Where in the real life world do you live?
Rural Middle Tennessee; closest large city is Nashville, about an hour away.
How long have you played EQ?
Started playing in June of 2000. Then restarted in August of 2004.
What other MMOs have you played?
In 1983 I played a MMO on the school VAX 11/780 called "Mountains of Moria" that was a DD-themed game with VERY basic graphics. Orcs were ampersands, and wands were "I"'s. I was hooked!
What type of work do you do?
Private practice in neurodiagnostics, researcher, professor
How long is your typical gaming session when playing EQ?
2-5 hours
What does a typical EQ day consist of for you?
Non-raid days, get on and see if anyone needs help with progression or camping something or other, or do some tradeskilling (ugh). Raid days, get set up and go with Hand of Ka; GO HOK!
What was the race and class of your very first character?
My first character was a human wizzie who, to this day, rests in peace at the bottom of a lava pool in Naggy's Lair.
What got you into gaming and what sort of games do you like the most?
Buddies in college got me into it when I was taking CS classes as an undergrad. I like MMO's the most now, but was a FPS player for a long time.
What other hobbies or activities do you take part in, other then playing EverQuest?
Reading, hunting, fishing, gunsmithing, competitive shooting.
What is your highest level in EQ?
85
What race and class is your main character?
Barbarian Beastlord
What do you like the most about the class you have chosen for your main character?
When barbarian race was created in EQ, I wanted to play one immediately, as I am a Highland Scot. Wish I was BUILT like a barbarian, but… the Beastlord class seemed natural for me; a hunter and his dog. This was a class I could relate to. Plus, the solo ability and broad class abilities were attractive.
Does your main character worship a deity?
The Tribunal… here come de judge!
How did you choose your main character's name?
"Blackfive" is old-school military radio slang for "exec officer," and a title that I once held, long ago. By the way, I am NOT the Blackfive of the website www.blackfive.net but, I am a fan and endorse it highly. I must confess, I am clearly much older than the chap that runs this site.
What other characters do you play often?
My next higher level toon is a Zerker, Level 70, Barbarian, and a Level 55, Barbarian Shammy… I'm generally a one-toon-wonder.
Which classes in EQ have you NOT played?
None, that I am aware of.
What is your favorite expansion?
My favorite expansion has actually been Underfoot. It has been challenging and graphically rewarding without bogging things down.
What is your favorite zone?
My favorite zone is Plane of Hate for sentimental reasons.
What is your favorite NPC?
Fippy Darkpaw, hands down, has the most attitude, and actually grew into the attitude with this last expansion. It was rewarding to help put he smack down on him in his ramped-up iteration.
Which expansion do you like the least?
LDON
Which zone do you like the least?
Although I solo there frequently on down-time for some low-impact aerobics (i.e., tribute, etc.), Oceangreen Village (OGV) is so laggy on my machine that it takes creative positioning even to fight sometimes. So it gets my vote.
Which NPC do you like the least?
Breakneck from the SOF expansion… oh my. They ought to make that encounter a diagnostic test for ADD/ADHD.
What is the most platinum you have ever spent on purchasing a single item for one of your characters?
I don't think I have ever spent more than about 30K on any one item, and it was on the parts to make a last blood aug. I ended up giving the AAAA to a friend instead.
Do you have an item you no longer use but keep around for nostalgic reasons? If so what is it and why do you keep it?
Several: a Feran Tunic of Ice made by a buddy and his wife who really got me started in this game (Lookinup and Thistlena), and all the Leatherfoot Haversacks (which I still use) made by the same buddy. I also got the first Fabled Ancient Borrower Hide Tunic that dropped in the game (I think), and kept that for sentimental reasons.
What do you like best about EverQuest?
The many friends and acquaintances that I have made over the years of playing take first place, absolutely.
What do you get out of playing EverQuest?
An enjoyable break from reality with a challenge.
Describe your best experience from playing EverQuest?
My favorite story among many over the years happened when I was still a noob… ok, a bigger noob than I am now. I was kiting an ice giant in Everfrost, and didn't know that Beastlords really didn't do that well at that sort of thing. While running around for my life, and losing ground, I sent a tell to my druid friend (Thistlena) who was in her treehouse home town. First, she tried talking me through the method, like trying to talk a non-pilot into landing a disabled 747. Then, when she realized she was going to have to save me from the situation, she ran all the way out, threw me some heals, took over the kiting and convinced me to leave the kiting to professionals.
Then there was the time me and Kinanari got tossed out of a Halas bar for getting too intoxicated and starting a "disagreement" among the guard.
Do you run or work for an EverQuest Fan Site? Do you Blog or Podcast about EverQuest?
No I do not.
Gnoll, Orc, or Goblin?
Well, Gnoll isn't bad with onions if you crock-pot it long enough, but would have to go with Dragon.
