text:
|Marie Small RPG Superstar 2011 Top 16 , Star Voter Season 6 aka Shadow-Mask
Nyrazha, Soul Slayer
Portrait: Portrait 7
Description: Nyrazha appears to be a Varisian woman in her mid-twenties. Nyrazha is a dhampir, an unholy joining of human and vampire. She views herself as the perfect balance between two imperfect worlds.
Motivations/Goals: She recruits lesser vampires, other undead, and humans in an effort to remake humanity in her image. She promises immortality, foments political maneuvering, and utilizes force to maintain her followers' allegiance. Ultimately, Nyrazha desires more than immortality. As soon as her powerbase is secure, she enters the Starstone's cathedral.
Schemes/Plots/Adventure Hooks: Nyrazha resides in the foothills of the Tusk Mountains just inside Ustalav. She recruits from settlements along Lake Lias and the foothills. The PCs are hired by Prince Aduard Ordranti III to investigate the disruption of goods from Canterwall before Ustalav falls into civil unrest.
Nyrazha and some followers travel into Virlych to recruit more undead to her cause. A patrol from Lastwall failed to return; the PCs are hired to find them and eliminate whatever horror befell them.
Nyrazha is forming diplomatic ties in various nations. The PCs hear disquieting rumors of the negotiations between these nations and the woman aspiring to godhood.
Nyrazha, Soul Slayer CR 8
Female dhampir monk (hungry ghost monk, APG 110) 9
LE Medium humanoid (dhampir)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +4
===== Defense =====
AC 26, touch 20, flat-footed 22; (+4 armor, +1 deflection, +1 dodge, +4 Dex, +2 monk, +2 natural, +2 Wis)
hp 62 (9d8+18)
Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +8 (+2 vs. disease, enchantment, and mind-affecting effects)
Defensive Abilities improved evasion, negative energy affinity, resist level drain
Weakness light sensitivity
===== Offense =====
Spd 60 ft.
Melee unarmed +8/+3 (1d10+2 plus 1d6 sonic), unarmed flurry of blows +9/+9/+4/+4 (1d10+2 plus 1d6 sonic)
Special Attacks flurry of blows, steal ki, life funnel, punishing kick (9/day, DC 16, prone)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 9th)
3/day--detect undead
===== Tactics =====
Before Combat Nyrazha drinks a potion of mage armor and a potion of barkskin.
During Combat Nyrazha's minions attack anyone with a visible holy symbol. She uses flurry of blows, Punishing Kick, and Vital Strike in melee. She uses life funnel and steal ki as often as possible. She uses Mobility, Catch Off-Guard, and Throw Anything when necessary. She uses the robe of bones to reinforce her undead.
Morale Nyrazha retreats if her hit points fall below half the total and she has no potions of inflict light wounds. She also retreats if more than half her undead minions are turned or destroyed.
Base Statistics AC 19, touch 19, flat-footed 15; (+1 deflection, +4 Dex, +2 monk, +2 Wis)
===== Statistics =====
Str 14, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
Base Atk +6/+1; CMB +13; CMD 28
Feats Agile Maneuvers, Catch Off-Guard(B), Dodge, Extra Ki, Improved Unarmed Strike(B), Mobility(B), Punishing Kick(B), Throw Anything(B), Toughness, Vital Strike
Skills Acrobatics +16 (+25 Jump only), Bluff +2, Climb +14, Escape Artist +16, Perception +4, Stealth +16; Racial Modifiers +2 Bluff, +2 Perception
Languages Common
SQ fast movement, high jump, ki pool (8 points, magic), maneuver training, slow fall 40 ft, undead resistance
Combat Gear 5 potions of inflict light wounds, 3 potions of mage armor, potion of barkskin; Other Gear Amulet of Mighty Fists (thundering), ring of protection +1, robe of bones
===== Special Abilities =====
AC Bonus (Ex)
Evasion (Ex)
Fast Movement (Ex)
Flurry of Blows (Ex)
High Jump (Ex)
Improved Evasion (Ex)
Ki Pool (Su)
Life Funnel (Su)
Maneuver Training (Ex)
Resist Level Drain (Ex)
Slow Fall (Ex)
Steal Ki (Ex)
Still Mind (Ex)
|Dave Gross Contributor
Congratulations on reaching Round Three. My job is to comment on your character concept, not the rules. Also, I'll leave typos and low-level writing issues to the mercies of the other judges.
I'm hoping to see villains with a compelling motivation and clear goal. I'll try to point out both strengths and weaknesses before making a simple yes/no recommendation. Good luck in the voting!
Love the personal name, not super keen on the heavy-metal appellation. The description doesn't send me until the last sentence, which makes it worthwhile by opening up her point of view. Good start.
When we get to motivations/goals, I'm a little underwhelmed. It's good to give Nyrazha more than the "convert humanity into my image" motivation, but the Starstone is another grand endeavor. Two operatic goals can work, but they need some human foundation. It would be wonderful to see one or both of those linked to a pettier impulse like greed or vanity. As it stands, they aren't bad villain goals; they're just a little grand.
The hooks leave me cold, perhaps because there's no common human element in the background and motivation to which to link them.
|Neil Spicer Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut
Alright, Marie...welcome to the Top 16! I could be wrong, but I think you're the first female competitor to make it this far since Christine Schneider won the whole thing in 2008. But you should know the competition gets pretty fierce in ever-escalating intensity from here on out. And that's no different in how the judges review your stuff at this stage of the game. So I'm going to dive under the hood a little and mark through this thing like I'd do if I were an editor. My comments are mostly going to come instream as I review things, and please take them as constructive criticism. I've also spoilered them for length:
First, let's examine your choice of villain. Another dhampir? And another hungry ghost monk? It seems there's some parallel development at work in the minds of the competitors this year. But, in this case, I really like the appropriateness of a ki stealing hungry ghost monk that's already a dhampir with an affinity for negative energy and resistance to level draining. This feels like the appropriate species for a hungry ghost monk to make an appearance. I'm not completely sold on your chosen portrait for this villain. She certainly looks the part of a Varisian (and that's a nice tie-in with their frequent travels to and from Ustalav)...but it's just not what I'd imagine a dhampir to look like...and certainly a departure from what's depicted in the Bestiary 2. Even so, let's see what we've got...
Your descriptive text is fitting. And, you've given us a glimpse into her psyche as someone who's competely comfortable straddling the worlds of both humans and vampires. It's interesting that she views herself as a perfected form of both "species" so to speak. I kind of like that element to her mindset.
The motivation and goals for Nyrazha seem plausible at first. She's leading an alliance of vampires (though what's a "lesser" vampire...do you mean vampire spawn?), humans, and "other" undead (which I would have liked to see you specify some examples...ghouls? wights? etc.). And, she's promising immortality (though I'm not sure how as she isn't an actual vampire capable of spawning more of her kind). She stirs up political trouble and isn't afraid of using force to maintain her alliance and push toward her goals. And that's what I'm really searching for...i.e., what are her goals. Apparently, it's to become a goddess by taking the test of the Starstone?
Well, I'll admit that I'm not as put off by the inclusion of the Starstone in this villain as I was for the demented pixie. Your theory here is more plausible, because there are others who have undertaken a similar goal, albeit more on the good side of morality than this villain would be. But all in all, I'm still looking for some more tangible immediate goals she's set for herself on the way to her powerplay for godhood. And, unfortunately, the schemes and plot hooks don't really establish much more along those lines. So, conceptually, I liked where you were headed here. I just think you gave us too many generalities and not enough specificity for this villain to leave a memorable impression.
But, let's put that aside and examine the technical aspects of your stat-block and see how you did there. First up, I notice you're calling her the "Soul Slayer" and I didn't see anything that helps explain that appellation. Beyond that, you've done a really good job with the math on your villain. This stat-block is rock solid except for some stylistic elements in the presentation. For instance, you don't need the long list of special abilities. Those are self-contained in the stat-block and it's okay to leave the GM to reference them by looking up those abilities in the Pathfinder Core Rulebook, as needed. If anything, you could have listed the dhampir's special abilities instead, but I'm not sure you would have had room with your word count to do so. Within your gear, you need to get in the habit of lowercasing your magic items...so don't capitalize the amulet of might fists, etc.
As for your villain's tactics, you've got three sentences in there that start with, "She uses..." and I would have liked to see you break up the monotony a little bit with how you present the information. I like that she uses the robe of bones to reinforce her undead minions and that she has them go after anyone with a holy symbol to ensure she can't be harmed with positive energy channeling. Everything else is mostly a mish-mash of her feats and hungry ghost monk abilities.
So, for the purposes of this round, I'm going to assess each villain according to concept, evocative description/flavor, appropriateness of the applied archetype, interesting/villainous tactics, and mechanical execution of the stat-block. So, here's how I'd rank this one:
Villain Concept: Good
Flavor Text: Average
Appropriate Archetype: Excellent
Interesting Tactics: Average
Stat-Block Execution: Good to Average
FINAL RECOMMENDATION: This one's really close. I think it's a decent attempt, though I would have liked to see more villainy and a playing up of the hungry ghost connection to the dhampir's backstory. The technical execution is good number-wise, but not quite there in terms of the traditional use of the template. I think those elements can be learned, however. You've got a good core idea. Some pretty good thematic elements. Decent stat-blocking. I get the sense that you're trying very hard. And I'm inclined to see you continue to learn and grow in the competition.
As such, I do RECOMMEND this villain design to advance to the next round. And I hope the voters give you a chance to keep going. Best of luck.
|Ryan Dancey
Summary: .5 Points
Recommendation: Not recommended for advancement
Marie my approach to this round was as a brand manager. I'll leave the detailed mechanical analysis to the others. If I were in charge of the product this villain would appear in, I'd be thinking the following:
Did you follow the instructions?
You picked a saucy wench image and gave us a vampire half-blood demigod wannabe.
There were much better images for this concept in the provided matrix. The discontinuity between the art & the submission doesn't work for me.
Lets say we commission an adventure based on this villain. I give this art to the person who's going to illustrate it or do the cover and say "yeah, like this but more vampirey and evil, ok?" And this is why art directors hat of brand managers have no limit.
0 Points.
Is this villain memorable and will it add value to my IP?
A dhampir who wants to raise a Force of Evil and become a god? Sure, that's a reasonable concept. It's also trite, overworked, and boring.
What makes this character different from a thousand other disposable meglomaniacs the PCs have faced?
0 Points.
Does the villain's concept make sense within the IP?
When you go for the concept of the head of a secret organization that is pursuing some long range goal, you're creating not just one character but a lot of other IP. You're trying to create something that could last a long time in the background and potentially become a world-shaping force.
How does her activity of forming a Force For Evil tie into her desire to become a God? Is she pre-building a church for herself (that's an interesting idea).
This format is too constrained to let you do all that but I sense it moving beneath the surface. I'm going to give you some credit here but your reach really did exceed your grasp.
.5 Points
What's the twist? (All great villains have a surprise within them)
I don't see any twist. Maybe the fact that she wants to be a god is a personal secret but it isn't influencing any part of her design, nor would it impact her appearance in a product.
0 Points.
|Sean K Reynolds Contributor
Two dhampirs this round, interesting!
The robe of bones creates undead that aren't under the wearer's control, and I'm not sure you've accounted for that (maybe some of her undead/cleric minions are expected to command them? or maybe they won't attack her because she's a dhampir?).
I like the idea of a dhampir leading a group of undead and undead-friendly creatures; the PCs go in expecting a big undead boss, loaded up with undead-blasting scrolls and spells, and end up facing a living humanoid that's immune to most of their prepared attacks.
You gave her Catch Off-Guard as one of her bonus feats, but her attacks don't list any improvised weapons; if you expect that sort of combo, it's best to include a sample improvised melee weapon in the stat block. As a monk's unarmed attacks are going to be better than any improv weapon she could find, it's probably best to give her a different feat. Likewise for Throw Anything.
As you didn't need to repeat descriptions of class abilities or archetype abilities, you could have deleted the blank entries for those things at the end of your stat block, freeing up another 40 words for introductory material.
|Mark Moreland Franchise Manager
Hey Marie! Congrats on making it into the top 16. I'm approaching all of this round's entries with a developer's eye, as the man who will ultimately be developing the winner's Module and the top 4 contestants' Pathfinder Society Scenarios. So let's assume you're one of those four designers and this is a villain you base your adventure around. What's my reaction when this comes in as your idea for a villain for your big adventure?
First, I'm having trouble buying this as a dhampir, who are typically gaunt and pale. There's not much of that going on with this lively looking Varisian or perhaps Vudrani woman. So if this were the existing cover image for your adventure, I'd probably send the proposal back to you for revision immediately for failing to make the character match the art.
Second, her motivations are both sort of cliched and neither is fleshed out as well as I think they would require to be enough to support the villain. I'm not quite sure how recruiting vampires and other undead to her side along with normal humans reforms humanity in her image. There aren't more dhampir afterwards, and she's still the sole perfect example of two imperfect worlds. What is she doing to make either of those imperfect worlds more like her?
As for the aspiration to take the Test of the Starstone, that's sort of thrown on as an afterthought, I feel, almost as if she would decide eventually that that's the best course of action, cause, you know, why not? Becoming a god is something I'm sure all villains would want to do, but in nearly 5,000 years only 4 people have succeeded at the task, so any smart villain will most likely recognize that their being the fifth ascended god isn't very likely.
In your hooks and plots, you mention a lot of Pathfinder canon, but none of it really feels organic to the character. I get the sense you really want this NPC to fit the world, but I find that less is often more when it comes to integrating new NPCs into the existing setting.
Now, to the statblocks. I'm not seeing any huge problems with presentation other than the block of blank abilities at the end. Unless you're presenting a new ability in a statblock or referencing an ability the GM is not assumed to have, you just need to cite that source in the second line for any racial or archetype based abilities. Those extra words could have gone a long way to fleshing out her goals, strategies, and motivations.
My assessment of this villain is that I would need to spend more than average amount of time developing her in order to make her work in a published product.
Final verdict: I DO NOT recommend this villain for advancement to the next round. Good luck in the public vote.
|Stephen Radney-MacFarland Senior Designer
Howdy. I'm Stephen, and I will be one of your guest judges for this round of RPG Superstar. I'm looking at the stat block purely based on what I consider fun or interesting to run. I have a little experience with that. That means the villain should be evocative, clear, effective, and big extra credit points go for interesting. There're a lot of good villains out there, yours needs to stand out is some way.
Now that's a cute dhampir. And I like my dhampir's cute. I like the fact that Nyrazha is not all emo about her undead heritage, that's a refreshing change. Here the quest of the Starstone makes sense to me. I like my Starstone seekers confident and smart.
The funny thing I don't think monk is a good fit here. While she is on a quest for physical perfection, and the hungry ghost monk archetype makes, someone who wants to shape humanity in her image is going to need a lot more charisma. She can't drain everyone.
Overall, I think she will be effective in combat, and the robe of bone's limitation is less of a problem for me, because it's a silly limitation on the item anyway. One line in the encounter text fixes that, and the PCs will still have to deal with the item as written, which I think is the important part of that item's ability.
I'm a little mixed on this one. I like Nyrazha, but I think I like her story more than I like her stat block representation which seems rather…well…boring.
I think I'm not going to recommend for advancement. Good luck in the voting, Marie.
|Isaac Duplechain RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32 , Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8
How is she supposed to lead others and develop grand plans with Intelligence and Charisma both at 10? Also, she doesn't have Leadership, Diplomacy, Bluff, or Intimidate, all of which a meglomaniacal leader with delusions of grandeur would need. I don't see any connection whatsoever between her stats and her stated goals/characterization.
|Nicholas Herold RPG Superstar 2013 Top 8 , Marathon Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7 aka Demiurge 1138
The story's fine. An ambitious and power-hungry fusion of undead and human seeks to raise a cult of the same, culminating in apotheosis. The stat-block's fine. A savage monk capable of dealing out the hurt and calling in some undead distractions to get between her and her foes.
But they have nothing to do with each other. The focus of the flavor-text on diplomacy and deal-making gets nothing more than a +2 to Bluff. The flavor-text would be much better suited to a bard or a charismatic rogue. It's this fundamental disconnect, I think, that will keep me from voting for this entry.
I wanted to like this villainess, I really did, and some of the ideas are good ones; but ultimately they would need more work to render playable and complete than those submissions that got my vote. So unfortunately, this character misses out. The potential is there, but it's too deeply buried by extrania.
If you get through, I would take the bits that everyone has acknowledged are interesting and chop the rest out, then rebuild from that foundation of interest. The current version reads too much as though you had one idea and then had a second, better, one which you forced into unhappy marraige with the first. What we have here are two character ideas squeezed into one, detracting and distracting from each other.
|Ziv Wities RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32 , Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7 aka Standback
Best of luck with your villain entry! Here's my thoughts, written before I've read anybody else's.
Concept: I love the "perfect balance" line - it's unusual (after Tanis-like angst-generators...) and chilling. Beoynd that, though, Nyrazha's motivation is unclear - is she just generally power-hungry? I mean, say she ascends and rules the world - what would she do with it if she got it? You don't give her anything that's important to her, except generic power.
Also, why wait for influence and support before taking the test? What good will they do?
Plot Hooks: These didn't grab me - they seem to be of the "go see what's happening" variety. You're basically saying there are many ways to encounter Nyrazha's machinations... but you don't say what those machinations are, or why they are interesting (to her, or to the PCs). So you've given us less of a plot and more of an introduction.
Mechanics: Nothing here grabs me in particular. It may be a solid implementation, but I don't see anything surprising or unexpected.
Use of Archetype: A life-sucking half-vampire is a clever conceit. I personally prefer archetypes that have more influence on the villain's personality - the description, for example, makes little of Nyrazha being a hungry ghost, or even of her being a monk. That means the archetype isn't too crucial to the story design - shame.
Use of Portrait: Emmm. I'm having difficulty buying this. The portrait girl looks so sweet and smiley! Cheerful, unprepossessing. Nyrazha sounds... like none of those things.
I'm not saying a half-vampire megalomaniac couldn't look like that; on the other hand, there's really nothing in the portrait to suggest anything of the sort.
All in all, I'm afraid this entry simply did far too little for my tastes. I could see this villain in a book, but it feels very generic and uninteresting to me. I don't have anything specific to point to - very likely you've got a much more complete, impressive vision of this villain than what I picked up from the text. I'd be very curious to hear, once voting is over, how you came to design Nyrazha, and what you see as her impressive, unusual aspects.
Wishing you lots of luck!
|Jason Nelson Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
How is she supposed to lead others and develop grand plans with Intelligence and Charisma both at 10? Also, she doesn't have Leadership, Diplomacy, Bluff, or Intimidate, all of which a meglomaniacal leader with delusions of grandeur would need. I don't see any connection whatsoever between her stats and her stated goals/characterization.
It's fine to want to be a great leader, but unless you're nutso and delusional, you need to back it up with something. She doesn't.
It's a cute picture, but not very dhampir-ish. I like her non-emo attitude as well, but I just don't think her personality matches up with her stat block.
P.S. The "thundering" weapon enhancement doesn't add +1d6 sonic damage. It only activates on a critical hit, in which case it adds +1d8 sonic and deafens the target. On non-crits, it does nothing.
|Nick Bolhuis RPG Superstar 2011 Top 16 , Star Voter Season 6
I've got to agree with most the others on the race vs. art issue, she just doesn't look the part, it almost seems like you had the idea for this villain going in and then ended up using the wrong face when the time came. Ascension to godhood seems like a major stretch here, I would think that if she were looking at things from a quasi-undead perspective that she would have the patience to manifest her ascendancy in a more controlled manner. The starstone may be her inspiration in this regard, but she seems to be in too much of a rush to get there. This takes a bad human trait and attaches it to a more-than-less undead boss. It pretty much sets her up for self destruction.
When I saw the portrait, I had some high expectations, and I dont think they were met. I think that's the danger of choosing a picture that appears very charismatic... I look and see only a bluff of +2 and a charisma of 10. Sad :(
The portrait AND back story would have meshed together much better with a dhampyr bard (evangelist! Remember, it can heal undead!) than a monk.
|Marie Small RPG Superstar 2011 Top 16 , Star Voter Season 6 aka Shadow-Mask
I like the idea of the hungry ghost monk. I had to go back and reread the actual description in the APG before I remembered that all they truly want is power. So to that end, the archetype works, but it tends to be a bit cliche.
The last line of the description has some promise "As soon as her powerbase is secure, she enters the Starstone's cathedral." I think if somehow this was tied to the archetype choice, that would greatly increase the scores for this villain. The base idea is there, but the WHY needs to be there as well.
Unfortunately, as-is, it's not strong enough to get my vote, but best of luck.
|Russ Taylor Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 6 , Dedicated Voter Season 6
Good archetype choice for an undead foe. Bad luck as to when I read this entry. With this being the third vampire-ish submission I've read, I just couldn't get up much enthusiasm for this entry.
Props for going for minimal angst, and the Starstone goal's interesting for undead, if a bit predictable for villains in a hole. Seems like most of them have "become a god" on their bucket list in Golarion.
I do think the writing and ideas are in the top half of the entries. But I'm really sick of vampires, even more sick of half-vampires, and probably going to be sicker of both before the next AP is over.
When I saw the portrait, I had some high expectations, and I dont think they were met. I think that's the danger of choosing a picture that appears very charismatic... I look and see only a bluff of +2 and a charisma of 10. Sad :(
The portrait AND back story would have meshed together much better with a dhampyr bard (evangelist! Remember, it can heal undead!) than a monk.
I agree with this and another comment that said it seems as if you had the idea first and then picked a picture. I'm pretty bummed that this round is not going that well for you, as you're the only lady left to kick guy ass :0 Good luck
|Steven Helt RPG Superstar 2013 , Dedicated Voter Season 6, Dedicated Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9 aka Steven T. Helt
I am afraid that 'replicating my awesome evil self' and 'I want to be a God' are not very unique motviations for villains. As such, we need real definition: why does she aspire to these things? Is she not a thrall of her vampiric parent? Are they rivals? Allies?
Writing is a little clunky and monotonous. Plot hook sentences all begin with the villain's name, tactics all begin with the same language. I dug you wondrous item. I thought your round two was not ready for moving on, but the voters rewarded you. And now I'm not sure I'd pay to buy an adventure written by you until I'd seen your name out there for a while. I think you have good potential, but I am not convinced you have Superstar design chops.
And I really don't like this half-vampire idea.
|Starglim Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8
I really like the juxtaposition of this portrait with "Soul Slayer" and the possibilities that arise from her ambition to be the new dhampir god. The descriptive text otherwise looks seriously thin, but I'll see if there's something to save it.
The choice of hungry ghost monk supports this concept and reinterprets the archetype in a fascinating way.
I don't have high hopes for this, but I see great potential.
The picture did not feel right. A smiling villain is usually either out to charm me or an outright maniac. Her description and stat block do not convey that.
Story-wise I like her, but she needs a little more omph. As has been stated, what would she do with the world once she had?
Stat-wise she's a little weak for a CR 8. You do a good job of using her available treasure on consumable items that get consumed prior to combat, which puts he AC up there and protects those low hp. Her attack routine, damage and to hit, are far too low for a CR 8. Overall I would've ballparked her CR 6. A CR 7 if she had allies with her, her potions active and on rough terrain.
I really want to like all three villains you have here, but I don't think you'll make it to next round. Sorry.
|Swamp Druid
|Ask A RPGSupersuccubus
Nyrazha, Soul SlayerDescription: Nyrazha appears to be a Varisian woman in her mid-twenties. Nyrazha is a dhampir, an unholy joining of human and vampire. She views herself as the perfect balance between two imperfect worlds.
Motivations/Goals: She recruits lesser vampires, other undead, and humans in an effort to remake humanity in her image. She promises immortality, foments political maneuvering, and utilizes force to maintain her followers' allegiance. Ultimately, Nyrazha desires more than immortality. As soon as her powerbase is secure, she enters the Starstone's cathedral.
Schemes/Plots/Adventure Hooks: Nyrazha resides in the foothills of the Tusk Mountains just inside Ustalav. She recruits from settlements along Lake Lias and the foothills. The PCs are hired by Prince Aduard Ordranti III to investigate the disruption of goods from Canterwall before Ustalav falls into civil unrest.
Nyrazha and some followers travel into Virlych to recruit more undead to her cause. A patrol from Lastwall failed to return; the PCs are hired to find them and eliminate whatever horror befell them.
Nyrazha is forming diplomatic ties in various nations. The PCs hear disquieting rumors of the negotiations between these nations and the woman aspiring to godhood....
Disclaimer:You should know the drill by now, but in case you (somehow) missed it so far, Ask A RPGSupersuccubus is posting from the point of view of a (very advanced) CE aligned succubus:
If a sister succubus seduces this villain or a key henchman and things take their course… Well is this villain likely to be good around a young alu-fiend?
No. This woman is interested in making herself the leader of some sort of dhampir 'super-race'. Other beings aren't going to have any place worth mentioning in her vision.
Should a succubus tip off any organisations as to the identity, location, and/or activities of this person?
Her plans regarding making herself the leader of some sort of dhampir nation might be of note (and of concern to anyone without the potential to fit into her dhampir breeding program) if she were a charismatic leader who exhibited any skill at diplomacy. Fortunately for those not qualified when it comes to breeding dhampirs Nyrazha is uncharismatic, utterly lacking in diplomatic skills, and there's no indication that she has any kind of capable henchman in the wings able to make up for her own deficiencies in these areas.
She has delusions way above her indicated abilities and I think it's probably best for a succubus to just sit back and enjoy the fun of watching the increasingly ridiculous pratfalls to come. I sincerely doubt she'll get anywhere close to achieving the near-ultimate humiliation of attempting divine ascension in the Starstone Cathedral and instead joining the long list of failures...
How much money would I lend this person?
This is a villain I require an exceedingly ulterior motive to lend any money to...
Other comments? (including fruitcake rating where appropriate)
The name's nice and dramatic, and I wouldn't be surprised to see someone else show up with it at some point in the future (claiming perhaps to be a reincarnation or descendant of her).
Fruitcake rating:
Nyrazha being someone who thinks dhampirs are the ultimate form of being short of godhood - and who is apparently convinced all she has to do is walk into the Starstone Cathedral to ascend - I rate her at a plateful of currant buns, a cherry pie, and a steamed pudding when it comes to sanity or lack thereof. She still has some tenuous grip on how things actually are but she's not far off losing it altogether.
Rating on the Gulga-Bracht supersuccubus scale of villainy:
4 (leader of a minor organisation or equivalent)
Further Disclaimer:
Ask A RPGSupersuccubus (still with half an eye on Lord Orcus) would once again like to clarify that mortal voters should probably rely on more than just her own (impeccable) assessments in making up their minds on how to vote. Thank You.
|Nicolas Quimby RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32 aka Hydro
Okay, this gets a vote. Most of the criticisms raised are pretty valid, but there's something I dig in the chemistry of this- the sweet, smiling vudrani girl who's really a half-vampire monk, who actually thinks she's the best dang being ever and is totally sure she'll ace the Starstone test. Yes dhampirs probably shouldn't look like that (though, with enough makeup...), yes I kind of wish she was a bit more charismatic (or at least that she was a stillwater meditant), yes her methods don't always fit her stated goals, but there's something I personally like here.
|Ask A RPGSupersuccubus
Ask A RPGSupersuccubus is posting from the point of view of a CE aligned (very advanced) succubus; the clarifications of the Abyssal meanings of 'sorry' and 'commiserations' which she made in the previous round don't bear repeating here, but the Abyssal definition for 'sympathy' has some mileage for repetition, so (once more) in the language of the Abyss 'sympathy' is military jargon for a popular model of half a mile high siege-tower with spiked wheels, ballistae and fireball hurling catapults. (By way of explanation for the latter it's a demonic joke: 'See, we have sympathy for your situation'.)
Obligatory End of Round 3 Results Post:
And of course there's still a statistical chance that your villain, even though she failed to see you (personally) through this round, may yet show up again in this contest…
|Marie Small RPG Superstar 2011 Top 16 , Star Voter Season 6 aka Shadow-Mask
...Congratulations on making it to the top 16. Obviously you didn't get any further otherwise I wouldn't be making this post. Still: you can now focus on plotting your triumphant return for a future year (if you feel so inclined), have that nervous breakdown which recent events may have made seem *much* more attractive, and/or get on with any other important stuff you've been letting go for the past few weeks – E.G. vaporising minions for not scrubbing the scullery floor properly, paying your dressmaker's bills (important not to let craftsmen skilled with phase-spider silk go out of business) and house-training that paladin of Iomedae you captured a couple of months ago…And of course there's still a statistical chance that your villain, even though she failed to see you (personally) through this round, may yet show up again in this contest…
Thank you for your oh-so-chaotic support in this contest. You should be pleased to know I vaporize (or at least ground) my four slav...uh children...on a regular basis for what seems (to them) very little reason. My paladin has actually survived, dare I say thrived, under 16 years of my care and tutelage. As for my plans for my future...*wink*
|Marie Small RPG Superstar 2011 Top 16 , Star Voter Season 6 aka Shadow-Mask
To address the judges' and community members' biggest concern...What is Nyrazha's purpose? What are her goals? WHY doesn't she appear as a dhampir "should?"
Her goals and background or purpose were victims of the word count. Even the 40-ish words SKR pointed out I could have "saved" and used elsewhere by dropping the special abilities list completely would not have satisfied. I over-reached, and it shows.
This was the original version, and clocked in at 424 words in MS Word:
Portrait: 7
Description: Nyrazha appears to be a curvaceous woman of Varisian descent in her mid-twenties. Lush black lashes frame large aquamarine eyes while thick wavy hair cascades about a bronze elfin face. Nyrazha wears loose fitting clothing in colors reminiscent of a tropical sea.
Nyrazha is a dhampir, an unholy amalgam of living human and undead vampire. As such, she views herself as the perfect balance between two imperfect worlds. Indeed, her confidence is strongly rooted in the fact she has been blessed with strengths not seen in the living or the undead.
Motivations/Goals: Nyrazha is attempting to breed a new race. She sees herself as the natural evolution of the cycle of life and death. Because of this view, she deliberately courts lower level vampires, other undead, and those among the living demented enough to pine for her brand of immortality. Using promises of immortality, surgical application of force, and political maneuvering amongst her adherents, she feeds the aspirations of her allies just enough to maintain their allegiance to her.
Nyrazha is currently carving out a place for herself and her allies in the wilderness along the western border of Ustalav. All who resist her annexing their village or decline her offer of a purer existence are given to the undead as meal, entertainment, or for other, more sinister, purposes.
Ultimately, Nyrazha aspires to something more than being mother of a great race…more than a conqueror. She aspires to replace Tar Baphon and Aroden in the hearts and minds of the populace. The Starstone awaits.
Schemes/Plots/Adventure Hooks: Nyrazha currently resides in the foothills of the Tusk Mountains in the Ustalavic county of Canterwall. She is actively recruiting from the fishing villages along Lake Lias and the farming homesteads that pasture their livestock in the foothills. The PCs are hired by Prince Aduard Ordranti III to investigate the disruption in food stuffs from Canterwall before Ustalav falls into civil unrest.
Occasionally, she and a few chosen followers travel into Virlych to recruit more undead to her cause. The PCs are part of a force from Lastwall sent to inspect the ruins of Gallowspire and find the undead are more "alive" than usual.
Nyrazha has emissaries in the courts of Ustalav, Cheliax, and Nidal. She has begun to make diplomatic moves into Geb as well. The PCs are in one of these courts for their own reasons and hear disquieting rumors of a pact being drawn up between these courts and the champion of living death-she who would become goddess of all Golarion.
There's still a great deal wrong with it; that's where I started.
As for the concerns outside of motivations, portrait choice, and background...
She isn't charismatic. I cussed and nashed my teeth over it, but the elite array only spreads so far. ;) I thought placing the 14 in Wisdom, in addition to the obvious monk reasons, would convey two concepts. First, she's wise enough to know what she's good at. Second, that same wisdom, coupled with an average intelligence, would indicate that she has someone, or a few someones, to take care of the finer things when whooping somebody's keister just won't cut it. Obviously, from the feedback, relying on something as passive as an ability score isn't the best way to go, and this kind of thing really needs to be spelled out. Chalk that up to lesson learned, and not a mistake I will make again. :)
All in all, I've done my best. I appreciate all the feedback, and will use it to come back stronger and scarier than ever next year. :) I'll be hanging around to see how my fellow, now Top 8, contestants do. Good luck, and congratulations for making the next round. :D
|Power Word Unzip
I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your writing style throughout this contest. While some of your ideas may be lacking in that quality no one can quite name - call it gonzo, or oomph - I always liked your presentation from a standpoint of readability.
Your verdant vine is currently being carried by our party's rogue in my wife's Burnt Offerings game, and we hope it will see us through what is sure to be a swollen mob of goblins in the deeps of Thistletop. You designed something cool and tight and fun, something that made everyone at my gaming table take notice. Thanks for that, and I hope you enter again next year and swing for the fences.
|Ask A RPGSupersuccubus
Some thoughts on opening doors:
When dealing with a door, it is important to take into context what it looks like, the craftsmanship, whether it's locked, and whether it has inscribed above it either 'Dread Portal' or 'ABANDON HOPE ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE' in the letters of some language native to 'the damned'.
It's generally a good idea to find someone of considerably lesser merit than yourself but of technically higher social standing to deal with the latter category of doors (those with messages above) since this gives a demon a perfectly good reason to insist (as firmly as need be) 'no, after you'. At that point they have to either concede social status by riposting 'no, after you' (although in this case it helps to have a couple of expendable mortal hirelings around too to insist they open the door for you) or show themselves up to be cowards by in some other way declining or outright running away.
But to return to locked doors, craftsmanship of the door (and whether it has any significance as a historical relic?) is important. Whilst in the interests of posterity it may be Good Manners to employ a locksmith (or other, less socially acceptable professional) to pay attention to a merit-worthy door, I find a raging Ulfen berserker to be an adequate and suitable solution to most other locked doors. Hand the berserker an adamantine axe, tell him that there's a witch from Irrisen torturing to death a bunch of kittens on the other side of the door, and watch him go! (It goes without saying that having a ready explanation for when the axeman breaks through the door for the circumstance of there not being such a witch with kittens present on the other side is ideal here too. Fortunately 'she's escaped by magic, taking all evidence of her dark deeds with her!' is an explanation which usually works when offered by a succubus with any art in the skills of persuasion.)
So, why the thoughts on dealing with doors? The judges at Paizo have trapped the door to RPGSuperstar Round 2 with all kinds of magic which pays no heed to past achievements, name, or rank. And whilst it may be the best (and only) chance for some, if you, 'Marie Small' (as you find it needful to be known as to the world in general beyond these boards), have the time and inclination I'd like to point your attention to other doors which there are around... Lilith, the Demon Queen of Victuals has one to 'Wayfinder', Mark Moreland and Hyrum Savage have one to 'Pathfinder Society', and over in other places Wolfgang Baur has one to 'Kobold Quarterly'. I've even heard rumours that ones exist to things called 'open design projects', although apparently these are doors which you usually have to pay to get through.
I think if you have that time and inclination, you certainly have the character to deal with the challenges of at least some of these doors in the otherwise potentially rather drawn-out wait for the RPGSuperstar 2012 door to be wheeled into place.
All the best.
Ask A RPGSupersuccubus.
|Neil Spicer Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut
All in all, I've done my best. I appreciate all the feedback, and will use it to come back stronger and scarier than ever next year. :)
Fantastic run this year, Marie! I hope you come back and make the Top 32 again next year so you can take it up another notch and give it another go. There is nothing "Small" about your future opportunities. Well done!
|Ask A RPGSupersuccubus
And as a matter of record:
The previous post made by Ask A RPGSupersuccubus on this thread was made as a sop to her scribe, Charles Evans 25. Any mawkishness or unpractical sentimentality in it is entirely his fault. Normal service and views appropriate to a CE aligned (very advanced) succubus will now resume...
|Marie Small RPG Superstar 2011 Top 16 , Star Voter Season 6 aka Shadow-Mask
I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your writing style throughout this contest. While some of your ideas may be lacking in that quality no one can quite name - call it gonzo, or oomph - I always liked your presentation from a standpoint of readability.
Your verdant vine is currently being carried by our party's rogue in my wife's Burnt Offerings game, and we hope it will see us through what is sure to be a swollen mob of goblins in the deeps of Thistletop. You designed something cool and tight and fun, something that made everyone at my gaming table take notice. Thanks for that, and I hope you enter again next year and swing for the fences.
Thank you for the encouragement. :) It's good to know what I do right so I can strengthen my not so great traits. ;)
Let me know how the verdant vine works out for your group. Hopefully, it'll cut the mob by about a third or so. :D Have fun.


text:
Here's the audio of a Hypnotist interview I did for 96.1 KIOX radio in Edna, Texas. We're promoting the Comedy Hypnosis Shows at the Jackson County Youth Fair.
Media Appearances
Comedy Hypnotist Erick Känd appearances on TV, radio, and in the news.
Central Texas State Fair Hypnotist Erick Kand TV Interview
Recorded here for posterity, here's a brief interview I did with a TV reporter covering the Central Texas State Fair in Belton, Texas. I took over the Fair's Stage Hypnosis performances after the passing of renowned Stage Hypnotist, Ken Whitener. Watch this clip and you will see: Pork Kabobs! Goats! Fair Hypnotist Erick Kand! Mostly I'm […]
Celebrity Hypnotist TV Interview
Comedy Hypnotist Erick Kand Demonstration of Stage Hypnosis Erick Kand answers questions about Stage Hypnosis and the practical uses of hypnosis for therapy. He then does a live, in-studio demonstration of comedy hypnosis routines with three female volunteers. See the original story at KPLR 11 in St Louis: Celebrity Hypnotist Erick Kand
State Fair Hypnotist TV Interview
WMDT's Stacy Sakai interviews Delaware State Fair Hypnotist Erick Kand at the Fairgrounds Delaware State Fair Hypnotist Erick Kand describes what goes on at the nightly Comedy Hypnosis Shows in the free fair entertainment tent. Whether you believe it is real or not, you WILL be entertained!
Hypnosis Robbery? Radio Interview
A Hypnosis Robbery in the News- Is it Real? We had a hypnotist expert named Erick Kand on the show this morning to shed some light on a story that has been in the news. Click to Play Audio: Bobby Bones Show As the story goes, a hypnotist robber is "hypnotizing" clerks at stores and convincing […]
Stop Smoking Hypnosis Radio Interview
Stop Smoking Hypnosis – Does it Work? Click to Play Audio: Real Rock 101 Radio personalities "Crash" and "LT" of Orlando Real Rock 101 invite Hypnotist Erick Kand into the studio to talk about stop smoking hypnosis sessions. Erick Kand also does an interactive hypnosis suggestibility test for the listening audience. Using hypnosis to stop […]
Orlando Radio Show Interview with Johnny & Jayde
Just a couple pictures of Comedy Hypnotist Erick Kand on the Johnny & Jade morning radio show in Orlando. We had a lot of fun talking about hypnosis and hypnotizing some of the interns on the air. Unfortunately, I did not get a recording of the show to include here.
Radio Interns Get Hypnotized
Tampa Bay radio interns get hypnotized by Comedy Hypnotist Erick Kand. Comedy Hypnotist Erick Kand is invited into the studio of Tampa Bay's 98Rock morning radio show to find out if the interns can get hypnotized?! Play Audio: Get-Hypnotized-98Rock Hilarity ensues! One of the interns with the nickname of "Douche" has quite a funny personality, so […]
Ideas for Corporate Speakers
Check Out this Corporate Speaker for Your Next Meeting or Convention Hypnotize the Attendees Certified hypnotist Erick Kand offers a fun, fast-paced Comedy Stage Hypnosis Show. He chooses between 12 and 20 volunteers who are then hypnotized in front of the entire company—often the presidents or C.E.O.'s get involved too. Volunteers can end up hula […]

subset: commoncrawl


text: If your dental arches are too narrow for teeth to erupt properly or to be successfully moved into the correct positions, our dentist may recommend that you use a palatal expander. Palatal expanders gently widen your dental arch so that your teeth can be properly positioned and create a beautiful smile. For more information about palatal expanders in Hartford, Michigan, and to make an appointment with Dr. Ed Liebenthal or Dr. Seth Griffin, call Hartford Family Dental Care today at 269-621-6441.


text:
Sun, 24 June 2018
In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses design considerations for real time games. Plus a coda!
Duration: 9:11
Direct download: GameTek_Classic_178_Real_Time.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EST
Sun, 17 June 2018
Gil and Geoff are pleased to welcome Volko Ruhnke, designer of the COIN series, about Counter-Intelligence operations throughout history. How do you capture the dynamics of these complex conflicts in a game? What are the challenges with designing simulations and general? And what can he tell us about his time in the CIA?
Duration: 1:09:25
Direct download: Ludology_Episode_178.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EST
Sun, 10 June 2018
Professor Scott Rogers is back with another Biography of a Board Game! This time, Agricola is under the spotlight.
Duration: 11:55
Direct download: GameTek_Classic_177_Agricola.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:17pm EST
Sun, 3 June 2018
We welcome Theresa Duringer of Temple Gates Games, developer of the Race for the Galaxy app to talk about the process of developing and incorporating AI, how to make it smarter or dumber or more human, and more.
Duration: 59:27
Direct download: Ludology_Episode_177.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EST


text:
To update your Here Buds, please download the System Updater here.
If you run into any issues while updating your Here Buds, we suggest trying the below steps and then giving the Here One System Updater another shot:
- Ensure your computer is running Windows 7, Windows 10, Sierra, El Capitan, or Yosemite as the Here One System Updater is optimized for these operating systems. If your computer is on a different OS, please reach out to our support team and send us your logs so that we can further investigate. You can also try running the Here One System Updater on a friend's computer that is running on one of these OS's. For more information on finding what OS you're on, click here.
- Temporarily disable any firewalls or virus protection programs installed on your computer.
- Disconnect and reconnect the USB charging cable from your charging case and your computer.


text:
Imam Behind Ground Zero Mosque Silent About Malaysian Government's Pro-Jihad Statements
Evidence continues to mount showing that the developer of the proposed mega-mosque at Ground Zero, Abdul Faisal Rauf, is untrustworthy at best, and possibly downright dangerous. The project would be called Cordoba House, named for a Spanish city conquered by the Moors which Muslims regard as a model for other communities.
Rauf's political/religious vision is intimately connected with Malaysia, where he lived for ten years as a youngster and where he now owns a home and bases his policy-making organization, the Cordoba Initiative, which also has an office in Manhattan. Malaysian officials have come out with statements that are virulently anti-American and anti-Semitic, including explicit calls for jihad and suicide bombing. Rauf claims that he intends to build bridges between the West and Muslims, yet he has never made any public statement objecting to such incitement.
Previously unpublished English translations of sermons from Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development reveal potentially lethal levels of hostility towards the West that appear to have gone unnoticed. The Department of Islamic Development cannot be dismissed as some renegade fringe group. It is an official and intrinsic part of the Malaysian government, similar in function to the Department of Health and Human Services in the United States. On its website, the Department defines itself thusly: "Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is a Malaysian Government institution which has a vision to assist in the creation of a progressive and morally upright ummah based on Islamic principles in line with the Malaysian vision through an efficient and effective Islamic Affairs Management organisation." JAKIM is an acronym for Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia.
Every Friday, the Muslim holy day, sermons (khutbahs) are given in mosques. During Israel's Cast Lead operation in January 2009, when Israel entered Gaza to stop being bombarded with rockets, the khutbahs of Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development became warlike.
On January 9, 2009, the khutbah denounced Israel as "evil" and a call was made to use the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to channel financial assistance to the Palestinians. A boycott was demanded of all goods and services connected with both Israel and America. Countries that are part of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and all other Muslims were urged to stop using the American dollar as currency.
(Click here for the link to a translation of the January 9, 2009 khutbah.)
On January 16, 2009, military plans were further consolidated. There was a call to "strengthen strategic planning in the defense system of Islamic countries" and to stop allowing foreign military bases to be built in Islamic countries on the grounds that they are used for spying.
(Click here for the link to a translation of the January 16, 2009, khutbah.)
On January 2, 2009, we have the most alarming khutbah of the three given here. The unnamed imam proclaimed his support for Hamas and Hezbollah, demanded a boycott of any goods associated with all Jews (not just Israelis), and called for jihad and suicide bombing, or "bind(ing) the stomach" in the manner of the "fatwa [of] Sheikh Yusof Al-Qaradawi.
By using the word "fatwa," the imam gives moral authority to his call for jihad and suicide bombing. Sheikh Qaradawi is a Muslim Brotherhood ideologue based in Qatar who has made himself very popular throughout the Muslim world by constantly calling for "martyrdom operations" against Israelis. Qaradawi even expresses admiration for Adolf Hitler and hopes that Jews will be "punished" with another Holocaust. He has stated: "Throughout history, Allah has imposed upon the [Jews] people who would punish them for their corruption.The last punishment was carried out by Hitler. By means of all the things he did to them -- even though they exaggerated this issue -- he managed to put them in their place. This was divine punishment for them. Allah willing, the next time will be at the hand of the believers." (Translated by MEMRI).
What could be more hateful than to call for another Holocaust against Jews, assume that Jews deserved a Holocaust because they were guilty of something or other, and say that Jews "exaggerate" what was done to them, implying they are lying to manipulate public opinion? And what was "peacemaker" Rauf's response? Nothing. He was silent.
Similarly, what was Rauf's response to the khutbahs that called for a state of war against American interests? Nothing.
It is very hard to conceive of Rauf not knowing about these pronouncements. They were up on the JAKIM website, and as previously stated, JAKIM is an official department of the Malaysian government.
(Click here for the link to a translation of the January 2, 2009, khutbah.).


text:
The Blacking industry 1842
Posted on Nov 20, 2010
Just acquired – a rather splendid essay of rather astonishing verbosity relating a visit to the Day and Martin blacking factory in Holborn. Replete with excellent engravings the article gives an insight into the size of the boot blacking business and the industrial effort that went into it.
See more here:


text:
IVCH One-Way Fare Rates
LaSalle/Peru City Limits $2.50
City to City (i.e. Utica to Utica) $2.50
Marseilles $5.00
Mendota: $5.00
Oglesby/IVCC $3.00
Ottawa: $5.00
Streator – Ransom $5.00
Tonica & Dalzell $4.00
Utica – Oglesby $3.00
Utica $4.00
City of Ottawa Fare Rates:
City of Ottawa City Bus $2.00
Ottawa City Limits: $2.50
City to City (i.e. Streator to Streator) $2.50
Grand Ridge $3.00
LaSalle/Peru $5.00
Marseilles $3.00
Mendota $5.00
Naplate $2.50
Streator $5.00
Seneca $5.00
Tonica $5.00
Utica/Oglesby/IVCC $4.00
Wedron $5.00
Premium Rides
To Peoria: One-way $15 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month
Spring Valley to:
*LaSalle/Peru Area: $4.00 Monday – Friday
*Ottawa & Mendota: $7.00 Monday – Friday
*Streator: $7.00 Tuesday & Thursday
Streator to LaSalle-Peru: $5.00 Tuesday & Thursday
Streator to Mendota: $10.00 Tuesday & Thursday
Streator to Marseilles: $5.00 Tuesday & Thursday
Streator to Lostant: $5.00 Tuesday & Thursday
Rutland/Wenona: $5.00 Wednesday
Earlville to Ottawa $5.00 Tuesday & Thursday
Earlville to other locations: Call for availability of rides.
Sheridan to L/P/Mendota Area: $10.00 Monday
Sheridan to Streator: $10.00 Monday
Sheridan to Ottawa $7.00 Monday
Seneca to:
*LaSalle/Peru Area: $10.00 Tuesday & Thursday
*Streator: $10.00 Tuesday & Thursday
*Other locations: Call for availability of rides.
Ride Exceptions
If a medical facility (hospital, dialysis, doctor's office, etc.) requests a same-day medical discharge and/or ride, NCAT Transit system will do whatever possible to accommodate this request based on rider space, client residence, NCAT system hours, and availability of an NCAT vehicle. Any wheel chairs and or/ medical equipment provided by the medical facility will need to be recovered by the medical facility at an NCAT designed location. Same day discharges are a flat rate fee from $2.50 – $10.00 depending on location.
It is the policy of the North Central Area Transit system to provide transportation in a safe and timely manner for ALL transit riders. The information on this site is made available to all passengers regarding policies and operations of the transit system. The guidelines are designed to clarify the duties and responsibilities of the passengers, the drivers, and other transit employees. They are in place to promote safety, efficiency, effectiveness, and understanding of the parameters and limitations of the NCAT Transit System.
Download the complete NCAT guide here.


text:
Why isn't fast resize available?
Any ideas why fast resize would not be available for my droplet? I need to resize it fast :)
Any ideas why fast resize would not be available for my droplet? I need to resize it fast :)
The fast resize utility allows you to resize your droplet while it remains on the hypervisor it is currently on. If that hypervisor does not currently have the resources available for the larger size you want you will see the message that no sizes are available. When this happens you will have to re-create your droplet from a snapshot in order to upgrade. You can use the following process to do this:
1.) Power off your droplet and create a snapshot image of it from the control panel
2.) Create a new droplet to test that your snapshot image functions as expected and then delete it when done.
3.) Delete your current live droplet and wait for the destroy event to complete.
4.) Create a new droplet of the size you want in the same region using your snapshot instead of one of the default images.
This new droplet will inherit the IP address of your recently destroyed droplet and the filesystem saved in your snapshot.


text:
Home » Our Work
Raise awareness of launch of new development and promote Seddon Homes as a developer keen on supporting the local community.
New Wordpress website for large firm of Solicitors.
New website for North West landscaping company Urban Landscape Designs Ltd.
Seddon Homes required a two point strategy to bolster and reinvigorate its Customer Care offering to all buyers.
Our client Excelsior Technologies was acquired by MONDI
The client required new literature to showcase their range of civil engineering services.
A new, user friendly website for a long term client.
New website for Urbano32 owners' new venture in Chester.
Seddon needed a cost-effective solution to standout within social media.
Thorneycroft needed a new style of advert integrated with the new branding.
To communicate the products offered, a series of animations were produced.
Needed a new look and feel for their social media profiles that was on brand.
Menatech required a replacement web site that worked harder for the business.
Client required a website a for their apartments for sale for the over 55s.
The Chester Student Union approached Eclipse to enhance their students online experience.
Frimpeks required a newly designed website with full CMS capability.
We'll reply to you as soon as we can, answering any questions you may have about our services.
First Name*
Last Name*
Email Address*
Your Message
I wish to receive updates and offers via email
I have read and understood the Privacy Policy


text:
A tour of our adventure mobile Hooper, a 2002 Chevy Suburban Z71 4x4. This tour includes some info on what we had to do to make the burb livable for a year of adventure travel from Baja to the Arctic. Luxurious amenities include: a refrigerator, custom built shelves, ample storage for adventure gear, a sliding lockbox, and a solar system that let's us live off grid for weeks at a time! If you want to know more about something we mentioned in this video, ask in the comments below!
Joe Freeman
2/18/2019 09:07:22 pm
Hey- Thanks for your videos first of all...
Leave a Reply.
Search the blog...
Kat Carney is an outdoor adventure photographer. She loves surfing, climbing, canyoneering, and mountaineering, and can often be found wandering around both the east and west coasts in her built out suburban. See her adventure wedding portfolio at www.swellandstone.com.
Shop Prints


text:
First order of business was a sim card for our phone. It was quick and easy!
The Vodafone kiosk is located on the first level (arrival hall) in the airport.
At the time of this writing (2018), it is open 8am to 10pm. $14.99 Euro/15 days/15GB.
There is a small charge for Portugal calls, but for the USA, we used Google Hangouts, which is free and "Thank You Lord" for Google Maps!
We took a friends advice and did not get a rental car, until we left Lisbon, so we used a door-to-door service called 100 Rumos.
You can reserve the ride online, the cost was 6 Euros. Yep! 6 Euros.
They even pick you up right by the Vodafone kiosk.
Here is the link: 100Rumos
We were advised NOT to drive around Lisbon, if at all possible.
See the picture below.
Parallel Parking Skills are a must and you better be able to get in that space FAST.
Parking spaces are often reserved for residents of these apartments, and you will see signs indicating this.
If you do use a car, call your host or hotel ahead for the closest public parking. We did have the car on our return trip to Lisbon and we would have never found it without help!
......Onward To The Airbnb
We are loving Airbnb's in our travels! Gets you into the neighborhoods - Instant Local Immersion!
Our Airbnb was in Bairro Alto.
TIP: Here are the popular neighborhoods: Bairro Alto, Alfama, Chiado, Belem and Baixa.
You can find hostels, hotels, apartments in a variety of price ranges.
This is an excellent description of each neighborhood from Trip Advisor: neighborhoods
Wherever you stay, it is easy to get around by bus, tram or UBER–Our Favorite!
Below is our Airbnb. Keep in mind these apartments are cozy and quaint, BUT very old, small and use manual gas heat for washing AND heating the rooms.
TIP: If you decide to stay in a private rental apartment or Airbnb, ask what level you are on. (Airbnb doesn't always add that info in their description) Top floors are best-noise wise, unless you have a lot of luggage!
We did not get the top floor this time and I swear the upstair neighbors were dropping MARBLES on the floor all night, must have been a Hell of a marble game! Uggh....
I mean in these old apartments, even walking can be loud! TIP: Bring Ear Plugs.
Bairro Alto area has wonderful restaurants, within walking distance to these apartments.
This neighborhood is popular for it bars and active late-night crowd.
At the end, I'll give have a great list of Lisbon restaurants and the very best PASTRY we tasted- it will surprise you!
Unpack Your Walking Shoes-Don't Wait...Now!
Stone, More Stone, Steps, More Steps, Hills, More Hills,
Not complaining, just saying........oh yeah, slippery when wet too!
Let's Eat- Wine Awaits, Or Do You Prefer GIN?
You will see A LOT of wine, but it's not the only favorite these days, if you're a Gin drinker, master GIN makers have emerged in Portugal and created award winning Gin!
Try Big Boss or Sharish.
Do-in the Jet Lag Boogie……
Still a bit groggy, we walked about two blocks to a restaurant called Pety dejeune. The fresh Prawns & Pasta may look ordinary, but there was a Oh-So-Tasty sweet chili sauce that made my eye brows well up with sweat. The Salmon Crepe, opened up with just a slight touch, filled with a light creamy white sauce, greens, onions and salmon.
Our First Meal In Lisbon And It Was Perfect!
Above, is a colorful playground in front of our restaurant, -And when is the last time you saw a cigarette machine in the dining area of your favorite restaurant??
Next Morning- Cycle Tour was cancelled due to the tour guide getting in an accident-he's okay.
Plan B went into effect! Free Walking Tour!
It was great! Of course you will be expected to tip, but So Worth It.
You can Schedule one with SANDEMAN European tours before your trip OR if you have a change of plans, just head down at the same time/location, and you will see another FREE walking tour called CHILL OUT
This is the one we took, and here is the Link: CHILL and the Link for SANDEMAN. Just head to these sites for more info.
Next, Secret Street Art Tour
We booked this Street Art tour through the Airbnb site, and it was our favorite Lisbon tour! Hope you enjoy the pictures below and the "art" tram came by during our tour.
I like the first one, Grandma isn't into Selfie Sticks!
Scroll down to see more including the unique SECRET "Park In Art" parking garage.
BELOW IS THE SECRET ART GALLERY in Chao do Loureiro Car Park. Each floor has stunning artwork from different "known" artists in Lisbon and BONUS: The top floor has a bar, with spectacular views of Lisbon.
If you're interested in this art garage, it's a bit hard to find, so please use this link which has an attached map. ART GARAGE
......You will find much more art, within the parking garage and throughout Lisbon!
Next, Sintra, The Tour Was Better Than We Imagined!
Although we like to explore on our own, TOURS have a lot of advantages and one of those is "timing"! We arrived at Pena Palace right before the crowds were forming and the tour guide knew right where to park-so we got right in-perfect!!
The tour was a small
group tour, just 8 of us, and included Sintra and The Coastal Areas.
They picked us up at our Airbnb along with the other guests and away we went!
Our guide was the owner of the company, very cool!
He gave us "behind the scenes" gossip and tips on both of the palaces!
First stop Pena Palace, as you can see in these photos, the FOG was very thick and would not go away.......
Oh well, it was still lovely!
We also visited Quinta da Regaleira (below) in Sintra, Wow! Wow! Even more spectacular.
You can really get your GOTH on at this magnificent estate!
A fabulous display of Templars and Masonic symbols- a true architectural masterpiece and the grounds are also impressive with Spectacular gardens, underground walkways, hidden tunnels, waterfalls.
The Sintra tour also took us along the atlantic coast.
Here is a link to the tour we took through Viator (a Trip Advisor Company) SINTRA
Time To Get Our Rental Car--Wolves And Porto Awaits........
When we arranged transportation with 100 Rumos, it also included picking us up at the apartment and hauling us up to the airport for the rental car.
The driver was waiting for us, as we popped out of our apartment-NICE
We have had good luck with Avis, so we reserved with them again.
Here's the TIPS for car rental and driving around Portugal:
First, if you don't have it already, get the Chase Sapphire Visa Card and they will cover car insurance in Portugal.
Also make sure you have enough credit on your card, to cover the cost of the car, they will put that amount on your card for the duration of the trip.
A couple weeks before your trip, contact Chase and they will give you a letter stating that you are covered for insurance. Just hand that over to the car rental company, and they will be happy.
Head to Chase Sapphire Visa Card and all the info is there.
Next, learn how to drive a "STICK" - HA! Really if you need practice or want to learn, you will save A LOT of $!
Auto transmission will be double or triple your cost!
FYI: Gas is in litres. One Gallon equals = 3.79 Litres
AND if you are driving north or south of Lisbon you will come upon toll roads.
It was no problem to pay by coin. So before you head out keep at 30 Euros in coins for the tolls roads. As you come upon the tolls, you can easily see where to "pay as you go" and the electronic lanes.
Before hitting the road, we did squeeze in a Lisbon Tasting Tour!
I really suggest these tasting tours for many reasons:
Lisbon Specialties "Lots Of Smiling" Drinks "Hidden Gems"
We booked, once again, through Airbnb "experiences" Here is the link to the TASTING.
If you would like MORE OPTIONS FOR TOURS We have used GetYourGuide also, they are great! Link HERE
NOW, In our opinion, this pastry (below) was the most surprising and tastiest pastry of the tour and the trip!!
The surprise is, it's a white bean and almond pastry.
Looks pretty simple right?! HUH, everyone wanted more!!
FABRICA PASTEL FEIJAO. They don't have a website, but here is their Facebook page and you can get more information there.
Pastry shops are everywhere, It's part of Lisbon. The neighborhood of Belem is the most famous, but really hop into any, they all are delightful!
Wolves, Porto, And Winding Through Wine Country
So, one of the things we love about visiting animal sanctuaries is it takes you OFF THE BEATEN TRACK!
For Portugal, this is our BagsAndBones moment at the Iberian Wolf Recovery Center. Groupo Lobo. The Iberian Wolf is endangered in Portugal. They are now protected in wild.
The Iberian Wolf Recovery Center is a safe haven for 14 Iberian wolves who enjoy a large wooded area (42 acres) in the area of Mafra.
These wolves have either been rescued from zoos, injured in the wild, or taken from owners who were keeping them as pets. We were able to see the wolves at a distance, however the guide did bring binoculars, for close up viewing.
The pictures below are Iberian Wolves.
These are not our pictures, but I wanted you to see these beautiful animals. The tour is interesting and very educational.
Tours are Saturday and Sundays only. Call or email ahead to verify times.
We were told that the later tour is better as the wolves more active in the evening and you may hear their sweet howling- their songs of contentment in the woods.
Here is the link to the center: Iberian Wolf
Welcoming In The New Year........Porto, Portugal
Gearing up for the the New Year Eve Party in the streets!
The sound system was
Fantastic! Then it got wild !
It was great fun!
The vendors knew how to pour Gin Drinks!
My biggest Gin and Tonic Yet!
Next day, we were moving a bit slow, but there was more to eat and drink in this lovely city.
As with Lisbon, Art is everywhere!
Time to taste Port in Porto! We chose a tour with CROFT. Bring a coat, it was like a Dungeon in there! Very interesting and tasty!
Lunch suggestion! The one thing you will notice is the restaurant prices, compared to the states. This was a fun restaurant! We had fish, potatoes, salad and soup bar for 4.70 Euro.
Here is the facebook link for the restaurant with description and address: GALERIA
IN FACT, this street is where the NIGHT LIFE happens! Here is a link to nightlife in Porto!
New Year's Day-Heading to Heaven, Okay, So It's Wine Country. Same thing.
When you come upon the Duoro Valley, the curves of the land are mesmerizing. Beautiful steep terraces. A bit "Craggy" in the winter, but perfect "sipp-in" weather and....
A perfect New Year's Day!
We stayed at Quinta Do Silval in Pinhao. This estate has produced Wine and Port since 1870. The views are lovely along with the staff and dinner. In 2005 they started the hotel which offers 14 rooms. The views from the pool are lovely, maybe a little chilly in January, here is a link to the Hotel: Quinta.
This area of the Douro Valley, is called Pinhao. In warmer weather there are guided boat tours in traditional Rabelo Boats. These are the traditional Portuguese wooden cargo boats used to transport goods and people along the Douro River. There are many price options available. See link below the pictures.
We opted for the inside wine and port tours. We decided on Quinta Do Bomfim. Very nice tour and a spectacular view of the Douro River from the tasting room.
Here is a pretty complete guide to ALL the wine regions, restaurants, tours and hotels. Hope you visit this lovely area! Link: WINE
Back To Lisbon. Aaaah........ Last few days, Museums, Flea Market, TRAMS and a restaurant list, just for you!
Climb Aboard!!
Just watch your your Stuff! You can catch Tram 28 in Square Martim Moniz in Baixa (the city center).
Look for a Metro Sign (see picture below) head down the stairs, and buy a Viva Viagem Trolley Ticket from the machine ( again see below). We bought the 24 hour ticket for $6.15 each.
Here is a link for all the information on the tram routes. TRAM
Tip: This would be a GOOD TIME to use a money belt or secure locked purse or pocket. We did see a couple of guys "eyeing" our stuff. We also noticed that after awhile, they hopped off and hopped on the next Tram right behind us.
So take a look at the VIDEO below! See the streets of the Alfama District and catch the Illegal rider!
Museums and Flea Markets
If Flea Markets are your "Thang", here is one to get to early!
Feira da Ladra, literally means: "Thieves Fair" the oldest fair in Lisbon, its origins came from the Middle Ages, XIII century. It's a popular street market where you'll find a WIDE variety of "stuff"!
Most of the objects are second hand and you can find furniture, crafts, clothing, "creepy stuff", antiques, books, and much more! I was told you can "Haggle" to your heart's desire!
The market is in the Alfama neighborhood. Here is the address : Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-472 Lisboa, Portugal
Open Tuesday's and Saturday's. 6am-5pm
Art, Culture, Museums! More Time Please!
We had no idea! If you love Museums and Art, make some time to visit the neighborhood of Belem!
Here is a great site to tell you all the about the cultural centers, arts and museums in the this area and beyond! ARTS
Jon was very interested in the The Maritime Museum, so for our last few hours in the city, that's where we went! Over 17,000 items and it was IMPRESSIVE!
Where to Eat?
Well, here's some great recommendations BUT we have to agree with
one of the Uber driver's on this one.
Here's the conversation:
Uber Driver: "Are you enjoying the food in Portugal?"
Us: "Yes, very much!"
Uber Driver: "I am from Portugal, and I have drove all over the United States. I am sorry to say, food is not great everywhere".
Us: *Pause* "Sometimes you have to search out great Chef's".
Uber Driver: "Aaaah, there is the difference. You can go into a restaurant, any price range, any size and it will be fabulous"
Us: "You know, You are right."
So, don't worry if your running late, lose the list, or your feet are wasted, you can "pop" in any restaurant and get some great food!
Restaurant Tip: Almost EVERY restaurant will bring you olives and bread to start. These are NOT free, there is a small charge. It is absolutely "okay" to wave those away. Just kindly refuse. We never did of course.......
-Casa do Alentejo -- The restaurant is on the second floor, beautifully decorated; carved wood panels and paintings on the walls and ceilings. There is also a cafeteria on the first floor, popular for its fish tapas.
Location: Rua portas de santo Antão, 58, Lisbon +351213405140
-Adega Victor Horta -- Portuguese dishes in a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Fine wines, tapas and small plates available.
Location: Rua Cais de Santarem, 6, Lisbon +351 218 825 082
-ZamBeZe-- Located in the former Loureiro Market it offers a fusion of Portuguese food with fresh African flavors.
Location: Calçada Marquês de Tancos, Lisbon, +351 218877056
-Le Petit Café -- Drinks and meals with reasonable price tags. There is a great selection of fish, especially the octopus, which is well-presented and beautifully plated.
Location: Largo de São Martinho, 6, Lisbon, + 351 218 881 304
-Chapitô à Mesa-- Some of the best views in the city! There is a variety of traditional Portuguese plates, deserts are also fabulous. Reservations needed for the terrace.
Location: Rua Costa do Castelo 7, Lisbon, +351 218875077
-Chafariz D'El Rei-- The very best in breakfast and brunch! Bring your camera for the decor AND the food!
Location: Chafariz de El-Rei 6,Lisboa, +351 21 888 6150
-Cervejaria Ramiro-- Make a reservation or get there real early, like before 6pm.
It is one of Lisbon's top fish restaurants. The sauces and marinades are to kill for!
Location: Rua Joã o Villaret 11, Lisboa +351 217 973 856 *make a reservation.
-A Cevicheria-- Best Ceviche! Peruvian menu; outstanding staff and don't miss the dulce de leche for dessert!
Location: R. Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 Lisboa +351 21 803 8815
-O Prego da Peixeria -- Delectable sandwiches!
Location: Rua da Escola Politécnica, 40, Lisbon +351 213 471 356
-Bistro Gato Pardo-- Cozy and Romantic. The soup, salads, pastas are incredible. Every single dish is cooked in a unique way, nicely prepared and tasty. Call for reservations, not open Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Location: Rua de são Vicente nr.10, 1100-574 Lisboa, +351 934 696 781
-Taberna da Rua Das Flores-- Cozy and fabulous! Petiscos to rave about!
Location: Rua das Flores 103, 1200-015 Lisboa +351 21 347 9418
...A Quote By The Famous Portuguese Poet And Writer, Fernando Pessoa.
Wise is he who enjoys the show offered by the world
Fernando Pessoa
Would love to hear about your Trip to Portugal, Please comment below.
Expat Life! Why We Landed In Ecuador
Ecuador, We Got The Fever And Its Calling Us Back
Ecuador: First Impressions Are Good (We Are Still Smiling)
Ride, Play and Eat Bangkok, Thailand
The Sweet Seduction – Savannah Georgia
Savannah Squares~Get Ready To Slow Down


text:
Overseeing your office and retail properties, providing consistent management and regularly reviewing portfolios to recommend ways to preserve and enhance asset values.
With chartered surveyors, licensed estate agents and experienced real estate practitioners, our team provides comprehensive disposal and leasing management to clients including financial institutions, receivers and individual owners holding property portfolios for operation, investment or disposal purposes.
We are committed to transparency, rapidly responding to any complaint or problem and completing day-to-day operations. We guarantee the finest quality of services that meet clients' satisfaction. Our professional management services currently cover commercial office buildings, industrial premises and shopping centres.
The Wealth Report 2017
From geopolitical changes to luxury spending trends, discover the issues that matter most to the world's wealthiest individuals
Global Cities: The 2017 Report
The future of real estate in the world's leading cities
International View 2017
The finest properties from around the world
Private View 2016/17
Extraordinary living in extraordinary spaces


text:
PP Eyre Property Care provide a range of services in the Margate, Broadstairs and Thanet area.
From bespoke bathrooms and kitchens, to high quality internal and external carpentry projects – we can help with any job, big or small.
Click here to get a quote or choose a service from the list below:


text:
Trending News
Lowest credit score you can have in order to purcahse a mobile home?
My husband and I are looking to buy a nice double wide mobile home. My credit score is not that good, and my husbands is just a little bit better than mine. What range do we have to be in, in-order to be approved or even considered? We would both be first time buyers. I work full time and I take care of my husband for he is disabled.
Our credit was good enough to purchase a brand new 2007 car...some say its easier to get approved for a car than a home!?
4 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
It's not just a matter of credit score, it's also a matter of how much money you make, how much you have in a bank and how much you can put down.
If you have a good steady income and can put down 20% of the purchase price, you can buy a mobile home even with a rather low credit score.
Instead of getting advice from "experts" here (and getting suggestions you didn't ask for) talk to a mobile home salesman or an agent selling mobile homes. Just tell him or her your situation and ask if they qualify you. What do you have to loose if you ask?Source(s): www.century21homes2buy.com
- Login to reply the answers
- the_buccaruLv 51 decade ago
Don't buy a mobile home unless it is on it's own land and on a permanent foundation. It is then "Real Property and may appreciate. If it is in a mobile home park, you will be paying on a depreciating value home and paying rent, (that most likely will increase every year) on the space it sits on. If you feel that you must buy in a park, then buy a newer used one and let the original buyer take the depreciation hit instead of you.
- Login to reply the answers
- Anonymous1 decade ago
FHA mortgage do not require credit scores,FHA mortgages are easy to qualify for, the program was created to help to increase home ownership in the United states. FHA program makes buying a home easier and less expensive than other types of real estate mortgage Programs. Some examples include,
Minimal Down Payment and Closing Costs.
• Down payment less than 3% of Sales Price and 100% Financing options available
• Gift for down payment and closing costs are allowed up to 6% of Sales price.
• No reserves or savings required.
• Easy Credit Qualifying Guidelines
• No minimum FICO score or credit score requirements.
• FHA will allow a home purchase 2 years after a Bankruptcy.
• FHA will allow a home purchase 3 years after a Foreclosure.Source(s): http://www.fhamortgageprograms.com/
- Login to reply the answers
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Lowest credit score available to purchase a trailer? Wow.
Look dear, I used to work in the mortgage industry and you should consider it sound advice to rent or even apply for Section 8 housing if your credit is bad.
Start paying your bills, pay people what you owe, and get your credit together. Then buy a house. Not a trailer. They depreciate like cars.
And not to sound mean, but seriously, if you can't afford a house, why are you buying a brand new car?
- Login to reply the answers


text:
27 Jul2011
I have never made marzipan before. Frankly, I am not a HUGE fan of marzipan, particularly if it is poorly made, or not particularly fresh. But it is a fairly popular confectionary, seen in various types of chi-chi desserts, formed into amazing fruit shapes that are carefully colored or painted, rolled into turones, and dipped in chocolate and what not. Intellectually, I was aware that marzipan is (most often) made with almonds, and sugar, but I have never thought to make it myself. So I looked up recipes and lo and behold, it was easy peasy, so simple to make a "rustic" version with just nuts, sugar, a bit of egg white and some cream of tartar. There is a basic recipe on the net, here. So I fearlessly plunged into a batch of pili nut marzipan…
The first step is to make the pili flour or meal. After roasting in the oven, I placed a lot of pili nuts in a food processor, added a tablespoon of powdered sugar and blitzed carefully, pulsing every now and again, trying to get a relatively fine meal, but not making pili butter. This ended up looking a bit like grainy peanut butter, and was by no means as fine as good almond flour, so I knew this was going to be a rather "rustic" version of marzipan. I made roughly 4 cups worth of pili nut meal.
Next I made a sugar syrup with 1 and 3/4 cups of white sugar, 2/3 cup water and once dissolved, added the cream of tartar and followed the same instructions as the link above to the basic marzipan recipe. Add the egg whites as instructed.
I split the batch of marzipan into two mounds on a marble counter. One mound I rolled into small marzipan candies and wrapped these in clear wrap similar but not the same as cellophane. Into the second mound, I added finely minced dried mango and wrapped these up in little pouches. Once they cooled they were pliable, nutty, marzipany, and delicious. Probably the last only because I had made them myself. :) But as the candies got cooler, and we put them in the fridge, the crew munched on them constantly, and guests of ours at one dinner all seemed to like the candies, so I gather they were a hit!
So there you have it… so simple to make something I had always seen or come across and had never thought to make for myself. I wish more and more restaurants and bakeries would go back to basics and make use of wonderful local ingredients such as pili nuts so that we can not only preserve ingredients, traditions and flavors, but encourage that which we raise ourselves. I can see a wonderful danish being made with a pili nut butter of sorts rather than hazelnuts, or a pili spread, etc.
By the way, the marzipan with chopped dried mango are wonderful — little chewy bits of sweet/sour along with the rich marzipan. Really good. Don't keep these too long as they tend to dry out. But serve them warmed to room temperature for the best results… :)
MM, maybe typo…."I placed a lot of almonds in a food processor…."
Pili anything is wonderful :-) Any chance of posting sister's pili cake recipe?
BTW, in case anyone is interested, the first locally produced National Geographic Channel show ever is on street food. It will air on Sunday, July 31. Put together by Mitzi Borromeo, it's a 3-part series on the Pinoy food culture. I'm thrilled for her and her crew and looking forward to watching it.
Jul 27, 2011 | 7:30 am
I'm a big fan of marzipan and any kind of nut flavored paste. The ones from Spain called mazapán are usually the tastiest and the most consistent in quality since they have to conform to the standards of their Denominación de Origen Protegida and use their famous local marcona almonds. I also use pistachio paste when I feel like splurging on some luxe munchies. To me it is the absolute apogee of all nut pastes. Our mazapán de pili and mazapán de casuy follow right after it in rarity and uniqueness of flavor although few in the world know.
Apparently a lot of the less expensive marzipan from Europe are made from apricot and peach kernels which when ingested in large amounts can cause cyanide poisoning. I do not know how they get around the strict Euro food regulations with that.
Anyway, casuy and pili paste are great substitute for almond paste in the making of soft amaretti cookies. But if you are wondering where to put to use the puff pastry that Artisan supplies you, you can try your hand at turning out Pithivier filled with fresh cashew or pili marzipan. Pure luxe.
Jul 27, 2011 | 7:38 am
MM…Pinoy frangipane! … tartlets with shortcrust pastry, then frangipane and caramelized apples or pears or mangoes and baked. …or how about mixed in with creme patissier and used as filling in a danish.
Footloose, I once made baby pithiviers (about 400 of them) for a charity event…a REAL PAIN IN THE ….considering the amount of time I spent making the starburst on each baby pith., people just plopped them in their mouth in no time at all!
Jul 27, 2011 | 8:07 am
that easy? i thought it took many hours of mixing, with milk and so on. thanks, MM! pili is my second favorite nut, next to cashew.
i think adding dried mango is another brilliant original MM idea. i've tried some bicol versions that had something like candied suha (pomelo) rind, i think. delicious too! the large-ish bits were tinted red so i'm not sure. does somebody know what it is? at first i thought they were bits of red pepper.
Jul 27, 2011 | 10:27 am
I like nuts a lot that it shows in how I write comments.
Jul 27, 2011 | 10:39 am
how about croissants filled with pili marzipan, instead of using almond marzipan. i'm so looking forward for my friend coming back to uk. she's back home at the moment on holiday and she promised me some pili nuts.
Jul 27, 2011 | 2:33 pm
I usually make my own almond flour for my macarons. To have really fine almond flour, the only thing that works for me is a kitchen tool that grates the nuts instead of grinding it. Then I just sift the grated nuts through a seive once or twice. I have made hazelnut flour and pistachio flour successfully by using this tool. For the finest nut flour that I can make, I usually leave the grated nuts in room temp overnight, uncovered, so that all the moisture in the nuts have dried out before I sift it. For a kilo of grated almonds, about 700g turns into fine almond flour. The rest of the almonds that are too big, I usually just use as part of my chicken nuggets coating =)
In Sweden this tool is called Mandelkvarn (almond grinder/mill, but it really doesnt grind the nut but instead grates it). I don't know if this can be found in the Philippines or in the US. I'll gladly send you one MM, if you want.
I have very fond memories of pili as well. I love anything made of Pili. My parents come from Camarines Norte and we would have pili nuts in all sorts of form whenever relatives come to visit us. Pili nut brittle and Tikoy with Pili are my favorites. Yum yum! I miss pili so much, sometimes I'd make my own version of the tikoy of my childhood (brown sweet tikoy) and substitute almonds for the pili…although it's not as good as having real pili…..
Jul 27, 2011 | 4:17 pm
Oh my gosh.. this is how its done. I am sending this recipe right away to my folks in Quezon and i want them to try them. Para pag-uwi ko sa April alam na nilang gawin, hihihi, para kumain na lang ako. I am also going to reserve na the pilli harvest dun sa neighbor nila. Thanks again MM for the post.
Jul 27, 2011 | 7:59 pm
MM, your marzipan looks yummy but making them is so labor-intensive pala. No wonder marzipans are kind of pricey.
Have you tried J. G. Niederegger Marzipan from Lubeck, Germany? It is supposed to be one of the popular marzipan brands. We were fortunate to visit the place where they are made and it was interesting to find so many sweets, cakes and pastries with marzipan as the base ingredient. We got some of their marzipans and dutifully lugged them around during our vacation only to find them being sold at a duty free shop in Schipol airport right before our flight back to Manila!!
I actually still have 1 small tin of marzipan with bitter chocolate which I'd be happy to share. But if you ask me, I still prefer our local pili nut version from Bicol over these European almond types.
Jul 27, 2011 | 9:21 pm
I wonder if someone thought of making a pilinut version of nutella – using pili instead of hazel nuts + choco…maybe a chocopil or pilicho?
Footloose, new word of the day: apogee. Had to consult google for that. I am beginning to hate my English Profs.
Bettq, my sosyal neighbor said something about pithiviers and I pretended to know what she was talking about. Next time, I'll say: A friend of mine said they're a pain in the… to make!
Jul 27, 2011 | 10:03 pm
I watched a feature about nuts and that's when I heard about marcona almonds and it was a light bulb moment when I thought about substituting pili nuts for marcona almonds. I made pili marzipan but used it to make almond cake. It was very good indeed! Will try candies like yours next time. Though the Philippines is the biggest commercial producer of pili, it turn rancid fast hence, the quality can't be consistent. I never liked pili because I always had the rancid ones but when I was given freshly picked ones, I realized what a gold mine Bicol has.
Jul 29, 2011 | 8:05 pm
Thanks MM for the recipe.Simple and easy…..now, where to get my pili nuts?
Jul 29, 2011 | 8:23 pm
That looks great.
Aug 3, 2011 | 10:17 am
Love Marzipans! Thanks for this recipe!
Aug 9, 2011 | 5:09 pm
hi MM i would like to ask where could I buy almond flour? I am planning to make french macarons. Thanks =)
Mar 13, 2012 | 4:48 pm
Hmmm…pili nuts, this post brings back a lot of childhood memories back in the Philippines. I remember when I was in gradeschool, every summer my sister and I would spend our vacation in Quezon Province, my uncle used to have pili trees and he would get them in baskets. So delicious when they're fresh! Those were the good ol' days. Thanks for your post, I'll be trying the marzipan soon.
Apr 20, 2013 | 11:30 am


text:
Phonetics is not a thing that sounds alien now. From the foundation classes at the school levels, we have Pronunciation exercises in the syllabus.
There has been a lot of debate over Accent and Spellings in English. We have not been able to defend British English,
that has been the Received Pronunciation (RP) for us. The attraction or exposure to the US Accent has done less to ease and more to confuse the speakers of English. It has not been acknowledged as a good language because of the complexities of spellings and pronunciation.
A Youtube Video is shared for basic understanding of the Sound Symbols (44 Sounds):


text:
Light Blue Printed Kurta
Available sizes
Product Description
Box the sartorial elegance and push it down the road wearing kurta by La Firangi. Made from silk, this kurta is light in weight and perfect for daily wear. Team it with contrasting churidar and Kolhapuris to complete your look for the day.
Product Benefits


text:
VICE is a global youth media company and the industry leader in producing and distributing the best online video content in the world. Launched in 1994 as a punk magazine, VICE now operates in over 30 countries and has expanded into a multimedia network, including the world's premier source for original online video, VICE.COM; an international network of digital channels; a television & feature film production studio; a magazine; a record label; and a book-publishing division.
Our growth is exploding! We take great pride in the work we do and the talented people who make VICE what it is.
We are the counterculture, join us.
For information on other aspects of VICE, return to the home page and review the options tabs to explore our various local and international channels. Thanks in advance for your interest in joining the VICE team.
For unsolicited applications please write: firstname.lastname@example.com
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
We are committed to the principles of equal opportunity in our employment practices. It is our policy to ensure that no job applicant nor current employee receives less favourable treatment due to a "protected characteristic" (ie gender, disability, marital status, religion or belief, race, age, sex, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender reassignment or civil partnership) or is disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements being placed on him/her which cannot be justified. The Company will seek to ensure that individuals are recruited, selected, trained and promoted on the basis of their aptitude, skills and abilities.
For questions or concerns, please click here for contact details.