Tales Brigade

Pleasantly Confused

The ramblings of she who is caffeinated, fluffy and easily distracted reside here.

• New Year's Resolution

  Dec 31, 2008

  My New Year’s resolution isn’t something lofty like losing weight, learning a foreign language or drinking less. No, this year I’m going to do something simple: backing-up my computer regularly. This last week, along with a healthy dose of Holiday cheer, I gained something else – a nasty computer virus. It thankfully didn’t destroy my comp (thank you random computer guru) but I found a little surprise….
  
  All of my files are gone.
  
  On a plus side, the “main” account is still safe (as I’m on a multi-user comp). It has a ton of important things like family photos, a finance program, etc. So I should really count my blessings… The thing that about winded me, however, is I lost all my art. That’s not to say I’m an amazing artist but the premise– all of that time and energy wasted. I did post a decent chunk to my deviantart/photobucket so that lessened the blow. Anything I failed to complete or previously upload is toast. The same goes for all of my music, videos, documents, etc.
  
  So that brings me back to my New Year’s Resolution - it's better to be safe than sorry... I might make a stop to the computer shop again next week. Perhaps things are salvageable, who knows? Regardless, I’ve learned a lesson and am going to stick to it. ^^;;

  By Honey_Vanity | 0 Comments | Share It
  Filed under: New year resolution toast virus

• Thankful for Tales...

  Nov 29, 2008

  When it comes to Tales there are numerous things that I’m thankful for. One is my first experience through Tales of Destiny. Without this little gem I may have overlooked a spectacular RPG series. I was instantly addicted and have snagged every US release minus Radiant Mythology. I’ve also started to steadily collect some of the Japanese editions as well... Very slow process but I’ll eventually nab them all.

  Secondly, I’d like to thank the developers that helped create this series. Their efforts created the characters, battle systems and stories I cherish.

  Next up, I’m thankful for sexy archers! X3 Many of my favorite men coincidentally wield a bow – Raven, Garr/Woodrow and Chester. I’m also enamored of Max though he’s technically a gunner. Meh, I say, meh... I’m at least giving him a nod in this paragraph. There’s numerous other non-projectile dandies though it’s a lengthy list. That’s right I’m doing you a favor! I will not rant for days about the allure of zebra-print bandits, Cruxis members draped in belts or the obligatory Leon squeeling. You have been spared.

  Last, but certainly not least, I’d like to thank everyone at Tales Brigade. I’m not the most active on the forums though I appreciate everyone putting-up with me. Without the talented, witty and slightly off-kilter people like yourselves this place would cease to thrive. I’m proud to take part in this community and be among you all.

  Let’s keep the pace going well into the New Year – Happy Thanksgiving Tales Brigade!

  By Honey_Vanity | 0 Comments | Share It
  Filed under: Tales Brigade thanks Thanksgiving

• Experiment gone awry

  Oct 15, 2008

  I've had an idea for quite awhile - a custom Tales faceplate. The premise makes me absolutely giddy inside. Sure, I would kill for Japan's Vesperia/360 boxset (which, among other things, included a lovely one *sigh*). Sadly, I can't shell-out that kind of money...

  Sooo... Being home sick today (weather change; does it every time) I started this:

  

  First, I used spray paint to resurface a clearance faceplate. It was maybe 4 bucks tops with a horrid faux wood finish. ^^; Then I sketched using a paint pen plus random markers lying around. Started with sharpies but they streaked/smeared horribly. -_-;; Still unfinished though I'm far from thrilled. Ah well, good learning experience! ;P I'll make a decent one someday.

  This still brings to mind - would it make a decent quest? Being able to design one digitally, of course, being preferred. With the Brigade's talent the designs would be spectacular!

  I may PM Undine about this later; any opinions?

  By Honey_Vanity | 2 Comments | Share It
  Filed under: 360 cruddy custom faceplate Idea

• For the Judas fans...

  Sep 26, 2008

  I got some coveted time with a scanner today (hoorah!). As such, I seized the moment and uploaded a piece of stationary. This one is Judas by Yubinbasya... The paper itself is textured and really shows on the scan. I worship her coloring skills...

  If you do not know Judas' identity DO NOT CLICK. Its rather obvious but I don't want to spoil it. :P

  Possible TOD2 Spoiler

  Back of stationary

  I have a couple comics I might upload bits of later. One is Legendia themed called "Iffy Post Cube". The other is AschXLuke (don't recall the name off-hand). Nothing too racy though its cute.

  By Honey_Vanity | 4 Comments | Share It
  Filed under: destiny Doujinshi Judas stationary tales TOD2 Yubinbasya

• Best of Best...?!

  Sep 25, 2008

  

  My Garr fanart received this illustrious title. With the calibur of other artists in the Brigade - how - did I get this exactly? I'm still flattered but whoa. O.o

  As of right now, I'm working steadily on my Tales boxart. I promised myself it would be done by Kotaku time but noooo... Lana procrastinates and speaks in third person instead.

  Here's a preview of what I'm working on:

  

  Sort of watercolor style as I fail at cell-shading. I also want to make (at least) 2-3 characters in the background. We'll see if my inner slacker permits it. :P As for the character in question, I wanted to make his armor a Phoenix... With the wings eventually going to merge into his sleeves. As for its tail, it wraps around him as a belt of sorts. I'm iffy on the chain mail though... My thought is it would be a painted type to resemble the sky. I'm not sure how this will turn out - we'll see.

  By Honey_Vanity | 0 Comments | Share It
  Filed under: Best of Best Garr Phoenix Tales boxart Woodrow

• Home at last...

  Sep 17, 2008

     Finally. After spending 3 weeks house-sitting for a family friend I’m home. I had internet access and my PS2 (life saver) though I missed my dog, tablet and various other things. However, that’s not to say the people I helped weren’t very sweet. They even brought me a few souvenirs from their trip to China. Totally unnecessary but how nice, neh? I received a deck of cards, a dvd shaped like a ticket stub, chopsticks and... a very raunchy hentai manga. O.O;; Nothing too mortifying (I’ve seen worse) but it was... a little surprising. The couple knew I loved anime/manga so they tried to pick me up something. A kind gesture though err.. Staplers...

  Moving on!

     What’s most exciting is I have my Tales of Vesperia Special Edition!! Mwahaha just in time for Quest 10. The tin is so shiny, slick and well designed; I’m glad I didn’t skimp on the regular version. I also enjoyed the extra art in the manual but - no Raven?? My tears, they are like waterfalls. At least he’s still on the cover... I’ll cope.

     Waiting for me was also my Sol Badguy belt buckle (honorary medal of dorkdom), Mana Khemia strategy guide, D’espairs Ray shirt, a Crisis Core doujinshi and my prize package from Bawls energy. 24 glass bottles chock full of guarana and caffeine as well as a “tote” bag.

     For some reason I dislike that word. Maybe its because its one letter away from delving into a bad 80’s track. Or the fact it sounds pretentious yet silly at the same time. In the end maybe there’s no logical explanation for it but evil incarnate. I’m sure there’s a chapter in the necronomicron devoted to the proper construction, care and utilization of ones tote bag. Then a footnote on how to pronounce “tote” with an air of foppish superiority while selling $4 dollar water bottles.

     Despite being wrought from all that is unholy – okay bag. Small, sort of plain, is white and says “Bawls energy” and Baca de Silva. Which reminds me of bacanora and Shaman King, though I digress. Eventually due to its cursed nature the bag may attempt to slay me as I sleep. Or, positively, turn into an attractive man carrying tequila. I’ll take my chances.

  Its been an eventful day. I finally have my Tales of Vesperia, various game/J-rock goods and a portable storage device of the undead... Now all I need is an x-box 360. Good times.

  (I might take pictures later. Right now I'm quite tired and heading to bed... Urgh.)

  By Honey_Vanity | 0 Comments | Share It
  Filed under: Bawls D'espairs Ray Sol Badguy Tales of Vesperia

• My Favorite Tales Scene

  Sep 9, 2008

  This will have spoilers below for Tales of Destiny & Tales of Destiny 2. Please do not highlight as you may be traumatized. Doubtful though you never know. :P

  The particular scene I speak of is Leon's death. ;_; While not my favorite character from Destiny (that spot is reserved by Woodrow AKA Garr ~ rawr) it was quite unexpected. I didn't anticipate him to *actually* die. I figured at the end, with impeccable timing, he would appear and surprise everyone. Particularly after discovering that Rutee is his sibling... The entire course of events was tragic.

  Oh, but as many know, this was not the end. Years later, I discovered "Judas" while innocently (?) rummaging a doujinshi booth at Anime Expo. It was the most gorgeous stationary by Yubinbasya. My head imploded into innumerable spoilerific bits. It was Leon - alive - and literally shiny. I've still yet to find out how exactly he survived, if he sees Rutee again, etc... And to this day I vehemently refuse to read info online. ^^;; This most gorgeous stationary reminds me, every time, I need to import said game. *moneyless sigh*

  That is all for now... Once I'm back home (currently house-sitting) I'll scan in the stationary. Its really beautiful - Yubinbasya is quite the talented circle. ^_^

  By Honey_Vanity | 0 Comments | Share It
  Filed under: Favorite Tales Moment leon tales of destiny

• Tales of Destiny One Coin figures

  Aug 29, 2008

  

  I'm so ecstatic... In February Kotobukiya is releasing a set of 6 one coin figures (+1 secret) spanning Tales of Destiny 1 & 2. The characters revealed thus far are Stahn, Leon (of course), Rutee, Lilith, Kyle and Reala.

  I've been scouring the net trying to find out the secret figure. Highly unlikely its been revealed though I'm hoping its Woodrow/Garr. There's a very good chance its Judas though. Which, quite honestly, would be fine (if not a bit of an overkill). Those reasons I won't go into. :P 

  Here's a link with high-quality pics of each figure: http://www.collectiondx.com/node/2769

  As expected, I immediately pre-ordered a case as well as a Zack playarts figure. I shouldn't be spending the money though meh to that... I'm too much of a figure freak. Now if only Square would release an Angeal Play-arts figure I would be a very happy fangirl indeed.

  By Honey_Vanity | 4 Comments | Share It
  Filed under: February figure kotobukiya pre-order TOD 1 & 2

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