Organized by Dani Lacasse with contributions by various noted authors.
Resisting the urge to fully play into the “XXX” being the reason I want to go, there are specific moments in the Realms where you can feel the weight of history and the magic of legacy. This weekend, Queen of Hearts turns 30, and for three decades, this large-scale tournament event has served as a forge of honor, competition, and connection. Evolving alongside the game itself while maintaining the beating heart of its mission: to challenge, to celebrate, and to unite, and if you've ever wondered why you should go, now’s the time to find out.
“Queen of Hearts was always the pinnacle of a team competition in Realms, year in year out. The sheer amount of work that goes into running a team is staggering. I have many fond memories of this event, from being asked to General a team 3 months into the game, fighting against doctor's (and wife's) wishes (I do not advise anyone to be as stupid as me) to the time a drow army showed up and stopped the event with "plot" (It was quite the scandal at the time). I have been on both sides of tight contests and blow outs, and have always had a great time. I refer to this event as "The Superbowl of the Realms". Jason, Seth, Stephen and obviously everyone else involved, thank you for 30 years of Queen of Hearts. - Jon “Trent” Jessop
From its origins in the mid-1990s under Steve & Amy Johnson, to the modern day powerhouse it’s become, QoH has grown into an epic weekend of competition, all playing into the unique card based scoring system that determines who will be crowned Queen at the end of it all. [Chief’s Note: Click here to read: The History of Queen of Hearts through Card Backs]
“Queen of Hearts evolved from a very similar event called Duke of Glendale that was held by Shannon Slate at his family farm in the early years of the Realms. This event was designed to encourage the highest levels of competition, sportsmanship, crafting, and a not insignificant amount of backstabbing. When Shannon pulled back from Realms, Rhiassa came forward to continue the tradition with their own version of this event.
For thirty years QoH has hosted an event that has been the centerpiece of the season. Showcasing the finest combatants in individual and group competitions, the most learned and clever of mages, the wiliest of basketweavers, and the evolving skills of the performers and craftspeople of the Realms to support their leader’s claim to the honorific Queen of Hearts. The event has tested the individual excellence of champions, teamwork and endurance during field maneuvers and bridge battles, and a wide range of spheres of knowledge of those claiming to be wise. The drama culminates in the finale of Queen’s War which can be an all or nothing contest where the combatants fight on the biggest stage the Realms has to offer.
The event staff has challenged themselves to provide a demanding, fair, and evolving event as the rules of the game and group politics have been ever changing. Their dedication has ensured that the event goes on shine or rain or hurricane.” - Neil “Eldritch” Kusleika
And while maybe it hasn’t always been, now it's more than just war maneuvers and one v ones, it’s a full-deck weekend of battle, artistry, grit, and companionship. It’s also a testament to the incredible people who keep it alive: the marshals, the volunteers, the players, and Jason & Jen Rosa, Lani Jones and the entire staff, who have continued to raise the bar with every passing year.
"Jason is one of those people who has a presence throughout the Realms. He takes on big projects that have become community staples, to my knowledge without interruption, and yet none of them are made to be about him. Leviathan and Queen of Hearts are two of the biggest feast and tournament events, respectively, in the entire Realms. Personally, he's always been really supportive of my endeavors when he has had a say about them. He encouraged the continuation of Conspiracy MONTHLY past the first edition, and even now will give ideas when I need it. Affable and approachable, I think of Jaeston as a pillar of the community." - Kieran/Kyra “Omri” Barry
And it’s with his presence that QoH has continued to live on and has become a sort of rite of passage. For many, it’s the first time they have or will ever fight in a castle siege or on a bridge battle, perform on stage, present their carefully crafted projects, or stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a team that feels more like family by the end of the weekend.
“Queen of Hearts turns 30, holy moly.
It’s both a beautiful and humbling sentence that made my knees and back hurt all at once.
My first Queen of Hearts was over 20 years ago in 2004. I fought on team Folkestone and did their newbie entry. I was happy to sweep the fighting parts of the competition but quickly realized I should have done more prep studying more than Grimloch and Folkestone or at least practice throwing live steel. My QoH debut may have come up a little short but the impact this event had on me has lasted a life time.
When I first started playing there were three big war maneuver events. Over time, Queen of hearts has outlasted the changes this game has seen. As people shift, so does Queen of Hearts each year to keep things fresh and compelling. The priority of the martial side of the game was once very tournament heavy but, shifted to a more complete LARP experience with people gravitating to more Quest style events and less tournament style ones. Which happens over time, but, the remarkable thing is the Queen of Hearts staffs adaptability. Like I said ever evolving to make sure their players stay interested while still providing the same level of presentation and grandeur that it has showcased throughout the years.
I have so many memorable moments at Queen of Hearts, from hysterical bardics I have participated in to winning Champion and then later winning the Title Queen itself. If I am not mistaken I may still have the record for Spirit and Steel victories, although Vuel was not far behind so he very well could have surpassed me. Each special moment comes with some fantastic stories so please if you see me at an event don’t hesitate to ask.
But, in recent years the past 10 or so I have had the privilege of helping staff and marshal the war maneuvers. Being a player that was so invested in the combat aspect that our LARP provides it has always been a great joy of mine in watching the intense action. I am particularly fond of Castle Sieges, live chest, and my personal favorite Kill the Queen.
I can go on and on about QoH but I will close with this. Queen Hearts is and I hope forever will be a cornerstone and a staple of the Realms.” - Cal “Syruss” Marsden
Why is this year so special? Well truth be told, even with all of the evolution that we’ve seen over the years, any event series that survives for three decades is seriously impressive and there are some players who have waited for this perfect moment to field a team.
“I have wanted to run a Queen of Hearts team for a very long time. I originally planned on running a team for 2020, and we all know what happened that year… So when I realized the 30th Queen of Hearts was coming up I knew I had to be part of such a momentous occasion! This event is special; it feels like the best way to show off the incredible hard work of so many artists, engineers, fighters, and other gifted and talented folk from many backgrounds. I am excited to field a team primarily of first time competitors to the large variety of competitions and to focus on building a team not by nation lines, but by people who might not otherwise get the chance to shine on the usual Queen of Hearts team. This event is a cornerstone in our game and a highlight of the year for many in our community. I for one, cannot wait to see what Jason and his dedicated and wonderful team will put together for this milestone event and for the party Saturday night! I look forward to being part of the grand history and tradition that is Queen of Hearts and leaving my mark as one of her Queens.” - Crystal “Cressida” Welch
And that’s what makes Queen of Hearts so timeless; it grows with its players. It challenges the old guard, welcomes the new, and reminds everyone why they fell in love with the game in the first place.
“Ahhh, Queen of Hearts. 30 years of competition, laser etched cups, and tactical innovation. I can’t think of another event series that has offered me such a wide range of highs and lows: From winning my first ever boff archery tournament, to getting absolutely dumped on by a hurricane… After all these years, I’ll offer up my best piece of advice: I never go to QoH for the strict purpose of winning. Don’t get me wrong, I give it my all every year, but to me, what makes Queen of Hearts different is to showcase the best of our community: the camaraderie, sportsmanship, skill, tenacity, and brilliance. Sure, tempers can flare, but the fact that this event has persisted throughout the decades shows that love and respect always come first.
To anyone who has never been to Queen of Hearts, you are missing out on the best the Realms has to offer, from crafting to combat. To everyone who has been to Queen of Hearts, you know that Aeston will surely have some surprises as it enters its third decade.
To my teammates, I cannot wait to sweat, laugh, and fight with you. To my opponents, I cannot wait to sweat, laugh, and fight with you. To everyone who makes Queen of Hearts happen: My sincerest respect and appreciation. May it be the best year yet.” - Paul “Grindin” Tilton
Whether you’ve fought for the crown, helped coordinate a team, marshaled the battles, crafted the perfect piece, or stood on the sidelines marveling at the whirlwind of chaos & camaraderie, Queen of Hearts has likely left its mark on you. And still, you may be asking yourself Why should I go?
Go because it's one of the biggest & boldest tournament events.
Go for the stories you’ll tell for years to come.
Go because your teammates are waiting to fight beside you.
Go for the competition.
Go because you'll cheer, build, break, lose, win, and laugh harder than you thought possible.
Go because it's the 30th anniversary of something truly special.
Go because this is what makes what we do unforgettable.
Pack your armor, polish your performances, finish your crafts, hydrate, and get ready to be dealt some cards.
See you on the field,
Dani “Elizah” Lacasse
