10 Questions - John "Dresh-ma Keth" Schuster

John "Dresh-ma Keth" Schuster

How long have you been playing?

I have been playing as Dresh-ma Keth for just over three years.

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

It seems that Realms has migrated from a very quest centric game to more of a tournament based system. Not sure how I feel about that.   

Who have you learned the most from?

Cecil.  His abilities as a caster, a leader, and a thinker are things to look up to.  He has a good heart and he can hold his liquor. 

What was your best moment IC?

King Cecil's coronation, when I handed him the dagger that I crafted.  The dagger took around 13 hours to complete; lots of blood, sweat, and tears (actually cut myself with a box cutter...whoops).  Anyway, I felt a great deal of pride when I saw the pleased look in his eyes as I presented him his gift.  He still wears the dagger at his side to this day.

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

I would have to say my favorite moment would be...scaring the daylights out of a PC while I was NPCing for my event, On The Brink.  The scene was moody, atmospheric, and downright creepy...it was perfect.

Photo by Charles Davis

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

I would love to see the incorporation of races; including benifits, detriments, and costume requirements. Amber Haley (Yipp) was working on some intersting concepts for adding racial classes to Realms.  I feel this would add another fundamental layer of RPing that our game is missing right now.

What advice would you give new players?

1.  Wear bright colors for your first few events, less chance of being accused that you are a necromancer that way (because aparently throwing lightning bolt, magic missiles, and having a 10 point familiar isn't enough proof...ah well).

2.  Don't join a nation or guild for your first year.  Play the field.  

3.  Don't make a fool of yourself at your first drinking event, your legacy will live on long after your character does.

4.  Don't be afraid to jump into a plot, even an established one...have fun!

What do you love most about the game?

That is a tough one.  It would be a toss up between a strong sense of community, both IC and OC or the ability to be crafty (leather smithing, foam smithing, monster creation).  Realms has enriched my life beyond just the weekend warrior to improve my day to day life. 

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

I know this is jumping the shark here, but Prince Bob.  Good luck with that.

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

There is more On The Brink coming in 2013.  Muhahaha!!!

What You Missed - Queen of Hearts XIX - Part 5

Photo by Casey Lemay - 2012

Photo by Casey Lemay - 2012

Photo by Casey Lemay - 2012

Photo by Casey Lemay - 2012

Around the Realms - RathKeale

This is part of an ongoing series that takes a look at the website homes of some of the groups and nations that make up the Realms. 

While we only occasionally see a member of RathKeale at current events, they are a major part of the rich history of the Realms.

Here is part of the opening statement on their website.
"A nation of islands for outcasts, pirates, rouges, theives, practicers of the darker arts, and those who just want a place to roam around. Founded through battle, forged by loyalty, Rathkeale is strong in magic and the ways of the sea."

Take a look at their site and you might learn something from the Realms past...and maybe see someone from today as they were long ago.

http://www.rathkeale.com/

What You Missed - Queen of Hearts XIX - Part 4

Photo by Jay Bonci - 2012

Photo by Kelly Bonci - 2012

Photo by Kelly Bonci - 2012

Photo by Kelly Bonci - 2012

Why I Want To Go- Folkestone Questing 2012

Folkestone Questing 2012:Call of the Wild - A Shades Event
September 1, 2012 (Saturday 11am) - September 3, 2012 (Monday 4pm)

[Disclaimer: The author of this post is on staff.]

One of the longest running series of questing events within the Realms, this year sees the Shades plotline coming. This plotline has had a slow buildup for the past year and this event will move that plotline along. It promises to allow for the exploration of a mysterious land and the ruins therein. It promises to allow for the uncovering of Lost Magic; how the player characters react to this will be completely up to them. It promises to challenge the players in a wide assortment of encounters.

This event site is large and very nice for questing, with varied terrain and obstacles. There are real bathrooms and even hot showers are available. There is plenty of camping spots and even a few lean-to for those that get on site early enough. There is even a beach for swimming after the questing (or even during the questing). This is a good place to spend 3 days of questing!

What You Missed - Queen of Hearts XIX - Part 3

Photo by Robert Hopkins - 2012

Photo by Robert Hopkins - 2012

Photo by Robert Hopkins - 2012

Photo by Robert Hopkins - 2012

Why I Want to Go- Feast of Folkestone XIII

Feast of Folkestone XIII
August 31, 2012 (Friday 7pm) - September 1, 2012 (Saturday 1:30am)

[Disclaimer: The author of this post is on staff.]

Last years winner for Best Feast is going at it again this year. Along with more great food, there will be the old standbys of the casino, fighting arena and, of course, the auction. Bear in mind that the auction uses Realms currency, so make sure you bring what you've got! This event is excellent for hanging out and socializing, but you also get to do things and be entertained for those who normally don't like feasts. As per last year, the best decorated table gets first crack at the dessert table so show some nation pride and dress your table to impress; will anyone beat last year's winner, Blackwood?

The feast hall has a wonderful rustic feel to it, which helps with the immersion. This event also is a the kick-off for a full 4 days of eventing on the same site, with Folkestone Questing stating there the next day. This is a good way to start a weekend of getting away from the real-world and living in the Realms!

What You Missed - Queen of Hearts XIX - Part 2

Photo by Robyn C Nielsen - 2012

Photo by Robyn C Nielsen - 2012

Photo by Robyn C Nielsen - 2012

Photo by Robyn C Nielsen - 2012

Quesion of the Week - 55

Do you think the Realms is easy for a new player to get into? If not, what recommendations do you have to improve how a new player enters the Realms?

What You Missed - Queen of Hearts XIX - Part 1

Photo by Angela Earle Gray - 2012

Photo by Angela Earle Gray - 2012

Photo by Angela Earle Gray - 2012

Photo by Angela Earle Gray - 2012

Happenings on the Emerald Path

A news and announcements section of what Realms players are doing outside of the Realms. If you know of any news feel free to let us know at aearlegray@gmail.com

Congratulations Derrick "Valas" Sakowski who married Jill Courtwright on August 20, 2011.  

With his lovely wife Beth

As of August 19th, Neil "Mekrien" Tozier is officially a full time salary employee of Harbor Homes, Inc. [after almost 10 Years!)  His official title is "Assistant Director of Information Technology".

Mike "Wrath" Dougherty won a scholarship to Asnuntuck's Mfg technology program.

Seneschal's Introduction and Song

Today we have the Seneschal's introduction at this year's Queen of Hearts XIX for Team Matiya, followed by the song entry. Both were created and sung by Dano "Piper" Knobel.

Photo by Angela Earle Gray - 2012

Make ample way to the tourney field!

Hey, you! Let us through! Let the fighting yield!

Oh, come be the first on the site to meet their eyes!

Make way, here they come! Ring bells, bang the drums!

Ah! You gonna love these guys!

Meet our queen, lovely and keen, our Queen Matiya.

Strong and kind, with a sharp mind as you will see.

The spitting image of grace,

The best of the human race,

And most deserving of all to be the queen!

Killian! Ashenmark's kin, this year's team champion.

Tale untold, watch it unfold as the time flies.

Come see the underdog rise,

To fight for the winning prize,

And make history right before your eyes!

And our mage – oh what a sage! - capable Phoenix.

She will go, I'll have you know, straight to the top.

A master of the arcane,

Yet still continues to train,

A source of power that magic cannot stop!

And behold, stoic and bold, loyal Matthias.

He's not old (so I've been told), you can decide.

He's always there when you need,

A faithful person to lead

To victory you won't find a better guide!

Full of mirth, dame of the Earth, Lady Twenaria.

Nature's friend, kind to no end, nurtures, indeed!

With animals out the wazoo,

It's like a real badass zoo.

People caring as her is what we need!

Then there's me – last and definitely least compared to these amazing people. My name is Piper, lowly minstrel, and I am the seneschal for Team Matiya. I look forward to the unfolding tournament and may the best queen win!

And the song for team bardic...

Photo by Jay Bonci - 2012

Chorus:

“Here's the Folkestone Hoedown, we hope you'll sing along!

Learn about our members as we celebrate in song!

These are epic deeds we sing of, let's make them better known!

And our fam'ly is forever so we'll never be alone!”

“Some people seem to have great luck, for most it's not quite so

And when you venture to the Realms you've no idea where you might go.

And then Malaki arrived with little more than just a sword.

It seems the instant we recruited him we titled him our lord!”

“Now about our queen – there's much to say – and even more to sing,

If she doesn't have a dagger, she's an interesting thing.

She'll survey all her surroundings then she'll make a little trade,

She will search your dagger off you and she'll shank you with your blade!”

“Mestoph had a crazy time last year at Feast of Min

Yes, he said he'd kill and scalp me if I mentioned a melon.

But there are some stories that we know that should be told again--”

“Though you may not know the fire of our Phoenix – or her scorn,

But she had a little run-in with a Syruss at Creathorne,

Now they've been friends for a while and sometimes it really shows,

Like when he turkeyed her high five and then she punched him in the nose!”

“My epic deed? To pen this song and sing it here tonight,

And to find some epic tales of ours and bring them to the light.

But my family's too darn lazy to send messages my way

so it turns out after all this time: That's all I have to say.”

Around the Realms - Rhiassa

This is part of an ongoing series that takes a look at the website homes of some of the groups and nations that make up the Realms. 

One of the more active nations in the Realms, today we take a look at the Rhiassa website. A nation long in legacy, their website brings this history to life, as well as giving you an insight into what they are doing now.

From their The People of Rhiassa...
"Rhiassa is a storied country with a long history. Over the many years of Rhiassa's existence many different people have worn the Red and Black. Generations of Rhiassan's have come into the Realms, made names for themselves, and have pushed the community forward in a myriad of different ways. We take great pride in our kinsmen."

If you are interested in eventholding, make sure you check out the Supplies heading. It provides a list of masks they are willing to loan out.

http://www.rhiassa.com/index.html

As an added website we also bring you to the Vinehaeven website. Most of the members of this nation have since joined Rhiassa, but it is a good look back.
http://www.vinehaeven.com/

Why I Want to Go- Tournaments of the Void 3

Tournaments of the Void 3
August 26, 2012 (Sunday 12pm) - August 26, 2012 (Sunday 6pm)

The last two events in this series were both solid tournament events. The marshaling will be on top of the competition and the tournaments themselves will have something different at times; all to keep the players engaged. In addition, most of the tourneys will count toward the Order of the List standings so if you are looking to move up (or to keep the rest from moving up) this is the event for you. Even if you are not pursuing an Order of the List placement, there should be some good fighting at this event.

There are a number of changes with the usual Omnibus rules, such as fighters not being required to wear armor and magic users being given a number of alternate choices. Make sure to check out the realmsnet writeup for more details; it would be a good idea to have a plan in mind.

Why I Want to Go- Evil League of Evil: Not the Sharpest Tool in the Shed

Evil League of Evil: Not the Sharpest Tool in the Shed (Plants vs Zombies)

August 25, 2012 (Saturday 12pm) - August 25, 2012 (Saturday 7pm)

This event looks like it will be full of combat and then some more combat. If you like a war to defend an old temple this is the event for you. However, there will also be some questing thrown into the mix as well. It sounds like there will a lot of new things brought to the event with a bunch of new mechanics...like legal shield bashing! It looks as if some of the premise and mechanics are based on the video game, plants vs zombies; if you've ever played this game you know that things can get fast and furious rather quickly. If this level of frenzy can be translated into a Realms event this looks like it will be a very good event!

I'm not sure, but I believe this event site is a new one. Thus, it will bring a freshness to the event as the players will have to explore something unknown. With the new mechanics taking place at the event, this event is sure to keep the players on their toes.

Question of the Week - 54

Do you think PCs should be allowed to call 3-point armor? Would you be in favor of a new armor type that was 3-point armor?

Ketala Spirittree by Douglas "Metron" Fisher

Around the Realms - Chimeron

This is part of an ongoing series that takes a look at the website homes of some of the groups and nations that make up the Realms. 

Long a force to be reckoned with within the Realms, Chimeron has had their website for many years. Unfortunately, it has not been updated in some time. However, this is another excellent opportunity to see the Realms of not so long ago. It is still an excellent look into the inner workings of Chimeron.

"The denizens of Chimeron have dedicated themselves to protecting their land and the lands of their allies from invasions of drow, goblins, trolls, vampires, demons and any type of fae overpopulation problem. We believe in honor, justice, and doing the right thing."

The Bar and Wench header will bring you to some excellent stories (and some drink recipes)...

http://chimeron.realmsnet.net/index2.html 

10 Questions - Kyle "Killian" Yazinka

Kyle "Killian" Yazinka

Photo by Angela Earle Gray

How long have you been playing?
I started in the Spring of 2004. The event was Plot Happens at Lone Tree in Kingston.

How has the game changed since you've been playing?
For me the game has kinda changed a lot. I started out when I was 14 and I saw the game as a fun camping trip with my friends where we just ate junk food and goofed around. Now it’s more a competitive game to me almost like a sports team.

Who have you learned the most from?
Temorse (Tucker) has been a huge part of the game for me. He is always pushing me to get better in both fighting and when i was a one path making my spells and using them efficiently. He has also force me to attend events and after the Blue Falcons disbanded made sure i didn’t just quit.

What was your best moment IC?
North/South War a few years ago before Ashenmark was a nation. This year the event staff decided to add a water entrance to the battle. So Temorse and I helped our team attack through the water. Grimloch were defending the entrance and pushed us back to the dock but a few of us had died in the water. I remember XT and other Grimloch members decided to try a counter push and while they were busy fighting our fighters I jumped past them and raised two of our dead fighters in the water before I was killed. With those two fighters and the others on the dock we pushed through and then won that castle battle.

What was your best moment as a NPC/EH/Player?
Leviathan 2010, all of Ashenmark and most of Grimloch were NPCing and Aeston wanted us outside to get ready for the upcoming questing party. The PCs ended up taking a bit longer than expected and with the group of NPC that we had you couldn’t really leave us alone for that long without us getting into trouble. Grott came up with the great idea to make snowballs to throw at the PCs because they made us wait. So for probably 15-20 minutes we made snowballs. And when the PCs finally came out on their quest they were met with a volley of snowballs. 

Photo by Patricia Pomerleau

What would you like to see changed or developed more in game?
I would like to see more of a competitive outlook on the game by more people, making tourneys harder to compete in. Also I would like more aggressive marshaling at events. In the heat of the moment it is easy to mess up calling armor or forgetting how many raises you have left. It helps people learn to play fair and honest. 

What advice would you give new players?
When you start out, wait a few months to learn spells. Playing the game as a fighter will help you quite a bit to learn the mechanics of fighting and how to call your shots. A perspective as a fighter will also help you to become a better caster as well, as you will have seen point of views from both sides. Cleaner fighting on both quests and tournaments will help benefit the game as a whole. 

What do you love most about the game?
NPCing. I’m not a big fan of questing but being a crunchy for people while they quest is amazing. (other than masks getting smashed into your face). Both single tournaments and group tournaments is why I like play the game. I love a competitive environment where people push each other to do their best. 

Who would you like to see the next interview be with?
Adam Landry/Damien of Grimloch 

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

What You Missed - The Event Which Must Not Be Named

Photo by Angela Earle Gray - 2012

Photo by Angela Earle Gray - 2012

Photo by Angela Earle Gray - 2012

Photo by Steven Yazinka - 2012

Photo by Casey Lemay - 2012

Question of the Week - 53

What book series would you like to see as a Realms event (Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter excluded)?

Fresh Faces- Cody "Kirk" Garcia

Photo by Dustin Mack (Cody is in the blue tabbard on the left)

How did you learn about Realms? 

I am part of a venture crew(which is part of the boy scouts), and I had missed a meeting. So the next week I went to my venture crew meeting and Becky Garbos (who is the crew advisor) had brought Seamus Packer in, and he brought with him a bunch of boffer weapons. I had known about LARPing but after being told the basic rules and taught how to take hits me and my friends in the crew started fighting. Instantly I was amazed at how much fun it was.

How many events have you been to?
I have been to 7 events, and have PC'ed some and NPC'ed some. The ones I've been to are Childrak's Secret Lab, TOC19, Convergences 2012, N/S War 2012, Adventure 2, Last return to Mythdrannor, and Blackwood Tournaments

Have you ever LARP’ed before?  If so tell us about it? 

I had never LARP'ed before in my life, but I am a fan of RPG games and table tops like DnD

What is your character like?  Where are they from? What is their race? What is important to them? 

My characters name is Kirk Mezgraf, and he is a Half-Giant from The Fomorian Tribe in the far north. You wouldn't know he was half giant from the way he looks. he has a normal sized human body but he is as strong and clumsy as a giant. When he was only 16 his village was attacked by an ancient dragon that had been sleeping for hundreds of years. While helping fight it he tripped and smashed his head on a rock. When he came to there were two strangers standing next to him, Vesper a Half-Wood elf and David a human. After looking around and finding nothingd but dead bodies he decided it was time to leave and venture off with his new companions. He traveled for 2 years before stumbling upon the Realms, and during those travels they met another know as Eamon. After venturing into the Realms the 4 friends camp where ever they can and travel around a lot, visiting tournaments and helping other people on their quests. Some now know us as the blue-shirts, but what is important to Kirk is his friends, loyalty, and becoming a stronger better fighter.

What do you remember most about your first event?
 My first event was Childrak's Secret Lab and i remember most dying a lot hahahaha. Being a fighter with no armor and never had been to a practice I was bad. I was lucky to have so many people heal my limbs and raise me. even with all the dying i had such a good time with all the NPC's and traps it was a great event. I had to leave before the end, but I didn't know any of what was going on or the plot at all. I basically killed whatever i was told to and did whatever i was told to do. Still had a blast though.

What things have helped to make you feel welcome in game?
All the friendly people who play, and a lot of people in Blackwood and Creathorne who helped me when I went questing my first couple of times. The newbie grand prix at TOC19 really helped me meet new people when we did the scavenger hunt and observation parts. The great event holders also whether I NPC'ed or PC'ed they understood I was new and helped with any questions I had. Which at times were a lot and there is still stuff I probably don't know. All the people at fight practice who helped teach me how to call shots better and increase my weapon skill.

What parts of the game do you find most challenging?
At the moment I find having no armor challenging. Like when I am questing it is hard to be a fighter and have no armor. There are kind healers that raise me when they can but they cannot get to me sometimes or I am in a situation where its like 2 or 3 enemies versus me, and I would probably last longer had I armor. Another thing though not really challenging but a bit hard is remembering so many names. I will eventually learn them though.

Do you have any game related goals (as either a player or character)?
As a player my goal is to become a better fighter and go to a 24 hour live event like the event Last return to Mythdrannor event I NPC'ed. As a character my goal is to slay as many dragons as possible and eventually avenge my tribe.

Photo by Dustin Mack

What advice would you give other new players?
If you have a question about anything don't be afraid to ask it because at one point or another every was a newbie and did not know things.

What have you enjoyed most about the game so far?
All of the friends I have made and all of the fun I have had at event I have gone to

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

I would love to see more 24 hour live events like the event Last return to Mythdrannor. I NPC'ed it and after being on the NPC side I want to try it on the PC side.

Around the Realms - Banecroft Barony

This is part of an ongoing series that takes a look at the website homes of some of the groups and nations that make up the Realms.  

Today we take a look at an older site and older nation, the Barony of Banecroft. They are still active in the Realms, though the site looks like it has not been updated in some time now. However, this actually works out well for our viewers as they can see a slice of the Realms before it became what it is now. Of particular note, I would draw your attention to the Members section, especially the Blue Falcons header; you will recognize many of those names and faces as some of the movers and shakers in the current Realms.

Taken from their front page...
"Banecroft, on Chimeron's northern border, has stood for years as a small but visible part of the defense of the Realms. The Blue Tabards of the Baron's followers represent their honor- all actions done while wearing the tabard reflect on the barony as a whole, and they know it."

http://banecroft.realmsofwonder.org/

What You Missed - Blackwood Tournaments

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2012

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2012

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2012

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2012

Why I Want to Go- Rhiassa Presents: Queen of Hearts XIX

Rhiassa Presents: Queen of Hearts XIX
August 11, 2012 (Saturday 11am) - August 12, 2012 (Sunday 6pm)

One of the pillar events of the Realms, this is THE team competition. Throughout the day there are individual competitions, but even if you are not in one of those, there are team competitions going on as well, so everyone has something to do all day long. This is the event to see some of the best fighting the Realms has to offer. The night is filled with the non-combat tourneys where we get to see the best the Realms populace can produce. As well, it has one of the more interesting courts - something exciting always seems to happen at QoH's court.

If you are not part of a team currently, the beginning portion of the event allows for each player without a team to be introduced to the various teams and they can then join one of their choosing. As a fair warning, the end time of the event can run later than expected, especially for a Sunday so be prepared. If you would like more information about the event the staff has a lot more info at their website http://www.rhiassa.com/queenofhearts/qhinfo.htm.