Wayback Wednesday

From Thursday September 22, 2011: a post in the "Fighting Chance" series discussing bois, Bedlam, and the Infinite Dark:
https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2011/09/fighting-chance-boisbedlaminfinite-dark.html


From Friday September 21, 2012: an issue of the Grimloch Tribune featuring the Lead Story: E;ven Ghosts or Elven Hoax?
https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-grimloch-tribune_21.html


From Friday September 13, 2013: a 10 Questions interview with Jonathan "Trent" Jessop:
https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2013/09/10-questions-jonathan-trent-jessop.html


From Monday, September 14, 2014: A How-To Guide on leather mask making by Casey:
https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-to-leather-masks-by-casey-karmha.html


From September 14, 2015: part 2 of a three-part series by Gerry Chartier - "Sorcery 101 - Thoughts of a Journeyman Caster."
https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2015/09/sorcery-101-thoughts-of-journeyman_24.html


From Tuesday September 27, 2016: a hard-hitting "I Can't Even" column on the controversial topic of pumpkin spice:
https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2016/09/i-cant-even.html


From Friday September 1, 2017: "international Realms Traveler," Rawlin's bardic from that year's QoH Tournaments:
https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2017/09/bardic-circle-rawlins-bardic-from-qoh.html


From Thursday, September 18 2018: an interesting piece detailing the making of the Grey Lady costume, a living statue NPC for FolkeWood Questing:
https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2018/09/making-of-grey-lady.html


From Tuesday September 24, 2019: the "O'Er the Lands of the Realms" map series highlights the nation of Voraniss:
https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2019/09/oer-lands-of-realms-voraniss.html

Home Questing: The Seventeenth Task

by Christopher "Mikey" Donnelly

Here is the form for you to submit the item that has changed the most over time:
https://forms.gle/uJyudxNfW8xpb9ph8

If you would prefer to send something to me directly rather than uploading to youtube or some other video hosting site, please email it to techiemikey@gmail.com.

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Transcript:

Hello, and welcome to Home Questing: The SeventeenthTask.  I just came back from Teng Hua so I am going to ask for something that is from them.  I am going to ask you to write a Haiku about yourself or your nation.  The best Haiku wins. You have until next Friday at noon, and your time starts now.

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Ten More Questions- Tom Gallagher

10 More Questions with Tom "Aven Dar" Gallagher

Photo by Robyn Nielsen

1. What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?

The creation of the god Vandor. I feel that it has added to the game in a positive way and has provided many with some great roleplaying, it’s amazing to see people embrace an idea I came up with and give it a life of its own. Also squiring and knighting Kindrianna.

2. Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?

I bounce back and forth based on what I feel like at the time. No matter what, you can be an effective combatant regardless of your restriction or build.

3. Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?

I've had several, but two stand out. I earned the elven cloak at a summer fest years ago, and it was a defining moment for my character. Azurewrath, an angelic 6’6”, I made it an extension of myself in combat, if I ever needed to choose a weapon for a truly dire situation it would be Azurewrath.

4. What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?

That's a tough one, I have lots of friends all over the realms, Rhiassa, Folkestone, Voraniss and anyone sitting at the poker table I guess. There are many more such as Sir Vawn, Sir Radstar, Sir Iawen, Boom, my squire Sir Rillan. I could go on and on, but that's a good chunk of them.

5. Who is your best friend in character and why?

Over the years I've become very close to several people who are more like family than friends. Sir Vawn and Khol, my best men, Kindrianna and Hygar are like my kids. Velvet and Liselle my sisters. Elwick, Aeston, Malaki, Phoenix, and Faelinn, my work buddies.

6. What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?

Sadly the death of a good friend, Buddy Wolfhope. It made face my own mortality and forced me to reprioritize my role and hopes for the realms. I'm going to play as long as I can and try to enjoy every moment of it while trying to improve it for my children, should they grow to love it as I have.

7. What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?

It would be a tie between the building of my nation, Mythguard and the moment I had to accept that Mythguard was gone. Both have had the greatest impact on who I am today. Youth gives you so much and time slowly takes so much away, you can grow stronger from the pain or give in to it and die.

8. What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?

Sorry. I don't really get embarrassed, nervous, or excited. I wish I did, life would be much more interesting I'm sure.

9. What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?

People are just people, no matter how important they seem to be, never let others decide your worth, learn who you are for yourself and then improve yourself and never stop. The only one who can stop you is you.

10. What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?

The experiences I've gone through in realms have collectively shaped so much of who I am I couldn't separate out the lessons. I think without realms I would be someone who hasn't saved his friends, led an army, hunted people in the woods for food or sieged a castle. Realms has made me and most importantly led me to my wife and then my children. Realms has made me and my family.

BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with?

Cronin or Artair

BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?

All heroes die, by the sword or by the eye. All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.

10 More Questions - Steven Loya

10 More Questions with Steven "Nalydros" Loya

photo by Chris Zurk

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?

Having the opportunity to represent the Realms as a guild member at the Bicolline LARP in Canada is probably my most memorable achievement to date.  I am very thankful to have had that opportunity.

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?

I have always been a fighter – but there were times where I have given some serious consideration to spell casting.  Sometimes it feels like casting would really benefit my character a lot.  My friends and I recently had a dedicated healer join our questing party, so it could be some time before I take on casting. 

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item  that has meant a lot to you, and why?

I have never owned a magic item. 

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?

I spend a little bit of time with everyone these days, but it wasn’t always that way. I have friends in almost every nation, but most recently: Blackwood, Creathorne, Grimloch and Invictus.  Most of my friends come from the UML Riverhawk practices.

Photo by Andy Disbrow

5) Who is your best friend in character and why?

My best friend in character is Bartholomew Victor (Tom Keaney OOC), an independent two-path archer assassin/bard.  I had known Bart for some time out of game, but it wasn’t until Tournaments of Blackwood 2014 that he became really involved in the realms.  The rest is history. 

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?

Tournaments of Blackwood 2016.  I was presented with my first opportunity to petition a nation. But also, I broke rounds in one of the tourneys (either sword and board or Florentine – I can’t remember which) and made it to the third round.  There was a disqualifier for third place, so I wasn’t awarded a prize, but it got me a lot of recognition.  

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?

Some players know my character is wary of magic, and doesn’t trust fae.  Without going into too much detail, something happened at Black and White 2014 where my character’s life was placed in serious jeopardy by Goldmist, a fae lord.  After that, it just kind of made sense that my character be distrustful of fae.  I would like to see that rivalry between Nalydros and Goldmist develop in future plotlines.

8) What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?

Haha – most people know about that one.  Uncle Cecil’s 2014 was a rough night for me, and an even rougher morning.  I passed out in the tavern.  I remember the point of no return was when I ordered a double of bourbon for an esteemed member of the Realms, then by the time it arrived, that person was gone.  So naturally, it went down the hatch and then – blackout.  I was dealing with a lot of stress from school, not that that’s an excuse, but it was weighing on my mind that night. 

Photo by Eren Pils-Martin

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?

Meet with and talk to as many people as possible.  I have been presented with so many amazing opportunities just by talking and being friendly with people.  I am a cross-gamer as well and have some pretty great connections in other LARPS that I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t tried being just a little outgoing.  If you put yourself out there, you will be rewarded, but you have to try. 

10 ) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?

To be honest with yourself and with your character.  Be confident – but don’t get cocky.  I have seen a lot of new players get really excited about larping only to burn out and quit because they had their heart set on something that they couldn’t quite pull off in game. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – explore and experiment and don’t be afraid to fail.  The game is about improving, and you can’t do that unless you fail sometimes, and that’s okay. 

BONUS QUESTION: Who would you like to see the next interview be with?

Estome. OOC - Zane Raschick

10 More Questions - Casey Lemay

10 More Questions with Casey "Karhma" Lemay

Photo by Jesse Gifford

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?  

My craft skills have definitely gotten better through the years.  I am quite proud that Karmha Creations has grown like it has.

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?  

I have always been a two path I like the challenge of spell casting and never considered three path only because I can't use a bow and well, I like shooting people.

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item  that has meant a lot to you, and why?

My favorite has to be hands down Meatshield.  When the item was first released Mathias and Guilliam ended up with the deathknight's shield and sword before killing it.  Mathias hands me it to hold while they went back to kill the thing, out of nowhere Nos who was playing the NPC pops up and yells "This isn't yours!!!!" so of course when Guiliam offered me the item to trade I couldn't say no.  first thing I said to my Meatshield was look who's mine now! and it was awesome having a fighter listen to me for once and i always had a blast when mike NPCd him for me.  I even wrote two poems about my lovely Meatshield.

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?  

Most of my time in the Realms i have been independent, I was in Neden for like two years and leadership changed so I moved on.  I hang out with many people I am in a lot of guilds but I hang out most with members of the Blue Rose in which i am squired to.

Photo by Dustin Mack

5) Who is your best friend in character and why? 

I would have to say Radstar.  We make a pretty good team when it comes to most things and have gone on many adventures together.

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?  

QoH was one of my favorite for all the non com tournaments.  I like the challenge of it and seeing what other people come up with.

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?  

The Shadow king plot definitely.  I got married to the bad guy and people hated me for it.  I just kept going with what Karmha would do and that is she is a business woman through and through and I was offered a crown for making heraldry so your damn right I married the bad guy.

Photo by Dustin Mack

8) What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC? 

I would have to say kissing Dave Dolph in front of the whole feast of folkestone at our IC wedding. I wouldn't say embarrassing just odd never thought I would have to do that in game more or less in front of like 100 people.

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players? 

 Talk to everyone, try everything and do what YOU find fun.

10 ) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?  

How to be an adult but still play like a kid.

BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with?  

Mike Dougherty

BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?  

It's a game treat it as such and have as much fun as you want and don't care what other people think.

10 More Questions - Steve Nelson

10 More Questions with Steve "Torolf" Nelson

Photo by Jesse Gifford

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?

There’s two that I’d like to mention. The first meant a great deal to me in part because it was recognition that was completely unexpected. That was receiving a Fireball from Shandar at FOB last year. The second achievement means a lot to me because it was a goal I set for myself and worked hard towards over several years. That was reaching the OOTL invitational in 2016 and finishing in the top half (just barely).

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?

I’ve been a fighter since I first started. It’s a big part of what first drew me into Realms to begin with.

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?

I have two belt favors that mean a lot to me. One was presented to me by the River Hawks a couple of years ago at a Feast of Eagle’s Rook when they recognized Sirs Duncan, Vawn, and myself for our efforts in starting and mentoring their group. The other is an Eagle’s Rook favor given to me by Sir Vawn.

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?

I enjoy spending time with the folks of Blackwood. They’re a fun and diverse group. Also, if there are Riverhawks around you might find me with them as well. And I wander too; there are a lot of great folks in the Realms to hang out with.

5) Who is your best friend in character and why?

There are a good number of characters that Torolf would back in a fight without question. Someday this will probably cause problems. But the three characters he identifies with most are Sirs Vawn, Tao, and Saegan. Aside from enjoying their company both on the field of battle and off, they all inspire and push me to grow as a character in different ways. Even though they don’t all really seem to appreciate the importance of Ragnarok. But I’m working on that.

Photo by Jesse Gifford

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?

A few years ago I decided that I wanted to become a better fighter. So I started sneaking off to tournaments and trying to fight my way to an OoTL invitational. Initially, it was pretty frustrating, but I took my lumps and paid attention to what better fighters were doing. And toward that goal, I started going to the Nashua practice and reaching out to some people at different points along the way for help. As I struggled to increase my yearly OoTL points, what I hadn’t planned on was that I also found myself more involved and connected with the community. As a result, I petitioned then joined Blackwood / Acteon, squired to the Knights of the Sable Dragon, and got to know a lot more people. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying that combat is more important than any other aspects of the game. But for me it was the hook that pulled me in from the fringes and deeper into the game.

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?

I think one moment that had a big impact on me / Torolf was fighting in the nation's war at TOC 2016. I had fought in some comparably large line battles at other events, but always as a member of a smaller subgroup of the line. Since I had just started petitioning Blackwood, this was the first time I really felt like a part of something big in the Realms.

8) What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?

Well, there was the time while petitioning Blackwood that I accidentally killed Sir K on a night quest. That might have been at Folkestone questing. Pro tip: don’t kill your king. Kind of funny that they let me join the king’s guard after that. But I guess every king’s guard should have a berserker or two.

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?

If there’s something, you particularly enjoy in the game go after it. Find the people that are excited about it. They’ll be happy to share it with you. You don’t have to stick with it forever, and you don’t have to pursue it exclusively. But it will open doors and help you enjoy your time in Realms.

Statue by Mihail Melnichuk

10 ) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?

Not to let my doubts and assumptions stop me from trying. You may have noticed I started playing this game a little later in life than most. I’ve also had a couple of injuries, and so far one trip to the QoH cooler, all of which did make me question whether I should be throwing myself into combat the way I do. But I’ve learned about hydration, and I’ve found that getting in better shape matters. And I feel like I’ve pushed through a couple of plateaus when I felt stuck. I think the lesson transfers to other areas of life as well. You can only achieve so much if you don’t try.

BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with?

10 questions with Illyana Golden; or 10 more with Joe Fontasia or Neil Tozier

BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print

 Always thank your healers and support casters.

10 More Questions - Josh Fitzgerald

10 More Questions with Josh "Lakomasoi" Fitzgerald

Photo by: Jesse Gifford

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of? 

Gau Dring, while I cannot take all the credit for where we are as a Nation I still am most proud of the people in Gau Dring who have gotten us where we are. We have won the Up and coming group two years in a row, which seemed odd the second time around to still be up and coming but something I think we received with pride. We placed 3rd in the Wa
r tourney at ToC, while there were larger groups and more experienced we did what we could and showed up, as a group this had to be one of the best things we could have done together.

I am also proud of Big Game Hunt while it has taken some time off this was something needed and there is a plan in place to return to the realms this coming year better than before.

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose? 

I am a caster,  shy of a few times I have been a fighter due to plot reasons or regionals or other variances I have always been a caster.

I enjoy it, I enjoy the flexibility and RP chances that I am given, it is nice to have the ability to do things I normally can’t do in real life. I can get my fighter fix at practices or NPCing when I really want to.

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?

Magic Items- personally I’ve only ever owned two Items. Currently it is the shield of Air, this was a gift from a friend and something I have kept close to me since. The other item was the Jury Rig Amulet I don’t own it anymore but it was a nice little item that helped newbies along when they were just starting out.

EDIT AFTER Cecils: The Staff of the Monkey King- I put this on my list as a “If you could ahev anything” I have wanted that staff since I found out it was a thing, I didn’t care what it did, it was more of the idea behind the item. It started out more of a joke that I wanted it, but eventually it became something I strove to own. The person who owned it made me want to be worthy to carry it. Now that I have it I have to learn about what it really is. For me this Item is a new path of learning.

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?

Gau Dring, they are my Nation and my family both IC and OOC

5) Who is your best friend in character and why? 

I don’t know how to answer this, however if I don’t mention Kyara I think she might kill me.

Photo and Editing by M.G. Norris Photography

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player? 

Learn to Fly: This was the first chance I actually had to throw an event for the Realms. I have to thank John Berrini for the opportunity to give back to the community, this event was a huge success in my book, not only for kicking off a plot line that is ongoing, but also for the positive feed back and learning experiences that came from it.

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character? 

The Bedlam Plot, I think a lot of people can pull from those events, however for me It really gave me a different direction to bring Lako as far as his interactions with the Realms.

8) What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC? 

Feast of Leviathan, Giving Enlon his Title of Champion. At the time Lako was poisoned to embarrass himself, so announcing myself as Top in front of the entire hall I felt was a good way to do it. That entire time up there things kept go awry, from the announcement to handing Enlon the sword sheath from Swoop.While it was embarrassing I don’t think I would change it, also some people still refer to Lako as the Top which for me is just entertaining.

Photo by: Dustin Mack

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players? 

Stick to your character and have fun. If you are playing the game as a character stick with it, people may tell you to change it because it isn’t popular, or it isn’t strong in current game sense, who cares. Stick with what you have fun with and run with that idea.

Make decisions IC that aren’t always popular but are true to your character. Get involved in plot, create your own interpersonal plot, Meet people and learn from them. Enjoy what you are doing, you are playing a game get involved with as much of that game as possible.

10) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game? 

Confidence, the ability to do something, fail, learn from it and grow. Also keep people in your life who are there to support you, not beat you down. Find a family who is willing to help you grow but isn’t afraid to tell you when and where you messed up. Don’t be afraid to start all over if you have to.

BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with? 

Kelly Bonci/ Dame Twenaria- or put names in a hat of people who have never been interviewed. Interview them.

BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print.

This is a really dangerous question. I considered Quoting the Odyssey, like the entire thing right here.

But in truth, Grow. Give back to this community and help it grow. Get to know opinions outside of your Circle, meet people you don’t normally talk to. Go out of your way to meet and get to know as many people in this game as you can.

10 More Questions - Nataliya Kostenko

10 More Questions with Nataliya "Shader" Kostenko

Selfie by Nataliya Kostenko

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?

I’m really proud of Snake Cult/Zimeya and how far we’ve come and what we’ve accomplished (Queen of Hearts team, two events, lots of fun and friendship, etc.). I really like the group because even though we’re all in other nations and have tons of other responsibilities, our Zimeyan friendship transcends the rivalries and drama of some of the rest of the game and our priority is always having fun. I look to that idea, feeling, and friend group whenever I’m bogged down with other stressors and responsibilities. I think it’s important to remember every once in awhile that fun is a top priority too. 

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?

Fighter! Always. I decided in my youth (and by that I mean when I was in the Oaken Guard) to try to be the best fighter, and I’m not even like a fraction of the way there, so gotta keep fighting. 

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?

Nope. Maybe one day I’ll own something cool, but for now all my character owns are a tabard, a belt, and a mug (though those are pretty cool, I guess). 

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?

I spend a lot of time with Ashenmark and a lot of time with Zimeya and the most time trying to smush them together as best I can. 

5) Who is your best friend in character and why?

My best friend is Moriah (Masha) but since she’s not around anymore I’ve replaced her (kinda weakly) with some combo of Kite, Temorse, Asharn, and Eldritch. 

Photo by Jesse Gifford

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?

Hard to pick, lots of good ones. I still remember my first Black and White so well, but there’s also the two champion tournaments I’ve done at Queen of Hearts--those always motivate me to train more and try harder. Another huge impact one would be becoming Huntress First Lieutenant--I’m still trying really hard to live up to that.

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?

Definitely joining Ashenmark, it has impacted the majority of my decisions afterwards in a big way.

8 ) What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?

I mean, every time I talked to or in front of a pretty lady, but really I don’t feel embarrassment anymore--if I did I’d have to be immobilized by it all the time cuz I do so much embarrassing stuff. 

Painting by Alexa Lecko

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?

Laugh off whatever you’re mad or sad or stressed about and try your best to remember that you’re here to do a fun thing with a bunch of people you (hopefully) like. Also drink water and bring warmer clothes with you.

10 ) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?

To improvise and go off-plan when necessary and that your friends will have your back when you most need them.

BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with?

Kwido or Twenaria I guess if they haven’t done one already.

BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print

I've never had so many friends!

10 More Questions with... Damien "Dell" LaHaye

Photo courtesy of Jesse Gifford

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?

Earning my A and becoming a full member of Grimloch.

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?

 A fighter. I have been a one path seer, and a 3 path, shaman, shaman, alchemist. I wanted to be as useful as possible for my team sometimes you need to pick up a pike because someone went down, or grab a door shield. Also armor truly adds, To the atmosphere of our game.

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?

Yes. I have owned many, one of them being a magic 4'6" sword called Molly Jackson no one was allowed to use this weapon besides me. This was the first create your own that Del had gotten. 

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why? 

Grimloch. I can confidently say we have the most fun at events. 

5) Who is your best friend in character and why?

Teddy.

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?

The moment I removed my tabard and handed it to Tallon and decided I would truly role play my last character(Sabboth) and begin the war with Folkstone. 

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?

Winning Queen of Hearts this year. This was a last minute decision as a team to fight it was the rally cry Del felt the team needed. Everyone pulled together and made that happen I was very proud as Warmark. 

8)What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?

No comment. 

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?

Follow Crystal Hall rules one and two....oh and tuck your elbows in. 

10 ) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?

Make sure you join a group that you supports you. The game is like a long term relationship it has peaks and valleys. Sometimes you need help getting out of the valley. 

BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with? 

Kite. 

BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?

Remember tattoos are permanent.

10 More Questions with... Jeremey "Boom" Monmaney

Art by Alexa Lecko

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?
Nighthawk told me to keep this PG or at very least PG-13.

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?
I consider Boom to be both a fighter and a caster. I spent a lot more time as a caster but I change it up as often as possible while still enjoying myself. When I was 11 it seemed like a cool character quirk to chaotically change between being a warrior, sorcerer, or mage but then again, the name Boom also sounded awesome.

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?
 Yes, the Gift of Life was an MVP trophy from Pressure Point.

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?
My nation, Grimloch, is my family. We basically do everything together - barbecues, Superbowl parties, rafting trips, kids birthdays, some of us even work together.

5) Who is your best friend in character and why?
Min for sure, more chaotic stuff happens in his name than the actual gods of chaos.

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?
The Folkstone “sliders” event from 2002? I forget exactly but it was my first time NPCing a major event and it was a lot of fun and made me appreciate crafting props a bit more.

Photo via Facebook

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?
It was an old Randy Gordon event where we were all traveling to a place called Gail (spelling?). For anyone unfamiliar with Gail, you had to enter in groups of any size. For every group that entered x-1 people could leave with x being the number who entered in that group. Strategically it would be wise to kill a troll and have all the realms enter as a single group with the dead troll and leave it there when we left. However, I was a punk so Boom stood at the gate convincing questers that the larger the groups who entered the more powerful the evil that would await us. Sure enough I got a lot of people to all enter in groups of 2 ultimately dooming at least a third of the questing party. Boom however fell victim to his own trap and ended up trapped trying to observe the chaos at the gate. He spent the next year of his life fighting hordes of wolves repeatedly until he could sneak out when another questing party came for a visit.

8)What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?
 I have little to no shame. I can’t really think of anything that embarrassed me although I did get talked into strip pong one time. As a straight edge I have no practice at this so the game lasted forever.

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?
 Have fun and meet new people. You will be shocked to learn most players are quite friendly and personable even if they don’t seem it.

10 ) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?
To let things go and not take life so seriously.

BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with? 

Radstar!

BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?
Yes, as a matter of fact if you could put “The Winds of Winter” into print that would be outstanding

Photo by Eren Pils-Martin

10 More Questions with... Adam "Damion" Landry

Photo courtesy of Jesse Gifford

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?
As a teenager it would be getting my first magic item. In my 20s itd be making a name for myself as a compitent fighter. Now, I'd say looking at all the memories and friendships I've made over 20 years.

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?
I started as a rogue and ended up breaking restriction for plot, never went back to casting after that.

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?
I still have my original omnibus from 1997. Its significantly thinner than this years. It always makes me wonder how much of the game we could remove and still keep the essence of the realms.

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?
Grimloch. Hands down best in and out of character atmosphere.

5) Who is your best friend in character and why?
Damion has made a lot of friends over 20 years.

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?
My first event as a teenager; ToC 97. I knew how to play the game before coming but everything else blew my mind.

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?
An event or two after I went fighter. I had a full set of armor and realized that while rogues were technically powerful because they had more options, fighters were powerful because you didnt die or if you did you werent dead for long.

8) What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?
Summer of 98 there was a goblin hunt at Andy's and I was fighting Jeremy who was NPC'ing - I was still a rogue sorcerer remember back pedaling and tripping over the fire-pit i had made at Creathorne the year before.

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?
Before you learn to do anything else well in this game, learn to call your shots. The core of this community is built around trust and calling shots correctly is the best thing you can do to build that trust.

10) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?
Eventholders have a demanding job that they do out of love and devotion and do not get a tenth of the recognition they deserve for the ammount of time, effort, and money they put in.

BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with?
Jeremey Monmaney / Boom

BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?
Frost heaving (or a frost heave) is an upwards swelling of soil during freezing conditions caused by an increasing presence of ice as it grows towards the surface.

10 More Questions with... Chris "Jaha" Marques

Photo Courtesy of Jesse Gifford

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?

My greatest achievement by far has been my work within Grimloch. Having been a part of the group from the beginning, I have seen both up and down years. We have accomplished a number of things together both on the tournaments field and in terms of throwing events. I have had the pleasure of helping to train and develop many players over the years

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?

Currently I am a fighter. Over the years I have swapped between being a rogue and fighter. Most of the time is is related to what the group needs. Combat has always been my focus in the game, so I cannot foresee a time where I am not able to use a variety of weapons.

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?

Regulator, the first magic weapon that was specifically for me, is a 4'6'' magic axe. Back then, new members coming into Grimloch would get an item to use. Getting that axe was similar to getting my tabard, it was a symbol of joining the group.

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?

Both in and out of character I spend most of my time with Grimloch. They are my family, and always know how to have a good time. They have supported me through the good and the bad.

5) Who is your best friend in character and why?

My best friend in character was Rohde. With him being dead I suppose XT (Rohde 2.0) wins by default.

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?
The finals of the first Order of the List invitational had a huge impact on me. Rohde vs Syruss in a truly evenly matched spectacle was the exact type of athletic display I envisioned when first cultivating the idea for the Order of the List.

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?

The first Best of the Best tournament also had a huge impact. It was the first high profile tournament I had competed in and won. For Jaha, it was a declarative statement that he had arrived as a fighter to be taken seriously. It also planted the seeds for the Order of the List.

8) What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?

This is really series of embarrassing moments. Every time I've been pegged with an arrow while giving instructions during limited bridge battles, it's quite embarrassing. It is even worse when I am telling someone else to keep their guard up.

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?

Be yourself. The community is amazing, but tends to be conservative about change and new ideas. Follow through on the ideas you believe in no matter how much negative peer-pressure you receive. Also, play the game so you have fun, even if that means sometimes taking some time off for yourself.

10 ) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?

The importance of taking care of yourself. Throughout the years, I have thrown many events, and for quite a while was completely burnt out. Re-adjusting my game related workload really helped to re-invigorate my interest in the game and community.

BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with?

Adam Landry

BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?
See you at the beach!

10 More Questions with.... John "Jack" Berrini

Photo by Casey Lemay

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?

OOG, having proposed, passed and been elected to the Arbitration Committee the last two years. I appreciate the trust and confidence the community places in me. In game, taking my Story with Tallon and Neden full circle. Now, Becoming a member of Grimloch and sharing a tabard with some old friends and kindred spirits

2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?

In the 90s I was a Rogue spellcaster. Building spell ability every event and gaining game abilities was magical to me as a young teenager. Later I was a necromancer when it was a counter culture and had one of the few paths to regeneration. I went fighter when I took a serious role as a nation leader because I felt it was proper to lead from the front, and with armor and a big sword.

Recently I started Alchemy because it gave an interesting approach to roleplaying creating scrolls and potions. I’ve penned my own scrolls in game with quill and ink well, sealed them with wax and a brass seal. I recently got a chemistry set with a burner, beakers and tubes that I hope will bring interesting role play to the game.

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?

The first magic item we got as a group was the Crystal Hall dagger aka the Thunder Cats dagger because of the shape of the cross guards. I still have the original prop

4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?

Grimloch. Fun guys that I have a good time with

5) Who is your best friend in character and why?

Del and Teddy. I love running around with those guys on quests

Photo by Casey Lemay

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?

After an extended break from the game I came back from serving in the Army. The people of the game were supportive of a new direction that I wanted to take my roleplaying and characters.

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?

A few years back I was the winning general at NS war. This was my anniversary event and it meant a lot to have the backing of friends from a varied backgrounds. The experience nicely book ended a storied existence at my favorite event over 20 years.

At feast of Leviathan this year I was officially welcomed as a full member of Grimloch. In some respects this was long overdue having such a long history with most members. I was like being welcomed back into a long lost family.

8) What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?

OOG I came back to realms severely ignorant to the culture change of the Realms. I set up to throw my first event back. I dumped a large amount of time and money into this event. I made flyers, got a pricey site, printed currency (that I still have), made tabards, masks epic plot. Then the event fell flat. We got 23 staff and as of Saturday had only one player. The event ended up not meeting the required attendance.

I’m happy to say I’ve thrown several successful events since then including “Learn to Fly” and the Dreamweaver series.

9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?

When role-playing, lock onto one thing that centers you to your character, your inspiration. It could be a phrase, a scene, a mental image of the character you based your role on. Every once in a while put yourself into this character. Close your eyes and think as this person, then open your eyes.

Another roleplaying exercise is to try and make period a conversation that others are having out of game.  

10 ) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?

Networking. I've met landlords, tenants, friends, girlfriends, my army recruiter, co-workers and many amazing people through realms. 

Photo by Megan Matulewicz

10 More Questions with.... Hannah "Nhadala" Blood

Nhadala - "Dala" - Or more popularly known as the "Salt Queen"

Photo by Casey Lemay

1) What achievement either in or out of character are you most proud of?

In character and out of character, I’m pretty proud of my improved fighting ability. I didn’t have much confidence as a fighter a year ago, but attending fight practice has changed everything. I never thought I’d be the kind of fighter I am now, and truly feel my improvement. Hoo-ray coordination!


2) Are you a fighter or a caster? Have you always been? How did you choose?

I came into the game in 2010 as a fighter, because the casting system confused me, haha. After a few injuries, I came back into the game as a 3-path in 2015! I really enjoy questing and tourneys as a caster, but honestly plan on going back to fighting... #MasterRace

3) Have you ever owned an artifact, memento, or magic item that has meant a lot to you, and why?

I’ve only ever owned one magic item, and it’s pretty neat. To me, it means that I worked hard to gain the item. It’s a mark of my own diligence.


4) What group of people do you spend the most time with and why?

Grimloch – because they are my favorite people, they help me improve myself in game and out, and who doesn’t love a beach day? I’m fiercely proud to call these people my family.


5) Who is your best friend in-character and why?

Nhadala spends a lot of time with questing with Doctor Boom and Damien, but also enjoys her conversations with Gordon and Kirk (when he’s not trying to kill her). 

Photo by Jesse Gifford

6) What event or moment had the greatest impact on you as a player?

Last ToC, beginning my petitioner journey for Grimloch.

7) What event or moment had the greatest impact on your character?

2016 Feast of Folkstone – “blacking out” and waking up with horns, and a mysterious taste of Purple.


8) What is your most embarrassing moment, either IC or OOC?

It would take a lot for me to be embarrassed enough to remember. I like to think those moments don’t matter, and forget about them.


9) What is the best piece of advice you'd give to other players?

Do what you want! Go with your instincts! Join that nation, be a fighter, be a caster, win the quest, enjoy nap quest! Do whatever makes you happy. 

Photo by Jesse Gifford

10) What is the most important thing you've learned through the game?

It might be a stretch, but through the game and people I’ve met in the Realms, I’ve learned that it’s okay to take time to relax. It’s okay to take time for myself, and that sometimes the best plan is to not have one.


BONUS QUESTION #1: Who would you like to see the next interview be with?

Del of Grimloch, my champion.


BONUS QUESTION #2: Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?

Feel free to come talk with me in character!