I'm suppose to start a new D&D campaign for my brother and his wife this Friday and I'm not sure what I'll come up with. Figure I'll splash out some ideas here and see if any stick.

I think I named the town/city/kingdom Halthad. Lol how fitting... sounds like How Sad >.<


Anyway, I'm sneaking in bits and pieces from other campaigns I've DM'ed or played. Trying to get a good story flowing and ideas for quests and such.

The story so far is of a town driven to the point of ruin. A town that has been rotting from the inside out until there is nearly nothing wholesome or worthwhile left. That is the rumor of the current state of Halthad. Recent events however have taken a strange new twist. The old king was killed on his throne and now a new king rules instead. A king with dark origions but one that has taken it upon themselves to make the kingdom better. The person in charge is the newly made Regent, Bob Loblaw (actual character name...).

I'm thinking the group will wonder around and slowly come together. I'll keep the regent and many other secrets secret for as long as I can so i don't tip off the old players and it becomes more of a surprise. Give them all a group quest that effects each of them so that I can keep them busy and help them come together and actually make it a true party.

I still have much to work on but unfortuantly I have little time. Consider this a start. Tell me what you think and offer ideas if you have any.

Until next time,

Semaj

Time for updateness...

Well, I've had a pretty nasty head cold for the past week and I'm just getting over it. I hate it when your nose gets all full of crap and you can't breath very well and you start coughing till it hurts. I was doing very well without getting sick and then boom. I won a few medals in a karate tournament a while ago. No golds but one silver and two bronze. Thats actually pretty good considering its the heavy weight black belt division and half my competition trained with me at the dojo. I am feeling more in shape than I have in a while. I guess being all lonely and working out to keep yourself busy works. My friend is living down here again and I'm hanging and working out with him a bunch. All in all life is doing great. Surprisingly drama free so I couldn't be happier.

I just hope things keep going this well.

Take care,

James

He stands alone in the night. His arms are wrapped tight across his chest and his head hangs low. The moon shines bright except for the occasional cloud that passes over it, making a shadow fall over the area like a scythe cutting away the light... the hope... the life.

His shoulders are strong yet slumped with fatigue. He is awake but so tired despite the fact. His red hair shines dully when the moon is bright and can even be seen through the darkness. The night air feels great as it blows against his bare skin. He loved nights like this. Brighter nights that left the sky looking like an explosion of clear twinkling stars and shed enough light to see the landscape in a soft and surreal look.

He held his chest as if injured and thought of the happier times in his life. He thought of loved ones... friends... and children. He had had many friends in his life and still had a knack for gaining them. Only a few, however, did he call true friends. He had had his fair share of lovers as well. However, each lover lost seemed a crack blasted in his heart. He didn't have the same protection so many others seemed to have. He actually loved with all that he was. He didn't hold back or judge his partner.

Maybe that was why he found himself alone in the cool night, trying to ease the pain of old scars. As for children... He had never been blessed with a child to call his own. A life that he was responsible for. Someone that had his eyes or hair or something that would be passed on and remember as his. A little one to teach and guide and love and fight for. Someone more innocent than anything else in the cold dark world that needed him to be the light. He secretly longed for a family but knew his luck would never hold long enough to be blessed with one.

He stood in the dark of a cloud and contemplated just why he cradled his heart... why he thought of things lost... why he thought of all the bad. He should be looking forward to a brighter future. But as the night bore on and the moon bathed him in it's mystic glow a silver tear rolled down his cheek and he stood cradling his heart and staring across the star spun landscape.

Your result for The Ultimate Answer to Life, The Universe, and Everything Test ...

The Sage

You scored 47% Egocentricism, 34% Heirarchy, 60% Spiritualityand 56% Morality!

Things are getting hectic for me again. The fourth of July is on the way and I've been working hard to get ready for it. Trying to clean up around the house, cut the grass, set up games, and prepare for the BBQ. Lots to do but its worth it. I'm not sure how many friends will be going this year though. People just seem to be busy these days. Still, I have family and some friends to share it with. I wish all my friends could come though.

I've been fighting the lawn mower all morning and have a sun burn and head ache. It kind of pissed me off that dad decided to get a fancy new lawn mower ... AFTER I spent all that time fighting the old one. Plus, I was the one to go and get it. Oh well its done and the fresh cut grass smells great. Also that new zero turns lawn mower is fun to drive. XD

The rest of the week I'll probably spend working, going to karate, cleaning up, and planning for a group movie this Saturday. I think Hellboy 2 is coming out and a few people want to go with me to watch it. I'll also love to get some of our famous BBQ. Its been a while since I ate some. People go crazy over it. Mmm BBQ. Its going to be a busy week. I hope it all turns out well.
Thats all for now.
Later,

James

I just heard this song on the radio and had to look it up on You Tube. Reminds me of something... XD

It's been way too hot for comfort of late. I've been working a lot the past few weeks and haven't had much time to update. It has been !@#$% hot as balls and I'm not having fun. Even early in the morning its been hot and summer is just starting. But, I suppose that life. The good news is I am working out more and slowly but surely losing this belly and getting in better shape. I may even start teaching karate soon but I've heard that story before. My friends have been coming and going more of late and I find now that drama is everywhere... especially in the places you thought least likely. Stupid kids and their stupid drama. I'm going to do my best to let go of as much as I can. Bury a few daggers and let a few chips slide off my shoulder. I'm going to try to have as much fun as I can while I can. I'll need it if I'm going to survive this hellish summer.

Well, I have to say good night to a little stuffed teddy bear named Eva before I go to bed at night. She is white with pink streaks and she wears a cute karate gi complete with black belt. It doesn't matter whether I'm staying at a friends house or sliding into my own bed at home. I say good night to that cute little bear no matter what. I'm not sure why but it just feels good to look over in the corner and stroke her cheek before drifting off to sleep or at least thinking of her when I'm out and about. She is kind of like a daughter to me I guess. I know its weird... but I think of her as the one good thing that came from a past relationship. I guess I'm trying to hold on to the good instead of worrying about all the bad.

Well, It's been a while again...
I'm not sure what to type. Nobody ever checks my journal... that I know of and my life hasn't been going too crazy of late. I am hoping my finacial aid goes through this time around and I'm doing a little more artwork. I still say good night to Eva every night.... not sure why. I pressed the button today and didn't feel anything for a change. I guess time really does heal all wounds.

We had a karate tournament yesterday and had a good showing. I didn't compete because I stabbed my foot with something a few days before the event. Stupid junky room. I wish I would have competed... for one I could have relieved some of this stress and angst I've been feeling ever since... and also because I ended up running the tables. It was more work doing the tables than I ever imagined possible. The trouble was that we didn't have enough people to run the tournament so the few of us that were around had to pull the slack. Sensei bought us dinner afterwards and I got to hang out with a 10th dan blackbelt that fought some of the greats, like Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. The guy was awesome and it was a great gathering of friends that made up the dinner.

I'm still tired from all the loading, running around, setting up, working, loading back up, and unloading again. Karate tournaments are fun but man its a lot of work. The rest of the weekend has been spent just chilling out. My buddy Spencer may hook up with my old ex Emily. I thought it was funny that I had to remind Spencer at the tournament about his date with her and let him use my cell to call her. They are still tecnichally just friends but I've seen some sparks between them. Seems are group is full of drama lately. Amanda and Paul have become somewhat of an item and it worries me. Not because I don't think they are good together but because of Spencer and the fact that they are both kind of stupid at times. Oh well, time will tell in all things I guess.
Until next time,

Semaj

Well...
Another update. Hmmm where to start? I'm doing a little better as time goes by. I'm getting back in shape and have actually shed a few pounds. I'm down to five pounds lighter than when I was last in shape. We have a tournament coming up and I'm trying to get ready for it. Work is annoying as usual but not terrible. My main issue is getting time off to do what I want to do, but I can't complain too much. After work I got in some good training and ran for ten minutes straight after three hour long classes. I'm feeling my legs now and I'll probably be sore tomorrow. I still miss how things used to be. I still miss her smell, her smile, her laughter, ... her in general I guess. She doesn't chat with me like we used to and I believe thats what gets me down the most. I guess you just don't realize how much you'll miss something until it's gone. Still, I try to keep my mind off those kind of thoughts. It's not easy but I'm trying. I do have a bad habit though. I tell our bear Eva good night before I go to bed every night. She has her own little spot next to my pillow. I don't press the hand and hear the recording we made anymore. Too many painful memories spring to mind. I do take good care of Eva though. Okay I am starting to sound sappy... I better cut off with the update for now. Just go to bed and try to sleep it off.

... Is it wrong to hold on to love long after it's gone? ....

Goodnight and fair dreams,

James

Well it has been a while since my last post. Much has happened since then... not much good though. I'm alive but missing my heart. Yeah the girl of my dreams has moved on but I am still alive... I guess. I work, go to karate, and hang with friends... but I miss her. She was the one person I could talk to about anything, everything, and just listen to all in one. I was lucky and it was great. I've been feeling really confused on how I should deal with all of the after stuff ... but if she'll have me I'd be more than happy to be her friend. I know I've done a lot of stupid stuff and I am absolutely horrible with break ups but I'm really trying not to mess things up with her anymore.

She broke up with me February 19th... and I still have dreams about her. I hope I can pick up the pieces and try to feel better soon. I also pray (yeah I don't do that often enough) that she will be okay... happy... and maybe just a little better off without me.

I am currently at a loss. I love this girl more than I thought possible and we have been together for a year and almost four months now. She is my heart and soul. The kind of love I thought meant marriage and spending the rest of our lives together. The thing is we haven't been doing so good of late. Between work and both our hectic schedules we haven't found the time to express all of our troubles and issues. I know that I would do anything for this girl. She means more to me than eating, sleeping or breathing. I know because since she told me the way she felt I have had trouble doing all three. Not a moment has gone by that I don't think of her. Distance sucks but it could be so much worse. If we ended things then I would never ever get to see her smiling face again... or hear her laughter. She is an amazing girl and I love her with all that I am. Her voice picks me up and makes this life, this world bearable... if I lost that I'm not sure what I'd do.

The trouble I am having is that I don't want to hold her back. I know that she loves me but I'm still not sure what all is bothering her. I want to stay in this relationship but if she really doesn't then I have to let her go. I don't know what to do. If we break up nothing will ever be the same for me. I'd need time to get over her and I'm not sure I ever could. She told me that she can't bear the distance between us but... if we break up that distance becomes sooo much worse. We would never again truly be together. I'd never share my heart with her ... make her smile ... cheer her up ... touch her face ... feel her breath on my face ... I'd be lost forever with out her.

It's just another Tuesday yet I am feeling excited and in a rush to get things ready for this Friday. My girl will be stopping by on her way home and I have plans to prepare. I want to surprise her somehow but I can't worry too much about that because I have to get the house in order, the food ready (I'm totally grilling steaks and fixing a meal for my girl), and just arranging things so that we can spend a comfortable evening together. It's going to be great and I can hardly wait. Hmmm, I need to get A-1 steak sauce, pick out the steaks, check on baked potatoes, and salad fixings.... Oh, I can go do that now and end here.
Take care all,

Semaj

Well, I am finally earned my black belt. We spent two hours doing nothing but techniques. Warm up exercises to start, then straight into every kick, punch, block, and move we've ever learned. After that we went over our self defense and after get slammed twice by the same lapel grab type move I felt done in ... but somehow I managed to slam em back and keep going. We did our kata's after the ju-jitsu and ended the test with a three against me match that had three black belts vs me for 2 minutes. I was battered a bit but I made it and after that I really felt like I had earned this solid block belt. I am a black belt now. Cool. This is the morning after and I'm sore, my lip hurts a bit and I only wish that my girl could have seen me. I still remember her going to a class with me not too long ago. She went through the first class and was done. She knows how hard a class can be and if she takes that one class and multiplies it by 10 thats how hard the test was. I love her and really miss her. I hope she comes down this weekend. Anyway, thats all for now.
Take care,

Semaj

Well, I finally started a Livejournal account. I hope it surprised a certain someone and I hope I can keep it going. I'm lazy though but a good rant always helps now and again. For instance...

I have a really tough test to take tomorrow. I just finished the report (5 pages long x_x dear god why am I still typing) which goes along with it. I should be studying the termonology but my brain hurts and I miss my girlfriend. She left for college last night and even though I got to kiss her goodbye and see her safely on her way I still can't help but miss the hell out of her. We've been dating for nearly 10 months now and we've grown pretty close. I guess I never expressed how badly her going away saddened me because I was too stuck on how bad it made her feel. I can't help but try to make the people I care about feel better (her most of all). I love her and I guess I am really sad that she is gone.

I'm actually just starting to feel the lack like a strange void that starts small and slowly gets bigger and bigger but you try to ignore it all the while keeping it in the corner of your eyesite. I can't stop thinking about her and worrying. Time will tell I suppose... time sucks but thats just my opinion. I hope she is okay... maybe she'll call me soon. Anyway, I guess this is a good first post (well second counting my lil short story). It'll haveta do.
Take care,

Semaj

On a clear moonlit night, the howl of a wolf silenced all other sounds in the frost covered forest. A young peasant girl, looking no older than sixteen years of age, was startled into nearly dropping her precious package. She had been shopping for this gift the entire afternoon and had staid overlong in town. She had barely gotten out of the gates and on her way back to her family’s farm before the guards closed them for the night. Still, she had felt relieved to have found such a wonderful item. It was a dress made from some special material she had never seen before. She had spent her entire savings and planned to wear it for her wedding (if her beloved ever proposed) and pass it on to any daughters when it was their time.

The wolf’s howl had stopped any pleasant thoughts however. It had sounded too unnatural, too horrid, and entirely too close for her liking. Only now did she remember all the stories and warnings she had discounted as silly rumors. Tales of violence so unspeakable, tales of loss so unbearable, and tales of murder that still made her tremble with fear. The tales spoke of shadowy things from the forest or nearby mountains that came down and preyed upon innocent people. Things that were more animal than human. She remembered an old mother try to explain how it had been like to come home and witness your husband tore to shreds. She never believed these stories until now and she feared that now it was too late.

Another howl split the air from off the trail behind her and she decided to run the rest of the way to her home. It was still a good ways off but she felt she had no other choice. As she ran she felt her muscles relax and begin to stretch out. She was in good shape and not many boys from the village could hope to outrun her. A sound from behind her dropped her hopes a bit. She had crossed a stream several leagues back and the sound that made her run a little faster had been the sound of water splashing loudly. She had no doubt that something was on her trail. She went up a steep hill and glanced back along the trail while she had a view. She saw nothing out of the ordinary but kept running never-the-less. When she glanced back to her own path a dark shadowy figure came into view behind her for a brief moment and darted back into the woods.

She was nearly out of the trees and into her family’s field when she heard a terrible growl from behind her. She looked back in response and nearly fainted in reaction. The full moon gave off enough light through the sparse branches to show her pursuer clearly. It was powerfully built and covered with dark fur. It sprang after her with unnatural swiftness for something that massive. The long claws shone in the moonlight but not as brightly as the things cruel fangs. The creatures head was that of a horrid wolf with dull, bloodshot, yellow eyes and its elongated mouth were full of wicked looking teeth. It closed upon her as if she were standing still and she never noticed she had dropped her precious package upon the edge of her family’s field. She never noticed that her new dress had spilled out and shone in the moonlights even brighter than the werewolf’s teeth. At that moment all she felt was the horrid things breath as its fangs sunk and then tore out her throat.

She would find her dress and the ruins of her family later, after her own bloodlust had been sated and she changed back. For the wolf’s bite is a curse that is worse than death.