And the barracks just keeps getting bigger and bigger...

Yup! I fully opened up the 3rd barracks allowing me have up to 27 characters! However, I officially added 8 since I was saving a spot for a future character. But anyhoo, let's get on with the introductions! :P

Samantha, Verena and Iqbal

As always, most of the names came from Behind The Name. It's a really good site if you want to find a good name or find out the meaning of existing real names. To start of, here's Verena (Female Auch Infrantry) and Iqbal (Najib Sharif). Since Auch is German-like, I had to look for a good feminine German name and I ended up with Verena. This name is possibly related to the Latin word "verus" meaning true. Najib's name existed in Behind The Name and it means "noble" or "intelligent" in Arabic. This game me a good hint that the name should be Arabic. After countless clicks in the random name generator, I ended up with Iqbal. That name means "fortunate" (in Arabic, of course). It suits my Najib as well because he should be fortunate I did his favors so he wouldn't lose his job (and credibility)!

Marvin, Reenan and Alphonse

Here's Alphonse (Panfilo de Narvaez), the chef in Cite de Reboldoeux. He sounds really funny since IAH wanted him to sound like a French chef. Alphonse happens to be a French variation of Alfonso. I couldn't have decided more because the other names were kinda common for me already and had no other choice since I wanted to put him in barracks.

Celso, Bernard and Cletus

Yes, I did get this big guy and I have yet to try him out. This is Claude Baudez, the weapon merchant (and leading expert) of Cite the Reboldoeux. This guy is a total weapon genius, from knowing about the Silver Baron to even knowing how to use them (especially against you!). Be careful though, this guy can have a nasty fit and will result into a violent confrontation (finish Idge's quest in finding her drawing and you'll know what I mean!). He comes from Illier, so I had to find a French name. I ended up choosing Bernard, which seems to be a combination of the Germanic words "bern" (bear) and "hard" (brave, hardy). Yeah, he is brave and big as bear! :P

Guiomar, Benedito and Seward

Next up, here's Guiomar (Jose Cortasar) and Seward (Lorch Furholden). Using Jose was really tricky because he's totally dependent on his skills! Firing the canon was really fun and all. The name I gave him, Guiomar, probably came from a Germanic name meaning "famous in battle." Well, Jose is famous for (the only one) using cannons in this game. Plus, it seems that he's Spanish as well! For my Lorch, Seward sounded really nice when I came across it, although the meaning came from an Old English definition of "victory guard." His quests were a mix of tedious tasks and dramatic situations. Go read my entries on my experiences with his quests! :P

Reynard and Cristobal

Finally, here's the two kids (more like nuisances to me! :P). That's Reynard (Tiburon) and Ramiro (Cristobal). They are identical in stats and skills, save for the different looks though. Fighting Ramiro for his card was surprising but easy. Tiburon was such a pain since he had two allies to alongside him and run away every after attack (not to mention I must defeat him and his cronies to finish his quest!). For names , Reynard suits Tiburon because it is the name of a medieval fable character who is a sly fox. I gotta agree to this one, for he is sly and cunning! Ramiro ended up to be named as Cristobal, a Spanish form of Christopher.

That's all the new additions now! I better get more cards and barracks expansion in the future soon! :D Check my multiply site for new pics of Granado Espada! :D

The Forgotten Territory Experience

I was really tempted to use my Forgotten Territory pass since it promises good EXP. The good EXP actually comes from the heavy spawn rate the occurs in these dungeons. My original plan was to just level up Jack and Diego but looks like I decided to use my Combat Manual - Expert item along as well. I activated the both of them at December 21, 2007, 9:43 PM, GMT +8.

I started off as Celso (Gracielo), Freyja (Brunie) and Joanne (Emilia). I was really surprised on how much monsters was in these dungeons and the rate they keep coming back. I went on for a semi-24-hour marathon to level up my other characters to 48. Celso and Freyja were able to reach the goal. After that, I switched Celso and Freyja for Iqbal (Najib Sharif) and Alana (Catherine). Alana's dolls had no problem in wiping out the the room clean without the danger of dying! It got really late, so I had to get some sleep.

I logged in again right after waking up the next morning. This time, I leveled up Jacki (Adelina) and Lauryn (Grace). It was kind of tricky to grind in these dungeons because sometimes to you can't keep up with the spawn rate! My advice is that you bring a character who is capable of hitting more than one target and/or has skills that targets a good number of mobs. After that, I decided to grind Clint (Jack) and Cletus (Diego). Oh boy, it was tricky using their skills but a faction mate taught me how to utilize them for 1-spot grinding. Since the Forgotten Territory Dungeons have high mob spawns, there would be no problem in staying one spot while the structures did their job without ever having to relocate. I am thankful to have them at least reach level 16 (and above) in their skills. Now, I know what it's like to build a "fortress" with cannons and rotating blades to attack the monsters while using fences to lure them to their demise! I couldn't get them to level 48 since I was pretty worried about the supply of Soul Potions and Toolset Boxes. I ended up leveling them up to 36. My last attempt to "powerlevel" was Alphonse (Panfilo) and Syeri (Idge). I thought I couldn't make it by 9:43 PM to reach level 48 but looks like I did the (almost) impossible! I decided to hang a little longer in the Forgotten Territory Dungeon until I was booted out! Well, thanks for the fun time at FT! :D

Hmmm... It seems I'm breaking some promises here. Well, I gotta admit I got hooked into the game ever since Bahia Island's implemented. I'll list down here on what I should write next:

• Bahia Island experiences
• New characters (yes, I expanded my barracks), their names of origin and family photos
  
• Finished Claude and Najib Sharif's quests
• Reaching Level 64 (main team)
• Christmas Event
• A Granado Espada UI Skin I'm making
  
• Round up of 2007

Well, I hope I can keep my word. Oh yeah, I got a job as a call center agent as well! It means that my time playing in Granado Espada is severely affected but I need to work if I want them premium goods! That's life, guys. A guy needs to be able to stand in his own two feet soon. Thanks for reading and I'll get back on these topics (and I promise pictures!)

Blogspotted?!?!? Oh yeah!!!

I was coming home from Ortigas and I was really sad because I didn't pass my interview at Convergys for a position as a Call Center Agent (yes, I am desperate). I went to Teledevelopment to get another opportunity in applying. I really tried to hide my disappointment but I couldn't really swallow it. I'll be trying again tomorrow anyway, so I went home.

When I got home, I had a little nap. After that, I decided to check if I can have my GE client updated and that's when this appeared in front of me:


Mena Family has been Blogspotted!

Oh... My... Gosh!!! My face just lit up with excitement when I saw such announcement! I couldn't help myself from jumping for joy! Wow, this really means a lot to me and this day is one of my happiest days of my life. Now, I ain't sad no more (for now).

Feel free to comment or discuss at the community forums!

In-Game Christmas Event: Naughty or Nice?

When I got news of this upcoming event, I took the chance to participate immediately! Here are my following wishes that I posted at the Carracci Wishing Thread:

I shall present my wishes in Haiku!

Wish No. 1:
Wish for a costume
If it's not too much to ask
Scout School Uniform!

Wish No. 2:
I have a blog, yes
I long to be blogspotted
Can you do that, please?

Wish No. 3:
If it's not too much
I want R-N-P-C Card
Of Kurt Lyndon, please?

So there! I wish either to get a Scout School Uniform (my scout is the only one with an additional costume aside from the Original Costume), to be blogspotted or to have Kurt Lyndon's RNPC card since I'll be going after Edward Jameson when I get my chance! :D What did you wish for?

Post-event post of the Intel Machinimasia Workshop

Articles found:
Veya
NineMoons
paulvr137cm


Movies found:

GE Fun Video


Machinima Asia 2007 "Granado Espada Fergalicious"


Rabbits in the town: My Machinimasia Entry


Lady Veya's First Video


The Power of Quad
Have fun! Looks like we're gonna have a VERY LONG maintenance period! :D Bahia Island, here I come!

The Intel Machinimasia Movie-Making Workshop

I was able to reserve a seat at the Intel Machinimasia Movie-Making Workshop to be held at the Ascott Towers nearby Glorietta 4. I left real early from the house and decided to wait since I made a reservation for the second batch. It seemed I arrived early and decided to shift to the first batch. Also, a Granado Espada booth was nearby but it was empty. It was really a great experience to use Intel Core 2 Quad PCs but if you ask me, my cousin's PC was still the best experience!

However, this experience very different from the workshop I attended at the Hataw Hanep Hero 3 event. We were all learning here, since a majority of those who attended are not Granado Espada players. When we got to the part of making movies, that's where I had to think of an impromptu story. With my (diverse) character selection, I came up with the idea of Catherine being new to the outside world. To "spice" things up, I decided to do voice-overs since the earphones had microphones and it's top class (unlike my PC!). After capture numerous in-game footages, I now had to compile them into a 2-minute movie. I had 2 scenes omitted because it was getting past the 2-minute mark. I didn't feel embarrassed in voicing FEMALE CHARACTERS! Yes, I voiced my Female Elementalist and Catherine myself! :P While making the movie with Windows Movie Maker, they handed the attendees (including me) a free 1GB USB Flash Drive to save the movie with! Oh yeah, that's one freebie I'll never forget and forever treasure. Of course, I had to make a copy of the movie in the desktop of the PC I was using. Well, I was so happy that I was able to finish and save my movie. That's when DeSanggria arrived to attend the workshop as well!

My batch was already over and the organizers were getting ready to welcome the next batch. I helped myself for some snacks (or what's left on the table). Boy, those Spring Rolls and Danish Pastries were really yummy! I also got my other freebies from Intel, Globe and e-Games. NineMoons made an appearance and so does Philippines Community Manager Veya! While NineMoons waited for her batch, we conversed about Granado Espada and I even asked her opinion about Senator Antonio Trillanes IV's actions. Can't say anymore because it would be too dangerous for me to publicly share others' opinions in Philippine Poltics (worse, I or anyone involved could get in trouble!). Oh yeah, I asked her about it since the Ascott Hotel was formerly the Oakwood Hotel where Trillanes staged a mutiny. I also got my chance to converse with Veya every now and then.

DeSanggria wasn't able to finish her movie through the course of the workshop but she was very satisfied with the experience she learned. NineMoons was next to go and attended her batch with Darrick of the Reclusion Family. Poor little Nate didn't get to go since he wasn't able to get a slot. Little Nate ended up with me, DeSanggria and Veya outside Meeting Room 10. I decided to stay longer since I was in the company of my fellow bloggers. It seems Welling couldn't make it because of classes and Fiksdotter had to focus on his thesis (although he will attend tomorrow). When we noticed that the food was being "refilled," we helped ourselves with Spring Rolls, Siomai, Danish Pastries and Petite Fruit Pies! Oh yeah, were we happy! Little Nate was really nice to save some food for his brother Darrick. Well, the food ran out real fast (well, the Siomai ran out but there was still some Spring Rolls)! :P It also nice for the hotel staff to register for freebies at the Granado Espada booth. We talked a lot of issues in Granado Espada but I choose not to elaborate on it. Well, I can "divulge" that Selwyn isn't the Malaysian Community Manager for Granado Espada. No wonder why the Malaysian players have no... events? Also, some of the lecturers were leaving already and I got the chance to have a photo op (thanks to DeSanggria).

Little Nate was able to sign up for the last batch but this will make his older brother Darrick wait for him. Well, looks like he wants the 1GB USB Flash Drive freebie! :D When Darrick and NineMoons exited the event, they got whatever food was left at the table. I spent some time with them and Little Nate attended the last session. It seems to come to my attention that mostly of the attendees are not GE players and a majority of them are college students. Looks like the website, in-game announcement and e-mail wasn't the only medium of getting the word out. It was getting late for me, so I had to leave and say my goodbyes to my fellow bloggers. This is one experience I will never forget! :D



My Machinima Entry!
Hope I win that PC!!! I want it!!! Wait a sec, where's my Bear Package? I did make a reservation! :P

Lorch quests experiences (the second part!)

Okay, let's pick up at the part after Isabella's attempt to win Lorch's heart. As I finished (that part of) the quest, there's was no hint again on where the next part is. However, if you walk from the Street Market going to the Olaf Junction, you'll trigger another chance to fight some soldiers with Lorch. Looks like Lorch's father is really presistent in bringing him back. Just defeat the soldiers to finish the quest.

At this rate, you'll have to help out Lorch as he tries to prove to his father that his life in the New World is better than what his father wants him to be. Lorch will ask to help him produce a shotgun with an additional effect. You have either a choice of a Dread Buster, Stun Gun or Poison Shooter. These shotguns can only be used by Lorch and provide a chance to inflict Fear, Stun or Poison respectively. This is also tedious as you will hunt down monsters that drop the items needed for the production of your chosen "Lorch Shotgun." After getting the items, no hint once again on the next quest.

From experience, go up the right stairs (facing the door) of the entrance of Auch and you'll trigger a quest update. Go back to Lorch and he wants to try out his shotgun... on YOU! You'll end up fighting each other at Gotha Park but looks like his shotgun is malfunctioning (to the point he says Grace's cue for Implosion: "Armas Merendi"). Defeat him and he'll feel bad that through the excitement of completing shotgun, he didn't check for any problems and felt even bad about testing it against you.

A quest did not trigger after this, so another session of wondering aimless around Auch would be the solution. From going down the stairs of the entrance of Auch, I triggered yet another quest update. It seems that Lorch's father sends a last wave of soldiers to bring him back. Lorch will join you again here but he's got a shotgun instead of putting traps! Help Lorch out and he'll be forever thankful.

However, this is not the end of the entire quest. Lorch tells you that he will receive a letter from his father about his final decision on his next action against Lorch. They say you should wait for 15 minutes and the quest will be updated. However, I did some research and decided to try this info out. All you have to do (from my experience) is to walk from the entrance of Auch to the PVP area. You'll get the quest update.

I gave it a shot and it worked! Lorch will tell you that his father is stubborn because the letter states that if Lorch gets tired with his life, he'll eventually return to his father. That's never going to happen because I believe that Lorch will have a better life in the New World, as a arms merchant in Auch and as a member of my Pioneering Family! I promise your experience in the New World will be rewarding, Lorch Furholden! Yes, that means you get his card. Woot!

Wow, that was pretty long. Although I followed this information, it really lacked info in the later part of the entire quest. Maybe I should compile the info for a complete (and easy) guide to Lorch's card.

Gotta go now! I'm at my dad's Company Christmas Party where they serve Lechon (Philippine-style Roasted Pig)! Time to eat!

Lorch's quest experiences

Well, I did finish some quests here and there. It's about time I give my take on the quests I've been.

I was able to finish quests involving Lorch Furholden, Najib Sharif and Claude Baudez. Lorch's quests were a mix of easy and difficult. You had to be at least level 50 (all current family members) to activate it. Lorch will ask you in looking for his lost watch. Once you find out that the watch is in the possession of a young boy, you'll end having a fight with an RNPC named Tiburon. You have to defeat Tiburon and his friends, Ramiro and Isabella. Isabella's a practitioner of Elemental Lord/Lord of Elemental stance, so watch out for the Elemental Strife attack! Also, those kids (Ramiro and Tiburon) are a pain since they move fast after a kick from them! Ramiro seems to be aggressive while Tiburon runs far after delivering a kick. After beating those kids, you'll receive Tiburon's character card.

Returning the watch to Lorch is only the beginning of numerous quests coming from Lorch. The next quest, you need to keep talking to him until he asks a favor to get him 60 pieces of"Shining Tortoise Power" which can be found by hunting down Steel Armed Tortoises. Be warned: A kill won't give you a 100% drop for the quest item. You may have to hunt more than 60 Steel Armed Tortoises just to finish it. You can find them at Porto Bello Deserted Quay, with all the other tortoises there.

After finishing such tedious quest, there was no hint on the next quest. When I walked up the left stairs (facing the door) of the entrance of Auch, I triggered a chance to fight some soldiers who are trying to take Lorch away. Lorch will be your ally here and just defeat the soldiers. After that, Lorch will tell you that his father wants him back but Lorch wants current life here in the New World. The man's got some family issues, alright.

Remember that girl I fought who has the capabilities of an Elemental Lord? She happens to be selling cakes. She wants me to deliver her love letter to Lorch. Giving it to Lorch will make him think it was my doing, so I told Lorch there was some misunderstanding. He gave me the letter back and some cakes (those cakes aren't for sale). Talking to Isabella will anger her that I have her cakes and you'll end up fighting her (even I tried explaining the situation to her). After the duel, she gave 1,000 Vis and told me to leave her be. Lorch kinda scolded me when I told him about this, so I promised not to use force in settling matters (well, she started it!!!).

Long post, will make another in a little while! :D Edited to correct some typo errors! :P

Bienvenue à RedSign, BoucaTeam !

I was supposed to post as soon as possible but I never had the time to post, until now! The RedSign Faction welcomed new families coming from a small faction. From the info I got, they were from France. I organized an impromptu celebration of their welcome, since it involved more than 10 new families.

Fireworks display at Auch

We were able to gather at the scheduled place but not all of the new members were there. I was able to give the new family a fireworks display as a celebration of their welcome. It was nice to know that the BoucaTeam Family liked it. Some of the existing members decided to join the festivities as well. Even if a number displayed at the explosion of the firecracker, it was a sight to behold. I am looking forward in doing using firecrackers for celebration purposes! :D

The Fifth Chapter of Martial Arts: Mind

A new RNPC is the practitioner of of the "Chapter of Mind" stance. I got the info from this Japanese site!

Must be able to read about this new character soon! At last, the Five Chapters of Martial Arts is now complete!

Happy birthday.... to me!

December 8 is a special day because it is my birthday! I got gifts, yes. Just plain, 'ol greetings from the family, friends and players in GE when I broadcasted a message that's it's my birthday today. I played in this fancy Korean-operated Cafe called Station 168 and I helped myself in playing there but damn the PCs there are just as powerful as... mine. Yes, it's a frickin' Pentium 4 PC that I reduced the graphic quality to the lowest standards and the connection is slightly laggy. I was able to "confirm" with some nearby Koreans on what the Tactical Assistance skills effects are.

Of course, I also danced Parapara at the nearby (and only) video game arcade center in Baguio. Looks like I gotta... Wait a sec! This is a GE blog! Let's skip that for now and get back to the topic!

I did meet Stiles since he situated in Baguio. I have to say he really does research and such. It was really an honor to meet another GE player from Caracci, even as far as Baguio! :D Oh yeah, I was the one who started the meet-up! :P

Well, that's all I gotta say. Need to help make Snickerdoodles right now. They're cinnamon-coated cookies if you're curious. Go search for it in the Net if you want!

On vacation!

Well, I ended up going up to Baguio for some R&R, so no Colony Wars coverage from me. I hope I get to meet GE players at Baguio. December 8 is a special day for me. I'll tell you on the day itself after the... celebrations? Heehee...

Guys, protect the colony for the RedSign faction, okay? I really don't like to lose that HP boost! :P

Time for some pics!

I have some new shots of my family at Auch. Of course, my latest addition would be Catherine!

Go ahead and click on the picture to access the album at my Multiply site. These were taken from my cousin's PC!

Well, I'm back here at my home. Looks like I got a lot of catching up to now. For an update, my main team are now at the level cap of 61. I'm also trying to level up my Catherine (Alana) in order to use her as the "powerleveling trainer" for my characters below 48. That means my Catherine should reach level 48 sooner or later.

Remember about the proposed stance I made for the next "Melee Elemental?" Here's a (poorly done) stance window I made with some photo engineering...

Image of proposed stance for the next "Melee Elemental"

Don't use this as proof of an upcoming or existing character, please. I don't like to start wild speculations.

This is all I have to say for now. Quest updates next time (I promise!). One more pic:

Don't you just miss the Escudo Pecher?

Scouts now have a Veteran Stance!

I go to this site regularly for the pictures, despite the fact I can't read Japanese. I stumbled across this! Is this a Veteran Stance? For Scouts? I decided to lurk the forums for any English translations of the skills in this "Tactical Assistance" stance.

From what I have acquired and understood, here's the info:

Tactical Advantage - set of elite assistance buffs
Requirements: Special Catalyst (?)

Level 1 - Consolidation
SP: 200
Cooldown: 5s
Consumes Mithridart x10
Duration 300s
Penetration effect on party members within 10m
[Penetration] ignores opponent's DR (or DEF?), RES, Block, and Evasion by 10 points

Level 10 - Prompt Action
SP: 200
Cooldown: 5s
Consumes Pain Killer x10
Duration: 300s
Improves skill-casting speed of party members within 10m by 25%

Level 15 - Divine Bless
SP: 200
Cooldown: 5s
Consumes Nutrition x10
Duration: 180s
Improves HP and SP regeneration rate of party members within 10m by some big numbers (not really sure how it works, HP +500, SP +100)

Level 20 - Refresh Mind
SP: 600
Cooldown: 60s
Consumes 5000HP and Analeptic Remedy x15
Removes Stun, Mortal Wound, Confusion, Lethargy, and Petrify statuses
Instantly makes skills of targeted character available right after casting

Thanks to this post I found at the sGE forums, now I understand what the skills are. Refresh Mind is really... pwning! These skills totally require tactics since this eats up a lot of buff consumables (not to mention a chunk of health for the Scout!). The words "Use wisely" is heavily advised! :D The post's thread also stated that Viki and Soho will be able to use this. Does this mean that Fortitudo is the required stance to max out? We'll just have to find out...

Hataw Hanep Hero 3 and GE goes F2P

Attending Hataw Hanep Hero was really great! Of course, there was a really long line of people when I got there approximately before 11AM. After a span of two hours, I was able to get inside and the SMX Convention Center is WAAAAAY huge! Fortunately, I was able to spot the Granado Espada booth and met up with DeSanggria! She was in her Idge Imbrulia costume once again with her Castor Sword. It was my very first time to meet Philippines Community Manager Veya! When we introduced each other, it was kind of "bland" at first but when I stated who I was, we were like esctastic on meeting each other in real life! :D

After writing things here and there, I decided to take a trip around the whole convention. I was was able to to see Japanese objects, powerful PCs, the food stall and a lot of exhibitors selling anime stuff. NineMoons was able to make it and she decided to go around the convention. That Stranglehold game was really beautiful for me to play and I tried playing some racing game as well. Since most of the visitors had goodie bags, I wanted to claim one as well. I was able to find the redemption booth and I finally got a goodie bag! I decided to hang around the GE booth and wait for the film making seminar. Looks like the Fiksdotter and Reclusion families also made an appearance. It was kind of awkward because of the noise but we enjoyed in attempting to make movies with GE. We were awarded certificates for our attendance as well. Looking for something to eat, I ended buying Fettuccine Carbonara and it sparked a little idea to entertain! I bought another Carbonara and brought it at the GE booth. I decided to reenact the part when Andre Janzur felt depressed when he went out of control in drinking the tainted holy water up to the part where Andre eats the Carbonara. It seems I have amused DeSanggria and Reclusion very well. Reclusion even said that I should cosplay as Andre Janzur! :P No way I'm gonna do that! Oh yeah, I was able to bump into Syeri as I exited the convention! :D

In other news, the Singaporean Granado Espada is now Free-to-play! I was really shocked when I read the announcement at the website before I left for Hataw Hanep Hero 3. Woah, looks like the game is easier on the pocket now! I can look forward to future expansions and play at my own pace now.

Fellow bloggers have made comments on this issue:

• Fiksdotter
• NineMoons
• Novastorm
  
• Arcleaumont
• Rococo (Warning! Contains rants!)
  

Well, looks like my future in GE... is secured! :D Side note: The OutCasts Faction made an appearance as well!