Thinking about Mechanima

Good morning everybody!

Happy Towel Day!

Anyway, I’ve lately been checking out some of the latest WoW mechanima out there on da YouTube. There are really a lot of creative folks out there, and some really good works. I, however, have always wanted to make one myself. Ever since I learned that I could export the models from the WoWModel Viewer to 3DSMax files, all kinds of thoughts flew through my head. I had even created several characters from my “novel” about Khraden’s history and thought about making an actual book cover from them. But that was before the WoWModelViewer got all borked, and never seems to be totally stable.

I’ve had ideas of videos based on some of the music that I listen too, and how several songs fit so well with the subject matter, no matter how modern the music.

Rock ON!

Anyway, this morning, I heard a song on the radio, on the way to work. It was “Familiar Taste of Poison” by Halestorm. As I listened to the song, sadly, I pictured in my head a video presenting the reminisent memories of a widow, who’s husband was a Rogue. I had all kinds of transitions from one point of the song to another, and all kinds of camera angles. Unfortunately, I don’t really have the tools to create such a thing. Well, not yet.

Here’s where you all come in.

Does anybody else do any Mechanima, and if so, what tools do you use? Have you found a good copy of the WoWModelViewer? Anything free or “trial” !!

Thanks for any ideas. Now back to your regularly scheduled Paladin news.

Combat Readiness: Rogue Cataclysm Preview

As of about 1:00 am CST this morning, Blizzard released the Rogue class preview.  It appears that they have truly decided what each talent tree should specialize in, and have worked the Mastery skill along with it.  The full text is below.

Class Previews

This week should be fun.  Blizzard is releasing Cataclysm class previews throughout the week.  I hope to be  all inclusive and begin to provide info for each class as it is released.

Though it may not be paladin related, I will be providing ALL classes in the next few posts.  This post here will be used as a landing ground for each, with small comments and links to the full notes.

Enjoy the info as it becomes available, and please no QQ, I just waxed the floors.

Shaman Class Preview
April 07, 2010
11:00 am CST

Warlock Class Preview
April 07, 2010
3:00 pm CST

Priest Class Preview
April 08, 2010
2:00 am CST

Warrior Class Preview
April 08, 2010
11:00 am CST

Death Knight Class Preview
April 08, 2010
8:00 pm CST

Rogue Class Preview
April 09, 2010
1:00 am CST

Hunter Class Preview
April 09, 2010
11:00 am CST

Druid Class Preview
April 09, 2010
9:15 pm CST

Mage Class Preview
April 10, 2010
1:57 am CST

Paladin Class Preview
April 14, 2010
7:00 am CST

Shared Topic: Starting Over

I just recently joined up on the Blog Azeroth site. It looks like there are a ton of folks out there with WoW blogs… my blog reader will be hurting more than it already is soon.

I had read several of the shared topics before, but had never thought to join in, and this specific topic looked like a good bit of fun.  Basically, if I had the chance to start over, with another character at level 80 (or level 1 depending on whether I like to level or not… which I don’t), what class/race/faction would it be?

I have made attempts at this with alts, and have had a lot of fun with all of them… but I always end up going back to Khraden (my Paladin).  Sure I’ve leveled my DK almost to 75 now, and he is slowing gaining ground, but I still feel like I’m leaving my paladin out.

Now, if I had the opportunity, I would probably choose another class, if not at least to try it out.  There are a couple of classes that I’d choose though.

Warlock:
I’ve always wanted to have a caster, and why not one of the quintesential caster stereotypes.  Mostly because of the cool backstory that I could create for him, but also the fact that he is almost a polar opposite of all that my Paladin stands for.  Just the fact that he summons demons would be enough to separate him from Khraden.

I have yet however to level one very far.  I believe that my highest level Warlock is a level 14 Undead named Dreadvein (over on Ner’zhul I believe).  Didn’t go to far with him, not only because he didn’t have any financial backing, but also because I just couldn’t get into the swing of the early leveling with him.

I do, truly enjoy some of the set pieces that Warlocks have though, very dark, very sinister, and everything my paladin isn’t.

The other option that I would choose is–
Rogue:
I have always wanted to have a purely melee dps character, and the Rogue perfectly fits that bill.  Much like the Warlock, he would also seem to fill that spot opposite my Paladin.  The story could be darker, and possibly a rough upbringing lead him to his current path.  In addition to the opposing factors, the abilities and utilities of Rogues just seem to be fun.

Like the warlock, I also do enjoy the set pieces that Rogues have, it really encompasses the stealthiness a rogue should have (though in some cases some of the spikes go a bit far).

I do have a DK, which for all purposes of the class is the anti-paladin; but playing him just seems to close to playing a paladin (in that they where plate, use 2handers, and beat the crap out of stuff when in a melee dps position).  Maybe eventually I’ll break down and level another class all the way.  Time will tell.