Insights into the AME members: Tybae

[Tybae]

Recently, I had brought up the idea of giving questionnaires to the AME members that we will post here to give people more insight into who we are, what we do and what we have done on a personal level in NWN and in some cases, outside of NWN.  Mine will be the first and we will follow up with others every 2-4 weeks. 

1.  Who are you, how long have you been a member, how did you become a member and what is your position with the AME?

I am Tybae.  I am the current Chairman for the Academy for Modding Excellence.  I have been a member of the Academy since 2007.  I was recruited through the Bioware boards by our Chairman at the time, BenWH, aka BGP Hughes.

2.  What is the most rewarding thing about the AME?

To me, it's a way to give back to the community that has given me so much.  I have never released a module, or anything like that in my NWN playing time.  I love to be able to recognize the community for their excellence in various categories.  I love being a part of this team and it has not only helped me become a better player, it has also helped me in my personal professional career.

3.  What is your favorite module that you have played in NWN?

That's an easy answer.  The Aielund Saga, by Savant, is easily the best module series I have ever played in NWN.  Great story, great gameplay, great replayability, attention to detail and an overall excellent gaming experience.  There are so many modules out there that can be named, but The Aielund Saga always stands out in my mind as the best I have ever played.

4.  What kind of character do you like to play?  Any you don't?

I like to play Paladin, Rogue, Sorcerer and Wizard.  All 4 classes have their own strategies and aren't the charge yelling into battle and cleave everything.  On the flip side, I'm not too fond of Druids or Monks.  Not sure why, just don't like them. 

5.  What catches your eye when playing a module?

That's also an easy answer.  I love seeing things in modules that I have never seen before.  Soul Shaker by Lance Botelle is a great example of that.  His scripting system he uses for his ruleset is just mind blowing.  At this stage of the game, I love seeing things like this.  Things I have never seen before are a rarity now days with how old the game is. 

6.  Any advice you can give authors who are releasing work?

Marketing, marketing and marketing.  If you don't market your module, it can end up being not noticed, no matter how good it is.  There are several modules that have gone under the radar because of no marketing.  The simplest way to do this is to list it in your signature in NWN related forums and post in the Bioware Modules forum. 

7.  What do you enjoy outside of NWN?

I am returning to school to pursue a degree in Enology & Viticulture, the science of wine making and vine growing.  I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and wine country is just a 45 minute drive away.  I love going up to the Sonoma Valley and experiencing new wines and wineries.  I prefer the Sonoma Valley over the Napa Valley because the Napa side is a bit touristy for my taste.  Not to say Napa doesn't make great wines, there are several wineries that do.  In the Sonoma Valley, you run into smaller family owned wineries that make wine because they love it.  There's an old saying in the wine business "If you want to make a small fortune in the wine business, start with a large fortune."  Wine makers aren't in it for the money, they're in it because they love it.  Besides that, I enjoy golf, baseball, gaming and family life with my newborn daughter.