Bountiful Menu

You guys! Last weekend I got to do one of my favorite things.

FEED PEOPLE!

While this is not at all the full menu, it will give you some idea of the food featured at dinner of Ashenbounty.

We started off with appetizers like tortellini skewers, the expected bread and cheeses, tomato jam on crackers, roasted potato bites, and savory crostatas.  

Tomato jam and parmesan galette

This is one of four savory crostatas, or galettes.   We also had apple/cheddar and sage, caramelized onion and bleu, and mushroom with gouda.
The potato bites were slow roasted 'til crispy, and smothered in seasonings and provolone cheese.  

Atticus shows off his fancifying of the roast potato bites

Apps were followed by a course of mac n cheese.  Feast goers had their choice of traditional, pesto, or buffalo chicken.  The pesto was homemade with fresh from the garden basil, and layered in a mozzarella/parm blend.  The buffalo chicken, of course, had chunks of bleu cheese on top.
I failed to get pictures before it was gone.

To give a bit of a break, a harvest salad followed the mac n cheese.  It was chock full of apples, walnuts, greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers, all lightly dressed with an apple cider vinaigrette.

veggies!

The main course featured a slow roasted beef, maple and sea salt roasted veggies, rosemary garlic mashed potatoes, and gravy.  Before cooking, the beef was marinated for 24 hours before being seasoned with fresh herbs picked lovingly by hand.  (that was me, by the way)

The beef

Dessert included super gooey fudge frosted brownies, pumpkin pasties, and the newest delight from the Ashenkitchen, the rum apple pie wontons.

you are sad if you missed these

Huge thanks to all the kitchen help.  Atticus was by my side from start to finish, and he didn't eat all the food before it went out!  For some unknowable reason, Nighthawk and Areni returned to help, too! We also had help from Genghis, the new kitchen mascot.  He decided to skip out on tormenting players to stay and helpfully taste the pasty filling for us.  Kindly, he even dressed appropriately.

What You Missed: Ashenbounty VI

by Alex "Elouan" Groom 

Ah, Ashenbounty.  Personally speaking, this is one of my favorite feasts of the year, and something I look forward to every fall.  This year, Ashenbounty was held in Pacifica, one of the lands of the Imperium.  Well, formerly of the Imperium, but I’ll get to that later.  

For those who are unaware, the Imperium is an empire that (and, if I get any of this wrong, someone please correct me) were frozen in time for some number of centuries, only to wake up very confused at the current geopolitical landscape.  Their response was to attack what they perceived as invaders; unfortunately, these “invaders” were the various adventurers and nations of the Realms.  Needless to say, they hurt themselves in their confusion.  The Imperium is made up of four nations; the two that are important right now are Pacifica (a kingdom of traders and merchants, and a people known for their strong wills) and the Noxari (a kingdom consisting entirely of elitist mages, where having some degree of magical talent is required for citizenship; they are exactly as pleasant as they sound). 

For some time, there has been a power struggle going on within Pacifica.  Prince Skyros had been trying to steer the nation into a more peaceful and prosperous state, free of the wars of the Imperium.  This has gone against the will of the Queen, his mother, who (from what I could gather) was efficient yet cruel in her rule.  

This weekend, that struggle came to a head.  Prince Skyros openly announced his intentions to seize control of the throne from his mother.  The fate of Pacifica was to be decided by a series of traditional Pacifican challenges known as Ascension, with the Imperium backing the Queen and the Realms backing Prince Skyros.  So split were the Pacificans in this matter that they decided to remain neutral, and not participate in these tournaments.

The challenges consisted of some sort of monster fighting pit, war tournaments, and treasure hunting.  I spent the majority of the time at the event treasure hunting; I was in the process of learning new magics, and for most of the day did not have the powers I would need to fight in a war tournament to my satisfaction.  The treasure hunting was quite fun, presenting a number of challenges including map reading, albino tuber decoys (image my reaction when we found the X that we believed marked the spot, only to find a white potato underneath, and to notice several more X’s), riddles, and classic “walk X paces north” style navigation.  

I did fight in a few war tournaments, and found them quite fun as well.  Throughout these war tournaments, the Noxari did what they do best: technically not cheat.  One particular incident that comes to mind was a competition where individuals had to wear either a blue or red piece of cloth, but could only affect those who were wearing opposite colored cloth.  The Noxari wear purple as a nation, and claimed that as a mixing of red and blue, they could affect anyone.  This was declared to be within the letter of the rules, if not the spirit.

The Realms ended up quite handily winning the Ascension for Prince Skyros.  However, when the time came for the conclusion of the ceremony and the crowning of King Skyros, he was nowhere to be found.  This was further complicated by the fact that if Skyros did not show up by sundown, the Ascension would be forfeit.  After some quick searching, we found his close advisor Alec dead nearby.  Alec revealed that they had been ambushed, and Skyros had been taken by the Noxari.  We confronted the Queen about this, who divulged that she had spoken with Candar, one of the leaders of the Noxari, saying she was willing to do anything to win, but did not expect Candar to go to these lengths. 

Thanks to Alec, we were able to track down where the Noxari had brought Prince Skyros to.  We fought through numerous waves of fire and lava elementals, finally to reach the Prince.  He was being kept captive by one of the Noxari and a number of lava elementals.  After breaking the ward the Noxari had set up, we were able to rescue Prince Skyros.  Myself and a small contingency of others escorted him back to the field, while everyone else dealt with a quite nasty fire beast that had appeared when the ward was broken.

Photo by Pi Fisher

Photo by Pi Fisher

Photo by Pi Fisher

When the remaining adventurers returned, the ceremony resumed.  The transition of power was made final, and Prince Skyros became King Skyros.  In the same moment, he declared that Pacifica was seceding from the Imperium and banished all members of the Imperium from Pacifican lands.  

Now that that was over, it was time to celebrate and feast.  Shortly before the feast began, there was a small court.  Business included King Skyros appointing ambassadors and deciding on how to deal with some captured Noxari, and Van Duke asking everyone what was going on (yes, that was the extent of his announcement).  With court finished, the feast commenced.  

Course after course of delicious food was brought out to us.  While we feasted, some other small matters went on, including Van Duke having been replaced with a doppleganger and causing some commotion.  I’m...not entirely sure what happened there, but it seems like the adventurers involved agreed on some future course of action to remedy this.  

Unfortunately, after finishing dessert, I had to head home.  Overall, this Ashenbounty was a great feast, celebrating a major victory for both the people of Pacifica and people of the Realms.

Why I Want To Go-Black and White 2017

By Lani "Gwen" Grayson

I honestly cannot believe it’s been a year since the last Black and White Masquerade Ball, but I’m really looking forward to celebrating the fall season and the Day of the Dead with all of you in the Realms. Black and White has a special place in my heart because this is the first event we at the Society for Medieval Arts and Combat typically bring our newbies to because it features so many wonderful things that the Realms has to offer. (I also love it because I was squired at Black and White and also took my first squire years later at Black and White.) This event showcases all of the variety of the Realms. There will be delicious food all day, and honestly, who can resist favorites like crabbies, deviled eggs, and poison punch? In addition, the day will be filled with gambling, shopping, questing, and tournaments. It also seems likely, from past experience, that we might just have to deal with Blue, that rascal.

I love that Black and White is an event that allows for a costume change, because for many of us the best part is getting all fancied up and enjoying the evening festivities. My personal favorites include the auction and court, but there will also be dancing, gambling, and socializing. And, lest I forget, we are also invited to taste dessert in the evening, despite that fact that many of us wearing bodices are constrained more than we would usually be around such delicacies. Black and White has a little bit of everything for everyone. You won’t regret taking the time to make this event, I guarantee it.

I Can't Even

I Can't Even...

by, 

Sara 'Zarine' Jessop

… Cancellations

I have an important issue to talk about this week. We all know that I work in a service industry. As part of that,we at Alchimia Lupinaar allow you plebs to make appointments in advance. This way you get the person, time, and service that you desire without a hassle. But ever since I opened I've had a persistent problem; People don't keep their scheduled engagements.

Now I am not talking about sending a missive and canceling weeks in advance. I'm talking about canceling when it's too late to book someone else in, or simply just not showing up. Sometimes I get a missive a day later telling me that they cannot keep their allotted time. And if that wasn't bad enough then they request to reschedule. So now they want to take up more of someone's time, which they may not even arrive for. If you dare to ask for a deposit for future appointments they get offended. 'It's just an appointment' they say. 

Well, let me explain something to you. My entertainers are not paid an hourly wage. They actually pay me a percent of their earnings and receive room, board, and protection. So by taking up their time and then not receiving a service you are effectively taking gold out of their pockets. They aren't just there to serve you, they are working and earning a living. They are people, just like you, who deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy. 

Now, I am not an unreasonable woman. I understand that sometimes there is an emergency, or you just plain forgot. But let me put it this way: Say you work at a forge making a decent enough living to pay your creditors and feed yourself and your family. Your boss comes out to you one afternoon and says “I don't have anything for you to do for the next two hours, but you can't go home, and I'm not going to pay you to be here”. Sounds terribly unfair doesn't it? Oh, and then he asks you to come in tomorrow on your day off and do what you were supposed to do today. Does that sound acceptable to you? No?

We don't want to hear your hour long apology full of lame excuses. We just want you to understand why it's not acceptable and preferably to stop doing it. And not just at my establishment, but everywhere. People's time is important to them, especially when that time is literally money. People who provide you with services are not beneath you (unless that is the service you are paying for, I suppose) and we are deserving of basic decency and respect. Henceforth at Alchimia Lupinaar I shall be requiring a deposit for all advance appointments. If that doesn't meet with your approval, then I suggest you find yourself a new medical provider.

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.

Arc Sphere Distortions

Arc Sphere Distortions

by Steven "Therian" Matulewicz

What You Missed: A Grave Discovery Saturday Night Quest

by Emily "Kara" Murphy

On Saturday night, after the events of the day and a nice dinner, I waved good-bye to Tao who was called to the West and the party set out for the village with our guide, Devan, to test out his and his friend’s theory that the Beacon crystal, an item we had received Friday night, was attracting the undead of Stonewood. They were correct, to say the least. 

 As we arrived to the village, it was heavily fortified with four gates with one opened throughout the night so that we could fight beyond the town’s walls. However, all four points were weaker and the undead flocked to them, trying to tear them down with their weapons. I used what magicks I know to help, and did a lot with them, but as the night went on, the undead grew more restless. Eventually, after while, we knew we had to seal the gates and to do this, we needed a ritual at each. We called out to Solaris, Justicar, Merkel, and Thane in that order. 

The funny thing with the last one is we ran out of a component needed to fix it, so naturally I cast a non-ritual divine aid to Thane, the head god of the Stonewood pantheon and judging on Tempest’s reaction to when I did that, I might’ve messed up, maybe not. He gave me visions of scalping 10 of the undead in exchange for what we need. However, during all of this, Devan was using his life force to be able to raise people to defend the town. He died, giving the rest of his life to make sure his town was safe. Seven of us cremated him as per his request and spread his ashes at the same time the others fought the big bad.

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.