Author: Damon Caskey

Hello all, Damon Caskey here - the esteemed owner of this little slice of cyberspace. Welcome!

Patio Project

by Damon Caskey

In a nutshell, my old deck sucked, so I had it ripped off (as in, strapped to a truck, and yoinked off the back wall). Only question is what to replace it with. After some consideration I’ve decided to try a rock patio. It’s something I have never done before and should up the resell value of the place, not to mention last a lot longer than another deck.

I’ll document progress on this post, and hopefully it won’t be too much of a disaster.

Step 1, 2011_09_11: Materials

First, where to get the rock? Purchase it? Don’t think so. Not when the entire region is one big limestone plateau. Besides, there is something more genuine about rock not bought from a hardware store.

Fortunately I knew a good place to get some from a previous kayaking excursion. The Licking River and its South Fork confluence in Falmouth is loaded with rocks. There’s an island bed nearly a mile long made up of easily accessible, large and perfectly flat rock that would fill the bill nicely. Naturally things didn’t go as planned. This time of year the Licking is usually low and the South Fork dry, but when I arrived at the confluence both were at normal flow leaving me no way to get at the island of rocks I wanted.

Luckily after some further exploration I found a bank side rock bed further upstream. It wasn’t nearly as large, but still had far more than my truck could carry. Step one is complete.

…Now the easy part is over. Step two coming soon.

DC

Spike And Sprinkels

by Damon Caskey

Back to the hometown for a bit of business, visits and checking out newly cleared property. For whatever reason I was in a mood to grab some pictures, sooo…

 

Models – Tyris Flare

by Damon Caskey

Tyris Flare model specific work log. Tyris is a primary player character and so requires a large variety of accessible technique.

Tyris will focus on magic and combining environmental use with advanced attack technique and magic. To place a somewhat more realistic and less cliched’ viewpoint on video game gender, she will not be “weak but quick”, and instead be inferior in all physical aspects (i.e. speed, constitution, strength and reach). But like any clever woman, Tyris has found ways to more than make up for these shortcomings. Advanced players will be able to segue graceful movement, sometimes using walls, allies and even opponents for footing to attack from all angles. This combined correctly with her superior magic abilities and reversal techniques can make Tyris virtually untouchable.

Completed:

2011_08_31

  • Combo finish kick replaced with spin kick (inspired by Genesis Golden Axe III).

2011_09_01

  • Add somersault to running jump animation (inspired by Genesis Golden Axe III).
  • Upgrade running attack (dust, flash, jump/landing frames).

2011_09_02

  • Dust effects.
  • Projectile hit adjustments.
  • Block flash.

2011_09_06

  • Attack1 (Whiffed)
    • Motion trail.
    • Hair animation.
    • More frames (Start up and recoil).
  • All main entity .gif sprites replaced with optimized .png format.

2011_09_07

  • Attack Chain
    • Applied transparent motion trails.
    • Most animations have additional frames and improved animation.
    • Flash/Sound effects.

2011_09_13

  • Attackbackward
    • Motion trail.
    • Sound effects.
    • Flash.
    • Hair .

2011_09_19

  • Jump landings now have smooth hair animation.
  • Jumpattack complete.
  • Run Jumpattack complete.
  • Jump now has looping hair flow.
  • Run attack now has looping hair flow.

2012_01_11

  • Rise attack replaced. Is now based on Millan Flare’s upward sword spin attack (Golden Axe The Duel).
  • Flip attack replaced. Is now an inverted forward somersault using fully customized sprites.
  • Forward Spin attack added (F+A against a wall during a run jump). Tyris rebounds off of wall (real walls only, not screen edge) while spinning weapon in a powerful flying attack. Based on Millan Flare’s horizontal sword spin attack.
  • New rise animation. Now performs a cartwheel to feet. Based on Millan Flare’s rise animation.
  • Fixed block animation (had accidentally included some jumping sprites).
  • Added voice effects (Random voice taunts when knocking enemy down, attack shouts, pain grunts, etc.)
  • Auto throw during short range combo is now a trip throw (based on rarely seen alternate throw in Genesis GA 3).

2012_02_07

  • Finished Boomerang sword throw. It’s a convoluted mess of script, but works. Seems for projectiles, the engine will only run didhit event once.
  • Fixed player control conflict with wall jump. Required reinstating script jump control in place of default engine control.

2012_08_27

  • Fix Chicken Leg attack types and knockdown values.
  • Set Chicken Leg jumpmove 0 1.
  • Chicken Leg sidestep bbox removed.
  • Fix Riseattack type.

 

To Do:

  • Boomerang sword throw for charge attack.
  • Pogo jump off of enemies.
  • Team moves.
  • Fix wall jump/player jump control conflict.
  • Double jump.
  • Counter throw on timed block.
  • Replace counter attack (Special when being attacked).
  • Side step.
  • Magic.
  • Normal grapple moves.
  • Backward dash.

Move-list Notes (finished only):

Combo (long range): Sword strike*2, Stab.

Combo (med-long): Sword strike*2, Spin kick.

Combo (med-short ): Sword strike*2, Pommel butt*2, Spin kick.

Combo (short): Sword strike*2, Trip throw (alternate throw from Genesis GA3)

Run + A: Flying kick.

A+J: Flipping kicks.

B, A: Back strike.

U, A (when knocked down, can use F or B to aim): Rising sword spin attack.

Hold A, release: Boomerang sword.

Jump, A: Downward strike.

Jump, D+A: Double kick (Genesis GA III J, D+A).

Running Jump A: Downward thrust.

Jump near wall, F+J: Wall jump

Running Jump near wall, F+A: Lunging sword spin attack.

Defense: Parry.

Running Jump

Running Jump

Stab (Combo Ender)

Stab (Combo Ender)

Spin Kick (Combo Ender)

Spin Kick (Combo Ender)

Fireworks On Crack

by Damon Caskey

After meeting up in the Crack Club, my cousin Nathan Dillon and I visited Cave Run on 2011_07_03 for a water fix and fireworks at Stony Cove. Videos didn’t turn out that great, but the view live was spectacular. Our yaks gave us the best seat in the house!

There was a huge crowd of boats on the water and people ashore, and I was kind of surprised not to run into anyone we knew. Either way it was a great day to be out. After years of hitting every water way but the one I was raised on, it’s nice to travel back and rediscover a little piece of home. What can I say? I’m getting hooked on Crack. Try some, and I bet you will too!

Models – Ax Battler

by Damon Caskey

Ax Battler model specific work log. Ax is a primary player character and so requires a large variety of accessible technique.

Ax’s unique abilities will be somewhat pedestrian compared to the other characters. His statistics are good but not extraordinary and he lacks any sort of projectile or evasive capabilities. However, he is equipped with several effective sword techniques and is a proficient wrestler. Players can chain together throws one after another to cause extreme damage, and even grapple two enemies at once.

Completed:

2011_06_27

  • Block animation tweaked. Can no longer hit opponents.
  • Added A+J special, based on Uppercut/Jumpstrike from Golden Axe II (Genesis).

2011_06_28

  • Updated binds to knock down opponents at correct point (see bind0010).
  • Double Powerbomb attack added. It is a follow up to Powerbomb (D, F, A).
  • Giant swing can be performed as a follow up to Double Powerbomb or Powerbomb.
  • Proper turn animation added.

2011_06_30

  • Upgraded Double Breaker to Spin Breaker. Instead of a simple repeat of Backbreaker, Ax now carries opponent through a short hop and spin into another backbreaker on his opposite knee.
  • Rise and wake up from camping animation tweaked for smoothness.
  • Several minor animation tweaks.

2011_07_06

  • Added “Hun Suplex” as follow up to Backdrop and future air to ground throw.

2011_07_07

  • Add “Melon Splitter” as follow up to Hun Suplex. Allows further follow up of Flying bomb.

2011_07_20

  • Add “Ax Destroyer” air to air throw. Inspired by Zangief’s Siberian Blizard. Still needs splash damage effect.
  • Minor animation and attack type tweaks.

2011_07_22

  • Follow up series for Atomic Drop.
  • Short stab.
  • Align Shock/Burn flash effects.
  • Smoke effect when landing from Shock/Burn fall.

2011_07_20

  • Add stationary grabattack (Barbarian Fury, based on Stern Blade’s stun combo from Arcade Golden Axe II)

2011_07_26

  • Add counter. If player defends against a running or jumping attack just as it hits, Ax will catch the attacking opponent and perform a Power slam, even from behind or if the attack could not be blocked normally.

2011_07_31

  • Add Air to Ground throw (Python Drop – A swing DDT style throw).

2011_08_07

  • Add Ground & Pound. Follow up for Powerslam and planned tackle.

2011_08_09

  • Add tackle. Fwd or Back + Atk when running very close to opponent. Takes good timing but unblockable and allows follow up ground & Pound, possibly some others in the future.

2011_08_10

  • Aesthetic improvement for Backdrop and some other minor sprite touch ups.

2012_08_21

  • WALKOFF
  • Backstep includes landframe and no longer acts as jump.

To Do:

  • Follow up for Backdrop. German whip? Rolling cradle?
  • Follow up for Atomic drop.
  • Follow up for jump slams.
  • Mid air catch slam of some sort.
  • Burn/Shock sparks play perpetually after KO.
  • Shock flash is not aligned.
  • Air to ground throw of some sort.
  • Splash damage for hard slams.
  • Rolling cradle. Possible follow up for Backdrop or as an otg maneuver.
  • Catch and Powerslam when blocking non weapon attacks.
  • Wall alternate for Powerbomb.
  • Move for Grab, A command. Stunned enemy beating from Arcade GA II?
  • AI cancels and patterns.
  • Re tool magic effects.
  • Bored pose?

Move-list Notes (finished only):

Combo (long range): Sword attack*2, Uppercut punch (Arcade GA II long range combo)

Combo (Med-long): Sword strike*2, Thrust kick (Genesis GA II long range combo)

Combo (Med-short): Sword strike*2, Pommel butt*2, Stab (GA I med-short combo with end from Arcade GA II )

Combo (Short): Sword strike*2, Lift and throw – Can change direction of throw with Forward/Backward (GA I combo with end from Genesis GA II)

Run, A: Shoulder check.

A+J: Uppercut, turn and hop strike (Genesis GA II A+J)

D, F, A: Batter swing (Arcade GA II A+J)

B, A: Back strike (Arcade GA I A+J).

U, A (when knocked down, can use F or B to aim): Upper strike.

A (during Sidestep, Back strike, Batter swing, or Upper strike, can use F or B to aim): Second strike.

Hold A, release: Twirl weapon, hard down strike (Genesis GA III F+A+J)

Jump, A: Downward strike.

Jump, D+A: Dive strike (Genesis GA III J, D+A)

Run, Jump, A: Downward thrust.

Defense: Parry.

Defense (just as a run or jump attack hits): Powerslam (catch and counter opponent’s attack)

Defense (when grabbed or hit): Grab and hurl (GA I short combo end).

Defense (when grabbed or hit, opponent can’t be grabbed): Kick (GA I med-short combo end)

Grappling:

Atomic Drop (B+A with back to wall): 14

Ax Destroyer (F+A or B+A during jump when close to midair opponent): 15 + 20% of target’s remaining HP.

Backbreaker (U, D, A):6

Backdrop (B+A): 8

Barbarian Fury (A): 22

Body Press (Short range combo):NA

Body Throw (Automatic after Body Press, may use F or B to control direction): 10

Flying Bomb (D, F, A): 4

Giant Swing (D, U, A): 12

Ground & Pound (D, D, A): 20

Gutbuster (J): 5

Hun Suplex (D, B, A): 4

Melon Splitter (U, B, A): 4

Powerbomb (F+A): 8

Powerslam (Counter throw; Defense just as an incoming run/jump attack hits): 12

Piledriver (D+A):2 + 30% of target’s remaining HP.

Python Drop (F+A or B+A during jump when near standing opponent): 8

Spin Breaker: (F, U, A): 5

Tackle (F+A or B+A while running near opponent): 12

Throw (F+A or B+A): 10

 

  • Atomic Drop
    • Giant Swing
    • Gutbuster
      • Giant Swing
      • Piledriver
      • Throw
    • Spin Breaker
      • Giant Swing
      • Gutbuster
        • Giant Swing
        • Piledriver
        • Throw
  • Backdrop
    • Hun Suplex
      • Melon Splitter
        • Flying Bomb
          • Giant Swing
          • Spin Breaker
            • Giant Swing
            • Gutbuster
              • Giant Swing
              • Piledriver
              • Throw
    • Melon Splitter
      • Flying Bomb
        • Giant Swing
        • Spin Breaker
          • Giant Swing
          • Gutbuster
            • Giant Swing
            • Piledriver
            • Throw
  • Body Press
    • Backbreaker
      • Giant Swing
      • Spin Breaker
        • Giant Swing
        • Gutbuster
          • Giant Swing
          • Piledriver
          • Throw
    • Body Throw
  • Gutbuster
    • Giant Swing
    • Piledriver
    • Throw
  • Powerbomb
    • Flying Bomb
      • Giant Swing
      • Spin Breaker
        • Giant Swing
        • Gutbuster
          • Giant Swing
          • Piledriver
          • Throw
    • Giant Swing
    • Gutbuster
      • Giant Swing
      • Piledriver
      • Throw
    • Spin Breaker
      • Giant Swing
      • Gutbuster
        • Giant Swing
        • Piledriver
        • Throw
  • Python Drop
    • Hun Suplex
      • Melon Splitter
        • Flying Bomb
          • Giant Swing
          • Spin Breaker
            • Giant Swing
            • Gutbuster
              • Giant Swing
              • Piledriver
              • Throw
    • Melon Splitter
      • Flying Bomb
        • Giant Swing
        • Spin Breaker
          • Giant Swing
          • Gutbuster
            • Giant Swing
            • Piledriver
            • Throw
  • Powerslam
    • Ground & Pound
  • Tackle
    • Ground & Pound

Aliens, Beasts & Diamondbacks

by Damon Caskey

UK day at Kings Island. To most people that probably seems like a lame thing to take part in, but to me it’s an excuse to drag a few friends along for a fun day of classic thrill rides.

After some convincing and cajoling, I got a small group to go including Stacy & John Poskin. I hope they had a great time, because I certainly did. Good rides, good company. How can you beat that?

Since the Hero cam was in hand, here are some POV vids. Maybe I can convince a few others my age that amusement parks aren’t just for kid corralling.

Diamondback:

Height: 66m
Speed: 130km/h

My second favorite after The Beast. Ryan Huff and I rode this thing five times in one day last year. It’s a simple but amazing hypercoaster for anyone who loves flat out speed. With it being a newer ride, Diamondback’s queue is well engineered too; fast moving, plenty of shade, and several mist coolers.

The Beast

IMO the best ride out there, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. A one time multiple record holder, and after 30+ years still the longest wooden coaster in the world, The Beast is a classic no one should miss. It doesn’t rely on nostalgia either – this bad boy lives up to its name and provides thrills like no other. Going to Kings Island and passing up The Beast is just wrong on a stick.

The New Arrival, Lattitude e6520

by Damon Caskey

My new laptop just arrived, and it is sweet! Yep, that’s about it. I just had to tell somebody. Oh and yes, it’s a PC. What? You Linux folks didn’t think I was going to throw away the old MCSE and join up with your kind did you? For shame. 😉

Lattitude E6520

Lattitude E6520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Dell Latitude E6520 – New! Qty 1
Latitude E6520, Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate,SP1,w XP Mode, No Media, 64-bit, English Unit Price

 

Catalog Number: 25 E113
Module Description Product Code Sku Id
Latitude E6520 Latitude E6520 E6520 [225-0376] 1
Operating Systems Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate,SP1,w XP Mode, No Media, 64-bit, English 7UN61XE [330-6322]
[421-2262]
[421-8123]		 11
Processor Intel® Core™ i7-2720QM (2.20GHz, 6M cache) with Turbo BoostTechnology 2.0 I72720Q [317-5997] 2
Memory 8.0GB, DDR3-1333MHz SDRAM, 2 DIMMS 8G2D3 [317-3592] 3
Internal Keyboard Internal English Backlit Dual Pointing Keyboard, Numpad ENGBL [331-1207]
[331-1238]
[331-2169]		 4
External Monitor Dell UltraSharp™ U2410 24in HAS Wide Monitor, VGA/ DVI/ DP/ HDMI U2410 [320-8276] 5
Graphics nVidia® NVS™ 4200M 512MB DDR3 Discrete Graphics for Quad Core N42QC [320-2081] 6
Primary Storage 256GB Mobility Solid State Drive 256SSDM [342-2166] 8
Fingerprint and Contactless Smartcard Reader FIPS Compliant Fingerprint Reader and Contactless Smartcard Reader FIPS [331-1247] 9
LCDs 15.6″ UltraSharp™ FHD(1920×1080) Wide View Anti-Glare LED-backlit with Premium Panel Guarantee UFDH [318-0341]
[320-2361]		 10
Bluetooth Dell Wireless® 375 Bluetooth Module BT375 [331-1539]
[430-3982]		 13
Modem Internal Modem MODEM [313-6533] 14
AC Adapter 90W A/C Adapter (3-pin) 90AC3P [330-4016]
[331-1719]		 15
Primary Optical Device 8X DVD+/-RW w/Roxio and Cyberlink Power DVD™, no media DRN [318-0330]
[318-0466]
[421-4370]
[421-4539]		 16
Camera / Microphone Light Sensitive Webcam and Noise Cancelling Digital Array Mic CAMMIC [318-0343]
[421-1201]		 17
Wireless LAN (802.11) Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 802.11a/b/g/n and 802.16e Half Mini Card IW6250 [430-3962] 19
Systems Management Intel vPro™ Technology’s Advanced Management Features VPRO [331-1579] 21
Productivity Software No Productivity Software NOPSW [421-3872] 22
E-Modular Hard Drive E-Modular 320GB 7200 HDD 320G722 [342-2284] 23
Primary Battery 3 Year Warranty 9-cell (87WH) Primary Lithium Ion Battery 9C3Y [312-1152] 27
Carrying Cases Leather Carrying Case – Fits Laptops with Screen Sizes Up to 15.6″ LCC156 [313-9289] 28
Support Services 3 Year Basic Hardware Service with 3 Year NBD Limited Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis U3OS [929-1137]
[934-7888]
[937-8262]
[939-2870]		 29
Extended Battery Service 2 Years Extended Battery Service for Years 2 and 3 of System Life EXTBAT2 [988-5542] 30
Installation Services No Onsite System Setup NOINSTL [900-9987] 32
Accidental Damage 3 Year Accidental Damage Service CCADS3 [937-8422]
[988-7689]		 33
Energy Star/E-PEAT Gold Energy Star 5.0 Enabled / EPEAT Gold ESTAR [331-1245] 40
System Recovery Recovery Media for Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate,SP1,64bit,Multiple Language M7U61M [421-5686] 47
System Recovery Dell Back-up and Recovery Manager for Windows 7, SP1, Multiple Language DBRM71 [331-3300] 47
Mobile Broadband Dell Wireless™ DW5550 mobile broadband card for AT&T (HSPA) with GPS DW5550 [318-0328] 114
Second External Monitor Dell UltraSharp™ U2410 24in HAS Wide Monitor, VGA/ DVI/ DP/ HDMI U2410 [320-8276] 138
Additional Power Options 9-Cell (97WH) Lithium Ion Battery Slice 9C2SLC [312-1207] 147
Accessories Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse BTTRV [310-9182] 473
Accessories Dell USB Enhanced Multimedia PRO Keyboard with built-in 2-port USB Hub USBMMP [330-2481] 473
Processor Branding Intel Core i7 vPro Label I7VNBR [331-1639] 749
Docking Solutions E-Port Plus, dock adds dual digital display and legacy port support EAPORT [430-3096] 1013

 

ACCESSORIES

 

Targus Meridian II Backpack fits up to 15.6” Qty 1
Dell Part# A1734723 Unit Price
Manufacturer Part# TSB140US
Dell Part# A1734723

 

Dell 90W A/C Adapter (3-pin) Qty 1
Dell Part# 331-3086 Unit Price
Manufacturer Part# R86TN
Dell Part# 331-3086

Now lets see what I can do with it…

DC

Models – Bitter

by Damon Caskey
Lt. Bitter
Lt. Bitter

Lt. Bitter

Lieutenant Bitter enemy development. In the original game, character is presented as a slow moving but very quick striking armored knight. However, Bitter’s armor was entirely visual; the only defensive advantage he enjoyed over players was immunity to throws. As throws were simply a more appealing visual combo bookend, even this defense had little to no effect from a mechanics standpoint.

The remake Bitter will gain a slight mobility boost, with greater walking speed, ability to “run” (actually a faster walk), and attack on the move to catch unwary players. He will also be given very powerful defenses to match his armored appearance. Weak attacks of any type will not affect him at all, and bladed weapons will cause half their normal damage. As a last addition, Bitter will use his existing shield slam attack against projectiles… batting them back to potentially hit the originator.

2011_06_13

  • Added running. Visually it is a hustled walk due to lack of running sprites. No where near as fast as most other characters true running capability, but still much faster then normal walk.
  • Added RUNATTACK; a horizontal back stroke with same range as normal sword slash attack.
  • New blocking sprite. Playable version can block indefinitely.

Licked By The Licking

by Damon Caskey
So close, yet so far away. Isn't there a song about that?

So close, yet so far away. Isn't there a song about that?

When it comes to local hydrology, I find the Licking River to be the most interesting water way by far. The reasons why are varied, and are really left to a topic of their own. Apparently though, the Licking doesn’t share the same interest in me. Seems that recently, each time I paddle it, I get the short stick one way or another:

  • Unexpected flooding at Blue Licks pushed me back before I could reach my goal, and nearly capsized my yak with no skirt, flotation vest or gear.
  • Broke three toes and sprained my right ankle climbing up out of the Ohio. I count this because it was right next to the Licking River’s mouth.
  • Leg brace broke and twisted my foot inside the kayak while in an area with no portage and a section of water you couldn’t pay me to swim in. It was nearly three hours before I could get out and unbind myself. That was a year ago and my left foot has yet to fully recover.
  • A navigation error left me dragging the yak several miles back up stream through the shallows near Falmouth. Granted it was my own stupidity, but I’ve never made a mistake like that before or since.

It not just paddling either. I’ve had to winch myself out of mires, lost gear, and more often then not came away with minor but stupid injuries. No other area has given me so much trouble exploring.

Then there was Saturday 20110604. After attending a wedding and helping with some photos I decided to take advantage of already being in Morehead to get some footage of the Cave Run Spillway. Currently the Corps of Engineers are releasing 5000cfs; pretty close to the river’s natural avg. discharge. A normal release this time of year is around 100. The resulting torrent of water makes a spectacular sight from the banks yes, but how awesome would it be to get some close up shots from head on?

Naturally the Licking was not interested in cooperating, but instead of sending me limping away with some physical calamity it went with a new method: Humiliation. A small crowd gathered while I made my attempts failures, several of them wielding cameras. No doubt to them I looked like some helpless fish on a hook. Meh, it’s all good. 🙂

The current being too strong to take head to head is a given, that I already knew. What I was hoping for would be to find some eddies or a steady wave train to surf my way up. No such luck. The spillway walls are too smooth to produce any good eddies; I had a bit more luck with the waves, but ultimately they were too erratic. A better paddler might have gotten in, but it was just too much for my skill. I’ll just have to work on my efficiency, maybe get a paddle with a bigger dig, and try again.

Who’s The Master?

by Damon Caskey

I just happened to be looking at 2010 Christmas pictures and ran into this. When we first saw it Nichole and I both had a laugh at how Cammy and I are virtually mirroring each other. Hopefully it’s a classic example of dogs imitating their owners and not the other way around.  Then again, there are plenty of us (me included) who could probably stand to take on some of the traits of our pets.

As you can probably tell, the smart one is on the left.

As you can probably tell, the smart one is on the left.

 

Models – Heartland

by Damon Caskey
Heartland (Bad Bros.)

Heartland (Bad Bros.)

Heartland (a.k.a. Bad Brothers) enemy development. Original game version is a simplistic boss enemy with high range and damage but slow speed and practically no means to defend himself against player attacks.

Updates are to include improved animation, standard upgrades to motion trails, and voice effects. Difficulty increased with slighter higher movement speed, an even longer reach, and near immunity against bludgeoning type attacks. Will also become more effective at close range, with a dangerous bear hug grapple that will severely damage targets.

2011_05_30

  • Removed sprites:
    • False transparency (replaced with true transparent motion blurs):
      • a5
      • a7
      • a9
    • Fall/Pain (replaced with standardized defense poses):
      • p1
      • p2
      • p3
      • thrown1
      • thrown2
      • thrown3
      • thrown4
      • b1
      • b2
      • b3
      • s1
      • s2
      • s3
    • New Sprites
      • 0001, Jump/Land.
      • 0002 – 0005, Decapitation.
      • 0006, Kick blur.

      Motion blurs added.

    • Attack1 (Hammer strike) now steps forward for slightly more range.

      • Hammer smash attack now includes transparent motion trail and steps forward or extra range.

  • Run attack includes landing/jumping frames and dust.
  • Animation offsets tweaked for Kick, hammer Sweep and Hammer Smash. Rang settings also tweaked to ensure each one is used at proper distance.
  • Defense settings added. Now takes .25 damage from bludgeoning attacks. Attackers attempting a bludgeon knockdown are paused briefly and laughed at.

2011_05_31

  • Added grappling animations.

2011_06_01

  • In game profile:

    Resolved animation issue with Heartland performing Bear Hug against another Heartland. Caused by order of damage/bind/flash calls.

2011_06_02

  • Riseattack complete.
  • Need to resolve Special and special2 for AI vs. Player control.

2011_06_03

  • Special sequence completed. Will now toss opponents; a modified version of riseattack will be performed instead if target is immune to grabs.

2011_06_08

  • Playable version can no longer perform “Special2”. It is identical in function to “Special” and intended for AI to break away from infinite combos.

Attack Types

by Damon Caskey

Attack types for Golden Axe need rearranging to accommodate addition of fatalities. As of 2011_05_26 I have cataloged the following:

Type Pain Fall Death Block Notes
Attack1 Normal Normal   Normal Bludgeoning
Attack2 Head knock while kneeling Normal Normal Normal Bludgeoning
Attack3 Unused – – – –
Attack4 Collapse to kneel Normal Normal Normal Cut
Attack5 Normal Normal Normal Normal Ax Battler’s level 1, 2 and 3 earth magic.
Attack6 Unused – – – –
Attack7 Unused – – – –
Attack8 Unused – – – –
Attack9 Unused – – – –
Attack10 Normal Normal Normal Normal All cutting attacks for playable characters.

Paddling Up A Storm

by Damon Caskey

2011_05_21 – As any fellow outdoors enthusiast (or whatever you call people like us) can attest, pretty much all of the more physical skills involved are perishable. Paddling is no exception. I’ve been out once this season to check out Cave Run, but I still needed to get my sea legs back for moving water.

That’s where the Elkhorn comes in. At normal level it’s mostly I-II with some class III here and there; not exactly the pinnacle of whitewater action, but that’s a good thing for refresher training. Plus the scenery is something one could never get tired of. So I made plans to head in around 14:00 or so and take a 12 mile run. That was the plan at least. But this is me I’m talking about, and in typical late for my own funeral fashion, I wound up at the put in right at 18:00. Obviously the latter half was going to going to be in dark, but I don’t mind that at all.

What I didn’t plan on was the nasty thunderstorm that blew in right on top me at dusk. Between down pouring and mist my lights were useless and visibility 0; nothing like paddling blind against the wind with lightning strikes all around. Since the camera couldn’t see any better then I could, about 1/3 of the recordings are scrap and by the time I made take out it was almost 23:00. I’m not complaining though, quite the opposite in fact; what’s the point of an Adventure category without a little adventure? Besides, I still got some nice footage beforehand of the palisades and river area in general.

See below for videos.

Elkhorn Area

 

From put in to the dam at Jim Bean Distillery.

Dam through palisades. Best rapids are here, plenty of surfing at the right level.

Lower Elkhorn. Scenic with occasional riffles to keep you awake.

Storm starts to move in. No use keeping footage from here on.

See you next time!

DC

Epic Win or Fail Life Forever?

by Damon Caskey

Once or twice on the Paris Pike I have passed by what appeared to be a replica of KITT (if you don’t know what that is, stop reading). It even had the license plate “Knight”. Figured I was either seeing things, or it was just a silly knockoff.

Later I spotted the same car in a parking lot and went in for a closer look. Turns out, this guy actually has one of the original KITT prop cars from the show and uses it as an everyday driver. Unfortunately, it hasn’t received the best of care. The scanner still works, but everything else is more or less scrap, and as you can see he has replaced part of the light array with yellow fog lamps. Still, the man drives KITT for his daily commute. Coolest thing ever or the definition of lame? You decide.

Cave Running

by Damon Caskey

A few days ago I overheard some individuals in my department talking about Cave Run Lake; being from Morehead this naturally caught my attention and I had to inquire what the fuss was about. Turns out the lake was at or near its highest level ever since being constructed. Yeah, kind of a “DUH” moment considering all the regional flooding. After all that is precisely why the lake was built in the first place.

Doesn’t it figure though; monitor river conditions all over the country and completely miss a historical hydrology event in your own home town. Obviously I need to get back more; I literally can’t remember the last time I was in town, much less visited the lake.

Given my typical interest in hydrology and general exploration, I just had to have a look for myself. It figures, most of the trip wound up brining back old memories. One of the main reasons I tend to avoid Morehead is the nostalgia it triggers. A stupid reason I know, but there it is. Seems Cave Run is no exception. But I’ll get to that some other time.

I started from Stony Cove Recreation area, which, as some of you may or may not know, is actually Cave Run’s emergency spillway. To protect the structure from over topping, water can never reach higher then then the big “Flood Pool” sign. Instead, it would flow right over Stony Cove’s parking lot, pass through a cutout around the dam, and eventually return to the Licking River downstream. As far as I can tell that never happened, but if not it sure came close. When I arrived the level had already receded quite a bit, and yet was still only about 15′ short of maximum.

After circling the dam area, I moved on to Scott Creek Marina. The parking lot, normally on a high bluff, is now partially submerged. A makeshift ferry service is now the only way to reach the marina, and I’m told that it will be well into July before their bridge is above water.

Next was the Lakeside Vista look out. Like the marina parking, it is normally a bluff overlooking the lake. Now water sits just shy of the parking blocks.

Afterward I had planned to survey the Blackwater Area, but water there is so high I would have needed to park and paddle over private property. So instead I put in at Poppin Rock. There again was an amazing sight.The parking lot and service buildings were all submerged and ramp dock is now an island. But by By far what really put things in perspective was the “Morgan County” bridge. As you can see here, at normal water levels this structure normally towers over the lake. Jumping from it is a local challenge for anyone brave or stupid enough (myself included), and many have been injured or killed in the attempt. As you can see in the picture gallery, this summer it won’t be much of a challenge at all. I had to press myself flat just to pass through the piers.

By this time the sun was going down, and I wanted to get some area wide shots before it got too dark for my Hero Cam. What better place to do that then Lockegee Rock? It’s been years since I last climbed up there, but nothing has changed. The view is still amazing, and graffiti still annoying. Good with the bad I guess.

The gallery below was taken with my Hero Cam on auto shoot (i.e. a picture taken every 5 seconds). As a result, most shots will be throwaway. For simplicity sake, I just threw them all up, and perhaps there is something in there others can enjoy. As always, on to the next adventure…

DC

Read more: Cave Running

Ty Brown Says It All

by Damon Caskey

Around midnight I wrote this post about Osama Bin Laden being killed; especially how it made me think of Collin and his birthday (today). How awesome a birthday present for him to be involved in that operation, as there is a good chance he would have been.

Then this morning Ty Brown posted this great little piece into Facebook about it. I feel that it gets the point across far better then I could, so I will leave you with his words:

Collin would have been 34 today but he was killed fighting for us in a war that we did not choose, want, or start. But the news that the SEALS took Osama out last night, probably the guys he fought with, really made me think about a lot of things.
What can you say about those guys? They do their job and don’t ask for any glory, they don’t go on national tv and take credit for acts they had nothing to do with. They do their job and I for one feel safer for it. However I am not celebrating because of this, because it’s not over.
One life taken no matter how symbolic or justified, can heal the wounds of those lost, close the divide in mankind that created this war, or give us the peace we all desire. It’s a long and complicated journey and we cannot lose sight of that fact. My flag is flying, is yours?
Ty Brown proudly flies his. Do you?

Ty Brown proudly flies his. Do you?

To answer your question Ty, yes. Yes it is. Over my heart since 1999, and God willing will be still be there whenever it stops beating.

Just a little reminder every day.

Just a little reminder every day.

 

 

 

Bittersweet Ending

by Damon Caskey

So it seems we finally got Osama Bin Laden. I’d like to say a lot on this, but even if the news wasn’t still trickling in I’m not really sure I’d know what to think.

It’s good news naturally, but in some way I wish we had caught him alive. The dead cannot experience pain, fear, humiliation, or failure. Osama certainly deserves a nice dose of all these and then some. It may not be right, but I can’t help hoping his last moments were filled with abject terror and agony.

Honestly though, my thoughts keep turning to Collin. I know how important this was to him, and were he still here it is a good chance he would be one of the personnel making history as we speak. If not, at least he would have been able to see it. That he died before Osama’s demise, and while under the command of Mr. Obama both sicken me to the core. On top of all that, as I write this, I just noticed the hour has past. Today would have been Collin’s 34’th birthday.

Better that I shut up now before lapsing too much into soap-boxing. Congratulations to our armed forces for a job well done, and for the monumental tasks still awaiting them.

DC

A Flood Of Footage

by Damon Caskey

Some video I took of the various local flooding. More to come as I get it all spliced and downsized for uploading.

Let’s start with Houston Creek in southern Bourbon County. I wonder if the play through rule still applies on this golf course?

Now to the North End, at the confluence of Big Stoner and Houston Creek. This video is split with footage taken 2011_04_29 to provide a reference point. You’ll notice at point the spot I was at would have been under 15′ of water. The property owners tell me they have only seen it that high on one other occasion.

Some of my footage was taken from the close by north Paris CSX Railroad trestle passing over US68 and the Big Stoner/Houston Creek confluence. The flood footage I got from it wasn’t really worth uploading, but I decided to climb back on anyway to get some establishing shots of the area. Wouldn’t you know, a little more then halfway over I get caught by a high speed freight train. Nothing to do but continue on to the far side and let it pass. Guess that distant whistle wasn’t in my imagination after all, heh.

This is only a portion of the footage I took, but the majority is just more of the same, so it’s time to move onto the next adventure. Until then…

Cow Economics

by Damon Caskey

This is a very old joke, but in many ways is quite true and still relevant. Even better, it’s been updated to reflect the current world state (and I couldn’t resist adding a bit to it myself). Without further adieu, enjoy this lesson on economic systems employed around the world; demonstrated using the always reliable cow model.

Don't laugh; you’re probably looking at the median of political intelligence.

 

Socialism

You have 2 cows. You give one to your neighbor.

Communism

You have 2 cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk.

Fascism

You have 2 cows. The State takes both and sells you some milk.

Nazism

You have 2 cows. The State takes both and shoots you.

Bureucratism

You have 2 cows. The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other and then throws the milk away.

Traditional Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the income.

American Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. Later, you hire a consultant to analyze why the cow has dropped dead.

Enron Venture Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You sell three of them to your publicly listed company using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island Company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release. The public then buys your bull.

Andersen Model Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You shred them.

French Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You go on strike, organize a riot and block the roads because you want 3 cows.

Japanese Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You redesign them so they are 1/10 the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow cartoon image called ‘Cowkimon’ and market it worldwide.

German Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month and milk themselves.

Italian Capitalism

You have 2 cows, but you don’t know where they are. You decide to have lunch.

Irish Capitalism

You have 2 cows. They are drunk and so are you.

Dutch capitalism

You have 2 cows. You are not satisfied with the amount of milk they produce. You hire a cow manager who fires one of your cows in order to urge the other to work harder. When you find out that milk production has declined, you fire your remaining cow and reward the cow manager with a huge bonus.

Islamic Capitalism

You have 1 cow, 1 bull, 1 calf and an abundance of grass. You sell the all grass to buy explosives, strap them to the calf and send it to your neighbor’s yard. Then you shoot the cow for exposing its udder and blame your neighbor when the bull starves to death.

Russian Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You count them and learn that you have 5 cows. You count again and learn you have 42 cows. You count again and learn you have 2 cows. You open another bottle of vodka.

Swiss Capitalism

You have 5000 cows. None of them belong to you. You charge the owners for storing them.

Chinese Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim that you have full employment and high bovine productivity. You arrest the newsman who reports otherwise.

Indian Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You worship them.

British Capitalism

You have 2 cows. Both are mad.

Iraqi Capitalism

Everyone thinks you have many cows. You tell them you have none but they don’t believe you and bomb the crap out of your country. You still have no cows but at least you are part of a democracy.

Somali Capitalism

You have no cows. Your distant neighbor tries to bring you a cow, but you shoot at him until he leaves for interfering with your business. Afterward you manage to find a cow and send it to eat the neighbor’s grass. You are surprised when the neighbor shoots your cow.

Australian Capitalism

You have 2 cows. Business seems good. You close the office and go for a few celebratory beers.

Arkansas Capitalism

You have 2 cows. The one on the left is kind of cute…