This post is the introduction to the “Leveling Up” series, which will focus on geeky parenting adventures and tips.

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It was nearly 3am, but I hadn’t noticed.

“This is the one,” I murmured into my mic, smiling as I spoke to the rest of my guild. “I can feel it. And I’m going to win the roll.”

“Fat chance,” was the good-natured reply, and we all laughed. This run was cake. We’d all done it dozens of times before.

Anzu, the boss of Sethekk Halls, came and went. And no Raven Lord.

No, this wasn’t a raid for epic gear or WoW achievements. Having completed most all of the endgame content, we were on a quest to collect rare mounts. Given that I’d won the Spectral Tiger at a gaming event several years before, I had an edge over my fellow collectors.

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Everyone grew up with Pokemon. If you didn’t - I want to talk to your parents, because they did a bad job. But honestly - everyone knows or at least recognizes Pokemon as a sort of iconic “staple” in the geek world. I’ve said it once and i’ve said it again, but I love turning geekery into inspiration for fashion, so here are 3 Pokemon that I designed around. Also, is it weird that I sort of want to see Gengar in a dress?

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Since the November launch MLG tournament, competitive and pro gamers have been looking for the big event for their favorite game, Halo 4.  I have been looking as well- checking Twitter, Facebook, Meetup, local lans, online league forums, and even Halo fan sites.  With all my searching, it seems that one organization has stepped up to the plate.  Arena Gaming has become the premier league that many Halo 4 competitive gamers are talking about.  January 25-27 they will be holding the next big event in Chicago where 48 teams will compete for almost $10,000 in cash prizes.  But what else does Halo 4 competitive and pro players have to look forward to this year?

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I sometimes go on apple and watch all the upcoming movies because believe it or not – I can’t always keep up with the media. Is that my problem? No – not really, but deep down I get nervous and filled with a sense of dread that some gem, this rare special item has somehow managed to slip past me and buried into a grave of poorly written reviews or remarks. So to solve that, I often hunt down trailers and secretly watch them before I’m floored with all the reasons not to watch, play or entertain myself with this said item.

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Growing up I had Sailor Moon, she was fighting evil by moonlight and winning love by daylight – or was it the other way around? Well needless to say, my seven year old self fell in love with the show, the gimmicks and the fact that my local ice cream man sold Sailor Moon Ice Cream Wands. ( It helped that it was delicious too! ) I adored those scouts, but looking back I’m sure it had more to do with the fact that there were princesses’ and pretty pink colors – Japan definitely knows how to appeal to the kids. With Pokemon, Digimon, Yugioh ( I’m sure one of those is bound to reflect in you! ) It’s hard to not want to stop and watch, then wonder – ‘What are they up to?’

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We have finally made it. Yesterday marked the end of a series of movies based on a book series that made many pine over guys they couldn’t have and to be a girl who lacked depth. “OH GOD!” You say to yourself. Don’t worry, this is NOT another one of those posts bitching about the series (books or movies) but more of a look at the end of a series. Also: This will be completely spoiler FREE!

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Ok…so for those of you that are unaware I am a HUGE book geek…I adore books way more than I adore movies or video games, and that is saying something. There is a particular series that I grew fond of last year called The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. I love teen fantasy books, sue me they are my guilty pleasure, and when I saw the cover for the first book in the series, City of Bones, I just went crazy (I love an eye catching cover.) 

Well as I am browsing tumblr in my “I cannot sleep to save my life” boredom time I stumbled upon Cassandra Clare’s tumblr (yes I follow her, duh!) and she had screen shots from the official trailer for the movie adaptation of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, that I had NOT seen!! I took to YouTube and now here is the Trailer for your viewing pleasure :D

Are you a book geek? If so what are some of your favorite books?

Posted by Mana. You can find out more about her, other places you can find her, and events she will be at by following her on Twitter.

 

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Dishonored was a hit during the E3 pressers, and the first-person supernatural assassin thriller didn’t disappoint upon release. There is no denying that sandbox games have become wildly popular and Dishonored’s Steampunk-esque setting leaves you wanting to wander off the beaten path and explore for hours. There is a plethora of open-world missions, magic, gadgets, violence and mystery to really sink your teeth, or rather - daggers, into. This game offers you two different play styles. You can stealth your way through the game to receive a “good” ending, or you have the option to be absolutely merciless and receive a different ending but experience more game fluidity. Dishonored offers many unique ways to get around without being seen, such as possessing animals or stopping time. We thank Bethesda for their introduction of a new IP, and to celebrate we offer you some interesting facts about the  game:

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Set the date, because Star Wars: The Old Republic is finally going FREE to play on November 15th. The game is nearly a year old and after months of speculation that it will indeed drop its monthly charge, it is finally coming to fruition. “This release will be simultaneous across all of the territories and countries The Old Republic™ is available.” Bioware commented on their official page. In addition to this, those who have cancelled accounts are encouraged to return with a promotion: “Any player who has ever paid a monthly subscription fee will be given Preferred Status automatically when Free-to-Play option is launched.” This promotion seems to involve the use of a newly implemented “Cartel Coin” option, which will reimburse subscribers with in-game money that can buy them rare perks. You can also purchase Cartel Coins to improve your game experience with other benefits. So, it’s free to play - but with restrictions. No shock here that EA/Bioware would still find a way to get players money.

It’s hard to compete with games like World of Warcraft and now Guild Wars 2. It’s universally known that World of Warcraft is a power-house when it comes to the world of Massively Multiplayer Role Playing Games. With Warcrafts consistent release of expansions and content, it maintains it’s player base despite their monthly fee. Now, a truly free to play game like Guild Wars 2 has regained it’s fanbase since the release of the first game and has only recruited more fans with its release of 2. It’s hard to ignore the siren song of a truly free to play MMO, especially when it’s beautifully polished and popular like Guild Wars 2 is. With Star Wars: The Old Republic going free to play ( with restrictions! ) it’s certain that some players will return and it will garner some new fans, but will it be enough to keep this game in the proverbial MMO ring? Or will the restrictions K.O this game entirely?

Posted by Krysti Pryde. You can find out more about her, other places you can find her, and events she will be at by following her on Twitter.

Aside from being a lady whose primary interest is gaming, I am also interested in fashion. Since it’s hard to truly escape my g33k roots, I find myself organizing sets of clothes and shopping based on game and geek inspired looks. This makes shopping and fashion fun for me. I like knowing that whenever I’m out, I am keeping a little nerdy secret with me. It’s sort of silly, but mostly empowering. Here are two looks I love based on two of the most iconic male video game characters. Polyvore is a great site where you can organize looks based on absolutely anything. 

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Legend of Zelda: Link by Krystipryde featuring Antique Rings

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Solid Snake by Krystipryde featuring Grey Scarves

Posted by Krysti Pryde. You can find out more about her, other places you can find her, and events she will be at by following her on Twitter.