Question of the Week - 79

Do you think there are too many combat calls (armor-piercing, boulder, poison, etc) or would you like to see more (shatter, fireball, etc)?

Fresh Face- David "Tirvanel" Rubenstein

Photo by Matt Norris

How did you learn about Realms?
I learned about the realms through the WPI SMAS organization which runs an open fight practice weekly, as well as a club only fight practice. I knew that there was a LARP group on campus even before meeting anyone from SMAS, so I already had plans to seek them out.

How many events have you been to?
Since I started playing, I have attended 16 events, of which two were not legal due to player numbers. 

Have you ever LARP’ed before? If so tell us about it?
I have previously LARP’ed at a summer camp known as The Wayfinder Experience, both as a camper and a junior staff member. It uses weapons that have significantly more foam on them than boff weapons, as well as significantly less PVC. There is a much higher focus on roleplaying at Wayfinder compared to the Realms. Another major difference between the two is Wayfinder doesn’t have a continuing storyline, but instead runs completely independent games,
with almost no character continuity.

What is your character like? Where are they from? What is their race? What is important to them?
My character is Tirvanel Fuller. He has a strong devotion to his friends, and will do almost anything to help them. He has recently become a follower of Aurora. Due to unfortunate events regarding his memories shortly before beginning adventuring, he has no memories of where he is from, or even who his parents are. His race is something that he currently shares with only a few people. His closest companion is his familiar, Tigris, an occasionally size changing cat.

What do you remember most about your first event?
My first event was Storytellers 7. I came in slightly late to the event, due to when I was able to get a ride. As all my friends were NPCing the first quest, I came in knowing nobody. This was a little hard for me, as none of the PCs were sure who I was, or if I was even a PC vs NPC.

What things have helped to make you feel welcome in game?
Having a group of friends I knew going in was really helpful for me. It is always easier having someone you know already rather than going into completely unfamiliar territory.

What parts of the game do you find most challenging?
I find a fair amount of challenge in fighting, as I am not the most physically fit person. Another challenge I have run across sometimes is during “open-area” quests is deciding which areas to go to first. It always seems like we want to go everywhere, and getting people to decide on where to go is always a struggle.

Do you have any game related goals (as either a player or character)?
 My largest goal for this year is to qualify for the Order of the List Invitational this year. I currently have two points from getting third in dagger at the Feast of the Leviathan. The biggest goal I have in character is to find out more about my past. Eventually I think I want to, at the very least, become a squire to one of the knightly orders.

What advice would you give other new players?
Get to know people. Other people are probably your greatest resource possible. The number of
things you can learn from other people is unbelievable. I would also suggest attending a fight practice if there is one near you.

What have you enjoyed most about the game so far?
I have really enjoyed playing one character who sticks around. In my other LARP, I will play a character for just long enough to start getting attached to the character, and then the event will end, and that exact character will never return.

Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?
I want to thank everyone who has put up with dealing with backstory plot being run outside of events with regards to my character. Even when I want to get stuff done at unusual times, you have been able to work something out with regards to meeting up.

Funny Pictures

In this series, we're posting some unique pictures of us as we play in the Realms. The challenge we present to you is to provide us with funny captions for the pictures in the comments section. Try to keep 'em relatively clean and fun. (Photo by Casey Lemay)

Meet the Merchant- The Realms Outfitters

What is your shop called, and who runs it?The Realms Outfitters is a conglomeration of the old Chimeron Shop, Kyomi's garb, and Therrian's leather goods.  It is run by Ayuchi Kyomim of Chimeron and Therrian and is one of the longest continuously running shops in the community.

What do you sell?
Realms Outfitters strives to provide adventurers with quality durable clothing and accessories designed to equip you for anything from a goblin invasion to a dance competition.  We sell all manner of clothing, belts, pouches, spell accessories and feast gear.  We also do consignments.

What are your preferred currencies?
The Realms Outfitters is the backing force behind the rowan.  As such, rowan are accepted as 12g at the shop.  We also accept most other currencies.

Where can an adventurer find your wares?
We traditionally set up at Feast of Leviathan, Feast of Chimeron, Festival of Val Dara and Queen of Hearts, but have been known to appear at other events as well.

What makes your wares super awesome?
Our clothing and leather are hand crafted and effort is put into reinforcing stitches on the clothing and pouches to minimize ripping.  We keep prices low and we make quality, stylish items stuff that last.  That's why we've stayed around and why we'll be around for many years to come. 

Anything else?
New this year....through magical means, Lady Visa and Master Card will be available to extend credit to buyers at the shop!  This will be first attempted at Feast of Leviathan.  Wish us luck!

Why I Want to Go- Festival of Imbolc

Festival of Imbolc: Celebration of Winters End
February 9, 2013 (Saturday 12pm) - February 9, 2013 (Saturday 7pm)

This looks to be a light day of fun. There will be tourneys being run (and points to be scored for the Order of the List), games to be played and food to be eaten. We are due for some camaraderie and this looks like a good event to get some of that. There should be a little of everything at this event. And the cook is well known as putting out some excellent feasts.

This site is excellent for feasts and tourneys as it is big enough to handle both. Parking is a bit of a pain, so come early for the best spots. In addition, they would like pre-regs for the event (to help plan for food and such) and there is a discount for doing so; note that payment is not required until the day of the event, so pre-regging is an easy and cost-effective thing to do.

Question of the Week - 78

Do you think magic weapons, that give no ability other than being able to call 'magic', are useful?

10 Questions - Henry "Guilliam" Giasson

Henry "Guilliam" Giasson 

Photo by Angela Earle Gray

How long have you been playing? 

My first event was Feast of the Scarlet Wench, I believe 1993. That year I also participated in the Tournaments of Chiron, which I believe was held in the basement halls and function rooms of UMASS.

How has the game changed since you've been playing?

That is an interesting question. for starters, the players have matured. I think the average age has increased based on retention of great players. You figure I've been almost 20 years now, and there are people who have been around long before me. The oldest player that I remember in terms of age was probably Robert Traynor in his 40's back then. Now it's really not uncommon to see players close to 50 on a regular basis. It has helped in giving people role models I think. I know there are people that I respect still around. The magic system has changed immensely. I feel that people are more focused on magic and game granted benefits than fighting in many places now, where that did not used to be the case. Weapons technology and armor evolution have made the game remarkably fast, marshalling has gotten better too. Plots have always come and gone in waves, right now there doesn't seem to be as much for people to be passionate about but in a year or two the next will happen. It's the same with costuming, I feel like garb and roleplaying are on an up swing again, which is good.

Who have you learned the most from?

I've learned from so many people, too many to name. To list a few: I've learned to treat people with respect and how to act like a Knight in and out of character from watching Neil (Eldritch) for many years. He was a role model to me when I was 14 and is still someone i respect. I learned the magic system and how to marshal magic from Nate (Aelias) who was a mentor in my younger years and still a friend. When I was his squire he pushed me to strive for excellence and left me with the saying "A leader is above and before all else, a positive influence". Fighting I learned from a great many people, but I probably made the greatest advances in my career when Tom (Blade) was coaching me not just on fighting, but on battlefield awareness and making decisions under pressure. Believe it or not, this helped during my combat tour in Iraq. Of course the men in Grimloch have continued to train and push me to improve as a fighter all around. I learned to be a good host and take the the time to care for your guests thanks to Lindsay and Matt (Cecil) and how to be patient with newer players from Dan (Diamond). Mike (Panther) taught me how to win with grace and respect those he's beaten- a lesson I learned at a Queen of Hearts when he beat me and treated me with respect all the while. PJ taught me that to be a man one has to confront head on their concerns and talk to someone "like a man" face-to-face to clear misunderstandings. David (Vawn) taught me that new friends can be found in the most unlikely places if you are open to meeting them and willing to spend time outside of your 'normal' social circle. I learned from others that you dont always have to 'like' someone to respect them for being a good person or a great contributor. I learned that being a host means opening your doors to anyone who wants to learn and comes to your home with respect and friendship. And through all of this nobody has shown me and taught me as much loyalty through the years as many of the guys in Grimloch; they stood by me through some of the hardest times of my life. I will always appreciate you guys so much. 

What was your best moment IC?

There are a few. Hiring Eldritch by accident when he returned to the Realms was a funny one. Winning the Queen of Hearts Champions Tourney for Liselle as our characters began dating was a special moment. Venom (my alt.) robbing Queen Meg was good. And if you haven't heard the tale of the Mighty Hatchet or of Death Cows, get me talking around a fire some night. My favorite moment though was standing beside Blade when we founded Grimloch. The Grimloch idea was to raise the bar- to become the best in fighting, questing, NPC-ing, casting, marshalling, and to become the epitome of good game-play. In many ways we've done this and proof is in the knights, events, and players that we have produced along with recognition that individuals have earned. No matter how good we are, there is always room to improve and raise the bar higher. Standing in the Feast of Rhiassa and in front of the Realms forming grimloch beside the other founding members was a high point, and a signifigant change in direction for Guilliam and for Henry. My favorite I.C. moment as Venom was defeating Dal Kugan in honorable combat at I -believe it was- the Invasion of Folkstone. The same event where I also separated the flame blades, disenchanting them. Oops.

Queen of Hearts 9 - 2002

What was your best moment as a NPC/EH/Player?

As an NPC it was probably playing the Duke of Slime. He was just a fun personality to play and was very intriguing throughout the old fae plot. As an EH, probably the night quest into another plane. We had set up noise makers, pyro, trip wire traps and moved the PC's into random locations to make the night quest realistic, out of element and scary for the PC's. We had to help one person off of the night quest who was seriously freaked out by this and the rest of the PC's were so immersed that their excitement could only make us more excited.

What would you like to see changed or developed more in game?

I would like to see more costuming and character development. It has gotten better, but there's always room to improve. I would like to see people transition away from asking the spell system to 'make them better' through pushing for more powers and see people go back to personal improvement, and practiced talents, both martial and problem solving. A game granted spell should not define a player or character- their ability to accomplish things should. It does not take the system to accomplish things.

What advice would you give new players?

Meet people. Don't listen to rumors or personal opinions of other players. Meet people for yourself. If you have a problem, go talk face to face with that person. Most people in the game are genuinely decent people, even if someone doesn't like them, and most problems are misunderstandings that can be resolved by face-to-face discussion. Take every opportunity to learn. There is a lot to be learned in the game. Leadership, craftsmanship, interpersonal skills, fitness, fighting, costuming, acting, diversity, respect, patients, loyalty, and all of these things can help develop a person's character. Not the one we play, the one we are. Also remember that you are never useless- anyone can help make the quest continue no matter how many spells you have or have run out of. Anyone can move arrows to an archer, run blocks, move bodies, healer support, scout, communicate, or even take command. If what you are doing doesn't work do something else. 

What do you love most about the game?

I love being able to get out and interact with my friends, fight them and laugh about it later. My favorite moments are the long siege fights (castle or bridge) when every hit counts and you're always one push away from a total win or a total loss. I love fighting overwhelming odds, and listening to (and telling) stories about what happened. I also enjoy the in-character political intrigue, again though, because I love to laugh about it with those players afterwards. 

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

I dont know who has already done one, so i'll throw in a few names: Neil (Eldritch) [his interview can be read here], Kathy (Makhta), Ben (Rohde), PJ (PJ), David (Vawn).

Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?

This community is full of personalities- you will get along with many, and not with others. You can learn from almost everyone, even if it isn't the lesson you expect to learn. Computers and rumors are the root of all evil, if you want to resolve an issue sit down with someone and listen to them, and speak with them. In combat, you will win and you will lose. Do both with grace. Honor begets honor, so always treat people with respect. Always remember to separate your character from your person, and if you think that the line is blurred, clean it up for yourself and make sure that the other players know where one ends and the other begins. It's ok to be 'evil' or 'gray' so long as you play with respect and aren't a bullying ass just for the sake of doing it, and so long as people know who you are when the costume is off. Go out of your way to contribute something to the game, teach people what you know and find someone to learn from. It is a game, but it can help you to grow as a person and to network in your real world life. Each player is from a different background, everyone is a teacher and a student. Thank you for a lot of years and hopefully a lot to come.