 |
| Photo by Angela Gray |
How long have you
been playing?
On a cool brisk evening in 2001, a starry eyed freshman happened upon the quad at WPI. It was love at first sight.
I continued playing throughout my
college career, then took a moderate hiatus after the Neden War. I started
playing again about at year ago, at the time of this writing.
How has the game
changed since you've been playing?
The game, as we know it, is really
the community of people that run and attend the events. They are the heart of
the Realms. When I came back I was surprised at how many faces I recognized.
The game has changed in the ways we’ve changed. We kind of grew up a bunch. The
game feels more mature, or maybe I’m just more mature… doubtful. Still there is
a more inclusive and supportive attitude I feel, definitely less griefing, for
sure. Some people even started pairing up and having babies… gross.
The rules have expanded, and the
weapons and armor upgraded. The economy is more
balanced and gold is quite useful
now a days. This seems to be due to the increase in talented crafters with
amazing in game prices. The result has lead to players being better garbed and
equipped. Personally this is my favorite improvement to the game, I love it so
much. Combat has sped up, that is for certain, as the young have adapted and
improved on the old techniques. I hear oldbies complain about this sometimes, I
say deal with it or go three path.
That ol’ nostalgia is still present
though, and there are parts of the game that will always be the same. Good
people sharing good times, trying to entertain and delight. This is the essence
of the Realms, and it is still strong.
 |
| Photo by Rob Luger |
Who have you learned
the most from?
In my early career, I would say
Aaron Metzger who played Rel. He was the president of SMAS at WPI when I first
started, an all around great guy. I learned about roleplaying and the basics of
the game from him.
Then of course, I fell in love. He
was an enigmatic leader of a group rogues. So dashing, so handsome, so
charming. Women wanted him and men wanted to be him, the one, the only, Tallon
of Neden. What can I say about the man that hasn’t already been said? I’ll just
state that there is a large part of John Berrini deep inside of me, and I hope
there always will be.
What was your best moment IC?
I’ll be giving away a little inside
information on the questing methods of Neden, but I feel that it is worth it to
convey the feel of this story. It was a Tournaments of Creathrone night quest
and Neden was in its prime.
We paired off into small questing
groups consisting of two to three people. Each team was designed to be largely
self-sufficient, able to fight, solve puzzles, regenerate and raise fellow
members if anything went awry.
The goal was to have a team make it
through the night quest as quickly as possible, without slowing down the whole
group, and potentially claiming the treasure or prize at the end for our great Nation.
This
particular night was a doozy, Creathrone went all out, castle towers, pyrotechnics,
and swaths of monsters in the field. I was a one path shaman at the time, sword
and shield combo with my, let’s say unique, partner Rednuht , a fighter with a
magic 6’6” spear which we affectionately called the… you know what, that’s not
important to the story. We decided to
fight our way through the horde, straight down the middle. Other Neden questing
teams skirted the battlefield to the left and right with one opting to sneak far
through the woods.
 |
| Photo by Jesse Gifford |
It was a rigorous fight across the battlefield,
but we made our way in advance of the other nations, regenerating a few times and
moving on. We reached the other side and emerged into a clearing slightly ahead
of the Realms fighting force. Upon arriving I watched, giddy with excitement,
as every other member of Neden materialized from seemingly every direction at
almost the exact same time. Tallon was elated, exclaiming this is how we do,
and waving his arms around like an inflatable arm flailing tube man.
We set
to work quickly attempting to free a girl trapped in a magical glowing cube
like prison. We searched our surroundings, and began casting seer magic,
disrupting spells, and disenchanting items. Some clever wording on a couple of Divine
Interventions and we achieved our objective. And as we moved on to the next
portion of the night quest, the heroes of the Realms began to filter in, trying
to solve a mystery already long gone.
That
sense of problem solving teamwork is a feeling I’ll never forget. We celebrated
that night in the Neden house, exactly like the stories I’m sure you’ve heard. It
was truly the best of times.
What was your best
moment as a NPC/EH/Player?
I’d say the day that I was voted into Neden. I felt a
profound sense of belonging and connection to my brothers. It’s a strong memory
and a very happy one. I would share more about the details of that day and
night, but uhhhh, no, probably for the best.
What would you like
to see changed or developed more in game?
 |
| Photo by Angela Gray |
I’d like to see more immersive roleplay come to the Realms. A
tall order for sure, but I believe it is possible over time. For now, I think
the best start would be to insist on using character names while on site, even
if you are out of game. It’s easier than you think, once you get used to it, it
becomes second nature.
What advice would you
give new players?
Ride your character like it’s a
rented mule, dip your toes into everything, take chances, and get run over by
that plot train. Hang with the more experienced players, shoehorn yourself into
every happenstance. Don’t be afraid to get in trouble, go big, go over the top,
you won’t regret it.
Another bit of advice I’d like to give is don’t allow other
people to hamper your fun. Remember this is your hobby, this is what we love, don’t
let anyone interfere with your good time.
What do you love most
about the game?
I love being part of a team, the
camaraderie. I love playing with my brethren. Together we strive to have the
most fun, in that we always win. I understand it’s not a contest, but we are
still winning.
Who would you like to
see the next interview be with?
Sir Kugan
Anything else you'd
like to take the opportunity to put into print?
I like to teach new players how to
squeeze that sweet plot information. A few basic questions one can ask every
face role NPC that may help you on your way.
What is your name as well as any titles or aliases you may
be known by?
What do you want, and how can I help you to achieve that?
What resources do you have available to you?
What is the best way to get in contact with you if the need
arises?
Lastly, and often most importantly; Is there anything else
you’d like to tell me that you haven’t already said or you think I should know?
Whenever I play a face role I like
to be able to answer these questions, I find they provide a good baseline for a
character.
May the Laughing God smile upon you until the final joke is
told.
-Rawlin of Neden