Mark Karlfeldt

I've always, always wanted to see a good SIG 550 in SL. It's my favourite assault rifle ever. ;_; And none of those shitty carbine variants, the 551 or 552.

Happy birthday you jerk

ROMANTICALLY APOCALYPTIC I love this guy's art style.

But it is just a game.

Says the man who starts having panic attacks when he hasn't had any tail for a week. In soviet russia. Some things go without saying. fatty

Ordo Imperalis, Usually I'm not one who takes things seriously. I think by now, most of you who know me have already grasped this fact. But even I believe that were are times where seriousness is warranted. I've been on familiar terms with the Ordo Imperalis for roughly three years now. At first, I was just a civilian who wanted to hang around with his friends. Later, I started to pick up odd-jobs within the Ordo, including animation and texture tasks. Eventually I joined Munitorum, and even started to go on raids and defend Titan, despite still being a "civilian". I was a regular sight in Titan, and on good terms with just about everyone, but it wasn't until much later that I actually decided to join. I never bothered to make note of when I joined, I think it's been roughly eight months now, but I feel like I've been a member for far longer. Hell, I've been around longer than some of the current Praetorians (and I make sure that they know that). So why all my hesitation to join? For a long time I could have even been considered a member anyway. In retrospect, the cause of my reluctance to actually join was essentially, fear. I hope to reflect upon that in this post, and perhaps deliver some psychological knowledge along the way. So yes, you could consider this my mandatory "srs bsns" post in which I reflect on all my experiences and shit, and try to bring it all around to some greater meaning or metaphor. Instead of this though, expect a whole bunch of aimless rambling and asshattery. You have been forewarned. I originally happened upon the Ordo Imperalis towards the end of my stint with a (now almost defunct) company in Second Life, named Black Operations. I worked as lead animator within the company since its beginning, producing primarily guns and such. Sera Otoro actually worked with us for a brief spell, producing some of her first models for us. Over time, we expanded, eventually even buying our own sims and branching out into other areas. Over time, people who are now among my best friends joined up, including Teron Gray (who I quickly fell in love with), WolfShaman Warrior, Blaze Wiles and Maverick Garfield (all of whom shall now be henceforth known as "The Gang"). While it was good at the time, eventually it started falling apart. The level of quality dropped like a stone, and certain unsavoury characters joined up, including one Subtlesara Oh, who eventually drove myself and my friends to leave from the sheer abuse she hurled our way, and got away with. Before we left though, I noticed The Gang had drifted off somewhat and joined the Ordo Imperalis. I already had some knowledge of the group from another friend, Keystone Grey, who had been a member for some time. However, at the time I had little knowledge and fondness for the SL military scene, dismissing it as groups of bored, immature basement dwellers who acted hardcore. But nonetheless, I wanted to be where my friends were, so eventually I applied to be a civilian. Soon after I became a civilian I was summarily ejected for hitting Philip Hulctantz over the head with a baseball bat after he tried to facefuck me. Good times. Anyway, after some bullshitting around, I came back. Philip was now kicked out, so I became a citizen again and started hanging around. It was about this time that I left Black Operations, and The Gang followed shortly after. However, I found that this resulted in interest within Ordo about my skills. Ethan Schuman got me to animate the Five-seveN pistols, I helped Keystone and Wolfshaman with various odd-jobs, and after a bit of a rocky start, I was eventually a common sight on Titan. My familiarity with everyone helped me get away with some of the darnest stuff, including even organizing skirmishes with Ordo while I was a civilian, something which made many officers shit bricks at the time, but gradually became a common occurance. Even though I was so well intergrated with Ordo, and I got asked to join on a daily basis, I still refused to even consider the concept. I saw the inner workings as a red-tape machine, where people play powergames and bearucratics over the most trivial of things. I firmly stood by my descision to remain a third party, despite my inevitable further delving into the group. When I finally gave in and joined, the transition seemed nonexistent, with the only real difference being that I had to wear a uniform. Granted, I still miss being able to attack on a whim, and I miss the things I used to be able to get away with, like attacking invaders with what has become my trademarked lead pipe, and even now I try my best to stay away from the inner workings on the group, choosing mostly to only participate in combat and such. Anyway, my reluctance. There were many reasons why I chose to remain out of Ordo itself, as stated before, one of them was my view that it was all politics and srs bsns, but another reason was my inability to understand why so many people would be so eager to spend time working for something in which they see no physical profit or reward. I saw many people donating their time skills for free, time and skills which could be applied to a real-world career. I never understood why people would be willing to fill out endless amounts of paperwork and forms and essays, stuff which I considered (and still do consider) to be an extremely dull task that one is usually paid to do. It never really occured to me that the same mentality that applied to open-source programmers, game modders, etc. applied also to members of Ordo. People, as an instinct, want to be part of things. They want to have a place in what they percieve as something bigger, to feel like they are useful and contributing something. And above all, the desire for pride in one's own worth overrides the desire for profit. Perhaps this video will explain more than I can. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc (10 minutes long, so dig in for this one) In other words, people are naturally socialist. Take that, Teron. In retrospect though, I found that my time and effort for the Ordo didn't go entirely unrewarded. Being in Ordo has given me things which are far more valuable than money. I'm talking about life lessons and experiences, things which I can recall on later in life to help advance me. Ordo has changed me on a fundamental level as a human being, a change which I would believe is for the better. The things I've been through have honed my mind, the people I've met have influenced my personality and behaviour, and I'm pretty sure that the same can be said by everyone in Ordo. At this point, I want to remind you about something. Yes, you, who's reading this right now. Never, ever, underestimate the influence you have over others. Everything you do and say, can and will affect others in a profound way, even if not in a way immediately evident. People will fall into depression and despair, or soar to the heights of elation, by the threads of your words and character. Your interaction with others will make them change, for better or worse. You hold a very powerful ability, perhaps the most powerful of all - the ability to change, even manipulate other people, intentionally or not. Even on the internet, your words hold power and sway. So for the love of God, use your superpowers for good, and not evil. Beyond doubt, people within the Ordo have changed me thoroughly. I've grown a deep fondness for many of you, one that transcends boundaries of the physical world. I've never met any of you face to face, but I would proudly call many of you close friends, and a few, even brothers beyond blood. The things you've said and done have changed me and made me who I am today, and will likely continue affecting me into the future until my demise via attempted rocket jump (yes, this is my life's end plan). And I know beyond doubt that the things I've said and done have changed many of you as well (speaking of, I also realise in retrospect that I have been a massive bag of cocks in the past (and sometimes still am), so I apologize to all those who had to endure it). I know it's considered somewhat taboo to name names and all, but fuckit, I usually go against the grain anyway. In no real particular order... Teron Gray: You taught me what it means to love, and sometimes, love isn't all that it's cracked up to be. You've been my partner for a long time, the one who always held my shoulder through both absolute shit and absolute joy, who beared with me and tolerated me, taking everything I did in good humour. I have loved you, and still do, but sometimes reality delivers a harsh reminder that distance and difference can indeed get in the way. Thank you, you capitalist, ultraconservative, disgustingly-cute try-hard, serious-business fascist. Blaze Wiles: A close friend from the start. You taught me that sometimes, words are not needed to comfort others, so much as simply being there for them. And honestly, thank God that this is a valid lesson, because your English really sucks. <3 Wolfshaman Warrior: I have trouble believing the amount of stuff which this grizzled war-vet lets slide. Like a rock in the ocean he takes everything in his stride with good humour, and rarely will you hear a grunt of complaint from him. You've taught me that often it's better to let things go than to let them get to me, and really, this has been one of the most important things I've ever learned. Maverick Garfield: I'm sure you taught me /something/. Perhaps you taught me that rednecks are funny. I think. Ron Bleac: Our constant back-and-forth shit-slinging matches only serve to increase my respect and fondness for you. From a distance, we could be total opposites, with your fancy education and gentlemanly ways and my uncultured, uncouth behaivour, but once you get into the meat of it, we're not so different after all. Ron is a man I would gladly brofist until my entire arm is shattered. Aryte Vesperia: I know I use Australia as an excuse for a lot of things, but one thing ingrained in Australian culture is equality. I never put others above or below myself, even those I dislike or even hate. After all, we're all human. So while many seem quick to put Aryte on a pedestal, once you see things from the level of the human being, he starts making a lot of sense. Aryte is a man who oozes simple dedication, and its this which has carried Ordo for so long, and something which I have tried my best to learn. He's also posh bastard. <3 Keller Teichmann: Suprised to be on this list? There's a good reason. My interaction with you has been limited, but it's clear as day that you're a bright spark, you learn fast and you work hard, and I can see that you do a lot despite all my constant harrassment. I'm proud to have been able to take you under my wing and teach you what I know, as you've picked it up quickly and the improvements have been obvious. Good fucking show. <3 Steeltael Lykin: I haven't really known you that long, but we've been good brothers nonetheless. If anything, you reinforced my knowledge of how much my actions can affect others, and how easy it is to accidentally be the catalyst of something much bigger. You're fun, talkative, even teasing at times, and serious at others. Love and communism to you, shorty. Tsume Xiao: The man who taught me the value of concentration and hard work, two things which I haven't been doing near enough of lately. Our relationship has been almost entirely business, but still, I am fond of you, and hopefully the feeling is mutual. <3 Xayvien Rau: For the amount of time that we've known eachother, we've suprisingly had relatively little conversation. Despite this, though, I still consider you a close friend, as you've made my best friend a happy man, and for that, there is not enough thanks in the world. And then the others for which I can't think of anything to write. Zerowinged Vasiliev Ratrix Hax Arokh Takakura Awanken Wasp ShadowFang Blessed Ciel Eilde Corsi Mousehold Maza Rau Eriksson Foxtrot Ethan Schuman Karlhockey Forte Kytec Switchblade Marc Gravois Sera Otoro Trinity Heckroth Williamca Zenovka Zrazor Rosenstrauch I wish that transport to and from my country didn't cost an arm and a leg, else I would make a round trip tour just to visit all of you and deliver a hug to your doorstep. Hopefully I'll get the chance to do so for at least some of you at Anthrocon 2011. You're all awesome people, every one of you, unique and special in your own ways. You all make me smile, even when you're hurling shit my way in jest, or poking fun at me. I hope that I can, or already do, the same for you. Anyway, that's really all that I have to say. This will pretty much be the only time you'll ever see me not being an idiot. Post all the "I love you too"'s that you want, or ask me anything you want, or whicheverwhat. In all likelihood, I'll wake up tomorrow and regret making this post. So take advantage while you can.

Actually I didn't label it as such. I stated that it was useless compared to most medium tanks. :P

The game pimps light tanks as fast, maneuverable scout vehicles, but they're slow, unwieldy, can't see shit, and have horrible radio ranges, so it's rare that you'll ever transmit enemy coordinates to your artillery and such.

We love you Kyteeeec. <3

YOU CAN'T MAKE JOKE COMBAT REPORTS> THAT'S MY JOB.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. has got to be my favourite game series of all time. I'd put SoC at the top, with CoP second, and CS third. Overall I was mostly disappointed with Clear Sky. It felt like it had been made just for constant action, the atmosphere of SoC was gone. I actually participated in a large mod project for Shadow of Chernobyl called L.U.R.K 1.1, which overhauled the entire game to be far more unforgiving. L.U.R.K 1.1 for Shadow of Chernobyl (ModDB) I want to go to Pripyat one day. :<

I should totally include some of this shit in LURK 1.1.

Dear Niiya Haslrn'd2tablet already. 2lazy2usetablet would be more accurate.

PERSPECTIVE BECAUSE DRAWING WITH A TABLET IS FOR FAGGOTS.

Actually I've found that when standing on that area you actually can't see the spawn, ironically when standing in the actual sniper roost itself (the covered part) you can get quite a clear sight on it.

There seems to be uncertainty over whether or not the "sniper perch" on Titan's front line can be utilized by defending personnel. The part I mean has been highlighted on this image. An official statement on whether or not this area is able to be used would be appreciated to clear up confusion and prevent possible infractions.

And I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there. I'll tell you how I got so irritated with people telling me to join Ordo that I did. I've been around Ordo for two years now, so frequent is my stays on Titan that I was even brought on raids occaisionally or carried out Imperator's assassination missions (sorry, Nohime). I'm a skilled texturer, animator and builder, so if you need any help or the like with those areas and I'm free, I'll be happy to help. Mark Karlfeldt. Lovehearts and communism to you all.