CotN community - Personals

[Bizkit]

Since this forum is getting larger every day (I'm already finding it extremely difficult to keep up with all the new posts), I figured there should be a thread where everyone can toss in a few words about himself. The CotN community is a very friendly one and I think we should get to know each other a bit more. Ok, don't throw rocks at me yet, it's just an idea.
If someone wants to be first, make a step forward. What? No one? Ugh.. I guess I'll have to start.

I'm seventeen years old, born and raised in Cluj-Napoca, Romania (heart of Transylvania - get your garlick ready). Got my first PC when I was 11, first ever game was Hercules. Started liking CB ever since I got my hands on the Pharaoh demo. Also enjoy strategies, sometimes shooters and simulators (space/sports/driving) and a nice 'mind game' every once in a while (like chess or puzzle solving.. anything that'll get my brain cells doing a bit of exercise - not that strategies don't). Online games are also on my list (like Kings of Chaos).
In my spare time, which tends to be inexistent, I enjoy playing drums (love rock music - Rammstein, SoaD, Korn - and probably going to start a band with a few schoolmates), running, playing basketball (almost anything related to physical exercise). I also love travelling, saw a great deal of Europe these past few years (Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Greece) and I'm getting ready for my big trip across the ocean, to Georgia, USA, which will most likely happen next spring. IMO, travelling can open your horizons more than anything else.. You can't feel the taste of genuine Greek food or feel the historical depth of a place like Waterloo from a book. Places I'd like to see: Japan, Brazil, UK and Egypt, of course.
I'm quite comfortable with my English speaking skills, I know basic French and Spanish and I'd love to know German (most of my family members know it, my great-grandfather was German - hence the last name, Keller). That pretty much covers it.
Alright then. Who's next? ;)

[Ineti]

Good idea, Bizkit.

I'm in my early-30's and am happily married and live with my wife, four cats, and two horses (though the horses live outside, naturally). I'm a writer and editor by trade. Other than the boring work I do for government agencies designing and developing training courses, I've worked on the Lord of the Rings RPG by Decipher, a couple other paper-based RPGs, and I write fiction, stage plays, screen plays, and anything else I can think of to keep writing. I had my first pro fiction piece published this year in the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds anthology, and I'm writing other stories and novel proposals, some of which involve ancient Egypt in one form or another.

I don't play a lot of computer games, mostly because there isn't a lot out there interesting enough to me to play. I've been playing a lot of Pharaoh/Cleopatra and Age of Kings/Conquerors lately, as well as a couple games on the PS2. CotN definitely sounds like a game that will occupy a lot of my gaming time for the foreseeable future. :)

As for musical tastes, I love Peter Gabriel and his international RealWorld label. I've listened to most of the groups on the label (over 100) and haven't been disappointed yet.

Next!

[Josh]

I'm Josh, I'm recently out of highschool, I live in Wisconsin, I work as both a Freelance Wedding Videographer (www.tnffilms.com (http://www.tnffilms.com)) and a PC Technician.

My first computer was at the age of 4-5 (my grandfather was a high ranking compaq employee, so we always got new computers when I was a kid) My first game to get stuck on was castle, then I didnt really find anything I liked untill Conquest Of The New World which I was addicted to, and then my grandfather bought me C3 (he is a wonderfull grandfather) we were addicted to that for ages, then I went backwards in the Impressions cataloge and got stuck on lords 2 and LOM C2 and whatnot, and followed all the city builders afterwards

My main hobby is writing and maintaining my satire website www.thenewforum.net (http://www.thenewforum.net) its really something I'm proud of.

[Cironir]

Like Ineti, I am in my early thirties. I've not yet committed the mistake of marrying somebody, though the thought has crossed my mind. For now, I am content with just my cats. :) For a number of years I have worked for various German gaming and computer magazines, but for nearly a decade now I have been doing "community management" for a couple of dot-com companies, starting with Fujitsu Cultural Technologies in 1995 (or CompuServe in 1994, depending on one's view). Naturally, this was not the path I meant to go, it just "happened", as so often in life. Still, I enjoy working with a great variety of individuals, and I continue to chase the dream of a better, more gentle society -- and no matter how Utopian it may seem, I believe in it. :)

[NeilV]

I am Neil 33 currently Living in Dublin Ireland but am English by birth (I come from South east London) I have 5 Kids oldest is 15 youngest is 4 got my first computer at 11 it was a ZX81 with a 16K ram pack you could not buy games for it but got several books with the code for games in (Never got one working :o ) from then moved through several different Computers after doing a degree in computer science and several exams in programming and database design I decided database programming was very boring for me so started working for an outsource call centre teaching people how to support computer hardware and software over the phone ( :D please reinstall windows and update all drivers and try again then call back and wait for another hour to speak to some one else :p ) the advantage was is it was an out sourced call centre was I got to play with lots of different company’s hardware and software before or as son as it came on the market. :cool:

After being made redundant I now work for my self still teaching computer skills but a lot of the time doing Tech support for small companies and individuals (upgrades reinstalls removing viruses) which give me a lot of time to play games.

[Kokopelli]

Aight, I'll give it a crack.

I was born in Michigan on the Lake Huron side and then spent 20 years in SE Arizona. I moved to Atlanta in '97, and moved to Jacksonville, Fl in '99. I have beautiful wife and lovely, precocious, cantankerous 18-month old daughter. My ancestory is Spanish from my dad's side, immigrated to Puerto Rico in the late 1890s. My mom's side is a mixture of English, Irish, and Scottish and immigrated in the 1600s.

I have been PC gaming since the mid-80s, playing classics like Pirates!, Liesure Suit Larry, Monkey Island, and Wing Commander. I hold an Associates of Science for Computer Networking Systems and I am currently pursuing a Bachelors for Business Management and will pursue the MBA after that. I am a Christian gamer and enjoy Country music. (yeah, it's abnormal for a gamer) My taste in games has moved from FPS' to the Flight Sim and RTS genre. In my oppinion, this year has been an embarassment for FPS titles.

[NSymon]

Hi Everyone

I'm Nigel and I'm 29 years old. I work part-time for local government in the housing department and I'm also a poet with various works published in anthologies. I'm fascinated and interested in ancient civilisations and especially Egyptian history and mythology. I've been playing games since I was about 14. I'm a huge fan of the Myst series by Cyan Worlds and help run a fan site/forum called 'The Great Tree' for the Myst series. I love the Impressions series of games, Pharaoh being my favourite but I think that's about to be eclisped by 'Children of the Nile'. I'm a voracious reader and always have my head buried in a book if I'm not playing some PC game, favourite writers including Ursula Le Guin, Philip Dick, Clive Barker, and hundreds more.

[Cironir]

... favourite writers including Ursula Le Guin ...

The Earthsea Quartet is perhaps my favourite piece of high fantasy literature. :)

"Presently the mage said, speaking softly, 'Do you see, Arren, how an act is not, as young men think, like a rock that one picks up and throws, and it hits or misses, and that's the end of it. When that rock is lifted the earth is lighter, the hand that bears it heavier. When it is thrown the circuits of the stars respond, and where it strikes or falls the universe is changed.'"

:)

[NSymon]

Hi Cironir

That is one of my favourite passages out of the whole of the Earthsea Quartet. Thank you for posting it.

[mouse]

*totters into forum* Guess I'm one of the senior citizens here :D

Age 63
Mid-west US
Retired civil servant and retired staff member at HG
Give computer tech help on some websites
Provide tech help, repair, training and computer service to friends and family
Build computers for myself and for pleasure
Read scifi
Play CBs and some other games
Beta test software applications and games

[claudio]

my name is claudio i am 17 years old and i live now in maryland.
i am doing an exchange year here, really i am from switzerland.
i am in the states for 30 days. i like icehockey and other hard sports.
i was long time in the a.d.1503 board active until i became banned. now i m in one of the fan boards
whel up to now thats it for more informations --->ask

[Jaguar]

*Jaguar checks in and realizes she hasn't posted here yet*

Well, I'm 30 and have been living in sin with my long term boyfriend for 8 years now. We are owned by two cats and also have a dog who defers to the cats any day. I don't think he likes having his nose scratched too much :rolleyes:

Anyhoo, I started with CityBuilders back when Caesar 3 first came out and finally joined an online community in 2000 after lurking for some time. I haven't regretted it and have made many online friends. And although I'm not on IRC or ICQ like I used to, most people still know who I am ;)

I have tested Poseidon, Emperor and the expansion to Civ 3 - Conquests and enjoyed them all, but I must say, I still haven't played a lot of emperor since the Beta. One of these days I will play the ones that I tested to death in their final version.

In real life I work for the local government in the Risk Management department, dealing mostly with project contracts and insurance. I get to do all sorts of cool things like going on loss control inspections and such, so it isn't as boring as it sounds.

[GillB]

Mid(ish) 40s widow with 2 daughters, 20 & 16 + grand-daughter 18 months.
Live in the Chiltern Hills about 25 miles NW of London with younger daughter, large dog & 2 elderly cats.
Came to citybuilders when a guy in a computer shop recommended C3 for my daughter's Christmas present when it first came out. If I'm not playing a citybuilder, I'll be playing an AoW1 pbem turn.
Self-employed second-hand bookdealer (mainly children's) working from home.
Work at HeavenGames at Citybuilding Heaven, Stronghold Heaven & HG Main where I sort of look after HG's main off-topic forum, Outside Discussions. Most of my other work at HG is either as a history writer or admin. Very hard work, but fun. Mostly ;)
Webmaster of my church's website which I recently rebuilt from scratch ... one day I may have time to finish it ...
Watch Highlander the Series & The West Wing; favourite film is Ghost; eclectic taste in music from musicals, through classical to classic & prog rock.

[shellybell29]

I'll give it a crack..although i'm very shy :o

lets see..i live in St. louis MO, Grew up in a small town in California, went to school and some college before moving to Missouri due to lack of work. Where i lived in CA you basically had to know someone to get a job.

I'm 28 years old gonna be 29 in November. Im a cashier/courtesy counter at a grocery store. I've been with the company for almost 7 Years *Cheers cause i'm gonna get three weeks vacation pretty soon*

My hobbies include, reading. I love to read, watching tv (although im mostly on the computer now) Surfing the internet, chatting with friends and shop.

What girl does not love to shop and gossip :D

I love playing Computer games. They are my addiction. I'm mostly into City building games. Only ones i'm good at :D. I tried the sims they're ok. Rollercoaster, Zoo tycoon I love. and i Love AOM. Great great game. Haven't tried the MP in that one. Scared i'm gonna get my butt kicked big time.

I'm still a newbie on cb games though. Working on it. I'm softspoken and shy like i said. Hopefully i'll make friends here.

I'm very anxious for the game to come out. Its gonna be one of the best games out there.

Shell

[Bugsy]

I don't think I posted an intro here yet. If I did, and it's a repeat, I do apologize. I'm Bugsy, 30 yr old mom to two boys, 7 and 3, married for 8 years to my DH Death. :D He's a big wrestling fan, of the Undertaker.


We live in NC, and he indulges my absolute love of games. I love to play, not ALL games, but do love to play the many games in the few genres I enjoy. RPG, CB, some RTS, Adventure, and almost any ancient Egyptian themed game. I have to buy it to at least see what it's like, it's my overall favorite time period. Second in line, is the pre-Renn medieval time period.

I'm currently playing Sacred, while waiting for the new game to be released, and then it will be CotN for months to come, I am sure. I am SOOOO very excited, and can hardly wait!! I don't post much usually, but do read here daily. :)

[Scott7]

I'm seventeen years old, born and raised in Cluj-Napoca, Romania (heart of Transylvania - get your garlick ready).

Romanian? I could have sworn you were an American teenager. I guess European and American kids are more alike than I thought.

Anyway, I AM an average American teenager. Nothing even remotely interesting about me. Just predictable interests like sports, music, etc. In fact, the only thing that really seperates me from other guys my age is DELETED BY THE GOVERNMENT

[Kokopelli]

i was long time in the a.d.1503 board active until i became banned.

Ok, I have to ask this: how did you get banned from the AD1503 forums?

[Celebithil Dae]

Well, i am a teen (gimme a few months, and i'll be past that, 20's on the way!) and in college in good ole Michigan (not u-m though). I got addicted to computer games with LOMse, though currently im between games. I do play PS2 also, but im not a big FPS fan. I prefer strategy, and some sports games, and the occasional RPG. Like i said, im somewhat between games, but im figuring that wont last very long when i get me grubby hands on COTN. Music i love, pretty much all kinds of it, with exceptoins for rap, opera, and a lot of pop.

Anyways, college rule,s games rule, and other stuff rules to. Just not as much :)

[RSchwind]

I feel like I'm at a Gamers Anonymous meeting.

My name is Regina but most everybody calls me Gina. I'm an American living and teaching in Japan with my boyfriend (also American). I'm 33 but don't plan on growing up emotionally or mentally so age is irrelevant. It is for that reason I don't have children or a husband. I'm too much of a mover having lived in 2 countries and 10 states.

While in Japan I love to go hiking and beaching with my big dog Molly. I also like to watch Kabuki and catch a good Sumo match when they are in town.

Besides teaching English I have been a Veterinary Tech, a US Soldier, a bartender, a restaurant manager and an exotic dancer ;)

As for gaming. My first game was Dungeon Keeper which is still my favorite. I love all the CBs of course and have just recently finished the Forgotten Relms series and now love RPGs as well.

[mouse]

Shellybell I live in Saint Louis too :D In 8 years your only the second person I've met that admitted to living in Saint Louis ;)

[Shortygroiwng]

hrmm lets see


Im 18 fresh out of high school, prolly going to either go to a local community college (because it dosent cost 25,000 for my GE) or will persue a carreer in teh military (because they put you through college and with my analitical skills i'll almost assuradly be at least behind our lines or more likely somewhere in the pentagon or some random fort through out the USA) quite funny really right out side my high school are recuiters for the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force...their like hawkers to the kids who walk by for lunch.

anyway got my first comp (guess i should say played on my first comp; it was my dads) at 8 and well of the 10 sense prolly 8 of them have been on the computer :P. First got started with AoE than moved onto whole bunchies of other games finally settling apon FPS's like BF 1942 (of which im in a tourny currently) COD (of which im in a clan currently) and MoHAA:S+B but my heart has always been for RTS and CB which is why ive already said im going to be gone for a few weeks this month and a few months past november :D

Music: well now im just a closed minded guy but pretty much if it has any soft or relaxation to it i dont listen to it, if it has any musical instument besides base, guitar, drums, vocals, and maybe a electroic keyboard than i dont listen to it (favorites: Slipknot, Mudvayne, Korn, Slayer, Metallica, Nine inch Nails, the list goes on)

umm ill prolly just stick around the US or well maybe not depending on if i go into the military, but ill most likly always be a US citizen and a US resident (course who knows one day thier may be no America in which case ill find the richest most capitalistic pig country i can and thrive off the innocent people who pay taxes hahahahaha) If i was to go anyware it would prolly be to places more relavent to modern history like Verdun or Stalingrad(petrograd,or whatever it happens to be called i think stalingrad was its 3rd name? cant remember exactly) or berlin, or Wake, or a few other places but some of them dont like gringos very much so i will just settle for pictures :D Course i would also like to run teh origional Marathon, and see the pass of Thermopolea[sp?] or the plains of crecy and the hills around hastings but of course those things cost money and while being a soldier pays okay i'll prolly not make enough until i retire...at which point ill want a family (hopefully) and they prolly wouldent like runnign aorund to a buch of old battle sites hehe


Shorty

[Azeem]

Hmm... What can I say? I come off as strange to many people I come across. On the one hand, I'm a bit an idealist. On the other hand, I am dark and distant. At times, I will speak much. Other times, I say nothing and simply lurk.

As far as gaming goes, I'm quite contradictory. I may embrace innovation at times. But I am also more of a 'stick in the mud' who would rather see the continuation of traditional gaming conventions. I play all sorts of games, but I usually enjoy games that allow me to sit back and think.

[Chambermaid]

Hello Everyone!

Well, I am 31 and have two kids ages 11 and 9. I have been married almost 12 years (19 Sept). Dh is in the Army and we are currently stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga...Can you say HOT?? I grew up with my father being in the military so I have enjoyed all the moving around. My favorite place so far is definatly, hands down, Germany! I love Germany and would love to retire there...eventually.

As far as what I do...Humm.. I was a paramedic for a few years then decided to stay at home and raise the kids. Now I am in college and working towards my RN.

Computer games... Well, I really prefer to stick with the city building games. However, I do enjoy diabloII. Of course, like everyone else here I look forward to COtN being released!! ;)

[Master Builder]

I'm the young one here...for once.
I'm 19 about to get out of HS (I was lazy too long and failed)
I began my computer game playing at 5 and it was Ultima 5. I have a dislike of Doctors and EA. I will hopefully be working as a electrician. I love CBs from cesar3 up to somewhere around zeus (emporer was too easy "demo wise") I have experiance in many games and have a Idea or two for my own but am trying to get them beliveable.
I also Think EA should be sued for crappy games and that TM should be #1 on the charts of best companies.

[claudio]

Ok, I have to ask this: how did you get banned from the AD1503 forums?
good question
i criticized sunflowers for the not awailable mp

by the way close and bann is a allday business in the 1503 forum

[Son of Moose]

Master Builder:

I have a dislike of Doctors and EA

You will hate me then ... :eek:

Never mind, I despise most of my colleagues as well ... :D

[Kokopelli]

good question
i criticized sunflowers for the not awailable mp

by the way close and bann is a allday business in the 1503 forum

Sounds like they're real forum nazis, especially since the game was not as good as the predecessor. I think I have been banned from one forum, and that was the 3dr forums for bashing Duke Nukem Forever. :D

[claudio]

ou yea they are


lol

[claudio]

woldent it be better to have some different places for the personals and the discussions or questions (the greatest thing would be a real personal place where everyone can upload a photo and such stuff)

[Son of Moose]

It might be great to actually be able to see some of our forum members. I must admit that I often try to "place a face" on some of our better known members ... ;)

[Kokopelli]

I imagine you could place your photo under the Attachments section in the User CP or have the homepage link to your photo. If the mods do not mind, start a thread in the off-topic section to post member photos and have the thread originator edit the OP as new photos are added.

[claudio]

ou yea i forgot

pictures of me: see www.aapo.ma.cx

[Erthadon]

I'm just about to start first year Engineering. I was born in Birmingham, England, moved to Canada when I was 9/2 . Gaming wise... my tastes are eccletic. I like Unreal Tournament 2003, FIFA 2004, Ghost Recon, Worms (2 through 3D), Stronghold, CBs (Started on C III, through to E:ROTMK).

Musically, I listen to Christian music (as I am a Christian), but that includes a wide range - Delirious, Newsboys, Tree 63, Starfield, Building 429, Sanctus Real, DC Talk, 38th Parallel, Thousand Foot Krutch, Pillar, Kutless, 12 Stones, Switchfoot, Skillet, Pax 217, Demon Hunter, Zao.

[Merit]

I'm 33 years old, female, have one 10-year-old son, and live in Oregon. I was born in Detroit and raised in the midwest. I have been a gamer for as long as I can remember, but I am also a bookworm, mythophile, onomast, collector, puzzle freak, music fan, Hungarian-American, armchair philosopher and psychologist, and die-hard cynic.

I do data entry to pay the bills, and I'm headed back to college to finish up a degree in linguistics with a minor in computer science. I am completely obsessed with words, and I'm professionally interested in computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, and some of the more esoteric things happening in video game development.

-Esoterics: INTJ, Capricorn, year of the Dog, Bartle: EAS - Explorer 93%, Achiever 53%, Socializer 40%, Killer 13%
-Likes: libraries, old buildings, exotic spices, quality over quantity, SCA, gadgets, animals, the internet, nonfiction, ephemera & obscura, trivia, card games, symmetry, windchimes, dictionaries, etymology, onomastics, the Seattle Mariners (even in a losing season,) rain & storms, color and number theory, antique stores, Google, satire & political humor, dark green/deep blue/russet orange/burgundy/black/white
-Dislikes: telephones, fried foods, pastel colors, closed minds, modern country music, boy bands, designer clothes, waiting in lines, predictable plots, reality television, smalltalk, hot weather, a veritable laundry-list of pet peeves
-Positives: diplomacy, determination, objectivity, kindness, conscience, empathy, persuasiveness, cool head under pressure, warm heart, detail-oriented, random goofiness my loved ones label endearing
-Faults: sarcasm, cynicism, procrastination, brooding, tendancy to be right, perfectionism, impatience, written verbosity, occasional obscurity, tendancy to obsess, chocolate addiction
-Authors: Roger Zelazny, Terry Pratchett, Steven Brust, Jasper Fford, M. Z. Bradley, Ursula K. LeGuinn, Tad Williams, Neil Gaiman, many "classic" & ancient authors
-Games: city-builders, RTS, TBS (esp. Civ series,) RPGs (Morrowind, Black Isle games,) Diablo/Diablo II, FPS (Half-Life and UT2k4,) MMORPGs, stealth action, survival horror, life-simulation, not much anymore: CCGs, tabletop RPGs
-Anticipating: CotN (of course,) Wish, Half-Life 2, Resident Evil 4, The Legend of Zelda GCN, The Sims 2, rumored next Elder Scrolls RPG, in-development next Splinter Cell game

[mouse]

Son of Moose Stronghold Heaven has pictures of alot of the names you will see on this forum and I believe CB Heaven also has pictures :D

[Son of Moose]

Thanks Mouse --- I might well pay them a visit!! :D

[GillB]

http://emperor.heavengames.com/gallery/City-Builders?page=1
http://stronghold.heavengames.com/gallery/strongholders?page=1
http://stronghold.heavengames.com/gallery/shpa

Just to save you searching as they're not the easiest things to find ;)

[Bizkit]

Wow! A lot of familliar nicknames.. Miut, Jayhawk, mouse, StarKey, Caesar Alan and yourself :D
Having such a photo catalogue on this forum would be a nice change. Although I wonder how many of you guys are actually interested in seeing my face.
*pulls a paper bag on his head*

[Kokopelli]

Well, if y'all wish to see my mug, here's the link: Kokopelli (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Kokopilau/Forum/kokolarge.jpg), aka Josh

It may or may not be working. Photobucket has a tendency to act up at times.

[shellybell29]

lol oh wow never knew someone on the forum who lived in the same state :D

I work at Dierbergs :D

Go Cardinals!

:D

Shell

[NSymon]

I grew up with my father being in the military so I have enjoyed all the moving around. My favorite place so far is definatly, hands down, Germany! I love Germany and would love to retire there...eventually.

Hi Chambermaid

I second that about Germany. My dad was in the British Army and stationed in Germany where I was born. Lots of good memories and its a great place.

[mouse]

Shellybell do you actually live in the city or one of the burbs :D

[Cassiopeia]

Hi Chambermaid

I second that about Germany. My dad was in the British Army and stationed in Germany where I was born. Lots of good memories and its a great place.

I'm an army brat, too. We did three years at Mainz. I was 6 when we went and my youngest sister was born there. My mother's grandparents were German (or Polish, depending on who in the family you listen to) and I've always wanted to go back.

[shellybell29]

*Grins*

Dont live in the city. I live in Afton. Near Crestwood Mall. On General Sherman. ;)

[Master Builder]

Master Builder:



You will hate me then ... :eek:

Never mind, I despise most of my colleagues as well ... :D
Won't Hate you i've just had some very bad doctors in my 19 years.
Had the flu gave me Robatusim and Diamatap 1 every 3 hours the other every 4. (Not perfect spelling I know) Lets just say I'm the type who now only go into a clinic when It feels like i'm gonna die.

FYI I only Dislike, I see hate as only hurting the hater. Thus I do not Hate... theres just many levels of Dislike... highest is politics Doctor is somewhere in the middle. ( So long as you at least tell me whats wrong and how yer gonna fix it I'll leave it in your Hopefully skilled hands)

[mouse]

Shellybell I live in south city so I know exactly the area your talking about living :D

[Miut]

Argh! The photo of me and the Giant Ice Cream in Pottsdamme, Berlin!! (sp)

Well, I will admit to being a Scot, Glasgow born and bred, over 21 (celebrated my 21st several times) am a retired Teacher of kids from 5 to 12 but preferred working with 8 yr olds. Moved to England in 1980. Have worked with children with severe physical and mental disabilities too, and in a private Girls' Boarding school for the Armed Forces while their Dads were the first parachute troops in to fight in the Falklands war.
Then I had my son, who is now 19, and when he started school I worked as a peripatetic Market Researcher collecting data from the Licensed Trade. Survived an abusive marriage and very acrimonious divorce, and been alone with my son until last week.
Meanwhile been a member of UK Science Fiction fandom since 1977, joined a Norse re-enactment society in 1978, and was highly active in it for 18 years, serving as a Society Archer Officer for 2 years, and a Local Group Leader for .. um.. 12 years. I retained my Rank when I moved, though, and can start up a branch here should I want to. ;)
Only became less active as a bad back got worse for several years landing me in a wheelchair - but good news is, I do without it nearly all the time now.
Got into print in 1993, still there, still writing, now at book 8 in my series.
Moved to Boston in April but the work didn't work out so now we all, cat, dog, sion and me, live in North California with my boyfriend of .. um.. 5 plus years.

Interests:Anything I take a fancy to! Writing and teaching it, of course, but it includes Field archery, fletching arrows for same, Norse combat, (I only joined for the fighting and the adrenaline buzz! We use real steel weapons) reading voraciously when I get a chance, playing games for various reasons - research (easier to play Thief than get caught trying it for real!) and Unreal series, plus Unreal Tournaments, (as for Thief - I have no real desire to murder anyone!) and games like Pharaoh for quiet entertainment. :)
Love anything to do with Ancient Egypt, love travelling to ancient sites - done Italy and Crete so far, as well as all the ones in the UK cos we put on battles at them!
Silver Jewellery making, crochet, metal work (adapted a few swords in my time) art, driving, camping, cats of course, gardening... learning more about anything that takes my fancy. ;)
http://www.sff.net/people/Lisanne/Viking/ here's my now out of date Viking page.
http://www.sff.net/people/Lisanne here's my page as a pro writer. ;)

http://www.sff.net/people/Lisanne/Viking/images/miut.gif

[shellybell29]

wow talk about luck. Maybe we might run into each sometimes. maybe we have and dont know it *laughs*

coolbeans.

shell

[mouse]

We might shellybell if you don't mind a game crazy little old lady :D

[imhotep3147]

Ok, I'll give it a go....

I'm a 23 year old female. I work as a bartender but am looking into starting my own business. I have a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology (w/focus in archaeology). I am not married (thank goodness!) but I do have a boyfriend. I have been a long time fan of CBs and will continue to be so even though I have very recently branched out into other genres (battlefield vietnam is waaayyyy too addictive :D ) I live in New Iberia, Louisiana, USA; a small town in southern La. My favorite authors are: Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, James Rollins, and Wilbur Smith. I build plastic military models in my spare time (1/35th scale for those interested) and I am also a part time artist specializing in nude, semi-abstract, acrylic paintings. Aye, I'm a right-weirdo I am.

Hmm.....interesting tidbits......I am left handed. I love a good steak (well food in general). I am an orange belt in Judo (1st in collegiate conf. in my weight div. woo hoo!). It's a well established fact that I make the best Pineapple Joe's (mixed drink) on the face of the planet. I listen to almost any type of music, but I prefer hard rock over all and I do not care for country.

That about sums me up......geeez that didn't take long. :eek: I must endeavor to be more diversified and longer to describe :rolleyes:

[Miut]

An anthropologist, eh? Fascinating subject. I like looking at emerging cultures like Ancient Egypt, thinking about the dynamics that allow them to move from hunter-gatherers to farmers then to supporting arts and crafts of all kinds. :)

[Recky]

Oh well, since my pic is unfortunately behind one of the links which Gill *ahem*kindly*ahem* posted, here we go...

I'm 25 years old, have been around the CityBuilding community for many a long year since late '98. Back then, I could spend plenty of time playing, since those were the wonderful halcyon days of university, but these days I work in an Investment Bank in the City of London (as well as having my hand on one of the tillers at HeavenGames). Currently resident in Westminster, but will be making a job-related move to Germany (Frankfurt) in the New Year. Single, and anticipate remaining so until I actually leave my computer screen to go out and talk to people :p.

[mouse]

Recky since you shortened your name only HG folks will know which one is you :D *You can bribe me to keep your secret but I bet Gill will tell*

[Jaguar]

Oh, bribe me too :)

Nice to hear that work is going well, Recky :)

[GillB]

*You can bribe me to keep your secret but I bet Gill will tell*
I'm always open to bribery ;) The galleries are open for anyone to see, and I just thought it would save people's time if I direct-linked them :cool:

[mouse]

Gill I thought it was really sweet of you to link to the pictures :D *didn't think you could be bribed though*

[Merepatra]

Well my picture is linked there too, in the Stronghold Heaven gallery, but since I was 2 when it was taken and pretty darn cute if I may say so I don't mind who sees it ;)

About me, I'm female and live in Melbourne Australia with my partner and our daughters. I'm way past 2 now, 45 in fact and I've been city building since my partner bought home Caesar3 in early 99. I watched him play a few times, thought it looked like it might be fun and started playing and I was hooked, even more so when Pharaoh came out and I went online and discovered the city building community.

I've been a regular on the Impressions forums and in Heavengames since then, and was on the staff at Heaven for the citybuilders and Stronghold until lack of free time made me decide to give it up.

[Traxia]

Mwa ha ha ha ha

I'm 21, female, programmer, insane in a good way (don't wear my pants on my head tend not to like weapons). I'm gloriously Politically Incorrect. Just because you are an ethnic minority doesn't mean you can't be as bad as the ethnic majority, I just won't focus on you for it. I have a tendancy to incite arguements. I try to be criticising to all regardless of creed colour or financial status. I can't spell to save my life.

I love Egypt and Terry Pratchett Books. I'm engaged and hoping to get married next September. I will probably whine a lot about the organisation of said marraige but I love it really.

I'd think of more but my attention span has reached its end...

[Janmeryet]

Hi everyone, I'm Janet. I'm Australian but love living overseas (Honduras, Japan and Turkey have been the long term stints and add another 30 countries or so to that from backpacking!), I'm 30 and married. I'm currently teaching English as a second language, but I've also been an accountant (I had too much personality), an ambassador for a sister-city, a soldier, a musician (sax), a model (when I was 10 :p ) and a dive-shop operator. I love new experiences and learning new stuff, I love life, and believe that people actually can get on with each other - so I hate the military aspects of games. I'm a committed bookworm, and it's nice to see so many other people out there with complementary tastes and I'm also a thrill-seeker. Pharaoh was my introduction to CB games, then Majesty and Anno, and now I'm working my way through the Great Empires Pack. Oh, and Emperor, which I learned by entering a competition! That's a steep learning curve, let me tell you :eek: !

[xanbabe]

Ok, here we go, although I think I'm gonna sound kind of like NeilV earlier... I'm, 33, female only 4 kids though (2 & 2) ranging 4 to 15 (same as NeilV :D ). I was born & raised in upstate NY and I'm addicted to city building games. I'm also an unarmed disgruntled postal worker :p (actually I really like my job, not a common statement from postal employees). This is my first ever beta test & I can't wait to start! Among my favs are Pharaoh, all the Sim City's, anything Sid Meiers, AOE, AOM, all the Sims games, and the Tropico games. Also enjoy reading (working on Nora Roberts JD Robb In Death series right now). Since I've always found Egyptian stuff facinating, once I heard about this game & the beta test I signed up immediately. I already told my family I'm not here for the next two weeks. I'm usually in bed right now since I work nights but I figured I could lose some sleep over this one! I think my coffee pot will be working overtime today.

[trypist]

I'm the new boy today. I am 71 years old (and feel like 91 sometimes); overweight, small by todays standards, too large a waist and I sleep a lot. I also play games on occasions - particularly Trainz (sorry about that). I intend to buy Children of the Nile when that comes out.
I am retired from all forms of mental or physical exertion, although I have joined the Big Challenage on BBC tv here in the hope that I may lose a few pounds and, perhaps, sleep a bit better.
I don't have a degree and I didn't go to grammar, or any other form of higher education school, and yet I was a shorthand-typist (yes, I am male, not female!), a Chartered Secretary (until I resigned in the last few years), and a Solicitor. I will not give anyone advice because you can bet that if you do you will get sued, and I am not insured. Sorry, please do not ask me.
I was told I am abused at home, but I am not - repeat not. I don't think so! My son likes to think that he is, but he isn't, and my wife also likes to take control, but I can have anything I want - is that abuse?
I have dogs, cats, etc, etc, etc, and I live in a small village in the U.K. called Hitcham, near Ipswich, Suffolk. A forgotten county.
I sleep a good deal - far too much - and I attend to the computer, especially to play games but far too often because it goes wrong and I have to find a stick and hit it on the head.
I have got a copy of Caesar III but I have hardly ever played it - I don't know why. I just don't. Children of the Nile looks as though it will be rather better, and perhaps I will play that.
I love typing. It is crazy, isn't it? What a silly thing to love, but it is about the only thing I can do now. I have a new keyboard which I love, and which nobody understands but me.
I am married, wife, two sons, one daughter, four grandchildren. When the grandchildren come over they immediately take over my computer and play their games, which drives me downstairs, but the television is usually taken over as well.
Philip Tarbuck 11 Sep 04

[Son of Moose]

Dear Philip:

Welcome to the forum!! :D

I really hope that you will be able to practice your passion for typing here. :) Please feel welcome to make any suggestions regarding what you would like to see in CotN or any other future Tilted Mill (TM) games.

With kindest regards

Jeremy (aka: Son of Moose)

[trypist]

Thank you, Jeremy. I understand that they will not be coming over this week-end, so that I will be able to get all tomorrow, more or less, on the computer.
Cheers. Philip 11 Sep 04

[NeilV]

Welcome Phillip

It’s nice to get some more people from the UK on the forum there is not that many off us? Its also nice to have new members as the beta testing is going on at the moment a lot of or regular posters are going to be busy leaving a few off us here to keep the forum going of the next 2 weeks till they pop back.

Neil

[trypist]

NeilV: If I remember rightly Dublin is not part of the U.K., is it? Isn't it part of the Republic of Ireland? Hasn't that been the situation for quite a few years? I understand that property is very dear there, as it is in London.
However, if you wish to owe allegience to the U.K. then you are welcome. Many people who live in the U.K. don't owe any allegience to anyone - including me. It is sheer luck where I was born and from what I hear I would have been better off being born in the U.S. of A. Wages are higher and the cost of living is very much lower.
I suppose all that sounds like a gripe - it isn't! I am much better off than I might have been.
Are you? Were you born in Ireland? I understand that it is a beautiful country with very pleasant people. I have met a couple of people or more who would like to settle down there.
I wish you all the best.
Philip Tarbuck 12 Sep 04

[NeilV]

Hi trypist

I am from the UK born and bread Londoner if you go to page one of this thread you will see my Bio. and it's just as expensive some times more so than the UK.:(

N

[Deaghaidh]

I'm Matt, a 23-year old loser who lives with his mom and has no job and no real life beyond his family and his cat, Brendan (a.k.a 'Buddy'). I'm moving from Cleveland to Seattle in a couple of days where I hope to have more going on for myself :D

Oh, and I also have an amish-style beard

[trypist]

Please, last subscriber, don't ask me to spell your nickname. I think that everywhere is much the same - Seattle may be a bit different from Cleveland, but not fundamentally. I live a very solitary life, like you, but I believe that mine is from choice. I have a wife, two sons and a daughter and four grandchildren, so it is not completely solitary, but I really must get out more and meet a few more people.
Apart from the accent, don't expect the Americans to be fundamentally different from anyone else - they are not. There are the usual mixtures of people - some clever, some not - some fat, some not - etc. etc.
It is my belief that you need to become qualified in something which, preferably, is in demand. I don't know what that would be right now, because I am retired. There are always courses in upteen things.
Philip Tarbuck 13 Sep 04

[Son of Moose]

It is my belief that you need to become qualified in something which, preferably, is in demand

Extremely wise advice for any of our younger (or not quite so young) forum members who are about to enter the workplace. :) It can really be a rather cruel world out there ... and planning is extremely important!! :)

[Robber Baron]

Robber Baron here!

45 & single. I love strategy games and have been a gamer for close to 25 years. Started out with the old TRS-80 Color Computer. Anyone remember the CoCo?

I am currently a Mod on The Tavern Sideroom (http://www.macangus.com/phpBB2/index.php) a board dedicated mostly to Patrician II & III. I write fan fiction for the board as well as moderate.

[tobing]

It is my belief that you need to become qualified in something which, preferably, is in demand
Well, I disagree on this. I believe that everybody should do what he really loves to do, and do this as good as he can. There will be a place for it, and you'll find your joy and work if you do something with your whole heart and dedication. So if your heart votes for making music then do that, even if you know that you won't get rich for the rest of your life. The joy that comes from your love for what you do outweighs all other odds.

Well, I'm not sure if I have put this thoughts into good words, but I hope you get the idea.

[Son of Moose]

Tobing:

Yes --- being somewhat of an idealist and a romantic, I also certainly have a great deal of sympathy for your viewpoint (which btw is extremely well stated). :) There can surely be nothing worse than toiling away at a job that one loathes. :( This is a "sure-fire" way to have a heart attack at 40!!!

Nevertheless, from my personal perspective, it has taken me nearly 7 years to land my current internet research job (which is still nowhere near secure). There are still fairly extensive periods when there is no work to do --- why do you think that I have spent the last few days in rabble-rousing and plaguing poor Ken Parker? :p As I am being paid on an hourly basis for actual work done, I am still receiving a fairly low income.

I am actually probably quite lucky insofar as I am single with no dependents. A fairly lonely existence but I am only responsible for my own upkeep. Indeed, in many respects I am a "kept man" as I still live with "The Moose". Otherwise, if I had other commitments and responsibilities (like a wife and kids), I would presently be suffering from an even higher level of anxiety and depression. :(

Therefore from a personal experience, I am indeed "living my dream" insofar as I am doing work that does (generally) interest and stimulate me rather than working in a community hospital having to see 70 patients a day and wondering how many diagnoses I have missed and thereby how many people I have harmed. Nevertheless, from a financial perspective (which is after all hte "bottom line"), the last decade of my life has been an unmitigated disaster. My savings are extremely low and I have been living somewhat of a "hand to mouth" existence.

Therefore which scenario would you wish for ...? An interesting choice.

[Jenisis]

Ok my turn, apologies in advance, i tend to get long winded when writing, more of a Charles Dickens than a haiku poet...

My name is Jeni, so my username is a mulit layered play on words, jeni, Isis, and genesis or beginnings...

I am currently an overnight pastry cook, and dh is a cuisine chef, we both graduated from le Cordon Bleu London. I have moved a number of times, born in SLC Utah, lived in New Jersey, Oregon, London England, Las Vegas, and we now find ourselves in N. Virginia, near Washington D.C.

I have 3 beeeeutiful kids, ds13 who is a self taught aspiring computer game programmer, who is working on his 3rd game (Hey, Ken, you may want to keep an eye on this kid, Peter Molyneux is...) sorry couldn't help bragging. :rolleyes: A ds7 who loves CB games as much as me, and a dd5 whose main function in life is being adorable.

I love to make things with my hands, i knit crochet, sew, embroider have done pottery and fine jewelry design, and pretty much any other craft you can think of. Maybe its the creation aspect of city building that I enjoy.

I discovered CB games when ds13 then 10 begged me to buy C3 for him as it was in the discount bin, I ended up hijacking it and have been hooked ever since, although Zeus was my least favorite. Other games I enjoy are all the Civ games, AoM and the various flavors of the Age of _____ games, and Black and White. i also enjoy AIM chat with a terrific group of people who all inspire each other to keep our houses tidy (ok I know that sounds really strange, and my family calls it my "cult" but I enjoy it all the same)

My preferred vocation would be SAHM which i was for 7 years. I am working now only for the short term to achieve some specific financial goals, ie pay off the debt and buy a house.

i also LOVE to read, primarily Sci-fi and fantasy and i am currently working my way through every book ever written by Margret Weis and Tracey Hickman, as well as David Weber and his Honor Harrington series. Also eagerly awaiting the next book in the Wheel of time series by Robert Jordan.

I don't have anywhere that there are pictures of me, so I will just describe myself, I am tall and svelte, with an mysterious and exotic face that still seems fresh and wholesome... Oh yes, and I am given to flights of fantasy and exxageration :p

[Aakheperkare-senb]

Lets see...

I'm an engaged 24 year old Egyptology and Egyptian Archaeology student at the University of Toronto. This past summer I worked on an excavation in the delta region in Egypt, unearthing burials and an abundance of predynastic lithics and pottery. I'm slowly working my way towards a PhD in Egyptology and hope to be one of the few employed professionals in this field of study when I graduate. I'm currently writing papers on conflict and resolution at Deir el-Medina, the origins and evolution of Karnak Temple, and obeservations on the evolution of the Egyptian Royal Pyramid Complex...so I'm pretty busy, but...I would find time to beta test (wink). I'm living with my beautiful wife to be and her two kids; one girl and one boy aged 9 and 8 respectively.

I've been playing computer games for about 15 years now. I originally got into flight simulation (still love to fly...virtually and in real life) but I've rounded out my gaming experience to include RPGs and RTS as well. I'm always willing to let myself be distracted for an hour or two a day with these. I love to read and usually have three or four books on the go. Some of my favourites are First Man in Rome, Fabric of the Cosmos, and Pillars of the Earth. I wouldn't be able to list my favourite non-fiction as I love them all - my book shelves are utterly stacked with ancient Egyptian books.

Anyways, I'll stop boring you now. :)

[Yahya]

No one has posted here in a while, eh?

I'm Jeremy, live in Connecticut, but originally from Oregon. Spent 6 years in the U.S. Navy (how I ended in CT), and bounced around for a couple years before ending up at my current employer.

Picked up C3 a few years back and was hooked. One thing that has been pissing me off over the years is how simple all of the pros make these games seem, and how impossible it is for me to duplicate your efforts.

P.S.: particular thanks and appreciation go to Grumpus the Elder, for your immeasurable help to me over the years.

[trypist]

Oh problems. 'They' will be over today - two girls, one small boy still under 2 years, and one large boy who doesn't trouble me at present. I will have to try to reserve my own recliner seat in front of the television because my computer will be taken over as sure as sure can be. I now know why older people prefer an estate where there are no younger people.
Philip Tarbuck 16 Oct 04

[trypist]

I really must apologise to my daughter. Her children are not nearly so bad. After all I do not have a train set which they would have played with and undoubtedly have broken. When they have finished with my computer, I just delete the game they were playing and all is well. Life is not quite so bad after all.
Philip Tarbuck 16 Oct 04

[Son of Moose]

Trypist:

Glad to hear that all is well again ... :)

Yahya:

Yet another Jeremy ... :D