Introducing the main characters

There are three main characters involved in teaching this Old Geezer new tricks.

First up is the old geezer himself. Old Geezer is a retired librarian, whose first personal computer was a Radio Shack TRS-80 computer, which had 16K of RAM, and used a cassette tape as backup. I just realized that I got this a full decade before FacelessJim was born. Over the years Old Geezer became the lead on introducing computers to the library for both staff and public use, and helped develop a massive database of photographs and information dealing with local history. Previous gaming experience is limited, with my favourite game being a pinball game made for the PS1, which was unfortunately never upgraded to any other version. I still own that disc.

Old Geezer decided to learn how to game using Twitch after watching FacelessJim and mastervara77 play Grounded and seeing the interaction they had with their followers, who welcomed my presence in their chat room. In fact, some of them now call me dad, and others grandad. It is obvious from watching FacelessJim game that his mother and I were completely unsuccessful in stemming his use of bad language!

Next is FacelessJim. Faceless describes himself as a wolf Vtuber who loves to play games, open Pokemon cards, and hang out, which is evident when you visit his channel. Faceless has two older siblings, and plans were in place for a younger sibling, and then, well, he came along and his mother and I decided enough was enough and I got a vasectomy. Not saying that he was a difficult child, but, to quote Robin Hood, Men in Tights, “what an unusual child.”

In real life, Faceless loves paintballing and is an accomplished and meticulous CNC operator (he uses special cutting machines to make tiny parts for satellites). He’s taken this penchant for creative detail onto his home base, with his own laser cutting and engraving machine to make specialized equipment for paintballers, as well as gift items that are totally customizable. He uses some of these as rewards and draws on his channel for those who subscribe. Visit his Etsy shop, JimsEngraving. I was watching one of his live streams the other day where he gave away one of the laser engraved photo tiles that he was going to engrave with a photo of the winner’s choice.

FacelessJim’s avatar was created and is copyrighted by @JuliaWinterPaw

mastervara77 has known Old Geezer and Faceless since she and Faceless were in elementary school, and Old Geezer moved to a house across the road from mastervara’s family. In high school they developed a symbiotic relationship and became inseparable, so much so that when Old Geezer got remarried and relocated to a town further down the highway Faceless and mastervara threw their lots in together and led a somwhat nomadic existence until they settled into their current home with their children, a cat, dogs, and an iguana, and a whole bunch of fish. The fish they actually raise for food in an aquaculture setup where the water is filtered through an aquaponic garden to grow their vegetables.

mastervera has an impressive collection of whips, handcuffs, and other devices that Old Geezer would prefer not to know about. I suspect that their use may be in some way associated with her name.