPharazonV: Yep, was fun. I think it's the first time I've swum in a year or so.
AriehnV: :-D congratulations for that
ArPharazonV: hehe
ArPharazonV: anyway, continue!
GwaihirValar has entered the room.
AriehnV: Aiya Gwaihir \:-)
GwaihirValar: hullo
ArPharazonV: Aiya Gwai!
AriehnV: I am afraid Varda couldnt come today since she is helping a friend with computer troubles
AriehnV: so i have the gavel :-)
AriehnV: we are still in membership news - do you have some?
AriehnV: I take this as a no but we always can squeeze them in if you can think of any
AriehnV: right then .. unfortunatley there are no webnews since Eonwe had no time to put anything online
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AriehnV: Gaming:
fladrifv has entered the room.
AriehnV: Has anyone played anything other than WoW or Lotro :-)?
ArPharazonV: Aiya Flad!
GwaihirValar: mostly LoL, but some project X-Zone too [Note: More on Project X-Zone below.]
fladrifv: Aiya
AriehnV: Aiya Flad ::D
AriehnV: long time no see Ent :-)
ArPharazonV: And yeah, more flashgames. Some of them quite difficult ;-) But nothing special.
AriehnV: any news on the chess front , Flad?
fladrifv: uhm shuffles foot
fladrifv: its still ongoing but will need some support smiles
fladrifv: far to long time looks up to Arien
fladrifv: I played total anihilation
fladrifv: and found some multiplayer free versions of it
AriehnV: *shines with extra strength on the ents leaves and branches*
ArPharazonV: Ooh, that's been a while. I should still have that game.
ArPharazonV: Arm vs Core, if memory serves.
fladrifv: nods
fladrifv: and there will be a follow up soon
ArPharazonV: Will there? The company that made it collapsed years ago.
ArPharazonV: Hmm, didn't Pallando used to play it too?
ArPharazonV: Anyway, I've never done TA multiplayer before. We should try it at some point.
fladrifv: the company that bought the rights, atari collapsed too
AriehnV: what kind of game is it? strategy?
ArPharazonV: Yes.
ArPharazonV: With an infinite-lasting resource system, which is always a plus for me.
fladrifv: its dual infinite resource mass rts
fladrifv: one of the oldest ones around
ArPharazonV: As in, there's a number of spots on the map to control that continuously give resources, basically allowing the game to last forever if one player doesn't destroy the other ;-)
AriehnV: if you two like you can put a review together after you tried out the muli player version :-)
ArPharazonV: Hmm. Is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_Annihilation the one you were talking about, Flad?
AriehnV: I see sounds interesting
fladrifv: I found a free game engine option but I think the old version is still up too
fladrifv: it runs for me
ArPharazonV: Yeah, I have the cd. And I think I also have the expansions somewhere in files.
AriehnV: Gwaihir , can you give us an idea of the game you played? Project Z?
AriehnV: Project Z- Zone even if i think ... me and names dont go together ...
ArPharazonV: X-Zone. *points up in the meeting*
GwaihirValar: it's a 3ds game, not really worth paying much attention to lol
GwaihirValar: it's kind of a crossover rpg
GwaihirValar: with characters from a dozen or so different worlds, but not very well made\
AriehnV: do you have a link , so people can have a look?
AriehnV: I have some gaming news as well and even Valar relevant :-)
AriehnV: I reinstalled Diablo 3 and met an old friend there - Menelvagor :-)
ArPharazonV: Hah! Europe or US?
GwaihirValar: um... I can find one on wikipedia I guess?
AriehnV: that wouold do Gwai
GwaihirValar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_X_Zone
AriehnV: thank you :-)
AriehnV: He was on Europe mostly Phar but when i played shortly on US i ve seen he is using that too
AriehnV: He shanghayed my lvl 34 monk and together we killed the skeleton king on Nightmare difficulty
ArPharazonV: Ah. Nice!
AriehnV: yes quite an interesting little run that was :-)
AriehnV: but apart from that that 's it from my side
[Note: Bilbo and Thingol play regularly on Diablo 3]
AriehnV: Any WoW or LotrO news?
karakedi25 has entered the room.
karakedi25: aiya

ArPharazonV: Bit more WoWing, bit more epic loot.. oh, and Blizzard started a new series of shorts on youtube telling the tale of emperor Shaohao.
ArPharazonV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsiYoHIVZJY here's the first one!
AriehnV: indeed or it is here
AriehnV: http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/blog/10534912/The_Burdens_of_Shaohao%E2%80%94Prelude_The_Vision-03_08_201 3
ArPharazonV: That also :-)
AriehnV: also the preview of patch 5.4. has gone life on the test realm
AriehnV: so things to look forward :-)
AriehnV: things to look forward to even ... my grammar has been better .. sigh
AriehnV: Aiya Indis :-)
AriehnV: as it is we are in gaming news but wow first and i think apart from what has been said is not much to add since we havent done anything together for a while ^^
AriehnV: I tend to play mostly horde these days on Earthen ring anyway and more roleplaying than levelling or the Barren dailies at times :-)
AriehnV: or weekly even
AriehnV: Calaron do you have anything to add?
AriehnV: .err Ar Pharazon?
ArPharazonV: WoW? Nah, nothing beyond what I've already said.

AriehnV: all right in Lotro the old forums are read only now and probably taken down soon
karakedi25: The new ones are up and working well.
AriehnV: so if anyone wants to rescue content from there should be fast to grab what they can
AriehnV: oh thats good news Indis :-)
AriehnV: got a link for the new forums?
karakedi25: too late to get anything from the lorebook, but I think regular posts may have been preserved
karakedi25: https://www.lotro.com/en/forums
AriehnV: thanks a bunch :-)
karakedi25: there is at least one site that attempted to save some of the player guides, but I'd have to look it up, and I'm in a big raid atm
AriehnV: ok great then be careful and dont die ^^
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AriehnV: ok then finally .. Tolkien :-)
AriehnV: do you have an idea for a Tolkien topic?
AriehnV: I have a brief mention from the Festival in the Shire Arts and Exhibitions organisers. If you remember i went to an event in Wales a couple of years ago. Unfortunatly it didnt quite go as well as they expected and more costs involved than they preplanned but the idea lives on in them carrying on promoting rare Tolkien books and Tolkien inspired Art, old original and new and upcoming fantasy artists.
AriehnV: So there is the bit i wanted to mention from their news letter:
AriehnV: Festival in the Shire Event We are pleased to announce our next Festival in the Shire Exhibition, in Aberdeen, Scotland, from September 12-15th, 2013 in association with Artist Gallery and located in their premises-http://www.albumcoverart.co.uk/news This will be an exhibition of album covers and Tolkien fantasy art, which will also include Tolkien rare first edition books and collectible posters. Classic artist Rodney Matthews will be there to give a talk and to sign prints for fans. Rodney is most well-known for album cover art for rock bands like Asia, Magnum and Thin Lizzy to name just a few as well as for his Tolkien inspired art which sold on thousands of posters. Our other fantasy artist works will also be on display and include; Roger Dean, Ruth Lacon, Joe Gilronan, Tim Kirk and Ted Nasmith. For more information including press details, contact MarkFaith@festivalartandbooks.com or visit www.festivalartandbooks.com to learn more.
AriehnV: They are also planning a second exhibition later this year and so look out for that :-) and i will keep you posted on date and location
ArPharazonV: Hmhm, bit far for me, but thanks for the news!
AriehnV: It would be great if i could go there actually :-) it is about 4 hours drive or a bit less
AriehnV: but we shall see how well Bruce is until then and how my time allows it
AriehnV: anyways that was my bit :-) Indis you had an idea?
AriehnV: Another thing that might be of interest for some might also be that they are offering to appear in Tolkien themed exhibitions :
AriehnV: ExhibitionsThere is a second exhibition planned so watch our website for announcements. Note, are you holding a Tolkien or Fantasy themed event and would like us to exhibit at your event? We don’t charge and it helps attract attention and attendance. Please contact us for details.
AriehnV: That's from their newsletter as well and as far as i know they have a US office somewhere as well or some agent that works for them for US customers.
AriehnV: Who ever is here shout .. Simbelmyne!
ArPharazonV: Simbelmyne!
GwaihirValar: I'm here, but I think I need to go now, it's dinner time for me and I gotta go make it. Take care folks
AriehnV: you too and enjoy :-)
AriehnV: Namarie]
karakedi25: Simbelmyne
karakedi25: It's my dinnertime as well. Thanks for leading the session, Arien
karakedi25: Namarie
AriehnV: thanks for popping in Indis
AriehnV: Namarie
karakedi25 has left the room.
AriehnV: i have an idea or sort of Idea but only the two of us are active here :-)
AriehnV: so the question is hold it until next week and hope for more presence or still carry on?
ArPharazonV: Depends on the question I'd say.

AriehnV: Well .. plants .. flowers in particular
AriehnV: they seem to crop up all over LOTR , some are named , some explained where planted and used
ArPharazonV: ...Let's save it then. I'm even having trouble trying to remember Simbelmyne.
ArPharazonV: All I have is a quote from Sam from the movie going "Kingsfoil? Aye, it's a weed!"
[Note: http://valarguild.org/varda/Tolkien/encyc/plants.htm ]
AriehnV: oki do . lets see if i find us a Tolkien moment then :-) give me a sec
ArPharazonV: And perhaps that bit about potatoes ;-)
AriehnV: 'ok found it ^^
AriehnV: here we have Frodo , Sam and Gollum shortly after crossing into Ithilien foraging for food:

AriehnV: "Smeagol ' ll get into real true hot water , when this water boils, if he dont do as he is asked", growled Sam, "Sam' ll put his head in it , , yes , precious. And I'd make him look for turnips and carrots and taters too, if it was the time o' the year.. I' ll betg there's all sorts of good things running wild in this country. I ' d give a lot for half a dozen taters"
AriehnV: "Smeagol won't go, o NO PRECIOU, NOT THIS TIME," HISSED gOLLUM. " he's frightened, and he's very tired, this hobt' s not nice at all. Smeagol won't grub for roots and carrotses and - taters. What's taters, precious, eh, what's taters>"
ArPharazonV: Let me interject at this point with http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/taters
AriehnV: "Po - ta - toes," said sam. "The Gaffers delight, and rare good ballast for an empty belly. But you wont't find any so you needn't look. But be good Smeagol and fetch me the herbs and i ' ll think better of you. What 's more, if you turn over a new leaf, and keep it turned, I 'll cook you some taters one of these days.
AriehnV: I will: fried fish, and chips served by S. Gamgee. You ' couldn't say no to that."
AriehnV: "Yes , yes we could" Spoiling nice fish, scorching it. Gme fish NOW and keep nasssty chips!~"
AriehnV: "Oh , you're hopeless!" said Sam, ~"Go to sleep"
AriehnV: Quote end :-)

ArPharazonV: It's a bit sad, really. The two are in quite a nasty relationship and completely oblivious to the other's point of view.
AriehnV: Sorry for the typing mistakes and thanks for the link inbetween
ArPharazonV: Whenever one of them tries to be nice to the other, the other one reacts quite hostile.
AriehnV: has to do with mistrust eh? a lot i think
AriehnV: And the different natures of the two .. they are almost counterpointz
ArPharazonV: They just don't mix very well.
AriehnV: but you see one thing .. they talk in a similar fashion .. use the same way of pulling words together, shortening them and almost the same temper."
AriehnV: so they are not that different from each other not outwardly at least .. there is common heritage
AriehnV: and i can see this scene very lively in my mind's eye ;-)
AriehnV: from the film
AriehnV: anyways time to bang the gavel and thanks for giving this nice Tolkien moment :-)
ArPharazonV: You came with it ;-)
AriehnV: "uses solar energy to move the gavel and bang it on the golden Gong"
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AriehnV: Aftermeeting :-)
Iryenth has left the room.
Iryenth has entered the room.
AriehnV has left the room.
Iryenth has left the room.
fladrifv has left the room.
ArPharazonV: saving and sending transcript
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