Shirak by Douglas "Metron" Fisher

10 Questions - Ben "Sir K" Greene

Ben "Sir K" Greene

How long have you been playing?

Photo by Bethany Tozier

My first event was Water Wars back in 1992, so it’s been 20 years since I first discovered the Realms.  Though I did take a few years off in the mid 90’s because of “real life”.

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

The whole system has been rewritten since I first started.  The weapons are hardly recognizable.  In short it would be easier to discuss what hasn’t changed, and that is the community.  For all of our talk about how much better it was back in the old days, and how much closer we used to be. The truth is as a whole the realms is a community that sticks together and supports each other better than any other I have ever been a part of. 

Who have you learned the most from?

That is hard.  I try to learn something from everyone I interact with.  I guess some of the strongest influences I’ve had would have to include Andy, Jarrod, Blade, and Cinnabar.  But, I think I learn even more from the people I try to teach.

What was your best moment IC?

This may be the hardest question on the list.  This game by its nature is a strung together series of great moments.  Every event should bring a great moment to someone, and a good event brings a great moment to everyone at some point whether as a group or individually.  I have been lucky enough to be a part of many such moments. 

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

Again I have been lucky enough to have many to choose from.  I think I would have to say being chosen as a KoEF was the best moment overall for me.

Photo by Dustin Mack

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

I would love to see plots be more interconnected.  I think it would really add to the feeling of being part of a complete world if the major plots interacted more.

What advice would you give new players?

Get involved. Don’t be afraid to talk to people.  Everyone has strengths, figure out what yours are and develop them.

What do you love most about the game?

The escape from reality, the creativity, the community, and more than anything the friends I’ve made.

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

Matt Loven / Karne

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

Don’t be afraid to get involved no matter how young or old you are you have something to offer the community.

What You Missed- All Good Things...

Photo by Bethany Tozier - 2012

Photo by Bethany Tozier - 2012

Photo by Bethany Tozier - 2012

Photo by Bethany Tozier - 2012

Why I Want to Go - The Huntress Guild Presents

The Huntress Guild Presents: Tournaments of Artemis II 
December 1, 2012 (Saturday 12pm) - December 1, 2012 (Saturday 6pm)

Some would say that the female fighters of the Realms have been slighted throughout our game's history. However, this event (and the Huntress Guild in general) is a showcase of what they can do and that they should not be ignored.Come to show your support, to watch some interesting fights, or get a team together and fight!  

Teams consist of 3 combatants, one of which must be a member of the Huntress Guild; it is a good idea to set up your teams ahead of time. Also, one nice thing for this event is that casters can break their restrictions to participate if they so choose. The event site will be nice for this time of year as it is indoors and yet, very spacious.

Question of the Week - 68

What do you think of our political system?

Trivia from Order of the List

Test your knowledge and see if you can answer the questions from this years Order of the List trivia competition.

1. Before he took over as Lord of Rhiassa, Aeston was the Lord of this southern nation.

2. Rumored to be even rarer than the Chimeron Crown, this coin’s original value was ⅓ of a rowan.

3. This god of serpents, poison, and assassination holds influence over the Aspis Nor Mountains and the land of Darkvale.

4. What the nation of Eagle’s Rook was formerly called, sharing its name with the castle that looms over the city of Eagle's Rook.

5. If you were to find yourself at Shalindar Keep, which of the Realms’ northern nations would you be in?

6. What year was the first Queen of Hearts event held?

7. Bedlam, also known as the Infinite Dark, exists at the intersection of which three overlapping planes of existence?

8. At Queen of Hearts ‘08, Sir Jarrod disbanded what organization of nations, all sworn to him as king?

9. This sword holds the spirit of the Faerie Duchess of Blossoms, and is known to be bane to bedlam bois.

10. One of the tenets of this knightly order is to “Encourage and aid new adventurers”

11. The symbol of this god features a red cross with curved ends on a black field.

12. Although they do not have direct ties to the nation itself, the College of Heralds and Monks Keep lie within this nation’s borders.

13. Who is the current lord of the northern nation of Stonewood?

14. This female fighter was the original founder of the Huntress Guild.

15. Lloth, also known as the Spider Queen, is worshipped by what race of people?

16. This nation’s heraldry features a red wolf’s head against a black field.

17. If you find yourself battling Akakios in towns such as Thistle Grove, Iron Ridge, and Westwood, what nation would you be in?

18. Winners of the Tournaments of the Blue Rose earn themselves this honorific title.

19. It is at this tavern that you are likely to run into Father Yule.

20. To become a master of this order, you must plan, organize, and execute your own feast-based event.

**BONUS QUESTION**

Which of today’s Order of the List competitors is the Knight Commander

of the Knights of Blackwood?

For the Answers, click More.

---

Answers: 

1. Vinehaven

2. Chimeron Wench

3. Rexan

4. Ravensloft

5. Blackwood

6. 1994

7. Fae, Hell, and Oblivion

8. The Free Kingdoms

9. Ophelia

10. The Knights of the Sable Dragon

11. Justari

12. Ashenmark (also accepting Elemirre)

13. Sir Elwin

14. Dame Katasha

15. Drow

16. Kalithnos

17. Grimloch

18. Blademaster

19. Uncle Cecil's Crazy Tavern

20. The Order of the Spoon

Bonus- Sir Gullium

What You Missed - Order of the List Invitational 2

Photo by Kelly Bonci - 2012

Photo by Kelly Bonci - 2012

Photo by Kelly Bonci - 2012

Photo by Kelly Bonci - 2012

Why I Want to Go- All Good Things...

All Good Things...T5C: The Mage is Dead, long Live the Mage
November 25, 2012 (Sunday 12pm) - November 25, 2012 (Sunday 8pm)

This is the last of the Five Counselors series of events and a lead-in to the climax of the Bedlam plotline. If you have a good reason for being here to help determine who the Mage Counselor will be then this is where you need to be. As usual there will plenty of fighting and puzzles in this dungeon-crawl being run by an experienced and expert staff.

There are several points to remember for this site. While the next dungeon room is being set-up everyone will be sequestered in a limited space, but IC actions can still happen. The event is capped and as of this writing there is still room, but make sure to check the realmsnet write-up before the date to make sure there is still room. And of course, there is always room for more NPCs (though I am told that if you are planning on NPCing you still should bring your PC garb). There are also a number of new calls and special rules taht are all explained in the official write-up.

Why I Want To Go- Rohodey Presents: Nobles and Commoners

Rohodey Presents: Nobles and Commoners
November 24, 2012 (Saturday 12pm) - November 24, 2012 (Saturday 6pm)

We've had our large tourneys this year fought between two huge teams, we've had our tourneys with teams against teams, we've had our tourneys of individuals...now we get some 2-person tourneys. The twist is that one person of the team must be a member of nobility (lords/knights/high priests) and the other a "commoner". If you have ever been to a Rohodey Presents tournament before you will already know he likes to throw a lot of different and unusual tournaments at the participants and he already promised there will more of that at this event. So, come and have a fun time!

One of the special rules to bear in mind is that in order to allow more people to participate in the combat, a spellcaster has the option of forgoing their spells and fighting as a fighter without breaking their weapon restriction (yeah!). Also, apparently everyone at one point will be able to use spells; it is recommended that you prepare if the spells you take require components. The site itself is large and can easily accommodate plenty of people and plenty of tournaments.

Question of the Week - 67

If you could design a magic item what would it look like? What would it's powers and restrictions be?

Happenings On The Emerald Path

A news and announcement 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.

Andrew "Lysis" Adams is becoming a celebrity by promoting the Rockingham Vermont "Shop Local" campaign on local television.

Pat "Saka" Bobell is currently in Italy as part of a program at WPI.  He has been there since October 18th and will be back in time for us to welcome him back at Uncle Cecil's.  He has been living in Venice, with side trips to Rome, Venice, Naples and Milan.  Next week he'll spend Thanksgiving in Ireland. 

A Comedy of Errors is being performed at WPI tonight!! 

Cast members include Hannah "Devyn" Brown and Owen "Balthazar" West. More information is available on the WPI Theater website 

10 Questions - Diana "Kiira" LaPierre

Diana "Kiira" LaPierre

Photo by Christine Poulin

How long have you been playing?

I have been playing since September 24th, 2004. It was called Preludes, the March to Madness. It was in someones backyard. The people who brought me in were in the middle of civil war resulting in character obliteration. Also, there were chaos deities walking amongst the Heroes and turning them to bunnies. Needless to say, at the time, I had no idea what was going on. It was pretty awesome.

　

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

The Realms, as a community, has really become much friendlier. People are more willing to play and collaborate with others who are not in their nation or their immediate friends. I think that is a great change and I foresee it continuing in the future. On a more negative note, I think that plots have been somewhat lacking since I started.

　

Who have you learned the most from?

Josh/Shandar(my significant other) has definitely taught me the most overall, including weapons making, armor making, fighting, casting, staffing, questing, and battle tactics. Also, he taught me how to really enjoy playing the game and how to make it a better game for everyone to enjoy by helping others. He has also been very supportive in my endeavors and pushed me to be a better player.

　

What was your best moment IC?

Joining my nation, Grimloch, was my best moment in character. I was super nervous when running my gauntlet and forgot to Combat Raise my champion, Biggs. I had my tabard ceremoniously bestowed upon me and I was so proud of it. Then, we left for dinner break, only to return to discover that Grimloch was being targeted by Blood Hunters. We ran around using guerrilla tactics that night, and I wasn't even able to show off my new tabard. But it was exciting.

　

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

Well, I can't really narrow down my best moment NPCing because it's one of my favorite parts about playing. One time that I had a ton of fun was at a dungeon crawl at the Citadel. Myself, Tucker Noyes, Kyle Yazinka, Mike Duroucher, and Josh were NPCing standard crunchies in a small room with the PCs on the other side of the door in a narrower corridor. Needless to say, it was a difficult spot for the PCs to be in, so they were reluctant to rush in. It ended up being a 10 minute standoff because we kept shutting the door on them when they failed to come into the room. It resulted in very little PC death, but was amusing for all. Also, that same event, in that same room, we found a cubicle wall and Tucker moved the wall and fought from behind it and provided moving cover for us. The PCs were like, "Wait a minute. Is that wall moving?" NPCing is a fun way to give back to the game by thinking outside the box, having your own fun, and providing challenges for the PCs to have fun with, even as 1-point armored crunchies.

My best moment EHing was probably one of the first Grimloch Presents: Grill and Games. It was a unique event to throw with lots of games and prizes, and there was a dunk tank and obstacle courses. I remember that it was on my Birthday, and everyone bullied me into going into the dunk tank, even though I spent the early part of the morning getting treated for the strep throat that developed overnight and it was a brisk September day. But, everyone had a lot of fun dunking me in the dunk tank, so it was worth it.

As a player, I really enjoyed the first Shadow Ball event. It was unique, allowed me to role-play in a completely different way, and drove me to make and wear my first garb dress and just let me be creative in general. It was also a well done event.

　

Photo by Casey Lemay

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

Cooperation between event holders. EHs working together to provide more continuity and make the game seem more like a world and less like a series of loosely connected events. It would really increase the immersion, in my opinion.

Also, I would like to see more accurate shot calling and marshals enforcing the rules on it. I think it's a huge problem and one of the few things really holding the game back. The whole atmosphere surrounding it needs to be changed. Everyone is human and, therefore, makes mistakes. It's the responsibility of you as a player, and even your friends, to ensure that you are playing by the rules and not blatantly cheating.

　

What advice would you give new players?

Seek out any help that you need. Don't be afraid to ask for help with whatever endeavors you have for yourself. There's always people willing to help, but act on it early and get the head start you need to be a better player, whether it's getting better garb, weapons, practice with combat/casting, making armor, etc.

Also, if you are physically able, practice fighting. It doesn't matter whether your a fighter or a 3-path. Whether it's at a local practice or at events during downtime, or in your backyard with your friends, you should get in practice. You don't need to be an amazing fighter, just get good at calling your shots and be willing to take constructive criticism on your ability to call your shots. Practicing fighting will help you be a better player and NPC.

　

What do you love most about the game?

I can't really focus on any one particular thing. I really love all aspects of the game, from single to team tournaments, feasts, questing, and bardics. Helping throw events and throwing events myself is also a really rewarding feeling.

　

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

Ben Greene/Sir K

　

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

I have said this a few times already, but... NPC! It's fun, rewarding, and gives back to the game.