Curt Schilling Talks EQ with Allakhazam

Because of the recent writeup in espn.com, many of you may know that Curt Schilling, the all star pitcher from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the first pitcher to win 10 games this year, is also an avid Everquest player. I managed to track him down and get him to answer a few questions about Everquest, baseball and the infamous Doug Glanville incident. Here's what he had to say: Q: First off, I want to thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for me. As a baseball fan and a Phillies fan, it’s a real pleasure to get to do this. A: I appreciate the opportunity, thanks. Q: So let’s start with the basics. What got you started playing Everquest? A: I started RPG type games a long time ago. I'm a wargamer at heart. Check out www.multimanpublishing.com. That's the publishing company I am president of. But I played some D&D when I was younger, and then got away from it only to find Ultima Online a few years back. A good friend of mine, Todd Pratt (catcher for the New York Mets), turned me on to that. I played for a long time, and then saw EQ coming out. I was never a fan of 1st person games, but I tried it. I didn't like it that much the first day, but the next day I kept thinking I wanted to try it again. I did and was hooked. Q: How long ago was it? And are you still playing today? A: Absolutely. I was away for about 5 months or so this past year and just got back into it at the beginning of the baseball season. I play a ton when we go on the road -- lotsa hours to kill. Q: Do you remember your first thoughts and actions when you entered the world of Norrath? A: I couldn't believe how big the world was. How cool the effects were. All of it. Then I realized I had only been seeing the Qeynos zone! I went into the Karanas and ran into a Giant and at that moment I was hooked -- dead but hooked. Q: What characters do you play? Races/Classes/Levels? All of that sort of thing. Are you in a guild? And what server are you on? A: My main is a 49 Monk named Scythehands Voxslayer, and my alt's name is Cylc, Dwarven Cleric 19th level. I play both on the Povar server. I was in Soul Syndicate until I went away for the last few months -- great guild with lots of fun players. The guild disbanded while I was away and I am currently looking for another guild to join. I want to help friends quest (love that stuff) and do a few of the higher level monk quests, but you gotta have a guild to have a chance at that stuff. Q: Dwarven Cleric? Somehow I picture the dwarves making good catchers, but not such great pitchers. If you were playing a race/class combination closest to your real personality, what would it be? A: The monk :) Q: And what race/class combinations would you use for some other players? For example, your teammate Randy Johnson seems like the perfect barbarian shaman to me. And Mark McGuire is an obvious ogre warrior. (I’m probably going to get you in trouble with this one). Give us a few others that pop into your mind. A: Craig Counsell-Elven Bard Brian Anderson-Half Elf Ranger Greg Colbrunn-Dwarf Warrior Cal Ripken-Human Paladin Richie Sexon-Barbarian Warrior Q; What is your playing style? Are you generally a power gamer? Role-player? Explorer? And do you prefer to play solo or do you usually find a group? A: Definitely a role player that likes to group. It's one of the reasons I started my cleric. Clerics are always in demand and it seems that it's harder these days to find groups with the world getting so big. Blackburrow used to be packed, but now there's rarely a lot of people there. That's another one of the reasons I want to find a great guild. Guilds make the game ten times more fun when you can play with the same group, become a team that works well together and have players in your group you know you can depend on in a crunch. Q: Tell us some of the most interesting adventures you have had while playing Everquest? Did you ever do something really stupid? Something that you are really proud of? A: My first foray into Lower Guk was a lot of fun. My favorite memories are pretty basic. Completing the Robe of the Lost Circle quest was a blast. Camping Raster was a nightmare, but I got stupidly lucky. I had pretty much resigned myself to camping Scythehands in the Mino room, logging in, seeing another monk already there camping, and waiting. One night I log in, and there's a 55 level monk there. Great guy. He's been there for like 12 hours. No Raster -- pop, despawn, pop, despawn -- still no Raster. Now I'm in about my 3rd day there -- total time camping him maybe 5-10 hours tops -- but getting some good groups when I did have the camp (lotsa guild mates showed up and we pulled and got great exp). Anyway, this guy says ok, one more spawn and it's yours. So I wait and this guy says 'screw it' and leaves. I get a full group and we get the camp. We are there for about 2 minutes when we are in a major, major brawl and we barely survive. I'm laying there, feign death style, and no one in the group is hurt but me. I have no mend and about a bub of health. My group runs some frogloks down the hall to finish them off and POP! RASTER! If there was a way to scream louder than caps in EQ I was doing it. Man I am straight panicking because I know I have NO CHANCE soloing and the party has run off. I'm in my hotel room; it's like 5am, and I am straight hollering, in EQ and in real life. Bottom line is the group comes back, heals me, and kills Raster! WOOT! Q: With your traveling schedule, how do you find the time to actually play the game? When and how often do you play? A: On the road when my family doesn't travel I play every night, and usually very, very late. I have a Dell laptop that I play on. At home I play almost every night. Depending upon the circumstances, sometimes I can pull an all nighter :) Q: Is this your first exposure to this type of computer game? What other video and computer games do you play? A: No. I've played it all: UO, Diablo, every wargame made, Baldurs Gate I and II, Icewind Dale..... Q: What is your all time favorite computer and video game? A: Hands down, no brainer: WIZARDRY! Greatest game ever made at the time, and the best times I've ever had. Q: Give us your impressions of Everquest. What do you think are its strengths and what would you change if you could. A: To tell you the truth it's pretty awesome. I have the expansions and all but have yet to see probably 50% of the world. It's huge and the variety is endless. People piss and moan but I'll give a big thumbs up to the guides and GMs Verant has in place. I never had a petition or complaint go unanswered and for 10 bucks a month its hour to dollar value is unmatched. Changes? Hmm, more variety in PC races maybe? Changes in spawn rate and MOBS in dungeons to FORCE more grouping and less camping? Keep the important big mobs where they are but make random spawns more random in both MOB and location maybe? Q: Do you use information sites like Allakhazam’s and EQ Atlas to help you with the game? (OK. I admit that’s a shameless plug) A: Your site is hands down my only stop. I can link to anything I need from here and even when I was away from the game I dropped by the site to checkup on how things were changing. At home I have your site up on my Mac while I am playing on my home computer. I can get to maps and quest info in two clicks if need be when playing and that helps immensely in enjoying the game. I also appreciate it anytime someone puts this much effort into something they don't get paid to do. Pretty cool. Q: So which is harder – Striking out a guy like Moises Alou or finally making it through a hell level? A: Well I'd say the first one, but I'm 49 so from what I hear it may be that latter in one level. Q: I have to ask about the Glanville incident. Doug Glanville of the Phillies hit two home runs off you in your first game against the Phillies since the trade to give you your only loss so far this season. He said it was revenge against you for leaving his poor dwarven paladin Bingbong to die at the hands of some aviaks. So who made the bad pull? And what is your side of the story? Here’s your chance to set the record straight. A: C'mon dude, you ever hear of a cleric pulling in a group with a Paladin? It's like I always say in baseball, don't make excuses because people that know the game know the real reasons why you win or lose. Same with EQ man. Anyone with a lick of sense in EQ could see right through his babbling and know that he was the train conductor in that entire episode. Doug’s the goods though. Fun as hell to group with. His ranger is around 30 now. Nahir is his name. Give him a tell if you want a fun guy to group with. He experiments with other characters a lot more than I do though. Q: I’m guessing that an oddball story like that had to spark some curiosity about what the heck you guys were talking about. So how hard is it to explain to the other players in the locker room exactly what Everquest is and why you play it? And have you managed to hook anyone else into playing the game? A: Not really since the only non-baseball opinions that matter to me are my wife and kids. She obviously hates the game, but my youngest son Gehrig who's just turned 6 thinks it's 'the bomb', as he says. Where the hell does a 6 year old learn that phrase? Anyway he LOVES to sit there and watch me play. I'm close to starting a character for him and letting him give it a whirl with me helping him. I walk around like I can't see anything sometimes, letting him point out stuff for me to pull or fight. He HATES the spiders outside Karnors. They give him the creeps, so I'm under orders to kill every one I see when he's sitting there. Q: Do you know any other players, or celebrities of other sorts, that play Everquest? A: Todd Pratt and Doug Glanville are the only two I know of right now. Q: Have you looked at any of the upcoming MMORPG’s like Anarchy Online, Dark Age of Camelot, Shadowbane, etc? If so, what are your impressions and which games are you most looking forward to? A: The new EQ expansion! Q: So is there anything else you want to throw in here that you think might be of interest to the other Everquest players? Or feel free to just ramble incoherently for a few paragraphs. A: Sony-Verant caught wind of our little story recently and the next time we are in San Diego I've been invited up to meet the folks behind EQ, which should be a blast. I've even heard rumor I could get a tour of the new expansion coming out in December and if I'm not under a confidentiality agreement maybe I can drop you all a sneak peak? Thanks again Zam and take care Curt Schilling Thanks for the interview, and I hope to see you starting in the All Star Game this year.

Comments

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B-Ball & EQ
# Jun 09 2001 at 3:37 AM Rating: Default
Well, I have to say, I'm amused to hear the stories that a big time sports guy can tell, about a game that a lot of people (including my wife) think is just a waste of time. I give Curt a big thumbs up for sharing his stories with us. I'm also impressed that he has at least one high level character who's a MONK no less. One of the baddest classes to play. Unfortunately, I think the only reason you feel the need to play such a damage dealer, Curt, is cause everyone knows baseball is full of WUSSES! LOL Seriously! You KNOW that Niedermayer and Stevens of the NJ Devils would be playing clerics or enchanters. They're already tough guys, they don't have anything to compensate for! he he Anyways, I'm sure a bunch of people are gonna flame me for this post, but oh well. Curt, thank you for sharing with the EQ community, it is refresshing to see someone in a bit of higher station in life being down to earth and straight forward with the rest of us. I play on Tarrew Marr, but if I ever decide to get on Povar I'll definitely look you up.

Bingarr Badwagun 25 Warrior <Of Honor>
Thli 17 Enchanter <Of Honor>
Thanks ya nerds :)
# Jun 09 2001 at 3:13 AM Rating: Excellent
Great replies, all of them, and thanks. It was tell hell for a bit tonight but everyone was pretty cool about it. I played ball in Philly for 9 years, the things I heard, a few tells won't bother me! Anyway thanks again for the replies, good stuff, I was ROFLMAO at the one on Bonds charging, hilarious.
I actually logged into EQ not knowing the interview was up, but 21 tells in 5 minutes made me wonder, and then someone told me and I knew, no biggie though, everyone was cool about it, even got some guild Invites that I am considering.
Remember this, I am a geek, we are all geeks, I mean seriously, who the hell sits in front of a computer sweating their asses off because their 9th level monks health is dropping faster than my batting average in may and they aren't sure if they are gonna make the zone? C'mon! We are the nerdiest nerds in nerdville but it's a friggin' riot so who cares? Only people that think we're nerds are the ones miserable with their own lives and hobbies, I dare someone to have as much fun as we do playing this stupidly addicting game, won't happen!
THanks again
Curt Schilling
A.K.A. Scythehands Voxlayer Monk 49
A.K.A. Cylc (last name soon to be 'Smoothas')
hehehe
# Jun 09 2001 at 2:48 AM Rating: Default
heh, don't know if this has happened to any of you, but sometimes my mom checks in on me, just to see what's going on. of course she doesn't understand what's happening, but she'll sit there for a minute or two just watching, and ask stuff like "who's that, and that and that".

heh, instead of just saying "that's some guy in my group" i can say "Oh, that's Curt Schilling"

man...as a pitcher, you should be a death-dealin' rogue....smack someone with a fastball with a snow dervish iceball, hehe
w00t
# Jun 09 2001 at 1:44 AM Rating: Default
Say hi to Randy for me Curt. Too bad he left the Mariners, they have a GREAT season going this year and he would top it off. Hehe or if YOU wanted to make a stop up in Seattle...

P.S. The D Backs are a good team. Keep it up. :)

Steadyfist Stonefaith
lvl 32 paladin
The Nameless

P.P.S. and of course (like everyone else at least thinks) if you get tired of Povar.....
RE: w00t
# Jun 09 2001 at 3:27 AM Rating: Default
I'm personally rather glad Johnson, Griffey, and that whiney ***** A-Rod left our wonderous team. We've got a potential World Series team this year, and I wouldn't trade that for Randy back. He'd just get pissed again and start throwing crap like he was when he left.

See you soon folks. My backyard will be your parking lot for the World Series in 2001. Grab a mocha latte and a Safeco Dog, and get ready.

Iiiiiiiichiroooooooooo! Iiiiiiiiichirooooooo!

-Ivythorne of Ayonae
56th Dr00d
EverCrackQuest
# Jun 09 2001 at 1:28 AM Rating: Default
This game can suck anyone into its realm. Haha, Addictions come in many forms.

I love this game
RALLOS > Blue Servers
# Jun 09 2001 at 1:23 AM Rating: Default
haha,

Curt hands down to you to for being able to have a wife and kids, play professional baseball and have a 49 monk on EverCrackQuest! Thats just amazing!

Best i have is girlfriend (who doesnt mind the game that much, that will change when we get married someday), and a job. The rest of my time is spent on EQ, but one better than you Curt and Doug I play on the MAN's server! NO WEENIES ALLOWED!

Give Rallos Zek a try and you'd better bring the PAIN BABY!

52 - Necromancer
54 - Wizard
54 - Druid
44 - Cleric
lol
# Jun 09 2001 at 1:17 AM Rating: Default
wish he played on TZ/VZ/RZ

would be fun to pk kurt schilling =P
Xegony
# Jun 09 2001 at 12:33 AM Rating: Default
Xuraz... Kegien here.. It is strange how many AZ people play on Xegony. Curt, You need to change servers and start hanging out with the locals. hehehe.

Kegien Stormvale
54th Druid
Xegony
laughing
# Jun 09 2001 at 12:32 AM Rating: Default
Hey, to all the peeps who ripped on the jocks.... they think u guys are nerds cuz you don't get out and see any sun!!!
=)
# Jun 09 2001 at 12:21 AM Rating: Default
Awesome interview. It's good to know that some popular figures out there enjoy the same things we do - you speak the lingo too!

- Replay
Cazic-Thule
Way Friggin Cool
# Jun 09 2001 at 12:16 AM Rating: Default
Jeez, what a trip. Never really thought about who was on the other side of the character. I live in Phoenix and I LOVE the D-Backs, and Curt, HEEL OF A YEAR YOU ARE HAVING, keep it up, saw you pitch against LA a few days ago at BOB, WOOT on the win bud. Still in awe about you being an EQ slave just like me. Maybe I can try baseball again...Doh, my knees hurt just thinking about it. Mad props to ya bud!!!

Remian Redblades
51st season Pathfinder
Lords of the Ters'Tai
Drinal

LET'S GO D-BACKS, LET'S GO!
Heh...
# Jun 08 2001 at 11:46 PM Rating: Default
All I can say is: TAKE THAT JOCKS THAT THINK VIDEO GAMES MAKE YOU FAT LAZY AND STUPID!

Anyway...ther was an odd thing that happened about two motnsh ago, I was grouped with this guy, and when he had to leave he said "be sure to watch me on T.V." I kinda thought "crackhead", but who knows? I mighta been playin with regis or Somene better...<cough>
heh
# Jun 08 2001 at 11:43 PM Rating: Default
no one ever plays on Xegony... its like the ghetto server

Adus De`Aragath

58th revenant of Xegony
nope
# Jun 08 2001 at 11:41 PM Rating: Default
i doubt that he will read any of these replys.
Povar!
# Jun 08 2001 at 11:09 PM Rating: Default
Povar! haha you Picked the Best Server!
I will look you up to Group =)
OMG
# Jun 08 2001 at 10:25 PM Rating: Excellent
Kinda makes ya wonder which one is Bill Clinton? The dwarf ogling the female wood-elfs...
Dan Quayle? The guy with all the spelling mistakes?...
Al Gore? The guy that's waiting on a petition because his corpse rotted and he lost his stuff...

This could a really interesting thread?
RE: OMG
# Jun 09 2001 at 12:05 AM Rating: Default
/rofl

Those are good ones :)

What about the VP - ****!!! heh...I was thinking Miragul in the undead state..but that's giving **** way too much credit...

Let's say a decaying skeleton, 'cuz no matter how many times you try to permanently kill one, it keeps respawning moments later?
Cyster
# Jun 08 2001 at 10:21 PM Rating: Default
Well I know who my favorite team for baseball is now. Glanville is a basterd, making a friggen cleric pull, he shouldn't of done that to you. hehe probebly had alot to explain to the press on why this happend if they asked

YOU hit a homerun
Your 1 handed blunt has gone up(200)

Cyster, 15 ranger of the nameless(and proud of it)
WTG
# Jun 08 2001 at 10:18 PM Rating: Decent
As a Swedish citizen and a avid EQ player I must admit that american baseball aint my cup off tea. But I sure like that there are people brave enough to admit playing a game considered to be a §nerd§ game because they don't take time to understand it, we need more people openly admitting to play these games and perhaps the world would join the fun. Just my 2 cents.

Make a homerun for EQ Mr.Schilling. 8)

Bankina Lvl 42 Paladin on Tunare
Wizardy?
# Jun 08 2001 at 9:55 PM Rating: Default
I always admired Curt as a pitcher!!
But a Wizardry fan?? That is too awesome!!
I thought I was the only one who thought Wizardry was the greatest game!!

Nostra Lvl27 Paly on Xev
Spiffy
# Jun 08 2001 at 9:31 PM Rating: Default
You shold try interviewing Harrison Ford about his EQ habits. He admits to playing EQ but won't admit to anything else.
whoops
# Jun 08 2001 at 9:23 PM Rating: Decent
hehe ignore signature of that one
Same hobbies
# Jun 08 2001 at 9:20 PM Rating: Decent
Just think, me and Curt Schilling have the same hobbies. A few differences tho: im on cazic thule, i play second base, and im a 40 enchanter (best class of them all.) Curt, if ya ever get tired of your server come to CT and Ill hook ya up =) Just gimme a tell, name is Phalron

Phalron Darkmaster <Amichi>
40 Enchanter of Metals
Cazic Thule Server

PS. If anyone who reads this does gimme a tell, and you ask for clarity, you had better come to me =)
MONKEY MEN!
# Jun 08 2001 at 9:08 PM Rating: Default
LOL funny, My weekends consist of playing all EQ in my basement, drinking warm water, stale chips and watching Forbidden Planet, and programming.

LOL like to see an athlete doing this.

Iysirius DeadGaze
60 Phantamist of Veeshan(epic)
Yinkin EbonSoul
58 Myrimordon of Veeshan(epic)

LOL i play too much
Can i have your Autograph?:)
# Jun 08 2001 at 8:53 PM Rating: Default
CAN I HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH???!?!?
wow
# Jun 08 2001 at 8:42 PM Rating: Default
Wow ... I never really thought that those could be Celebrities I'm grouping with ... kinda scary ... what if I get killed right in front of one or something!!! How embarrising!!!
RE: wow
# Jun 08 2001 at 10:02 PM Rating: Default
Dude, number 1, like they are gonna know who you are. Number 2, everyone dies, just don't kill them. Number 3, you probably already have, so if your cheeks are bright red right now, thats why. Number 4, no wonder everyone gets pissed when they die


Ragingfist Fyerfist
41st Monk
Prexus
(ANYONE, and I repeate ANYONE sends me a tell and asks them to either twink them, or FD pull mobs for their group, and I am gunna laugh in your face--like I always do)
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