By: Kyra/Kieran Barry
From the award winning publication!
By: Anna "Wisteria/ Hedda" Hewitt
Greetings fello realms folk,
Wisteria Primrose here!
Pardon my accent as I'm from the corners of fae and the gaps. I wanted to fill y'all in though.
I went just recently to help out arken in a little problem that was a rising for them.
I popped in and found some familiar faces and some new ones!
We rounded into the winter wonderland, which I was not expecting, and found a plethora of raging rodents. They were for sure pissing a hissy for with a tail on it.
I tried to keep the energy positive regardless of that star feller from Chimeron killing the kind kobold gents. That Orion feller seemed to explain his trauma and get past it as we continued on. As we continued we found some runes we had to mirror to solve our little troubles. Reflect if you will.
After we troubled through that all while those rodents help hasslin' us. Though I'm so poor I can't afford to pay attention to all that nonsense.
We took a short respite to chow on some hot soup. That Eamon fella can really make some grub.
We tried back through and found ourselves by a gnarly looking mirror. I hid away in a protective circle fixing people who got slaughtered. Any other spellcastin' folk who got knocked to the nether seemed to disappear. Seems they got poofed to the mirror realm! We could tell by floating crystals which somehow the realms folk found out was their buddies.
Once we broke through we were about to move ahead on what was actually causing a ruckus.
We found this rat king who was quite a pal hankering to find his buddies.
We met a few of those folk and Tar -as they named the King- was able to absorb those other rats to gain those strength essences and move us forward. He transformed into a mighty hammer. I'm glad my rat friend who irri and I named Lily turnip will live on in that hammer.
At that point we trudged our way back through and went to find out what was really causing this hustle.
Kind Jasper feller needed a hand getting his soul back from God knows where while Harkel broke down this door with that rodent hammer. Inside there was a dragon and some mirror enemies.
I can say for sure we did Gaia's work raising all those casualties from that battle.
Little Spider found the sorcerer gnomes journal talkin' bout the sacrifice he did to save everyone and guard those baddies in that mirror world. They found that man's body too. Well body said loosely he was like chicken bones at the end of a good roast.
We roamed back to the hearth to catch our bodies back to the heart.
Figuring out all the workings of this Realm is quite wild. Those Rathkeale gents just offered me and a few others free homes. I can't say no to good free so I reckon I may take up an abode.
Time to nuss ourselves back too.
You need my hand just send a spell my way. Sho nuff I'll be round to give ya my foresight.
Respectfully,
Wisteria Primrose ❤️
Written By: Dan "Tom Fulerey/ N" Hudon
Hullo folks,
The name’s Tom Fulerey, pleasure to meet ya! Seems like the View was looking for someone to write this article, and since I was standing nearby, I’m now a reputable published writer! Imagine that! Anyways, let’s get into why I wanna go on this exciting expedition!
First up, many adventurers have been invited to a party at a big mansion by a “Duke Hala del’Rhomar”, who I’ve never heard of, but who sounds like a very ~~rich~~ nice fella! I’ve been hired as a diplomatic envoy by some ‘N’ guy who can’t make it, so now I get to go enjoy some wonderful revelry! Now, the Duke mentions that all their guests are protected from harm, lien, and obligation, and while I can’t say I appreciate the lack of trickery that allows for, I am glad that I’ve finally got a job where I can relax and not get attacked by monsters and blamed for not telling people about the monsters I didn’t know were there! I’m sure nothing will go wrong and we’ll all have a great time!
… of course I didn’t read the contract before signing it, so turns out I gotta tag along for another adventure after the party. Seems like some village has been having weird stuff happening lately, like spontaneous meadows, people and cows going missing, and a bunch of random shoes appearing. Honestly these sound like top-tier pranks, and I’d love to meet whoever thought them up - oh, uh, and help the villagers too of course! I really hope this is a straightforward dilemma and that there are no dangerous forces or reality-altering shenanigans going on. I much prefer non-reality-altering shenanigans!
Now, I’ve heard that some adventurers will be heading off to investigate a fae dragon calling for help through dreams. I’m sure those brave heroes will have a fantastic time and save lots of people and all that, good luck to them on their dangerous and deadly quest! I’ll be over here on the Western Flank, uh, covering their retreat, yeah that’s it. Though I wouldn’t mind taking a look around for a hoard…
Er, anyway, that’s all from me as to why I want to go on this adventure! Farewell, hope to see you there, and remember that I have an amazing reputation and am extremely trustworthy, don’t believe the haters and hire me for all your needs! Well, most of your needs!
Sincerely,
The Probably Third or Fourth Most Famous Tom in the Realms
A Genius, Not Stupid Trickster Fae (But Like Trickster in a Trustworthy Way)
Inventor of Paper Potions (Which are Not Just Scrolls But in Fact Cooler)
Tom Fulerey
(( OOC: I’m super excited for this year’s Avalon Questing, last year had some amazing quests and this year’s plot runners are all amazing. I can’t wait to play Owen’s quest (which is also their MQP project!), delve into Randy and Kathy’s shenanigans, and help NPC for Hillary! And of course, bringing one of my recurring npcs to life as an alt is also exciting for me! I hope to see lots of you there!
Dan Hudon (the guy who usually plays ‘N’) ))
Another in our continuing series! In the below picture there is a Realmsie-shaped black hole. Can you figure out who it is based only on the profile? Tell us on social media if you think you know who it is! The answer will be revealed later in the day.
Please enjoy looking at the entries for this year's Sculpture Contest at Feast of the Leviathan.
The theme this year was "The Triumphs of Alexander Cecil"
Post Retirement - Thyme Silverstorm |
Desert of Achoria - Liselle Silvermaple |
DEMISE - Len |
Under New Management - Kyomi |
The King's Cup - Rowan |
unnamed - Eris |
Champion of Dionin - Jasper |
Cecil's Saurabian Surrender - Caleal |
The Rising King's First Triumph - Potato |
By: Matt "Shep/ Vesper" Hewitt
Yip all venturers,
Today Shep found a paper for you all saying people got run out of Arken by baddies. Shep is here to hep you out because Shep knows how to run from baddies. Shep knows that venturing in the winter is so special most of you have never done it in exchange for the best loot Shep will give you hep. First off, Shep heard the baddies are coming together and are clever which means many smart puzzles from the smartest of baddies for the smarties we have to struggle on and to beat. Two off, Shep heard people left Arken because of the baddies and empty houses means big looting left behind for us to take. Shep knows bad things too, the baddies will have good and strong killers with them, if you want death you can fight scary and strong baddies, Arken will have lots and Shep will leave them to you. Be a goodie and hep. Shep won't be, so you’ll have to do it instead.
Yip Yap, Shep the Scaled
OOC:
I have known the Arken crew for over a decade at this point and they have always been a treat to be with and against. This may be their first event but I know it will be great. Between this being one of the very rare winter questing events and its unique location at a paintball field this has the makings of a must attend event. The event is staffed by some of the most fun Magic Marshalls, combat NPC’s, and Prop Makers. If those reasons can’t get you excited then nothing will.
-Matt Hewitt
By: John "Potato" Peloquin
I Started my journey into the realms at the Queen of Hearts XXIX. As a newbie there I ended up winning myself the QOH Newbie blade, which has served me well through my travels in the realms. And as the leaves in the land start to color, I hear about a gathering called Feast of Leviathan that will be taking place in months time. It piqued my interest, so I chat with locals to get more information about it. I hear stories about the never ending food and drinks, the merriment, contests, games, and the beautiful items I can get at the shops. One villager really insists I go for the specialty drinks alone. So there was only one question left for me to ask, what direction do I head? They tell me if I start heading south by foot now I'll make it there in time. All I can think is, I gotta get a horse. So I make my way and got a little lost and pass through the tournament of the Blue Rose. Okay, truth be told I am completely lost in these lands with no sense of direction. But it was okay by the grace of the potato, my friends from Creathorne were at the tournament as well. They offered I tag along with them, so I did. The closer we got there, the more I realized I needed to get better gear. I start to prepare and gather the supplies and potatoes. Just in time for the gathering I was able to make myself a chainmail coif. I finally walked into the doors of the hall, I made it. I paid my fee, and made my way to the Creathorne seating. The gathering has just started and there already is so much cheer and merriment. I wonder why and ask a stranger. They tell me a king is retiring! I couldn't believe it, a King retiring the throne. So I excuse myself and walk off to see if I can spot the King while I get some food. Didn't take long for me to see the King or the massive food spread. While I'm in line to fill my plate, i'm getting compliments on my coif. Made me feel so proud of my work, little did I know I would be getting compliments throughout the feast. I say thank you and chat while I fill my plate. Only thing missing from my plate was a potato, what a shame. I go over to the bar next to get a toasted marshmallow drink. Saw the casino and poker going on first, and wanted to dive right in. But as I took my first sip the drink had me stop in my place, it was so delicious. It was like I was drinking a liquid marshmallow that was just roasted on the fire. I continue on and see the contests table next after another passing of the food spread. I inquire about the sculpture contest as I grab a piece of clay to look at. I'm told the theme is to make something about King Cecils triumphs. I'm interested in playing with the clay, but I know nothing of the King. So I ask about him and what he has done. I swear he could've gone forever about his triumphs, but I got some ideas from the stories told. From what i'm being told this King has done many great things. Someone I could share potatoes with, as long as he kept his hands on his own. I go off to sit down to model the clay. But from behind me i'm alerted by my friends there's trouble outside. So I put the clay in my pocket and readied my trusted sword. I'm told we need to go down and find some magic wheat seeds to bake a cake for the King. They were hard to find, and the ogres were formidable foes. Especially this horse, who ended up breaking the sword I was borrowing so I could duel wield. Luckily my newbie blade didn't take the hit and there was someone who was able to repair my friend's sword. We continued onward until they were all gone, so we thought. Gathered up the missing seeds and headed back. On the way back, we got charged at by another horse. Luckily no one was hurt and it continued on while we fled into the safety of hall. Greeted with cheers, I made my way to my seat. On the way I stopped at this one shop that really got my eye. So many beautiful trinkets they had, and a friendly face. I couldn't help myself and bought a positive potato. Wish I bought a second, so it could have a friend. I continued on after some chatter and got some more food, I sat right down after and went to work on my clay project. I decided I would make an art piece depicting his first win and gathering at the QOH. Thought it would be nice, since I too won at my first QOH. I got to creating and while I was at it people kept coming by with trays of food. Of course I would take whatever was offered, it would be rude to decline food as a guest to these lands. And why would I, it's delicious. After some time I was finished with my clay. I created a crowned heart being torn with the newbie blade to show how he began. And on the back the face of the King he chose so he can retire. I thought it would fit the theme nicely and displayed them with the rest. I saw the others and thought to myself all I wanted to do was play with clay, it's okay if mine isn't the nicest. I left the table and got more food to feast on while I hear about court proceedings. The court was short but even then there was so much going on. What really caught my attention was the revival of the Order of the Spoon and their pretty spoons they received. They sounded interesting and was inviting to learn more about them after court. But I decided I was to shy to ask and not yet ready to join an order to say I was interested in one. Still had to learn more about the orders and what they do for the Realms. Nonetheless I'm still grateful for the delicious food being put out by them. And just overall impressed they are able to keep up with the food! Got some buffalo chicken dip and ate that right up. Started to get thirsty again so I headed to the bar and got a strawberry fizz. Again it was delicious and left me impressed. I savored it as I sat at the luck of the lion table. I gave the dealer a card I was given for some tokens. Really interesting game, kept me entertained with some friends. Luck was on my side today, I let it run on even four times in a row and won. I knew I had to cash out then before I bust. Won fifty gold and was pretty happy about it. Went out to get some fresh air, turn the corner and couldn't believe what I saw. Some mice starting a fire to bake a cake in front of these people. I turned wide eyed and just watched waiting to see what was gonna happen. Luckily no mouse caught fire, at least while I was still watching. Because shortly after I turned away in disbelief that the king was gonna be fed cake baked by mice. If that's what the king's bakers are, I don't want to know what cooks his food for him. I went back in to get more food, trying not to think about what could be cooking my food. It's okay, the food is so delicious it distracted that thought. I looked over at the casino tables and couldn't help myself. I walk and sit back at the luck of the lion table. I go up and I go down, I at least almost broke even by the end. But during this a fellow had some coins I didn't have in my collection. So I chat him up and offer to trade out his gold with some of mine. Even was nice a bought a coin for more then it's worth for one gold. I was told from the dealer the coin I bought was only worth a third of one gold. That's okay though, it's one I didn't have and it's mine now. Dinner is called and we all get seated and ready for food. While dinner was served they held a roast of the King Cecil, it was shocking to hear he asked for it. The roast was pretty funny and the King looked like he enjoyed it himself. The dinner was delicious, and to my fortune there was mashed potatoes topped on my meat. The dessert was a nice sweet tasting pie. They held the last of the court proceedings during this time, which held a goodbye from the King. The last was an award ceremony for the View of Valhaven, maybe I should try to converse more there. Then at the last moment the sculpture contest winner was announced. To my surprise I had won, a little box of gold. I'll treasure the box more than the gold. I looked back at my sculpture on the table, and thought about taking it with me. But then I thought to myself, I'll leave it behind in hopes the retired King will want to take it, to look back on his raising journey to King. I take my gear and memories with me out the door, and now off to an Arken Expedition. I hear people need my help.
Event Awards
Invictus Tournaments: Event with Outstanding Night Quest
Ascension of King Saegan: Outstanding Weekend Event, Outstanding Feast Event, Event with Outstanding Food, Crème brûlée Outstanding Dish at an Event, Duck Outstanding Dish at an Event, Steak Entrée Outstanding Dish at an Event
Rhiassa Presents: Feast of the Leviathan XXV: Outstanding One-Day Event, Outstanding Feast Event
Rhiassa Presents: Queen of Hearts XXIX: Outstanding Tournament Event
Nedengiving: Gumbo Outstanding Dish at an Event
Sanctuary Questing 1: Outstanding One-Day Event
Blackwood Questing: Outstanding Questing Event, Event with Outstanding Props & Costumes
Ashen Adventures: Outstanding Weekend Event, Outstanding Questing Event, Event with Outstanding Special Effects
Ashen Bounty XI: Outstanding Feast Event
Winter Revelry: Outstanding Weekend Event, Outstanding Social Event, Event with Outstanding Food
The Clontarf Shuffle III with Stacked Deck Final Table: Outstanding Social Event
Blackwood Tournaments XI: Outstanding Tournament Event
Voraniss Questing 4: Cinnamon Love Cake Outstanding Dish at an Event, Event with Outstanding Special Effects, Event with Outstanding Props & Costumes, Event with Outstanding Night Quest
Voraniss Questing Tree Fiddy: Event with Outstanding Special Effects, Event with Outstanding Props & Costumes, Event with Outstanding Night Quest
Chimeron Questing XXIX: Blue Town Rush: Event with Outstanding Special Effects, Event with Outstanding Props & Costumes
Tournaments of Artemis XI: Outstanding Tournament Event
KoSD Questing II: Outstanding Weekend Event, Outstanding Questing Event, Event with Outstanding Night Quest
Black & White 2024: Outstanding One-Day Event, Outstanding Social Event, Event with Outstanding Food, Fern's Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Apple hand pies Outstanding Dish at an Event, Kelly's flourless chocolate cake Outstanding Dish at an Event
Publication Awards
Dan Diamond: The Epic History of the Realms - Outstanding View from Valehaven Series, The Epic History of the Realms Chapter 1 - Outstanding OOC View from Valehaven Article
Crystal Welch: Revelry Filk: Baby, There's Kobolds Outside - Outstanding View from Valehaven work of Poetry, Song, or Fiction
Ethan Goldman: Conspiracy Monthly: Special Anniversary Edition - Outstanding IC View from Valehaven Article, & Jean C'est Magnifique Try Baptise - The Three Page Spider Milk Document - Outstanding IC View from Valehaven Article
Anna Hewitt: A Warrior's First Quest -Outstanding Realms Photograph
Jason Rosa and the Knights of the Realms: Us - Outstanding OOC View from Valehaven Article
Dustin Mack: Conspiracy Monthly: Special Anniversary Edition - Outstanding IC View from Valehaven Article
Ben Lacasse - An Ode to Kings - Outstanding View from Valehaven work of Poetry, Song, or Fiction
Sarah Fournier: The Crown - Outstanding View from Valehaven work of Poetry, Song, or Fiction, & Evitta Jainrose (Evie) - What You Missed - Ascension of King Saegan -Outstanding IC View from Valehaven Article
Brianna Meisser: The OG - Outstanding Realms Photograph
Emma Sherman: An Ode to Kings -Outstanding View from Valehaven work of Poetry, Song, or Fiction
Kelly Perfetto: Conspiracy Monthly: Special Anniversary Edition - Outstanding IC View from Valehaven Article
Kyra/Kieran Barry: Conspiracy Monthly - Outstanding View from Valehaven Series, Conspiracy Monthly: Special Anniversary Edition - Outstanding IC View from Valehaven Article & Janna Oakfellow-Pushee: The OP Insectafae, Bard, Monarch, Knight, Friend Part 1 - Outstanding OOC View from Valehaven Article
Ryan Welch: Rumors - Outstanding View from Valehaven Series
Kersten Prince: Anton kills Jack of Redwall - Outstanding Realms Photograph & A Very Hungry Caterpillar - Outstanding Realms Photograph
Player Awards
Callahan Marsden: Outstanding Combat Marshal
Crystal Welch: Outstanding Bard
Ashenmark: Outstanding Group for Staffing and NPCing
Steven Nelson: Outstanding Trainer
Maria Carr: Outstanding Craftsperson, Outstanding Displays of Kindness, Liselle Silvermaple Outstanding use of Support Magic
Patrick Bobell: as The Fallen King Outstanding Roleplaying of a Single NPC Role
Arthur Granger: Outstanding Vendor
Ben Greene: Outstanding Feastocrat
Brookelyn Tilton: Outstanding Photographer, Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Vendor
Kelly Bonci: Outstanding Feastocrat
Kersten Prince: Outstanding Photographer
Diana Learned: Outstandingly Dressed, Outstanding Mentor, as Kiira Outstanding use of Support Magic
Celeste Ma: Outstanding Newbie
Sarah Fournier: Outstanding Bard, Outstanding Servant or Kitchen Staff, as Evitta Jainrose (Evie) Outstanding use of Support Magic
Gregory Falconer: Outstanding Servant or Kitchen Staff
Tucker Noyes: Outstanding Combat Marshal
Lani Jones: Outstanding Feastocrat
Emma Packer: Outstanding Newbie
Matt Butler: Outstanding Magic Marshal
Anna Hewitt: Outstandingly Dressed
Several NPCs: as The Very Hungry Caterpillar Outstanding Roleplaying of a Single NPC Role
Hannah Boucher: Outstanding Younger Player, Outstanding Bard
Kathy Fey: Outstanding Grunt NPC, as Makhta McKrye Outstanding Roleplaying by a Player Character
Renee Booke: Outstanding Magic Marshal
Brianna Meisser: Outstanding Younger Player, Outstanding Photographer
Josh Learned: Outstandingly Dressed, Outstanding Combat Marshal, Outstanding Trainer, Outstanding Grunt NPC
Eric Willisson: as Rosetta Outstanding Roleplaying of Magic
Ryan Welch: Outstanding Trainer
Emma Sherman: Outstanding Younger Player, Outstandingly Dressed
Emiko Peck: Outstanding Newbie
Kelly Perfetto: Outstanding Younger Player, Outstanding Displays of Kindness, as Fern Eberhardt Outstanding Roleplaying by a Player Character
Tim Suitor: as James Swift Outstanding Roleplaying of Magic
Janna Oakfellow-Pushee: Outstanding Mentor, Outstanding Displays of Kindness
Nate Carr: Outstanding Magic Marshal, Outstanding Mentor, as Aelias Softshadow Outstanding use of Support Magic, as Aelias Softshadow Outstanding Roleplaying of Magic, as Aelias Softshadow Outstanding Roleplaying by a Player Character
Nataliya Kostenko: Outstanding Artist
Jerry Pearce: Outstanding Servant or Kitchen Staff
Maryanne English-Betie: Outstanding Craftsperson, Outstanding Artist
John Rescigno: Outstandingly Dressed
Steven Matulewicz: Outstanding Vendor
Sean Veale: Outstanding Grunt NPC
Invictus: Outstanding Group for Staffing and NPCing
Megan Matulewicz: Outstanding Vendor, Outstanding Feastocrat
Adam Blaisdell: Outstanding Craftsperson, Outstandingly Dressed, as Sir Roman DeMaris Outstanding Roleplaying of a Single NPC Role, as Tulkhan Outstanding Roleplaying by a Player Character
Blackwood: Outstanding Group for Staffing and NPCing
Paragon Awards
Steven Nelson: Outstanding Honor in Combat
Becky Baron: Outstanding in Helping Eventholders
Jason Rosa: Outstanding Contributions to the Realms
Diana Learned: Outstanding Role Model
Dani Lacasse: Sapphire Award
Gregory Falconer: Outstanding Honor in Combat
Tucker Noyes: Outstanding Contributions to the Realms
Kathy Fey: Outstanding Role Model
Josh Learned: Outstanding Honor in Combat
Kelly Perfetto: Sapphire Award
James Murphy: Outstanding Contributions to the Realms
Janna Oakfellow-Pushee: Outstanding Role Model
Nate Carr: Outstanding in Helping Eventholders
Nataliya Kostenko: Sapphire Award
Jennifer Gallagher: Outstanding in Helping Eventholders
It's time for a new interactive feature here at the View
Below is a photo... kinda.
It certainly used to be a photograph before we converted it to a pixelated mess.
We's like you to figure out the following based on just the squares of color below.
By: Hannah "Ryu" Boucher
Why I want to go to Feast of the Leviathan (insert stupidly large Roman numeral)
An article in 2 parts
Why Ryu wants to go:
Feast events are wonderful social occasions with great food! Feast of the Leviathan can be considered the King of Feast events if I’m being honest. Few events attract such a large gathering of adventurers and Leviathan has its all! Seemingly endless food, each dish more delicious than the last, addicting mini games to encourage friendly competition, friendly merchants eager to sell their wares, shenanigans, and most fun of all, the View from Valehaven awards. This year is especially special for Chimeronians as we will be publicly roasting our former King in addition to a very special knighting of our very own Saka to the Knights of the Realms. All together this event promises a lot and as we know, it can pull it off.
Why Hannah wants to go:
Jason Rosa refuses to use the word “isekai” properly and so I’m going to show him the true meaning of the word. I have a ukulele and no fear of death. You have been warned.
P.S. The Royal Bards of Chimeron will once again be offering our Sing-a-Gram services! We can deliver songs of inspiration or mockery at a reasonable price! See the poster below, or find me and Princess Cressida for more information!
A few months back Henry 'Guilliam' Giasson was kind enough to share with me a small bin of historic photographs that he had stored under the agreement that I would find a way to preserve and share them.
Since these were *ancient technology* (like film and prints) many of these photos have never been seen by a larger Realms audience. Exciting!
What follows is the second installment of those photos with more to come!
- Jason
By: Kelly "Fern" Perfetto
At the Feast of the Leviathan I will be facilitating an armor drive on behalf of the Wyvern College and the Knights of the Sable Dragon.
Below is a combined list of armor that new players have asked for and armor that the KoSD loaner armor bin could use - the Armor Wishlist. We are looking for armor that is in good condition and reasonably light that fits the rules of the game as they stand currently. No thirty pound chain shirts, please! Armor deemed too heavy or broken will not be accepted. Additionally, armor deemed not close enough in appearance to real armor will not be accepted.
If you have armor you would be willing to give away that fits the descriptions below, please contact me with what armor you will be bringing to exchange at FotLeviathan. I ask that you contact me ahead of time so that we do not end up with more armor than we need, with no place to store it. You can find my contact information on Realmsnet.
For each accepted piece or set of armor that you bring, you may choose between either a discount for Training Day 2 on April 5th 2025 or for KoSD Questing 3 on September 19th-21st 2025. You may use this discount personally or transfer it to one attendee of your choice. We cannot reimburse anyone beyond free entry.
If you cannot donate armor now but would like to contribute, keep an eye out for more initiatives coming soon!
Thank you all,
Kelly “Fern” Perfetto
Armor Credit for Event
Pair of greaves $5
Pair of bracers $5
Pauldrons $5
Helmet or coif $10
Chest Armor $15
Other Items Negotiable
Armor Wishlist:
Greaves/leg armor (pair) - 9
Bracers (pair) - 1
Pauldrons - 1
Head armor - 6
Chest armor - 7
Other Items - Reach out
By: Kelly "Fern" Perfetto
I am pleased to announce that the Women and Gender Minorities in the Realms forum, recorded on August 23, 2024, is now available for viewing. I would like to thank everyone who attended, as this was an incredible evening of sharing stories, experiences, advice, and camaraderie.
These videos mostly speak for themselves, but I wanted to provide a quick overview. After reading these summaries I would encourage everyone to sit down for a listen like you would with a podcast or audiobook, and take some time to think about our perspectives of the Realms.
You can find the full playlist here.
The first video is an introduction to the forum and two presentations. Nataliya “Shader” spoke about the history and future of the Huntress Guild, and Dani “Elizah” presented about the history and future of the Knights of the Lunar Aegis. Both orders have a proud history of empowering women and gender minorities in the Realms.
In the second video in ‘Then and Now’, we discussed the treatment of women and gender minorities in Realms and nerd communities in the past versus their treatment more recently. In “Oh, His Girlfriend?” we talked about how women and gender minorities are often spoken about and treated in relation to the men and partners in their lives, and how that can have a negative effect on their experiences in the community.
In the third video in ‘Fighters and Support Casters’ we looked at the impacts that different roles can have on one’s Realms career and the amount of recognition they receive. In ‘Open and Closed Tournaments’ we discussed the value and feel of Open and Closed Tournaments. An insightful question came up during this section, brought forth by Emma “Irri” - “How do I respectfully assert leadership without becoming someone who is yelling over others?” This in turn led to discussion on how to best support each other.
The final and fourth video had sections on ‘Behind the Scenes Work’ and ‘Women and Gender Minorities in Leadership’. We spoke about the often-unseen work done by many people in the Realms, and how to better recognize this hard work. We also discussed women and gender minorities in positions of leadership, both in official terms and as unofficial mentors and guiding hands of the Realms. We concluded the forum with a discussion about further forums in the future with the intent to include more people.
I plan to run a second Women and Gender Minorities Forum, and hope to see you all there!
Another in our continuing series! In the below picture there is a Realmsie-shaped black hole. Can you figure out who it is based only on the profile? Tell us on social media if you think you know who it is! The answer will be revealed later in the day.
By: Mandy "Mandolin" Fox
*This song was composed *at* Winter Revelry, after the start of the Filk contest, and sung as the final entry. The first few pieces were so inspirational, that Mandolin (age 9) of the Fox's Den, found herself overflowing with the need to compose a Filk of her own.
Many thanks are owed to the person she borrowed paper from, the supportive MC- Cornix/Cressida, and all the folks in the audience that received her bardic so well.
Mandolin's biographer,
Lady Tarnisha of Chimeron.*
Title++ ~~12~~ 10 days of Yuletide
-# To the tune of: 12 days of Christmas
On the first day of Yuletide,
I did this little thing:
Slayed one Monster
On the second day of Yuletide,
I did these little things:
Brawled with 2 players
Slayed one Monster
Day 3: Created 3 daggers
Day 4: Learned 4 spells
**Day 5: Used 5 Heal Limbs!**
Day 6: Taught 6 spells
Day 7: Won 7 tournies
Day 8: Sung 8 bardics
Day 9: Attended 9 events
Day 10: Healed 10 newbies
Here's our next installment of “Straight Outta Context” where we post a photo with absolutely no context and see what you think is happening! To kick off each post, we'll ask someone random in the community to take a stab at what's happening!
Lani "Gwen" Jones guess:
"Karmha makes her professional WWE entrance to the ring"
Share your guesses about what is going on via Discord or in the Facebook comments!
We'd just like to remind everyone to vote in this year's View from Valehaven Player's Choice Awards.
Voting openeed on January 4th and will close on January 12th at 7:30PM.
On the voting page you will see all of the nominations that were made for each category.
You may vote for up to THREE different events/items/people per category. Each of these votes counts equally.
Winners and Presentations:
The View Awards will be presented at The Feast of the Leviathan after Rhiassan Court.
Rather than a single event/item/person winning best in a category, there will be three winners per category each recognized with equal standing to one another. In cases where there are ties there may be more than three.
A new change last year, this is a rather noteworthy shift from the way the View awards have run for over two decades, but it is an important one. The purpose of these awards, as always, is to give the community a way to say “thank you” to its members and event holding teams for going above and beyond in how they enrich our game. By recognizing multiple events as described above it extends our ability to show our appreciation and extend our camaraderie with each other without also having to rank each other’s contributions in contrast to one another.
We look forward to running these awards for the 2024 eventing season and we are honored to be able to present them this year at Feast of the Leviathan.
Find the complete list of voting categories and nominations below.
EVENT AWARDS
Outstanding One-Day Event
Outstanding Weekend Event
Outstanding Tournament Event
Outstanding Questing Event
Outstanding Feast Event
Outstanding Social Event
Event with Outstanding Special Effects
Event with Outstanding Props & Costumes
Event with Outstanding Night Quest
Event with Outstanding Food
Outstanding Dish at an Event
PUBLICATION AWARDS
Outstanding IC View from Valehaven Article
Outstanding OOC View from Valehaven Article
Outstanding View from Valehaven Series
Outstanding View from Valehaven work of Poetry, Song, or Fiction
Outstanding Realms Photograph (please include public link and accurate photographer information)
PLAYER AWARDS
Outstanding Group for Staffing and NPCing
Outstanding Newbie (under 1 year in Realms)
Outstanding Younger player (between 1 and 5 years in Realms)
Outstanding Bard
Outstanding Craftsperson
Outstanding Photographer
Outstanding Artist
Outstanding Vendor
Outstandingly Dressed
Outstanding Feastocrat
Outstanding Servant or Kitchen Staff
Outstanding Combat Marshal
Outstanding Magic Marshal
Outstanding Trainer
Outstanding Mentor
Outstanding Displays of Kindness
Outstanding use of Support Magic
Outstanding Roleplaying of Magic
Outstanding Roleplaying by a Player Character
Outstanding Roleplaying of a Single NPC Role
Outstanding Grunt NPC
PARAGON AWARDS
Outstanding Honor in Combat
Outstanding in Helping Eventholders
Outstanding Role Model
Sapphire Award (awarded to individuals who identify as women or gender minorities who go above and beyond in the community and are outstanding in advocating to advance women and gender minorities in the Realms)
Outstanding Contributions to the Realms