This custom Wordle-adjacent-puzzle features a 5-letter word that is particularly relevant to the Realms.
If the embedded page isn't working below you can click this link to get to the puzzle.
Like regular Wordle you can copy your result's (but only if you follow the link), so paste them or a screenshot onto social media to let us know how you did. But no spoilers!
IC (Aiden Penclaw)
The sound of the anvil had begun to make Aiden's ears ring. It had been one year since he hid the dream forge and escaped being fae touched again. A bead of sweat ran down his cheek as he could feel it calling again. Word had traveled of Makhta's plight between all corners of the realm. Things were getting worse and even the fires of the forge showed Aiden visions of a terrible possibility at hand. If action wasn't taken soon the friend he had made the last two years would burn in a gristly death saved for those of vampiric blood. Weapons of silver and every magic trick and trap packed, he looked back at his forbidden traps in the corner. Various supplies that once deterred fae were being left behind to make room for what comes ahead. With a long breath Aiden mounts his horse for the trip from Tarngire within Invictus. Making his way back towards the forge to meet up with Omri, Ryu, and several more to find what can be done to prevent fate. He whispers under his breath- "If not for our friends then why else-" Aiden begins his trip.
OOC (Arthur Granger)
Do you enjoy questing events? Looking for an event that could lead to changes that affect your character for years to come? Maybe you're a newbie looking to learn more about the travelers and groups of the realm you run into along the path. Come along and join this weekend in a plot that heavily features a friend we all know at this point and be a part of seeing this story's progression. Maybe a few curveballs might be thrown our way as those new to adventuring will learn. Dreams can turn into nightmares in a world where logic might not be the only answer. All in all a fun weekend and I look forward to it!
by: Sky "Raindrop" Rubenstein
IC:
Friends, Heroes of the Realms, Comrades in Arms,
One of our own is in danger. I don’t know about you, but I grew up hearing tales of Makhta’s heroism and prowess. And my experience is that she lives up to her reputation. I have been honored and delighted to get to know her these past few years, and fight at her side. Now, she is in danger. Cursed by vampirism that has been getting worse and worse, I have watched her struggle with her own darkness, and to find her path. Now her life, fate, and heart lie in our hands. To save her or lose her forever. I am proud I get to fight for my friend. My warlord. I will not let her lose herself to the Darkness forever. Please, I encourage those who are able to join us in this fight. Help us keep our friend safe, and find peace with herself, and harmony.
Dame Magus Raindrop Storm
Knight Protector of Faerie
Magus of the Realms
OOC:
I had the pleasure to play with Randy at Intercon this past year, and he is an incredible storyteller. I have heard some of what he has planned for mechanics this year, and I think that this event is going to be a phenomenal one with some innovative storytelling techniques. Beth Tozier is an incredible storyteller and friend as well, and I always enjoy getting to play with her, both player-to-player and player-to-npc. And then you bring Sean V into the mix, one of the minds that brought us Bedlam, and an amazing storyteller and NPC, one of the best out there, and someone who always plays an excellent villain. Then adding in Kelly Bonci, one of my good friends and a delightful person who has always played incredible characters, and done a great job bringing characters to life, and Kathy Fey’s experience, storytelling, and roleplaying acumen, this is shaping up to be an incredible event. They’ve really worked hard to weave in character stories, as well as personal plots and storylines, and I am so thrilled to see what this brings.
Come prepared to roll with the punches, improv, and play hard. I think this is going to be a good one.
Sky Rubenstein
by: Tucker "Temorse" Noyes
I’ve been to many Blackwood Tournaments, but this year was a special one. This year followed the previous years' format, and I was just as much of a fan this year as last year. The weekend saw a great deal to enjoy: fierce competition, new and innovative tournaments, ridiculous games, delicious food, and very hot weather. It was a joy to see a broad swath of the community gather and celebrate each others' victories throughout the weekend.
Friday night saw the return of the Fated Arena, although this was my first experience with it. Around twenty intrepid adventurers, from seasoned veterans to greenhorns seeking to make a name for themselves were dispersed around the area in the dark of night, all seeking to survive the arena’s hazards and their fellow adventurers for as long as possible with a limited number of lives. A variety of strategies were implemented, from scaling buildings to hiding caches of equipment, from fighting monsters to starting a new career as a weapons merchant. Eventually there could be only one, with Killian being the only one to survive to the very end, with only a single life remaining.
On Saturday we began with a more traditional set of tournaments with a mix of increasingly interesting ones as the day went on. The field of the competitors was quite a diverse one. Maybe I’m just getting older, but I felt challenged in every single fight throughout the day, both for the more silly ones and for the more competitive ones. Watching the fights was almost as much fun as competing in them. The fish slappery tournament stood out as one of the more fun ones to watch, and I am always partial to a bog-standard sword and shield tournament, despite being eliminated in round one. We were graced with some delicious and refreshing snacks from the kitchen during this time, which was a welcome boon in the heat of the day.
There were also some things happening throughout the day that I missed. Some purple dragon folks showed up to cause some trouble. Makhta engaged in some vampire antics. The Nemesis Wraiths showed up for some more fighting for those who hadn’t gotten enough yet. There were also some dungeon-like tournaments: the rogues dungeon, alchemist dungeon, and a scavenger hunt challenge from what I heard. While I didn’t participate in those, I heard many, many good things.
Following a long hot day of fighting was a short court, dinner, games, and general revelry. I unexpectedly missed court, but from what I learned various individuals were honored with Blackwood Scales, a warrior from Blackwood East was knighted, squires were taken, and nations were joined. Shortly after this, a delicious meal was served and a night of games and revelry began. The revelry started with the premier of the Blackwood Drag Show. The performers were enthusiastic and entertaining, and the show was a success. There was gambling to be had, as well as the social deduction of Dark Deeds and the improved stylings of the Bard Bellows games to enjoy. There was also a special edition of Nay Poxy Knave, where I graciously allowed the joint forces of the Realms to defeat me, allowing some group catharsis after the devastation that occurred at Pressure Point. The merriment lasted well into the wee hours of the morning for those who were up for it.
Sunday saw the tournaments continue and wrap up. The Goblin Hoards tournament was as unexpected as it was enjoyable. The Epic Swings tournament was its own…unique form of entertainment with an eclectic set of styles from its participants. Perhaps, as some would argue, the climax of the event was the hot dog eating contest. Never before have I seen a feasting tournament involve so much cleverness, treachery, and intestinal fortitude as we watched Jasper absolutely devour a quintet of franks. In the end he both literally and figuratively stood, be-glizziled, head and shoulders above his competition, finishing in less than half the time of his competitors.
At the end of the day the points were totaled and we all gathered to hear the results. While I’m sure a full list of winners may be published, the three main honorifics were Slayer, Skald, and Archmage. In the end, Shandar took the title of Slayer, Killian took the title of Archmage and Grindin took the title of Skald. Congratulations to those two, and all those others who showered themselves in glory throughout the weekend.
In full, I look forward to the tournaments next year. It is always a great pleasure to enjoy the rigorous competition and strengthen the social bonds with my fellow Realmsonian.
Temorse
Without context or attribution, here are some quotes heard at Pressure Point 4 this past weekend:
"We're going ham wild"
"Just unhinge your jaw like a snake"
"What's the fantasy equivalent of a barn? Isn't that just a barn?"
"Thank you to the chorus of men for educating me about esophagus size."
"Do the Irish know about this?"
"Why does he have a bag of concrete?"
"We're just talking about two birds!"
"I really could use a carrot about now."
"You were too kind to us, our team doesn't do well with praise!"
"Where does the mouth anus go?"
"It's like vanilla pudding but more ocean-y"
"Why is everything out here sticky?"
"They turned it into a sexual thing and it really made them focus."
"Everything here is thick and dry."
"I will kick a marshal."
"It really puts the jerk in jerky."
"Can't keep a good rock down."
"If you hand me a cucumber I'll turn it into a pickle."
"That doesn't exist."
"Rage through it!"
"We might have to hard jerk it."
"Are you also done raw dogging it?"
"What are your pronouns, I want to murder you."
"I will tackle you on concrete."
"I'll give you the kinky ones, Jack."
