Why Should You Go - Conditions of War

Alright, so I've been asked why you should go to Conditions of War.

With Enlon in the lead we at Gau Dring are trying to bring you an experience of a War Tournament not normally seen. We all have been to large scale battles and small team fights, they have their place and are fun, however they leave something to be desired. Many times at these tournaments you see people sitting around and either watching or are bored. Why not engage them? Why not give everyone something to do on the field.

With Conditions of War we are trying to do just that. We will have puzzles, and riddles scattered throughout the site, and will have to traverse the Field of Battle to find these clues and bits. Want to fight some Monsters? Earn points for your team by hunting down creatures during the day, just be sure not to be caught by the opposing Army. Enjoy working as a small group to go Dungeon Delving? We offer that for your enjoyment as well. However if your real joy is still in fighting, either individuals or large scale Maneuvers, we still have that for you.

"But Lako,, what does all this do?" you may ask. That's simple - everything you contribute to your team goes back to your base. You earn resource points to try and build your camp bigger and better because who knows, you may have to defend it. This does come into play on Sunday, there will be a three-tiered over the field battle where how you construct your base comes into play - donyou make it easy to defend and a maze to get to, or do you arm yourself with turrets and war machines?

However, it is not just the Tournament we can offer; Rua Thar Cinn has agreed to let you venture into something Saturday night. Who knows what you may come across.

At the end of this we are trying to supply everything we can to entertain the Adventurers of the Realms, so please come on down and enjoy your time, at night relax with friends around a fire and then during the day get out on the field and show who is the better Army of the Realms.

Sincerly,

Lakomasoi Nuntiak
Lord of Gau Dring
Solitaire of Harlequin
Blacksmith Extraordinaire

I Can't Even

I Can't Even...

By, 

Sara 'Zarine' Jessop

… Summer Color 1017

This past weekend at the annual Tournaments of Blackwood I was asked by many people what the summer color was. I wasn't quite sure what the Order of the Peacock had announced as the color, but common consensus was that it was either midnight blue or navy. While I love deep, dark colors, they are really not appropriate for summer. Summer should feature a bright, cheery color. Most of the plebs I spoke with agreed and kept demanding that I decide on a color.

At first I simply told people to wear bright cheery colors. White is an excellent summer color, as are some of the brighter pastels (though I prefer those for spring). Many colors were brought up and discussed and I hadn't quite settled on one until one in particular really struck my eye and called to me. The very lovely Dame Freesia was traipsing across the tourney field wearing a shawl of the most beautiful orange. “But Zarine, colors don't talk...” Yes, yes they do, and this color was yelling, “pick me, pick me!”

Orange is a lovely color. It's the color of the fires that we like to gather around. It's the color of the sunsets that give way to gambling and socializing. It's the color of the sunrise that sometimes we see while singing really really badly and realize we should go to sleep. It's the color of the delicious fruit of the same name. According to 'color psychology' (yes, that's a thing) orange is the color of joy and creativity and who doesn't like that?

So I have decided upon the orange shade of Flame. I know that there isn't much summer left, but it shouldn't be too hard to procure something of this color. You could even just sit around a fire or enjoy a day outside in the sun and be exposed to this happy color and wallow in it's warmth. 

You  could even pick up a little trinket rather than an article of  clothing

I hope that you all enjoy my pick and embrace it as it's really a color that makes people smile and I think we could all use a little more of that.

See you next Tuesday

Zarine is the proprietor and Madam at Alchimia Lupanar, a magic marshal approved practitioner of medicine, an award winning author, and has 36 years of experience in giving her unsolicited opinion.

Realms Resources

Realms Resources

by Kimberly "Mayumi" Lougee

In addition to Realmsnet.net, The View from Valehaven, The Library of Ivory, and a Facebook group, did you know that the realms now has its own Wiki? RealmsWiki.net is chock full of useful info for players, new and old. So far the focus has been on Crafting Knowledge, something the small wiki team knows a lot about. We have instructions on how to make your own realms-legal boff weapons, and tutorials for sewing garb and bits of kit. There is some info available on learning to fight, along with tips on role playing and getting involved when you are in character. We are also in the process of writing a brief summary of the rules, so they will be easier to explain to younger new adventurers.

With help, your help, the RealmsWiki can become a well rounded resource for anyone interested or involved in our Realms. We’re looking for help with crafts other than sewing and melee weapon construction, and someone who knows about fighting - both technique and tactics. Anything else you think a fellow LARPer should know, from pack lists to navigating Feast season with food allergies, will be a welcome addition. Request an account to help out directly, or just send an email info-drop to

 RealmsNetWiki@gmail.com

Arc Sphere Distortions

Arc Sphere Distortions

by Steven "Therian" Matulewicz

What You Missed at: Neden Monster Clean-Up

by Cory "Asharn" Roy

    We arrived in Neden ready to face not only monsters, but other adventurers in a friendly competition to see who can survive the whole day. Sir Syruss greeted us and explained to us what we were going to be doing that day. The games started shortly after. We were all given a map, a bunch of extra lives, and a head start before we would have to start trying to survive the oncoming monsters. Once the competition had started, I quickly made a truce with some of the other competitors. From there we worked together to try and find the treasure chests that were hidden around the land. Early on we encountered a couple different types of creatures from undead to people infected by brain slugs. We even encountered some strange monsters that required more than just fighting to beat. I personally enjoyed the different types of boss monsters that were out there they offered new and fun ways to interact with the creatures.

    Among the many fun aspects of this competition, every 2 hours our playing field would shrink giving us less places to hide. It didn't seem like much of an issue at first, but along with people running out of lives and coming back with brain slugs controlling them, this made the game a lot harder as we lost allies and gained enemies. We also had to worry about other adventurers who were going for the title Slaughterer of the Innocent. So not only were we fighting monsters everywhere we went at this point we were also fighting the people that we were used to adventuring with.

    As the last hours of the competition reached us the playing field shrunk a final time. I was able to see from one end to the other with almost no issue apart from some trees. Hiding spaces where limited and we were losing allies fast. It seemed as fast as we killed the monsters more appeared. It came down to only a handful of us at the end. We were just trying to survive— at this point fighting them seemed hopeless. I was only able to pick off some stragglers here and there hoping to get a few extra kills before the time ended. A lot of the time I would be swarmed and have no option but to run and hope I could get some distance between us. Finally, the horn was sounded marking the end of the competition. We all headed it back to hear the results of the game. 

There were three prizes for different aspects of the game. The titles were: Most Lively, won by Kwido; Slaughterer of the Innocent, which I'm unsure of who they are but they were very good at what they were doing; and Monster Killer, which I ended up winning after a tie breaker against Kwido. All in all it was a wonderful time with a lot of great people. Neden presented us with a fun challenge and from what I could tell most people had a great time. I for sure plan to compete again next year and I highly recommend everyone to do the same.   

-Asharn  

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!

Ask the Editors

Ask the Editors 

by,

The Editors

Episode 11

Hello again and welcome back. We had a short break last week as we recouped our strength to answer more questions.

This weeks question comes to us via email:

“What's the one Realms "thing" you've always wondered about, but have personally never tried(and why haven't you)?”

~Anonymous 

First, Lani 'Gwen' Grayson has an answer for us:

“This was a tough question for me this week, because I’m the type of stubborn person who feels the need to try things that I have done yet, just to see if I can pull them off. But, there are a few things I haven’t tried fully yet that I might be interested in pursuing more in the future. For example, I have tried being a fighter, I’ve been a skirmisher (which was a lot of fun), and I even spent some time as a 1-path, but I’ve never stayed as a 2-path, partially because I’ve never tried to be an archer. Sure, I’ve shot a few arrows at a practice here or there, but I’ve never been an 2-path archer. I think that it might be fun because lots of people seem to enjoy it, but honestly, I’ve never wanted to chase down my weapons...I might just be too lazy for it. I suppose, in writing this, that I’ve realized that I’ve always avoided any spells that involve chasing props such as lightening bolt and magic missile, simply because I have a hard enough time keeping track of props that I’m supposed to carry at all times, let alone props I’m just supposed to send off into the void. On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve only ever wielded a pike in practice, very specifically with Jason when I was his squire, because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I know people who love to stand on the pike line all day because they find it so fun, but honestly, (and I know I didn’t give it a fair shot), it wasn’t really my thing. Becoming a three path felt like coming home, and I’m glad I gave spells a fair try after so many years in the game. I love being a support caster on the front lines, and I also love having Seed of Life. It has allowed me to play the game in a way that really suits me, but I’m always open to change. I believe that having fun and pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone are what make this game worth participating in.”

Thank you Lani!


Next, Jen 'Areni' DeNardis-Rosa has some thoughts:

“I've always wondered about the art of leather-working. Every year at QoH I see absolutely amazing entries for Armorer and they always blow me away with the attention to details, craftsmanship, and amount of planning, skill, and time that goes into producing them. Many times I've looked at different leather projects that people have made - armor, pouches, accessories, and the like - and said to myself, "I wish I knew how to do that." I have never really tried my hand at leather-working though, other than banging some studs into bracer blanks. There is really no main reason why, just a lot of smaller reasons - lack of time, other things to do, not having enough or correct materials or resources, finding someone to teach me. I feel the same way about chain mail at times too. While I have learned and used both European and Japanese 4-in-1 to make myself armor in the past, I've always wanted to try the more intricate weaves that are used to make jewelry and other trinkets. I went so far as to buy an instruction booklet and ring kit from Ringlord way back when....and they've mostly sat in my basement since then. Maybe someday I'll be able to delve deeper into these crafting hobbies, but for now I will stick to developing my sewing skills (a third Realms "thing" that people create awesome stuff with that I always wished I knew how to do, and have been slowly cultivating with the help of a lot of trial and error, a sewing machine with a drop-in bobbin, and the help of some highly talented Realms seamstresses).”

Thanks, Jen!


And finally, Sara 'Zarine' Jessop has some words:

“This was a difficult question because if I want to do something I usually just do it. But I would say that the thing I really haven't tried is sewing my own garb. I have done a little in the last few years, mostly helping with some simple stuff for QoH prep, but nothing on my own or for myself. I have a sewing machine that was given to me and I have used it once to sew together some tulle for my Yule hat. Some day I would really like to lean how to sew at least some of my own garb. I haven't learned yet due to time and motivation. I have friends who keep offering to help, but I am more of a self learner so I always make excuses. I am also ashamed to admit, I am a little afraid of purchasing fabric. I feel like the people who work at the store are going to take one look at me and roll their eyes at the noob who has no idea what they are doing. But someday I will get over my fear and just do it. Though judging by my ability to sew on a button, it may be an ill fated venture. But I am sure that I will at least have a little fun along the way.”

Thanks Sara! 

So there you have it. We all have something that we maybe want to get into but just aren't sure about, don't have the time, or are afraid to do. If it's something you really want to do, you will find the time and get over your fears. Don't be afraid to try new things! You may find that you really enjoy it. And if not, you've learned a new skill and/or have a new experience to draw from. No experience is ever truly wasted!

Thank you for reading, and please join us next week, when we answer the burning question: "Why, after so many years, do you still prioritize playing Realms over the other ways you can be spending those weekends."


Questions can be sent to Sara “Zarine” Jessop via email (Sarajjesop@gmail.com), facebook messenger, or in person. The question box will also be making the rounds at various events. Please note if you'd like your question to remain anonymous and/or if you would like to address specific editors