Thursday, May 31, 2012

10 Questions- Joe "Sean Angus" Fantasia

Joe "Sean Angus" Fantasia


Photo by Angela Gray
How long have you been playing?
Since 1981 , back when it was called The Game.

How has the game changed since you've been playing? 
Just about everything has changed. We had no magic system to speak of at the beginning. Knights coins could raise dead pc's, as could certain npc's and of course rez points. Archers fought with wooden shaft arrows,  night quests were unheard of, and nobody could afford armor.
Who have you learned the most from?
Early on it was Tom Cook of Midrealm. He was a military tactician, born leader and plot master rolled into one. He also represented to me what a knight should be. Later on it would be Jarrod Marshall and Andy Disbrow.
What was your best moment IC?
I've played for so long I've had a few. In no particular order, being knighted at Midrealm, becoming Captain of the Guard at Rrachchllyn, winning champion at TOC 1, as Duke of Hiedenkries bringing Pj, Ray and Darrell into the game and seeing them succeed, becoming Knight Commander of the Blue Rose, and being inducted into Folkestone.(although my best years are still to come ;)

What was your best moment as a NPC/EH/Player?
Helping throw Folkestone Questing and the Rrachchllyn water wars, some of  my best events ever.

What would you like to see changed or developed more in game?
Photo by Casey Lemay
I guess better roleplaying when it comes to npc's and improving npc costuming. Npc's are key to throwing a quality event. EH's can brainstorm all they want, but without an experienced staff who know how to ensure PC involvement and enjoyment, players will feel left out and then their level of fun drops off.

What advice would you give new players?
Take a good look around and then join something, whether it is a nation, order, guild, church or whatever. This is a great way to experience the game, but most importantly Have Fun. And of course GO TO PRACTICE!!

What do you love most about the game?
Anyone can throw events, put in their ideas and influence the evolution of our game. I've seen a few different game systems over the years and I feel ours is still the best.

Who would you like to see the next interview be with?
Finally an easy one, That would be Jarrod

Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?
Sometimes the realms takes over real life and it's important to keep perspective. Always remember this is a form of escapeism, albeit a good one. That being said, this game has been one of the greater joys in my life and I'm glad I had the opportunity to be here. I've had good times and bad , but I've made some real friends and had the chance to play at western martial combat. It's like being an MLB player ( minus the paycheck ;)

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Ode to the Shadow King by Dano "Piper" Knobel

Hear ye!  Hear ye!  And hail the new crowned King!
Fame and glory to the Shadow Lands, this paragon will bring.
He was born a natural leader, you can see it in his eyes,
So it's only right and just and fair that to power he should rise.
As a brilliant-minded thinker, he shan't lead the Realms astray,
For his intellect is commendable, and all nay-sayers he shall sway.
He's the leader of the charge and takes progress by the reins,
and companionship and comradery from everyone he gains.
A most fearsome foe in battle, watch him parry and riposte,
A distinctly interesting fighting style: for thrusting he enjoys most.
You'll never see him donned in armor, for he's stylish and unique,
For who could bob and weave in steel? Oh, and armor's for the weak.
So come and hail this mighty King, come and join the crowd,
For Jonas! - yes, the Shadow King! - and make the Realms feel proud.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Why I Want to Go- A Trilogy of Darkness


A Trilogy of Darkness
June 2, 2012 (Saturday 12pm) - June 2, 2012 (Saturday 6pm)

[Disclaimer: The author of this article is a member of the staff for this event.]

This Convergences style event provides 4 different quests for players to attend. You'll have to NPC at least one of them. They will provide a variety of different opportunities to keep the Realms safe, including ending some long ongoing threats that have plagued the Realms for years. This event is a high quest event wherein thought and those with skill in magic and combat will be needed to succeed. This is also a nice change of pace from the two tourney events that fall before and after this weekend.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Question of the Week - 42

Do you use in-character currency? Do you think it has value?


Friday, May 25, 2012

Grimloch Tribune


The Grimloch Tribune
By Callahan “Syruss” Marsden

LEAD STORY: Dog no more.

Grimloch would like to take the time to welcome its newest member to the line, William. William is in the graduating class of ‘12’ with the likes of Admiral T Main. William first burst onto our radars as a member of Airland, venturing through the lands of Grimloch during one of the Grimloch quests to rid the land of some of the undead. He had a natural talent for stomping out undead and his fighting prowess was strong, unrefined, yet strong and eager to grow.

William ran his initiate gauntlet last year at the gathering of ‘Green and Gold’ he met the challenge of the gauntlet killing but a few members of Grimloch. There was a spark shown however as he fought, this spark was telling the tail of the warrior he was destined to become.

Many members of Grimloch took the time to show the young warrior tips and tricks of the blade. William remained self-motivated wanting to become the best the land has ever seen. Over the year he was challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally. But time and time again he dusted himself off and rose to the challenge.

365 days came and went and it was time for the dog of Grimloch to face his final test. Grimloch set up their court and all the members lined up in order of both rank and entrance to the group, they awaited the challenge to come.


Photo by Casey Lemay

Warlord Jaha stood next to his equal Warlord Blade to his right was Empress Katasha.
Next in the line on the left side was Warmarch Sir Guilliam Across from him was First Warrior Sir Rohde, next down the line was Priest Syruss and across from him stood Sir Rillian. Continuing down the line on the left was Vuel and across from him was XT, then went Theddy across from Grotty 2 hotty. Last in the line today stood Admiral T Mane waiting to be the first one to take this dog out.

The dog William stood with a determined look in his eye ready to meet his elders in the truest test of combat, ready to remove the cowl of underling and dawn the mantle of peer.

Swords clashed, steel met shield, bone and flesh. As the dust settled William stood victorious over six of Grimloch’s finest.

Warlord Jaha met him at the end of the Grimloch fighting tunnel with tabard in hand, instructed William to kneel; and with the first order you receive as a member “Never let these colors hit the ground” William rose an A member, he passed the test and is reaping the rewards.

So congratulations to William OF GRIMLOCH

Who will be the next to pass the test, will it be you?


A CALL FOR AID: Akakios’s troops force local villages into hiding.

It is sad news that I, Theddy Quill, bring to you today from the undead battlefields known as Grimloch.  Akakios has been busy over the course of a year, re-capturing many liberated villages and thus undoing the good work the adventurers of the realm have put forth.

The T.H.U.G.S first took notice that Akakios’s undead force was growing in number when a routine visit to Thistle Grove almost turned into the T.H.U.G.S tomb.

Rohde, Syruss, Dell, and CENSORED were on a routine check in Thistle Grove when the hairs on the back of Dells neck began to stand on end.

Dell: Something doesn’t feel right here. Where are all the people?
Syruss: He is right there are only about half the people here that should be.
Rohde:  LOOK OUT!!!!

With out warning an old hag appeared before them hurling spells in every direction.

The Witch: Fools you should have never come here, arise my pets ARISE IN THE NAME OF AKAKIOS, PROTECT THE SLEEPING MASTERS!!!!!!

All of a sudden the ground started to shake like an old carriage racing along on a bumpy dirt road. The few citizens that were bumbling around town turn towards their hag master with eyes glowing red.  Rotten arms started to sprout from the dirt grasping at anything in their general reach.

“GRIMLOCH FORM UP!” First Warrior Sir Rohde screamed.

The four started cutting undead one by one making their way to the hag that commanded them.

The red-eyed villagers slowly staggered their way over towards the fight. Dell extended his hands and started chanting “
immortui non reditum ad vitam immortui hoc maledictionem confringam levare vos contentio” (roughly translates to; undead no more return to life undead this curse I break relieve you from your strife)
With those magic words the red eyes slowly started to turn blue, then back to their individual normal shades. The villagers started to scream and make their way back to their homes.

“Dell don’t worry about the F*@cking villagers now, we will send a cleaning crew once this area is secure get your head in the game.” CENSORED SHOUTED

As he was shouting a blast of green light exploded all around him and all could see his soul escape through his mouth ears and eyes until he fell on the ground motionless.
“CESNORED IS DOWN” Rohde screamed as he hacked through four more of the undead.

Rohde fought his way over to CENSORED, hacking through body parts like a farmer wades through wheat during a harvest.
“There is too many to take back this village now we need to retreat and get the rest of Grimloch” Sir Rohde commanded. “We need to **blergah, gurgle gurgle** Rohde’s words were cut short by an undead knife through the back of his neck and out the front of his throat.  
Magically the wound started to heal, but Rohde still lay motionless on the ground.

“The first warriors last orders where to retreat and regroup, first we need to get Rohde and CENSORED out of here!” Syruss shouted.

The two bravely fought their way to their fallen comrades. Dismembering and bludgeoning all undead in their path making sure none will rise again.

“SYRUSS I’M SLAIN.”  Dell shouted as he fell to the ground. “Syruss’s blue belt began to glow bright, as he threw Dell over his shoulder with ease. His strides seemed stronger and quicker than before, slashing undead with his free hand making his way to Rohde and CENSORED with Dell in tow.
Suddenly a load gasp for air and a scream “I’M BACK” Rohde shouted as he leaped to his feet and started fending off the dead that started to make a meal out of CENSORED.

Rohde started dragging CENSORED towards Syruss and Dell but was still a ways off.
***WOOOOOSH…SCHPLUNK**** out of now where came a trident with T.H.U.G.S carved into the side, sticking it two undead’s skulls that where quietly approaching Syruss.

“I hope you guys don’t mind I borrowed a few of these!” Said a very welcomed XT. Quickly guys get these two on the horses and let’s get out of here.” XT shouted.

XT had come in the nick of time, with horses and welcomed potions of raise dead from Yimmit’s apocathary.

XT’s quick thinking and deadly aim saved the T.H.U.G.S agents this day, and allowed Grimloch time to defend a boarder around the town.

XT was promoted to rank of T.H.U.G.S agent by Warlord Jaha for his actions on the field and his continued support against the undead blight.

BREAKING NEWS: Dr. Thaddeus of Westwood Claims he has a cure in the works for the half undead plague that has been sweeping Grimloch.

If you have travelled the lands of Grimloch and witnessed these hideously deformed creatures with half rotted faces and thought “My god how can we helps these poor bastards?” Then I have excellent news, Dr. Thaddeus claims he has been working on a cure and it is in its final testing stages.

Our very own Vuel was once infected with this blight, but during a trip to Westwood to campaign for the upcoming election of Mayor of the Westies a chemical spill infected Vuel and his undead infliction started to peel off like dead skin. Dr. Thaddeus has been tirelessly trying to recreate the accident so that others can be saved from the impending doom this virus spreads.
Late last night the doctor reports that he was able to rid the disease from one of the Undead Kobolds in Grimloch, and is now ready for human testing.

We will keep you posted with any breaking news regarding the potential cure.

Grim Gear gearing up for upcoming Tournaments of Creathorne  

Grim Gear owner and entrepreneur Sir Guilliam Warmarch of Grimloch has been putting his nose to the grind to shell out some excellent weapons and wares.

He will be setting up in Creathorne this weekend and he will have a plethora of weapons and armor to sell to combatants who finds them self short a single short.

He will have standard armor and weapons but will be able to take custom orders if the shop isn’t carrying exactly what you are look for. With Guilliam’s motto of “if we don’t have we can make it” you are guaranteed to leave a satisfied customer.

So if you haven’t had the chance to see the fine products that this store produces then do yourself a favor and head to Tournaments of Creathorne this weekend and bring all of your gold to us.   


Well that's it for this issue I am Theddy Quill reporting the facts, the whole facts, and nothing but the facts. Stay safe see you next week

What You Missed - Green & Gold XIV


Photo by Robyn C Nielsen - 2012



Photo by Stephanie Crittenden - 2012
Photo by Casey Lemay - 2012
Photo by Casey Lemay - 2012

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Fresh Faces- Samuel "Ezra" Teatum

Photo by Dusty Cyr
How did you learn about Realms?
I was introduced to the Realms through SMAS, the LARPing Club at WPI, where I am a freshman.

How many event have you been to?
Five so far. The Black and White was my first, then Joys of Youth 2, Rock and Roll, What Lurks Beneath III, and Childrak’s Secret Lab.

Have you ever LARP’ed before? If so tell us about it?
Nope! I had always wanted to, but never got the opportunity until I went to WPI and decided to check out SMAS on a whim. And I was hooked!

What is your character like? Where are they from? What is their race?What is important to them?
Ok, so Ezra Chandler is a human seer without any control of his powers. He just started getting these uncontrollable visions when he was, uh, let’s say 13 years old. Anyway, he was young enough to not know to keep his mouth shut about them, and since he lived in a very small, geographically isolated village, he was accused of being a demon by the village elder, and had to flee for his life. And now, six years later, he’s hanging around with the Chimeron Militia and trying to figure out where his powers come from and how to control them.

What do you remember most about your first event?
Well, It was the Black and White, and Blue had appeared near the tournament field. Eventually a clueless newbie (like me!) picked it up, nature took its course, and Blue ended up smack-dab in the middle of the tournament field. So in the next game we have on the field, someone (I think it was Kahlenar) dashes out, grabs Blue, and runs screaming at the other team’s line. He kill a few, drops, and suddenly we have Blue rampaging through the enemy lines. Hilarity ensues. Oh, and seeing court held was pretty incredible too, but that isn’t as great an anecdote.

What things have helped to make you feel welcome in game?
Photo by Angela Gray
The people! Almost everyone I’ve met has been really welcoming, and incredibly tolerant of my newbie-ness. Also, having a group to belong to right off the bat(the Chimeron Militia) has helped a lot.

What parts of the game do you find most challenging?
I’m not exactly the best fighter in the world. Really need to work on that “not dying” thing I keep hearing about.

Do you have any game related goals (as either a player or character)?
Ezra, at the moment, just wants to figure out why he keeps getting these visions and how to control them. I just want to learn how to be a better player in general right now.

What advice would you give other new players?
Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions! You’re going to need to know the answers eventually anyway.

What have you enjoyed most about the game so far?
Hmm… that’s a tough one. Maybe the fun I’m having figuring out and developing my character. Maybe the fighting. Maybe all the friends I’ve made. Maybe all of the above.

Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?
Thanks to everyone who’s been so welcoming of my fellow newbies and me! You guys are great.

What You Missed - The Crowning of the Shadowking

Photo by Robyn C Nielsen - 2012
Photo by Robyn C Nielsen - 2012


Photo by Robyn C Nielsen - 2012
Photo by Casey Lemay - 2012

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Book of Moons - Chapter 2


Chapter 2: Wooden Beams and Human Dreams
“...Wooden beams and human dreams are all that makes her go
And the magic of the wind upon her sails
She'd rather fight the weather than the fishes down below
God help us if the rigging ever fails
As the timber creaks, the captain speaks above the vessel's groan
'Til every soul on board can hear the call
It's nothing but the singing of the ship inside her bones
And this is when she like it best of all...”
        - Old sea shanty from the land of Quetzal



Greetings, heroes of the Realms,

Project Bookwalker is now fully operational. Agents manning the Oracular Engine have found the endpoint of the Bedlam incursion that reaches across Oblivion - a plane named Quetzal. Chances of a Bedlam seed being present are estimated at over ninety percent. If we do not act, we are looking at another loss like World Horizon. The Quetzal infection is younger, however, and we stand a real chance of saving that plane from annihilation.

Things may not be quite so simple, however.

All three metaphysical waveform analyzers I have sent through the Book of Moons have returned no data. This suggests, and agent reports confirm, that we are looking at visiting a world where the physical laws are very different from our own.

We have only been able to lock the Oracular Engine's causality interpretation matrix onto one point in Quetzal, a city named Ropa del Tajo on the coast of the nation of Esperanza. This city is at least a thousand leagues from the site of the expected incursion, and an ocean lies in between.

You will need to sail across the ocean and try to find evidence of the Bedlam incursion. I will provide you with a Causal Absolute, a sort of homing beacon for the Oracular Engine to lock onto for future expeditions to Quetzal. I will have a few tools, as well as some last-minute training to give you in my lab before you cross through the Book of Moons.

I have enclosed several documents detailing the differences between our world and Quetzal. You will want to familiarize yourself with these before I bring you to my lab.


Light shine upon us,
Samuel Cowperthwaite
Wellman


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Why I Want to Go- TOC 19


TOC 19 : Where is Vault 13?
May 25, 2012 (Friday 12pm) - May 28, 2012 (Monday 12pm)

This is an epic Realms event that has been ongoing for a very long time. The Tourneys of Creathorne is one of the mainstays and centerpieces of the eventing season. And for good reason. It is an event full of content. Lots of tourneys, lots of tavern games, lots of food, lots of partying...lots of fun. Honestly, you will need to take a look at the event write-up to get a sense of how much will be going on. You will notice this event is being run over Memorial Day weekend. That means the event will be running for 4 solid days. This is an excellent opportunity to completely leave the real world behind and immerse yourself in 4 days of eventing.

This site has been used for years and has essentially been customized for eventing. There are no mundanes to worry about so people can play without looking over their shoulders. The event staff is opening up an old questing trail not used in years so there will be some new terrain to quest through. Note that are some things that will require some prep if you want to participate. Some of the tavern games, such as Magic the Gathering will require you to bring your own cards, as well as a dessert baking contest. Also, several tourneys will be included in this year's Order of the List rankings so this is another opportunity to score some points.