I'd tell you this is under constructions, but since, as near as i can tell, the whole 'Web is, that seems a little obvious.

Who is woodelf?

Actually, no one. Some acquaintances started calling me woodelf a few years ago, and while i'd like to say the name stuck, it didn't. in fact, this account name is probably the only surviving reference.

So who are you?

I suppose you're really wondering who i am. (well, maybe not, but then you should've skipped this section as uninteresting self-aggrandizement). I'm a student in my fourth (of eight, if i can afford it) year here. As of last semester, i am an official physics major, which is kind of a bummer, because it means i might actually be able to graduate in the near future. On the plus side, i got to feel really smurfy for a day or two when they first accepted me (without even commenting on the grade in that one physics course...). I'm also an Environmental Studies wannabe. And just as soon as my professors quit dying, the classes i need are actually offered, and they stick to one set of requirements for more than two years, i'll actually get that ES Certificate (they can't just call them "Minors" around here). Recently, i've been taking a look at what i do and want to do (having to drop the same course in your major 2 semesters in a row will do that to you). I've been catching up on my Campbell, and a few other things, and i'm seriously considering getting a degree in folklore, since it'll probably be more useful than physics in the long run, and about as interesting, though for completely different reasons.

Physics and folklore, huh? So how do you earn your living?

In the strictest of interpretations, i don't. I am in the fortunate position to have my schooling paid for by my parents (for a little while longer). What money i do earn, i generally get by working as a computer geek. Of course, times can be tough. I had a run-in with a former boss, and have been pretty much blacklisted from any DoIT jobs (the campus Division of Information Technology; they do just about everything with computers around here). Actually, at the moment i'm delivering pizzas. Good money, but I won't mind when something better comes along. I'm also apprenticing under a local leatherworker, learning repair and basic leatherworking skills. It's really fun, and a refreshing change from most other jobs i've had.

I also do some freelance writing for RPG companies. So far, i've written a section of the Wraith Players' Guide for White Wolf, and i'm working on something for Aria.

OK, that was almost interesting. Tell me more.

My personal specialty in life and role-playing games is metaphysics. I like to step back and take a look at reality, and figure out if there's a better way to run it. With life, it's just an exercise in problem-solving. With role-playing games, i actually get to do something about it. Also, i think that reality is a very important thing to define; it tends to affect just about everything else. To this end, i've mused on and played with the realities of a couple of commercial game systems. For starters, i've completely reworked the magic system for AD&D. I'd even make the modest claim that it almost makes sense now. I've also played with adapting Ars Magica to reflecting the openness of AD&D. I'm working on some things to make Mage more fun. Finally, i'm working on a couple of independent projects, one of which i can't tell you about, and the other of which i don't have anything solid for yet.

I've also done quite a few things that don't have much to do with metaphysics at all. I've written up extensive changes to AD&D, in the form of house rules that fix just about all of the major problems (except classes, but if i was going to go that far, i'd just use another game, like Ars Magica; see my writings page). i'm putting up some of my musings and alternatives for the World of Darkness as i unbury them. Finally, if and when i get the chance, i'll put up some work on a Mythic Africa counterpart to Mythic Europe, for Ars Magica.

So, does all that mean you've got some witty pseudo-intellectual life philosophy to share with us?

42.

Well, that's a start. I guess i'll have to get back to you on that one.

just what the heck are
<---these things, anyway?

Those were bullets. Then they got all self-important and carried away with themselves, and now they're a little over the top.

Check out my ferrets!

the results are in, or at least a reasonable approximation thereof.

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created by woodelf@yar.cs.wisc.edu