By and collected by Kieran/Kyra Barry
Or rather, why do WE, the community, want to go to Black and White?
"To spend time with family and friends." - Emma 'companion'
"I'm looking forward to being back where it all started, and contributing with plot." - Angel 'Aris'
"I'm looking forward to Black & White because it is overflowing with wonderful things -- the people, plots, food, fighting fun, dancing fun, there is so much going on. Personally I'm looking forward to supporting people in leadership roles of various types, and throwing plots around like confetti." - Kathy Fey
"Well, I have to say, I’m interested in Chimeronian culture and I would also like to attend the fae court happening there." -Renée Lumineux || Alex
"The bardic showcase! Looking forward to hearing some live performances!" - Hannah 'Ryu'.
"Multiple fae shenanigans" - 'A human traveller'
"Well for one, plot closets (haha i'm in danger :D ), for two, first repeat event and black and white last year was fun, for three, to see folks!" - Russet 'Davit'
"Black and white is an excellent time to observe and participate in the changing seasons and repeating patterns of the Realms. I’m looking forward to seeing the bounty of treats brought forward, meeting the new adventurers who come to our gathering, and of course, crunching through crisp autumn leaves with my friends as we go in search of tournaments and quests." - Kelly 'Fern'
"Is it bad that the first two things I thought of are the chronomancy ritual I have planned, and hunting mortals through the woods?" - Zack 'Bogen'
"Spend more time in Realms kitchen, and try to win Champion of Chimeron." - Eric "Johan. He added, "Is it weird that I've been thinking about that one tournament all year? Yes, but still." - Eric "Johan"
"It's a cornerstone of the community" - Zack 'Bogen'
Regardless of why you, personally, want to go, one can admit the reasons are numerous and varied. A thread thrumming through it all is the sense of community that Black and White brings, whether you're new or been playing since the magic system was a fanciful idea yet to come to fruition. The stunning fall foliage sets an atmospheric mood for what is one of the social gatherings of the year, indicating a slowing of events til Leviathan rears its head in winter.
As mentioned above, at Black and White this year there will be a bardic showcase! From noon to 4p there will be bardic performances at the area where court in the evening takes place. The lovely Voutia and Alias organized this section for the event.
While there's plenty of questing about, it usually winds down as the sun starts to set to allow for players to change into their masquerade finery for court. You don't want to be caught without a mask, at least, as Death lurks about. If Death sees your face they can bring about your end. If that's your thing, live risky. Or drink the delicious annual treat of poison punch! It packs quite a punch. People with immunity to poison revel in their consequence-free indulgence of it. Or folks with resist death, regenerations, or friends willing to administer healing or appropriate potions.
Speaking of questing, Dan H who plays N is running the main day questing. A rumor put out related to the quest: "Rumor had it that a group of orcs has taken up residence in the caves under Chimeron. These "Dark Orcs" are said to be strengthened by some power, and react with violence to any spelunkers who trespass in their domain."
Additional quests might include fae, a hallmark of Chimeron, in addition to demonic activities. Surely all well and good things, nothing to worry about. Plus there will be a return of the Gift Giving Dragon box. Put in a letter per the instructions on the box, and you'll receive a response and maybe a gift.
This year's Black and White's baking competition is showcasing cookies made without wheat flour. NO PEANUTS allowed. Kelly who plays Fern is once again heading it up. While others are welcome to bring treats for the dessert table, let Kelly know, and insider sources indicate they've been spending the week preparing with their own desserts as well. Still no peanuts even if not competing. As always, the winner of this year's competition will get to pick the dessert theme for next year!
Once the main Chimeron court wraps up, (for other nations and groups hold court at various points and places this day), there is dancing, auctions, and desserts late into the night. Not nearly so late as some night quests, as the site needs to be cleaned and taken care of so that Black and White may be held here again next year. And the year after. And the year after.
When long running B&W EH was asked, "If you weren't running it would you still go to Black and White?" The answer was:
"Probably. Everyone goes to it." - Ian 'Bright'