A dear friend of mine in SL, Rusty Seisenbacher (bless his drow-y soul), somehow managed to convince me that I might enjoy playing hockey with him. I went to watch a game or two, and as usual, I can't just watch. With Rusty's urging and support, I bit the bullet and agreed to try something new.
Rusty plays in the Virtual Hockey League, SL's newest and by far the best hockey league in SL. I hear there's another one, but it couldn't be nearly this much fun! Anyway, I wanted to get on Rusty's team, the Brain Freeze, but was convinced that I should instead join the Sim Crashers. I'm still not sure why Montecore Babcock, the owner and commissioner of the league, wanted me on his team, but I was flattered. Silly me. ;)
So I find myself out on the ice in my new custom jersey with my name on it. For starters, I didn't know which side of the ice to be on. Did I mention I've been to one - count them, ONE - hockey game in my entire life? I could only see the puck because Monte scripted it to show particles. My crappy laptop (yes, a bit more whinging!) might show me where it was, but by the time I could move towards it, it was gone. The ONLY way I could get the puck was on the faceoffs (or facefoos, which really confused me at first). If I could grab the bloody thing and skate - at least my 5fps version of skating - and shoot fast enough, before anyone got close to me, there was a slight possibiity I could score. A couple of times I even scored in the correct goal, too!
So there I was, barely able to move, not knowing the rules, hardly able to see across the ice - and I'm playing anyway. It is a BLAST! I compare it to combat because of the intensity - when you are in mouselook chasing the puck, nothing else matters. It all goes away. Learning to fight with melee weapons with such a slow machine really has paid off for me. Now that I can move with the best of 'em, I can still use the focus required with that old system.
I have learned that size truly does matter in hockey. Poor Neit goes on major steroids when the jersey goes on, and can now check with the big boys. Monte goes elephant-sized when he guards the goal. The script takes into account avatar volume, so for once being a small-sized avatar is a total disadvantage. (As an aside, I was out dancing the other night with an old friend who tends to favour formal events, and was decked out in my finest. When it was time to play hockey, I asked if he wanted to see me in my uniform. So there, in the middle of the dance floor, still in Random's arms in a ballroom dance, I change into my hockey jersey and skates. I'll upload a picture soon!)
Monte and the rest of the Sim Crashers have been incredibly patient with me as I've learned da Roolz, and practiced checking (by crashing into everyone). Loren Fitzgerald and KK (Kealan Klata) have held my hand and tried hard not to laugh (not very successfully) as I've made the typical noob mistakes. Some of the players from the other teams have been a bit
I have been impressed with the scripting for the hockey itself. Monte was the instigator for the whole league, and did a good chunk of the scripting himself. It's easy to use, works seamlessly, and has had amazingly few glitches that I've seen. For SL lately, that's amazing!
But the thing that has impressed me the most about the VHL is the lack of drama. It's a competitive sport, so there has to be some - but the drama has been almost entirely about the game itself. Tempers do flare, and decisions are contested...it's a part of the game. At least in SL, there's no real blood, and it's a good thing!
With Monte's guidance and calming influence, the folks in the VHL are some of the most fun, intelligent and solid people I have met in Second Life. Crises have been handled quietly and with style. All the people who have served as referees have been quietly authorative and shown their leadership.
All large endeavours, in any world, reflect the person who leads them. The VLH reflects the quiet dignity and leadership of Montecore Babcock. Thank you, Monte, for what you have done. It's a tribute to all the folks of SL that there are such enclaves of pure fun to be found. You've done an amazing job.
Now, having said *that*, playing hockey naked is not unheard of - thongs are more common though. ;) Come to Axenfall to watch a VHL game! I may have made it sound quiet and dignified - it is SO not. I double-dog dare ya!
While you're there, throw something at Rusty, if I can drag him back...he deserves it for getting me involved in yet *another* time-intensive, competitive activity. Thank you, Rusty, you grumpy drow, you. ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment