travel center

Travel Center: A quick, relatively painless way of escaping the monstrosity that is Electronic Transcendence. (Not a real quote: "I've transcended already! LET ME GO!") Divided into section by topic, this section will doubtless expand over time. But then, won't all of them? (Incidentally, I'll choose to ignore the fact that you're in such a hurry to get away. I'll chalk it up to enthusiasm.)

general links

(Soloth missed the boat on the index page - at least he catches you on the way out.)

thetruth.com
It sucks to be big tobacco. But since I'm no huge fan of big tobacco, I'm all for thetruth.com, which is basically teenagers declaring their own personal war on big tobacco. In short: They don't want to stop people from smoking, they want to make sure everybody knows all the details about smoking before they light up. It's a unique approach, and it does it almost flawlessly, with skillful execution and a brilliant layout. (Plus, it has the Truth Name Generator! Fun for the family.)

Infoplease
This link is not included for fun - it is included for sheer lifesaving factor for all of the poor schmucks in school (like me). A wealth of information can be found here with relatively little effort - in essence, it serves as an online encyclopedia hooked up with Looksmart. In additon, it is completely free, unlike such services as Electric Library. I make frequent use of it, and it has yet to steer me wrong. Not enough for comprehensive reports, but enough to avoid looking like a complete imbecile.

Archmage: Reincarnation From Hell
I've mentioned the game about twenty times - high time we saw it. It's a text-based multiplayer strategy game somewhat based off of Magic: The Gathering. You take on the role of a reincarnated mage who seeks to establish dominion over the world - and simultaneously prevent all of your opponents from doing the same thing. A fairly quick learning curve, and it doesn't take much time out of your day. Fans of strategy games will probably want to check it out.

Earth: 2025
All right, if being a mage doesn't appeal to you, how about being ruler of a post-apocalyptic country? Although there are some differences, Earth is quite similar to Archmage in general play theory. In some ways, however, it can be a bit more fun. It also tends to take even less time out of your day, as it rewards those who play less with more turns to do stuff in. Combined with a nicer graphical interface than Archmage, and a generally more thorough atmosphere, Earth: 2025 can be very appealing.

The Tomunist Homepage
Okay, that's not its real title. I think Tom will understand. Tom is a friend of mine with a similar taste in humor, games, and other things that ultimately make no difference in real life aside from avoiding an endless cycle of tedium. Although the formatting is far from perfect, it's still got some neat stuff on it, and is similarly scattershot in its focus. Go forth and visit! (There, Tom, you have your link. Can I have my cat back now?)

Blackbird's Domain
Yes, there are two Blackbirds on this page. The one further down is a Transfan who's also become something of a good friend. This Blackbird, on the other hand, is the creator of Thrash and an all-around good writer. There's a lot of things on this page, among them Blackbird's excellent original anime works (Force of Magic is perhaps the most original and spectacular take on the magical girl genre that has ever been written) and the Original Anime Writing Archive (which now features our site!). Check it out - if for absolutely nothing else, then to get to see Kurumi all over the place.

(Well, he was the only mascot that hadn't gotten in on the links page yet...)

Hotbar
Not much to say about this one, except that it allows you to utilize special skins for the header bar of your web browser. It's mentioned briefly in the FAQ, and you can also sort of see what it looks like there. Get it now - it's fun.

WinAmp
Have I mentioned previously that I'm against MP3s, Napster, et cetera? No? Well, I am. But I don't feel bad about linking to the best MP3 / CD / any form of sound file-player on the Net - and that's not an exaggeration. WinAmp supports nearly every form of sound file, allows you to create your own playlists with ease, lets you play with visual interfaces rampantly (they're called skins), and do all sorts of other fun stuff. Besides, you're probably going to download MP3s regardless of what I say, so why not make sure you're at least using the best software to do it?

Online Comics

(Why Caine? Because he wanted to be here, that's why.)

It's Walky!
I never used to think much of exclusively on-line comics, but It's Walky! (and its predecessor, It's Roomies!) has changed my mind. Written by David "Walky" Willis, also of Transformers repute, the strip is consistently funny as well as being well-written, with an interesting cast and a fully developed storyline. Though it takes a while to get through the whole thing if you start from day one (which, in my eyes, is the only way to go), it's worth it, and really makes you look at things in a different light. Just don't blame me if you start reading it daily afterwards.

Avalon
The creator describes it as "a soap opera", but it's really more along the lines of a sitcom. Or maybe it's most like a comic strip with... um. Anyways, Avalon is wonderfully funny, very identifiable (being fresh out of high school, I can still relate to everybody), and has excellent artwork with a nigh-anime feel to it. The personalities of the strip are even more addictive than those of It's Walky! (with the possible exception of Joyce), though, so be forewarned. (And then there's Ceilidh. Lord, how could I forget Ceilidh... ;> )

Sluggy Freelance
This is a comic. Is it not nifty? Worship the comic. ;>
If you haven't read this strip yet, you're missing something fantastic. Funny, engaging, well-drawn, and well-written, this comic ranges from all-encompassing storylines to outrageous humor - often in the same moment. I can't stress enough how great it is. If you read only one webcomic, make Sluggy Freelance it. (Sorry, everyone else. Please don't hurt me.)

RPG World
Why has it been so long since Eliot's last update? Well, aside from Erin, you can probably blame one of the various RPGs sitting in my CD holder. (Bad FF IX! How dare you be better than FF VIII! Now my term paper is overdue! ;> ) And if you've ever played a CRPG (especially a Squaresoft one), you'll appreciate all the genre jokes in this strip. If you always steered clear of these games for precisely that reason... well, you'll still get the jokes. Enjoy.

You Damn Kid
Warning: Contains Adult Content. I'm usually loathe to put up anything that would use that label, especially a comic, but YDK is a perfect blend of youthful innocence and dark comedy. It's the first "mature" comic I've seen that manages to use adult humor relatively tastefully, and it doesn't use it all the time. If you're willing to give it a try, you'll be well rewarded.

Down To Earth
Welcome to Hell! No, really - DTE is all about Hell, death, eternal punishment, and fun things like that. It's also incredibly funny. DTE isn't a syndicated strip (yet), but it's got the feel of one, and that is most certainly a good thing. The art is very distinctive, and helps lend to the overall feel of the strip - a parody on a cosmic scale. Assuming you aren't so religious as to be easily offended, read it and enjoy.

Steverino!
Remember a few mentions here and there about Elaine? This is her boyfriend's strip, and it's incredible. It sports photographic backgrounds (well, that might be changing, but for the moment...), excellent writing, and a diverse cast of characters. It's consistently funny, too, which is a big plus. Go on, give the man a slap on the back.

Improcomics.com
This isn't a single online comic - rather, it's a collection of online stories, predominantly in manga form, that are designed to be continually added to and even worked on by multiple authors at once. It's a great idea, slickly executed, and heck, JJ runs the thing, so it's very nicely organized. (And you can add JJ to the list of people who draw better than me, yes. ;> ) And if you're an artist, it's got an added appeal...

(Milgasia's making the rounds. He's new here.)

Framed!
With a title like that, this comic could easily be a gritty saga of law and order, the people who enforce the law and the people who break it. It is not. It is a not-at-all gritty saga about poor people stuck in a G-Rated comic, which means that they can no longer possibly... um... well, I'll assume that you can figure out the rest of that statement without forcing me to resort to diagrams. ;> Funny as heck.

Exploitation Now
Warning: Contains Adult Content. I still can't figure out exactly why I like this strip so much, but I do. It's hip, it's topical, and it's got some very... um... I think the English language lacks adjectives to describe the storylines. It wouldn't surprise me. Check it out, like. ;>

transformers pages

(Fenrir is among friends.)

Beast Wars Anonymous
The single largest site out there for Beast Wars and Beast Machines fanfics, Jennifer's been running this site for quite a time, and has managed to pull through all of the ludicrous demands of the task to create a very efficient, very well-designed page. In addition, it bears the distinction of being the original host for Beast Wars Chronicles - even before it was called BWC, for that matter. An excellently designed and run page, and certainly worth a visit.

The Unofficial Beast Wars FAQ page
There was a time, long ago, when Beast Wars was seen as nothing more than a tiny wrinkle in Transformers history, and everyone was almost certain that it would never approach the original series in terms of fan base or complexity. Back then, this page was formed. Since then, it has become the repository for all information on Beast Wars - and, subesequently, Beast Machines. A good starting point for information.

The Transformers Links Page
Starting out on Transformers in general? Make this your travel guide. The commonly acknowledged center for TF links, this place can send you off to nearly any resource you can imagine on TFs. If it exists out there, you'll probably find it here, organized by type. The only major failing point of this site, unfortunately, is that its maintainer makes little effort to purge dead links, so you might have to run up against a few dead ends before you get where you want to go...

Transformers Fans of the World
A fully fan-run site offering a diverse base of resources and information, as well as having the single easiest URL to remember of any Transformers site. For quite some time, this was one of my absolute favorite sites, and still remains a place I enjoy visiting. Give it a chance.

Rob's Pile of Transformers
Home of the unofficial lists of TF and BW quotes, the extremely well-done Shrine to Nightbeat, and the massive fanfic "The Corrosion of War Without End", this site also covers a plethora of other materials, ranging from reviews and scripts to simple ramblings. One of my personal favorites, and definitely worth the time it takes to stop in and take a look around.

Robert Jung's Transformers Page
Any TransFan that's even vaguely aware of the dynamics of web personalities will know who Rob Jung is. Host of the Trannies (the one and only TF award show), writer of many fanfics, maintainer of the Transformers Toy List (a comprehensive list of every toy ever made and sold, no matter how obscure), AND a storehouse for a plethora of other esoteric little bits. Coupled with a nice layout, this page is a worthwhile stop on the net.

Ratbat's TF Page
Ratbat is best known for her Top 10 lists - and here they are, out in full force. But, there's more here - an MST3K-style parody of TFTM, a (surprisingly dark) tale of Bumblejumper, and other little tidbits. Not perfect, but certainly entertaining.

The Shrine to Blackarachnia
Well, seeing as how Blackarachnia is one of my absolute favorite characters to begin with, I would include this site here, wouldn't I? Not surprisingly, this page has everything Blackarachnia - pictures, sounds, tech specs, and such. An excellent tribute to an even better character.

Firebird's Page
In the strictest definition, this is NOT a Transformers page, since it also hosts a wide variety of material ranging from dissimilar to completely unrelated to TFs. However, somehow, the eclectic nature of this page actually works surprisingly well. Give it a go.

The Complete Transformers Listing Page
An attempt to compile all of the TF pages out there, much like the earlier link. However, these pages are organized alphabetically. Although I haven't really checked both out, I do have a suspicion that Iggy's page is more comprehensive. Then again, it couldn't hurt to look through this page, either. (And if you would care to answer the question of which is more comprehensive...)

CMTF - CoMic TransFormers
The home base of the TF Webring, this page has a couple good resources on it, but otherwise is rather lackluster. It does have a good little connection of links, however. There's a lot of potential, but since it hasn't been updated since '97 or so, it's sort of falling down in that department...

The Blue Forest
Did I say Firebird's Page was esoteric? This page is about a dozen times more so. There's definitely TF-related material on the page... but there's also a whole mess of things that don't seem to be even vaguely related to TFs. (Probably because they aren't even vaguely related to TFs.) A nice page, if somewhat disorienting.

Blackbird's BW page
An aspiring writer, Blackbird's page hosts a variety of fanfics - in addition to many other little tidbits. A fun page that very well conveys the attitude of the author himself. (Seeing as how he's also a friend and a fanboy, I'd sort of be shooting myself in the foot if I said differently... but that doesn't change the fact it's a good page.)

rpgs

RPG.net
Straight and to the point: If you have any interest in gaming and are looking on the Internet, you must visit this site at least once. No more explanation needed.

Eric's Compendium of Free Role Playing Games
There are a lot of free RPGs out on the net. This page compiles links to a large number of them, ranging from the quick & simple (Risus) to the complex (Fuzion, despite its attempts to the contrary), and the slick (Fuzion) to the garage games (the layout nightmare that is VVR). If you're looking for some interesting games, this is the place. Even if you don't like the systems themeselves (and they range from the honestly inspired to the honestly insipid), many of the settings are still inspirational to any budding GM.

(Olaf: 5 points in Wrestling, picked up Chi Blast with Aerial Usage... nah, Cammy could still whip his butt.)

Thrash, the Martial Arts RPG
Generally, RPGs fall into the classic "dragons or spaceship" stereotypes, with a few modern RPGs or non-standard settings. (Deadlands and World of Darkness spring to mind... Shadowrun doesn't have spaceships, but it's the same genre.) Moreover, only one commercial system (Feng Shui) breaks from the standard clichés of the groupings completely. (Granted, WoD was the first, but they just HEAPED on new stuff after vamps.) Thrash breaks the mold by being designed to act in nearly any setting, and is based around fighting games and anime. An excellent system if you have any love for either of the above.

(It's a good time to be a mecha.)

The Third Invid War
An original setting for Robotech, this is an excellently crafted and well-supported resource, with more new subplots and mecha than you can shake a stick at. I recomend checking it out, even if you don't plan on running campaigns in the setting. (If for nothing else, to get players drooling at the VAF-9/VBF-3, and to get GMs drooling at the friendly Invid Warlord Battaloid.)

Macross Mecha Designs
By the author of The Third Invid War, this features mecha for the Robotech RPG from the Macross series that never got translated for America. (Okay, technically, the Macross II RPG, but as I note elsewhere, I'm not a huge fan of Palladium... one game is plenty.) Another excellent resource. Be forewarned, however, that some of the links no longer work. (Not to mention that it hasn't been updated since April '98.)

Morlock Productions: Files for Robotech & Rifts
Although not nearly as focused as the previous two links, this page has several articles that are practically a must-read, in my opinion, for anyone running a Robotech campaign. Check it out, and enjoy. (Although I'm a little leery of the Z-4...)

The Returner Final Fantasy RPG
Probably the best anime-style fantasy RPG out there, the FFRPG is designed primarily to emulate Square's epic RPGs, but also works very well for nearly any CRPG or fantasy setting with an anime touch. With a wide variety of optional rules, classes, races, a free monster design system, and more character powers than I can count, the FFRPG is worth the visit for any fantasy gamer, even if you don't want to use it. (Though I can't imagine why you wouldn't.)

Mortijingle.com
"Who's Mortijingle?" Well, God of Death and Humor, of course. Don't you know ANYTHING? Regardless, this site boasts (among other things) Jig Noir Melt magazine, a magazine that bridges the gap between actual gaming and gaming humor, with a surprising amount of ACTUAL RULES in the humor. (Their stuff for In Nomine is just hideously funny.) In addition, you have to respect these guys for doing something lots of gamers would like to do: making fun of White Wolf. The fully-playable World of Darkness parodies are all here: Prestidigatorr: The Unpronouncable (mocking Mage), Wearug: The Hairpiece (dumpy balding werewolf parodies), Leech: The Medicaid (doctors vexing vampires). Enjoy.

Critical Miss
Critical Miss is an e-zine devoted to RPGs in general, the dysfunctional side of gaming in particular. They aren't explicit humor like Jig Noir Melt, but they also aren't "stodgy" by any stretch of the imagination. The page is full of wonderful British wit, good (and bad) ideas, and the occasional free game. (Such as Pimp, for example.) Check it out, subscribe, and mail the boys some encouragement. They certainly won't object to it.

Peta's AD&D Page
My personal favorite AD&D page, with a whole lot of great information archived inside. Although it might be a little small, it's by no means a slur on the page's quality. (Personally, though, I really would like to see more things that don't seem to have been written completely ignoring AD&D 2nd Ed...)

I Am The Mimir
If you've ignored the glowing review in the July-August ETWN, the number of times I refer to how great it is on the Thrash list, and everything else, let me say again: Planescape is an incredible setting for AD&D. Assuming you agree (can't see why you wouldn't, but hey), this site is the absolute best resource for Planescape online, bar none. Lots of extremely neat stuff, including the mephit messengers (really!), this is a site no Planescape fan should avoid for very long.

(Ladies and gentlemen, Caine is home.)

Ander's Mage Page
A well-structured and extensive page about Mage: The Ascension. A great amount of resources, including rotes, new Traditions, information on the Technocracy, Nephandi, and Marauders, and other resources. I haven't done a line-by-line comparison with Zanzibar's page, but if you just want material for Mage, I would recommend going right here.

The Continuum Hub
A very interesting resource for Mage: The Ascension. Although a quasi-Tradition, the Continuum isn't about the Technocracy. It's a faction of mages that has detached itself from the Ascension War, for the express purpose of waging war against the Nephandi and... the Deep Umbra? Again, worth checking out regardless of intent to use.

BJ Zanzibar's World of Darkness Archive
An all-purpose area, this page caters to every different branch of White Wolf's flagship line. Every different game is covered here, and other supernatural races also get their own coverage, which also lends this page its other claim to fame - a massive number of other races to play around with. Although the number of good resources on this page is expansive, it does suffer from one problem - the fact he doesn't filter any entries. Still, shuffling through the bad ones is well worth the time.

The Æon Society
Not everything White Wolf produces necessarily requires you to make the world a dark shifting labyrinth of conspiracy. Trinity and Aberrant are both much more optimistic views of the world, and very intruiging games to boot. This site supports the entire trilogy of the Æon Universe, including the still-unnamed third game, and has in the works a fourth chapter to the science fiction saga - Millenium's Edge. Show your support and visit the site - it's well-designed, full of resources, and an excellent homage to a series that is truly spectacular.

rpg making

(Let's use a gryphon for an airship...)

Don Miguel's Page
Who is Don Miguel? To RPG makers everywhere, he is a virtual deity, having completed the English translation of RPG Maker 95 and being primed to release RPG Maker 2000 (which is the source for our mascots, and drool-inducingly awesome) on July 1st (mark the date!). Yes, he is Russian, so sometimes the English is a bit strained. So what? He still does in his sleep what I couldn't do on performance-enhancing drugs, so I ain't complaining. If you have even the vaguest interest in RPG Making, visit this site - Don Miguel is a big part of what makes it happen.

RPG2000
Everything RPG making owes to Don Miguel in terms of translation we now owe to RPG2000 in terms of slick webpages. The formatting of this page is the first thing that strikes you, but it also contains a wide variety of resources for both RPGM95 and RPGM2k. Since the default items in an RPG maker can only satisfy you for so long, it's probably best to check this site out more or less ASAP. Check it out, and then try not to think ET can't format nicely.

video games

(Hail to godlike bosses!)

GameFAQs
If you play video games at all, GameFAQs should be bookmarked. This page is easily the one-stop reference for all and any game material, for any and every game that you might be stumped on. With a slick layout, a powerful search feature, contests to keep you interested, and a massive number of invaluable gaming resources, GameFAQs more or less insures that you will never again need to buy a strategy guide at a store.

Happypuppy
Your game collection getting a little stale? Then check this place out. Happypuppy hosts a wide variety of demo games, shareware games, and complete freeware games - possibly the largest collection anywhere on the net. With encapsulated reviews, a large archive, multiple download sites to increase speed, and a multitude of other features besides all of the games, this site easily ranks a close #2 with the incredible GameFAQs.

FrontMission.Org
Front Mission could be Square's answer to Battletech, or just to mecha in general. Regardless, it is an incredible series that blends excellent storylines and characterization with thoroughly enjoyable gameplay. (Then again, it is from Square.) This page pays homage to the entire series with walkthroughs, graphics, and other such little things. It's still a little sketchy at points, but it's worth looking through.

cultish series pages

(Every cult needs burning stuff. Poor Broken.)

Star Trek: The Last Generation
All right, admit it: you like Star Trek. Even if it's just a little. Who doesn't? It paints a nice picture of the future, even if we do all have a pretty good idea that there's no way humanity will ever be at that sort of peace. But, then again, that doesn't mean you can't appreciate a well-crafted parody of it. And if you don't like it, well, this might be even more interesting because of that. Co-created by Urac "Ratbat" Sigma of Transformers fame, this series details the journeys of the USS Compromise, the Great Pink Eyesore of Starfleet. A remarkably hillarious series.

The Galactic Library
If you're a fan of science fiction, then one of the best series out there is the Uplift Series by David Brin (who also wrote The Postman). This page is the undeniable penultimate guide to the series, with entries for nearly every species, location, and organization mentioned in the novels. Run by Tim Robinson (who I used to know), it's gotten extensive praise, including from the author himself. Even if you don't read the series, the incredibly detailed entries and graphics might convince you to start. Give it a shot, wolfling.