By Beth "Freesia" Tozier
Black and White Ball has been a staple event for over two decades in the Realms. It has always been the perfect end to the summer eventing season. With food, dancing, gambling, auctions and more, this event is a showcase of what the Realms has to offer. Black and White has a way of bringing us together to share in our experiences of the year.
This year, with COVID-19 and the need to social distance, we see a change in format that will surely still capture the event as we know it. It has been a tumultuous year for many people. We have been isolated from friends and family, we have been forced to make hard choices and sacrifices for the good of all. The out of game news reels hum with discord and strain. It has been harder on some, but we as a community always find a way to come together. We always find a way to make the best of a terrible day, week, month, and year. We have seen dark times before (out of game death and illness, the pain and loss that comes with it, and more) and we have always found a way to put on our armor, gather our gear, and hold each other close to make the best of what has been given to us. 2020 as a whole should be no different. For we are the people of the Realms, we are strong, and we can come out of this year stronger.
After the online reading of the rules, players can go through a number online of formats to interact with the event, NPCs, and other players. From IC content, to court, to dancing, there is a lot to look forward to (even if we are only doing it all from home and perhaps with our ‘pods’ of people).
Knowing the staff involved with planning the event this year, I am sure that there are a few surprises in store for each of us. Maybe you will adventure into the woods, or slay a monster (virtually of course), perhaps there is a little surprise here and there for those brave enough to let their imagination take hold. While we will all miss sipping poison punch, snacks galore, and the amazing dessert spread after court, this Black and White is sure to bring us closer together than we have been all year.
Surprises abound for those brave enough to explore.
Let your imagination take hold and bring you to an event we all love, and enjoy the atmosphere and memories. Dress up at home, decorate, and maybe even make your own poison punch and crabbies.