terr's recent activity
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
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Comment on Dispatch | Official launch trailer in ~games
terr LinkI'm very excited for this game, it looks gorgeous and I hope the gameplay & story are the same. I'm not thrilled about the weekly release schedule though, so I probably won't buy it until it's all...I'm very excited for this game, it looks gorgeous and I hope the gameplay & story are the same. I'm not thrilled about the weekly release schedule though, so I probably won't buy it until it's all out (assuming reviews are good).
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Comment on Flobots - Handlebars (2008) in ~music
terr LinkThis was one of my friend group's favorite songs on Rock Band back when we used to play it all night whenever we had a party. Brings back some good memories, I miss banging away on the faux drums!This was one of my friend group's favorite songs on Rock Band back when we used to play it all night whenever we had a party. Brings back some good memories, I miss banging away on the faux drums!
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Comment on I've changed my username (again)! 0d_billie => h3x in ~talk
terr Link ParentSpeaking of hexagons and -ist endings, have you ever tried the game Super Hexagon? The difficulties are Hard, Harder, and Hardest, but there are 3 secret difficulties too: Hardester, Hardestest,...Speaking of hexagons and -ist endings, have you ever tried the game Super Hexagon? The difficulties are Hard, Harder, and Hardest, but there are 3 secret difficulties too: Hardester, Hardestest, and of course how could one forget about Hardestestest
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Comment on What ridiculous thing would you spend billions on? in ~talk
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Comment on I've changed my username (again)! 0d_billie => h3x in ~talk
terr LinkNice one! I'd probably use the same name I've been using for gaming for the past 25 years: Zeitghast. I've only seen a few instances of it used by someone else (and one of those might even have...Nice one! I'd probably use the same name I've been using for gaming for the past 25 years: Zeitghast. I've only seen a few instances of it used by someone else (and one of those might even have been me but I forgot the login info) and having used it for so long, it just feels like home now.
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Comment on What ridiculous thing would you spend billions on? in ~talk
terr Link ParentYou said luxury air ship, but what I'm hearing is "floating city that never touches ground". Edit: Which, for the record, is not what I'd spend my money on as I'm dreadfully afraid of heights. I'd...You said luxury air ship, but what I'm hearing is "floating city that never touches ground".
Edit: Which, for the record, is not what I'd spend my money on as I'm dreadfully afraid of heights. I'd spend my billions on actually making one of those accessories that lets my dog talk, like Dug.
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Comment on UPS is ‘disposing of' US-bound packages over customs paperwork problems in ~finance
terr Link ParentUnder normal circumstances the policy does make some sense. A shipment failing to clear through customs is generally because the shipper hasn't filled out the paperwork correctly and is therefore...Under normal circumstances the policy does make some sense. A shipment failing to clear through customs is generally because the shipper hasn't filled out the paperwork correctly and is therefore at fault. In that scenario I think it's understandable to have them pay the transportation costs to have it returned to them as UPS wouldn't be at fault.
In the current situation, UPS is very much at fault for mishandling and failing to communicate what they need to actually have the shipment considered ready to clear customs. However, their policy on how to proceed when a shipment fails to clear customs doesn't take a breakdown of their own system into consideration, and is definitely lacking.
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Comment on UPS is ‘disposing of' US-bound packages over customs paperwork problems in ~finance
terr Link ParentAs I mentioned above, I'm struggling with this. It's not every shipment, but it's more shipments than I have time to deal with constantly. It further doesn't help that the communication apparatus...As I mentioned above, I'm struggling with this.
It's not every shipment, but it's more shipments than I have time to deal with constantly. It further doesn't help that the communication apparatus at UPS has totally broken down. Phone-in customer support agents are useless (if you can convince the robot that answers the phone to connect you to one), and nobody seems to respond to emails in a timely manner, not even my company's account representative whose job is to be a liaison between us and UPS.
I really am considering switching over to FedEx for US-bound shipments, even though they can be frustratingly stringent with their documentation requirements, I've yet to see a US shipment with FedEx even slow down significantly, never mind fail to arrive altogether.
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Comment on UPS is ‘disposing of' US-bound packages over customs paperwork problems in ~finance
terr Link ParentThere are absolutely communication issues here, their system has thoroughly broken down. I had a shipment of some goods I was sending into the US for repair that was held in a warehouse for over 2...There are absolutely communication issues here, their system has thoroughly broken down.
I had a shipment of some goods I was sending into the US for repair that was held in a warehouse for over 2 weeks before being sent back to me with no notice. I had actually reached out to the customs team via email the day before the shipment was sent back, but they didn't respond to that email until over a week later. I ended up re-shipping the package as soon as it had returned to me, and it's been held in a warehouse ever since, with no follow up communication no matter who I reach out to. The real kick in the pants was when I received an automated email regarding the first shipment asking whether I wanted it returned to me or destroyed over 2 weeks after they had already returned it. It's infuriating, and I'm starting to consider taking my company's business elsewhere ourselves.
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Comment on What happens when the internet goes out at your work? in ~tech
terr LinkI don't think I've ever had the internet go out while at work. I have, however, had the power go out a number of times of the years. Most recently, it was because a goose flew into some power...I don't think I've ever had the internet go out while at work. I have, however, had the power go out a number of times of the years. Most recently, it was because a goose flew into some power cables across the road (sad story, it was the male of a pair that have been hatching their eggs on our patio upstairs for years).
Anyway, when the power goes out I can usually continue some of my work, preparing shipments and packing boxes, but once that's done I'll generally consider myself to have hit a wall. If we were absolutely desperate, I could start filling paper waybills in by hand, but frankly I don't think anyone else remembers that we have those and I'd really rather not develop a hand cramp just for the power to come back on 15 seconds after I finish writing one out so I just don't mention them to anybody.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
terr LinkI've been playing Stardew Valley on my Steam Deck lately, now that I finally took the time to learn how modding works on it (super easy, thankfully) and I'm really enjoying it. Finally seeing...I've been playing Stardew Valley on my Steam Deck lately, now that I finally took the time to learn how modding works on it (super easy, thankfully) and I'm really enjoying it. Finally seeing things from the most recent updates, and really getting into the Stardew Valley Expanded mod.
I've also started playing Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles on my PC. FFT is one of my favorite games that I've bought multiple times across at least 2 or 3 platforms and long ago I had started working on having a roster of characters that have mastered every single class, which I intend to finally finish. I think I might take the time to have 20 fully mastered characters, each one representing my most optimal version of a job. I'm so pleased to be back in the world of Ivalice.
It helps that I've found a trainer that will let me turn off character XP gain while still accumulating JP, so I won't have that weird problem of level 99 enemies in random battles vs. level 6 enemies in story battles. -
Comment on Sloan - Money City Maniacs (1998) in ~music
terr LinkI always used to mishear the lyrics of this song. For at least a decade, if not two, I would have sworn to you that the lyrics were "and the joke is when he awoke his/ body was covered in goat...I always used to mishear the lyrics of this song. For at least a decade, if not two, I would have sworn to you that the lyrics were "and the joke is when he awoke his/ body was covered in goat piss".
Frankly, I think it makes more sense my way than "coke fizz".
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Comment on The top 100 things I'd do if I ever became an evil overlord (1996) in ~books
terr LinkA friend of mine once ran our gaming group an adventure with the Scion roleplaying game wherein we were playing fledgeling deities, and our opponent was a regular human who was aware of the...A friend of mine once ran our gaming group an adventure with the Scion roleplaying game wherein we were playing fledgeling deities, and our opponent was a regular human who was aware of the existence of divine people like us, and had vowed to use the evil overlord list to the T in order to confound us.
Each session became almost like an episode of Inspector Gadget, where we'd miraculously bumble our way through each scenario, deus ex machina-ing our way through any obstacle put in front of us, only for the villain to have already gotten away, usually vowing to get us next time. It was a blast, honestly.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
terr Link ParentI failed out of an Honor Mode run this weekend in the most spectacularly stupid way possible. I was just about to reach the fight for the MacGuffin that lets you go into the fight for the end of...I failed out of an Honor Mode run this weekend in the most spectacularly stupid way possible. I was just about to reach the fight for the MacGuffin that lets you go into the fight for the end of act 2, told my party to make one of the jumps and for some reason, every single one of them failed the jump and threw themselves off the cliff into oblivion. Like, it wasn't even an honor mode failure, I just wasn't careful enough because the jump looked good.
It might be another couple of months before I have the strength of will to get back into it again, but I really want those golden dice too. Congrats on your successful run!
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Comment on Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor | Official version 1.0 launch trailer in ~games
terr Link ParentI've been playing occasionally on my steam deck and it's a perfect game for the console. Easy to play in relatively short bursts, pauses/suspends well if you need to put it down suddenly, controls...I've been playing occasionally on my steam deck and it's a perfect game for the console. Easy to play in relatively short bursts, pauses/suspends well if you need to put it down suddenly, controls are excellent, and most importantly: fun! Each run feels like you (have the chance to) make some progress, and there are a bunch of different challenges to take on. I strongly recommend anyone giving it a shot if swarm shooters interest you at all.
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Comment on Robert Munsch, Canadian children’s author, approved for medical assistance in dying in ~books
terr LinkI was reading Thomas' Snowsuit to my son the other day. He's only 14 months, so he's still just learning his first words, but I knew immediately that my wife has been reading this book with him a...I was reading Thomas' Snowsuit to my son the other day. He's only 14 months, so he's still just learning his first words, but I knew immediately that my wife has been reading this book with him a lot. Why? When we got to Thomas' first "Nooo!" my son said it in unison with me (holding it for a long time just like it's written in the book). I was totally surprised, but it was so adorable and heartwarming that he already knows the story a little bit.
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Comment on Has anyone else run up against higher costs due to the US tariffs? in ~society
terr Link ParentJust a note, the item you sent out for repair should only have been tariffed if it was a foreign-made product in the first place. US-made goods that are repaired abroad should generally be exempt...Just a note, the item you sent out for repair should only have been tariffed if it was a foreign-made product in the first place. US-made goods that are repaired abroad should generally be exempt from tariffs when returning as long as they weren't upgraded or advanced in value in some way. Foreign-made goods that are sent abroad for repair should only be tariffed on the value of the repair charge, not the whole cost of the item itself.
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Comment on How do you get a feel for new characters? in ~creative
terr LinkProbably not exactly what you're looking for, but I'm an actor at heart and I find the best way to discover a character is to live in their shoes a bit. Most of my "theatrical" work in recent...Probably not exactly what you're looking for, but I'm an actor at heart and I find the best way to discover a character is to live in their shoes a bit. Most of my "theatrical" work in recent years has been roleplaying in D&D and other tabletop games.
Usually I do very little to flesh out my character before I start playing them. At most, I come up with a cornerstone phrase that helps me tune into the character's mindset and dialect, and have a general idea of where they come from and what they want. Then I let them loose in the world and let them surprise me.
My most recent character was my most fleshed out though, I actually wrote up a short introduction with the proposed backstory for my character as we were about to run through the Dungeon of the Mad Mage and I wanted someone with a real direction if we were actually going to play through to level 20 (we didn't, surprise surprise). Even so, she still grew as we played and I developed a better understanding of her as a person. Now she lives rent-free in my head along with the rest of my past characters.
The backstory of Shieldrig Tombcarver, for gits and shiggles
My name is Shieldrig Tombcarver, and I suppose you’d like to know what brings me here. Well, I suppose it all starts back when I was a wee babe at me mother’s teat and that’s where I should start but fuck that shit. Who’s got the patience for a yarn that long? What brings me here, now, to Waterdeep is much simpler than some sad story soaked in tears: a debt. Not a debt that I owe, mind you! Well, not directly anyway… but one that I’m responsible for nonetheless.You see, the Tombcarver name is more than just a cognomen, it’s a profession! My family have been designers and builders of crypts, catacombs, and mausoleums for generations. Our handiwork is known within all the noble Dwarven houses (and several non-Dwarven houses to boot, I might add) not to mention infamous amongst circles of ill-repute for its ingenuity and lethality. Of course, when you build a trap or a lock it’s only as good as the first fool to defeat it, and that’s where I come in. I’m what’s known in my family as the Passkey. Once a crypt is designed, I study the schematics and ensure there are no easy ways to break in – or out – and that’s what’s kept the family coffers full and flowing until recently.
After mum died, Randall and I (That’s me stepfather, Randall Tombcarver. He’s a twig of a human but a lovely man all the same, and how could I abandon a fella who’d take me mum’s name upon marrying her? Not that I’d go against her wishes either, not while she could still find out!) have been making a go of it these last 50-odd years. Not as a couple, you nasty rotworm, as a team! As family. The problem there is that he’s the designer, I the Passkey, and mother was the Stonehand. With no more family to build the structures and keep the secrets safe, we were forced to hire on help. There were a number over the years, but none were ever so eager to learn our secrets as that damned Garrin Battletow (Ratfoot, I called him). He was as skilled with stone as any of the masters I’d seen in their early days, but he always seemed to linger about asking questions longer than you’d like or you’d find him in the oddest places he shouldn’t’ve been.
One day he comes to me and suggests that my knowledge would be put to far better use in "practical applications". Personally, I believe he’d just grown lazy and tired of working stone. Regardless, after decades of study and deskwork and Randall’s designs becoming somewhat repetitive and less inspired with age, I cannot deny that the offer sounded appealing. We practiced on a few ancient designs we pulled from the vault-archive, small places nobody was likely to visit any more. We found the odd treasure or trinket to keep as a souvenir but for the most part what we found was the thrill of success.
On our last job, Ratfoot showed me plans unlike any I had seen before. They were freshly drawn in Randall’s hand, but Ratfoot told me he had Randall draw them by interpreting a description in a tome of a vast ancient vault said to have been lost for centuries that contained legendary tools the likes of which could work stone in such a way that Randall's wildest designs would outlive even the memory of the lot of us.
Like a fool, I believed him and followed along. For two whole years we planned our expedition down to the last meticulous detail, and our it worked flawlessly until it all went mudwall when we arrived in the inner sanctum. For alas, what was supposed to be an ancient and forgotten sepulcher was in fact a Zhentarim vault!
Rat. Fucking. Liar.
I used my magic to escape, leaving Ratfoot behind to run or die (fuck 'im) and returned to Randall, but by the time I returned the worst had already happened. There was no old man to be found, just a letter bearing the mark of the Zhentarim addressed to myself pinned to the wall with a dagger.
It turns out Ratfoot's silver tongue saved him once again: He told them all about Randall's designs and how I would test them. The Zhent took Randall to cover payment for the breach of their security and are having him design for them until such time as I manage to retrieve <INSERT MACGUFFIN HERE> from the Undermountain for them.
Rest assured, nothing will stop me from getting either <THE MACGUFFIN> or my revenge on Ratfoot. That much I promise you.
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Comment on What is a business/org that's so terrible no one should use if possible? in ~life
terr Link ParentIf it makes you feel any better, the Royal Blizzard is just a blizzard with a hot fudge core in the centre, which usually melts half the ice cream and kind of ruins the experience. I think you're...If it makes you feel any better, the Royal Blizzard is just a blizzard with a hot fudge core in the centre, which usually melts half the ice cream and kind of ruins the experience. I think you're better off this way, in the end.
Picked up the deluxe version of Outer Worlds 2 and have been enjoying it. So far, it's a lot like playing the first one, and I'm planning on starting my 3rd character tonight because there's only 1 respec in the game and it's after the intro, before you're really familiar with the skills and perks system.
I think the highlight for me is that as soon as you pick up one of the deluxe edition or pre-order bonus items, you get offered the chance to give your character a flaw: Consumerism. Because you've shown that you love to pick up the next big thing and obviously don't really care that much about money, you're a consummate consumer and are given a 15% discount at all stores, but all items you sell go for 10% less. In general it works out to your advantage unless you're trying to accumulate a large sum of money for some reason.
I'm looking forward to playing through the game a few times with a few different builds, if I can ever fully settle on one. The tricky thing is that with a level cap of 30, you're only ever going to get 62 skill points to distribute and 15 perks. Makes planning out a build a bit tricky, with no mid-game respecs available. Still, I figure if I go in with a plan then I can enjoy at least one run as my standard stealthy sniper, and then start doing funny builds like a talker who lies to everyone.
Long story short, I fully recommend it if you enjoyed the first one, though it's probably still not as good as Fallout: New Vegas.