Outspark Blog

It’s time for Bribbo’s first attempt at another installment of “Game Masters: A Closer Look”, where we get an intimate moment with some of our most popular GMs for Fiesta, Secret of the Solstice, Wind Slayer, and Project Powder.
Being my first official attempt, I thought it would be perfect to talk to the man that started the whole thing… He does it all, including dance 5 (Fiesta reference), he’s [GM]Straega!

In-game handle: [GM]Straega
Name: J
Hometown: Fremont, CA
Specialties: Communications and drama major. Climbing, mountain biking, guitar, piano, writing, the spoken word, kickin’ shins, not being able to find parking spots in San Francisco [please note that Straega had a very difficult time locating a parking spot on this particular day, which took him over an hour and a half]
Games: Fiesta, Project Powder

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Bribbo: So Straega, to kick things off we’ll start with an easy question, is there any sort of story or meaning behind your name?

Straega: I’m surprised I don’t get asked this more often actually. It’s more common that people comment on it rather than express a curiosity for its etymology. People often tend to misspell it as well. In Albanian folklore there is a creature, a type of vampire, called a “Shtriga” from where part of the name comes from, also a creature that’s found in the book Wiedzmin by author Andrzej Sapkowski. There is also a character in one of my favorite games of all time who’s got this great theme music that had a good deal of character to it, his name is Stragus Magus. What I essentially did was cram the two together, making the name “Straega”.

Bribbo: Wow, I guess that turned out to be anything but an “easy” question.

Straega: Dude, you asked.

Bribbo: I remember how it took you 3 days to come up with the name and now I see why. So what does Straega do when he isn’t gaming?

Straega: I like to spend as much time as I can outdoors. I love the beach, especially in the summer. When the weather permits I rock climb or go mountain biking. Any local climbers out there? I’m looking for a new lead partner [laughs]. I snowboard in the winter. When I’m inside, it’s the guitar or the piano, and writing in my spare time.

Bribbo: You know I used to rock climb, real mountains—real danger.

Straega: Oh yeah?

Bribbo: No, I have a fear of heights actually. I just like the idea of being a lead partner.

Straega: [blank stare].

Bribbo: Anyway, what’s the best and worst part about being a GM?

Straega: To be honest, I’m inclined to give you the same answer for both. By that I mean that I get some sort of gratification when I can convey something, whether it be something new to communicate or new content that’s coming, to people who want to actually hear it. I suppose the worst part has to do with the same thing. What people do, and I find at this point that it’s inevitable, is that people instinctively want to “kill the messenger”. Given the logistical limitations we have, and sometimes the lack of information we receive in our position, it can make it a bit frustrating.

Bribbo: Wouldn’t it be nice instead, if people wanted to heal the messenger?

Straega: That would be nice, but only if the messenger wasn’t at full life, which he or she would most likely be already.

Bribbo: How about buff the messenger?

Straega: Yes I suppose that might be better.

Bribbo: I’m so clever.

Straega: [blank stare]. How about FEED the messenger? So many people online can’t seem to stop talking about cookies, cakes, waffles, and other various treats.

Bribbo: You gotta love it, I’m a HUGE fan of hamburgers myself. So anyway, besides Outspark games, what are some of your favorites?

Straega: I’m a fan of RPGs, RTSs, and FPSs mostly. Just to name a few of my favs from over the years as far as RPGs go, there’s anything from the Final Fantasy series…

Bribbo: Oh yeah, gotta love the Final Fantasy series.

Straega:  Most things from Squaresoft actually, also…

Bribbo: Yeah great company. Final Fantasy Tactics is pretty much the best game ever.

Straega: [Pauses] Also, the Witcher, Neverwinter Nights, and Fable.

Bribbo: Ah Neverwinter Nights! Hey do that voice thing, the “Argh, I am overburdened!” You’re good at that. You know, the warrior when he’s carrying too much stuff and walks slow.

Straega: What does that have to do with anything? I don’t think you’re getting the whole interviewer role.

Bribbo: Actually, while we’re talking about voices and since you’re such a pro at them, can you do that one…

Straega: [Talking very quickly] As far as RTSs go, there’s the original Warcraft series, Starcraft, C&C, Total Annihilation, the Homeworld series, and these days there’s a lot of Sins of a Solar Empire. A few FPSs include CS, back from the beta days, Call of Duty 4, and Left4Dead.

Bribbo: Very nice. So when I sat next to you, I got a good idea of your snacking habits. Have things changed at all since you moved in June, or is it still the same old noodle bowls, hamburgers, and Gatorade?

Straega: I’ll eat whatever’s in the pantry though the one commonality after I eat or if I feel the need to snack on something, it’s often a piece of chocolate. I have a problem when it comes to chocolates. In fact, I think I’ve emptied Rider’s stash. Sorry.

Bribbo: Rider has a chocolate stash?

Straega: Had a chocolate stash. [Looks over his shoulder] Can we get back to the questions?

Bribbo: Sure, sure. If you could take a proficiency, spell, attribute, ability, or item from Fiesta what would you pick and why?

Straega: I’d say making gold lumps out of nowhere, but that’s too easy. I’d also say being able to spawn a King Kong Phino anywhere might be nice too, but I can’t control those in-game so that might get a bit dangerous. Being able to change my hair in seconds through an NPC might be nice too, Hhmmm… decisions, decisions. Let’s go with… the Warlock’s metamorphosis. Convenient, handy if you’re in a bind, save on gas money, and it’s not as buggy as the summon skill.

Bribbo: Ah yes turning into a bird would be pretty much the best thing ever. Unless it was permanent, then it would be terrible. Alright, last question. Let’s say you could instantly appear anywhere in the world—and it wasn’t buggy. Where would you go and why?

Straega: Buggy as in… accidentally teleporting myself and having my shoe appear inside someone’s bowl of soup?

Bribbo: Yeah, something like that.

Straega: Man that dude would be pissed.

Bribbo: And you tell me that I digress?

Straega: Vengeance!

Bribbo: [blank stare]

Straega:  Honestly, I’d go to a lot of places around the world, mostly to soak up culture. I love travelling. But… if I were to say right now, it’d probably be the sandwich place down the street.

Bribbo: Why?

Straega:  I’m kind of hungry, and I have an event to run in an hour.

Many thanks to Straega for this interview. To see his profile and add him as a friend, click here.