Approach to 50: a RoM Adventure

So I'm slowly approaching 50 in Runes of Magic and finding that the content is starting to thin out. Unfortunately, this doesn't bear well in my quest to reach the elusive level cap as I can only rely on daily quests (limited to 10/day) to gain experience or somehow try and find a group for some of the harder, group-oriented quests - which can be a challenge with some of towns feeling almost deserted with the new, redesigned Ystra Labyrinth instance.

I noticed that many players just chose to stack all the quests and their corresponding experience gain on their one primary class so that they seem to easily glide into 50 with an unequal secondary class. I, being a bit anal, and probably brainwashed to try and keep both on equal footing from the FFXI days have switched back and forth between the two in an attempt to take them both to 50 at around the same time. Back in the 30's, I did allow a 5-8 level disparity between the two classes, but hitting 40 reacquired the itch to level the secondary back up to par.

Anyhow, though the dual matching levels have provided some sort of mental comfort, I'm logging in less as there is really no reason to stay in the game following completion of the dailies. I suppose one could always take up crafting (I'm not that bored to want to voluntarily take on that drudgery), farm for gold (lately gathering feels quite humdrum as well), or start leveling an alt.

On a brighter note, I'm actually welcoming the time away and am 80% satisfied with my character since I finally invested my long-hoarded Phirius tokens on Purified Fusion Stones to enhance a whole suit of otherwise, plain mob-dropped armor. Most people had been familiarizing themselves as well as their wallets with the Arcane Transmutor as early as the 20s-30s, but I was lazy and simultaneously baffled by its most efficient usage so I avoided it until the 40s. Besides, I had no intention on buying Diamonds with real-life money, so I hoarded the daily quest token rewards to purchase the stones with those.

Anyway, all of this is feeling a bit wordy, so if you're playing the game and need some transmutor advice, this thread finally enlightened me on the process - which I found to be quite complex as there is basically no user-friendly in-game documentation on this tool.

Wallpaper Hunt

My monitor recently blew out (perhaps hours of gaming and other heavy usage can do that) and upon acquiring the new, improved wide screen replacement, I discovered that most of my wallpapers, meant for a smaller resolution, were now unsuitable for this new display.

Anyhow, upon my search for some interesting nature-related desktop adornments, I found these two eye-catchers:


This one is definitely my favorite and too amusing for words. Such a healthy-looking, cuddly fellow:

Technophobe

I've been spending my time in the Sims 3 playing the included Grandpas household in the Riverview neighborhood. Though most are probably quick to want to create themselves or their own neighborhood and families, I've been content with reintroducing myself to the game with the pre-mades.

I've found that although managing three people can be downright overwhelming, I'm able to at least acclimate myself with the three different personalities enough to know their needs and aversions.

One of the grandpas in particular I discovered while mistakenly ordering him to watch TV, is a technophobe. This led to the revelation that I am the complete opposite of that - and almost seem to be dependent on technology in an unhealthy manner. All of my activities away from work and other responsibilities involve an electronic device of some sort. As if hours in front of a computer screen for 8-10 hours daily isn't enough, I have to come home and continue the screen burn-in.

Playing this particular Sim character who seems to be averse to technology felt shockingly tranquil. He seemed perfectly satisfied gardening outside in the small veggie and fruit field in the backyard. Coincidentally, this Sim is the easiest and least stressful to play. He seems to be happy going to the bookstore to procure more reading, taking a gardening/fishing class, or acquiring a new recipe. I suppose it's ironic that to get away from modern technology - I utilize technology to live the "simple life". It only seems to further drive home the point that technology is driving me mad in some way - certainly stifling any sort of creativity and imagination I might have had at one time in my life.

Now I'm sure at this point, it would be expected that I would set in motion some decisions to change this, but honestly, I'm not sure if I will even bother. The summer heat is so maddeningly debilitating right now and I just don't seem to be cut-out for the outdoors, so I simply sigh in resignation and continue the humdrum of technology addiction. Maybe it'll be easier and definitely more comfortable in the Fall to adopt a different lifestyle. Until then, I suppose I'll still be found, face first and illuminated by the pale, dull glow of the monitor.