Gamer Journal Information

Yet another great article from The Gamer Journal.  This time about Lost Echo Cave.  This walkthrough was really great.  As usual the information was spot-on, which is exactly what I was hoping to find.

I am happy that someone is keeping up good information about older games like Skyrim for those of us who still play them.

Halldir's Cairn

I found a great review of Halldir's Cairn at Gamer Journal.

There is a lot of good information available about a lot of different games over there, especially about Skryim.  In general, it is a pretty good place to find information, and when I was trying to get through Halldir's Cairn, I was able to get through it a lot easier because of the information I found there.

Skyrim: Redbelly Mine

Great guide to Redbelly Mine in Skyrim.

Don't Believe the Hype

The Gamer Journal nailed it on the head when he/she says that many SEO "experts" have it wrong about building backlinks.  I have read many, many articles about SEO (not that I have followed all of their advice) but this is one of the few that shows what it wrong with some of their so called advice about using social media to build backlinks.

Mithrandir

Mithrandir, or Gandalf, is a fabulous character and a wonderful wizard.  The interesting thing about Gandalf is that his magic was never very visible throughout the books.  He was more sage and guide than anything and yet he posessed a power that was unmistakable.

Bilbo Baggins Remembered

Bilbo Baggins Remembered is another take on the famous hobbit that started it all.  His quest to recapture the treasure of the dwarves from the lonely mountain, his famous riddle duel with Golem and all his many adventures have inspired generations of fantasy lovers and will continue to entertain both old and young for many years to come.

Helm's Deep

Another fabulous poem about Helm's Deep.  As a Tolkein fan and avid reader of just about anything related to fantasy I can say that this is definitely worhwhile reading.  Naturally there are those who will disagree, but that is to be expected on any topic.

Beorn

Beorn is a wonderful character from The Hobbit, but is often overlooked.  As in many Welsh and Scandinavian based works he represents the nature caregiver or "Noah" character.  This poem does him great justice and makes a valient attempt to capture the essence of what he is all about.

Boromir

Boromir is one of those characters that you end up loving but often start out hating and somewhere your feelings are always just a bit mixed.  In the end he dies a hero but not completely.  Everyone will certainly have a different take on the matter, but this poem manages to explore some of the complexities surrounding him while leaving the reader thoughtful if nothing else.

Bilbo Baggins

Several persons have dedicated works to Bilbo Baggins.  This particular poem does a measure of justice though such a popular character will certainly inspire a number of views.  As far as hobbits are concerned it is clear that Bilbo is by far the most popular though certianly his nephew and heir Frodo deserves a great deal of credit.  I hope you enjoy the poem.

Pure Country

What happens when you get two guys who try to disappear?  The answer: "Pure Country".  The title reflects the irony of the word "pure" and the nature of the main characters.  The story is told from the perspective of one of these isolationists who in the end is unable to come to grips with being among people even when he is finally forced to, at the hands of the law.  Convicted of a crime he did not commit, he recounts the events that brought him to his current state.  The reader cannot help but wonder what goes on in his mind and feel at once pity and derision for this individual.

The Night Charlie Passed

Bizzaro at its best, "The Night Charlie Passed" is truly odd.  I can't tell you what it's about because I don't know what it's about.  I know there is Charlie, and I know that he has problems.  There is also a car and purple and a lot of stuff that in the end I just don't get.  All that said, it is still fun to read and leaves you with more questions than answers which is sometimes a good way to feel.  It does, if nothing else, make you ask what if.

Greg Cum Ira

"Greg Cum Ira" is an odd story, really no other way to describe it about a man who is about to conquer the world.  Those of you who are into conspiracy theories will possibly get a kick out of it.  Unfortunately for Greg he has not counted on one thing - the power of snack cravings.  What happens when this recluse is overcome with the munchies?  Can he safely venture into the world?  Of course he can, after all he is the mastermind behind world domination.

Of Crucibles and Creatures

"Of Crucibles and Creatures" is a story that tells of a little dungeon adventure.  There is no point spoiling the entire plot, but suffice it to say that the adventure is interesting and enjoyable in its own right and it is not spoiled with pointless morality, inane sex or gratuitous violence.  It is a straight forward adventure in a dungeon with a surprisingly gripping climax that engages the reader and satisfies curiosity.  If you enjoy fantasy stories then you will enjoy "Of Crucibles and Creatures."  If not, then move along please because this is obviously not for you.

The Keep of the Black Crag

"The Keep of the Black Crag" is another Kyven story, done with equal quality.  This is a fantasy story set in a a fantasy world where magic is mysterious and powerful but which is carefully guarded.  Kyven is a young apprentice learning things that he never intended to learn and fighting battles that he has no desire or skill to fight.  He is merely following the orders of his master, the only person to show him affection or to give him food.

Harperston

"Harperston" is actually the climax of Kyven's chronicles when he finally meets the emperor and has to face him.  In this little journey he is bearing a message for the emperor of which he does not know the contents.  The message will change his fate though he has no idea at the beginning.  It is his first time in the great capitol of Harperston and he is completely unsuspecting of the fate awaiting him.

A Six Day Journey

"A Six Day Journey" is a story that talks about a kid who is starving and has to leave the farm in order to survive.  He ends up hooking up with an equally starving army that is heading into a desperate battle against an overwhelming enemy.  If you are looking for the boy-turned-hero tale, then you might as well forget it.  Kyven is not able to single-handedly overcome the enemy nor does he suddenly become a great master at arms or anything else.  He is just a kid who survives.  A heart touching, gritty story.

Waiting for Havarfast

"Waiting for Havarfast" is a twist on the escape from prison genre set in a fantasy setting.  In this case the prisoner began plotting his revenge from the moment that he knew he would be captured.  After years of planning he has managed to escape and set into motion the schemes that will ultimately allow him to exact his revenge on his captor.  But is Havarfast smart enough to read his enemy's mind?  In the end will the trap work?

A Troll for a Bridge

"A Troll for a Bridge" is a new take on the old troll under the bridge tale that many of us have learned or heard over the years.  Trolls are, of course, nothing new in fantasy stories and they have been re-imaginged in different ways many, many times.  In this case the troll under the bridge is neither nice nor horrible though certainly he remains a dangerous character.  In this humorous twist, the troll is faced with a dilemma he is not able to immediately solve and which requires effort on his part.  Told from the perspective of the troll, it is an entertaining read.

The Treasure of Priamos Island

"The Treasure of Priamos Island" is a story of greed and love set in a fantasy world of msytery and possibility.  A young man seeks a treasure so that he might be joined forever with his love, but in the end he loses more than he gains.  This story recounts the ancient moral lessons of greed with a slightly new twist and an interesting adventure thrown in for good measure.  If you enjoy fantasy stories then you should enjoy the few moments spent on Priamos Island.