User talk:Tennessee Ernie Ford/Archive 04

Editorial Suggestions for TEF
To help me improve my contributions, please add your suggestions here in reverse-chronological order. Thanks!

tbd suggestion
placeholder for future suggestion

Viper reminds TEF to sign posts.
Please use talk pages to comment on articles, and sign posts on talkpages with ~. Cheeri-o's --- -- (contribs)  &emsp;(talk)  18:20, 28 January 2009 (UTC)


 * Whoops. Yes, I should be signing everything. For some reason, I thought there was a pref that forced my sig. Sorry 'bout that. -- Tennessee Ernie Ford  is the nom de web of the author of RPG guides. No relationship to the fantabulous gospel singer of the same name is intended or implied. 19:02, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

New Section
On talk pages (and a few other pages), next to the Edit tab at the top there is a "+" tab. Click on it to create a new section. This is useful if you want to create a new section on a talk page that is long (so you don't have to scroll down). It also formats the summary in such a way that in the Special:RecentChanges a link takes people to the section directly. (-: -User:PanSola (talk to the ) 08:54, 14 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Cool - thanks for the tip. (I can see how that would be useful for all.) --Tennessee Ernie Ford 09:26, 14 February 2009 (UTC)

Customize
I like your edit of that article, it's gotten much better! -- ◄mendel► 11:30, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Thanks! (And thank you for taking the time to say :-)--Tennessee Ernie Ford 16:46, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

Mostly harmless
"This user frequently casts Hexes on treasure chests." You scare me. You scare me to tears. Of laughter. -- ◄mendel► 01:23, 21 February 2009 (UTC)


 * Aw, shucks :-) (in other words: thanks!)
 * The really scary thing: I really have tried to hex the chests during battle. (To be fair, I was trying to hex Am Fah Healers, but ended up targeting a Bukdek chest instead.)
 * --Tennessee Ernie Ford 17:15, 21 February 2009 (UTC)

Matrix: Similarities &amp; Differences of Outposts, Mission Outposts, Towns and more
I put together this matrix to help me understand what was frustrating about the current location taxonomy. Feel free to amend, suggest, etc.

Location Features Matrix
Table notes: For completeness, I included GNW (the mission). For fun, I included Single Origin Chocolate &mdash; shouldn't the game include fancier sweets? And a bonus for anyone patient enough to read this far :-)

Observations
TEF's Observations:
 * Minor differences between the mission Outposts and Outposts generally: Mission Outposts have a different icon, allow mission kickoff, and generally lack services;
 * Minor differences between Towns &amp; Outposts: Towns have a different icon and offer more services;
 * Interesting differences between explorables and mission-created explorables: mission explorables do not have a unique map label &amp; lack service NPCs.
 * Mission explorables have similarities to POIs (e.g. can't portal directly), although even Village POIs have more services.
 * Also, you can only reach POIs by going through an explorable portal and walking; you can only reach mission explorables by going to an Outpost and entering the mission.

Mendel's Observations: For PPva (combat areas), those with a portal are those you only leave when you want to (unless DP 60% for the whole party and such), while those without work in different ways. Some areas can be vanquished, others cannot. Command Post is quite interesting, too, because it even has a Profession Changer - as does Senji's Corner. One is an explorable, the other is an outpost. -- ◄mendel► 00:05, 22 February 2009 (UTC)


 * RE: mendels' observations - good to know. I don't know much about PvP or PPva . Does anything (currently in matrix) above change in HM? I'll add columns shortly to reflect combat areas.
 * FWIW, I beginning to think a big source of issue around ____ Outpost is that NCSoft reuses the name three times (confusing enough) while wikia and official wiki only have primary articles on two of the uses (the Missions and the [tbd] Outposts). --Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 05:35, 22 February 2009 (UTC)


 * PPva = Places Party visits alone; I'd maybe have called them "Party instances" and not "Unique instances", but that's pedantry. ;-) -- ◄mendel► 12:41, 22 February 2009 (UTC)


 * LOL. As one pedant to another, I approve the intent if not the logic. What I was thinking: the instances exist only until you leave (by whatever route), so that, while they exist, they are unique. And unique contrasts rhetorically well with shared. Still, strictly speaking, PPvas are shared between humans in the party. Hmmn. --Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 17:12, 22 February 2009 (UTC)
 * If you're thinking about how long the instances exist, they'be either persistent (Outpost) or transitory (Explorable). -- ◄mendel► 18:13, 22 February 2009 (UTC)

Other Thoughts, Suggestions, Discussion
In XHTML, it's &lt;br />, not &lt;BR>. ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ -- ◄mendel► 00:05, 22 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Cool &mdash; thanks also for teaching me to fish. And great idea adding the links and the icons!
 * BTW: As I reorganized, I took the liberty of splitting your observations from suggestions - I hope that was ok. :-) --Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 05:35, 22 February 2009 (UTC)
 * That's fine. -- ◄mendel► 12:41, 22 February 2009 (UTC)

I find you very entertaining
You may use this section as a "I have this comment on my talkpage, therefore your argument is invalid."--Łô√ë îğá†ħŕášħ 06:07, 22 February 2009 (UTC)


 * GT: pleased to meet you. And thank you for what must be a rare compliment! (Therefore, my argument must be valid.) --Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 06:32, 22 February 2009 (UTC)
 * BTW you can tag all uploaded images of ingame things you upload as to make my life easier.--Łô√ë [[Image:Gigathrash_sig_G.jpg|Roar.]]îğá†ħŕášħ  08:40, 22 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Ah, good to know. Will do that going forward. (For some reason, I didn't get the option to tag the licensing on this image.) --Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 08:57, 22 February 2009 (UTC)
 * If that happens again (you not getting the option), please make a screenshot of it and report it as a wiki bug, please. -- ◄mendel► 12:49, 22 February 2009 (UTC)

User:Tennessee Ernie Ford/Wish I Had Known/General/Easy Unlock Table
I think the same info is at Skill quests Random Time  21:27, 4 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the note. I forgot to include a disclaimer that this stuff is still in the brain-fart, jumble of random thoughts mode and not meant for prime time. So, it might be vaguely useful to me, but I doubt it's in a readable state for anyone else.
 * You're right: the same data is available there. (I absolutely made use of this chart and the one at the official wiki.) But, for me, not the same info even though Skill quests was my source.
 * Here's what's different about this chart: it shows what skills can be unlocked easily by creating a new character in a different campaign (and spending an hour). Which, had I but realized how easy it was, would have helped MOX add a couple of useful Dv or Sin skills.
 * I have in mind a couple of other charts I plan, also re-using existing data, but presenting it to highlight something new (e.g. what order to do skills to maximize use of your highest attributes).
 * --Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 22:08, 4 March 2009 (UTC)

Location images
Be sure to remove the "thumb" when putting images into the Location box template. The text can stay, it'll be seen on mouseover. -- ◄mendel► 17:51, 6 March 2009 (UTC)
 * I've changed it on the ones you've actually saved. Also note that for consistency I put the map on map= even though that redlinks some images; with luck, readers noticing that will take screenshots that can be uploaded more easily by clicking on the red link. --18:07, 6 March 2009 (UTC)


 * cool - thanks for the note.

Good job on the landmarks!
Good job on converting the landmarks with the notice on it to Template:Location box etc.! I've seen more landmarks listed on Category:Location stubs. Some have been listed as pages in Category:Locations; that should not normally be the case if they've been categorized elsewhere as well. Fell free to work on those categories if you're motivated.

I think it might be possible to get landmarks of the zone articles automatically, but that probably doesn't mean we're going to find many more articles, unfortunately. -- ◄mendel► 23:20, 6 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Thanks! I'll keep working on what I can find. If you come across a clue that leads to a bunch more, feel free to post it here.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 01:18, 7 March 2009 (UTC)

Title progress
I am following your title progress with mirth and interest. It seems that the Tyria cartographer box dropped off the page, to be repaced with Legendary, but it seems Tyria has not been completed since Legendary is still at 0 campaigns? Or do you not list it because you have reached 60% and thus are able to show an actual title?

Tunes: try The World according to Pablo. -- ◄mendel► 00:55, 9 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Mirth is good :-) You are correct: I (ahem) landed the Explorer title in Tyria, so created a new section, Entitled, which displays those things NCSoft has seen fit to grant. The, Lack of Titles, section is, of course, reserved for those things I grant myself. For symmetry, I added Legendary, although perhaps it's less fitting, so to speak.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 02:28, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

"cat likes to paw at the screen if a stalker is present"
So if you're stalked, your cat paws at the screen? Awesome ;) --- -- (contribs)  &emsp;(talk)  12:39, 11 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Yes! It's alternatively hilarious and annoying.   &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 15:44, 11 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Your cats needs more friends. -- ◄mendel► 15:54, 11 March 2009 (UTC)


 * That's so prejudiced! You're assuming that only ppls can enjoy GW and that catz aren't allowed to. ;-)  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 15:58, 11 March 2009 (UTC)
 * No, I am assuming that your cat wishes to commicate with the stalker. -- ◄mendel► 17:22, 11 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Well, I'm not sure. She's certainly trying to master use of the keyboard (although, ironically, she has no interest in the mouse). I wouldn't entirely put it past this particular feline to connect the keyboard to what's on the screen.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 17:33, 11 March 2009 (UTC)

Love many of your userboxen, but still don't see which ones you "shamefully lifted" from me. :P I want a cat... *sigh* RoseOfKali 18:15, 11 March 2009 (UTC)
 * I used your page to decipher how to put the boxes together in the first places. I started by copying your wikitext and experimenting. So, maybe more properly, I stole your ideas rather than the boxes themselves.
 * re:cats &mdash; landlord doesn't allow animals? or...? :-( &mdash;The preceding unsigned comment was added by Tennessee Ernie Ford (contribs) 11:37, March 11, 2009.


 * Ah, well, I did the same to someone else's userboxes (or rather a whose series of someone elses) before it occurred to me exactly how they work. Helps having a color wheel. :P
 * And if you read my immigration rant it might give you an idea why I don't want to get a cat now. I don't want to have to deal with it if I have to go, then I'd have not only my husband but my also a cat to miss, too (yes, I get very attached to felines).  And immigrating a cat is almost as hard as immigrating humans (in the easy cases, mine isn't one of them...), plus there's exposure to foreign parasites and diseases, etc.  I'd rather just torture myself and wait until things are settled. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 18:54, 11 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Ah, so it is a landlord problem...just involves a bigger piece of property than I had imagined :-/
 * And yeah, pet immigration is often much harder, depending on the borders involved. Getting a dog to the UK can involve 6 months in quarantine for the puppy.
 * A possible alternative: become a foster parent. I have a buddy who travels too often to have her own pets. But whenever she's in town for a couple of months, she takes care of strays for the local SPCA. (I don't think I could handle the separation anxiety, but she likes it better after having done it for a while.)  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 21:11, 11 March 2009 (UTC)
 * NOWAI! O_O I couldn't foster, I just said I get too attached to them... :( And, funny enough (or sad, however you wanna look at it) that's the same reason we aren't planning kids right now, because of my prospect of having to leave.  So my instinct is DRIVING ME MAD!!!!! >:@#$%&! And I can't even do as much as cheat and substitute it with a pet. >_<' RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 21:23, 11 March 2009 (UTC)


 * P.S. You really need to tell me how to use the un-signed user template, I don't even know what it's called. ;) RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 18:55, 11 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Tennessee Ernie Ford ? --- [[Image:VipermagiSig.JPG|Ohaider!]] -- (contribs) &emsp;(talk)  19:00, 11 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Ok, so you HAVE to copy-paste the info from history... Pain in the ass... :/ TY, tho. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 19:03, 11 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Most people don't add a timestamp, I think. It's optional anyways, and usually you can guesstimate when the comment was made. --- [[Image:VipermagiSig.JPG|Ohaider!]] -- (contribs) &emsp;(talk)  19:13, 11 March 2009 (UTC)


 * I have trouble spelling "Tennessee" without the help of my Ctrl+C... But in my defense, I can spell "Mississippi." (What's with all the double letters, anyway? It makes me feel like I'm stuttering.)  RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 19:19, 11 March 2009 (UTC)

You failed Chahbek Village?
O_o? RoseOfKali 20:30, 16 March 2009 (UTC)


 * No, the Tyrian failed Consulate Docks (1st foreign-born mission). Somehow, I thought that it would be low level opponents (after the easy route to get there). Instead, so, the team got ambushed. Ogden, as usual, tried to heal by standing next to enemy warriors. And, well, blame the Monk, right? ;-) Anyhow, I didn't have time to do it over correctly, so, Kournans: 1, Tyrians: 0. More than 100% useless.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 20:45, 16 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Now that you've suggested the idea, I wonder if it's even possible to fail Chahbek Village. Now, there's a guide idea: Failure is not an option or Succeed or return the game to the retailer &mdash; quests &amp; missions that are nearly impossible to fail. (Of course, there'd be the wiki debates: does Charr at the Gate count, b/c you can let Rurik &amp; co take all the risks? or not, b/c if you are hasty, you can get quickly toasted?)  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF )

You know you're not playing Guild Wars right if ... -- ◄mendel► 22:23, 16 March 2009 (UTC)
 * 1) you fail Chahbek Village
 * 2) you fail Charr at the Gate
 * 3) you choose a to play Monk/Warrior for your first character
 * 4) you're stuck on Random Arena and can't get back
 * Except that every good monk is Mo/W tbh. [[Image:Felix_Omni_Signature.png]] 23:28, 16 March 2009 (UTC)
 * redirect it to Alesia, then [[Image:Entropy Sig.jpg]] (T/C) 23:30, 16 March 2009 (UTC)
 * I think #3 was supposed to say W/Mo... RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 00:30, 17 March 2009 (UTC)
 * .#5: a noob I met in GToB - he was trying to enter Fort Aspenwood or JQ with his PvP character. After about 30 minutes of intense testing and troubleshooting, it turned out he didn't own Factions... RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 00:33, 17 March 2009 (UTC)


 * I died on Charr at the Gate :< That Monk doesn't save you if those Charr target you with a Ranger, Bladestorm anda Necro. Also, Mo/W is strong ^^ --- [[Image:VipermagiSig.JPG|Ohaider!]] -- (contribs) &emsp;(talk)  15:27, 17 March 2009 (UTC)


 * See, I knew there'd be debate about "...at the Gate" ;-)  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 15:48, 17 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Obviously, Viper, you aren't playing Guild Wars right. Stop failing easy quests =O Cress Arvein [[Image:Cress sig.JPG]] 16:27, 17 March 2009 (UTC)


 * That was on the Fifth Day I played :P (I was immensly slow, yes, I know) --- [[Image:VipermagiSig.JPG|Ohaider!]] -- (contribs) &emsp;(talk)  16:41, 17 March 2009 (UTC)


 * If it makes you feel better, my L9 ranger failed it just now. I'm experimenting w/builds, weapons and suffered some unexpected results (aka D'oh). (I deliberately kept Rurik's group out of range, so no healing.) I can't seem to get the hang of taking down charr (or maybe I'm too impatient to keep the pet heeled and pull them far enough away).  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 19:17, 17 March 2009 (UTC)


 * You wouldn't be able to easily solo them at L9 unless you have the bonus bow. The rangers hit hard and the warriors refuse to die.  Try to get up on the gate hill to get some ground, and see if you can "hide" from the ranger's arrows until you kill the warriors and the others.  I always had pre-cast my preparation followed by troll just before I aggro, and keep up troll at all times.  If you have a flat bow, use Read the Wind, otherwise use Ignite Arrows.  Invest into runes, and get a few ranks in Wilderness, put most in Marks and the rest in Expertise.  Beast Mastery is at the bottom of the list, your pet is there to tank, not to kill.  See if you can death-level a Strider and charm it, it helps.  RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 19:35, 17 March 2009 (UTC)

Cool template
This template has been used to interesting effect and affect. &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 05:15, 26 March 2009 (UTC)

function substUsername {   var spans = getElementsByClass('insertusername', null, 'span');

for(var i = 0; i < spans.length; i++) {       spans[i].innerHTML = wgUserName; } }


 * We could do that. [[Image:Entropy Sig.jpg]] (T/C) 05:28, 26 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Awesome (I didn't even realize that javascript was entropicly inclined...or maybe that entropy was scripted javalistically - cool!)  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 05:30, 26 March 2009 (UTC)


 * God that freaked me out, I thought someone was already making fun of me on the infamous Darthishittia... Don't do that! lol  RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 05:35, 26 March 2009 (UTC)


 * I looked up their code, which has:

function substUsernameTOC { var toc = document.getElementById('toc'); var userpage = document.getElementById('pt-userpage');

if(!userpage || !toc) return;

var username = userpage.firstChild.firstChild.nodeValue; var elements = getElementsByClass('toctext', toc, 'span');

for(var i = 0; i < elements.length; i++) elements[i].firstChild.nodeValue = elements[i].firstChild.nodeValue.replace(' ', username); }


 * I don't understand js well enough to know whether this is the bit that they use.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 09:21, 26 March 2009 (UTC)

Forgotten Fan
I'll trade you one for a totem axe. ;) RoseOfKali  01:56, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * They really drop?!? I was beginning to despair. I will take you up if my desperation evolves to Dire.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 03:29, 27 March 2009 (UTC)
 * They drop, but from my experience they are much rarer than Totem Axe... I've gotten maybe 10 Totem Axes in my career, and like one fan. [[Image:Entropy Sig.jpg]] (T/C) 04:45, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Ah, I don't feel so bad; I'm only up to a 6:1 odds (assuming one drops soon).  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 05:43, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * So... you're actually 6:0, then. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 06:41, 27 March 2009 (UTC)

Hoss Rainswell: Maelstrom
Are you sure you're not confusing him with Fryn Rageflame? He's the one with Maelstrom. I would normally revert immediately, but I'm feeling GW:AGF today... RoseOfKali 06:44, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Yup. Didn't even run into the Frynster this visit. Next time, I'll take a screenshot and leave it on a talk page :-). I was equally surprised (kept looking at the cap menu - that can't be right, can it?), although I suspect few have tried to cap all the bosses in The Falls.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 07:02, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Hmm... It just seems surprising that one of the bosses would have 4 skills and the other 5. Dammit, now I have to go buy a cap sig... >_< Unless you are so kind to take a screenie: next time remember to screen everything that seems "off" or you will be questioned. ;) RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 07:15, 27 March 2009 (UTC)
 * P.S. How was this never caught before? O_o RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 07:16, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * I can't confirm that he has five skills; I could only double-check the four (since I don't have access to ). It's already odd that he is supposed to have two professions, so... I dunno.


 * As to why no one noticed: I think not that many ppl spend time in the Falls; it's out of the way, ppl go there to get totem axes, and there are easier ways to get Maelstrom. You'll notice it's also one of the zones missing (some) HM details.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 07:31, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * I'll try to get him with my E/Mo at some point, this is very odd indeed. Though, Jungle Trolls also have two professions, so it's not unheard of.  RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 07:43, 27 March 2009 (UTC)
 * P.S. (again) - what HM details are missing? I can try to get them while at it. It's too late for me to figure this out all by myself... RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 07:47, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * In the falls, none of the bosses have HM levels. The L14/18 trolls don't have HM levels. (Not as bad as I remembered, actually.)


 * If you do an update for HM, you might want to clarify the warnings. My NM experience: you have to be careful everywhere. In the Totem Axe area, you can get skale + rider + life pods converging on you (per the warning). In the early zone, you can get redwoods + trolls + spiders + pods, not necessarily easier (depending on the party/build).  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 07:56, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * I'll see what I can do in the near future (I'm getting my LDoA tonight, FINALLY! :D). I don't remember this being particularly difficult when I VQ'd it a long time ago.  The biggest pain are the chained CoF's, so bring quick-casting skills and flag apart your heroes before you engage, and you should be fine.  This will be interesting to do again, as I don't remember it at all from last time.  RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 08:14, 27 March 2009 (UTC)

(re-indent) Let us know when you LDoA! (esp. if you can defeat that final l  a     g. :-)

FWIW, Vizz Vexflume is also a 5-skill boss. (I just compared his article vs cap screen; they are consistent.)  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 09:05, 27 March 2009 (UTC)

I rule. ^_^ RoseOfKali 17:54, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * You do indeed! How did you manage to get 1 xp away:-) Nice work.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 17:57, 27 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Just realized that I could manage to pull it off in the last 800XP or so, and decided to go for it. :P Took some math skillz to figure out what lvl enemies to kill.  ^_^  Almost all XP you get in Pre is in even numbers, with a partner or solo.  The odd "residue" was from way back in time when lvl 0 enemies still gave me XP, because they give 5,10,15,20,25 XP.  After lvl 5, the only XP combinations you can get solo or duo are all even, because the raw XP is always a multiple of 4, which split in a party of 2 still yields even #s.  Guess I got lucky at level 5. :D RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 18:17, 27 March 2009 (UTC)