Allow myself to introduce.. myself

Joined
Jan 2, 2022
Messages
8
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Greetings and Happy New Year Tar Valon. I'd like to say thank you to all the people who put the effort in creating and managing this website, it looks amazing and I'm sure I'll enjoy everything there is to offer.

Here's a brief introduction to get an idea of who I am. Before I start though, am I the only one who felt way too much pressure trying come up with a cool pseudonym? When I read that it can never be changed I immediately started stressing about trying to come up with something worthy... and eventually just settled on something very similar to my actual name. Ah well, I've never been the creative type. And I see everyone has these amazing pictures on their profiles... where did you all get these? I guess I'll put a sweet selfie up for you to all enjoy till I find one.

I started reading Wheel of Time around mid to late 90's and read through the first 8 books around 3 times and then only read the later books as they came out. I just started re-reading starting with New Spring 2 months ago so I'm excited and loving reading the series straight through in its entirety for the first time. Currently on the Dragon Reborn. Another favorite author of mine is Jack Whyte. I enjoy history and he does excellent historical fiction.

For a favorite character in WoT I have to say Mat. I remember liking a couple others when I read the books years ago so that might change the further in I get but Mat is a fun fella! Every time a chapter comes up from his point of view I'm chuckling to myself. Wether he's gambling, and usually winning, or thinking of dancing with whomever he's talking to, he's almost always having a good time. Who wouldn't want to have Mats luck?

A few things about me personally. I live on Vancouver Island in Canada. We have a 2 year old toddler who keeps me busy. I recently turned 40, though I really don't feel 40, so that's good right? I've been serving in the Royal Canadian Navy for over 14 in the Engineering trade. I've been lucky and traveled a fair amount during this time but sadly still only speak 1 language. My hobbies besides reading include music, mostly electronic and similar genres. I'm passionate about my health and fitness and love the somewhat obscure sport of Weightlifting, though you might know it as Olympic Weightlifting. I like to cook, hike and if I ever have time left learn a bit of history and astronomy.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading and I look forward to sharing my love of The Wheel of Time with you.

Cheers,
Daniel
 

Nymala Ingasy

Glitter Guardian
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Welcome to Tar Valon! What province are you from? There's a large Canadian population around here. :)
 

Nadezhda al'Lanahrin

Nadie
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Welcome to Tar Valon!! If you like Historical Fiction, have you read Diana Gabaldon?
 

Nadezhda al'Lanahrin

Nadie
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am I the only one who felt way too much pressure trying come up with a cool pseudonym?
I spent a lot of time coming with my name :laugh: I wanted it to sound Wheel of Timey, as well as something dignified. I think that, in this time, newer members can still change their name and avatars. Though, our Mayor, @Aintza Bisera Sedai and our Director of Membership, @Alenya Al'Roran Sedai, would know better on that score.
 

Lyndo Shiranui

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Gildor Inglorion#6104
Welcome to Tar Valon! :joy

Yup, as far as I know, Nadezhda is right. You can change your avatar and name until you become a citizen. When you have questions or need help, please do not hesitate to send me a pm.
 

Arella Mathara

Aes Sedai
Head of the Brown Ajah
Social Media Manager
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Welcome to Tar Valon!

Avatar/name is more set in stone when you get your own Library page afaik. This happens when you join the Tower or become a Resident Citizen. After that change is not completely impossible but should not be treated lightly or done often, and there is a process.

As for finding an avatar both the Met and the Smithsonian have a lot of art open access that you are free to use. I can provide links if this sounds interesting. Other sources are deviant art or similar, and avatar makers like picrew or similar.

Finding an avatar is not easy imo :giggle
 

Delara Morellin

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England
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stellardecay
Welcome to Tar Valon!

If you find an avatar you'd like to use and need help cropping it into a square, let me know and I'd be happy to do that for you.
 

Ilverin Matriam

Aes Sedai
Director of Research and Records
Historian
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It's great to have you here with us, Donal!

Did you see the TV show and what do you think about it? :D

We are also doing a site wide reread, currently on Fires of Heaven, but feel free to join us if you want! :pleased-1:
 

Melorea al'Taehor

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Welcome Donal!

Id also recommend looking into some avatar generation websites if you want another option to artwork. I originally made mine on a generation website but have since been painting over it... :look:

Great to have you here! Elbow bumps from another engineer :beer
 

Aintza Bisera

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Welcome!! Yes if you are having second thoughts about your name please let me know! We can still change it up right now!!

Also I second and third all the avatar suggestions. I made mine with a Picrew generator that gives permission to use their art for personal use!!
 

Arinna Katal

Swole Sedai
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Hello and welcome! There are many things I could respond to, but let’s get right to the important part: BARBELLS. I’m a powerlifter, so I’m super excited that another strength athlete has come to town!!
 

Aleita Taviah

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Aleita#2313
Welcome Donal/Daniel! We have quite a few Engineers and engineers in the making here :laugh:

I hope you enjoy yourself here and let us know if you need anything :pleased-1:
 

Elania al'Manir

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Welcome to TarValon.Net! My avatar is from an artist who has his usage policy on his website (free for personal use with attribution), but I know there are members who have found art they like and reached out to the artist for permission as well.
 
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Welcome! I'm glad you found our community and I look forward to getting to know you. :welcome
 

Leala ni al'Dareis t'al'Caleum

Anime Sensei
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Welcome to Tar Valon, Donal! :joy
 

Laurien Achaur

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And I see everyone has these amazing pictures on their profiles... where did you all get these? I guess I'll put a sweet selfie up for you to all enjoy till I find one.
...
My hobbies besides reading include music, mostly electronic and similar genres. I'm passionate about my health and fitness and love the somewhat obscure sport of Weightlifting, though you might know it as Olympic Weightlifting. I like to cook, hike and if I ever have time left learn a bit of history and astronomy.
Welcome to Tar Valon, Donal! I'm still relatively new here myself, but I can tell you it's a lovely place to be!

As for avatars, I know many people have pointed out resources for you already, but I'd like to offer up my own as well. I made my own avatar with a little app (that's still in beta) called Portrait Workshop. If you like the style, I'd be happy to make you one as well. Just send me the particulars of what you'd like it to look like!

When you say you have a music hobby, do you mean creating/performing or just listening? I'm asking because there seems to be a good clutch of musicians on here; I'm a trombonist and military musician myself. Fist-bumps for the history and astronomy; I love those things as well! Looking forward to seeing you around the Tower!
 
Joined
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Messages
7,530
Location
Ohio
Welcome to Tar Valon! Happy you made your way here. If you have any questions, just let us know. As you can see, we have a lot if folks who can help and are a great resource of information.
 
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