This week we learn more about Isaac Saff, who plays 404, commonly referred to as Four (both he/him).
1. How did you learn about and join The Realms?
I joined SMAS during my freshman year at WPI. After breaking my leg at the second practice I went to, I returned about halfway through the year once I had healed, and have been going to SMAS ever since. My first event was Training Day.
2. How many events have you been to?
Around 23 events.
3. Have you ever LARP’ed before? If so, tell us about it?
I went to a day camp for a week that ran off an entirely different system, but didn't do much more between then and when I joined SMAS.
4. What is your character like? Where are they from? What is their species? What is important to them?
Four is, by default, a construct designed to look human, but is full of gears and metal on the inside (there's also a plant growing inside that's a gift from a friend, and allows him to function in the absence of magic). He has met his creator, who is a dwarf living somewhere in the Realms, but he's not sure where he was made exactly. He's technically a construct, but given his newfound ability to shapeshift, that's not a constant. Four cares a lot about the people he considers his friends, which ends up being an ever-expanding group of basically everyone he's met who doesn't intend to cause him or his friends harm, and some who used to intend harm. He wants to see the world become a better place for everyone, and will refuse the idea that it's not possible.
5. What do you remember most about your first event?
I tried to help fight a clockwork and it did not go well for me. If I remember correctly, I managed to lose both of my legs and was stuck without heal limb, as there were no healers right there. But it was really fun!
6. What things have helped to make you feel welcome in game?
A lot of things. People are very friendly and I don't think anyone has turned me away if I go to try and say hi or get signatures for spells. Also, the fact that a lot of people are on Discord means that I've been able to interact with people in a less awkward environment, which makes meeting them in person for the first time a lot less difficult. People also have been very accommodating of the ways that my brain functions differently as I've been working through them.
7. What parts of the game do you find most challenging?
The game can often be loud, and sometimes stressful, which can lead to me being overwhelmed more than I would like.
8. Do you have any game-related goals (as either a player or character)?
I'm working on getting better at remaining calm in stressful situations so that I can be less of a disruption to myself and others.
9. What advice would you give other new players?
Be willing to ask for help.
10. What have you enjoyed most about the game so far?
It's hard to pick one thing. This is an amazing community, and I'm glad to be a part of it.
