Conspiracy Monthly

 By Kieran/Kyra Barry

The Wharf Rat

Written by: Zack "Tony" Emmert

The following is a retelling of a story shared with me by Squire Willoughby of the Knights of the Aberrant Gate

Long before she was Dame Mirield Castillion, before the legends and the accolades, she was just Mirield—called “Wharf Rat” by the soldiers in the training yard.

She wasn't born to a name like most of those lads. The others had crests  or court tutors, or at the very least parents who had walked this path before. But Mirield? She had callused hands, a makeshift sword carved from driftwood, and a chip on her shoulder that could sink ships.

The Master-at-Arms tolerated her presence only because the law of the land was to, “Let the sea choose who wears the steel.”

In those days, the Annual Gauntlet of Rathkeale happened every spring. Early spring, mind you. When it was still cold and the season was confused. The Gauntlet was a chance for even people like Mirield to prove their worth and fight for a place at the table.

And fight she did. Losing meant going home for another year. Back to the docks with nothing and no one.

She fought well—too well, by noble standards. That’s when one of the local Knights stepped forward. Blonde. Strong. Cocky to a fault.

"I will challenge the wharf rat," he said. Certain of his victory. "She's quick on her feet, but let's see how she fares against real strength and skill."

Mirield accepted the challenge with nothing but a nod as she walked with this man to the center ring. Nothing but salt in her eyes and fury in her heart.

They dueled in the center ring—watched by nobles, knights, and wealthy merchants alike. He danced like he was in a ballroom, graceful, practiced. But Mirield moved like the tide—unpredictable, surging when least expected.

He nicked her cheek. She cut his shoulder. The crowd leaned in.

Then he cheated. When he tripped, he flung sand into her eyes. Blinded, she stumbled, and the crowd gasped.

But she’d learned to fight without sight—on stormy decks, in midnight squalls. She ducked, sidestepped, and when he lunged with smug certainty, she disarmed him with a sweep of her leg and drove her wooden blade into the sand by his throat.

Then, Mirield did the damnedest thing. She offered him a hand up despite the disrespect, and despite his poor conduct, she showed him the way a real Knight would behave.

But he didn't like that, slapped her hand away and grabbed her arm. Turned the tables on her and the crowd gasped again. 

A hush fell over them all, and Mirield was beaten, layin' in the dirt. Should have been humiliated and broken, but she forced herself up and offered to shake his hand.

He refused, turned his back on her with a scoff. But one person applauded for her in that crowd. One person who saw her worth. A certain Knight of the Aberrant Gate.

"The sea has chosen!" he said to Mirield that day. And that's how she became a Squire, and later a Knight, and then a legend.

Years on, that cheating  warrior would sail under her command. He never spoke of the duel again.

But once, in a tavern, drunk on old rum, he whispered, “She didn’t fight me. She fought the world. And won."

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

What You Missed - Neden BBQ [Tournament Results]

Poker

1st - Avendar 

2nd - Potato

3rd - Trent

Cornhole

1st- Jack and Elora

Judge Dresden

- Eagles Rook

Best Bar Patron 

-Isoba 

Single Short

1st - Daekara

2nd - Hulger

3rd - York

Hand and a Half

1st - Godwyn

2nd - Syruss

3rd - Hulger

Sword and Board

1st - Orion

2nd - Rawlin

3rd - York

Florentine

1st - Eldritch

2nd - Hulger

3rd - Shader

Duncan's Challenge

1st - Anton

2nd - Shader

3rd - Eldritch

Crew Battle

- Team Raptor News

Most Honorable

- Hulger

Best Overall Placement total

- Hulger

What You Missed - Neden BBQ 2025

Neden is a wild time. 

I’d tell you people were drinking and fighting and laughing and singing. But I suspect you’d know that, because it’s Neden. 

Genuinely it was a good time. Meatball ran a good amount tournaments with the help of Calico. Fighters and casters alike from all over fought hard in a wide range of bouts. Some staples, like sword and shield and Duncan’s Challenge, but also a new tournament “Crew Battle” where 5 man teams sent 1 person in at a time with 2 lives each. 

There were several non-coms as well, including corn hole, apparently a Neden national pass time, the “tournaments of sobriety”, and Judge Dresden. I’m a big fan of Judge Dresden, while the Neden legal system may seem to lack a certain “Justice” to the critical eye, I believe that there is a fairly even playing field, and justice can be found within the system. 

Per what has become standard, Neden had a wonderful and elaborate prize table, and many people participating in tournaments were able to walk away with great prizes. 

I would be a fool not to mention the bar, Elizah and Rufus did a great job tending bar all day, and I kept hearing great things about the different mixed drinks that were offered. 

All and all, what did you miss? A great and relaxed event. 

Why I Want To Go - Voraniss Questing 5

Written by: Ethan "Jean Baptise" Goldman

I do not care for Eddy Raincoat.

Was that a hot take? Do we still even call him Eddy? I have been in my closet sulking for so many years that things have kind of blurred away. I know Fern has desperately tried to keep track of every secret hand and ancient unbidden thousand year grudge, but Fern isn’t doing the WIWTG. I am.

So in the spirit of the common demon, I decided to embrace the blindness.

The point is Eddy is invading Rathkeale, we knew he was attacking since 1023 and so far Elric has held the line. Which is really impressive since Necron fell in what, a DAY? Really puts into perspective who the REAL best undead nation is huh? However what with the New Aberrant Gate order being made, Eddy is a little salty salty. He's been hurt, someone made a club named “The Club Eddy used to be in but he cant be in now because he smells bad”, and frankly speaking, he’s a smidge peeved. 

Remember this is the same Lich who sent revenant assassins to kill anyone who ever made fun of him, so Rainecourt isn’t the kind of person who, works out their feelings in a constructive manner. And he ALREADY invaded Blackwood and that didnt pan out as intended so Eddy needs a win.

And Eddy’s schedule is running out of tombs to rob, which means Eddy got less to do then unload a trauma dump of genocidal proportions upon the Silver Chalice. And frankly if that's a real object he's going to steal that too, he’s certainly the type.

Now slightly less hot take, I like Rathkeale, I once tried to take Rathkeale but was told “No that's a stupid idea” by… everyone I asked about it. Ah youth. Anyway I have long since pinky swore to defend Rathkeale from well its kinda a blur, there was a castle? But I was reminded of my oath.

They called me Bapbeast once, I was a hero for a time. And, since its so necessary, I can be one again.

You see I like war. I am good at war. And war, war REALLY likes me. When I needed a Pike, it appears in the dirt, when I ask war to kill, people die. And when war comes calling, the least I can do is give a proper answer.

And so the call to war has come calling, its the drum beat of a thousand boots in the mud, its the clang of the teeth of sword biting into the metal of plate and cracking it like a crab. It is the piper flute of hate and red and it says my name, it says your name too.

Little Eddy Raincoat is afraid of the rain.

Let us give him a storm.

What You Missed - Neden BBQ 2025 - Photos

Photos by: Dustin "Toah" Mack

 

Our host for the day, the one and only JB

 

Eagle's Rook with a large turnout

 

Some traditional combat

 

There were some amazing weapons in the auction

 

Neden's favorite pastime, cornhole

Sword and board

 

Concentrating poker faces

 

Our wonderful bartender

Child fights with a Meatball marshal, what more could you ask for in the lands of Neden?

 

Jean Baptise has been kidnapped by cultists. 

Are you bad enough dudes to rescue JB?

Calico learning the marshalling ropes

 

Proud Neden boys

 

Rawlin cooking up some grub

 

Hydration tournament!

 

In the Judge Dresden tournament, you do not, in fact, judge Dresden

 

Yeah, they went there

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

What You Missed - Training Day 2 [Pt.2]

By: Emma "Chrysanta" Harvey

Hello again friends!

Another time to write for The View?! Color me excited!

If you haven’t met me, I am called Dream Mender Chrysanta Morris, Oathsworn of Voraniss.

For any who have never seen a college before, you certainly missed out on seeing the Wyvern College this day! How wonderfully new the whole process was for me to enroll for classes and learn from some of the best and brightest here in The Realms! I even wore a very special hat inspired by Friend James Swift! Though, I do not believe pink is his color…

My experience started by having some very yummy jam with crackers while my friends started their first classes. I was very behind on signing up for classes so there were only so many spots and I honestly just wanted to drink in the environment.

Then, it was time for my first class of the day with Friend Kindrianna and Friend Elwin on how to interpret magic. It was very informative, and a very full class! Both Friend Kindrianna and Friend Elwin have so much knowledge that I do not think forty five minutes was enough! I do appreciate learning and understanding the new magic of this world. It feels so different and I love every second of it!

Next, I sat in on a very intimate class with Friend Phee teaching about how to be a herald! I am naturally quite skittish and nervous so I thought, who better to teach me to speak up than a herald? Friend Phee’s class was very informative and they gave me so much encouragement that even if I never take up the heralding title, I can at least have the knowledge to share with any friend interested!

My last class was my very good friend, Friend Rowan, teaching about plant identification. Who knew there were so many different leaf shapes! I will admit, learning so much about all the edible things that grow on the campus did make me very hungry…

To finish my report, seeing everyone that day was humbling for a young Faun such as me. You never know who you will meet, or meet again, on a campus like this or what you can learn from them. It makes me excited to see where this knowledge brings us. I hope that knowing how to better ourselves will make not only us as individuals better, but The Realms as a whole better.

With that, ends my report on Training Day!

Sweetest of Dreams,

Dream Mender

Chrysanta Morris

Friend of the Realms

P.S.

A quick OOC add on.

I want to thank all of those who stepped up to teach classes so we can better ourselves both in and out of character with their knowledge. Thank you to Kelly for throwing a spectacular event. I feel like events like this are severely underutilized and can be so beneficial for not only our newer players but veterans as well. Seeing people participate not only in the classes but also the Bake Sale and Auction was very humbling for me to watch knowing the money is going to folks in need of comfort and love. In hard times, it’s easy to sweep things aside to push forward. So, during the turbulent times we find ourselves in, it’s comforting to know we can rely on each other for kindness, compassion, and faith in humanity to be good and caring.

Lead with kindness, respect, and love and we can make it through this.

Warmly,

Emma Harvey

Nations of the Realms: Banecroft Barony

The Barony, as many of us know it as, was one of the first groups I truly met from what, at the time, was loosely referred to as “the south”. I have fond memories of questing beside Myrddin and Tiara, and when I reached my lowest point, when I was certain the Realms no longer held a home for me but just hurt and hatred for what I had done, Tiara was there to reassure me that it would pass. It has, and that kindness lives very strong within my heart. And really, that’s always been my impression: Banecroft is full of kindness.

- Felnar Dulintel

Banecroft Barony

Needless to say, Banecroft has a long, storied history. After all, Baron Diamond is known for maintaining and telling histories. So let us begin there…

Banecroft existed for quite a while, with the Banecroft family's role in the Wellermen being to preserve that era's history and culture, albeit in a gruff, norse way. This came to an end in 972 when Illinarean forces destroyed Banecroft.

Travelling merchants Francois and Charlotte Millhaven managed to rescue from the carnage a baby wrapped in blue cloth with the Baronial heraldry, but they knew not its significance. They named the baby "Diamond" for the lozenges in the heraldry. It was not until the end of 991 that Diamond's friend Jamal researched that heraldry and connected it to the history of a nearby ruin overrun with goblins. Forming a band of friends they chased the Goblins from the tower and re-founded Banecroft.

Banecroft Tower is on a hill commanding the region. Nadina lake supports a fishing village. The woods were once pervasive, there is much more land under the plow ever since the Banein Clouds erased much of the dark forest.

The leader is the Baron, a hereditary title. His closest advisor and second in command is the Seneschal. True followers of Banecroft are those who have sworn their fealty and take on the risks and tribulations of active adventuring. These true followers are responsible for looking after the health and welfare of sections of the common folk of the land. Particular jobs such as Trade Minister or War Leader are assigned to these True Followers by the Baron as their talents fit the needs of the day. Sometimes, there is a tournament among these followers to determine merit.

There have been three subnations in the Baronial Heyday (around 1004), none of them are currently active. They were Caer Melyn, The Red Dragon Clan, and the Blue Falcons. By some quirk of coincidence, their heraldry was all on black fields.

In 991, Banecroft was dark woods full of monsters. Over the decades since, it has become more and more civilized and populous with more and more land under the plow. At first families lived in isolated blockhouses scraping out a living from the land. Over time, this gave way to larger settlements of Banecroft, Nadina, and Caer Melyn.

Farming is more productive, and inroads were made into industry right up until the great North/South Road was cut by the Banein cloud. This changed Banecroft from being a significant stop on the central artery of trade, to a backwater bypassed by trade routes.

Faelie is the local goddess, a goddess of Light, Nature and the Earth. Faelie was rescued from persecution by monotheists in the northern village of Misty Glenn by Diamond, who brought her worship back to Banecroft. The Barony protected her sacred Acorn Tree during the ruinous Illinarean Occupation of the late 990s, and a verdant grove bloomed since which is the center of worship.

Baronial Thanksgiving in November is a feast. Baronial Birthday celebrates the re-founding of Banecroft in February.

Baronial Iron Rations are a surprisingly sweet whole wheat biscuit filled with fruit and nuts. It lasts for days, is full of energy and can keep one questing. Baronial Cider is a major export.

Baronials are known as adaptive and flexible questors. They also have had a high proportion of archers. They have attempted to be scrupulous in their conduct, but how successful is for others to judge. Always try talking to their foes first, and grant mercy after. Long time allies of Chimeron, the mother country from whom they negotiated independence back in 992.

 

(OOC:) Inspired in the early days to be like Robin Hood's merry men: independent minded yet team players with a strict but flexible code of conduct. Distinct from Chimeron's inspiration by Camelot, which we viewed as having the highest of ideals but too large to be firm in their application. Over the decades those feelings have changed, largely to become more similar.

The first requirement is that members be honorable. The Blue of the Baronial tabards represents their honor, it is the first thing seen and their best shield.

Why I Want To Go - Neden BBQ '25

by Makhta

The next gathering in Neden offers something for everyone, and it’s happening in a cool castle with lots of activities!

There will be tournaments both stabby and otherwise, and yard games that will probably put your eye out (but then it’s a party).  I myself want to try out the scavenger hunt so I can match wits with whoever sends us to quest after all that stuff.

As for Judge Dresden, I was on a court team at Nedengiving and we slaughtered the competition, so you know that you, too, have the skill and cleverness to get your client off the hook!  Or on the hook, whichever.  

I’m looking forward to thoroughly losing the Tournaments of Sobriety, and what a treat to get in on the first unveiling of a new-to-us ancient Nedenite tradition!  Please come because I am definitely not going to be able to battle in a straight line myself.

If you have money unlike me you can enter the poker tournament, which had a bunch of numbers in the announcement that I ignored ‘cause if I participate it’ll just be for the witty commentary, but bring it on, rich people!

The food will certainly be delicious, and since it’s grilled we’ll be smelling it a mile off and that’ll make us run drooling that much faster to get there.  

I believe the bar will be of fine service and the drinks of good quality, even though their Bloody Mary is apparently misnamed.  They donated a “create your own drink” for the Training Day auction so I expect the barkeep has skills and good stock.

Also it’s in a big fort.  I have some nostalgia about those things.

And remember, if you bring very well-preserved food to donate, you’ll get auction tickets and you’ll be helping feed people who had a bad harvest last year.

This whole shindig, of course, is hosted by Syruss, who is a great friend, and a phenomenal arm wrestler, and who is apparently letting me come back after Nedengiving.  Potential adventurers are encouraged to “Ask Sir JB about all the other Titles” so make sure you do.  We should see to it that Syruss’ fame is etched in stone and that JB works for it.

And if you’re not the super courtly type, that’s good, you don’t have to worry about appearances in Neden.  Weird things might happen, but what do you expect from a bunch of demons and cannibals and stuff?

You can be sure, though, that the goings-on will be fun and the company will be friendly, because Neden is renowned for its camaraderie.  You should come see it in action!

What You Missed - Training Day 2

By: Ed "Tuilli" Drummond 

I was fortunate enough to be a part of the support staff for this event, so I got to see things form and coalesce into a fantastic time. The Knights of the Sable Dragon and the Wyvern College brought a great amount of experience together to enrich and improve our community. On top of that the generous folk of the Realms raised a good amount through the charity auction and bake sale that went to the Pushee family in memory of Janna.

Lets start with the FOOD.Throughout the day, we had a number of fantastic offerings that were served “tray-to-table” style to ensure our classes were able to get fed while they enjoyed the material. Min tacos, biscuit bites, chicken fajitas, and stuff croissants were all hits. The one I need to call out however for the “most fun” is the “Poutine” hash cups. Like many of the dishes, they were prepped as “cupcake tin” sized portions in wax paper. Not only were they really good, meaning that there was nearly a compulsion to eat multiple but…

There. Was. No. Polite. Way. To. Eat. Them.

No utensils, just face. You had to go “full send” on a little cupcake wrapper of taters’n’cheese, preferably making uninterrupted eye contact with the person across from you doing the same. They were glorious, delicious, and addictive.

Classes were wonderful throughout the day and despite how well packed we all were, I didn't need to flat anyone for getting unruly without a hall-pass, so that is a good indication that folk were there and ready to learn.

Combat Training sessions throughout the day, ranging from "true Florentine" with Aelias, "How to Structure your Fighting" with LukeJohn, "How to Handle Your Eight-Foot Harbinger of Death" AKA pike training with Makhta and Temorse.

There were also several trainings that were designed to help develop crucial event-holding, event-support, and community-support roles and skills. Phee ran a great class for newer adventurers on the many elements of joining or creating a nation or family in the Realms drawn on their significant experience as a fellow independent for much of their career (with color commentary from yours truly). Orion gave a class on mentorship to help folk learn how to lead and navigate some of the many challenges that come with that role. The "Feastocrat" class was offered by the Order of the Spoons own Aeston, Gwen, Mayumi to help EHs plan and execute the food elements of an event. A "Magic Marshaling" class taught by Kindrianna and Elwin to help dive into the weeds on prepping and problem solving from that aspect. Lastly, a "Combat Marshaling" class with Saegan was offered this year which I sadly missed, but have it as a personal challenge this year to work on those skills.

While on the topic of Challenges, we had sessions throughout the day with the Knights of the Realms Challenge sessions where folk can get guidance from some of the recognized top mentors in our community on how they can grow and build, both for themselves and the community.

On the practical and creative/crafting sides, we had some great garb and armor workshops, brought to us by Tarnisha and Hawthorne including inexpensive garb ideas, repair, and even a machine sewing class. There were also some great classes on both playing AND dealing poker taught by Tao that were well received and attended. Herschel taught a class on hand-spinning wool (which may have led to a personally entertaining after class discussion on the best songs to spin to). Rowan also brought in her Ranger-riffic skills to teach a pair of classes on applied herbology and how we might improve on our roleplay and immersion using the natural resources around us in the woods and fields we play in.

We also had a few performance-based classes available. From Alias teaching an "Intro to Ukulele" class, a "How to Bard Better" by Baron Diamond. We also had the ever-important classes on Etiquette, starting with Freesia's 101 level class, Phee's class on Heralding, and Kovaks teaching on “Court Manners for All Species”. No word on whether that last class included the important step of "Ensure you are sitting with the optimal folk to heckle alongside", which is a highly developed skill of several in my family.

Lore-and-magic-based skills training and information also were available, from Jean-Baptiste's "Magic of the Skyless Sea" class, to a trio of classes with Rosetta on the theory and problem-solving application of certain rune systems as well as an abridged (thankfully) history of Fae.

On a whole, we had a great turnout for this event, and I hope that folk were able to walk away from it inspired and motivated. Kelly and the event team put a lot of heart into this, and I was proud and glad to see not only it be so well received, but to see Kelly get a Fireball awarded in the wake of it all.

Thank you all for a great event, both attendees and staff, and I look forward to the next one!

Ed / Tuilli

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

Realmsle #23

                       

This custom Wordle-adjacent-puzzle features a 5-letter word that is particularly relevant to the Realms.

If the embedded page isn't working below you can click this link to get to the puzzle.

Like regular Wordle you can copy your result's (but only if you follow the link), so paste them or a screenshot onto social media to let us know how you did. But no spoilers!

What You Missed: Training Day 2 [Court Edition]

Yes, even on this day of knowledge and lessons there was a court held. Here is a brief summary of events and what has changed within our Realms.

First to hold court was the Knights of the Sable Dragon. Perhaps not unexpected due to Training Day being a mutual effort between the Wyvern College and the KOSD. 

Dame Kindrianna of Voraniss spoke, of the Knighthood and of her time as the KOSD Knight Commander. She stepped down, passing the title to Sir Elwin of Stonewood. With the passing of the title of Knight Commander there also is a passing of the firsts to the Knight Commander. Under Kindrianna, Sir Torolf was the First for the Knights of the Sable Dragon. Elwin announced that Ser Gordon will be the First for the Knights of the Sable Dragon going forward.

With that business concluded, several members of the Knights of the Eternal Flame stepped up. Mahkta (Kathy), Eliza (Dani), and Daekara (Greg). Their ooc names are listed to denote the place the KoEF hold in our community as an ic and ooc order. Mahkta announced that they were taking up court business to gift a Fireball upon a recipient. Kathy then called up Kelly "Fern", the organizer of the event series.

Each knight spoke positively about Kelly, and Kelly was awarded a Fireball.

Thus concluded court for Training Day 2, 1025.

[Photo Courtesy of Bri "Margaret" Meisser]

Nations of the Realms: Misery

Misery sounds so mean to describe a place, but I think this may be a case of a name not matching the truth of the people. I spent a number of recent years in my library in the Fae Wildes, so I may have missed when this kingdom first joined our social gatherings and quests, but I do hope to rectify that soon. They seem like fun people!

Felnar Dulintel

The Kingdom of Misery

The Kingdom of Misery was founded by a mysterious mushroom lady named Bloom. Located on an uncharted island to the east, Goddess Gaia bestowed the kingdom upon her because of Bloom's pure love and devotion to her. It was a quiet place once surrounded by clouds and thunder; these days it's surprisingly loud with laughter and cheer. All are welcome in the Kingdom of Misery; we take in the old, the poor, and the evil, so long as one is looking for a path to kindness. The inhabitants include man and monster, living and undead. In Misery we strive to be the best versions of ourselves; depending on what that means to you. The Kingdom is protected by a magical Bubble that hides the island from view, for the safety of all who may wish harm to the inhabitants.

The kingdom is a monarchy, with Queen Bloom having ultimate authority over the population. The Queen appoints her most trusted and faithful followers to the Queensguard, headed by the Knight Sir Karamir and Captain Rain Holmes.

Knowing little of this island kingdom, these are the locales that the locals look to.

The Golden Pond: This is where the messenger butterflies go to die. When their magic runs out, the butterflies bodies turn to gold and line the lakebed.

The Temple of Gaia: It is located in deep in the forest. The temple is off limits to all but the most devoted.

The Forge of Ataraxia: Sits in the city center. The arms created here are made of Ataraxia Steel.

Mount Valla Appalla: An ancient volcano on the northern archipelago.

The island is temperate and thickly forested, with walled city and castle at the center. A magical Bubble covers the whole of the island and obscures its presence to the outside world.

Following the creation story of the kingdom, Misery is aligned with Her Highness Queen Bloom's goddess, Gaia. The most devout worshippers practice ritual bloodletting in exchange for a higher connection to Her power. In the spring, they celebrate Light the Sky, where they send wishes to Gaia on flying lanterns. The winter is marked by The Darkness, the season where the messenger butterflies die. Beyond this, the Bubble is reestablished on a rotating count of Miserian days.

The Kingdom of Misery’s economy is operated around coins called Flutterbucks, or affectionately called “flucks” by their people. These may also have some connection with the Golden Pond and the messenger butterflies, as it’s been noted that the seasonal replenishing of the Pond has led to massive inflation, as Miserians have taken to raiding the waters for golden butterflies.

Their regional dish seems to be something simply called Miserian Pasgetti.

Miserians wish to let others know that they want to share kindness and teamwork with the other nations of the Realms, and that they will always raise dead bodies, regardless of their national affiliation.

All are welcome in the Kingdom, so long as they are committed to kindness and act with peace to the peaceful. Joining the Kingdom is as easy as asking!

Monthly Toahscope - April 1025

 I'm here again with your monthly Toahscope. The dice have predicted some very interesting things this month. As usual, if you don't know your runes, leave a comment and we can help you learn. I'd also be curious at this point to hear if anything has occurred as prophesied.

Air
Traveling this month will have some unexpected happenings

Fall should be careful going to Neden
Spring will find results in Rhiassa
Summer may find themselves in Voraniss
Winter will find their fate in Stonewood

Day will encounter a local to the land, Night will meet someone visiting

Earth
You should try a new type of weapon. If you already use your chosen type, perhaps change between blade and blunt

Fall should look into using daggers
Spring will want to try a pike
Summer may want to pick up a bow
Winter will find hand and a half weapons of interest

Day will want to use their new style in a tournament and Night will want to go questing

Fire
Specific spells will shape your future

Fall will see results around Magic Missile
Spring should look out for Intervention
Summer may want to be aware of Call the Soul
Winter will find answers with Light

Day should watch for friendly casters, enemy casters for Night

Metal
Perhaps during poker, perhaps elsewhere, playing cards will serve a purpose for you 

Fall may want to look for the 2 of Spades
Spring should find the Jack of Clubs
Summer will find the Ace of Diamonds
Winter will have the 7 of Hearts

Day will find the card hurtful while Night will be helped

Water
Colors will impact you in the near future 

Fall should look out for red
Spring will see yellow stripes
Summer will find results around dark green
Winter will want to watch out for white

Day will find their color on an object and Night will see it on a person

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

What You Missed: Sanctuary Questing 2

 By: Raindrop of Soul and King Saegan of Blackwood (and Truth)

Hello fellow Adventurers of the Realms!

For those who are not aware, off the coast of the Arthurian Isles is a land known as Asteria. Asteria was once an idyllic land, but the gods of the land, the Starlords, created twelve beings to help them manage aspects of the universe. These beings decided the best way to do so was to consume it all. These beings are called the Devourers. Although, saying their name can attract their attention, so we tend to refer to them as the antis or hungerers.

Anti what, you might ask. Well, when the Starlords realized their mistake, they created twelve other beings, the guardians, who would stand in opposition to these hungerers. The idea was that when they collided with each other, they would destroy each other and the power would go back to the Starlords. At that point, the Starlords could create more balanced beings to help rule over reality.

But... then we showed up. Adventurers who made friends with the guardians, and formed relationships. We aligned ourselves to aspects of reality, and set out to destroy the Hungerers without losing our friends. Last year, we destroyed the being known as anti-truth. This year, we sought to slay anti-soul and anti-light.

We all met up in Sanctuary. I will not describe where it is in writing, only that you can find it if you need it. ((There's a lovely discord server for folks who enjoy text RP and e-questing. Although the staff does a really good job in making sure you don't need to do either one to participate in events.)) It is a demiplane that helps provide a home for those who have lost their own. From there, we ventured to the lands of Asteria, to a university known as the Onisac University, where the anti-soul had made it's home. We had a quest to do, and we had to do it quickly or anti-light could join forces and we would be fighting two gods at once.

Before we could face anti-soul directly, we had to do two things. One, we had to find all the soul boxes that it had created, freeing the souls it had consumed and trapped. This involved channeling out the souls from the boxes into hematite, then laying them to rest and sending them beyond the veil. Much of the quest involved various challenges to fight our way to soul boxes, or complete various challenges or puzzles that sealed them away. While we did that, we had to build up sufficient soul magic to destroy anti-soul. I performed a ritual which allowed us to capture the power of moments of vulnerability for us to release all at once upon our foe.

Once we had laid to rest all the souls in the boxes, we could face the Devourer of Souls on the field. We set up a place for last rites and healing in the back line, and ritual space for the ritual to destroy it in the back line, and the fighters fought hard. When we had performed the ritual, it became clear that there was still not enough soul energy. So people had to come up to those who performed the ritual and open up about their hopes, fears, desires, and motivations. Once enough power had been built up, I took it to the Devourer of Souls and it consumed me and all the magic and then exploded. Fortunately, Laika had a powerful magic item that brought me back to life.

We also rescued Perseus, a powerful paladin of an Asterian order, who had had their soul eaten by anti-soul and turned into anti-light's servant. When they were rescued, they took Jasper and one other person as their squires to their order.

From there, anti-light came out, as the sun fell and it grew dark. The fight against anti-light was a defensive one. We found the Astral Forge, a powerful artifact of Asteria, and forged swords that could be used to affect the entity. Meanwhile, Perseus empowered Jasper to lead a ritual to entrap anti-light in a circle of light forged from the astral forge and powered by the astral flame. This powerful light spell destroyed anti-light, and won the day for the heroes.

-Raindrop

~~~~

We left on a mission to destroy the Devourer of Soul, and the Devourer of Light, and we succeeded. That’s the base of things. 

Asteria, in the ruins of a college, our enemies awaited us. Served by ghosts, goblins, and even an array of chimera. The fight was a slog. The enemies seemed to keep coming; at times they felt unbeatable. 

Our powerful magics dwindled, and many of us, were sent, rendered to the Servant of the Devourer of Soul, to gamble for our lives. 

Until finally, as the sun began to near the horizon, we found what we needed to bring the Devourer of Soul to the field. Soul brought an army. We fought it back only to watch it rise in our wake to cut us down from behind. We broke through the army, striking at the Devourer, only to have them strike back with a force that would sever our souls from our physical forms, and leave us as a husks on the battle field. 

When our morale was nearly tapped, several of our casters brought forth a trap; Raindrop presented a soul bomb. The Devourer took the bait, and Raindrop all the same, Raindrop was lost, but the Devourer of Soul was defeated, and all others were freed.

As sun set we left the field, to plan and prepare.

We returned, in the dark of a dreary cold night, prepared for the Devourer of Light. But first, Laika, brought forth a powerful artifact, and with magic backed by the deep meaning of his words, he called Raindrop back from beyond. 

We cheered, our army delighted by the complete victory over Soul, and were ready to take on the Light. 

Our first task was to find the Celestial Flame and prepare ourselves with weapons of light to assault the Devourer and their minions. 

As we made a forge of light’s power, the Devourer arrived with an army of ghosts and bats. It as a terrible defense. The Devourer tapped into it’s power to turn our Friends against us, forcing us to cut down our own in terrible blood. 

Our lines were thin, and surely we would have fallen if Elizah hadn’t called on her mystic forge to keep us going midline.. My armor was barely marked before she was fixing it. And so true for those next to me as well. 

The fight carried on. More Friends were turned. More blood. More bats and ghosts. 

Until finally, we won. Having carried the Forge bearing the Celestial Flame to the Battlefield, our weapons ablaze, we struck our foes down in final victory. Not every fight can be so clear a victory, I am very grateful for everyone’s hard work in making this challenge such a success. 

-Saegan

Why I Want To Go - KosD & The Wyvern College Training Day II

By: Nixon "Jasper" Showalter

Hello friends, foes, and otherwise!

Did you all miss me? I know it has been so long since you last heard why I wanted to go to something. Thrilling, isn’t it? This time the stakes are not lower, but different! While fighting monsters and defeating the evil in the world is always important, you can never undervalue defeating the evil of missed learning opportunities!

While I do spend quite a bit of time at the Wyvern College as a student, I am looking extra forward to all of the guest lecturers coming to teach a ton of amazing classes this Saturday! I’ll personally be taking Rosetta’s Runes, Tournament Poker 101, Magic Marshaling, An Abridged History of Fae, and Oaths and Independence. While I have been in the Realms for around a year and a half, I have learned that there is always something new to learn and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. With the Realms being so diverse there will always be an expert you can find to teach you all they know, and usually they are more than happy to share what they know!

With all of the amazing rituals and lore behind Rosetta’s Runes, I knew I had to take a class to learn more about them. And with there being a follow up class on how to practically use them, it's a package deal! Tournament Poker is something that has always been intimidating to me, but I love making money and I love playing games, so I knew that would be a class right up my alley. Magic Marshaling is such a complex and interesting part of the Realms in my opinion, and to be able to learn directly from people who do it so well is an opportunity that is hard to pass up. I am always looking to hone my skills and things that are mostly learned in practice, and experience is best passed down!

On the topic of passing down experience, learning about the history of Fae is something I could spend the entire day listening to. It is one of the topics that every time I meet someone they have their own unique set of stories and perspectives and I absolutely can't get enough! And as a new player, Oaths and Independence immediately caught my attention to get a better grasp on my future in the Realms. While there are so many options, sometimes it is best to take your time and set your own path through the world!

While gaining knowledge is one of my favorite pastimes, a close second is food, and boy oh boy will there be opportunities to indulge! There are some incredible people taking charge of the college’s dining hall and I simply can’t wait for what they will cook up. There will also be a bake sale taking place with some amazing goodies for you to buy, so keep an eye out and always leave room for dessert! And while you are looking at what is for sale, make sure you stop by the auction being ran all day too. I’ve heard whisperings of some pretty neat stuff that will be available to bid on which you totally should (unless I’ve bid on it then you should totally let me have it).

Regardless of what classes you plan to take, or if you will spend your time helping in any capacity, I am sure you will have an incredible time doing so. There is so much to learn, experience, and take away from this day. After attending the first Training Day and gaining so much insight into topics I to this day reference, it was a no brainer why I want to go to the second Training Day!

Best of luck with your learning,

Jasper Sherwood of Alifon

Conspiracy MONTHLY

 By Kieran/Kyra Barry

Credit to Sean Finn for an article I wholesale got from him, no wording change needed.

Rumors April 1025

 

Rumors around the Realms April 1025

Arken

Many of the people from Arken can be seen traveling with the intention of heading to Mid-Realm. When questioned, they answer about Arken beginning to move to keep a watchful eye on the Mirror discovered during the Expedition.

Blackavar

Following the winter thaw, Baron Kurt Gautier has begun preparing for his household to move with Wilma Wilmont to the ruins on the banks of the River Archendale. A settlement is planned to be rebuilt where the ruins stand.

Eroewan

 Denizens of the land chat excitedly about a big festival to happen in June. The reason for the festival is currently unknown. 

Strange horned rabbits have been observed roaming the land, behaving similarly to ordinary rabbits.