How long have you been playing?
My
first event was Black and White 2005, so I’ve been playing for eight and a half
years. I was a freshman at WPI and found Realms through the weekly fight
practices and SMAS. How has the game changed since you've been playing?
There
has been a greater push for excellence and development of skills. This allows
people more opportunity to find their niche. The Order of the List, the Bardic
College, University of Highbridge, the Huntress Guild... the list goes on. Each
of these groups exists outside of the nation lines that have always been there
and allow people to learn and hone skills that interest them with a group of
like-minded individuals with advice to offer.
Who have you learned the most from?
Who have you learned the most from?
I
cannot answer this question. I have learned things from everyone I have
interacted with, and knowledge builds upon knowledge. For me to list people
would mean I would leave people out. If you are reading this and have ever
interacted with me, rest assured that I have learned something from you, and I
thank you all.
What was your best moment IC?
What was your best moment IC?
Rites
of War I in 2006 was the battle for The Hill. I had been playing for less than
a year and still felt like a clueless newbie, but I had been soaking up all the
stories I could. I made my way to The Hill and Cuchulain was waiting, and he
invited me inside and introduced me to Queen Meg. I just gaped for a while,
confused and astounded at the fact that I was a dumb little newbie in the
presence of these legends from the stories. I managed to get the courage to ask
Queen Meg for advice: “Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.
Remember that.” Suddenly I became part of all the stories I had asked people to
tell, and I had my own “No kidding there I was” story that I could tell people.
What was your best moment as a NPC/EH/Player?
What was your best moment as a NPC/EH/Player?
At
Storytellers VII, I was on staff for one of the quests. One of my
responsibilities was special effects. We decided to hang Ezra, one of our PCs,
gallows style. In spite of the inherent dangers of hanging a PC and a few minor
issues day of, the effect was wonderful. The best part, though, was hearing
Ezra talk about it for months and years after. I gave him a story to tell. It
was a defining moment for him in his Realms career, and it makes me warm and
fuzzy inside to know I made that happen.
What would you like to see
changed or developed more in game?
I
want to see more people interacting and supporting each other outside of their
groups, be it nations, knighthoods, guilds, orders, etc. We are one big
community as well as several smaller ones. In tournaments, by all means, keep
resources within your group, but on quests we all are one group trying to
achieve a goal. Spread the wealth, and make sure the newbies and independents
get to feel a part of things as well.
What advice would you give new players?
What advice would you give new players?
RLCF:
Real Life Comes First. When the game interferes with your real world values,
physical, or mental health, something needs to change. Plots and events should
not interfere with your ability to pass your classes, pay your bills, or enjoy
time with your family. If you are injured, take a break or tone down your
playing. LARPing should supplement your life, not interfere with it.
Your character can be whatever you want it to be. Don’t let people put you in little boxes. If you don’t like the boxes there are, make your own. As long as you don’t piss of other players, you have the first and last say over what your character becomes.
What do you love most about the game?
Your character can be whatever you want it to be. Don’t let people put you in little boxes. If you don’t like the boxes there are, make your own. As long as you don’t piss of other players, you have the first and last say over what your character becomes.
What do you love most about the game?
As
trite as it sounds, the community. We are a family. A giant family of over a
thousand members. We may not all get along or even interact, but when the chips
are down, I know this whole community will come together and do whatever it
takes to help a Realmsie in need.
Who would you like to see the next interview be with?
Who would you like to see the next interview be with?
Matt
Butler, Jeremy Sullivan, Laura Fontaine
Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?
Anything else you'd like to take the opportunity to put into print?
Everyone
was new once. Newbies are the future of the game. Giving newer players a
hard time never makes you look cool, and helping a newer player means someone
else now thinks you are amazing. Never forget that no matter what species
someone’s character is, all of the players are human. Thank you.