Z is for Tali'Zorah

Garrus Vakarian: "Do you ever miss those talks we had on the elevators?"
Tali'Zorah: "No."
Garrus Vakarian: "Come on. Remember how we'd always ask you about life on the flotilla? It was an opportunity to share!"
Tali'Zorah: "This conversation is over."
Garrus Vakarian: "Tell me again about your immune system."
Tali'Zorah: "I have a shotgun."
Garrus Vakarian: "Mmmmaybe we'll talk later."

Tali'Zorah nar Rayya is a quarian from the Mass Effect games. You first meet her when she is on her pilgrimage, a journey outside the Flotilla where she is trying to bring back something of worth.

Tali's a mechanical genius, and I always have her in my party for her skills in electronics and hacking. Plus, the conversations you have with her in the elevator are the best. Her back story is fascinating too. If I was Commander Shepard, Tali would probably be my best friend because she's just plain awesome.

I also hear if you don't romance either of them in Mass Effect 1 or 2, Tali and Garrus (my other favourite) develop a relationship, which makes me happy.

Shout out to blogger buddy Z: To Jeremy at Retro-Zombie. He's a pretty awesome dude.

Y is for Yoshi

I remember always waiting impatiently to get to the Yoshi levels when playing Super Mario Bros. as a kid. I remember always waiting impatiently to get to the Yoshi levels when playing Super Mario Bros. as an adult.

There aren't enough Yoshi levels, I say! I've had a lot of fun playing the more recent Wii version with friends, and swallowing your buddies and spitting them into a pit of lava is just the best. And everyone knows Yoshi is the character you race to select when choosing your characters in Mario Kart. (I've actually had to pick a new favourite because he's always so in demand.)

Shout out to blogger buddy Y: To Roland D. Yeomans, for writing such thought-provoking posts.

X if for Professor X

Professor X: "Listen to me carefully, my friend: Killing will not bring you peace."

Well, Professor X actually is not my favourite X-Man (I'd have to go with Nightcrawler or Mystique), but I couldn't think of anything else for X!

He is an admirable character, that's for sure; he has a strong moral code and his mind powers are pretty awesome. I've never read the comics so I can't speak to those, but I thought Patrick Stuart was a good pick to play him in the movies. His death was sad in the third one, but that whole movie was kinda sad in its awfulness.

Shout out to blogger buddy X: This one goes to ninja Ali Cross! (Because an X is like a cross, sillies). She rocks.

W is for Wolf

Wolf: "No, no! 'Rare' implies dangerously cooked. When I say rare, I mean let it look at the oven in terror, and then bring it out to me!"

I was surprised at how many of you knew about the movie The 10th Kingdom when I mentioned it in my top ten countdown. It is in my top ten largely because of the character Wolf.

Wolf is a human, but he's got many wolf-ish tendencies (plus a tail). I feel like his role could have been ridiculously stupid and wrecked the whole movie if put in the hands of the wrong actor, but Scott Cohen was the perfect choice to play him, and pulls the character off spectacularly.

He is downright hilarious, and has the most quote-able lines in the movie. The serious moments where he tries to keep his wolfish nature in check are also some of the most interesting parts of the movie.

Shout out to blogger buddy W: To Annalisa Crawford at Wake up, Eat, Write, Sleep for being such a positive example of a hard-working writer!

V is for Vivi

Vivi: "But... But I have to... I have to find out who I am... I'm scared... What if I'm not even human...?"

How can I not mention my avatar Vivi? Final Fantasy IX is actually my favourite Final Fantasy game so far. I love the characters and the plotline. Vivi is a fascinating character--plus he's, you know, adorable.

He's a Black Mage, one of the more useful companions to have in your party, in my opinion. As the story progresses, it is revealed that the Black Mages are mindless tools created by Kuja, designed to die after one year. Vivi is different than the other mages, but he struggles throughout the game with questions about his existence and origins.

I'm disappointed that you don't actually find out what happens to him at the end of the game.

Shout out to blogger buddy V: To fellow nerd Joshua at Vive le Nerd!

U is for Delores Umbridge

"Hem-hem."

Umbridge is one of my favourite bad characters. She is a complex lady, as she is fighting on the "good" side, but she's so delightfully dastardly. Her evil side plus her affinity for kittens and fluffy pink things makes her intriguing. The Order of the Phoenix is my least favourite book in the series because Harry's a whiny idiot for most of it, but I did enjoy the introduction of her character.

Forcing Harry to write lines with his own blood is just so awful a punishment. She's one of those characters you love to hate, and it's all the more satisfying when she gets carried off by centaurs at the end after insulting them; just what she deserves.

I also thought the actor who played her in the movies did a fantastic job.

Shout out to blogger buddy U: To fellow writer Mina Burrows! How did I get Mina Burrows from the letter U? Well there's a U in bUrrows, of course.

T is for Taran

Taren: "Llonio said life was a net for luck; to Hevydd the Smith life was a forge; and to Dwyvach the Weaver-Woman a loom. They spoke truly, for it is all of these. But you,' Taran said, his eyes meeting the potter's, 'you have shown me life is one thing more. It is clay to be shaped, as raw clay on a potter's wheel.”

One of my favourite children's series is The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander (The Black Cauldron movie is based off one of the books, but is really a terrible representation). Taren is the main character--an assistant pig keeper. That's correct, you read that right. Not even a pig keeper, but an assistant pig keeper.

The assistant pig keeper goes on a dangerous, life changing journey to help resist the forces of the terrible Arawn, along with many loveable companions, including the pig Hen Wen, the furry creature Gurgi, the bard Fllewddur Fllam, and the princess Eilonwy.

Read this series to your kids if you haven't. And to yourself too.

Shout out to blogger buddy T: Tyrean from Tyrean's Writing Spot is a sweetheart who always has a kind word to say.

S is for Smeagol

Sam: "Even you couldn't say no to that."
Gollum: "Oh yes we could. Spoilin' nice fish. Give it to us raw and w-r-r-riggling; you keep nasty chips."
Sam: "You're hopeless."

Every time I read the books or watch the movies, I root for Gollum to choose to help Frodo instead of lead him into Shelob's lair, even though I know he won't! He's got good in him--I know it!

I love how conflicted a character he is, and watching his choices play out in the story. Gollum is a large part of why the ring is so fearful an object--you can see exactly what it could to do you by looking at him. His obsession with the power and how the desire for it consumed his life is a powerful story on its own.

Plus, his interactions with Sam and the funny things he says are great.

Shout out to blogger buddy S: That goes to my lovely CP Vik Lit from Scribblings of an Aspiring Author. She took my comments of her draft in stride and has patiently been awaiting my WIP.

R is for Random

"So cocky little Random was in trouble! I had a feeling it shouldn't have bothered me especially. But now, he was one of the keys to my past, and quite possibly my future also... he was resourceful, shrewd, strangely sentimental over the damnedest things; and on the other hand, his word wasn't worth the spit behind it, and he'd probably sell my corpse to the medical school of his choice if he could get much for it."

From that snippet you might be wondering why Random is one of my favourite characters from Zelazny's The Nine Princes of Amber, and rightly so. He's a selfish brat who only helps out Corwin for his own gain at the beginning, but he is one of the most interesting characters in the series.

He is a sneaky gambler, the youngest of the nine princes with the ability to travel through Tarot cards who are fighting each other for the throne. His journey with Corwin and his decision to support his brother changes him, and that's what makes him fascinating. But I won't tell you more. Go read about him yourself.

Shout out to blogger buddy R: To Rachel Morgan, that lovely author of fairy stories!

Q is for Questor Thews

"Gray robes cloaked the scarecrow form, but they were decorated with an array of brilliant sashes, cloth pouches, and jewelry that left the wearer looking something like a fragmented rainbow pinned against a departing thunderstorm."

Questor Thews is the wizard from the book Magic Kingdom for Sale--Sold! who introduces the main character, Ben Holiday, to his new role as king of Landover. He is not what you expect of a wizard, as you soon find out when he conjures up a dozen embroidered pillows instead of a feast and accidentally turns his friend into a dog.

He certainly makes things interesting! His bickering with Abernathy is a hoot, and the progression of his character throughout the series is a pleasure to read. A bumbling excuse for a wizard he might be at first, but his heart's in the right place.

Shout out to blogger buddy Q: I haven't visited him too much, but Matthew MacNish at the Quintessentially Query Experiment seems like a fine chap with lots of great querying advice.

P is for Pete Latimer

Pete: "Trust me, a whoosh and a twinkle is a lot better than a sizzle and a splat, or worse zzz-zap and ker-chow."

Pete is a brilliant secret service agent, with training from the marines. He likes to work from instinct, unlike Myka who likes to think things through, which is probably partly why they make such a good team.

Pete is my favourite character from Warehouse 13 because he cracks jokes to ease the tension and is a little boy at heart. His playfulness often drives Myka crazy, but I love it. I enjoy the brother-sister relationship that he has with Myka--watching them develop as a team is one of the best parts of the show.

Shout out to blogger buddy P: If you like paranormal fiction, stop by Suzanne Johnson's Preternatura. She's a wonderful lady and I took her course on plotting for pantsers that was fantastic.

O is for Olivia Dunham

Olivia: "Why would they do that? I mean, what would they want with me? What were they doing? Who could they be?"
Walter: "You're like a question machine."

When I first started watching Fringe, I thought Olivia was the most boring character ever. When I finished, I realized she is a kick-ass, awesome hero who can hold her own against supernatural monsters and keep cool during earth shattering events.

Plus, there are two of her--one for each universe. And the Faux-livia is almost as cool as the regular Olivia. Surrounding herself with awesome people like Peter, Walter, Astrid, Charlie, and Lincoln Lee doesn't hurt either.

Shout out to blogger buddy O: To Mel Chesley from Writings, Musings, and Other Such Nonsense (yes, I'm taking liberties with the "O") for being a fantastic gal with geeky tendencies!

N is for Nathan Stark

Stark: "Good job, Carter. Wow, that didn't even leave a bad taste in my mouth.
Carter: "Oh, give it a second."
Stark: "Yep, there it is."

It took me several seasons to realize that I actually enjoyed the character of Nathan Stark from the TV series Eureka. As the main character's "rival," I assumed I was supposed to hate him and did for a while, but then I realized I have fun watching the friction he creates.

He's not a "bad" guy, though he's super smart, good looking, and he knows it. But I think his heart's in the right place. Most of the time. And I can see why pushing Carter's buttons might be fun.

Shout out to blogger buddy N: Nutschell at The Writing Nut is full of great writing tips and helpful comments.

M is for Merlin

Merlin: "Don't take gravity too lightly or it'll catch up with you."

There are sooooo many characterizations of this wizard from Arthurian legend. Among the best are the Merlin from Stargate: SG1 and the one from the BBC series Merlin.

But my absolute favourite has got to be the Merlin from The Sword in the Stone. He's the wisest, friendliest, grumpiest, POOFiest wizard I know. He creates wizard blizzards and participates in duals with mad madams. Plus he can pack up an entire room with a chorus of hockety pockety wockety wack.

Shout out to blogger buddy M: Michael Pierce is a friendly blogger whom I admire for self publishing his YA books!

L is for Link

"..."

What need I say about Link? He is the strong, silent hero type who never rests until he saves his princess. Ocarina of Time is one of my favourite games. Even though it is getting old now, it is still one of the best.

Link never talks, and this is just part of who he is, and has become an integral part of the series. He always seems to have a destiny thrust upon him, and rises to the challenge every time. He plays a pretty darn good tune on the ocarina, he sports green, red, and blue coloured shirts with flare, and waves a sword around better than any other hero of Hyrule I know. Plus, he put up with Navi for an entire game. He's tough, that one.

Shout out to blogger buddy L: Mark Means at Left and Write showed up at my blog one day to comment not too long ago and never left! I appreciate his comments and geeky tastes!

K is for Kamajii

Lin: "What's going on here?"
Kamajii: "Something you wouldn't recognize. It's called love."

Spirited Away is the weirdest and best anime movie that I know of. It is about a girl named Chihiro who gets trapped in a strange land of spirits after her parents are turned into pigs (yes, it sounds odd. Watch it anyway. You won't regret it).

At the beginning, she's scared and alone, and one of the first things she has to do to survive is convince the "boiler man" Kamajii to give her a job. Kamajii is a creepy-looking character with many arms, and snaps at her to go away, but stubborn Chihiro stands her ground.

In the end we discover he is actually a warm-hearted sucker, and he helps her out.

Shout out to blogger buddy K: Ciara Knight is a lovely author whose Neumarian Chronicles are on my to-read list.

J is for Jayne Cobb

Jayne: "Shiny. Let's be bad guys."

I love all the Firefly characters, but Jayne's gotta be my favourite! He's a mercenary with a passion for brawls and weaponry. He betrayed his partners to join the Firefly crew when Mal offered him a bigger room to sleep in, which does make you wonder if he will ever turn on Mal at some point, but you've gotta love him.

Jayne particularly hates the pretty doctor, Simon, and one of the best tricks he plays on him is getting Simon to put on a spacesuit in order to board a pressurized ship, as he knows Simon is afraid of vacuum.

Though Jayne is the tough guy, he does have his moments of sentimentality, like when he buys apples for the crew and wears the ridiculous (and awesome!) hat his mom sent to him. And then there's the time he was the Hero of Canton, where he robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.

Jayne is played by Adam Baldwin, and I also love how in the TV show Chuck, Baldwin's character Casey makes several Jayne-like references, including calling his car "shiny" and telling Chuck he is "damaging [his] calm."

Shout out to blogger buddy J: Gotta be to my buddy Alex from A Novel Journey! And how fitting that it be on the Firefly post, as we have bonded over a love of Firefly, among other geeky things.

I is for Inigo Montoya

"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

I thought about using another quote, but I just couldn't. It had to be that one.

The banter between Inigo and the Man in Black whilst they sword fight is one of the best parts of the book and movie (though there are a lot of good parts). Inigo is such an honourable swordsman that his involvement with a scoundrel like Vizzini is funny. He also makes a great best friend for Fezzik.

He is supposedly the greatest swordsman of his generation, and the only living person to hold the title of "wizard" (the rank about "master")! I greatly enjoy when at the end of the movie he has succeeded in his quest to avenge his father and doesn't know what to do, the Man in Black tells him he should be the new "Dread Pirate Roberts."

Shout out to blogger buddy I: Iceberg Ink is a fun place for crackpot Doctor Who theories, movie and book reviews. I don't know the guys there personally, but their posts always entertain.

H is for Hobbes

Hobbes: "Van Gogh would've sold more than one painting if he'd put tigers in them."

All right, I know Calvin and Hobbes isn't sci-fi or fantasy, but comics are still geeky and this is MY A to Z list so I can do what I want.

Hobbes is just the best. He takes part in Calvin's mischievous plans, offers insightful advice, revels in Suzy's hugs, makes fun of Calvin at appropriate (and inappropriate) times, and is pretty much the greatest friend ever. Who wouldn't want a tiger for a best friend?

He's not imaginary. He's not.

Shout out to blogger buddy H: DL Hammons from Cruising Altitude 2.0 inspires me by doing wonderful things for other bloggers on a regular basis, including stuff like WRiTE CLUB and Blog Blitz.

G is for GlaDOS

GlaDOS: "Well done. Here come the test results: 'You are a horrible person.' That's what it says. We weren't even testing for that."

GlaDOS, short for Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System, is the evil computer who puts you through testing trials in Portal. She might be my favourite video game villain. She's a quality bad guy, that's for sure--evil, and she knows it. Sarcasm is my type of humour, and GlaDOS is so hilariously sarcastic, I can't get enough. You want to hate her for NEVER dying, but you just can't, because she's awesome.

She's got so many good quotes, it's so hard to pick just one. And they're so much funnier in her monotones.

Even if Portal had horrible gamplay (which it absolutely does NOT, by the way! It's fantastic!) I would play it just to listen to GlaDOS's comments.

And don't forget, the Enrichment Center is committed to the well being of all participants. Cake and grief counseling will be available at the conclusion of this post. Thank you for helping us help you help us all.

Shout out to blogger buddy G: It's gotta be to fellow geek, gamer, and fantasy connoisseur Jamie Gibbs from Mithril Wisdom, cause he's just plain awesome. Stop by his blog for thoughtful book reviews and posts on geek culture.