Question of the Week - 112

Should there be a maximum size for shields?

What You Missed- Realms Aid V

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Funny Pictures

In this series, we're posting some unique pictures of us as we play in the Realms. The challenge we present to you is to provide us with funny captions for the pictures in the comments section. Try to keep 'em relatively clean and fun. (Photo by Dustin Mack)

What You Missed- Feast of Blackwood IV

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

Photo by Casey Lemay - 2013

Photo by Casey Lemay - 2013

Why I Want to Go- Now to Stab the Serpent's Heart

Now to Stab the Serpent's Heart: The Quest to Slay Mad Tom
September 28, 2013 (Saturday 12pm) - September 29, 2013 (Sunday 3pm)
Event Type: Questing

This is it. The end of the Bedlam plotline. This event is so epic it will take two full weekends of questing to finish. This is the first weekend of the two weekend event. You pay for one and gain admission to both. Dinner will also be provided on Saturday night. But who cares about the fact you are getting so much for what you are paying for. No, what we should be caring about is the end to one of the most dynamic, far-reaching and epic plots to hit the Realms in some years. How will it end? Will we lose much of the Realms to Bedlam? Will we lose those we love to Bedlam? There is only one way to answer all these questions and that is to be a part of the end of Bedlam.

Bedlam rules apply...

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WMu5tn6y7a7A3GDHVjEt5JzMCGVwf6PKEb
_mvoZ_3r4/edit?usp=sharing

Needless to say - This is a High Risk event. 

Question of the Week - 111

Should magic weapons be restricted to blue or should we allow them to be made with any colors?

Advice from the Pit by Ben "Rohde" Grant

Body Movement and the Mediocre Fighter by Ben "Rohde" Grant

Once a fighter gets to the point where they are competent, they will hit a plateau. This plateau is usually caused by the fact that they can win a fight here and there, maybe place in a tourney so they feel they have a good fighting stance and they don’t need to work on it anymore.

The number one thing a fighter at this plateau can be doing to get to the next level is to be working on body movement. Sidestepping is the first thing that can help a fighter see new angles and keep a fight in their favor. You can side step in offense and in defense. Offensive side stepping is usually the easier one to work on. If you take someones arm in a fight, they are most likely going to be angling their body to put their sword in line with their arm. A simple side step can aide you in getting the angle necessary to clip their arm or get around the block entirely for a chest/stomach shot.

Sidestepping on defense is usually done to counter an advance, thus being a bit harder to work on because the situation isn’t facilitated by you, it happens when it happens. Again though, a simple side step can make your opponents offense miss or get caught in your block in such a way that it gives you that much more time to counter strike or separate the fight to reset and give you that offensive advantage again.

A bit more advanced but it is my number one tip for every fighter out there is to remember that you are not a statue. Your body has many many joints and you can bend and twist at so many of them. What’s better than making a block? Making a block as well as a dodge, it assures you you won’t be hit and gives you a better angle at a counter attack. A wrist can bend inward or outwards while you swing to let you get around a hand on weapon block. your hips and knees can bend and twist so that when an opponent swings over the top at you you can duck to a side with a twist in the hips that puts you at an angle that they are not prepared for blocking. Someone swinging at your side? twist those hips into the block, again giving you the angle to strike back.

There are so many little tweaks you can do to improve form and body movement. If you feel you are at a plateau, try changing your stance. Bring your feet closer together or farther apart, try crouching a bit more into your stance, lower or raise your swords a few inches, angle them out, point them at your opponent.

Hope to see you all soon in The Pit

Why I Want to Go- Feast of the Dragons

Feast of the Dragons: Southern Realms Feast event
September 21, 2013 (Saturday 4pm) - September 21, 2013 (Saturday 10pm)
Event Type: Feast

We now add a feast to the events the Southern Realms is producing. This feast requires a pre-reg so if you have not done so, at this point in time make sure you get in touch with the event staff before showing up. This looks an excellent opportunity to get into the role-playing aspect of the Southern Realms.

Why I Want to Go- The Free Nations Presents: Celebration of the Defense of Rhiassa

The Free Nations Presents: Celebration of the Defense of Rhiassa
September 22, 2013 (Sunday 11am) - September 22, 2013 (Sunday 5pm)
Event Type: Tournaments and Questing

Last year there was fierce battle against the forces of Bedlam in Rhiassa. This event marks a celebration of the defense. This will feature food and tournaments for the sake of enjoyment. In addition, there will be a foray into the Dreaming at Lord Gideon's request for those who like a bit of questing mixed into their celebrations. This looks to be a light day of fun.

Funny Pictures

In this series, we're posting some unique pictures of us as we play in the Realms. The challenge we present to you is to provide us with funny captions for the pictures in the comments section. Try to keep 'em relatively clean and fun. (Photo by Dustin Mack)

Why I want to Go- KoEF Questing 2013

KoEF Questing 2013: A Time for Heroes
September 20, 2013 (Saturday 12pm) - September 22, 20131, 2013 (Sunday 12am)
Event Type: Questing

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

Traditionally the KoEF Questing event features groups of players going through the Nexus and dealing with various plots. This year is slightly different. This year there is a central theme and that is "finding stuff to help in the war against Bedlam". This does not mean the players will be fighting Bois or Bedlam all weekend; instead the players will be venturing into the Nexus to visit other lands and areas looking for things to help them. In fact, little to no information is needed on the current Bedlam plot (other than it exists) to be able to participate and have fun. This is all about providing a variety of encounters but with a singular over-arching concept. It should make for an engaging and varied questing event.

The interesting thing is that the next two weeks will feature fighting Bedlam directly and this event will be an excellent way to jump-start that series of events. You have an opportunity to have three weekends in a row of continuous plot. Also, there is an in-character missive in the event write-up on realmsnet and I suggest you check that out.

Side Note: When you pay for this event you also gain free admittance to the event on Sunday at the same site.

Why I Want to Go- The Story-Tellers VIII

The Story-Tellers VIII: "And I would have gotten away with it, too..."
September 20, 2013 (Friday 7pm) - September 21, 20131, 2013 (Saturday 1am)
Event Type: Questing

This series of events features up to 3 different quests over the course of the night. If its the same as the past, you will be expected to npc for at least one of the quests. Story-tellers usually has a theme and this year it is "mystery". Each quest should include some sort of mystery to unravel. One nice thing about this event is that it allows new eventholders to give eventholding a try with the back-up of a solid eventholding team or to allow eventholders to add to their own ongoing plotline in a short, concise manner. Either way, the players will be presented with some fun and exciting times.

Question of the Week - 110

Do you prefer individual combat tourneys or group/team combats?

10 Questions - Jonathan "Trent" Jessop

Jonathan "Trent" Jessop

How long have you been playing?

Photo by Dustin Mack - 2013

17 years, with roughly 5 years of inactivity from ’06-’10

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

The obvious answer here is the weapon and armor materials that have led to faster combat.

But the real answer is the societal changes that have happened. The Realms has become far more PC, far nicer on the surface. This makes us seem like a friendlier group than we were in years past, but I don’t think it’s all honest.

Who have you learned from the most?

Bill DeMarco (Artex), and Kevin Betie (Cinnabar)

From Kevin I learned that the loudest voice is the one that is listened too, right or wrong. I learned that action is always better than inaction.

From Bill I learned that the best wars are the ones that no one else even knows you’re waging. I learned how to play an evil character that is still liked, even if no one can understand why.

From both of them I learned how to play a “PC Bad Guy” while still being a positive influence on the game as a whole.

What was your best moment IC?

1.       Winning the Creathorne War Tourney, as I looked down the line at all the people who stood with us in that moment of glory.

2.       That rainy day in April when the Baron and Morgil had us hopelessly outnumbered just outside Rathkeale, as I looked down the line at all the people who stood with us in our last moments as a nation, for some their last moments as those characters.

Photo by Richard Crane

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

Reading the event reviews after the event that came to be known as “School Girl Min”. I knew people enjoyed themselves at the event, but it wasn’t until I read the reviews that I realized just what an impact that event had on people.

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

I would like to see a shift in our historical accounts away from the internet and back to stories by the fire. From what I’ve seen it is getting rare for anyone to tell “No Shit” stories around the fire, and even more rare for people to pay attention when it does happen.

What advice would you give new players?

Be bold. You are going to make mistakes, make them loudly, own them and move on. You will learn much quicker that way, than you will by hanging in the back being afraid to make a mistake.

What do you love most about the game?

After a long day of fighting, and a long night of drinking, to watch the sky turn blue and realize that some of those standing next to you are the same people you watched the sun come up with almost twenty years ago.

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

Pete Burgess

Funny Pictures

In this series, we're posting some unique pictures of us as we play in the Realms. The challenge we present to you is to provide us with funny captions for the pictures in the comments section. Try to keep 'em relatively clean and fun. (Photo by Dustin Mack)

Why I Want to Go- Realms Aid V

Realms Aid V
September 15, 2013 (Sunday 11am) - September 15, 2013 (Sunday 6pm)
Event Type: Tournaments

This tournament event was designed with the goal of raising money to fight cancer. All profits will go to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon NH. You can show up, fight and know your money is going to a good cause. In fact, it would be a good idea to bring any extra money you can spare as there will opportunities to sponsor fighters in tournaments such as the Fight-a-thon. In addition, at this years KoEF Questing event on September 21st, there will be an auction to raise even more money and if you have something to give for the auction that will be taken today as well. So, come and fight, or come and watch some good fighting, and help a good cause.

Did I mention there will be Order of the List tourneys going on as well, along with a variety of small group competitions? No? Well, now I did.

Why I Want to Go- Ashes in the Hourglass

Ashes in the Hourglass
September 14, 2013 (Saturday 4pm) - September 14, 2013 (Saturday 10pm)
Event Type: Questing

Here we have another Southern Realms event. Instead of tournaments we have some questing going on. It is starting later than normal and ending at a good time for a Saturday night quest. It should be nice and dark...and creepy. This looks to be the start of a new quest line, so this is an excellent chance to get in on the ground floor of something new and exciting. They will be allowing non-standard weapons but these still will be to be inspected.

Question of the Week - 109

Should we add a 3-point armor to our system?

Crafting Resources

Garb Tutorials & Free Patterns compiled by Katie "Effa" Smith, head armorer at Grimloch Gear and generally amazing crafter and creative person.

 Garb

Tabard, Tunic & Trousers 

T-Tunic

Surcoat

Fancy Dress 

Handkerchief Skirt

Wrap Pants

Another T-Tunic

How to Make a Keyhole Neckline on a T-Tunic

Armored Cloak Pattern

Poofy Pants Pattern

Simple Feasting Dress

Wrap Skirt

Outerwear

Free Cape Pattern

Another Cape Pattern

Even More Capes!

Another Cape

Accessories

Leather Mask Tutorial

Belt Favor

Sword Frog

Wide Leather Belt

Utility Belt from an Old Purse

Armor

Bracer with Hand Armor

Fanciful Lady-Armor (not practical at aaaaalllll, but really neat-looking)

Spaulders/Pauldrons

Another Bracer

What You Missed- Folkestone Questing

Photo by Dustin Mack

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Photo by Dustin Mack

Funny Pictures

In this series, we're posting some unique pictures of us as we play in the Realms. The challenge we present to you is to provide us with funny captions for the pictures in the comments section. Try to keep 'em relatively clean and fun. (Photo by Dustin Mack)

What You Missed- Feast of Folkestone

In addition to a LOT of food, the 14th Fest of Folkestone included fighting in "The Pit" hosted by the Order of the List, Dessert War games, the famous Folkestone Auction (where not 1, not 2, but 3 magic items were sold as well as armor and numerous other items and certificates), and an extensive court.

Items in Court included Sir Mestoph being named as the Warmarke of Folkestone, Kaelkatar being graduated as an apprentice to the Order of the Magi, Neil Cooke and Sir Magnus being made Journeymen in the Order of the Spoon, Jace being inducted as a member of Eagle's Rook, and Syruss, Quayloth, and Naj founding the Order of the Pontentium.

Photo by Dustin Mack

Photo by Beth Tozier

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Why I Want To Go- Feast of Blackwood IV

Feast of Blackwood IV

September 6, 2013 (Friday, 7 pm)- September 8 (Sunday, 6pm)

Camp Chenoa, Antrim, NH

Event type: Quest, Tournament, Feast

Activities planned for this 3 day event, including questing, Tournaments of the Void, and a tasty feast on Sunday.  There will be food delivered to the tournament area so those who wish to participate in them won't risk missing out on any of the dishes.

You should bring your gold as the Blackwood casino will be available for gambling. In addition there will be an auction and a golden ticket auction. What you shouldn't bring is alcohol. Unlike some previous Blackwood events, this one is being held on a DRY site. Please respect that. 

Staff are requesting all items/spells be preregistered. There are cabins available on site on a first come first serve basis. They have screened windows so pack accordingly.

With an extensive mix of things to do, there promises to be something for everyone.  

Malaki's Green Bean Bundles

Photo by Bethany Tozier

Simple, easy, and one of the hits of this years Feast of Folkestone (scaled down to serve 8)-

1 pound of bacon
16 ounces of green beans
2 T Brown Sugar
Salt & Pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a casserole dish.

1. Set out the bacon, green beans and casserole dish in a little assembly line. Lay out a half strip of bacon. place a small bunch of green beans (6 or 7) onto the strip of bacon and roll up into a bundle. Place the bundle into the casserole dish, seam side down. Repeat with remaining bacon strips and green beans. You can pack these pretty tight in the pan, just know that if the bacon is touching another bundle they take some prying to get apart. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and salt and pepper.

1. Bake in the preheated oven until browned and heated through, about 20 minutes.

Question of the Week - 108

Does non-period footwear bother you or is it ok to wear sneakers and such shoes?