
An Archer and Warrior do battle in TERA (En Masse, Bluehole Studio)
With the release date looming ever-closer (May 1st, 2012), En Masse has made a few announcements regarding the action-MMORPG TERA in the coming weeks. TERA‘s beta test schedule has been revealed, as well as TERA‘s pre-order and collector’s edition details.
TERA‘s beta test schedule spans from February to April and is composed of five closed beta tests, and one open beta. The first of these beta tests begins on February 10th. The entire schedule can be viewed on the official website.
With the release date only a few months away, En Masse has revealed the pre-order incentives for TERA. The game will come in standard and collectors editions, both of which will be available in physical and digital versions. Pre-ordering the game from the En Masse store rewards players with a unique white stallion mount, the “City Wheel” earring and ‘Seren’s Sand” ring (in-game items that boost defense/HP and attack/MP, respectively), the ability to create and reserve a character before launch, and grants players access to TERA‘s “head start” play period just before the official launch.
Pre-ordering TERA also has the benefit of allowing players to participate in all five closed beta tests.
The Collectors edition of TERA includes the unique Regal Frostlion mount, and the Velik and Shakan Bloodstone necklaces: in-game items that increase damage and speed. Physical collectors editions also include some nice swag to boot: a Letter of Marque, a canvas world map, the game soundtrack, a spiffy compass, and a field guide.
Source: Pre-Order announcement
Beta Test Schedule announcement

Weekly jolt of creativity.(52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity)(Book Review) go to web site chinese food menu
Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) December 19, 2005 | Mahany, Barbara Byline: Barbara Mahany Feeling saggy in the Bright Ideas Department? Well, there’s a nifty little green-and-burgundy primer to stoke your flames. Titled “52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity” (Perigee Trade, $13.95 paper), it was born out of author Jeffrey Yamaguchi’s Web site, www.52projects.com.
It involves taking a wacky, spontaneous idea and making magic. And there are at least 52 jumping-off points. You might concoct the perfect margarita with your drinking buddies. Or sit down and write the tale of the best night of your life. Or have a dinner party on Friday the 13th, and at the end of the night serve up a tray of pre-personalized fortune cookies, turning everyone’s 13th into a good thing.
All in all, it’s just the thing to beat away the doldrums, be they the wintry sort or any kind at all.
Try this: “Project # 42: Take some chopsticks from your kitchen drawer . . . and, along with $25 cash and a take-out Chinese food menu, seal them up in an envelope. Mail off to one of your currently unemployed friends, your college-age kid brother or sister, or a person you know who is financially strapped at the moment. Keep it anonymous. Do not handwrite the mailing address or enclose a note.” ___ Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services. see here chinese food menu
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Mahany, Barbara