Scaper of the Week 31 - hextr1p
Scaper of the Week 31-hextr1p
Well, you've eagerly awaited the unveiling of truth as the latest 'Scaper of the Week, and I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while longer. Rest assured, truth did answer the questions, and I have been privy to some wonderful insight into the man behind it all. But the Powers-That-Be (Admins and cool people more important than i) have something special in store for truth's SotW entry.
That being said, I am proud to announce that we have hextr1p as our latest 'Scaper of the Week! Truth picked hextr1p as the next member to interview and without further adieu, I present to you our Resident Artist, hextr1p.
Our 31st Scaper of the Week is
hextr1p
Who are you?
"There are some who call me... Tim...?"
Alright, so no one calls me, "Tim."And if they do, I'm oblivious when they do so... because hello! My name is David Richards. Though I'm more commonly recognized here on Heroscapers.com as, "hextr1p", or "Hex", or ".H3X.", or "that one guy who does graphics for the site... what was his name again? Tim something...?"
Who, or what, is your avatar and how did you come up with your username?
My current Avatar is an illustration a friend of mine did of my favorite superhero Spiderman, zooming around such. And next to that is my nickname here on the site, .H3X. stuck in a web. So yes, illustration by a friend, avatar animation (we'll just call that an "avamation") created by me.
My username is one I've used since 1997. My original internet screename was "piptrip", derived from an article I read called, "Trippin' on Pippen" about Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen. I kept that for a few years before changing things a little bit to, "hextr1p". This comes from the fact that I'm a pretty huge fan of the band 311. The lead singer for the group is Nick Hexum. They sing a song called, "Nix Hex". So, I took the, "Hex" for my appreciation of 311, added a portion of my old screen name, "trip", went a little leet speak by changing the the 'i' to a numeral '1', and VOILA! "hextr1p". Coincidence being that my favorite game happens to rely heavily on the hexagonal shape, so now my screen name has two meanings.
Age:
Isn't this the 'Information Age'...? *cough34cough*
Occupation?
Graphic designer / gigilo to the stars.
Allegiance and why?
Tough question, because there is something about each Valkyrie general that I like. However, I'm going to have to show respect to Vydar. Back when I first started playing the game, I tried to field Agent Carr whenever possible. The Sci-Fi theme of Vydar appealed to me, and A.C. always looked so B.A. out on the battlefield. Add to that the Krav Maga are still often a major threat when fielded, and how frustrating did it used to be to go up against such powerhouse units like Braxas, Major Q-9, and the "Gladly-Blast-you" combo of Gladiatrons and Blastatrons. I liked Vydar so much, I used to have his logo as the wallpaper on my phone.
When did you get into HeroScape and why?
I got into Heroscape back in 2004, close to when the game first hit store shelves. I was looking through a JC Penny catalog, and saw a picture of the game which left me with mixed feelings. The image showed the game being played by what looked like a six year-old. However, the image also showed the game components, and gave a brief description as well. So I decided to hop on the internet and see if I could find out more about the game.
I found the official website first (aka, ".COM"), which helped to increase my interest. Then I found Heroscape.net (aka, ".NET"). At the time I found the site, the members of the site were well over the age of the child in the catalog image, and they all raved about the game. I lurked about the site for a time, and then downloaded the rulebook in PDF format to print out and read. After reading the rulebook for the Master game, I was sold! I went out the next day and purchased my first ROTV set from TRU! As luck would have it, Wave 1 was released a few months later, and I haven't been able to get enough of the game ever since!
Favorite aspect of HeroScape and why?
The fact that the game appeals not only to the kid inside me on so many different levels, but the depth of the game on a strategic and creative level appeals also to the adult side of me. Heroscape is like the Frosted Mini-Wheats of gaming.
What prompted you to get involved in the custom aspect of things?
When I was first getting into Heroscape, a huge draw was the game’s theme of warriors from different times and dimensions coming together to battle it out (which is odd, because I was never really a fan of crossover themes). Also, I liked the way in which the essence of a character was illustrated through stats and special powers. The possibilities of hero and squad creation, and game play mechanics therein, were infinite. Add to that my background in graphic design, and being able to create Army cards practically identical to the official versions, or veer off and add units with their own visual flavor, and I couldn’t get enough of the overall design process of creating custom units. However, the more new official units were released, the more I stepped away from the custom aspect of things. I do have a shoebox full of various Clix minis I’d like to turn into customs, and hope to be able to do so eventually.
Favorite custom you've done?
I’d have to say my ‘Zombikazes’ custom squad is my favorite. When I came across the ‘Detonating Zombie’ mini from the MageKnight line, I knew I had to do something with them. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the squad’s stats and powers here and there based on experiences I had during gameplay, but their current incarnation is most likely how they will stay. They’re a lot of fun to play, especially with multiple squads! There is just something fun about shooting your own units to make them explode!
Favorite Hero and why?
My favorite Hero would have to be ‘hero’. He’s the one who started this which we all know as the, “Heroscape community” when he began Heroscape.net.
While he contends that had he not stepped up and started a Heroscape fan site that someone else would have, I can’t say that someone else would have done so in a way which has lead us to where we are today. Many members here have amazingly fond memories of time spent on .NET, and it was during that time that Truth began to establish a foundation for the vision that is now Heroscapers.com. So a quick word of thanks and a nod of appreciation to hero who’s efforts, even five years later, can be seen here on Heroscapers.com.
VIVA LA .NET!
Favorite Unique Squad and why?
My favorite unique squad would have to be all the folks behind the scenes here at Heroscapers.com who give so much of there time to make sure the site continues to run smoothly, as well as to make sure the place is fun and inviting. From the Truth to the mods to the coders to the admins to the judges for customs and maps to the event organizers to the graphic designers (I’m not the only one!), there is a small army of people here on the site who make this site work, and put in the work for free. And having had a chance to work with many of them through the years, I can honestly say that all are really good people.
Favorite Common Squad and why?
Not that members of this site are “common” people, but to continue the theme, I’d have to say my favorite common squad are the everyday members who visit this site, populating this tiny space on the interwebs with the character that makes this place ‘Scapers.com. This site could have 1,000 people working behind the scenes. But if not for the site members, all would be for naught.
Favorite Special ability and why?
Speaking more from an angle of nostalgia, Agent Carr's "Sword of Reckoning 4" is right up there. Memories of sneaking up on an opponents figure and proclaiming loudly, "Heavy hitter!" as I let fly six attack dice! Right up there with "SoR4" are Jotun's "Throw", and Cyprien's "Chilling Touch". Each full of flavorful theme and fun times!
Old Raelin or New Raelin?
Definitely old Raelin. The ultimate support unit who can fit into just about any army and is a steal at 80 points.
Anything you'd change about the game - a unit, rule, or mechanic?
Having Chardris’ name spelled correctly in FIRE STRIKE SPECIAL ATTACK on his first edition Army card would be nice. You know, family name and all.
I kid, I kid…
What do you enjoy most about Heroscapers.com?
I enjoy the people involved in this community. Looking back even to the early days on the legacy sites of .NET and HQ, if not for the members and their passion and joy for the game I was able to share with them, I very well may have left Heroscape when there wasn’t much going on with the game itself. But thanks to the relationships I’ve built here, the people I’ve met and played against in person, the creativity and generosity of members new and old, the dry times were made bearable and my enjoyment of the game never wavered.
Favorite HeroScape moment:
I’ve had so much fun with this game, but I would have to say that my most favorite and memorable experience was the Team Castle Grudge Match I had with Oogie_da_Bruce, boom, and Wilkerson74 a while back at a SoCal event. Why, you ask? All you need do is read the compiled battle report to understand:
http://www.heroscapers.com/community/blog.php?b=680
Another board game you enjoy and why?
I may get a lot of flack for this, but I do enjoy me some ‘Killer Bunnies’. Everyone I’ve introduced the game to, while looking completely baffled by the rules and ridiculousness of it all when having the game first explained to them, has gone out and purchased the base set after having played it. ‘KBs’ is a great gateway game so long as you don’t have a problem with the absurd theme. I’m also a big fan of ‘Last Night on Earth’… though really, who isn’t? And respect to CupidsArt for hooking me up with an autographed ‘Jenny’ character card a few years back during his visit to GenCon!
Three true things and one lie about yourself:
I’m a pretty big basketball fan (LAKERS!). I really enjoy graphic design, which is nice in that I’m a graphic designer. I enjoy a broad spectrum of pop and geek culture. I’m also a huge movie fan, and love just about anything Spielberg has his hand in.
Any Heroscapers member you'd really like to play against?
There are many, but off the top of my head it would be cool to play against Truth, Grungebob, Annerios, Hex_Enduction_Hour, Noodles, NinthDoc, Malechi, InfinityMax, Bunjee, Rev… and I know there are several more. I’m not an ultra-competitive player, so hanging out for some casual games with these folks would be pretty amazing.
What message do you have for the community?
Don’t take the game so seriously that you miss out on the fun, or detract from the fun of others.
Who do you pick for the next 'Scaper of the Week?
I'm going to go with SoCal 'Scaper extraordinaire, Oogie_da_Bruce!
For older Scape of the Week Posts visit HEH's Blog
Well, you've eagerly awaited the unveiling of truth as the latest 'Scaper of the Week, and I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while longer. Rest assured, truth did answer the questions, and I have been privy to some wonderful insight into the man behind it all. But the Powers-That-Be (Admins and cool people more important than i) have something special in store for truth's SotW entry.
That being said, I am proud to announce that we have hextr1p as our latest 'Scaper of the Week! Truth picked hextr1p as the next member to interview and without further adieu, I present to you our Resident Artist, hextr1p.
Our 31st Scaper of the Week is
hextr1p
Who are you?
"There are some who call me... Tim...?"
Alright, so no one calls me, "Tim."And if they do, I'm oblivious when they do so... because hello! My name is David Richards. Though I'm more commonly recognized here on Heroscapers.com as, "hextr1p", or "Hex", or ".H3X.", or "that one guy who does graphics for the site... what was his name again? Tim something...?"
Who, or what, is your avatar and how did you come up with your username?
My current Avatar is an illustration a friend of mine did of my favorite superhero Spiderman, zooming around such. And next to that is my nickname here on the site, .H3X. stuck in a web. So yes, illustration by a friend, avatar animation (we'll just call that an "avamation") created by me.
My username is one I've used since 1997. My original internet screename was "piptrip", derived from an article I read called, "Trippin' on Pippen" about Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen. I kept that for a few years before changing things a little bit to, "hextr1p". This comes from the fact that I'm a pretty huge fan of the band 311. The lead singer for the group is Nick Hexum. They sing a song called, "Nix Hex". So, I took the, "Hex" for my appreciation of 311, added a portion of my old screen name, "trip", went a little leet speak by changing the the 'i' to a numeral '1', and VOILA! "hextr1p". Coincidence being that my favorite game happens to rely heavily on the hexagonal shape, so now my screen name has two meanings.
One of many Soul Razor Canyon battles with AZ Scaper, "MrGrim". Pretty much whenever we met to play, we had to get a game in on SRC. A rivalry, truly, but all in fun.
Age:
Isn't this the 'Information Age'...? *cough34cough*
Occupation?
Graphic designer / gigilo to the stars.
Allegiance and why?
Tough question, because there is something about each Valkyrie general that I like. However, I'm going to have to show respect to Vydar. Back when I first started playing the game, I tried to field Agent Carr whenever possible. The Sci-Fi theme of Vydar appealed to me, and A.C. always looked so B.A. out on the battlefield. Add to that the Krav Maga are still often a major threat when fielded, and how frustrating did it used to be to go up against such powerhouse units like Braxas, Major Q-9, and the "Gladly-Blast-you" combo of Gladiatrons and Blastatrons. I liked Vydar so much, I used to have his logo as the wallpaper on my phone.
When did you get into HeroScape and why?
I got into Heroscape back in 2004, close to when the game first hit store shelves. I was looking through a JC Penny catalog, and saw a picture of the game which left me with mixed feelings. The image showed the game being played by what looked like a six year-old. However, the image also showed the game components, and gave a brief description as well. So I decided to hop on the internet and see if I could find out more about the game.
Thankfully, this kid didn't deter me from trying to find out more about the game.
I found the official website first (aka, ".COM"), which helped to increase my interest. Then I found Heroscape.net (aka, ".NET"). At the time I found the site, the members of the site were well over the age of the child in the catalog image, and they all raved about the game. I lurked about the site for a time, and then downloaded the rulebook in PDF format to print out and read. After reading the rulebook for the Master game, I was sold! I went out the next day and purchased my first ROTV set from TRU! As luck would have it, Wave 1 was released a few months later, and I haven't been able to get enough of the game ever since!
Favorite aspect of HeroScape and why?
The fact that the game appeals not only to the kid inside me on so many different levels, but the depth of the game on a strategic and creative level appeals also to the adult side of me. Heroscape is like the Frosted Mini-Wheats of gaming.
What prompted you to get involved in the custom aspect of things?
When I was first getting into Heroscape, a huge draw was the game’s theme of warriors from different times and dimensions coming together to battle it out (which is odd, because I was never really a fan of crossover themes). Also, I liked the way in which the essence of a character was illustrated through stats and special powers. The possibilities of hero and squad creation, and game play mechanics therein, were infinite. Add to that my background in graphic design, and being able to create Army cards practically identical to the official versions, or veer off and add units with their own visual flavor, and I couldn’t get enough of the overall design process of creating custom units. However, the more new official units were released, the more I stepped away from the custom aspect of things. I do have a shoebox full of various Clix minis I’d like to turn into customs, and hope to be able to do so eventually.
Favorite custom you've done?
I’d have to say my ‘Zombikazes’ custom squad is my favorite. When I came across the ‘Detonating Zombie’ mini from the MageKnight line, I knew I had to do something with them. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the squad’s stats and powers here and there based on experiences I had during gameplay, but their current incarnation is most likely how they will stay. They’re a lot of fun to play, especially with multiple squads! There is just something fun about shooting your own units to make them explode!
'Sploding zeds! Click here for the larger version.
Favorite Hero and why?
My favorite Hero would have to be ‘hero’. He’s the one who started this which we all know as the, “Heroscape community” when he began Heroscape.net.
While he contends that had he not stepped up and started a Heroscape fan site that someone else would have, I can’t say that someone else would have done so in a way which has lead us to where we are today. Many members here have amazingly fond memories of time spent on .NET, and it was during that time that Truth began to establish a foundation for the vision that is now Heroscapers.com. So a quick word of thanks and a nod of appreciation to hero who’s efforts, even five years later, can be seen here on Heroscapers.com.
VIVA LA .NET!
Favorite Unique Squad and why?
My favorite unique squad would have to be all the folks behind the scenes here at Heroscapers.com who give so much of there time to make sure the site continues to run smoothly, as well as to make sure the place is fun and inviting. From the Truth to the mods to the coders to the admins to the judges for customs and maps to the event organizers to the graphic designers (I’m not the only one!), there is a small army of people here on the site who make this site work, and put in the work for free. And having had a chance to work with many of them through the years, I can honestly say that all are really good people.
Favorite Common Squad and why?
Not that members of this site are “common” people, but to continue the theme, I’d have to say my favorite common squad are the everyday members who visit this site, populating this tiny space on the interwebs with the character that makes this place ‘Scapers.com. This site could have 1,000 people working behind the scenes. But if not for the site members, all would be for naught.
Favorite Special ability and why?
Speaking more from an angle of nostalgia, Agent Carr's "Sword of Reckoning 4" is right up there. Memories of sneaking up on an opponents figure and proclaiming loudly, "Heavy hitter!" as I let fly six attack dice! Right up there with "SoR4" are Jotun's "Throw", and Cyprien's "Chilling Touch". Each full of flavorful theme and fun times!
Old Raelin or New Raelin?
Definitely old Raelin. The ultimate support unit who can fit into just about any army and is a steal at 80 points.
Anything you'd change about the game - a unit, rule, or mechanic?
Having Chardris’ name spelled correctly in FIRE STRIKE SPECIAL ATTACK on his first edition Army card would be nice. You know, family name and all.
I kid, I kid…
What do you enjoy most about Heroscapers.com?
I enjoy the people involved in this community. Looking back even to the early days on the legacy sites of .NET and HQ, if not for the members and their passion and joy for the game I was able to share with them, I very well may have left Heroscape when there wasn’t much going on with the game itself. But thanks to the relationships I’ve built here, the people I’ve met and played against in person, the creativity and generosity of members new and old, the dry times were made bearable and my enjoyment of the game never wavered.
Favorite HeroScape moment:
I’ve had so much fun with this game, but I would have to say that my most favorite and memorable experience was the Team Castle Grudge Match I had with Oogie_da_Bruce, boom, and Wilkerson74 a while back at a SoCal event. Why, you ask? All you need do is read the compiled battle report to understand:
http://www.heroscapers.com/community/blog.php?b=680
After the SoCal event, we hung out and had a few drinks to reminisce about the day. From left to right, SoCal 'Scapers Wilkerson74, BIGJIM, myself, Oogie_da_Bruce, allskulls, and boom.
Another board game you enjoy and why?
I may get a lot of flack for this, but I do enjoy me some ‘Killer Bunnies’. Everyone I’ve introduced the game to, while looking completely baffled by the rules and ridiculousness of it all when having the game first explained to them, has gone out and purchased the base set after having played it. ‘KBs’ is a great gateway game so long as you don’t have a problem with the absurd theme. I’m also a big fan of ‘Last Night on Earth’… though really, who isn’t? And respect to CupidsArt for hooking me up with an autographed ‘Jenny’ character card a few years back during his visit to GenCon!
Three true things and one lie about yourself:
- When I was a teenager, I almost got into a fight with someone who thought I was Tony Hawk because I wouldn’t give him my autograph.
- I scored a basket playing one-on-one against an NBA player.
- My graphic design work has been on display in five countries.
- My mom was a world class high jumper in high school.
I’m a pretty big basketball fan (LAKERS!). I really enjoy graphic design, which is nice in that I’m a graphic designer. I enjoy a broad spectrum of pop and geek culture. I’m also a huge movie fan, and love just about anything Spielberg has his hand in.
Any Heroscapers member you'd really like to play against?
There are many, but off the top of my head it would be cool to play against Truth, Grungebob, Annerios, Hex_Enduction_Hour, Noodles, NinthDoc, Malechi, InfinityMax, Bunjee, Rev… and I know there are several more. I’m not an ultra-competitive player, so hanging out for some casual games with these folks would be pretty amazing.
What message do you have for the community?
Don’t take the game so seriously that you miss out on the fun, or detract from the fun of others.
Who do you pick for the next 'Scaper of the Week?
I'm going to go with SoCal 'Scaper extraordinaire, Oogie_da_Bruce!
For older Scape of the Week Posts visit HEH's Blog
Comments 24
Total Comments 24
Comments
Since I enjoy the Elf Wizards, you are one of my most used characters...
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Posted June 30th, 2009 at 05:12 PM by Heroscape Elffy |
ELFFY: I hope I make you proud out there!
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Posted June 30th, 2009 at 05:52 PM by hextr1p |
Congratulations, and thanks for all your work!
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Posted July 3rd, 2009 at 06:10 PM by chas |
Quote:
CAV: One of these days I do hope to come back for a visit, of course coordinating that visit to land on a gameday of some sort with the AZ folk. Not sure I'll ever more back... but stranger things have happened. Great read Dave! It is funny you give credit to all the other behind the scenes peeps...you are deserving of some serious credit as well! Your graphic design skills are top notch! |
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Posted July 6th, 2009 at 05:08 PM by lonewolf |
Great to learn more about you, man. Had the pleasure of getting soundly defeated by your hand, as well! You better bring it next week Oog!
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Posted July 8th, 2009 at 12:01 AM by SlikkRikk |
Great stuff, Dave, and very deserving of any and all accolades you get. Its awesome having you back in Cali (sorry AZ folks). Thanks for the shoutout of our grudge match back in the day. I still have not topped the euphoria of that particular battle in any game since.
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Posted July 8th, 2009 at 12:56 AM by boom |
It truly was a classic for all time.
BAH! Now I can't use it!!! Dave, your a world class gamer, and stand up guy, in my book and am always looking forward to gaming with you. Thanks for the honor and nomination. World Champion Lakers, Baby!!! |
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Posted July 8th, 2009 at 09:42 AM by Oogie_Da_Bruce |
CHAS: Thanks for the kind words!
LW: I like to keep people aware of just how much effort goes into making this place what it is. I'm but a tiny part of a larger group. Not that people here take this for granted. But sometimes, a nod to those folks still working hard behind the scenes at 'Scapers is needed to help maintain perspective for some members who may not know. And I'm glad to have a hand in that, too! RIKK: It was cool gaming with you at that event, as well as at the last SoCal gameday I attended. The SoCal crew always knows how to put on a great event! Though it would have been nice to finish up that LNOE game we'd started before it got shut down. I think we humans could have pulled off defending the manor! BOOM: I'm thinking that no matter how many games of HS I play, having another as memorable as that grudge match will be difficult to achieve. OOG: Another memorable game is the time I came over to your place after an event to play on that huge map you'd set up in your then living room. I think it was you, boom, BIGJIM, Wilk, allskulls, and me. At one point you took out Jim's Krug with your Deadeye Dan, dropping a 20 and killing the beast who had yet to be wounded. Good times! And I was going to go off on tangent about the Lakers getting Artest... but I'll leave that alone for now. Glad to be the one to nominate you, as you're also very deserving of 'Scaper of the Week! |
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Posted July 8th, 2009 at 10:59 AM by hextr1p |
I love the disposable zombie idea, great read. Thanks
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Posted July 9th, 2009 at 04:23 PM by Bones |
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