E is for Ethereal Filcher

 For those of you not familiar with the strange aberrations of the Dungeons and Dragons world, this is what Ethereal Filchers look like:

Ugly, huh? I would say not to tell it, but it can't hear or speak, so no worries.


Hey, everyone! So, starting from now until the assignment is finished, I'll be posting work (ugh.) on here. This is going to consist of:
The Assignment
A Journal
An Observation and finally
A Reflection.

I don't know how much it counts but I feel that I can count all of my stuff about nerdy things as a journal, but I dunno- I'll ask Middlemiss tomorrow.
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THE ASSIGNMENT!

Prompt 1: Respond Emotionally, intellectually and honestly to 5 projects that Goldsworthy presents in the film "Rivers and Tides."

           Most of my questions/responses were mechanically-based, because that's what caught my attention first, and what stuck with me the longest.

My first question had to do with this picture /|\. I really wanted to know how he managed to keep the icicles together effectively enough to hold some of those heavier bits on the far ends?

Next I focused on this motif of his:

When you make that cone, is there a way the area around it has to be? Is balance on the surface taken into consideration when you make it, or do you figure if it falls over after you're done that it's part of the art, or maybe there's something that you feel that you want it to guard or look over? I seem to remember that you said that it has sort of a feel like a silent guardian, but what exactly is it guarding?

My next response/question for Goldsworthy had to do with all of his changing works:

How quickly does the change happen? Does it happen relatively quickly, or do you watch it for extended periods of time? Do you ever leave a piece and come back the next day to see how it's changed, or do you just watch for the first bits of change?

My final response/question had to do with the wool on the wall, which I couldn't find on the internet. :\ Ah, well. Anywho, I was really curious as to if he intended the wool on the wall looking like the horizon between the back ground and foreground  looking like a tear, almost like the paper was ripped away to show something behind it. I loved the effect, but I couldn't help but feel that I'm over thinking that piece.

Prompt 2: Discuss why Goldsworthy is consumed with motifs.

                As a song writer and poet, I feel that a lot of artists, including myself, use motifs as a way to center ourselves and reach a certain level of our work that we feel connected to it again. However, it looks like the Motifs themselves serve as a constant where in nature everything else is always changing. The cone serves as a silent sentinel, watching over the world around it as the forest grows, taking it with it. However, it's still there, watching everything. The hole in nature, as he put it, really didn't show it's meaning until something sprouted out of it, showing the life crawling out of the void and taking it's first glimpses of light.

The ribbon had me for a bit, until I though about how it flows; the ribbons just goes however everything around it moves, and slowly disappears into the ether as time goes by.

Prompt 3: "It's the dialog with the stone that makes the wall."

"The Real work is in the change."

Explain these quotes and their meaning. What is a story that the wall can tell? What is the change?

                 I feel like a wall of any style, be it wood, stone, metal, etc. tells a wonderful story. With the stones that make up a stone wall like the ones in the videos, each stone has a slightly different story to tell about how it got where it was going, and all of these stories lead to the same destination: the wall. The stones' stories all intertwine and make the wall what it is.
As for the change, it's really straightforward, and I believe I sorta answered this in a previous question; the change gives the work meaning. Where he can make a hole in nature, nature, nature can make something sprout out of it. Where he can make a cone, nature can grow a forest around it.
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Now for the Journal. :D
So, I started making a D&D Campaign yesterday, as some of you may know. It's been chaotic, I haven't been able to think up a good plot for the first adventure, and, to put things simply, I didn't know how to start. Then, it hit me. With the aide of my friend's trusty Monster Manual, and my graph paper notebook, things are coming along swimmingly. I hope to have people show up to my campaign when it rolls around. That'd be fun.

Now, I'm sure you're all wondering "Cedric! When are you going to start your campaign and what's it called and etc.?!" Well, I can tell you only a few things:
-I'll probably have a game for my campaign in March, if I can fit two games into that month. Legacy of St. Vasco takes priority, since I'm not going to college this year.
-The Campaign will span a whole continent, and there will be more to it than you expect.
-The Campaign is called "The Locked Box," rightfully so. :)
-I already have 80% of the map done, but it's nowhere near as in detail or as large as Andrew's map. :\
-There will be a recurring antagonist, played by a non-DM player!
-I will be co-DMing with different people until I decide on a person's dependability and style that I can work with.

ALSO: I suck at Laser Tag, just so you all know. =)
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Observation: I suppose I just talk about something that I've noticed or something like that today. Well, I've noticed a lot of things ,but I think that I'd like to go with my favorite thing for today: the mantra of the day is "NO EXCUSES." I was talking with my friend about Star Wars, and he admitted to having NEVER seen the movies or read any of the books before. I was a bit appalled, and he promptly replied his obviously rehearsed excuse of "I don't have any time to watch them." This guy plays WoW. That's time that could be spent watching Star wars, so "NO EXCUSES" for inaction.

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Reflection: Is this where I reflect on the observation, or what? I feel that because of my constant chanting to myself of today's mantra has led me to do more than I normally would. It's been good for me, and I think I'll keep it tucked in my head for a while now. :)
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RANDOM D&D TIDBIT FOR THE DAY:

Ethereal filchers are bizarre-looking creatures with a penchant for snatching trinkets from passersby. Their ability to move quickly between the Ethereal Plane and the Material Plane makes them spectacular pickpockets.
Ethereal filchers do not speak.

Combat

An ethereal filcher prowls about, using its ethereal jaunt ability to move about unseen (and often through solid objects). Upon locating a likely mark, it shifts to the Material Plane, attempting to catch its victim unaware. The creature attempts to seize an item, then retreats quickly back to the Ethereal Plane. It is not above delivering a bite to distract its target. Once it secures a trinket, it scurries back to its lair to admire its prize. When badly wounded, a filcher escapes rather than continuing the fight.
Any number of simple ruses can blunt a filcher’s attack.

Detect Magic (Su)

Ethereal filchers can detect magic as the spell (caster level 5th) at will.

Ethereal Jaunt (Su)

An ethereal filcher can shift from the Ethereal Plane to the Material Plane as part of any move action, and shift back again as a free action. It can remain on the Ethereal Plane for 1 round before returning to the Material Plane. The ability is otherwise identical with the ethereal jaunt spell (caster level 15th).

Skills

Ethereal filchers have a +8 racial bonus on Sleight of Hand checks, and a +4 racial bonus on Listen and Spot checks.

D is for Dantooine

Dantooine: It may not have the rebel base, but it has a ruined Jedi Enclave and a bunch of poor people!

It's Saturday, 28 JAN, and I'm about to head off to a D&D game, but I figured i'd give everyone a quick update before I take off.
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--If you haven't noticed the Runescape news feed to the right of the blog, it's there. Check it out to get some updates from Jagex!
--In regards to the Runescape News Feed, if you've been keeping up with runescape over the past 3 weeks or so, you'll know that there was a vote to bring back the Wilderness and Free Trade. It, of course, passed, and the Wilderness and Free Trade will be back in runescape starting on the 1st of February, if memory serves me.

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RANDOM D&D LESSON OF THE DAY:
Half-Elves. We've talked about a bunch of different classes, but the races may or may not be a bit of a mystery to people. This lesson's for you:
Half elves are the offspring of and elf and a human. They typically have the elf parent's knack for poetry and arts, and their human parent's ambition and versatility. Because of this, they are great for just about any class. They can use magical items that only elves can use because of their blood, but can still be affected by the spells that would affect their elven ancestors as well. For all intents and purposes, a half-elf can be considered an elf. Half-Elves typically get along well with other people, but they don't stay with people for too long. Because of this natural tendency to get along with others, Half-Elves get a +2 to diplomacy checks.
For those not concerned with the culture and stuff of half-elves, here are the numbers:

• Medium size.
• A half-elf’s base land speed is 30 feet.
• Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects.
• Low-light vision.
• +1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks. A half-elf does not have the elf’s ability to notice secret doors simply by passing near them.
• +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks: Half-elves get along naturally with all people. This bonus may not apply in situations or settings where half-elves are viewed with distrust.
• Elven Blood: For all effects related to race, a half-elf is considered an elf. Half-elves, for example, are just as vulnerable to special effects that affect elves as their elf ancestors are, and they can use magic items that are only usable by elves.
• Automatic Languages: Common, Elven. Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic).
• Favored Class: Any. When determining whether a multiclass half-elf takes an experience point penalty for multiclassing, her highest-level class does not count.

C is for Cosplayer

A-ha! Broke the D&D pattern! Anywho, it's the 28th of January today, expect a for real update later (like, 4-ish.)
--Ithorians and Iridonians are not the same. Just thought I'd throw that out there. Darth Maul is an Iridonian, and Master Roron Corobb is an Ithorian. Thank you. Now I must go to 2nd period.
It's Friday! Woo-hoo!
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So, let's see what's going on in the world of nerdiness...

-Now, I'm not a huge Call of Duty person, and I most certainly do not condone the killing of another for points, virtual or real, but if it's your thing, you may want to take a look at this:
http://www.nerd-news.com/2011/01/call-of-duty-black-ops-first-strike.html
This is talking a bit about the map pack coming out for Call of Duty: Black Ops in 4 days; 1 February.

-On This day in 1986, the space shuttle Challenger was destroyed after liftoff, killing seven astronauts. Much love and support for anyone touched by that incident.
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RANDOM D&D LESSON OF THE DAY:
Rogues have a thing about being sneaky, herp-a-derp. Their sneakiness naturally has its advantages, like an--oh,I don't know-- a sneak attack? Sneak attacks are really handy because they do a TON of extra damage. For example, a 15th level rogue does an extra 8d6 of damage! That's 8-48 ADDITIONAL points of damage! To think that's not even the most...
Anywho, Rogues are great to have in a party for their class skills, combat prowess, and of course their sneak attacks. :)
Dexterity is a really important skill for a rogue, especially one using a bow, but surprisingly, Charisma is almost just as important in the way of class skills. Remember that if you decide to roll a Rogue. :)

B is for Bardic Knowledge

Hey, everyone! Today is the 27th of January! Do you know what that means? I don't. However, it IS Thursday, which means it's not quite Friday. Damn.
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Anywho, so here's the lowdown for nerdy stuff going on:
--On Saturday, my good Buddy Brian Gonzalez s going to DM his first Adventure. Woo-hoo! That's going to be a fun blog post to enter. :)
--My sister has decided to not actually do very many drawings, so she may or may not have stuff featured on here. :\
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RANDOM D&D FACT OF THE DAY:
Since B is for Bardic Knowledge, let's talk about that.
If there's something obscure or whatever, you can make a bardic knowledge check. It works like it's own skill, while it is a class feat. You can't put ranks into Bardic Knowledge, it's just there. The skillful bard can definitely use it to his advantage.
Example:
"There's an evil wizard terrorizing the town."
"Can I make a Bardic Knowledge check to see if I can recall a bit about him?"
"Sure."
*Rolls 15*
"You remember hearing about a wizard named Strondylus who lives up in a castle not far from here."

A is for Armor Class

Hey, everyone! Here are some reminders/updates:
-Today will be the first day with an illustration from my sister! (If I can convince her to do it this time.)
-Star Wars: The Old Republic is coming out soon!

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Today is the 26th of January! Do you know what that means? I didn't until I looked it up on google. Today is the Indian Republic day, so celebrate, if you'd like. :) I think it's pretty rad.

It's actually the 61st Republic Day, but I liked the picture. Also, it's not very nerdy, but India's a pretty chill place, so I thought I'd put this up.
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 Now it's time for the random d&d fact of the day!
Yesterday we covered monks, who are heavily melee and feat-based characters, and we talked about their awesome quivering palm feat. For a nice contrast, let's talk about Psions.
Psions are like psychics with different disciplines, much like Wizards and Sorcerers. However, Psions use mindpowers instead of arcane stuff. One thing that I really like it that psions can create little beings that chill with them called psicrystals. Psicrystals have a personality that is like a fragment of the creator's personality, and act accordingly. They understand the same languages, know similar feats, etc. Anywho, Psicrystals are awesome companions in combat, considered constructs for all intents and purposes with effects and stuff.
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Still Kickin'

Hey, everyone! So, this is what it looks like it's going to look like for this blog in the future:

7:00-- New Post should be up, if time before school allows.
15:45-- I typically get home around this time, and the post will be updated with cool things and reminders.
16:00-0:00-- There will be periodic updates with things that I like and photos I find. Also, I will at some point post a drawing from my sister at some point in time in this time frame each post, so look forward to these. They range from silly pictures to little comics.
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Now for the updates/reminders:
--Again, just kinda reminding about the pi day in a couple years. :) This will be my last reminder until about a month before hand, so don't worry about seeing this each post. It will be on the 14th of march in 2015, if you don't remember, making it 3/14/15. It's going so be one of the most accurate pi days in our lives, so enjoy it.
--Star Wars: The Old Republic is coming out this spring! The Old Republic is an MMORPG, and looks like it's going to be absolutely WONDROUS. With the ability to choose whether you even use the Force, you can be everything from a lowly soldier to an elite Sith Inquisitor. That's not to say soldiers are bad, though. I'm just giving an idea for the range of classes. I'm not sure if you can only be human or not, but that's what it looks like. If not, I wanna be an Ithorian or Twi'Lek. =P
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D&D Fun fact of the day:
Did you know that at 15th level, a Monk gains the class feat "Quivering Palm?" This attack strikes an enemy and allows the monk to decide when she wants the opponent to die. When she makes this decision, the victim must make a fortitude saving throw of DC 15+ the character's monk level, which will be 15, AT THE LEAST. That makes the total DC 30! Even with 9 to your fortitude bonus, you need to roll a natural 20 to survive that!
Monks are badass. That is all.
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1st Level Binary Blog, LET'S DO THIS!

Hey, everyone interested! This is going to be my blog created for Mr. Middlemiss's 6th Period English Class. Now, I thought about a few ideas for this blog. Things came to my head about so much, including:

Dialects of the English Language

Dungeons and Dragons

Star Wars

Accents

Fashion

Contemporary Literature

Religious Studies...

And so forth. After thinking about things for a while, I thought, "HEY! I could wrap all of this up in one blog; a blog about nerdiness!" Thus "My Outer Nerd" was born. This is a multi-part blog, so expect lots of posts from lots of different things. I'll probably try to find a way to sync this blog with runescape updates, post some youtube videos and throw up some nerdy photos, all for your viewing pleasure! (Oh yeah, and probably for a grade, too.)
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It's come to my attention that an accurate pi day is around the corner (being a few years). It will be on the 14th of March, 2015.
That will make it:
3.1415.
Now, wait until 9:26 and 5 seconds, now, we have:

3.14159265.

It's a big deal. I just figured I'd share that with you all. :) It's a wonderful thing.
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Also, here's a funny picture that I wanted to share with all of you: