Why I Want to Go- Feast of Winter's Twilight II

Feast of Winter's Twilight II
March 4, 2012 (Sunday 12pm) - March 4, 2012 (Sunday 6pm)

This feast is well-known for having excellent food and is a highlight of the feast season. It is plated which means you do not have to bring your feast gear but will instead be able to enjoy a more elegant setting. This event is an excellent opportunity to role-play and socialize before we start entering the full quest and tourney season. This event is capped at 40 people so check and make sure there are still some spots left before sending any money in or making plans to attend.

Of particular interest is that with a paid pre-reg for this event you are allowed to get into the event the day before this one, Twilight's Dawn, for free. However, at this late date check to make sure there is still room for that event as well. Be aware that the two events are on separate sites and there are no accommodations for an overnight stay.

Why I Want to Go- Twilight's Dawn: S.o.S.

Twilight's Dawn: S.o.S. Rise of the Ranelek

March 3, 2012 (Saturday 12pm) - March 3, 2012 (Saturday 7pm)

[Disclaimer: The author of this article is related to the eventholder.]

This is an opportunity to diminish the power of an enemy of the Realms, Malchior. The event promises to be surreal as it involves traveling through a mind and becoming involved in a literal battle of wills. What will the heroes of the Realms face? Almost anything can happen when you enter the world of thoughts so expect to deal with the unusual. It should make for a unique questing experience fraught with peril.

There are quite a few stipulations for the event that need to be considered before heading there. First is that the eventholder needs to know who is attending and needs to know by the end of today (Feb 28th). There is also a series of questions that need to be filled out and sent in, likely for a more customized rpg experience, including how your character interacts with the Dreaming. Finally, being on time for the start of the event is important.

Of interest is that the cost of this event is FREE, if you have pre-regged and paid for the event being held the next day on Sunday, Feast of Winter's Twilight II. Keep in mind that you will still need to fulfill all of the stipulations for this event even if you have pre-regged and paid for the Sunday event. In addition, you can still attend this event even if you are not attending Sunday's event, but then the cost goes up to $10.

Question of the Week - 29

What do you think of humor as set up by eventholders at events; silly NPCs, joke encounters, etc?

The Grimloch Tribune

Huntress Guild Practice Interrupted by Nocturnal Nuisances.

Kyntela from the Huntress Guild excitedly reported to Grimloch to help set up a Huntress Guild practice to help the women of Grimloch hone their skills and combat the undead plague.

Upon arriving she was flat-lined to find out not one of the women there had a pulse. It appears the female Succubi of Grimloch all wanted to know how to combat the "Grimloch Plague" wiping out the natural Undead. 

Kyntela not being racist and accepting all women to practice with the Huntress Guild was more than happy to show her "new students" what she has learned since the practices started. She did this by beating all of her pulse-less pupils into the ground....Literally.

Super Sleuths Stop Slime Monster from Sludging up the Fudge.   

Super Sleuths Jaha and Syruss once again loaded up The Conundrum Caravan to solve a mystery plaguing the people of Thistle Grove.

Two Residents (Mr. Johanson age 42 and Mrs. Johanson age NOT POLITE TO LIST) melted unexplicably late last week leaving the town in fear and with out baked goods. It was reported that the proprietors of the Flour Seasons Bakery melted away after claiming to have made a discovery on how to  make a fudge that helps loose weight, prolong life, and guaranteed to be THE BEST FUDGE EVER.

Shortly afterwards a sludge Monster started attacking the town, driving away any villagers who attempted to investigate.  After some fine detective work from Warlord Jaha he noticed the slime trail being left behind was less than supernatural and more super delicious.  The detectives followed the trail of tasty treat back to a warehouse where the local bakers kept most of their coco crop as well as other dried goods.

After an absurdly ridiculous chase scene through an oddly designed corridor of connecting doors the monster finally followed the two to their trap. Upon opening the final door which dropped dozens of poorly rigged buckets of water on the monster; the slime soon dissolved away revealing Local cook Chef Badboyishe.

He claimed he wanted the Flour Season Fudge recipe so that he could become rich and famous throughout the land. Jaha was quoted as saying, “While theft and kidnapping may seem like a fast way to make coin, there are certainly easier ways for you to make dough.”

DEAR ROHODEY a Kind and Gentle Advice Column featuring your favorite caring man himself Sir Rohde.

DEAR ROHODEY: I work in an office with more than 30 employees. Two weeks ago an envelope was sent around seeking our mandatory contributions to give gifts to the leader of the office “to show our appreciation.”

I was always taught one never “gifts up” the chain of command. I show my appreciation each day by being a good employee. Am I wrong? – BLACKMAILED

Dear BLACKMAILED:

Or should I say, Dear VUEL?

That’s right, Vuel. I’d heard it was you that was bellyaching. I hear everything, Vuel.

Plus, I could tell from the card. Everyone else jotted down some nice words like “Thanks for everything” (Rillan Kaiser), “You complete me” (XT) or “Exactly how long are you going to hold this grudge?” (Biggs). But you just signed your name, Vuel.

I bet you didn’t even chip in for the bottle of Brut 33. You sicken me.

What You Missed - Childrak's Secret Lab

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2012

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2012

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2012

Winner of the KoEF Tournament '12 Story Contest

Today we have the winner of the Knights of the Eternal Flame Tournament '12 Story contest. I was amazed by the effort that must have gone into the story and the final result. Impressive.
Congratulations on winning this year's story contest...The Hunt of the Blasobeast by Tucker "Temorse" Noyes.

The story is fairly long and starts after the break...

A Fighting Chance - The Waking Child by Leanne "Faelinn" Hoffman

Welcome to "A Fighting Chance".  This article series is dedicated to various threats of Realms and how you can become involved.

Threat: The Waking Child
Plot Masters: Leanne Hoffman, Aaron Metzger
Plot Start: 2006

What is the Waking Child?  The Waking Child is suspected to be a demon who has subverted Luna’s avatar and corrupted a race of elves.  These elven cultists worship twisted versions of the gods and go to fanatical length to enforce their beliefs to “save” others from their follies.

The Monsters:
“Luna - Our patron and divine guide. Just as the moon changes, so must we. As you push yourself to change, so must we. To this we commit our flesh as canvas. We shall change and grow stronger. “ - Prayers of the misguided

A majority of the cultists that are encountered are High Elves or human converts (garbed as peasants and elves).  Simple farming folk have been forced to join the cause of spreading the false faith of the elves, many of them at sword point.  The human and elven cultists are varied in their abilities to work minor magics (Healing and Channeling). The bulk of cultists encountered are martial fighters employing the use of all weapons and light armor.

Mixed within the rank and often overseeing the cultists are demons (called “Guardians” by the elves, garbed with demon masks).  They are hard to kill and wield both great martial power (great weapons) and magic (“Shockwave” ability that knocks back opponents).

Some higher ranked cultists and priests of the corrupted elves send undead to do their work (white tabards, white make-up or undead masks).  They are not the slow, lumbering dead some have seen, but a faster, mindless enemy intent on their path.  Some of these have been resistant to magic (a use of “Resist magic”) but they are very rare.

Equipment:
Think you're ready to do battle with some demon-controlled elves?  You might need a few things first...

The Guardian Demons of the elves have shown to have acquired weapon immunities and need to be killed three times before they truly die.  A variety of normal weapons (axes, maces) as well as special weapons (silver, magic) will be very useful.  If a Guardian is first hit with a magic weapon it can only be killed by magic weapons.  It will regenerate and a shock-wave (mentioned above) will rejuvenate it.  Now immune to magic weapon, other types will need to be gathered to kill it.

The undead you may encounter are easy to kill, but they tend to swarm.  Make sure your armor is repaired and keep them at a distance with a great weapon or a longsword.

The High Priests are constantly creating new creatures to please the Waking Child and their leader, the rogue Avatar of Luna.  Strange and terrible monsters made out of nightmares are often lurking in the shadows and waiting.  Bring some light because more often than not, there is something hiding in the dark waiting to catch you unaware.

Tactics:
Stealth is one way to get the drop on the cultists.  A single cultist could control a large group of undead.  If you can avoid the nightmare monsters lurking in the dark, you may be able to take out the leader if you are lucky.

Larger demons and constructs require teamwork to take down.  Work together and look for a pattern to combat these foes.   When a Guardian Demon is killed make sure you are ready for it to regenerate and prepare for a shock-wave.  If you’re not careful you might be knocked into a less defensible area.

True servants of the gods might have some insight to what the cultists are subverting.  Keep an eye out for religious pictures, text, or objects.


Who to talk to:

Want to know more?  There are a few people who are at the forefront of this threat.  Try to catch them at feasts or via missives.  Good people to talk to are Iawen Penn of Coventry, Rorin Akanar and Gryfinn DarkWillow of Kalithnos, and Janus Kil’tra of Rua Thar Cinn.  The Library of Ivory also a sparse supply of information about this threat.  Any new information should be shared as it becomes available.

Do you have a threat you want to see covered?  Let me know, so we can give other people a fighting chance.

Question of the Week - 28

What do you think of plotlines or events based off of specific books or movies?

Blast From the Past - Part 4

Over the next few weeks, the Blast From the Past will be showcasing some interesting tidbits graciously scanned by Janna "Iawen" Oakfellow-Pushee. This is a look back at what our game was like "back in the day". Today we have a letter from Taithan, King of Verai, to Prince Morgil.

The Grimloch Tribune

Police arrest Theddy Quill after he allegedly punches Dell lone Seer of Grimloch during anger management class

A Grimloch soldier was arrested after allegedly punching his friend in the face during her anger management class, SYRUSS reports.

Theddy Quill, 28, of Grimloch, was taking the class due to the increasing fights the dynamic duo were causing in bars, when witnesses say he punched his friend several times in

the face and body.

Rillian, the anger management counselor apparently witnessed the incident then reported it to police and Seer Protective Services.

Mr. Quill, who is charged with fourth-degree assault had this to say, “I was drunk, we were only in the class because of him, and frankly he should have seen it coming!”

The Cutting Trend

Local Hipsters, trend setters, and Cool guy aficionados Grot and XT are making a break into the fashion and nightclub scene. They are releasing a clothing line called "Extremely Grotty" with collared chain mail shirts and armor grade Fedoras. They are quoted saying “we are putting the Great in GEAR! You know if you move the “R” around and add a “T”.

With Grots bold add more thick link chains to everything policy and XT’s revolutionary add your initials to your pants, they got this reporter saying “If its not Grot its not Hot.”

Warlord Jaha and his T.H.U.G.S (Terrors, Horrors, Undead, and Ghouls Squad)Bust Four Underage Vampires in a Blood Trafficking Ring

Warlord Jaha continues his rampage to combat Necromancy in Grimloch. This time Warlord Jaha and His T.H.U.G.S (Sir Rhode, Sir CENSORED, and Priest Syruss) shut down a major blood trafficking ring in Compton, Grimloch.

Four vampires,two females and their two male bodyguards, have been engaging local delinquents willing to sell their blood for sex.

Warlord Jaha commented on the situation: “It is a shame to see so many misguided turn to the Dark Arts, but I swear this to the good people of Grimloch the undead problem will get under control.”

T.H.U.G.S soldier Sir Rhode had this to say: “ Vampires have been getting much bolder with attacks taking place in public and on sacred ground. We are doing our best to keep everyone’s blood safe. However citizens may want to look into keeping their plasma stored in some sort of blood bank.”

Well that’s it for this addition; I am investigative reporter Syruss signing off saying “Stay Classy Realms.”

What You Missed - Knights of the Eternal Flame Tournament '12

Photo by Casey Lemay-2012

Photo by Casey Lemay-2012

Photo by Casey Lemay-2012

Photo by Casey Lemay-2012

10 Questions - Dano "Piper" Knobel

Dano "Piper" Knobel

Photo by Jammer Omega - 2012

How long have you been playing?

My first event was North/South War 2010, so I'm going on three years.

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

Well, I saw the rise and - much appreciated - fall of the Skirmisher (it made us healers feel useless).  I also was there at the premier of the Bard's College, a faction that I anticipate will bring about a new age in terms of storytelling and performances.  Let the competitions begin!

Who have you learned the most from?

Honestly, this is a tough one.  So many people were eager to help a fresh face in the Realms that I can't really single out one person.

What was your best moment IC?

Queen of Hearts 2011, Bardic Competition.  I put myself out in front of everyone and sang from my heart.  The entire room went quiet and for a few minutes, all eyes were on me.  I heard that I even brought a tear to some eyes.  Afterwards, the sincere compliments I got just made me realize that this is what Piper was going to be known for.  Who needs a piccolo anyway?

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

As an NPC:  This was my most memorable moment in the Realms ever.  It was at Folkestone Questing 2010.  I was a voodoo dancer/chanter with Kelsie Fantasia and we literally danced the night away to a very obnoxious and repetitive voodoo chant.  I swear we were there for 4 hours just trying to entice people to dance with us.  The next day, we heard PC's chanting our chant during questing and my life was complete. 

As a Player:  Getting voted into Folkestone.  They're my family.
 

Photo by Anna Pearson

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

It would really make me giddy to see an IC ensemble of musicians emerge to perform at more than just one event per year.

What advice would you give new players?

Help out a complete stranger.  Before you know it, they could be your best friend.

What do you love most about the game?

The people.  Definitely the people.  They make a tight-knit community that is ready to jump into action to help someone out -- IC or not!  The people I met in the Realms make the experience so much better than I thought it ever could be.

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

Alexander Sokolowski or Janna Oakfellow-Pushee.

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

I was asked to compose a song for someone at Feast of Leviathon last month, but they never got back to me.  If anyone has information or wants to commission a piece, please, by all means shoot me an e-mail at dano.knobel@gmail.com.

Why I Want To Go- Childrak's Secret Lair

Childrak's Secret Lab
February 18, 2012 (Saturday 12pm) - February 18, 2012 (Sunday 6pm)

[Disclaimer: The author of this post is also the eventholder for the event.]

It is the goal of the eventholder and his diligent staff that this event will provide some questing goodness for everyone. We have tried to include plenty of fighting and a lot of thinking. There may come times when the characters will have to make some moral choices. The event will be player driven as much as possible, with the event staff reacting to the actions of the players. In the end, it is our goal to try and provide an "old-school" dungeon crawl (without any crawling), with some surprises along the way. And a lot of fun!

For those players ready to go at the start time of 12 noon, there will be an in-character perk to be given out, so it is advised that you show up at the start time. However, if you can't be there right away, you will still be able to join the group as they traverse an old dungeon.

Question of the Week - 27

What do you think of new combat calls? Do you like them as they add something extra to encounters? Or do you dislike them as they add too much confusion? Is there such a thing as too many new combat calls and if so, where would you draw the line?

The Grimloch Tribune

Local bust of known necromancer Dimitri Undeadbritches went down without incident. Warlord Jaha and three of his soldiers (Sir First Warrior Rohde, Sir Champion First Warrior CENSORED DUE TO COPYRIGHT, and Priest Syruss) breached the apartment in Thistle Grove where the perp was suspected to be staying; Dimitri claims innocence, however during the arrest Soldier Syruss found a small gold phylactery, Dimitri was quoted as saying “That’s not mine I am holding it for a fiend!”

Right now he is being charged with conspiracy to commit Necromancy, Possession of a Necromantic Item, and resisting a staking.

Members of the Order of the List are gearing up for the upcoming season's stat collecting to determine the top sixteen fighters for their end of the year Invitational. The first tourney they are tracking is Knights of the Eternal Flame Tournament '12. If you would like to have your tourney count for points  please contact Warlord Jaha, Lord Temorse, Sir Rohde, or CENSORED.

The Grimloch banana famine has started to drive the locals of POTA ape sh*t crazy. They are noted to be acting overly aggressive and hostile. Any locals living on the outskirts of the area are advised to “split” before things start really getting bananas.

For the past several weeks Sir Mestoph and Syruss have been seen gathering local ingredients and storing mass amount of various Ales. When asked to comment Mestoph had this to say: “Get that pen out of my face you idiot. You know why we are gathering these things! I guess worshiping the Dark One has left you Void of all your senses!”

Mestoph's vague answer and clear redirect of this question has this reporter asking: “ What are those two up to?"

Well that’s it for this addition; I am investigative reporter Syruss signing off saying “Stay Classy Realms.”

Eventholding: The Event Holder Meeting

You and the Event Holder Meeting

So you’ve thrown your first event and you are now eligible to attend your first Event Holder’s Meeting (EHM). What is it like? What can you expect? This article will let you know how to get the most from the Meeting.

Brutal- The EHM is brutal. Basically the meeting consists of hearing a person’s ideas (thoughts and opinions that they all think are great concepts) and then shooting holes in each of them. It is not for the thin-skinned and over-sensitive. And yet the methodology is a wonderful process for what it is meant to do- create the best LARP system. It is really hard for weak ideas or not completely thought out proposals to pass the muster of the EHM. The process of tearing apart a proposal means we either make it stronger or determine it is not strong enough to pass into our rule set. It is not a pretty or nice process, but it is highly effective.

The View From Vilehaven

Sir Callin in Rehab

As Reported by I. S. Noop

A spokesman for Folkestone has made a public announcement that Sir Callin will be entering a rehab facility to deal with a dependence on drugs.  He is scheduled to enter the Decion Clinic next Friday.

Speculation has begun to run rampant as to how long Callin has been addicted to drugs, but the spokesman has made the claim that Callin only has a slight dependence on painkillers.  It is claimed that he is going voluntarily and the stay is expected to be short.

Our reporter managed to contact Callin and got a few responses from the knight.  “You try wearing 50 pounds of armor everyday, not to mention carrying a shield and about six weapons all the time.  It begins to get to you.  I just started taking some painkillers to help out with the back pain.  That’s all, it’s no big deal.  Just leave me alone you bunch of hacks!” 

As this is Callin’s third trip into rehab, this reporter doubts true rehabilitation will occur, but we’ll keep you, the eager reader, posted.

Why I Want to Go- Knights of the Eternal Flame Tournament '12

Knights of the Eternal Flame Tournament '12
February 11, 2012 (Saturday 12pm) - February 11, 2012 (Sunday 6pm)

If you have ever gone to this event before, you know it has a tradition of constant tourneys all day long. As before there will be a variety of combat and non-combat tourneys for all to participate in. In addition, there will be a dungeon going all day long for small questing teams and the perennial bear pit for those in between tourneys. Even if none of tourneys interest you, there is still a lot to watch and enjoy. The event is usually a really good time for everyone. And at $5, the price is hard to beat.

A couple of the non-com tourneys require some prep work. For the Short Story Contest, you can submit the story by midnight tomorrow via email or by hand at the event. Also this year is the first of Radstar's Banner Challenge. This requires a banner made of some type of heraldry (see the event write-up for requirements) which will add to the ambiance of this and future events. The winner also gets free admission to next years event! In addition, this is the first event of the year with tourneys that qualify for the Order of the List standings. So, if you want to get a jump on everyone else you should come!

Question of the Week - 26

What do you think of "future" in the Realms; things like guns, computers and science?

The Grimloch Tribune

Local farmer's report that their current carrot harvest has been ravaged by a swarm of undead bunnies; there have been no reportings of said crops returning to life and feasting on neighboring farmers.

Local Grimloch Soldier Dygan who was patrolling the lands had this to say “Be very very quiet I’m hunting Wabbits.”

Local Business: Rohde and Syruss’s “Hump House and Bar” are having a special on their “performers”. Half off Tuesday’s are becoming quite the local treat. With the motto of "get them before they rot" Rohde and Syruss are looking to stir up some new clientele.

In other local business Grim Gear founder Sir Guilliam O’Bearikin has been producing some excellent equipment for the rest of the realms to purchase.  These tried and true weapons and armor have been tested daily in the lands of Grimloch to help combat the undead blight. Do yourself a favor, get some armor to cover your hide and get a weapon to defend that pride.

That’s it for this edition I’m your investigative reporter Syruss signing off “Stay Classy Realms.”

[This article was edited by the View Staff. Some content was removed.]

Players Meeting

This Saturday is the 2012 Players Meeting starting at 11am. This year the meeting is more important than ever. Currently there are only 2 proposals going to the Eventholders Meeting. Any other proposals going to the EH Meeting will come out of the Players Meeting. This means the players have a great say in what may or may not change the Realms in the coming year. So, show up and have your say.

Eventholding: Magic - Part 2

Eventholders and Magic

Teaching of Spells

When a player learns a new spell they have two options; to learn the spell from another character or from the event. In the latter case, this puts you in charge of teaching the player character the new spell. There are a few ways to approach this. One is to go over the basics of the spell and then give the character the spell.

Another way is to require a quest in order for the character to learn the spell. Often these are specialized quests that have some connection to the spell being learned. This approach has some positives and negatives. Some of the positives are: everyone likes to go on quests, it will be a more memorable experience, it adds to the overall feel of the game as other people witness the quest in progress. Some of the negatives are: some people just want the spell right away and would find a time-consuming quest annoying, creating specialized quests requires additional prep time, what do you do if they fail the quest.

Fallen by Carrie "Kree" Dolph