O Dearest Better-than-Google:  I'm looking for reference material in the (pre)medieval studies vein.  Suggest!

I am writing something that may be very loosely described by "Hellboy fanfic in a 10th Century AU".  That's not *actually* a very fair description, but it's the half-sentence version.  It will be a character profile for a fellow that lived in the late 10th century near the black sea, and who, on hitting that age finds out that he's the village's cursed child, will grow horns & sharp teeth, may be fated to bring doom and destruction on at least his little corner of the world, and sets out to prove the prophesies wrong, even if they're not.  Classic adventuring setup, eh?  ICO + Hellboy.

I'd like to do this as well as I can.  What should I read?  Things about tenth-cent eastern Europe, Bulgaria, curses or devils, dusty corners of Christian mythology, etc.

Oh man, do I want to go to this.

"We're Rollin',They're Hatin', is a large-scale contemporary art show that examines the role of Dungeons and Dragons, Escapism and Fantasy in contemporary art and culture. The exhibition is an art show and interactive platform to explore how artists are influenced by fantasy and role playing games. Over 30 artists will create work for the show and dozens more will perform. The show includes several elements and project rooms that will create an unforgettable, hopefully magical, experience for visitors and attendees."

APRIL 20 - MAY 20, 2007
@ Co-Prosperity Sphere
3219 S. Morgan - Chicago
Gallery hours: Friday & Saturday 1-6

http://rollinhatin.blogspot.com/index.html

And there's an awesome official T-shirt here:

http://www.threadless.com/product/813/Rollin_Hatin

A new game is starting this weekend, and though I will miss the first session, I'm excited for the second. I sat down the other day to write a quick character sketch and two hours later (!) had what is behind the cut.

If you're playing in The Great Ward, please don't read the cut yet. It'll be more fun if you don't read it until you've known Maarten for a bit.

( Maarten and Etsuko )

I'm excited because my characters don't always come together this well, as evidenced by Lleryn (III) in the Octopaign. Despite having a clear backstory and a rich world, I just can't find his character. He's affable, a clear chaotic good ranger, and he's specialized a bit in his equipment; nevertheless, I wander with him through session after session, and he's little more than some muscle with a tracking proficiency. I have my theories about why this is, but if I'm right the causes aren't going to change; I need to find a way to force some personality into him. Maarten, on the other hand, is rich already. I'm excited.

Also, GIP! Well, in this case the entry is not a Gratuitous Icon Post, but rather a Gaming Icon Post. I was totally amazed to find the Doombunny, who was the primary cause of my fanatic interest in evil rabbits, as one of the two icons of my friend soupkills. I have shamelessly ganked it and used it to replace old Marius from Correllendor as my gaming icon of choice. (soupkills, tell me if this theft offends!)