Journey's End... or not.

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here once more, and he is very sorry. Really, I was hoping not to draw anymore dragons or make fantasy-inspired posts, but it was unavoidable. But before we begin today's long-winded epic tale, I'd like to add that Max once again owes us drawings, and one of our blog dragons is still unnamed. But Norbertu's fine. Now, on we go...

     I finally finished Skyrim. I know, I'm about 3 years late to the party, but I have to share something that was such a big part of my life for the last few months. I've come to realize that life really isn't that different from an RPG, we just have less dragons around. However, in the end, everything can basically be broken down into quests and we really do level up with experience, it's just a lot more subtle. In the end, I think we should all live life as if someday someone will sit around a campfire and recite this epic tale to a bunch of excited listeners. Everyone can be a hero in their own way.

     I usually play RPGs like a movie, and when the time comes it must end, so I don't do every quest, and I make sure to try and act like the character would. In my Skyrim adventure, I played as an Imperial traveler who gets caught up in the whole dragonborn business and even had his own little character arch. I was pretty proud of it in the end. Ludin (his nordic name) arrived a helpless prisoner and slowly began amassing power to defeat the evil Alduin. Though at times he struggled with his own morality deciding on whether or not the end of his quest justified his means of attaining power, he eventually turned into a symbol of hope for all in Tamriel, and gave up his own Imperial heritage to defend the rights of the Nords. In the end, having become a hero of the people, he faced Alduin in the heavens and attained a righteous victory. Now here's a non-related gif.



     Wow, I think I got a bit lost in the whole role-playing thing. But I like to live these stories, after all. I'll certainly miss this game, but I think it's time to move on, and have fond memories of the days I spent in the cold regions of Skyrim during a Brazilian summer. Of course, some things I'll still take with me, like the incessant need to do mundane sidequests, not because of the potential loot or experience, but because it'll help someone. Oh, and the in-game apple pies, I learned to make them and they're delicious. But one more important thing is to remember that there is no problem you can't overcome after a bit of patience and some more experience. Or dragons.

     But that's enough about Skyrim. Life moves on (though it is hard to give up my own personal nicotine), and as you can see I tried to remake the suicide gif, but I'm still not satisfied with the results. It's not good enough to replace the old one, yet. Max will finish his heroic drawings soon, I hope. And we'll finish (or start, whichever you prefer) our movie(s) as well. Anyway, I'll leave you all with something epic to remember Skyrim by. I think that's all for now, and I hope you all have an awesome weekend!




Chainsaw cheers,

Optiluiz out.

PS: I finished at level 42, and married Aela...

PPS: Sorry for the really long post...

Gamers...

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here on this wonderful Friday evening. Did I ever mention how much I love fridays? I think I did. Well, the above comic describes my relationship with Skyrim so far, and I don't regret one moment of it. But relax, I don't have a problem, I can stop whenever I want to. I don't want to.

     So, the more observant readers may have noticed our little clickable egg to the right. We adopted a dragon, guys! Yeah, the Epic Club Blog finally has its own little dragon. Well, it's technically just an egg for now, but it feeds on clicks and page views, so the more of you visit the healthier our little buddy will be. Anything could crawl out of that little egg, so stay tuned. And who knows, I just might let you guys name him/her.



     In other news, my Tolkien obsession is moving back to RPGs and medieval fantasy in general, and I think I have a new one planned. If everything pans out, you'll be reading about our story here. Oh, and this weekend I'll be going with my totally-not-imaginary girlfriend to the Curitiba Zombie Walk! As usual, I'll be going as a survivor, not an actual zombie. It's not because I'm cool or anything, though I am, but because zombie makeup is for the more patient folk.

      I think this time I'll leave you readers with something different. In honor of my love of RPGs, I'll leave you with an entire movie about them! This is one of the best things on youtube, so I hope everyone enjoys it. That's all for now, I guess, and maybe next week we'll have pictures! With zombies! Or maybe just more me obsessing over Skyrim and slowly going mad in my own world of fantasy and adventure. 



Chainsaw cheers,

Optiluiz out.

PS: I really love the first Gamers movie a lot more, but this one is great too, and the quality's a lot better.

Ragnarok is upon is!

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here on this fine day for an apocalypse. Haven't you heard? Ragnarok is upon us! In case you don't know, Ragnarok is the nordic end of days, where the world will be engulfed in three consecutive winters and war shall bring humanity to ruin. Oh, and Odin will be viciously murdered on the battlefield by Fenrir the wolf. There was also something about Frost Giants setting the world on fire, but I didn't pay much attention. Apparently, today is the date, or so some british dudes say.

     As you can see, I'm extremely well-prepared for the event and shall save us all. My experience in Skyrim and movie-watching will be invaluable to lead the survivors to prosperity. Max will probably die, though. And since the world might end, why don't you enjoy this really old creepy doodle of mine?


     Funny enough, this was a character in a story of mine about the end of the world. But now, here's something special for you guys... How about an apocalyptic movie marathon? Here are a few excellent movies (In my humble opinion, of course), to see you through Ragnarok! (I left imdb links on the movie titles so you can find out more about them).

     28 Days Later: This is one of my personal favourites, one of the best horror movies ever made. Everything is so goddamn perfect in this movie, I can't even describe it. It's a realistic zombie apocalypse, and an emotional and thought-provoking experience. Go see this right now if you already haven't!

     Mad Max 2:  Also known as the Road Warrior in North America, this is one of the best action movies ever made, and the one that started the whole post-apocalyptic wasteland thing. Some people prefer the first, but I think the second one is a perfect blend of memorable characters, good story and great action sequences! Avoid the third one though...

     Diary of the Dead: Now a lot of people don't like this one, but I think it's one of the better zombie and found-footage movies out there, plus it's directed by mr. undead himself, George Romero! This is actually a very personal film, with some deep themes about distancing yourself from hurtful experiences. Give it a chance!

     The World's End: This is the most recent movie on the list, but I assure you it's one of the best. More of a comedy than anything else, it still earned it's place on this list. I was originally stuck between Shaun of the Dead and This is the End, but in the end this really is the better film.

     The Road: So, this is by far the saddest movie on this list, not just because of the whole apocalypse thing. Seriously, if you don't feel anything watching this go see a doctor immediatly. But, sadness aside, it's a great film, and one of the more realistic apocalyptic scenarios.

     There are MANY more great apocalyptic movies out there, but for now I think these are good. I hope you all survive so the Epic Club Blog can live on under the watchful guidance of your saviour, Optiluiz. I think that's all for now, and watch out for more updates by Max. I'll leave you with a fitting song, which sadly isn't the Final Countdown. Anyway, here it is:



Chainsaw cheers, 

Optiluiz out.

PS: I expect the views on the blog to grow, apocalypse or not!

PPS: Sorry for being late!

Unexpected Journeys...

Greetings!

Optiluiz here once more, and it's funny just how natural it feels to be posting regularly once more. It's like riding a virtual bike (though in my current mood I imagine it more as a horse), but with less sweat and insect-eating. Actually, considering how hot it is around here this time of year, the sweat and insects are the same. Anyhow, on to business...

I've been away for a while, so I might as well discuss what's been going on. After facing pretty much the worst year of my life, things began to slowly get better. I guess you can say I unwittingly embarked on a great big personal journey. Since my last post; the world apparently did not end in the supposed Mayan apocalypse, my favourite song became Ziggy Stardust, obscure horror movie marathons became a thing again, I got into college (Film school for the win! Or not...), I began dating a real-life human being and became fascinated with all things Tolkien once more.

Yeah, a lot happened, and I'm not sure which is more surprising. But what matters now, is that I rediscovered myself, and that's why I think I'm ready for the blog once more. The stars are in position and everything feels right, I guess. I actually beat my own record with over 1000 movies on my IMDB list, and have become a pretty decent horror movie buff if I may say so myself. But right now that comes second to my middle earth addiction. For example, take a look at these Smaug doodles I made, based on the original illustrations...




As you can see, I've been reading the Hobbit and playing a lot of Skyrim. Old doodling habits die hard I guess, like Bruce Willis's career. Oh, I'll be returning to ye olde land of ice and maple syrup soon as well. Exciting news, eh? I think that's al- Oh yeah, I think we should have a more interactive environment around the blog, so I'll be accepting suggestions for movie reviews and just about anything else!

I guess that's all for now, and I hope you guys have an awesome day/week/month. I'll be here spending some time with my totally real and not made up girlfriend, and some old friends that we all know and love. Until we meet again on our journeys, far over misty websites cold, through blogs deep and posts of old...

Chainsaw cheers,

- Optiluiz out.




PS: Still waiting on Max's drawings...