redbird | A little shameless boasting (Reply)

I won at nethack!

Specifically, after something like 15 years of trying (intermittently), I ascended a tourist.

(Begin expository lump): nethack is a venerable computer game, out of the dungeons-and-dragons/rogue tradition. Exciting ASCII graphics, a mix of hack-and-slash and puzzle solving. "Tourist" is one of the more difficult kinds of character to play, but if you get through the first quest as a tourist, the Platinum Yendorian Express Card is very handy indeed. (end expository lump)

Lots of lost games, over the years, some making the top ten or top 100 list (it's my own computer, so there wasn't a lot of competition for spots there), and thus lots of chances to meet my own ghost.

It keeps me out of trouble, and probably hasn't interfered too seriously with writing.

And finally, finally, I've won a game. Not just in terms of the top-ten list, a new personal best, but in terms of actually fulfilling the winning condition. I collected the plot coupons, brought them to the appropriate place, and ascended, complete with a heavenly choir.