Merry Christmas Neden!!

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Memories of the Yule celebration at Uncle Cecil's Crazy Tavern

It was a blast, this was my first year and I will defiantly be going again. My sitter had bailed the night

Photo by Jesse Gifford

before so I thought I would have to stay home with her but everybody was so amazing with her. One of my favorite moments was when the king had the prince on one knee and Emma on the other and was reading to them. Another was when Emma was playing with another baby holding hands and swinging them up and down. And the gift swap was amazing too. I gave a jello shots game, some were lemon some were grape some were plain and some had vodka, and random ones had a surprise that was sour and they all had black food coloring so you couldn't tell which was which. I received an awesome pare of studded bracers which are prefect because I only had one point body armor. And the food was so good and there was so much of it... Thank you to everybody who staffed the event. It was so much fun, next year a more dependable sitter though. So I can participate and help out more.
- Calypso (Victoria Prescott)

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Uncle Cecil’s Crazy Tavern has and I believe always will be one of the biggest events of the year. Similar to Black and White, there’s a little bit of everything to enjoy. The questing was a good bit of fun, but not in the way I was expecting. Playing an impromptu game of eyeball stickball and watching a conga line of dead NPCs bustle on by battle for my favorite memory during the day. Also things got a little interesting up in the barn as I small group and I went to “dance” (spoiler: it wasn't dancing) But of course, as day turns to night so does questing turn to revelry. The tavern was a whirl of activity with gifts, chicken and alcohol flying about like a blizzard. The Bardic College put on a great show with some festive carols and an original song. I was very excited when Father Yule strolled in, sack filled with gifts for all the good little Realmsies. I wrote a letter to Father Yule at Black and White, so I was eager to see if I had made the good list this year. Low and behold, one of the first gifts pulled was for me! I excitedly scurried over to the throne, where there was an expertly wrapped gift awaiting me. I tore off the paper and there was a thing of pure beauty hidden underneath. Honestly this sword may have been more beautiful than most of the girls I’ve dated, and that’s saying something. It was poetry in motion, the stuff bards write about. Obviously I was overjoyed at the concept that this fine piece of art was to be mine, to the point where I needed to hug the nearest people in sight. It was a great moment. Watching other people get their presents was just as exciting though, and I’m still astounded at the level of craftsmanship within the Realms. Moral of the story: Always go to Uncle Cecil’s, it’s a guaranteed better time than eating fruit cake with your in-laws!- Swoop (Michael Zajac)

Dear Sir Lucas,

I was very floored to get something from Pater Yule, as I was expecting a Candy Cane for young Danielle instead.  I just have to figure out where I can use my gift, a 15-20 minute massage from Sir Malaki of Folkestone, and Sir Bright Oakfellow will watch Danielle for me.

I'm attempting to figure out where, though.  Feast of Leviathan?  Feast of Chimeron?  Right in the middle of a dungeon crawl?  I'm open to suggestions.  And grateful. So very, very grateful.

- Iawen (Xaos)

What You Missed- The Gift Swap at Cecil's Uncle's Crazy Tavern (Part 3- Because It Comes After What Would Have Been Part 2 but Part 2 was Part Syruss)

Photo by Jesse Gifford

"You folks already got a glimpse of my gift swap experience from Sir Mestoph in the first article, but allow me to elaborate. When I was first handed a mysterious duct-taped vessel, I instinctively knew it had to be a jar of my most beloved hazelnut spread. As I peeled off the tape, my suspicions were confirmed; however, something seemed off. There was an odd orange color peeking through the side of the jar, and when I opened the lid, I was greeted with a Nutella-Cheez Whiz concoction only a sadistic monster could possibly conceive of. (I'll admit, though, I did try a little of it...)

After the brief moment of shock, Sir Mestoph handed me my real swap gift (with the evil glee still evident in his eyes). I look forward to the swap every year, and this year Mestoph went above and beyond my expectations. I received what I can only describe as a pile of Nutella croissant: crescent roll dough filled with the Nutella from the gag gift, topped with cinnamon and sugar. I would have been happy with that alone, but I also received a whole other jar of Nutella (sans Cheez Whiz), a block of delicious fancy truffle cheese, a miniature of my favorite webcomic character, and a wonderful fuzzy mantle that is so comfortable I took a nap in it the following day.

Mestoph sure set the bar high for next year, so whoever gets me better be prepared!"
- Kyntela (Alysha Metcalf

Photo by Casey Lemay

So this is my fourth year doing the santa swap at UCCT.  I always have fun with it and try to make the person's day with the stuff I choose to make them. This year I made bracers for Alex Newbold

(Sir Lucas).

Photo by Casey Lemay

I am ectatic about what I got! Ymmit had me in the swap and she was the first person to make me something. I dont know about you but something about hand crafted items really make them like ten times better no matter what it is.  She made me a box with a switch to push that did nothing but flick the switch back. I have no idea why it is as amusing as it is but it is. It's even in my Nations colors (yes I'm in one of those now!!!) and my guild's symbol is on it.  She also included a wooden dragon toy because she remember when i wanted a dragon duck from a auction at a previous event and a stein.  I was supper happy with my gift and it provided entertainment for me and many other people. So thanks Yimmit I Love it!!!!- Karma (Casey Lemay)

So, the lady Twenaria paired me up with a new adventurer named Misty. I had no idea what she looked like, but thankfully her requests were straight forward.  I had a red scarf all set for her, Laurante donated a black cloak with Celtic lining to me for her, and I called in my favor with Mihkail for purple-shafted and red & black fletched arrows.

All in all, my main worry is that she wouldn't appear, as that as happened in the past.  But, at some point during the night, she did, and was able to pin me down (not literally) on the stage.  She was almost in tears and gushing about how, as a new person, she definitely did not expect this much, if anything at all, and was very, very, grateful.

She was beautiful.

Anyway, what cheered me from the inside was the genuine thankfulness of the receiver.  I've done gift swaps since Twenaria has opened them up, and I can never truly remember if anyone has enjoyed their gift or not, so this memory will stay for quite a while.
- Iawen (Xaos) (Janna Oakfellow- Pushee)

What You Missed- The Gift Swap at Cecil's Uncle's Crazy Tavern (Part Syruss)

WHAT I GOT FOR CECIL’S

Uncle Cecil’s is hand down on my short list for one of my favorite events of the year, with plenty of good reasons why.
Allow me to take you down a gift giving lane to show the true magic of this season…….PRESENTS!!!!!
(*TALKING TO NYMBOUS* Huh?....What giving is the most important? )

AHem the true magic of the season………GIVING!!!!!!!

This awesome funnel given to me by my Squire and at this event my 5^th mate. Jacob Ruggerio, more commonly known as Grebinar, was playing Bloody Billy Bellameer.  This gift is special to me because I once had this very model of funnel. I mistakenly brought it to a ToC and let’s just say Ben Grant hates “one mores” because before I knew it we had some pretty plastic confetti smashed on the ground. It was time to make up for four years of funneling this Christmas week.

These Cookies were a gift From Janna Oakfellow-Pushee. Now I want to note that I did win these in an auction hosted by the Knights of the Blue Rose. But the sheer creativity and amount of cookies blew my expectations to that of a Holiday Miracle. Now this picture does not event begin to do these cookies justice. I had Cookie Anarchy A’s and Cookie Skulls but also Loaded up Pretzel cookies, Cherry Almond Chip Oatmeal Cookies,  Cranberry Snow Teacakes, Lemon Oreo Gingerbread (Janna you are a cookie wizard), Chocolate Gingerbread, and of course last but not least Lemon White Chocolate Cookies.

I can now open a small bakery. I went to go put these cookies in my Pillsbury dough boy cookie jar and he looked at me and said “Son, you must be bananas”

Thank you Janna you literally exceeded all expectations and the cookies, as per usual, are delicious.

This Joke book lol. I am going to take this view article as an opportunity to contact me and say I was the one who got you that you drunk schmuck. Because I received this gift at the foggiest part of the night shall we say. Whoever got it for me though knows two things. I love Wizards and Jokes. Great gift I am still cracking up.

Ah my new Knightly Belt for the Order of the Blue Rose. This was made by my favorite craftsperson Casey Lemay aka Karmha of Neden. The work she puts out is truly amazing. You can really see the detail, attention and love she puts into each of her pieces.

 

                                    

MY JINGLY BITS. This is one of my favorite gifts of any Cecils, it was not from the swap just from someone who likes me. Bethany Tozier  aka Freezia. Now freezia let Syruss (Mostly Cal) join the dancers guild( for the ladies ;)  ) years ago and every dacing event when its time for me to shake my rump I always look at Beth and say “whatcha got for me this time” this year She is like I got you this and it’s yours. I melted. Thank you again Beth for being an amazing pal I have something for you, it will be at Leviathan.

Now onto the main event my secret Santa swap gift. This treasure chest was made for me knowing that I was playing an Alt at the event. More so the thought that went into this gift far exceeded anything an Alt should have received. The color scheme of Green and Black was chosen for my Main Syruss as those are his personal colors. The two flint pistols loaded and fired and the chest was full of delicious cookies. You will need to use your imagination on the cookie part because I ate most of them.

Jennifer Rosa aka Lady Areni made this box with love and thoughtfulness that is a perfect representation of the giving season. She considered everything when making this and I am proud to put it upon my mantel with my select few other treasures I have amassed over a decade. 

Areni’s gift is the perfect motivation for me to be even more creative with my gift giving for next year.

The Realms has always been this kid’s family and these gifts added with the love and merriment I experienced with all you. This past Yule Party will be a constant reminder why I hold each of you so dear.

Thank you
Much Love and Respect along with all the seasons greetings.
Callahan Marsden
Sir Syruss O’Leary
(This year Captain Tommy Two Dice)

What You Missed- The Gift Swap at Cecil's Uncle's Crazy Tavern (Part 1)

Photo by Jesse Gifford

"As the days grew closer I could hardly contain my excitement to give and receive Yule swap gifts. I had left my requests pretty open (standard wine and cheese) and was eagerly awaiting to see what I would get. My swap, Kaelketar, went above and beyond my expectations. I received a fabulous red wine, not one, but three kinds of delicious cheese and a small beautiful pouch filled with all different kinds of Realms currency all wrapped up in a silky scarf. I could not have even imagined getting such a generous gift. As I looked around I could tell the crowd was feeling the same sense of appreciation and awe as I was. I think this year we all went above and beyond to give each other the best gifts we could. It is moments like this that remind me how even though we are a large community we really do appreciate and care for each other."
- Squire Taliea Gathalion (Heather Magnoli)

Photo by Jesse Gifford

"Had a great time with the gift swap, and it was my first year at UCCT. The gift I made for Angela/Phoenix was very well received, and it was great to see her showing off the cloak I'd spent so much time making as she greeted everyone.

The wooden mortar and pestle I received didn't have a 'from' tag, but it was exactly what I asked for, and beautiful. Plus, Chocolate! Who doesn't want an extra chocolate bar? Thanks."
 - Desiree (Kimberly Lougee)


"Gift swap joy!

I got to watch as the present I had been prepping for all month was unwrapped by Sir Vawn. Little painted wooden box, filled with just-made peppermint bark. As for my present...Therian/Steve Matulewicz got me. And the journal he gave me was gorgeous! "
- Phoenix Rose (Amanda Sieracki)

" Asking IC for True love I was quite curious as to what my secret santa would get me, I was surprised and satisfied to get a nicely made dagger, made of silver and etched onto it the words "The Better Mousetrap" it wasn't true love but I appreciate the thought that went into it, and will proudly adorn it on my side. -Rubis (Zach Senshuk)

Photo by Angela Gray

"The Gift Swap is one of the best parts of Uncle Cecil's each year, and it's always better when you get one of your friends (or one of your friends gets you). This year I was lucky enough to get both. I have a habit of giving a gag gift to my Gift Swap recipient. This year was no exception. I was assigned a well known lover of cheese and Nutella. So they received a jar of Nutella filled with Cheez Whiz (extra sharp cheddar flavor, I'm not a savage), lovingly wrapped in the first roll of Duck Tape I found in the back of my car. After spending several minutes excitedly peeling off the tape to get at the "hazel nutty goodness" she was sure it contained. The look on her face when she figured out what was actually in it was priceless. Fortunately for me she was a good sport about it, and when I gave her the real present I had for her she was overjoyed (or just really good at faking it). That interaction had me feeling very happy, but that paled in comparison to what I felt when I was presented with my gift. Apparently there was a shipping delay with my actual gift, but to make sure I did not go empty handed (or in his words, "in the interest of instant gratification") Joe Sims (Rillan) went into the kitchen and cooked me up what was one of the single greatest steaks of my life. A perfectly cooked T-bone with a bourbon plum glaze on the side. Both very satisfying exchanges were among the many highlights of the evening, and make me look forward to next year even more." - Mestoph (Jesse Gifford)

Lets Drink, Another Round!

Verses by Rhiannon Chiacchiaro, Kathy Fey, Beth Tozier & Katie Giasson 

chorus and tune can be attributed to The Merry Wives of Windsor

Photo by Jesse Gifford

So drink, (let's drink!) another round, Realmsies
Drink, (let's drink!) another round
If you’re choosin’ to be boozin’
It can turn your life around
So drink (let’s drink!) another round

Effa is scary kind of lady
She may look small and sweet but she is shady
She will kill you for your cheese
And she'll kick you in the knees
So if you see her, you should be afraidy

(Chorus)

In Rhiassa if you drink the water
You'll be accused of much more than you oughta
You'll think you quenched your thirst
But it will be much worse
For you'll end up with a son or a daughter

(Chorus)

Well Mestoph is grumpy kind of guy
Drink with him and you will cry
Whiskey (bourbon) is his sin
But he won’t say no to gin
If it’s wet he will put it in his mouth
(Chorus)

Ashenmark wears the black and the yellow
But their High Lord is anything but mellow
He prefers bad cop/bad cop
And he know not when to stop
But when he's Poseidon he's our favorite kind of fellow

(Chorus)

Phoenix is a magus and a knight
She has apprentices and squires left and right
But if you dare to cross her
like Syruss- that old tosser
She may respond by punching out your lights

(Chorus)

Old Lucas did travel far and wide,
Through field and a cave deep inside,
He found is lady fair,
And he rode her like a mare,
Now two boys they are all their pride!

(Chorus)

Guilliam used to be intimidating 
But now I fear his menace may be fading
He tries to be a ladies man, 
But we don't know if he can
For with fairest Liselle he'll be mating.
(Chorus)

Grimloch never keeps in their scabbard
They'll fight with marn or spear, pike or halberd
They are a war machine
And fairest Syruss is their Queen
He looks great in a tiara and a tabard!
(Chorus)

Alex Cecil really knows just how to swing
He can make a party out of anything
And when the drinks are served
We dare you to test your nerve
And remind him that Freesia is the king

(Chorus)

Oh Folkestone has a goddess named Brenda,
The way she answers you may well offend ya.
Though Kurt will get it done-
Brenda's way is much more fun!
She'll piddle on your hand and off she'll send ya!
(Chorus)

In Chimeron there is a house of ill repute
Though its ownership is oft under dispute
You can stay there for the night
But don't you cause a fight
Or you'll be outside in your birthday suit
(Chorus)

Eldritch is a knight of renown
His flaming shots are known throughout the town
Some may call him old
But in tourneys he takes the gold
Really, that old guy should just sit down
(Chorus)

The Northern Alliance is wild
Their furs and leathers are impeccably styled
If you want fashion with a bite
Rove to their campfire by night
Those folks are anything but mild
(Chorus)

Sir Vawn is the whitest of knights
His armor, it shines so bright
He's saving damsels fair
With his flowing hero hair
You'll see him even on the darkest of nights(Chorus x2)

The 12 Hats of Cecils Photos by Jesse Gifford

In honor of this special tradition, here are my personal pick for the pictures that best showcase this tradition. It could easily have been the 30 or even 40 hats of Cecils!!