What a year! Things did go off the rails for a bit, but we’re ending pretty strong and I’m excited for 2025!

Thanks for a wonderful 2024!

How is it December already? It has been a year of really settling into streaming and figuring out what exactly I want to do, but I think we’re heading into the New Year a little bit wiser and a lot more excited. I let these newsletters lapse for a bit, but it’s never too late!

THIS MONTH’S TOP GAMES

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

I was incredibly fortunate to be gifted a key by Bethesda and Keymailer. I love Indiana Jones. I’ve seen all the movies multiple times - they were childhood favorites - so I had to play. The game is very cinematic and very true to the Indiana Jones vibe. Historical mysteries and sneaky infiltration, Indy is only one man so running in guns blazing is often NOT the play - but that’s how I like it! 

The only issue is that it is a hefty game. Even on the lowest settings, it looked great - but I was reduced to PNG form. That said, I’m definitely going to continue the game. I’ve been so busy with the holidays, but hopefully I’ll have a chance to sort of reconfigure my settings further and try again.

Else - who would be up for joining me on discord to watch my first playthrough?

THIS MONTH’S LUNAR LITERATI

Hard-boiled Wonderland and The End of the World

By Haruki Murakami

I was so happy when DukeofBacon agreed to join me for a book club kind of stream. He is our resident bookworm and I consider his insight into literature invaluable, especially when it comes to Haruki Murakami. Hard-boiled Wonderland and The End of the World was, in fact, his choice for our first book because it had left a huge impression on him, what with all the different concepts there were to talk about.

And talk about it we did! I enjoy Murakami’s writing, because he tends to create a narrative that while based conceivably in the real world, there’s usually a feeling of surrealness to it. Something that’s just beyond the realm or reality, though it isn’t always something you could put your finger on. Of course, with closet entrances to subterranean laboratories and unicorn skulls that tell you dreams, this book was a little less subtle with the fantastical. We talked about the mind and whether we’d give up the rollercoaster of good and bad in exchange for a life of bland contentment - and there were great points made all around. 

I’m looking forward to more Lunar Literati meetings - and in fact, our next one will be on January 26th and we’re reading Dungeon Crawler Carl!

THIS MONTH’S TOP DETOURS

Osaka Illumination!

During this time of year, Osaka lights up the main thoroughfare and it’s a tradition for many to take a stroll to admire the twinklies. I had to go downtown anyway, so I agreed to join my friend Kat when she sent an invite and she didn’t mind being on stream so I was able to bring chat along as well! 

It was the second time with my new GoPro and I’m quite happy with the purchase. I do still need to manage the battery situation but I got to show you all the streets all lit up, as well as take you to a few of my favorite points of interest downtown. It’s too bad that the battery died before we got our chicken wings from the chicken man, but there’s always next time!

THIS MONTH’S FULL MOON PARTY

The Cult of Luna is growing! We’ve made some progress but everyone is getting so old. Chat, you need to live forever, okay? That way you can offer me all the praise and adulation I deserve! Congratulations to the steam key raffle winners, and to Wampasaurus who won the special raffle for a Lunadi Mug! 

Next Full Moon Party - January 12th!

The next Full Moon is on January 12th! If you’re a subscriber, don’t forget to vote on what we watch for the movie night in Discord! 

https://www.twitch.tv/theladylunadi