New Obsession: AION Online

I've been fawning over this particular game since more a year ago. Yes, I've been secretly cheating on WoW (World of Warcraft) even while actively raiding with my guildmates.

Kept on going back to the site and read the updates, counting the days 'til it's release. It was supposed to be late last year, but was postponed until the release date became official: 22nd September 2009. I went, "September, September...COME!"



When the game was finally released, I found out to my dismay that it was not sold in Malaysia. Not even via Amazon.com (this item is currently not available for your country). Sucks bad, right? So, anyway, I kept on complaining and Reza kept on asking if I really wanted the game. Last Tuesday he came over my home after work bringing a steel-cover copy of AION! He asked his friend in Dallas to courier it for him.

So, what's all this rave about? Remember how I said I'm obsessed with winged creatures? AION avatars (characters) have fully-functional wings, and there are even aerial battles! Granted, I can only fly at certain areas, and only for a minute at a time, but still. Wings!

The character creation process is, on its own, amazing and a half. Imagine Sims 3, but with richer graphic and fantasy-base. Unline WoW, there is no choice of race, only Elyos (from pale to tanned skin, with white wings) or Asmodians (range of purple to green skin, with black wings and claws for fingers, talons for feet), but how tall or short, how thin, muscular or fat, how flat-chested or voluptuous, how elven-like, gnome-like, or dwarf-like, is totally up to a player's taste and creativity. And the game itself is almost FMV-quality.

Only hitch: my RM1k graphic card couldn't stand the weight of the game and kept on crashing the computer. It was top of the line 3 years ago, but is sadly laughable now. Went to Low Yat Plaza. This is what happened:

Me: What's the best graphic card you have?

Guy: What's your budget?

Me: Show me your best.

Guy: (nudges his way to the display shelves and brings back a large black box) NVIDIA GTX 285, 2GB memory, 1 kbit.

Me: (almost drooling) How much?

Guy: RM1700.

Me: (hand gripping the wad of money in left pocket) Alamak. That's out of my budget.

Guy: (snickers) That's why I asked your budget ma....

Me: Cheaper got?

Guy: GTX 275, 896MB memory, 448 bit. RM779.

Me: Why the big price difference?

Guy: Quality ma....

Me: Something better?

Guy: Wait ah. (nudges back to the shelves and brings back another big black box). Only stock left. GTX 285, 2GB memory, 512 bit. RM1350.

Me: (alternate looking at him and the box. Thinks back on AION and other new games I couldn't play because my graphic processor sucked) OK. Bungkus.

So he packed it in a plain yellow plastic bag that I can stuff groceries or trash in. No fancy paper bag or anything. I get decent paper bags at Kinokuniya with purchases over RM100. This one? No such luck.

SoI bought me an RM1.35K graphic processor, and some memory card upgrade. There went my money. Anything for AION, right?

I went back home (without having lunch first. My stomach protested all the way home, but I wasn't drooling for food) and assembled the cards I bought. Had to clean the CPU though; it was filled with dust, cat fur, and some random murukus. Turned on the PC. Waited. Waited. Started AION.

OH. MY. GOD!

The game's beyond beautiful with maximum graphics. And to top that, my FPS (frames per second) rate is maintained above 28 in the busiest city, and over 45 elsewhere. Human eyes view 29 FPS as smooth-flowing moving images (standard TV quality). So I wasted -- ahem, spent -- more time creating new characters. Because I can. And be cause they're so damn beautiful.

I'm not ashamed to admit I play female characters online, because. And because the male characters look weird and I refuse to dedicate so many hours and effort leveling an avatar I can't stand seeing. But with AION, I can create gorgeous guys and gals.

Played half a day to reach level 9. That's when I got to do an ascension quest, where at the end of the chain-quest, I get my pair of wings.

OH. MY. GOD!

The game is reminiscent of WoW, so the transition is easy. And the game doesn't disappoint. Stunning graphics, easy learning curve, familiar and good gameplay.

I stopped becoming active blogging after I started writing short stories for WDC. Now I don't review and write so much due to AION.

Still.

AION rules!

So here are some (posed) snapshots of my character, Collan (a cleric/healer. I come home from the hospital to play doctor in-game. Go figure).

Atrocity

I checked my computer and saw Yahoo! homepage already opened. The headline grabbed my attention: Islamic Icon Spared in Disaster Flick. I read on. The short of it is that the director of 2012, the upcoming global disaster movie, Mr Ronald Emmerich, contemplated on destroying the Kaaba, but was talked out of it by his co-writer talked him out of it (for fear of a fatwa). In his interview, he admitted wanting to destroy Kaaba. And when talked out of it, he said that it wasn't something important, anyway.

OK, fine enough as it is. But wait. There's another link to his interview with Sci Fi Wire, and there are plenty of comments left by visitors. And the nonsense people sprout! I don't know how, but the blame for this debacle goes to Islam and Muslims, for being extremist, for being suicide bombers, for being stuck in the dark ages, for not wanting progress. The commentators keep on talking about the comic where the prophet Muhammad was portrayed, about Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses. For those not sure about Salman Rushdie's work that put him into hiding, he came up with alleged Quranic verses that had never existed before. The content? The title of the novel says it all, but what's most important is that the Quran has never seen any change throughout its existence. The Holy Book is still pure, not tampered with.

I seriously am one of the least religious Muslims around. But to read these hate-saying comments, to imagine the Kaabah destroyed for the sake of a movie, well, it's hard not to get angry.

Have a read. Click on the links I posted. Then tell me if you don't get angry reading those comments. Some are just haters, provoking other, making their own country, their own religion (or lack thereof) look bad.

Published Author in the House!

Finally, I'm a published writer!

I got an email from one of QLRS's publishers earlier tonight:

From: Kai Chai
subject: QLRS Oct Issue

Dear Fadzlishah,


I'm Kai Chai, the short story editor of QLRS. I'm happy to tell you that we have selected your contribution, Mother, for the October issue, which will be ready in a couple of days' time.


Have a good weekend,


Kai Chai.

That's a big first step. QLRS carries substantial weight in the Southeast Asian region, for future print publication.
Now I have something to write for the credential part of a query letter.

And that's the aim, to have my name on a cover of a book!

Will post the link once it's out.

HAPPY! I bet I'll fall asleep grinning tonight.

A big shout-out to Sarah, who told me to submit the story to QLRS.

Cha cha cha cha cha, cha! Cha cha cha cha cha, cha!

Secrets (Winner, Writer's Cramp 2.10.09)

PROMPT: Write a short story or poem about a romantic dinner interrupted by something supernatural. It can be anything you wish - zombies, vampires, werewolves, anything. But the creatures MUST interrupt the dinner, and the diners must be have a romantic dinner.



“Is it too much?” Stefan whispered into her left ear, his warm breath making her auburn curls dance. He was standing behind her with one arm enfolding her waist, and the other holding the red silk blindfold that just moments before had wrapped her in its soft darkness.

Isabel was close to tears. Never in her twenty-four years of life had anyone gone to this extent.
She leaned back and rested her head against his broad shoulder, feeling the muscles under the smooth black shirt. She could not look away from the sight that greeted her. The roof of Stefan’s apartment building looked different, transformed into a vision of a dream. A circular table stood with its full-length drape billowing in the night breeze, a ballroom dancer twirling with silent grace. Two sets of plates and silverware were arranged opposite one another, with high-backed chairs waiting to be sat upon. The centerpiece was an unlit scarlet candle set on a delicate candelabra shaped like a silver vine. Surrounding the table, bridging four makeshift wooden pillars, were fairy lights, replacing the stars of the too-bright city sky.

“It’s beautiful, Stefan.” Isabel heard her voice breaking, but she didn’t care.

“I want your birthday to be special.”

Isabel looked up and kissed Stefan’s shaven jaw. “Thank you.”

“Well,” he said, smiling at her. “I’m kinda hoping the decoration will take your mind away from my cooking. I know I promised,” he added when she grinned at him, “but I’m sure you won’t ask me to cook for you again after tonight.”

Isabel took his hand and led him to the table. Stefan pulled the chair for her and, after making sure Isabel was comfortable, went to one corner and turned on the stereo. Soft music floated in the gentle breeze.

“It’s French,” Stefan said. “I don’t understand a word, but the music’s great.” He came back to the table with a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. “This is all I can come up with.”

“It looks wonderful,” Isabel said as Stefan filled both plates.

“It’s too dark.” Stefan pinched the wick of the candle, and when he let go, a tiny flame flared to life.

Isabel gasped.

“A little trick I learned when I was a teenager.”

“You never cease to amaze me.” Isabel gave a delighted clap and reached out to hold Stefan’s right hand.

The night was perfect.

Until a shriek that threatened to burst Isabel’s eardrums drowned the French music.

Both Isabel and Stefan looked up to find the source of the cry. Overhead, with great wings flapping in a lazy rhythm, were silhouettes of two humanoid creatures. The wing membranes were almost translucent; moonlight shone through the wings, outlining tendril-like veins.

“Dammit!” Stefan overturned the table with a loud clatter and pulled Isabel close. “I’m sorry, Isabel. I really am.”

Another shriek stopped Isabel’s questions. One of the creatures dived straight toward them. Stefan held out his left hand, fingers fanned out. The winged creature crashed into an invisible barrier and bounced backward, as if jumping on a trampoline.

Stefan looked at his hand and blinked. “That wasn’t –” He looked at Isabel. “You?”

Isabel nodded.

“You’re a witch?”

“Put your eyes back in their sockets. You’re a witch too.”

“How did you –”

“Find out? When you lit the candle. I felt the Power.” Isabel gave him the sternest look she could muster, but a moment later she looked up, over Stefan’s head. “Watch out, another one!”

Stefan whirled back and fanned out his fingers again. Orange globes of fire burst out of his fingertips and sped toward the winged creature. It stumbled backward, singed at the chest and stunned but otherwise unharmed.

“Why are the Laserak demons after you?”

“Remember last month, when I told you I had a business trip? My brothers and I were assigned to wipe out a Laserak nest.”

Isabel huffed. “I guess you messed things up.”

“A few got away, okay? Sheesh, sorry I’m a disappointment.”

Isabel’s face immediately softened. “You? Never.” She stood up, brushed dust off her dark-blue satin dress, and held out a manicured hand to Stefan. “You take offense, I take defense?”

Stefan took her hand and stood up. “Sure. I suck at defensive magic, anyway.”

They stood back to back and faced the winged demons. Both creatures dived at the same time from opposite directions. Isabel raised both hands, which started to glow a brilliant blue. The Laserak demons hung motionless a few feet away from them. Their stench was overwhelming; Isabel gagged in protest.

Stefan chanted a string of words familiar to Isabel, but the spell itself was new to her. Three-colored flames, larger than the previous ones, surged out of Stefan’s palms and engulfed the demons. They would have easily dodged the flames had they not been held suspended in mid-air by Isabel’s spell. Their shrieks lingered as they burned out of existence.

Isabel gagged again at the stench of burning rotten meat. “What a way to lose my appetite.”

“You’re just saying that so you don’t have to eat my spaghetti.”

Isabel turned to face Stefan. Despite his banter, his face was lined with worry. Since she started going out with him eight months back, this was the first time she saw his insecurity. It made his handsome face more appealing.

“Are you mad at me?”

Isabel cocked her head, keeping her eyes locked with his. “For?”

“Not telling you.”

“Our gift is not something we can share with just anyone. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

Stefan pulled her closer. “I’ll forgive you if you teach me that bouncing shield spell.”

“Only if you teach me that fireball spell first.”

“Deal.” Stefan eased Isabel’s chin upward and kissed her until they were both out of breath.

“Deal,” Isabel echoed, smiling as she kissed him back.

Birthday Boy

So. I turned 28 today. Reza SMSed me his birthday wish before midnight, in case he fell asleep and forgot all about it. My brother and his girlfriend Ili followed suit, around 00:20. To be honest, I was asleep in the on-call room at that time, and only noticed the messages around 02:00 when I went down to OT for surgery. Ended up waiting over an hour before I could start cutting, and I was thankful the case was straight forward. Feeling a little down because the two patients I operated upon last Saturday passed away. Their conditions weren't good to begin with, but still. So I finished this morning's operation around 04:15, then continued writing a review at WDC. Slept for 2 hours, woke up, got ready for work (gray shirt, gray vest, black slacks and shoes -- no tie). The rest of the family called around 08:45. Arwen was silent, but Papa told me she danced when she heard my voice. Funny girl, her.

Finished rounds around 10:00. Found out that Sister Yee, my ICU head nurse, bought me a Secret Recipe cake. Chocolate and Cheese. Seriously. Yum. My Head of Department, Mr (Dr) Saffari came, Fazrin came, and the nurses sang "Happy Birthday". I blew out imaginary fire on the 2 candles (we couldn't find a lighter), and we ate the cake. Finished my work in ICU, loitered around a bit, and headed for Bangsar at 12:30. Had lunch with Reza at BSC Chili's (he paid for it). Went back to work, loitered until 16:15, got bored and sleepy, drove home.

Noticed a large brown envelope with the name Fadz J Rosli on it. Wondered who it was from. Didn't think to look at the PosLaju docket. Turned out to be a cool black notebook from Tita (checked the docket after opening the gift). SMSed to thank her. Headed straight for my computer and downloaded Heroes and Brothers and Sisters, watched Fringe while downloading. Fell asleep watching Fringe. Woke up when Arwen planted a wet kiss on my cheek, continued to straddle both realms of awake and asleep. Reza came by to copy last season's Fringe. Watched the first episode of Glee (trying to get him to watch the fabulous show). Watched Heroes after he went home, then re-watched Fringe since I was already alert. Just in time, Brothers and Sisters finished downloading. Watched that while eating curry Maggie Kasha made for the three of us. Read a short story on WDC, and decided to update this blog.

So there. A full day on my 28th birthday. Oh yeah. Kept on receiving birthday wishes from a lot of people on Facebook, friends and family alike. Friends and colleagues SMSed as well. All in all, it may seem like a blah day, but the amount of love and attention I've received, well, I can't possibly ask for anything more than that. I'm thankful for all the people around me.

Oh. Mama promised to have my birthday dinner this weekend, since I have the weekend off, and I'm post-call today. She knows how tired and cranky I can get after a call.

Loving October

Hotdamn! I haven't updated in ages. Since I joined http://www.writing.com (WDC), I've been actively writing new short stories. I also joined a small writing group within the site, where I give reviews and comments on other members' pieces. Works both ways, so it's all good. I couldn't give reviews on poetry because, quite frankly, I suck at it.

Speaking of sucking, I went to Kinokuniya during lunchtime and guess what I saw. Books on vampires, zombies, werewolves, and other creepy crawlies on display, sold at 25% discount with other purchase (in other words, buy something else to activate the discount). And right beside the entrance I found this amazing book: By Blood We Live, an anthology of vampire stories by famous authors including Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Tad Williams, Kelley Armstrong and many more. Come on. Vampire short stories! That's something to die for and to sink one's teeth in (pun intended)! I've always wanted to buy anthologies from top authors, and having a whole collection on vampires...wow.

Click on the picture for a link to the official website). So the price is RM64 before discount. My receipt shows a minus RM16 (25% off). I've only started reading the second story. The first one is Neil Gaiman's interpretation of the original Snow White, not the happily-ever-after Disney version. He told the story from the the stepmom's perspective, in first person PoV. The story is dark and twisted, the prose beautiful. I love it! I'll read the whole book through and write the review later (maybe much later, at the rate I'm going with my lousy journal-keeping.

There are other books on the display counters, books on vampires and witches and angels (my favorite supernaturals), some of them I never even noticed all the times I went to Kinokuniya. I don't celebrate Halloween (although I find it fascinating). But being able to afford to buy all these books (two or three at a time, mind) gives me reason to celebrate!

Speaking of celebration, my birthday is coming this 20th. I'll turn 28, which means I will have less than a year to come up with a complete manuscript, and another year to put my baby out for acceptance. Tita forwarded me a mail saying MPH is accepting submissions for novels and anthologies, but limited to mainstream, literary, crime/horror, romance and some other literary/mainstream-related genres. Strictly no fantasy, no sci-fi, no erotica. Crap. So MPH is out of the question for me!

Funny thing is, my Urban Fantasy/Supernatural novel showcases Kuala Lumpur, from the loftiest vantage points to the shadiest alleys. But since Fantasy is a niche-genre, local publishers are hesitant about buying the works. Same goes with Malay novels. So in order for me to publish a novel that partly advertises Malaysia, I have to seek out publishers from other countries who I hope will be interested at the exotic settings and cultures. I hope to really finish that novel, so that I can revisit this post, and we will all laugh together at some lame joke I tell, simply because I'm famous and everything that comes out of me is golden. Seriously. That's the true Malaysian way, eh?

Well, I've discussed with Tita about a possible anthology project. Theoretically, it shouldn't be hard for me to come up with 13 to 15 stories in a few months. I've produced 14 new pieces since I joined WDC mid-August, and won 8 out of 11 Writer's Cramp entries. If that bears fruit, I may be able to approach MPH for possible publication.

I am also sending out some of my babies for online magazine publication, to add to my resume when I type out that query letter. Funny thing about publication is, in order for a new writer to publish a work, he preferably has to have other published works. Weird, right? So for agents to know how serious I am about my novel, I must have a few stories published or competitions won to impress them, more or less.

Did I mention I'll turn 28 this 20th?

Feedback

Thanks guys.

Don't worry. I'm not fragile. I didn't post this argument on my blog for the sake of getting pats on the back. I appreciate it, though. Honestly, absolutely appreciate it.

I knew from the start this guy had a point, logically thinking. But the main character in that story isn't an ordinary guy, and the squadron of 24 Knights is worth more than a whole army. I asked him to read the whole thing through before passing judgment.

There are a few lessons from this, though.

1. Sometimes people are blinded by how they perceive things, you cannot put in a word otherwise.

2. A majority of writers are defensive about their work(s). Say something negative, and ouch. I'm thankful I've been cleared off that silly notion (don't worry, Tita, you're not evil). Although this can be looked at as pride in one own's work, but when it hampers growth and progress, this can be dangerous. Same goes for other things in life. I thought I gave him a fair review on the techniques of his writing. I'm still learning, but I've learned a lot from reading both fiction and books-for-writers.

3. I can whip out an argument out of nothing. The guy has medieval history to back him up, that's why he has a firm belief on how high fantasy should or should not be. If he hadn't been an ass, I'd have asked to learn from him. As it is, I don't know squat. My take on dragons is how the general population perceive them. Big, mythical creatures that can or cannot spew fire, nasty temperament, and with luck, can occasionally be killed. Because a dragon is a metaphor for adversity, of a near-impossible challenge, that only those who persevere may overcome.

4. The piece is in sore need of an overhaul. I'll be the first to admit it. The concept is nearing a Dragonlance-fan-fiction (was too immersed in reading those books at that time). But sometimes, it doesn't matter if you've written a gem. Some people will think it's crap. Don't get angry with them. Don't get angry with yourself. You know you've created something beautiful. You're capable of it. Go create more.

Well, there are lots more to be learned, but as it is I've written more than a single post! Hell, why not. Copy > Paste it is! I love computers!

Anyway, bottom line is, you can't please everyone. The person whose opinion should matter the most is yourself. Just not all the time. You'd end up like Chronicler.

Thanks everyone, for your positive feedback.

John, I saw the cover of your book popping up on Sharon Bakar's sidebar, under "Books from Malaysian Writers" (or something like that). You're an inspiration, mate!