My problems from last night have grown, and so my Windows PC is offline for a bit while I figure out how to get it running again (with no job ATM, natch).

So I'm temporarily OOG though I will be online for the forum and IM using my Linux laptops.

I've found the problem (dead video card), so I may be able to pop into the game from time to time for chat and such, but nothing major. My onboard graphics just won't handle heavy gameplay, I suspect.

Sigh, now to figure out how to scrape up cash for this... and I just got my Champions Online beta key, too!

Have you tried your on board stuff yet? You might have some luck by placing your video card in the oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. This should resolder the connections and you might extend the life out of it a bit. Make sure you strip everything off it first though that is plastic or fan etc. If you google it you'll find some interesting discussions.