Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Why I Want to Go- Green & Gold XV

Green & Gold XV
May 4, 2013 (Saturday 12pm) - May 5, 2013 (Sunday 3pm)

Whoever came up with the concept behind this event is a genius! Basically, everyone is divided into two huge teams, usually split along the lines of players who have been in the Realms the longest vs the newer players. To keep things "fair" the team with the newer players is much larger than the team with the older players (though us old-timers hardly think this is "fair"). Anytime you can go to an event and fight in huge battles, it is always a good time. The staff for this event are always trying to come up with new and innovative ways to challenge the players and give them new tournaments, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with year. In addition, to the day's activities of tournaments there will be a night quest Saturday.


The event also provides a full dinner for those who wish to partake, though this will run you an extra $5, which, when you think about it, is a small price to pay. However, if you are willing to NPC for the night quest, dinner is free and there is ICE CREAM for the NPCs as well. I have always liked this site as it has a superb tourney field and plenty of woods to quest/run around in and the tavern is excellent.



Monday, April 29, 2013

Question of the Week - 90

Do you normally pre-reg for events? What do you think about events that require a pre-reg?

Friday, April 26, 2013

What You Missed- You! You! Fight to the Death! IV

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Funny Pictures

In this series, we're posting some unique pictures of us as we play in the Realms. The challenge we present to you is to provide us with funny captions for the pictures in the comments section. Try to keep 'em relatively clean and fun. (Photo by Dustin Mack)

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Why I Want to Go- The Spiran Hero Academy

The Spiran Hero Academy: A Southern Realms Event
April 27, 2013 (Saturday 12pm) - April 27, 2013 (Saturday 6pm)

It is a fact of life that some of the players of the Realms move away from the area that is the base of our game. Some of those players bring the love of our game with them. One of those players is now ready to run a Realms event far from New England, Oklahoma, in fact. This is their first event for that area. It is designed to show new players how everything works including combat, weapon making, and spells. Once the basics have been gone over tournaments will be run and there is even rumor of a quest that may need to be completed. All in all, this sounds like an excellent first event.

If you are curious about this event, or Southern Realms in general, you can check out their website, http://southernrealms.weebly.com/

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Why I Want to Go- Tournaments of the Blue Rose VIII

Tournaments of the Blue Rose VIII: Master the Blade, Master Yourself
April 26, 2013 (Friday 6pm) - April 28, 2013 (Sunday 4pm)

The Order of the Blue Rose is the longest running knightly order within the Realms. This is their yearly event to determine who will be crowned Blademaster for the upcoming season. The event will span the entire weekend: Friday will feature a small nightquest followed by stories around the campfire. Saturday and Sunday will be full of tournaments. These tournaments will award Order of the List points. This year, alongside the fighter based tournaments, there will be a full series of tournaments for spellcasters. Similar to the Blademaster title, the winner of this exhaustive list of caster tournaments will be crowned High Mage. In addition, on Saturday night there will be a pig roast/bbq, followed by a light night quest, followed by a Black Rose Hold'em game for anyone wishing to participate or watch.

First off, both the Blademaster and High Mage tournaments will allow a character to swap to either fighter or caster for the purposes of participating in either of the tournaments for the weekend; you will have to make a choice between the two. As for the site itself, it is large enough to easily accommodate tournaments and questing. It is far enough away from other people so there is no fear of irritating the neighbors. This is a wet site, but please drink responsibly.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Question of the Week - 89

Is there something you wish was listed in event announcements that normally is not (something like pets being allowed on site, etc)?

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Friday, April 19, 2013

Happenings on the Emerald Path

A news and announcements section of what Realms players are doing outside of the Realms.  If you know of any news feel free to let us know at aearlegray@gmail.com.

On March 30th, Desmond George Amend was born at 8.1 lbs and 20". We know the two parents as Michael "Slaader" Amend and Miranda Collier-Amend.




We have another new one. Jay "Graham" and Kelly "Twenaria" Bonci welcomed Gwenneth Rose Bonci into the world on April 13th. She clocks in at 6'9oz and 19".



Thursday, April 18, 2013

Funny Pictures

In this series, we're posting some unique pictures of us as we play in the Realms. The challenge we present to you is to provide us with funny captions for the pictures in the comments section. Try to keep 'em relatively clean and fun. (Photo by Dustin Mack)

[Editor's Note: There is absolutely nothing funny about this picture.]


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

10 Question - John "Tallon" Berrini

John "Tallon" Berrini

How long have you been playing?
My first Realms event was North/South War 1996.
I was 15 years old. Bob Hayes (Drake) took me to my first event, Tom Johnson (Blade) had introduced him to Realms a few months earlier. We were all going to Sanborn High (not far from Lone Tree) in Kingston at the time. Niko of Folkestone’s father was our principal and we used to attend Folkestone practice at UNH religiously.

How has the game changed since you've been playing?
There has been more of a shift from role-playing to a competition atmosphere. As a teen-ager I remember people like Bob Traynor (Morgil) and Nate Carr (Aelias) casting interventions with a good amount of theatrics. We had less spells and more mandated guilds. Half-couch weapons brandished by orcs and goblins have been replaced with the lighter and faster creations of talented artists. The last few events I've been to seem to focus more on out doing someone else rather than assuming a role. When I say "more of a shift" I mean, I did pioneer personalized IG baseball caps; something I wouldn't do now. I don't think I'd ever wear the Tom-Brady-wrist-spell-book.

The rules have changed a bit. When I first started, I was a "rogue" with a 4'6" 1-point of armor and 9 spells, including Magic Missile, Repair Item and Heal Limb.

Most of these changes are a good thing. Realms, with the "owners" being comprised of active players (Event holder) keeps the game current and focused on the demographic of those who are involved. This is a dynamic that is unique to Realms and while it doesn't cater to consistency over decades it does guarantee its perpetuity.  

Who have you learned the most from?
Over the years I've found myself looking up to Jason Rosa (Aeston) quite a bit. Here's a guy who has been around forever, hard working, intelligent and with a solid moral compass. He runs one of the longest standing tourney events and is a KOEF. I've enjoyed Jason’s questing events and held them as a standard, and maybe repackaged a few ideas for my own events. I even tried to recruit him into Neden once. I've always wanted to give back to the game and watching Jason host EH meetings and practices at WPI has set a good example. Jason makes me want to be a better participant.
I also want to give credit to Tom & Tanja Johnson, Jeremy Grayson, PJ, Andy Disbrow, Kelly Bonci and even though we didn't always get along, Jerrod Marshall.

What was your best moment IC?
Feast of Rhiassa IX. Tallon entered the feast under guard as a criminal for fallout of a Folkestone vs Neden skirmish at Feast of Leviathan (several nominations for "The View" plotline of the year). I was scheduled to fight Pyr to settle my guilt or innocence. I was sitting with all the Neden guys when I was approached and told that Pyr would have someone fight in his stead, he was too important as a King to risk his life in battle. I was given the chance to appoint a champion as well. My response was "I'll fight my own battles. Thank you" and received with applause from the rest of my group. I went on to beat Owen, a fight I thought I'd lose. After a friendly pie-in-the-face exchange with Da'oud I was asked to sit at the head table and judge the bardic, sitting where Jarrod, Duncan, Blade and the like were. From prisoner to Nobility in a matter of hours.



What was your best moment as a NPC/EH/Player?
2001-2003 was an awesome time. Neden got huge. Rednut came back from FL and we added Boom, Rawlin and Bean. Then Siffy, Cronis, Celtrex and Gabriel the silver dragon.  Then at QOH we added the Crystal Hall guys, Sabboth, Very, Jules, Dith; then the Drow Blacky and Gary, and Crow shortly after followed by Addarock. I probably forgot a few. I wished we had picked up the "Rogue Squadron" but they ended up being the corner stone to the founding of Grimloch. I loved playing with all these guys.
I was running "The View From Valehaven" and the short lived Realms chat room. We had the shortest turnaround time between the EH meeting and the printing of the Omnibus. There was an event EVERY WEEKEND. Some weekends we even hit two. I hit more than 50 events each year and I remember one weekend in the summer of 2002 there was no event. Damien and I were sharing an apartment in Somersworth and had no idea what we were going to do that weekend. Between school, events and fight practice we were making weapons, planning our next event, or sewing tabards.
There were three events we walked away with three new magic items at. So many that out of the 200+ on the list at the time we had 20%. Then in 2003, I think, we came in second place in the war tourney at Creathorne, we expected to lose to Folkestone, but were excited that they were concerned about the fight. Outside of tournaments we were a power house of questing.
I have so many stories from these years that I should write a book. This interview has brought back a lot of old memories and I want to thank Dave for doing it. We had a lot of good memories.

What would you like to see changed or developed more in game?
I would love to see more epic role-playing plot lines and questing events.

I've thrown the idea around about running cross-event sub plot. One person could run a race/plot with a continuous plot at different events. They would maintain props and costumes as well. Feel free to use this idea.
I'd like to see Realms adopt a minimum garb standard, even if it starts out as "no blue jeans".

What advice would you give new players?
1. Bring lots of socks. Winterfest 2 I was 17 years old and didn't care. My feet got wet and I drove on. 15 years later the frostbite from that event still makes my feet ache.

2. Wear boots with Ankle support.
If you can't shell out $1200 for the awesome, period leather boots, get some black military boots. You can find them for $60-80 online. They look better than sneakers and give you the support you need. If you are still concerned about how period they look, ask around. Someone will have an old pair of the standard Minnetonka moccasin boots that you can put over your regular boots like Jerrod does.

3. Some form of knee protection.
Ask an oldbee how their knees are.

4. Camp out - set up a tent.
Especially if you're on the younger side. It might be a pain, but your tent adds to the atmosphere of the event and your experience. It will also help you to stay in the moment of suspended reality.

What do you love most about the game?
The diversity of the game. We have seen plots from Tolkien to Zelda and originals from Death Bunnies to Bedlam. Realms has something for everyone. If you like the physical/sports aspect we have tourneys, if you like role-playing there are questing events. All mixed in with the company of long-held friends. 

Who would you like to see the next interview be with?
Cal - Syruss 

Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?
The years I was active were some of my favorite times to date. I've met my closest friends at Realms and made life-long bonds. I was not the strongest leader in the game and there are things I would have done different. I'm glad I stepped back when I did and that my entourage found strong leadership and flourished with Grimloch. Realms did set me up to be a strong leader in the US army, shameless plug for my recruiter Henry Giasson (Venom, Guilliam), and many connections as a Real Estate agent now that I'm getting out. I hope to return soon and give back to a game that has given me so much.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Why I Want to Go- Feast of Winter's Twilight III

Feast of Winter's Twilight III
April 20, 2013 (Saturday 12pm) - April 20, 2013 (Saturday 7pm)

This feast keeps getting better and better. This is a fully plated feast (this means you can leave your feast gear at home!) with a reputation for really good food. It looks like they are planning on introducing some new recipes so it should be an excellent surprise.

I do not know this site at all but with a limited player count there should be plenty of room. Speaking of player cap, the event is capped at 40 players, so if you have not pre-regged already make sure you check out the event announcement on realmsnet.net to see if there is still room left.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Question of the Week - 88

Is there any type of weapon (or weapon combo) that you do not like?

Friday, April 12, 2013

What You Missed - Tourneys of the Throne


Photo by Janna Oakfellow-Pushee - 2013
Photo by Janna Oakfellow-Pushee - 2013


Photo by Janna Oakfellow-Pushee - 2013
Photo by Janna Oakfellow-Pushee - 2013



Thursday, April 11, 2013

Funny Pictures

In this series, we're posting some unique pictures of us as we play in the Realms. The challenge we present to you is to provide us with funny captions for the pictures in the comments section. Try to keep 'em relatively clean and fun. 

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Why I Want to Go- The Invasion of Fern Grove

The Invasion of Fern Grove: A Shades Event
April 14, 2013 (Sunday 12pm) - April 14, 2013 (Sunday 6pm)

[Disclaimer: The author of this article is the Event-holder for the event.]

This will be the best event evar! (Okay, maybe my bias is showing.) This is a quest/high combat/ event that adds another chapter to the Shades plotline. The characters have been asked to defend a city from attackers bent on capturing the place. This is a dungeon crawl type of event but with the twist that the walls, pits, etc can be moved and configured by the players. There will be more than enough for fighters to do, but casters and questers will have opportunities to do more than just defend a line.

This is a nice indoor site with plenty of room to accommodate any number of players and the dungeon set-up. For those looking for more inforamtion on the Shades plot they can check out this website...http://shadesrealms.blogspot.com/.
 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Why I Want to Go- You! You! Fight to the Death! IV

You! You! Fight to the Death! IV
April 13, 2013 (Saturday 12pm) - April 13, 2013 (Saturday 6pm)

This newbie focused event has in the past had a wide variety of new tournaments both of the combat and non-combat variety. This event is likely to have much the same style to it. They promise to give us some of their old favorites along with some new competitions. If you are a newer player this is an excellent event to attend.

This event site is a lovely place with an excellent feel to it. There is plenty of room of tourneys. The staff is also allowing casters to break their weapon restrictions in certain tourneys, so there should be plenty for casters to do.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Question of the Week - 87

Have you ever contributed anything to the View? If not, are there reasons (fear, no good ideas, etc) for not doing so?

Friday, April 5, 2013

Happenings on the Emerald Path- SPECIAL EDITION PETS OF THE REALMS

Who said Ben "Rohde" Grant isn't a romantic?  He surprised Alysha "Kyntela" Metcalf  on Valentine's Day with a new addition to their family Rico "Kynchilla"

One of the dogs you might have had a chance to meet at events is Finnick, who lives with Illyana "Illy" Golden and Zach "Dygan" Reynolds. We look forward to getting to meet his new sister Inara this season.
                                                                                         Kayla "Iste" Lovern is the proud mom to the ferrets squirt and Susie
Jarrod "Jarrod" and Betty "Kara" Marshall's menagerie includes Jedi and Decker the horses, Gypsy the Pony, Mickey the dog, cats, ferrets and chickens.

No special pet edition would be complete without mentioning Percival Porkchop Esquine the third. "Percy", and his siblings Asha (a catahoulla mix), Tilly (the chug), and five cats are beloved by their parents Jay "Graham" and Kelly "Twenaria" Bonci.  To keep up with Percy's adventures friend him on facebook.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Funny Pictures

In this series, we're posting some unique pictures of us as we play in the Realms. The challenge we present to you is to provide us with funny captions for the pictures in the comments section. Try to keep 'em relatively clean and fun. (Photo by Matt Norris)

 M. G. Norris Contemporary Photography: The Stromgate Wedding Pictures &emdash;

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

The Library Of Ivory by Leanne "Faelinn" Hoffman

[The staff of the View has long been a fan of the Library of Ivory website. We feel it is a major asset for newer and older players on an in-character level. It is there where a character and player can learn about world of the Realms and its history. Much of what is there is relevant to our game now. Leanne has kindly produced this article which shows how to navigate and understand how the site works and even how players can update the site themselves. There are pictures throughout to visually help in this endeavor.]

The Library of Ivory - An IC Realms Wiki

After questing one day and ending up with a ton of scrolls and texts (literally, an entire tote full) the question of how to share the knowledge with the entirety of the Realms arose.  How could all this information be shared and prevent the “IC bad guys” from reading it?  This was also a time of many Realms villains bantered with the adventurers over the In-Character mailing list. A wiki seemed the best choice and it grew into the current Library with almost 2000 pages of content about events and subjects from as early as 1992 to today.

The Library at the City of Ivory is an In-Character online resource dedicated to sharing information in the Realms.  The Library is a wiki; a website where users can add, remove, and edit every page using a web browser.

The Library was built by Dave Kapell (Iacob of Ivory) from the ground up in 2006 and 2007 and supported by the members of the nation of Ivory.  Though the lands of Ivory are now beholden to the Kingdom of Coventry, the former members of Ivory and the current members of Coventry continue to contribute to the site.  Dave still maintains and hosts the Library content while content and updates are monitored, edited, and added by Leanne Hoffman (Faelinn Shadowmoon).


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Why I Want to Go- Tourneys of the Throne

Tourneys of the Throne: Gold, Games, and Glory!
April 6, 2013 (Saturday 11pm) - April 6, 2013 (Saturday 6pm)

This event seems to have a little bit of everything. There will be combat tourneys (that will provide Order of the List points), non-combat games/tourneys, a Bardic Circle, representatives and courses from Highbridge University, merchants and a side quest. Sounds like a lot to keep a variety of different players happy. There is sure to be something for every style of player.

This event will be outdoors so be prepared if April weather turns cold. The site is actually very pretty and evocative of a medieval setting. One nice thing about this event is that the money earned (from the low event entry price of $5) is that the profits will be going back into SMAS, the WPI Realms group for weapons and garb.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Question of the Week - 86

What would be a good gift idea for LARPers?