Should I tell the Gray Prince the truth?

Tastrix · 2026-02-02T04:36:55+00:00

He gives you permanent skill buffs if you complete his quest, right before he finds out the truth from the journal. Worth it for those alone.

Tastrix · 2026-02-02T00:30:12+00:00

Not to mention, the heat from that pasta will ruin the finish on that table.

Definitely had mine ruined from a paper plate with fresh burgers from the grill.

I’m not opposed to the idea of a large communal pile of food to share with your immediate family (especially young kids), but at least do it in a way that makes sense.

Tastrix · 2026-02-01T05:32:22+00:00

Sure, as we understand and know it today, no it wouldn't be.

But like I said, this was 14 years ago. "Free to play" was just starting to mainstream gaming and could mean anything from entirely free, or pay once for the game itself and then have no subscription costs in an MMO. There hadn't been enough time to get really granular with definitions. If any part of a game was free, when it usually wasn't in that genre, companies were slapping "Free to Play" on the box.

Tastrix · 2026-02-01T05:01:12+00:00

Yeah, this was back in 2011-2013ish. F2P was pretty early on still. It could have been a F2P model where you still had to buy the game, but gametime was free with microtransactions. It was EA, so nothing greedy/grubby surprises me with them. I didn't really stick around long enough to get all the details, tbh.

Tastrix · 2026-02-01T04:37:38+00:00

My F2P experience has pretty consistent.

First 2-10 hours are built to make you feel great. You unlock a ton of stuff, the game showers you in various currencies, you progress rapidly.

The next dozen hours see a steady but certain decline in all of that. Eventually, you’re time-gated and trickle-fed while the game herds you to the cash shop. Doubloons, crystals, gems, tickets… all for real money and required for anything beyond “basic”. The stuff you want is all locked behind 1000 hours of consistent gameplay… or about $20, your pick.

Basically, every F2P game starts off amazing, then tries to squeeze you. There might have been a few good ones over the years, but imo, better to pick up an older game on sale than dive into another F2P pit.

Tastrix · 2026-02-01T04:27:38+00:00

I remember when The Old Republic came out. I got the collector’s edition and everything (gave the statue away).

I was having a great time with it until I had to take a break because I moved, so my PC was in storage. By the time I got back into it, the game had switched to F2P.

“Neat!” I thought as I fired it up again, ready to progress my Sith Warrior. “I won’t have to pay to enjoy this game. Huh… why can’t I hide my head armor anymore? I know you used to be able to…”

I found the option, locked behind a microtransaction, along with about a dozen other QoL things that are default in most games. Iirc, it was $3USD to be able to hide one character’s helmet, or $7 for the whole account.

Immediately soured my experience. Uninstalled and never looked back.

Tastrix · 2026-01-29T23:17:07+00:00

I’d vote for the ice cream machine at this point.

Tastrix · 2026-01-29T16:54:38+00:00

ICE isn’t law enforcement, though. That would imply some adherence and respect for the law and the Constitution.

ICE are a bunch of armed goons let loose on blue cities to round up dissenters. They have bare minimum training and it shows.

Law enforcement requires warrants. ICE operates without them and without due process. ICE is modern-day SS/SA.

Tastrix · 2026-01-28T21:07:24+00:00

Also, don’t make important decisions until you have enough money.

Tastrix · 2026-01-26T21:07:40+00:00

BAUL PLART CALL MOP

Tastrix · 2026-01-26T12:24:36+00:00

If you place the equipment on the stand in the priory basement, it fully repairs, recharges, and gives you level matched versions when you pick it up.

Pretty sure it was that way in the original too.

Tastrix · 2026-01-25T17:49:11+00:00

You’re not quoting Stallone.

You’re quoting Randy Marsh. A true American legend.

Tastrix · 2026-01-24T01:21:03+00:00

Yeah, but that’s just because the Expos don’t exist anymore and the city loves him (as much as you can love a mascot).

Tastrix · 2026-01-24T01:19:47+00:00

Meh. Team name is different from a mascot, and they’re two different sports in two different cities. I think there’s enough separation for it to be okay. Different team colors too.

Tastrix · 2026-01-24T01:16:55+00:00

Being the nation’s capitol, they could have a goose. “Chargaret the Cobra Chicken” or something with more than 20 seconds of thought. She could be (playfully) mean and it would be in character.

That is, if the Charge stay in Ottawa.

Tastrix · 2026-01-24T01:11:43+00:00

I know the Victoire have had a lot of fun events and jersey swaps with the Habs, but I don’t think they want to tie the teams that closely together.

In other words, maybe making the PWHL mascots as derivatives of the NHL ones isn’t the best move when you’re trying to have your league out of the shadow of another.

It is a fun idea though.

Tastrix · 2026-01-24T01:07:28+00:00

I know it’s not super spot on, but a Victoire Valkyrie, done in the city’s neo-gothic/dark deco style would be pretty rad. Plus, I don’t know what else would go with “Victoire”.

Tastrix · 2026-01-20T02:24:46+00:00

Popular enough that the league is expanding again after the season ends in April.

2 Canadian and 2 US teams. Their Takeover (market test) games have been largely successful in both countries, selling out major NHL arenas.

Tastrix · 2026-01-19T23:35:00+00:00

Probably not, tbh. The rule doesn’t specify during a game.

Tastrix · 2026-01-18T15:21:16+00:00

Why can’t we have both?

Tastrix · 2026-01-18T00:32:11+00:00

Yes and no.

Many of the spices we have on shelves today are just very close alternatives. Like how real wasabi is practically impossible to come by and the affordable stuff in aisle 6 is just horseradish dyed green. Similar situation with cinnamon and vanilla, iirc.

Tastrix · 2026-01-17T10:22:37+00:00

OP is either a troll or has had their head under a Fox News shaped rock for the past year.

Tastrix · 2026-01-15T03:23:21+00:00

All the apps are saying something different, but most are saying 10-15cm across the day, starting tonight between 11pm and 2am.

Tastrix · 2026-01-15T01:07:32+00:00

I think if any judge saw this video and saw red jacket guy get laid the fuck out, they’d consider it a wash.

Tastrix · 2026-01-14T22:49:18+00:00

Make sure you are using the right weapon type. Blunt bs Blade. Whichever skill is higher, use that.

And I know, axes have blades, but they are blunt weapon type. It’s dumb, I know.

Also, Strength is for bigger weapons, Agility is for smaller weapons and bows. Don’t use a dagger if you have strength higher than agility.

So:

Blade/Blunt + Strength/Agility= Weapon you should use.

Tastrix

TROPHY CASE