Why I Want To Go - Three Course Questing

by: Ash "Margaret" Meisser & Keith "Saegan" Cronin

IC:

Sometimes, when it rains it pours. There are two upcoming expeditions of historical importance, and one burgeoning threat. Each of which will require a team of trained adventurers to help tackle.

Following Garrimaddons retreat from Coventry, things have been quiet. But the Erl King’s forces have been on the move once more. Several years ago, Invictus and allies reestablished Fort Bramble on the outskirts of the Lost Kingdoms. Now, a wave of Skalds, Rottlings, and Wolds threaten this outpost and others along its northern road. Hidden in the fort are pieces necessary for a ritual which may be able to put an end to the threat posed by Skalds. But be warned; the forces of Corruption will fight us every step of the way while we work to defend the fort, destroy these foul beings, and prevent the innocent souls inside from being sent to Oblivion. 

Meanwhile, at Queen of Hearts, we were visited by one of the Sentinels. There, they revealed that a hasty retreat from Monk’s Keep by one of Nemesis’s Wraiths may have left behind vital information in the fight against the Demon Prince. A group of adventurers are being assembled to uncover this information, hopefully without drawing the attention of Nemesis himself. 

For the final encounter, I find myself called to the Western Flank. So I will turn it over to King Saegan for the rest of this article. But I look forward to working with allies new and old as we embark on the next steps of these long roads.

With Light,

Magus Dame Margaret August,

Lightbringer of Voraniss

OOC:

I am incredibly excited to be able to visit such iconic locations in Realms histories for the first time in-person. Both Fort Bramble and Monk’s Keep were the locations of events held before I was born OOC, and so I feel privileged to be able to walk in the footsteps of giants as we embark on these quests. In that vein, every great story starts somewhere. And I can think of no greater start for a new storyteller than alongside such epic tales. I look forward to helping NPC for Emma and seeing where her plot goes.

—-----------------------------

As a warrior by trade, and a career adventurer the thought of war never leaves my mind. Powers clashing, the sound of blade against blade, or lightning striking a soldier down. But rarely, dare I say never, have I heard of a war where no one dies. Death is the base cost of war. I, as a leader, perhaps understand this more than most. So when someone calls for aid, and promises that we'll be at war, and that no one will die, well I'm skeptical to say the least. But my curiosity is certainly piqued. Now I know of others that have looked into this call for aid, and they say that when they have they feel the eye of the gods upon them. Which makes me ask, is this a divine request? Who am I helping? 

These questions are both worth asking, and worth answering. Should I find my way to the battlefield on this day, I hope to be able to decide, am I helping a good cause, or am I enlisting to fight against it. 

Hope to see you on the field, 

Saegan of Blackwood

OOC: It takes a lot of courage to be an Event Holder. A lot of work goes into planning, crafting, and organizing an event, and supporting new creators in our community is important, because it’s how we grow, and gain new content for future players of this wonderful game we all play together. While I don’t know Emma / Companion well, I do know that she is a creative powerhouse, with a knack for story, and a plethora of new and interesting ideas. I have no doubt that these qualities will shine through in this new quest line, and who knows, maybe in 20 years, an excited adventurer will be describing the things we as adventurers accomplish on this day, the footsteps we take, as the footsteps of giants. Be curious, be excited, and come for a good time! 

What You Missed - Feast of Blackwood 2026

by: Kelsey "Mel" Miranda 

Hello friends and good people of the Realms!

I have finally awoken from my food coma and want to tell you about What You Missed and Feast of Blackwood XV!

Friday evening we gathered at the inn in to accompany General Ripley in a raid of the nearby town of Owlhaven. Ork’ne had overrun the town and had opened a portal to the Soul Plain to allow their numbers to pass through to our realm. In order to close the portal, the Arcanum Corp had been working on a lazer that when fired at the portal, will destroy it and seal the way. In order to have it hit the target, we needed to set up the lazer emitter locations. But first, we needed to scope out the town and get the exact coordinates of the portal. 

 We went in and once again found Ork’ne making piles of the dead and creating their spore mounds to feed on. While some of us tried whittling down their numbers and evacuating citizens, others ran counter strike measures to trap or sabotage the Ork’ne so they would be weaker when we returned the next night. 

Just as we got the citizens out, more Ork’ne spawned from the mounds. Swoop, Ryu Four Squig and Griffin rushed a mound and consecrated it as we have before. But this time nothing happened. Swoop then had a vision of being suffocated and tangled in fabric, and was able to deduce someone had captured Death. 

We regrouped outside Owlhaven and started toward a makeshift stronghold the Ork’ne made. There we found a wriggling bag suspended in lines running from wall to wall, tangling around the bag. Myself and a few other adventurers untangled these lines to release the bag while the rest of the party defended our location from Ork’ne. At each knot opened we found another and another bag. After many attempts, we were finally able to pull Death from the Bottomless Deep Pocket™. In the past, the Church or Marduath in the region had devised a ritual to put Death in a bag. The Ork’ne had learned of this ritual (likely by consuming a member of the church) and duplicated it. With being held in there for who knows how long while people died and were consumed by Ork’ne, she had some missing and blurry memories. We decided to assist her in regaining the true shape of these memories the following day. 

The next morning we regrouped at the inn Ripley was there gathering smaller squads to set up the lazer emitters around Owlhaven and at the spire of Shalindar Keep. I unfortunately missed crawling through glorpy sewers, but potato and Swift filled me in that it was very sticky.

 While people were regrouping, Nos and Bones called attention to Nos taking the death knights oath again. Bones slew him to complete the transformation, but instead of raising as a Death Knight, he remained dead. Just as we began investigating where Nos’ soul could have gone, Death’s envoy came in. She said she had some memories to take us into if we were prepared. 

She brought us outside to a clearing and we stepped into a memory. There we saw undead closing in on a small village somewhere very snowy and cold. A few of us received visions of a specific family, and saw the memory through their eyes. We began fighting through the undead hoard when one of the “family” was cut down. Time paused as Death cried, “No i dont remember it like that, there has to be something we missed.” In a flash we were back to the beginning of the dream. We repeated this reset a few more times as we tried to figure out what part of the memory was missing. Eventually we were able to discover the path forward; all of the family helped each other make it out alive. The memory faded around us as a demon came barreling towards us. Behind him were 4 worshipers of Marduath hot on his heels. We helped put the demon down, and then asked what was happening. The leader of the quad, Chaz, was trying to subjugate the demon under Marduath’s influence so he would fight alongside them against the Ork’ne threat. The other 3 stared to argue with Chaz as the demon stood back up (regeneration problems). I was unable to hear the ensuing discussion since the demon then ran through a group of giant frogs eating Nixits, and i had to step in and make them spit them out, but it looks like Chaz was successful in getting his demon. 

Death rejoined us to being us to another memory, one we were warned has not yet come to pass. We walk into another clearing where we met a much older, more battle worn Torolf. He welcomes us into Valhala, but asks us to assist him before we go up to the banquet hall. Dinosaurs have somehow been able to make it into Valhala, bu they are trying to eat all the souls living out their afterlives. Torolf asked us to help put them to rest by slaying them and burning their bodies. We loaded their ashes into a boat docked on the Unending Seas. Torolf turned to us and said his final farewell. He decided to get into the ship and sail it out on the Unending Sea so they will never see the dawn and rise again to torment the people of Valhala. He did this knowing he too will fade with them, but it was the sacrifice he needed to make, Death lead us away from him as his ship became a speck on the horizon.

After returning from the dream of Valhala, and recovering composure from knowing our dear friend not only made it there but gave it up for our sake, we split the party. Some went with Ripley to work on the lazer while my cohort stayed with Death to sort another memory. We were given a script, some out of order, that we had to use to retell a story of an alchemist who turned out to be King K’s father. We watched in horror as a man so eager to help people that he recklessly caused the death of his old friend the huntsman, and sped up the passing of his own wife with a failed cure potion. The agony of running through the huntsman's death over and over until we found the true ending affected Death the most, as she became more distraught at each repetition. She retreated to recuperate while we went in for dinner. 

As we wrapped up dinner, we got news that we have found Nos, and that his soul was sent to Shalindar keep. We went over to the keep but were intercepted by Ripley. She said the time was now to fire the lazer and end the Ork’ne threat. She seemed…off. She was a lot more combative and twitchy than usual, and was really pushing for us to fire the laser as soon as we got in alignment. We prepared to fire, but Ripley aimed the beam into the portal rather than at it. The beam penetrated the vortex and hundreds of burning, screaming Ork’ne poured out. Before the portal flickered out of existence, we saw the scared remains of the soul plain on the other side. Ripley broke into a villain cackle and second chanced away. I heard the screams from the soul plain echoing through my head (thank you mycelium), and thankfully Tulli knocked me out and got me to safety. 

We chased Ripley up to Shalindar Keep only for it to be blocked off by several death knights and skeletons. We asked to see Duke Nos, but the Death Knight in White rebuked us, saying we had no business seeking council with a child. It was then we realized we were stuck in a memory loop. We fought through the memory and were able to make it into the keep. We found that the way to the top of the spire was through an arcane lock that used artefacts from Idaris’ history as the keys.

One half of the party went to recover tomes from the old library, where my team went to the great hall. When we reached the banquet hall there was a high table set for dozens of guests, but only two Death Knights were sitting at the two heads of the table. In the center was Dark’s throne, and his crown was waiting on the cushion. They welcomed us to join them in waiting for Dark to return from battle. As we settled in, some kobolds came to serve us, but asked if a few of us could help them cook. Tempest, Jasper and myself went to help them make stew by butchering bears for meat, shaving herbs from a shambling mound, and “encouraging” a lobster to musk in the pot, all while containing a very lively fire elemental. With dinner finished, the kobolds rushed us back to our seats and presented us with the feast. Since we were still in a memory loop, the food was all a little off. Not indelibly so (for me) but just enough to make it an uncomfortable meal. 

We regrouped and were able to open the way up the to spire. When we opened the doors, Nos was chained to the wall as death began rending him. We raced across the room but were stopped by skeletons. When Nos hit 50 blows, he was rended. Before we could react, we were reset in the memory loop and running back into the room. We fought again to reach him and broke through, but we couldn’t stop Death from rendering Nos. Swoop started challenging Death the next reset; this happened to K way back, but the man in the chains was Nos, not K. He made Death look at Nos closer. Time stopped as she asked Nos if he is aware of the path he has chosen. Nos agrees, and Death releases her grip. Swoop finished the Death Knight transformation with Nos by raising him through his phylactery. 

Next target: get Ripley. We ran up to the final chamber where Ripley had teamed up with ethereal creatures. We fought long and hard, and were able to take her alive. Nos took her to the dungeons to await trial the following morning. 

Sunday started very strong with General Ripley’s trial. She was dragged in haughty and argumentative. Bones was sealed in a COP with her and he held her for the trial. Halfway through the cross-examination, in a flash of flame, Ripley collapsed and a dark form flew out and away from her. Ripley began sobbing and apologizing. She had been possessed by an ethereal the whole time and couldn't stop it from destroying part of the soul plain. All she could feel was the hatred and desire for vengeance against the Ork’ne that the creature held. She was lead away to be treated by healers. 

As Ripley was ushered away, the first course came out. I have 2 words for you: Cheeseburger Soup. If you didn't have any you really missed out, it was the most delicious thing, and that's even considering it was up against the always incredible and my favorite Hungarian Mushroom soup. I had to stop myself at 3 bowls because I knew I needed to save room for the main course. There were also the crowd favorite Blackwood Meatballs and spinach artichoke cups, as well as a lovely cheese board. During this time we were graced by many wonderful bardics. The theme for the competition was Legacy, and everyone brought such thoughtful stories and songs to share. 

For the main course, I had the steak, but was able to share a bite of both the stuffed pepper and the chicken and all three were delicious. My only complaint was that I couldn’t eat more of it. The steak sauce was balanced with the perfect acidity to cut through the natural fatiness of the steak. The stuffing for the chicken was herby and moist and the stuffed pepper had a nice range of textures in the stuffing (corn, dice pepper, rice and beans). 

As the main course was wrapping up, court began, and it was quite the court. Here’s the bullet point list of what happened:

Rani/Mackenzie’s engagement

Mathies’ 10th year as Feastocrat for the Feast of Blackwood

Bones making Matiya  and Halen Knights of the Steward

Bones making Tulli Knight Commander of the Knights of the Steward

Tulli making Mathies' a Squire of the Steward

Ajax and Varyk’s clan becoming a members of Blackwood

Bones and Haylen getting a scale for Leadership

Vesper's Farewell Speech

Haylen taking Jinx as a petitioner to Kalmdaka and  Nation of Blackwood

Bones taking Varyk as a Squire to the Knights of Blackwood

Elizah taking Leo as a Squire to the Knights of Blackwood

Inducting Irri into the Knights of Blackwood

Inducting Jamie/Nos into the KOEF

Afterwards were scrumptious cupcakes: lemon, chocolate cherry and caramel (yes i had all 3 flavors) Adventurers continued talking into the evening and we parted ways as the evening came to a close……

Meme Tuesday

 by the Meme Team

Indigenous Peoples' Day 2026

Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a time to honor the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities. In 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation specifically recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, acknowledging the resilience of Native communities, their enduring contributions, and the importance of respecting Tribal sovereignty. Read the original proclamation here.

It’s also an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, including the harms and injustices Indigenous communities have faced and continue to navigate today. It’s a chance to listen to Native voices, learn from Indigenous communities, and recognize the cultures and traditions that continue to thrive.

We hope you’ll take a little time today to learn, reflect, and listen. We’ll see you all tomorrow for more from The View!

Poems of Peace from Stonewood: Part 3, The Library

by: James Swift (Timothy Suitor)

The Library

Would one be surprised to find that

My favorite library is young?

Few creaking vellum scrolls and dusty tomes,

But well lit, and crisp fresh ink on pages.

It is not a place of forbidden and haunting lore,

To be translated from some ancient tongue.

It is a place for kids to enjoy reading, and 

To grow a love of learning for all ages.

Simple books for the trades line shelfs,

With attendants to help folk find what they seek.

Some evenings classes are held to teach

What arthritic hands can no longer do.

Artisan circles, theology discussions, job trainings,

Book clubs and writing critique,

Monthly childcare for date nights in the city,

A fraction of what uses the library as their venue.

Within a calm, only broken by gasp or giggle,

As they read books that fit them like a glove.

A cathedral to knowledge, a hall of comfort,

Where ignorance wanes and wisdom can increase.

When offered to make a library from scratch,

These are the things that I made sure of,

A place where folk, adult or kid alike could go

To read, study, grow, or even just be, in peace.

-

I would beg a dozen pardons that this piece of my Stonewood Peace Poem collection has been sitting buried among a pile of correspondence that I have been working my way through, ready to be sent out to the View. I assure you that the next will be submitted far sooner than the last has been.

I am grateful to be the co-founder of the Loken-Swift Library with one of my close friends, Sir Loken of the Northern Alliance. After a few quests we noticed many scrolls of lore being discarded or left behind. We began collecting them, and within a few years we had a chest full. At feasts we would bring it out and let people peruse. We even made “Library Scrolls” for identification and ease of borrowing. We hold a collection of Omnibi from 992-993, and 998 to 1019. Since, whenever we stumble across a library on a quest, we make sure to ask them if they would be interested in inter-library loans

When I was offered a reward some years back within Stonewood, I asked for a location near Starhaven where I could create the first physical standing branch of the Loken-Swift Library. It was granted, with the condition of my having to decide what I wanted its focus to be. I could have chosen some branch of magic, so that I could study even more efficiently, or devote the entire place to a subject I wanted to learn more of so that when requesting the books I would be able to finally get my hands on some rare pieces I’ve been seeking.

Instead I wanted a good library for the people of Stonewood, I wanted a place where young people could discover their love of reading and learning, and where older folk could still find things of interest. I made sure that in the evenings the place could be used as a gathering spot for the community, where people could learn from one another. Fostering that place of betterment where the people of Stonewood and Starhaven could find peace, and occasionally a tea cart being wheeled around, means a lot to me.

You would have my thanks,

-Magus Sir James Swift

Tags to use when submitting

Bardic Circle, Nations, Poetry, Stonewood

Low Res Realms 7!

 Below is a photo... kinda.

It certainly used to be a photograph before we converted it to a pixelated mess.

We'd like you to figure out the following based on just the squares of color below.

• What event is this?
• What is happening in this picture?
• Who are some of the people in the picture?

The full photo will be revealed later this afternoon.  

Spoon’s Kernless Corn Chowder Mushroom Soup, What You Missed - Feast of Blackwood 2026

By Spoon (Kieran/Kyra Barry)

Recipe at bottom:

No kernels in this soup because there were no colonels during this event. I thought there was but turns out she was a general but also not really because she was maybe a demon. Possessed? Used to be a colonel. So, corn chowder.

This is my recipe for Kernless Corn Chowder Mushroom Soup. If you find any kernels in your corn chowder, strain that out!

Coming up with this recipe was a doozy. First I went to Feast of Blackwood because I heard they had good soup, but figured it would be even better if they had me, Spoon, in the kitchen because I make the best soup. Soup so good it brings you back to life! But I messed up the timing and arrived early, where a bunch of people were gathered to fight some orcs! Spore orcs. Sporks are good for eating soup with because you can spear the chunks and drink the broth in one go.

General formerly Colonel Ridley of the Arcanum Core directed us on things to do. Like free a village from Orcs and find out their weak points! Ryu was some sort of feathered important person, kept bossing orcs around and they listened to her, seemed scared of her. At one point I approached a pig orc, Perimeter Pig, with my trusty knife and tried to get him to let me pet his pig. He knocked me down instead, rude. Must have thought he killed me because when I jumped up later and declared I cannot die, he and his pig ran away scared shitless. Later he became Town Pig One Fear. I am his one fear, for he cannot defeat me in any way that truly matters.

Mel was someone becoming an orc and could hear the whispers of the mushroom network throughout Blackwood which the orcs were using them to gain power via souls. Swoop was a psychopomp trying to unlock the power of death.

Literally! A Marduath follower had harnessed an Avatar of Death in a ritual to fight the orcs, but the orcs killed that follower (probably) and just kept the Owl of Death in a lot of bags. We freed them.

Next day there was an Orconomist who was eating people in exchange for money,  a potential new way for the orcs to be. People were interested in his club so killed him to investigate it since it had magic. Turns out whoopsie Orconomist couldn’t come back to life because the King of Orcs saw his soul in the mycelium network and killed his soul forever. The group got a glittery club out of it.

There was a sewer crawl, a play we put on for the Avatar of Death (I was a main character! King Deimos’ dad). Some saw the future of Torolf in Valhala. All sort of culturally relevant things with themes of death so that the Death in Blackwood could regain their (her?) power.

A power crystal was put together and Ridley said that it could be used to finish the orc threat. People looking into the future saw immense loss and death. People argued about whether it should be used. Spoon hid in a dark corner.

Ridley said the time had passed and people don’t like feeling they missed out on things so reset time and allowed Ridley to use the crystal. It destroyed a dimension of souls and killed all the orcs there. People didn’t like that, and went to get Ridley but Ridley second chanced away.

Split into two groups, one group went to fight stuff, my group went to a shrine graveyard and figured out whose shrine is what. One was a shrine to Santos, ex-ruler of Blackwood. Figured out who gets what stuff. Then Swift had us say nice things to the gods.

Oh yeah, and Nos of Blackwood had gone missing earlier during a ritual. Turns out he was stuck in past echoes of events in the life of the first ruler of Blackwood. Fought a lot of ghosts and water spirits. When we failed the battle would be reset. Orion made a circle to fix people's armor. People got better at fighting as we pushed into the castle. Spoon didn’t, Spoon made magic soup and laid low.

We finally found Nos but there were a lot of creatures and a jellyfish that Ridley was controlling. I snuck up on the Jellyfish and was eaten but I woke up inside and filled it with my 5 heat soup, soup so hot it’s like acid, which destroyed one of its tentacles. When Spoon crawled out the hole Spoon was able to tell others what happened, which made a lot of people keen to get inside the jellyfish. Good thing its stomach was in another dimension. Kara told people what to do. Tempeste (mmm tempeh) went inside and sang it to sleep. Ridley was taken prisoner to be tried for crimes at court the next day.

But that’s another story for I was in the kitchen making soup. And eating soup. Here’s soup recipe!

Ingredients [goblin measurements]

1 and a 1/4 lots of sliced fresh carrots (leave out if you don’t like)

1 a lot of chopped celery with leaves (leave out if you don’t like)

5 potatoes diced (leave out if you don’t like)

3/4 to 1 of a lot of sliced fresh mushrooms (what is the point if you leave out)

1/3 of a lot of flour (can’t make roux without it)

3 onions, sliced (leave out if you don’t like but I don’t like you)

5-6 of a lot of water or stock (bad soup if you leave out)

1/4 of a lot of butter, cubed (at least use some sort of fat if you leave out!)

1/4 of a lot of heavy cream (mmmm cream)

1-1/2 of a lot of corn kernels (make sure to pick out each one at the end or!) 5 ears of corn (easier to strain out if not finely cut) (what is the point if you leave out)

1/2 of a touch of seasoned salt (bad, don’t leave out!)

Whatever mix ins you want! Ham, tempeh, beans, etc.

How to cook:

In a large saucepan, saute onions until tender in the butter. Then saute carrots, celery, mushrooms in the butter until tender and mushrooms are golden brown. If you need more butter add it. Goblins do not fear butter. Put in soup pot. Add flour little bit at a time to make roux. Stir. Stir in liquid a little bit at a time once roux is golden brown. Bring to boil. Stir in the corn, seasoned salt, potatoes and mix-ins, reduce to simmer. Once potatoes tender; take off fire and stir in heavy cream. If desired, serve with garnish.

Realmsle #40

 

                       

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!

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

Why I Want To Go - Ashen Bounty XIII

by: Christina "Adara " Clements

So the autumnal joy of Ashenbounty is once again upon us. So why am I going?

First, Temorse Sorrowind has been leading Ashenmark for more than fifteen years, and this shall be his last court.  While no one is nervous about Umbra and Raynor at the reins, changes in leadership like this are rare.  These sorts of changes mark the time in our game, eras that come and go. I am also going to celebrate the accomplishments of the knight who has done so much for our game over the last 20 years.  Our game and our community would not be nearly the same if this nation had not been founded and had not been so expertly piloted by Sorrowind.  I, perhaps, have a specific understanding of how chaotic this group could have been if not for Temorse. 

Secondly, the food from Ashenmark never disappoints, no matter what hurdles it has to overcome in the remote kitchen.  Why would I miss a chance to eat in Ashenmark? Of course I won’t! Perhaps there will be cheese. It seems like most of the nation takes their food seriously, and I appreciate the dedication. In fact, if I do nothing other than lurk outside the kitchen waiting for new courses to appear it will be a successful day. 

There will be well run and high caliber tournaments to watch, and I do enjoy watching what combat has come to in our game.  Every year the blows get faster, and the weapons get lighter.  There is a great joy in watching the best fighters do their best for the honor and prestige on the tourney list.  I personally enjoy it more when the adrenaline from possible nationwide annihilation is not in play and I can enjoy the art for the sake of the art. If you need the adrenaline rush, the labyrinth is sure to entertain, and perhaps make your pockets a bit heavier.  

Lastly, I am going because Bricochet and Cinder will never forgive me if they miss a chance to either beat up bad guys, steal hats from important people or shake down dead monsters for gold. This event marks their first year in the game and I suspect they will always mark the anniversary.  Who can forget their first event?  

OOC Note:  Generally I need to plan my events far in advance and last year on nearly a whim I returned to Ashenbounty.  I have perhaps never felt such a sense of homecoming as I did then.  We go to events for many reasons, to accomplish things, to stand up for right, because plot compels us, because our friends need help.  As someone who spent too long away, savor that moment when you arrive and you know those around you are the people who see you for who you are, and know you for who you could become.  I have had the pleasure of watching Tucker become a pillar of the Realms and celebrating that will be foremost in my mind all weekend. 

Rumors around the Realms October 1026

  

Rumors around the Realms October 1026

Blackavar

"Gale winds blow from almost every direction into Blackavar. Reports spread that the winds blew first on the equinox.

A gale voice now calls from the mountains, singing enchanting melodies that echo off the great stone faces. Harsh winds batter adventurers seeking their fortune and greatest desires through the cold zephyrs. They know where their greatest desires lie.

“I’m wishing…for the one I love… to find me.”

“When you wish upon a star…”

“I wish… more than anything! More than life!”

More and more lone adventurers venture forth. Some seek riches, the voice, meaning, or their own friends. Few return the same."

Blacwood

Confusion in Alonis as mourners, pilgrims, and well wishers start flooding in to commemorate the death of Lord Torlof, and celebrate the news of Ragnarök. Torolf’s appearance at these festivities did little to quench the excitement, as they assured him that it could happen at any time. He promised to work diligently towards that end, which made everyone happy.

 

What You Missed - Exotic Items, Creatures, and Wares 7

 By Hillary "Lissa" Fotino

This was not my first time venturing into the lands of Stonewood or near to the place known as Pandemonium, though I certainly do not have the level of experience with this place and these angels and demons as others do. As such as I can only do my best to detail everything that we encountered along the way.

First and foremost, upon arrival, we conducted a ritual to the gods of Stonewood to ensure that they were feeling benevolent towards us. We had two people standing for each of the Novem, one to speak and one to make the offering. For my own part, I certainly hope that Lord Zargon appreciated the liquor and the grave dirt. With our rituals completed, we had scant little time before the first threat was on us. Never let it be said that cows aren’t a danger which must be respected. These cows, in fact, wielded polearms and grew in strength the more and more of them that we killed. For a while, it seemed like that could go on forever until the Cow King arrived. I’ll admit, I’m not entirely sure what happened for the next bit since I made the mistake of focusing too much on the weapon in my hand and not enough on the magic in my veins. Which is to say that I got disintegrated. Claudia is never going to let me hear the end of this. 

When I returned to the fight, the cows were gone. I’ve been told that there was a demon repeating its own name over and over that was holding our souls hostage and we returned alive and well after that was done. I got a moment to reorient myself and grab some water, briefing the Baroness that we were still alive and well. Well, not- You know what I mean. 

We had been warned that the next thing we would need to do was face a creature called a Riftwalker in order to get into Pandemonium. I want you to picture portal with legs and claws coming at you. That was what it felt like. We managed to beat it and used that portal to enter Pandemonium. From the moment we entered, it was trying to rip at our souls. I know that for those of a more alive persuasion, it was actively taking pieces. I was entirely focused on keeping the arcane conduit of my soul functioning while Claudia focused on keeping us in the fight. Because there was a fight in Pandemonium, of course. We fought our way through cultists who had the things we would need in order to conduct a ritual for our safety and the safety of those who would follow. 

The first step was collecting keys and coins. The keys needed to all be used together in the correct locks based on the amount of magic someone has. It took a lot of coordination to make sure we had all the right keys, locks, and people in all the right places, and keep them safe long enough to turn those keys but we managed it. From there, Margaret took over to lead all of us through a ritual while Aelias guarded.

One by one, each of us had to repeat the words and actions that Margaret talked us through until the space was made safe and the drain on everyone’s souls finally stopped. Of course, that was by no means the end of the danger. It never is, is it? A servant of Maltheal arrived to try to destroy the ritual in order to stop us and we had to fight. This fallen angel of Solarus, assuming the information I was given is correct, could channel lightning which would shoot into the crowd of us trying to keep a solid line and we would have to just do our best to survive it or else ground the lightning out. 

In the end, it wasn’t a matter of killing this angel but instead redeeming them. Solarus has one of hers back at her side and Maltheal has one less to send against us. With hope, we can do the same again.

We returned to Stonewood from there and the Knights of the Crown conducted a field court where they knighted Dame Margaret. From what I saw on the field, she certainly earned that accolade.

Lissa Petrovna of Val’dara

-----

OOC:

Okay, let me say this again for those in the back: Stonewood throws a fantastic event. It isn’t anything like anything else you’ll see. If you want to face a real, honest challenge that makes you have to pull out all the stops with a decades long story that’s still easy to jump into, this is the event series for you. It also very genuinely reminds me of some of the events I played when I was new. The puzzles require everyone to work together, not just a small cluster of people. The fighting is a challenge and you’ll need the resources you have. I also particularly enjoy those moments where players who have been around for decades are working closely with the new players in the plot and trying to figure it out together but the story has been going for that long.

The NPCs are great, the story is complex and interesting, the puzzles are fun, and the new site they’re using is really great, especially for being a backyard. Zack and the rest of Stonewood have been doing a great job in expanding the site for more use. I also really really liked the chain lightning effect and loved the logic of being able to ground the lightning out with a weapon touching the ground. That sort of thing is a lot of fun to figure out.

I really do think that more people should come try out a Stonewood event. There’s a particular feeling that these events provide of being the powerful heroes that we all want to be, of being able to face down unbeatable enemies and do huge world shaping magics. Everyone should try it at least once.

Hillary

Conspiracy Monthly

 By Kieran/Kyra Barry

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

Morning Coffee Break

Got your morning cup of coffee and a few minutes? Great! We're continuing our coffee break feature at the View - we're going to be asking a series of questions and we want to know your answers! The question is posted below. So while you sip your morning beverage of choice, ruminate on this one:

You wake one morning to find a perfectly ordinary object from your childhood sitting on your doorstep. You have no idea how it got there. What is it, and who do you suspect left it for you?

Head on back to Social Media to let us know!  

KoSD Questing 4 Wrap-up and Thank You!

From John R, Justin BH and Ed D:

Thanks so much to all you adventurers who came to help Danny in Slumbertimeland at "KoSD Questing 4 - Chapter 1 Redux". Your EH team hopes you had a blast diving into Danny's story a little more, hopefully taking back some lessons about fear, family, and being aware of what you wish for. 

We want to give special thanks to the rest of our EH planning team: Kelly P, Brookelyn T, Sawyer J, and Becky B. These people put many hours into building this weekend-long event for you. Sawyer: You rocked as a Head NPC, and your help made all the combat encounters shine.
We also could not have done this without our excellent NPCs and supporters, Hannah B, Connor D, Zach S, Peter K, Hillary F, Zack E, Kathy F, Ethan K, Steven N, MJ R, Nixon S, Chris G, Paul T, and Bella. You all pitched in to help make this event possible, and you have our deep gratitude. Special thanks also to Chris G for the use of the Drider/Charlotte rig again, as well as Staycee R for propwork, both of keeping John upright and the Ghostly Dress.

Thank you also to the PCs who stayed and helped clean up: Kanik H, Max M, Owen L, Tim M, and Madi N. 

We look forward to seeing you at the opening of KoSD Questing 5, where we will see the opening of Chapter 2. Bring a Jacket.

**Between Game Actions**

Up to two weeks before KoSD Questing 5, you may take up to 3 between game actions. Between Game Actions may consist of:

• Casting one spell of fifth circle or lower toward a section of the plot.

• Having a short letter correspondence with an NPC.

• Having a short conversation with an NPC.

• Some other similar caliber action.

BGAs are accepted depending on EH/marshal availability, discretion, and player presence at events. BGA requests should be sent to John Rescigno, Justin Balanca-Hawkes, Ed Drummond, and Kelly Perfetto.

Why I Want To Go - Tournaments Of the Blue Rose 26'

by: Arthur "Aiden" Granger  

It’s that time again folks! The Blue Rose has put together another chapter in their length history filled with attractions for players new and old. There's a lot of ground to cover so allow  me to list out attractions to expect. 

Tournaments- The Blue rose tournaments feature competition of the highest caliber and the illustrious “Blademaster” Over the years heroes of the realm have tested their mettle in a wide array of combat. If you're aiming to live game history this is a stop you should make in your journey. Only few in my time have achieved this rank and if you feel you have what it takes to join their ranks in the halls of time then this should be on your to do list. Making an appearance this year a nation tourney is in place. Offering a larger scale pvp experience entire groups are welcome to take the arena in an exercise of teamwork and field superiority. 

Conventional tournaments not your style? Not a problem! There is to be a gold auction on night one and night two a cash charity raffle. Kharma has personally scoured the realms to put together a spread of goods and items from across the realm. If you are the type to enjoy interesting curios, rare and old currencies for your collections, or that piece of gear you have been needing to procure this really should be on your bucket list this year. Proceeds from the cash raffle are going to a family from within the community who could use a little help as we all do from time to time.

Finally can we talk about questing for a second? The Blue Rose team has ensured for years now that even the most novice treasure hunter will not go home empty handed. Not into tournaments? Well take a walk and it would not be unusual to find a box filled with goodies or some other prize around! This year activities are being held within Kalumdaka. For those unfamiliar its actually one of the youngest provinces within Blackwood founded by two old friends Meds and Faust. For those who haven't had the experience of meeting them I can tell you for fact you never know what your gonna find. I hear orcs or some other creatures have been about and we will probably have to deal with that….. Past the fun and games many of you have heard me speak on my own hunt to gather keys for the Church of Shadow. Hopes are high that the rumors that have floated about are true for leads on this goal. Time is ticking and last year we heard of this “raven lady” being. Given my own experiences last year I can say she is not someone we want to deal with more than necessary and I intend to make my preparations  between now and arrival to have everything we need ready for expeditions to take place. 

Realmsle #39

 

                       

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!

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

What You Missed - Queen of Hearts XXXI Knave of Hearts

 By Kieran/Kyra Barry

If you want a break down of what tournaments there were, and who won which, take a look at this handy article https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2026/08/queen-of-hearts-xxxi-knave-of-hearts.html

Ultimately, it was won by Team Heart. Which I feel is fitting for the first Knave of Hearts.

The style of tournaments was unusual compared to QoHs from the last few years, and don't worry Queen of Heart enthusiasts, it will return next year. Knave of Hearts is planned to be every other year on the odd numbered QoH years. I personally enjoyed the conceit of four teams styled after the suits in a deck of playing cards. And each team member was randomly assigned, forcing adaptability and reinforcing that this year is more for the folks here to compete for fun, the carefully laid plans of war tourney practices can be carried out next year for those who want to push themselves. It is a reminder that we're all here to enjoy ourselves, that the lines we use to divide ourselves are arbitrary, and being able to enjoy your fellow players' company regardless can be a boon for the community.

Joe Pieiora originally of Realms fame and now of Diable IV videogame fame, which a good number of our community enjoy playing and some have even based a quest series around, came all the way from California to play during Saturday and in the evening provide an excellent night quest. His family came, his wife a Realmsie herself who was lovely to talk to during Saturday, and their kid who gave a good effort in the kid portion of the event run by Brooke of Rowan fame.

So many folks highly anticipated this night quest, and there was genuine debate on whether to npc or pc to see how the game design would work. I can say, from the pc side, it was excellent. We were faced with an Illinarian threat, not necessarily because of the Illinarians themselves but because of a being they worshipped who was beginning to wake. Their heart was, at least, sending waves of madness out through the area. We ran into new threats and familiar faces, and some that may have been lost were returned. This isn't an Order of the Lantern post so I will focus more on the gameplay than disseminating ic information.

It was lots of fun. We self-sorted into three questing teams which determined the type of interactions we'd have vs high combat vs low to no combat. Thematically was very cool, and visually stunning having gone down the Path of Echoes. We reconvened around a mad god's waking heart and put our information and resources together to put it back to sleep, while slowly realizing our guides weren't necessarily on our side.

Sunday brought the finishing of tournaments, wrap up, and the reveal of who won each tournament, with swords being handed out. As revealed at the start of the article, Team Heart won overall. <3

May we cross swords and bare our hearts again next year on the field of Queen of Hearts.