Preparing for PAX

I get to go to PAX this year! One month from now, the gamer masses will converge on Seattle for a three days of geekyness (as will music lovers for a different event, expect traffic). This will be my first PAX.

For the past week I haven’t been able to get PAX out of my head. Going to PAX is a big deal for me, both as a fangirl and as someone who wants to work in the video game industry. My inner project manager is planning what to bring and what to do, and making lists. A good plan starts with a list of things that need to happen right? (Well, after an objective, but that is already defined: PAX + Fun + Networking.) 

A glimpse into Sony Online Entertainment

Three weeks ago I made a spur of the moment decision to spend some time in San Diego during my vacation. After I booked my trip (Air miles + PriceLine.com = about $300 for flight plus three nights at a four star hotel), I decided to try to make visiting Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) a reality and the next day I had an appointment to meet Ashlanne during my trip. I was so ecstatic that I did a little dance at my desk (my co-workers thought I had finally gone insane). 

One week later, I took a cab from my hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter to the SOE office. I was paranoid about being late and nervous as if I was going to an interview. I arrived half an hour early and fidgeted in the lobby while waiting. Ashlanne was ready for me a few minutes later. 

First we visited the Community Team’s area. I met several members of the community team (advance apologies if I get names mixed up!). Zatozia’s cube is decorated like a torture chamber. I’d seen at least one picture before but it didn’t do it justice (I regret not snapping a couple of my own). 

The winner is me!

Well, I’m one of them at least…

A couple weeks ago, EverQuestII announced that they would be selling a special Prowler Mount in their Marketplace.

Koshka roaring

Instead of purchasing it with game money, like most mounts in EQ2, you could purchase it with Station Cash. I was a little excited, and hoped they wouldn’t be pricing it like WoW’s $25 mount.

I love my MMOs, but not enough to spend twenty five dollars on top of my monthly subscription fee for a mount.

I loved the prowler mount when I saw it in the market place. I even picked which one I’d buy. If it was only cheaper.

Then last Wednesday, Stargrace posted to an invitation for EQ2 players to share what they would name their prowler mount, if they had one. She had five codes for free prowler mounts that she would be giving to her favorites.

My entry:

I’d name mine Koshka.

I typically come up with something descriptive of my character or pets and then translate it into another language so it doesn’t sound lame. Calling it Cat would be pretty boring. Calling it Koshka (Russian for cat) just sounds better. (I’ve used Koshka for characters and pets in several games including CoH and WoW, so I’m pretty fond of it).

Today, Stargrace announced the winners. YAY ME!

I really should have been using that vacation day last Wednesday for homework. Instead, I gave up on homework by noon and was running a noob through New Halas quests. I enjoyed my mid-week slacker day, and now I’m extra glad for it because my pretty blue kitty is great.

Thank you Stargrace!

Koshka on the docks on the Isle of Mara at sunrise.

Calming Koshka in New Halas