Valar Guild

August 2, 2015 Sunday Meeting

5pm EDT (UTC/GMT - 5)

AIM: Valar Guild Meetingplace

Back to News
Transcript work by Ar-Pharazon and Varda.

Attending: (3)
    ArPharazonV, PallandoValar, Varda Valar (presiding)

Before-meeting
Meeting begins
Membership:
    Arien and Indis: traveling.
Web:
    New art by the Bohemian Weasel-(T)
Gaming
Tolkien:
    Discussion topic: "What service could a Hobbit offer such a great lord of men?"
After -meeting:
    A lot more on the above Tolkien topic. What indeed!
    Gaming news from Ar-Pharazon
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Before-meeting
You have just entered room "valarguildmeetingplace."
ArPharazonV: Aiya
VardaValar1: Aiya Phar :-)
VardaValar1: I show another five minutes if you're still doing things. :-)
ArPharazonV: I'll go do my daily fishing run soon, but I'll wait with that until the chat calms down.
VardaValar1: I logged out of LotRO just now.
VardaValar1: Didn't see Indis
ArPharazonV: Arien hasn't been on bnet in 10 days.
VardaValar1: See her on briefly now and then, may still be traveling
VardaValar1: hmm, I'll check with Sauron
VardaValar1: He hasn't seen her in a good while either.
VardaValar1: Either still traveling or internet is being bad again.
ArPharazonV: Well she hasn't been on bnet *at all*, so that says travelling to me :P
VardaValar1: Aye :-)
VardaValar1: Invitations are all sent
VardaValar1: You and I have taken over the meeting! hahahahaha
VardaValar1: *has to leave evil laughs to Sauron*
ArPharazonV: mwuahahah
VardaValar1: You'll do too. :-)
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VardaValar1: Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo!
VardaValar1: Membership:
VardaValar1: Summer traveling has hit - people are either on a lot more or a lot less.
VardaValar1: Any news from you?
VardaValar1: Membership type?
ArPharazonV: Hmmm, not really. Quiet in my home now, parents on vacation for 2 weeks.
VardaValar1: Sounds nice for you.
PallandoValar has entered the room.
VardaValar1: Pallando, aiya!
ArPharazonV: Well I never really minded having them around, so it's just more work for me, and paying more attention to when I eat :-)
PallandoValar: Aiya
VardaValar1: heh
VardaValar1: Happy summer days to you, Blue Wizard
ArPharazonV: But I can play my games and listen to my music without having to use headphones, so there's that!
ArPharazonV: Aiya!
VardaValar1: True
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VardaValar1: Web:
VardaValar1: New art from the Bohemian Weasel-(T). *thinking I should go do something too, she's doing all the web stuff lately*
VardaValar1: "Ent Waters" Pippin in Fangorn's "house".
VardaValar1: "Hobbits in Fangorn" Merry and Pippin in Fangorn Forest with Treebeard aka Fangorn.
VardaValar1: That's all I picked up this week, keeping it to a theme.
ArPharazonV: I like how non-subtle it was in the movies. Growing an inch every time they drink.
ArPharazonV: Well, maybe not that much.
VardaValar1: Feel free to check out her web site, linked from her Cave, for a lot of non-LotRO artwork too.
VardaValar1: hehe - had to be visual for the movies, and fast.
VardaValar1: Funny when Merry caught up and passed Pip's height so everything was "normal" between them again.
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VardaValar1: Gaming:

VardaValar1: LotRO:
VardaValar1: It's time to find out what's coming for the LotRO servers. See more information in the World Transfers blog.
ArPharazonV: Dun dun dunnnn
VardaValar1: Anyone who likes their character names needs to pop in long enough to be current. If over a year, transfers into our popular server can get the name.
VardaValar1: The less used name will have a -1 tacked onto the end with an option to rename.
VardaValar1: Since Valarites have a lot of special names, and Monday is going to be *interesting*, it's a good idea to bring your name current as soon as possible.
VardaValar1: Fladrif, this means your free to play unkinned little guy too!
ArPharazonV: I remember them doing something like that in WoW, everyone who didn't claim their name got a -xyz after it.
VardaValar1: Pallando, if you have a LotRO character, this is a good time to freshen it up.
VardaValar1: There you go, that sort of thing.
VardaValar1: Many of us will not be happy about the handy renaming feature.
VardaValar1: Onwards.
VardaValar1: WoW:
VardaValar1: Oh, back to LotRO, should mention
VardaValar1: a lot of this stuff happening is due to moving to new, upgraded servers.
VardaValar1: Should cut a lot of problems and be quite nice. Helpful to programmers too.
VardaValar1: Sounds more like a good sign than bad, that way.

VardaValar1: WoW:
VardaValar1: Guess what's being announced on August 6th? That's right, the next WoW Expansion!
ArPharazonV: Over the long run, can only be good. But on the short term...
ArPharazonV: Oh yes!
VardaValar1: See what you can do This Month in WoW.
ArPharazonV: Rumours abound.
VardaValar1: That's why the link was attached. And we'll know Monday which (LotRO) servers close. Landroval is not one of them, but one the refugees are coming to.
VardaValar1: Check out the latest hotfixes.
ArPharazonV: I could mention a few of the WoW expansion rumours, but might be spoiler-ish if they turn out to be true.
VardaValar1: (Summer Festival still going in LoTRO.)
VardaValar1: Just check out the link for official rumors. :-)

VardaValar1: Diablo 3:
VardaValar1: Get some info on an item coming in patch 2.3.0: Kanai's Cube.

VardaValar1: StarCraft 2:
VardaValar1: Blizzard is celebrating Starcraft 2's 5th Anniversary.
VardaValar1: There's also been a new round of account bans and suspensions.

VardaValar1: Hearthstone:
VardaValar1: New patch released: Patch 2.8.0.9554.
VardaValar1: A new blog on the Grand Tournament has been release: The Grand Tournament: Get Inspired.

ArPharazonV: If you play a SCII game in this week, though, up until the 3rd (tomorrow) you get achievement and portrait.
VardaValar1: That's all from Eonwe and me.
VardaValar1: Neato
ArPharazonV: I got it done from a level one training match, so it really doesn't matter what you do :-)
VardaValar1: Just show up? Or do something?
ArPharazonV: Play a match.
VardaValar1: Thanks
ArPharazonV: Training, vs AI, normal matchmaking, ranked, unranked... probably even the Arcade maps.
ArPharazonV: Just do something and you're set.
VardaValar1: Show signs of life. :-)

VardaValar1: Eve Online:
ArPharazonV: Right. Show that you care ;-)
VardaValar1: Sauron's been there quite a bit. Pallando's been on too. I assume progress is being made.
VardaValar1: Any other general gaming news?

ArPharazonV: If you're Dutch and pre-ordered the Starcraft II Collectors Edition from bol.com, your beta code should be arriving any day now
VardaValar1: Any other business of any kind? Suggestions? Kudos?
VardaValar1: Nice
ArPharazonV: got mine this week, comes with the prologue missions too!
VardaValar1: Cool
ArPharazonV: Well, if you want more general gaming...
VardaValar1: This is the spot for it, aye.

ArPharazonV: the Kongregate flashgame website hit 100000 games this week, and is organizing a tournament to choose the best 8 games of the site to make a new badge-quest. Should be interesting.
VardaValar1: That's a lot!
VardaValar1: Sauron's been playing a batch of those during waiting periods in Eve.
ArPharazonV: Couple of thousand voters every round so far, and it turns out I've played most if not all games that are participating.
VardaValar1: heh
ArPharazonV: http://www.kongregate.com/forums/1-kongregate/topics/518587
ArPharazonV: And I think that's my general news!
VardaValar1: Thanks Phar. I'll probably take a look at that link later.
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VardaValar1: Tolkien:
ArPharazonV: Sure.
VardaValar1: This picture of Pippin from the movies got to me (Bohemian Weasel art):
VardaValar1: http://valarguild.org/varda/Tolkien/encyc/art/gallery/BohemianWeasel/characters/Pippin/2014-cal gary-expo-soni-pippin.jpg
VardaValar1: It's the comment.
VardaValar1: "What service could a Hobbit offer such a great lord of men?"
VardaValar1: He's speaking with Denethor.
VardaValar1: Very humble. Can't see much of worth in himself.
ArPharazonV: Easily impressed, too.
VardaValar1: This is right after bringing the ents to destroy Isengard and to clear out orcs around Helm's Deep.
ArPharazonV: I would've called Denethor anything but great at that point.
VardaValar1: This is a hobbit that rode with Gandalf the Grey and White.
VardaValar1: He's been hobnobbing with an elven prince and the High King of Men of both north and south.
ArPharazonV: Then again, it pays to stay polite and humble around someone like Denethor.
VardaValar1: This great lord's heir gave his life for Pippin and Merry.
VardaValar1: True.
ArPharazonV: That is also true.
VardaValar1: But Pippin gave his service as his man to take his orders to Denethor, partly out of guilt feelings over Boromir.
VardaValar1: Yet Boromir had chosen to do this sacrifice. The hobbits gave him the chance for redemption.
VardaValar1: So he died much admired and loved instead of hated and reviled by the Fellowship.
VardaValar1: Pippin was a companion of the Ringbearer, heading to Mordor into the worst possible danger. He tried to, anyway. Just got left behind as a decoy for scary Saruman.
VardaValar1: So, what service did Pippin do for Denethor?
VardaValar1: (Whether Denethor appreciated it or not.)
ArPharazonV: Brought Gandalf in to save his son's life.
ArPharazonV: Defended Minas Tirith a bit.
VardaValar1: True
VardaValar1: Also helped the morale of people seeing him walking around the City.
VardaValar1: Saved Beregond who would later be Denethor's son's defender when he became Prince as well as carrying on the line and office of the High King's Steward.
ArPharazonV: Yep.
VardaValar1: And he took service as one of the King's Men, so that he was present to help in these ways.
ArPharazonV: But by then it wasn't exactly a service for Denethor.
ArPharazonV: Yes, that he did.
VardaValar1: Helping his son helps him. Ask any parent. :-)
ArPharazonV: Ask Denethor ;-)
VardaValar1: Talk to the hands? :-)
ArPharazonV: Hehe.
VardaValar1: Anyway, that's all I had in mind for the subject. Just had that strong feeling that wanted to be given mention.
VardaValar1: What service can a humble person give? A lot!
ArPharazonV: Whether intended or not, whether welcomed or not.
VardaValar1: Just one small person.
VardaValar1: Aye!
VardaValar1: That theme runs all through the Hobbit and LotR.
ArPharazonV: Even the smallest person can change the fate of the world.
ArPharazonV: All 4 hobbits fulfilled that saying.
VardaValar1: The Professor had his own sons and many students. He saw fellow soldiers unsung making a big difference, including Yeomen like Sam.
VardaValar1: Right!
VardaValar1: Pippin tends to be the forgotten one even of the Hobbits. Time to give him his due. :-)
VardaValar1: Praise them with great praise, as Aragorn said.
VardaValar1: He was down in the trenches with the little guys and knew what he was saying.
VardaValar1: *chases down the mischievous hammer that skitters away along the shelf*
VardaValar1: *grab*
ArPharazonV: Pippin wasn't an average hobbit though. Sam was the only "commoner". Both Merry and Pippin were already heirs to their houses and titles, I believe?
VardaValar1: *thwannnnng!*
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VardaValar1: After-meeting!
VardaValar1: True, Phar
VardaValar1: Pippin was to be the next Thain of the Shire, a real top dog.
ArPharazonV: Yep. But probably many cousins to take his place if he didn't come back.
VardaValar1: Merry was the heir to the Brandybuck Warrens and area.
VardaValar1: True. Handy having plenty of relatives.
VardaValar1: Thain had long been a ceremonial position.
VardaValar1: Since he and Merry were friends with the High King, they were in positions to be maximum help to their people.
VardaValar1: Frodo was wealthy and became Mayor after the War, before he retired.
ArPharazonV: The new Thain had seen the world and decided to drag the Shire into the Fourth Age kicking and screaming.
VardaValar1: Our simple gardener, Sam, became Mayor next.
VardaValar1: hehehe
VardaValar1: The Shire was protected by the new High King
VardaValar1: Merry and Pippin were buried alongside his spot.
ArPharazonV: I wonder what made Sam qualified. He was a great hero, but only ever fighting for the service of a master (Frodo). Then again, a good Mayor works in the service of his people.
VardaValar1: Sam knew a lot from having traveled, and had Frodo to coach him where needed.
VardaValar1: Even "knew his letters"!
ArPharazonV: Hah! Yes.
VardaValar1: Taught by the Bagginses, meaning no harm, mind you.
VardaValar1: He knew the outside world, wouldn't be cowed by anyone. Had friends in high places inside and outside the Shire.
VardaValar1: See what a little travel can do to a guy? :-)
ArPharazonV: Opens his eyes.
ArPharazonV: Opens his mind.
VardaValar1: Trimmed his tummy.
VardaValar1: No way they weren't all well toned with lots of stamina. Learned to fight.
ArPharazonV: Muscular.
VardaValar1: Aye. Traded in fat for muscle. Didn't hurt with Rosey, most probably.
ArPharazonV: Then again, he probably was the one of the four who was already most used to physical labor.
VardaValar1: Good point.
ArPharazonV: Walking not included.
VardaValar1: If Gollum called him a fat hobbit, it may have been because he had a lot of body compared to Gollum.
ArPharazonV: Gollum was mostly skin and bones anyway.
ArPharazonV: Anyone looks fat to Gollum.
VardaValar1: And he was hunting an insult. Hard to find one for Sam.
VardaValar1: Sam was less tolerant than some, but a lot of that was his protectiveness for Frodo.
VardaValar1: Talk about courage. Even at the beginning he was willing to go up against Strider to protect Frodo.
ArPharazonV: Perhaps what he saw in Gollum made him fear what might happen to Frodo.
VardaValar1: Aye, although he may not have admitted it to himself.
ArPharazonV: While Frodo tried to identify with Gollum, Sam tried to keep him out of his mind.
VardaValar1: He saw Frodo as rather blind and the smartest person on earth at the same time. :-)
ArPharazonV: hehe
VardaValar1: Frodo could understand Gollum and realized that he could go that way himself. A horrible example.
VardaValar1: Actually Frodo started from much higher ground than Gollum had ever stood on.
VardaValar1: I think he gave Smeagol a taste of hope.
ArPharazonV: I'd say it's more that Frodo realized that Gollum had come the way he was going, and was more able to tie him to a more reasonable past. Even if Smeagol's past wasn't all that glorious.
ArPharazonV: He saw where Smeagol might have come from.
VardaValar1: True.
VardaValar1: So, are we ready to move on to gaming news? :-)
VardaValar1: I forgot to give StarCraftBroodWar its mention for this last week. : )
ArPharazonV: Sure, go ahead :-)
ArPharazonV: We've tangented quite a bit anyway.
ArPharazonV: Not that there's anything wrong with that.
VardaValar1: That's the mention. Fangorn and I played it
ArPharazonV: Ah!
VardaValar1: Tangents are what makes it interesting. :-)
VardaValar1: Get us started and we can find something intriguing that we didn't have at the start.
ArPharazonV: You never know where you'll end up.
ArPharazonV: The road goes ever on and on?
VardaValar1: Aye. :-)
VardaValar1: That road outside your door keeps on going - to Fangorn, seagulls, and even farther.
VardaValar1: Just don't get shut into a pit. ;-)
ArPharazonV: Gotta backtrack then.
VardaValar1: Good plan.
VardaValar1: Climb out if we have to.
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VardaValar1: So, what have you been up to gaming from your spot in Valinor?
ArPharazonV: Pooh, let's take a look, shall we!
VardaValar1: *peek*

ArPharazonV: For flashgaming!
ArPharazonV: http://www.onemorelevel.com/game/duke_dashington is a fast-paced puzzle platformer where you have to go through a bunch of levels with small mazes and puzzle elements, and you have 10 seconds to get through each level. But nothing too risky, if you run out of time or die you just start that small level over.
ArPharazonV: It becomes more difficult as you go along, of course.
ArPharazonV: And the badge of today was a game I hadn't played before either, but it did show up in that voting tournament, so might be a bit coincidental.
ArPharazonV: http://www.kongregate.com/games/scriptedfun/pel is a pong-like game where you have to last as long as possible. Quite simple.

ArPharazonV: Now, for blizzardy games!
ArPharazonV: Hearthstone: This week's brawl was pretty much as simple and random as it gets. For any class you choose, you get a couple of class-spells in your deck and a whole bunch of mage portals, which can give you *any* random minion in the game at a 3 mana discount.
ArPharazonV: So the trick is in figuring out how to use your class to make the most out of that randomness. Really, though, I think I was lucky when I won my first match.
ArPharazonV: Season ended, new season arrived: with a cardback based on the Argent Tournament, the expansion coming later this month.
ArPharazonV: Still saving up my gold, should be interesting to buy a lot of that stuff when it comes out.

ArPharazonV: Heroes of the Storm: Nothing new much. The Diablo event is still ongoing, it seems, with a treasure goblin for 100 gold on your first match every day. I've not bought anything new since last week.

ArPharazonV: Starcraft II: Got that beta-code, logged in for the anniversary portrait.. and pretty much came to the conclusion that I no longer know how to play that game well. I'll try to restart the Zerg campaign when things quiet down a bit in WoW, and I get some stuff crossed from my to-do list in there.
ArPharazonV: I did not play any D3 this weekend, after getting what I wanted from season 3 last week, instead choosing to do some more WoW things. But a friend in WoW who just started playing D3 just finished the main game story and we're making plans to cooperate seasonal characters in season 4. Should be fun.

ArPharazonV: WoW: New pet bought from Nat Pagle for rare coins from fishing up lunkers. Only 77 coins to go until I can buy the mount, and then I'll finally be done with the fishing :-)
ArPharazonV: That should be done in less than 2 weeks if I catch as many a day as I have been. Less time, even, if I'm lucky. More time if I'm really really unlucky.
VardaValar1: *hands over a pound of luck*
ArPharazonV: No new pets from old raids this week, but we're still stubbornly going on.
ArPharazonV: I've been chasing music rolls for my garrison for a bit as well, and got the one from the Gurubashi Arena with a few friends helping me, also getting one of my missing Heirloom items in the meantime. And Nefarian in Blackwing Descent dropped a music roll for me as well. Now it's just a matter of hunting the relevant raidbosses every weekly reset until I get their rolls, because the ones left that don't come from raid are easily gotten.
ArPharazonV: Raiding in Hellfire Citadel: We've gotten the twelfth boss, Mannoroth, down on normal difficulty now. That just leaves Archimonde, who we're going to dedicate next tuesday evening to.
ArPharazonV: Almost there, then we'll up the difficulty :-)
ArPharazonV: Oh, and this weekend there has been a dungeon event where you get reputation for clearing certain 5-man instances; also a weekend quest for clearing 4 mythic difficulty 5-mans. I had not tried those before, and they're pretty tough, but doable.
ArPharazonV: If you want to get that, I believe you still have tomorrow as well.
ArPharazonV: Awaiting expansion news!
ArPharazonV: But mostly interested in any release date they've got planned. I'd like to know how much longer I have to get the stuff done I want to do.
ArPharazonV: And that's it for my personal gaming news!
ArPharazonV: And now I suppose I shall start my weekly fishing :-)
ArPharazonV: *daily fishing
ArPharazonV: Hoping for an average of 7 rare fish for coins every day.
VardaValar1: Good luck
ArPharazonV: Thank you :-)
ArPharazonV: Remember how I said I wanted an average of 7?
ArPharazonV: I just got a personal daily record: 17.
VardaValar1: Huzzah!

ArPharazonV: And a Heroes of the Storm daily complete. Always nice when I can get it done with Abathur.
VardaValar1: yay!

VardaValar1: I have to go. Have a great night. :-)
ArPharazonV: Namarie!
ArPharazonV: You too
VardaValar1 has left the room.
ArPharazonV: saving and sending transcript
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