Written By: Bri "Margaret" Meisser and Keith "Saegan" Cronyn
The yearly Black and White Masquerade is one of those ‘must hit’ gatherings every year. It is a chance to catch up with friends, catch up with plot, and get the biggest announcements at court. It is also a sampling of all that the realms has to offer.
Many nations partake in cultural festivities throughout the event. Two of particular note for those who are combat inclined are the Champion of Chimeron tournament, and Invictus’s Gladiatorum. I highly suggest people observe these events if they are able and ask those involved about their significance.
Chimeron also has a strong connection to Fae that will be taken full advantage of during these festivities. From the White Stag Hunt, to lessons on Mage Runes from Rosetta and the Fae section of The Dreaming from Phee. While these are the known hooks, I hear there may be other adventures awaiting. So keep your eyes peeled.
Although my own diet is limited, I have been informed by those with functional taste buds that the food at Black and White is always delicious. And the poison punch will likely make its traditional appearance. Even though I do not partake in the punch, it is always amusing watching those who do.
Black and White is also unique as one of the only events where we are able to enjoy traditional dancing. Princess Cimone has spent time teaching many of us how to dance over the years and it is an experience I highly recommend everyone try at least once, if not every year.
Court at Black and White is always important, but this one will be an incredibly memorable one. It is King Cecil’s last time presiding over Court as the Monarch of Chimeron, before passing the torch to Commander Orion. King Cecil is someone who I admire a great deal and has taught me many important lessons. Though he may not be becoming the Oracle of Deep Fae or ascending to fulfill his duties as The Wheel or some other epic retirement, what Cecil is doing is just as noble and important. Taking care of himself and his family. And I am very happy to have Cecil around for some time longer.
I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.
Until then,
Seeker Squire Margaret August, Lightbringer
I love the Lore of Black and White.
The Veil is thin, such that death, and the dead walk among us. Hide your face, less Death see you, and make you pay your due. Or Embrace your fate, at the risk of yourselves and others around you.
For me its a great symbol for the end of things. The end of the event year, the end of a characters time in the realms, or perhaps a brief visit from one of our historic losses.
But, in the same way the very name of the event expresses a duality, the event itself is often the place where new adventurers get their beginning, where we first meet our quickly rising stars. Many newbies take their first foray into the Realms at Black and White. So just as it’s a place for ends, it’s also a place for new beginnings.
I look forward to the day time questing, and challenges, whether they come in the form of puzzles, or combat.
I look forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.
I look forward to the politics of nations, as many nations come to Black and White to do business, whether internally, or across the board.
And speaking of politics, of death, and rising stars, of ends and new beginnings, it was announced earlier this week that King Alexander Cecil, would be stepping down from the throne, and that Commander Orion would be stepping up and becoming Prince Regent as this event, which is important news to be sure, and something I definitely don’t want to miss.
It would probably be criminal of me to forget to mention the luxuries that come from the kitchen, and the dessert contest that occurs at this event, because over the years there have been some memorable examples. The day board being a proud array of finger foods, of various sorts, to suit anyone’s fancy.
And lastly, I want to mention that Black and White is probably the only place in the Realms where you can expect to learn various traditional dances, its something I look forward too every year, as a truly immersive cultural piece of our game, that goes beyond story.
So why do I want to go to Black and White? A lot of reasons, just go.
I’ll see you in the halls,
Keith “Saegan” Cronyn