Ask the Editors
by,
The Editors
Episode 8
Hello again, and welcome back. We are quickly zooming through all of our questions here at the Editor's desk. If you have something you want to know, please send in those questions!
This week, we have a great question coming to us via email:
"If two Realms events are over each other (same day), how do you personally decide which one to go to?”
~Anonymous
“For me, there are a few factors. Because of my work schedule, I cannot leave for an event until five on Saturdays at the earliest and most events are at least an hour and a half to two hour drive. Most of my decision making is based off of this important component. So, first I look at which event is closer. There are times where I would drive the longer distance, but the event would need to be far more important for me to attend than the closer one. So I look to other determining influences. Are the events being held by someone with a reputation for throwing good events? Is there going to be enough content during the time I will be attending for me to participate in and is it the type of content that I enjoy? Which event is the majority of my nation attending? Are they both dry sites? I prefer events with a good social aspect Saturday night, including some light to moderate drinking, dancing, gambling and storytelling, and good questing, feasting, socializing, and/or tournaments on Sunday that will last until at least three or so. If both events are equal on these things then I will usually choose the closest one, if not then I either choose the further one, or decide to stay home and do some adulting.”
Distance and content. Got it.
Now, let's go to Alex 'Lucas' Newbold:
“Well, if it’s a Month ending in Y, I flip a coin. Not any coin, I use a Fen from the Chin Dynasty (or a quarter) that has been anointed in blessed oil (Sirachia Sauce works in a pinch) and dusted with powdered Chimera scale (potato flakes work if you can't get in touch with the proper Druidic supplier) while under the light of a full moon (sun lamps don't work as a replacement for this, FYI, don't ask it wasn't pretty. I'm going to experiment with LED lights in July.).
If the month doesn't end in Y, I send a Direct Message via Social Media of Choice to a Netherform from 1997 and ask what they would do in this situation.
Honestly, it's about the event, the friends going, and family commitments that weekend. If one event is more my personal style than the other (I'd rather hit stuff than gamble) I go with the event that appeals more to me. If a friend is throwing an event, I'll pick theirs to support them. Distance is also a thing to consider, I'm not fond of a long drive twice in a day.
TLDR; it's about tactics and logistics and friends.
Also, anyone have any powdered Chimera scale? I'm fresh out again, we had fried chicken last night and it really gives it a kick.”
Clearly Alex took this very seriously, and knows how to get in touch with Buttercup.
Let's see how Lani 'Gwen' Grayson and Jeremy 'Nighthawk' Grayson chose which events they will attend together:
“There are several variables that we use to determine what events we will go to, especially if there are multiple events being held on the same day. The first, and most important, is whether or not we have committed to helping at the event. Our priority would always be to the event that asked us to help first. If we aren’t committed to either event and they are two events we are deciding to play at, then it would probably be a function of distance, type of event, and cost of the event.”
Helping is first, not a surprise with these two.
And lastly, how does Jen 'Areni' DeNardis-Rosa make her decision:
“If two events are to occur on the same day, how do we decide which one to go to? If we had already decided/ committed to going to an event and then a second event was later added to the calendar for that same day, then the answer is easy - we go to the one that was on the calendar first. If two events are on the calendar and we hadn't already decided which one to go to, then the decision would be a bit more complicated, and take a few different factors into account. One of these is location: since we drive from CT, which of the events in closer/ easier to get to? This is especially important now that we have a child, as distance and traveling time now determine how practical it would be for us to take the baby with us versus utilizing a baby-sitter or having one of us stay home.
Another factor to consider is our role - are we needed to help NPC or staff at either of the events, or are we going to play? If it's the former, then that would make the choice for us; if it's the latter, then we take other things into account when making our choice. One of those things would be the type of events or over-arching plots that are being thrown. As players, which plot have we been playing in longer/ been more involved in? That would sway us in one direction over the other. Is one of the events a feast or tournament? These types of events would be more amenable to a family then a quest would be, so if childcare was an issue, that would help us decide as well. How close are we to the EH/ staff that are throwing the events? While we all want to support each other and the community, if one of the events is being thrown by a group that always helps NPC or plays at our events, then we would want to do our best to help and support them in kind.
So basically the answer is, that there is no easy answer to this question. There are a lot of things that go into making the decision between attending one event over another; it's not always clear-cut and there is always the unfortunate possibility for hurt feelings. Unfortunately, since none of us can be in two places at once, we must do our best when this type of situation occurs and hope that it doesn't happen often.”
Distance and child care, two very important things.
So it seems that the common factor here is distance. As busy adults our time is valuable and sometimes the drive is just too far. Also as busy people, family and other outside obligations are a factor as well. We do want to honor our commitments, so if we are helping or otherwise already promised to an event, we chose that one. It's not always an easy decision, and it's not always personal, but we sometimes must choose.
Thanks for joining us this week and we hope that you enjoyed our exciting opinions. Join us next week when we answer the contentious question: “What's the 'worst' thing that the Realms (the game and/or its community) has taught you?
Questions can be sent to Sara “Zarine” Jessop via email (Sarajjesop@gmail.com), facebook messenger, or in person. The question box will also be making the rounds at various events. Please note if you'd like your question to remain anonymous and/or if you would like to address specific editors