Throwback Thursday - The Hats of Cecil's

Though we couldn't see one another at Cecil's this year, let's turn back the clock to look the Hats of Cecil's form years past.

https://viewfromvalehaven.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-12-hats-of-cecils-photos-by-jesse.html

What You Missed- A Very Merry Yule at Uncle Cecil's Crazy Tavern 3

by Adrian "Cronin" Cronin

A fire crackles in the night, cold in the woods, the howls of wolves and chants of Druids echoing through the surrounding hills. Tis the eve of the solstice, and Voranians gather in the lands of Chimeron to make offerings to their gods for protection from the winter and all of its challenges.

Our customary ritual complete, we made our way to shelter to exchange gifts and revelry in keeping with the spirit of the weekend. When no more laughs could be had nor tales to be shared we rested our heads knowing of course… nothing could go wrong on Yule.

I rose quite late on Saturday but suited up for battle nonetheless as is my way. Upon arrival, there were large toys spread out through the field and adorable elves who needed our help to save Yule spirit.

After battling the beeping toys, I was asked to defuse a bomb. Knowing not what a bomb was, nor how to defuse I relied on bravery and trust to see me through and a bit of Yule magic of course…

 I woke up smelling like tinsel and barbecue, how peculiar and was informed that though valiant my effort was… I went boom.

With the robot toys defeated and the Yule spirit meter still so low, my confidence in saving yule began to diminish. Tales of an enthusiastic “kool-aid man” smashing through walls and a song or two got me right back into the spirit… until of course, the goblins came.

Immediately remembering all Kindrianna had taught me about Yuletide spirit, I began to sing to the well-armed goblins to try and warm their hearts. They seemed less hostile and even decided to tell us about their problems. Brothers fighting over weapons, another who just wanted a friend and all of which needed jobs. We managed to get them to wrap up presents and repair the damaged workshop - all the while singing and laughing in true Yuletide fashion.

The big boss Goblin Grumpo-Grungus was embraced in an insane hug all while singing at the top of our lungs and we saw the yule spirit meter rise to the top! Our mission was done. Time for snacks.

We returned to the tavern to tell nonsensical tales of robots and goblins and share in comforts of this grand party. The first toast was splendid with many adventurers from across the land sharing in the warm magic of the season.

Many drinks were shared, toasts and boasts were made, a bit of old toby was even welcomed in Chimeron for the first time. The night was electric, with gifts exchanged in secrecy, an appearance from the legendary father yule and a friendly dagger bear pit that I in no way started… 

There were arguments over dinosaurs, long walks in the cold, hugs, hugs and so many hugs.

In my foggy mind, I think I remember a wedding too? Anything can happen at Yule.

What you missed was merriment, community and a wild time. You missed an epic occasion with so many fine people. You missed toasting with Barbarians, gambling with pirates, smoking with nobles and commoners alike. You missed a fine night, and if you are reading this… I hope to see you there next year.

What You Missed- A Very Merry Yule at Uncle 'Crazy' Cecil's Tavern 2

By: Emily "Kara" Murphy

You missed quite an adventure if you missed UCCT this year. You missed Alpackasaurus (sorry if I spelled that wrong) impersonating someone to get us started down a really weird path Saturday morning. Everything about that adventure was wild. Like, there was a talking trash heap involved. I’m not even being mean there was an actual trash pile talking to us. The rather nice trash pile sent us in the direction of some musicians in the woods, who insisted that to get the shine gourd, that we had to get it from some gorgs, which are apparently sentient rock things. However, to get the gourd, we had to sing to it, using a completely original song, that we had to feel inside our souls, that we had to use specific instruments for. I was left really confused by this and went to go encourage kid adventurers to murder.

Photo by Lynna Gallo

Photo by Lynna Gallo

We moved on from this, we took a small break only for another letter to arrive ‘for’ Alpackasaurus. Setting out towards cats, I think, we ran into an amoeba. I don’t like amoebas, I don’t like being a part of amoebas. They just freak me out.  We eventually got everything figured out though, and made our way to back to the musicians after finding everything we needed. Then we made a song to the tune of one of those old church bells and went on our way to fight the gorgs, who were not happy with anything going on so like the morally-upright and righteous adventurers we are, someone stole it and ran. I’m sorry that I skipped over some things as I may have not been on the field when they happened as I had injured myself twice that day (minor stuff I really didn’t want to use energy on).

The Gorgs (photo by Beth Tozier)

Saturday night was as fun as usual, though still carrying over the rather nice weather from the day. Ultimately if you missed UCCT, you missed a fun recreation of Fraggle Rock and a good time.

Photo by Megan Matulewicz

Funny Cecil's Photos

Photo by Megan Matulewicz

Party as hard as you want, he will sleep through it.  No really.

Photo by Megan Matulewicz

"I am worried about you, Tristan."

"Have you ever wondered what would happen if we didn't stick to the ground?"

Photo by Michael Zajac

I

I do believe that's a tree on his head....

Photo by Angie Gray

 I give you.....Hat-inar!

Photo by Angie Gray

This guy doesn't stand a chance..... 

Photo by Angie Gray

In the immortal words of Socrates, "I ate what?"

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Pretty sure there was bacon on that hook....

Photo by Jesse Gifford

 Battle of...wills?

Photo by Jesse Gifford

                                                                "Oh.  He's back, isn't he?"

Photo by Jesse Gifford

"While their attention is diverted, I can activate my plan."

Photo by Jesse Gifford

And now we know why Gwen slept so well.

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Pure majesty

Photo by Jesse Gifford

"They wouldn't let me sleep in the play house.  Jerks."

Photo by Jesse Gifford

"A lot of touching moments"

Photo by Jesse Gifford

"Cecil, basking in the admiration of the party-goers"

What You Missed: A Very Merry Yule at Cecil's Crazy Uncle's Tavern 2 (photos)

A selection of photos picked by different View Staff members to highlight what you missed at Cecil's this year! The snow added to the winter holiday feel, and though it was a deterrent to some, those who made it to site still managed to have an awesome time!

Photo by Catie Crumb

Photo by Samantha Flanagan

Photo by Samantha Flanagan

Photo by Samantha Flanagan

Photo by Angie Gray

Photo by Angie Gray

Photo by Angie Gray

Photo by Angie Gray

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald 

Photo by Samantha Flanagan

Photo by Samantha Flanagan

Photo by Angie Gray

Photo by Angie Gray

Photo by Jesse Gifford

What you Missed - AVMYatCCUT2 (photos)

What you Missed

A Very Merry Yule at Crazy Cecil's Uncle's Tavern 2

 Pictures by Jesse Gifford

 

What You Missed: Pater Yule

 At Black and White each year, a white mailbox magically appears somewhere on the grounds. People who make the trek to find the mailbox are able to write letters to Pater Yule, the mythical figure who bestows joy and gifts at Yuletime. Each year at Uncle Cecil's Tavern, Pater Yule appears at some point during the evening and hands out gifts and notes to good boys and girls in answer to the letters he received earlier this year. Below is a selection of photos documenting Pater Yule's appearance this year. [Editor's note: photos by View Staff]

Pater Yule makes his appearance and addresses the crowd

Pater Yule hands out gifts to the children first

A dragon cape comes out of Pater Yule's bag

A rapt audience

Faelinn receives a gift of arrows

Artoria receives a hand-and-a-half

Caleal is pleased with his anvil

Aymise also receives a sword

Asharn unwraps his gift

Gray leans in conspiratorily

Vanduke gives Pater Yule a grateful hug

Shader receives a large scythe

Tirvanel listens closely

Kyara is excited about her bottle of mead

Ezra claims his gift

Kazul unwraps her shield

Soft is not amused

Umbra receives her gift

Alchemy supplies are uncovered

Rel looks in the box, and quickly shuts it again

Everybody be good, and I'll see you next year!