A Stroll with (now) GM-Vladmiir

During our time at Sigil last year, Nick Parkinson was our escort until he was called away after lunch until the following Friday when we heard the news about his dad, Keith! (/salute) He and Zack (Ozuri) Karlsson made sure we were taken care of, and that meant meeting and becoming companions with Paul Luna for the time we had left.

Always a smile and very mischievious twinkle in the eye, Paul criss-crossed us all over the building and back again, multiple times, to make sure we saw everything! Including Brad! So, while we're hoping that all the GMs are able to take part in the interviews, we thought it fitting to ask Paul to be first, and he graciously responded, but I expected that!

So, may I present to you, Game Master, Paul Luna!

*settles back in her chair and smiles at the gnome*

Q: You've done a lot of different things at Sigil, and now you've gotten your feet wet in the GM pool! What haven't you done for SGO that you'd still like to try?

I would love to learn our 3D modeling tools so that I can create something to place in game. I enjoy painting miniatures, given that experience I would also love to make an attempt at creating a texture for one of the many NPCs or armor sets in our game.


Q: What "job" do you feel most comfy in, thus far?

I really love working with the CS folks. They really appreciate everything I do for them and they are a fun group. I am learning new things everyday and that is one of my goals; to learn as much as I can about what it takes to make a great game.


Q: I know that you're as bad as me and you like hugs! It can really get you in trouble, can't it?? Would you consider yourself the "lovable" GM?

I guess you just have to know who to hug, right? I really enjoy when I am able to come to someone’s aid. There is a feeling of self worth when you can figure out particularly difficult technical issues.

ohhh....Good answer!!


Q: It seems that GMs always find their "familiar" in some way, whether it be part of the Sesame Street gang or a (dare we say it?) chicken! Have you found your alter ego yet?

I can’t say that I have found one yet but see the my answer to the last question. If there was an alter ego that would be it. YARR!!

uuuuuh...anyone here besides me smell trouble brewing?


Q: You do a lot of testing from the Pit! What would you consider your primary area of concern as a GM? Since Michelle has stated there will be 4 levels of CS, where are you going to fit in?

I handle focus testing and technical support for the GMs when needed. I still assist Glip on the forums mainly in an administrative way. I monitor client Tech support issues as well.


Q: What would you tell someone else who is wanting to work in the gaming industry? You seem to have had a charmed life in that area, so what is the key?

For young people still in school, I would tell them to look for courses or schools that have Game Design curriculum or if they are more artistic they could find courses or schools for 3D character design, animation, environments and or texture artist. I would also mention getting involved in volunteer programs for Customer Support. I know a few people that started their gaming careers in the Customer Support departments of some great gaming companies. J


Q: Would you do it again?

Um, my biggest regret is that I didn’t start sooner! ;-)


Q: Who's in charge of the candy bowl now? /grin

In charge? /shrug All I know is it magically gets filled.

typical gnome answer...


Q: What other games have you played that you would consider a "really good" game, prior to VSoH, of course!?

Well I played EverQuest for a good number of years (4+). I was a Guild Leader of a small casual guild for most of that time. I consider EverQuest a great game! I also played City of Heroes, The Matrix, World of Warcraft and EverQuest II. I really enjoy all kinds of games, I love old school pen and paper RPGs AD&D, Role Master, Aftermath, Cyber Punk 2020, Shadowrun to name a few. Lately one of my favorite non PC games is a table top miniatures game called WarMachine, by Privateer Press. I started with WarHammer Quest. I love to play and paint the miniatures. I was also the demo team coordinator for Demonblade Games for a game called Shock Force.


Q: And for time's sake, the last question: How does Vladmiir deal with Paul Luna? Can they actually co-exist, or is someone is a heap o' trouble??

Well actually when I conceived my Vladmiir character he was a pirate, yes a gnome rogue pirate. I had SO much fun with the “Yarrs” and the “Arr me maties”… But then I became a guild leader and slowly as I got more people in the guild and the needed more attention the funny little pirate shrank into the background. Those were the days! J Who knows? Perhaps one day that funny little swashbuckler will rear his head and then we’ll see if there will be any trouble.

....yup! Here it come! Trouble!!

Thank you again, Paul! This was a lot of fun, and hope we can do it again sometime!! Take care, ok?

*watches as the little guy jumps off the chair and runs back to "the Pitt" with the others, stuffing his pockets with goodies from the bowl first!*