Why You Should Go - Queen of Hearts XXX

Organized by Dani Lacasse with contributions by various noted authors.

Resisting the urge to fully play into the “XXX” being the reason I want to go, there are specific moments in the Realms where you can feel the weight of history and the magic of legacy. This weekend, Queen of Hearts turns 30, and for three decades, this large-scale tournament event has served as a forge of honor, competition, and connection. Evolving alongside the game itself while maintaining the beating heart of its mission: to challenge, to celebrate, and to unite, and if you've ever wondered why you should go, now’s the time to find out.

“Queen of Hearts was always the pinnacle of a team competition in Realms, year in year out. The sheer amount of work that goes into running a team is staggering. I have many fond memories of this event, from being asked to General a team 3 months into the game, fighting against doctor's (and wife's) wishes (I do not advise anyone to be as stupid as me) to the time a drow army showed up and stopped the event with "plot" (It was quite the scandal at the time). I have been on both sides of tight contests and blow outs, and have always had a great time. I refer to this event as "The Superbowl of the Realms". Jason, Seth, Stephen and obviously everyone else involved, thank you for 30 years of Queen of Hearts. - Jon “Trent” Jessop

From its origins in the mid-1990s under Steve & Amy Johnson, to the modern day powerhouse it’s become, QoH has grown into an epic weekend of competition, all playing into the unique card based scoring system that determines who will be crowned Queen at the end of it all. [Chief’s Note: Click here to read: The History of Queen of Hearts through Card Backs]

“Queen of Hearts evolved from a very similar event called Duke of Glendale that was held by Shannon Slate at his family farm in the early years of the Realms. This event was designed to encourage the highest levels of competition, sportsmanship, crafting, and a not insignificant amount of backstabbing. When Shannon pulled back from Realms, Rhiassa came forward to continue the tradition with their own version of this event. 

For thirty years QoH has hosted an event that has been the centerpiece of the season. Showcasing the finest combatants in individual and group competitions, the most learned and clever of mages, the wiliest of basketweavers, and the evolving skills of the performers and craftspeople of the Realms to support their leader’s claim to the honorific Queen of Hearts. The event has tested the individual excellence of champions, teamwork and endurance during field maneuvers and bridge battles, and a wide range of spheres of knowledge of those claiming to be wise. The drama culminates in the finale of Queen’s War which can be an all or nothing contest where the combatants fight on the biggest stage the Realms has to offer. 

The event staff has challenged themselves to provide a demanding, fair, and evolving event as the rules of the game and group politics have been ever changing. Their dedication has ensured that the event goes on shine or rain or hurricane.” - Neil “Eldritch” Kusleika

And while maybe it hasn’t always been, now it's more than just war maneuvers and one v ones, it’s a full-deck weekend of battle, artistry, grit, and companionship. It’s also a testament to the incredible people who keep it alive: the marshals, the volunteers, the players, and Jason & Jen Rosa, Lani Jones and the entire staff, who have continued to raise the bar with every passing year. 

"Jason is one of those people who has a presence throughout the Realms. He takes on big projects that have become community staples, to my knowledge without interruption, and yet none of them are made to be about him. Leviathan and Queen of Hearts are two of the biggest feast and tournament events, respectively, in the entire Realms. Personally, he's always been really supportive of my endeavors when he has had a say about them. He encouraged the continuation of Conspiracy MONTHLY past the first edition, and even now will give ideas when I need it. Affable and approachable, I think of Jaeston as a pillar of the community." - Kieran/Kyra “Omri” Barry

And it’s with his presence that QoH has continued to live on and has become a sort of rite of passage. For many, it’s the first time they have or will ever fight in a castle siege or on a bridge battle, perform on stage, present their carefully crafted projects, or stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a team that feels more like family by the end of the weekend.

“Queen of Hearts turns 30, holy moly.

It’s both a beautiful and humbling sentence that made my knees and back hurt all at once.

My first Queen of Hearts was over 20 years ago in 2004. I fought on team Folkestone and did their newbie entry. I was happy to sweep the fighting parts of the competition but quickly realized I should have done more prep studying more than Grimloch and Folkestone or at least practice throwing live steel.  My QoH debut may have come up a little short but the impact this event had on me has lasted a life time.

When I first started playing there were three big war maneuver events. Over time, Queen of hearts has outlasted the changes this game has seen. As people shift, so does Queen of Hearts each year to keep things fresh and compelling. The priority of the martial side of the game was once very tournament heavy but, shifted to a more complete LARP experience with people gravitating to more Quest style events and less tournament style ones. Which happens over time, but, the remarkable thing is  the Queen of Hearts staffs adaptability. Like I said ever evolving to make sure their players stay interested while still providing the same level of presentation and grandeur that it has showcased throughout the years.

I have so many memorable moments at Queen of Hearts, from hysterical bardics I have participated in to winning Champion and then later winning the Title Queen itself. If I am not mistaken I may still have the record for Spirit and Steel victories, although Vuel was not far behind so he very well could have surpassed me.  Each special moment comes with some fantastic stories so please if you see me at an event don’t hesitate to ask.

But, in recent years the past 10 or so I have had the privilege of helping staff and marshal the war maneuvers. Being a player that was so invested in the combat aspect that our LARP provides it has always been a great joy of mine in watching the intense action. I am particularly fond of Castle Sieges, live chest, and my personal favorite Kill the Queen.

I can go on and on about QoH but I will close with this. Queen Hearts is and I hope forever will be a cornerstone and a staple of the Realms.” - Cal “Syruss” Marsden

Why is this year so special? Well truth be told, even with all of the evolution that we’ve seen over the years, any event series that survives for three decades is seriously impressive and there are some players who have waited for this perfect moment to field a team.

“I have wanted to run a Queen of Hearts team for a very long time. I originally planned on running a team for 2020, and we all know what happened that year… So when I realized the 30th Queen of Hearts was coming up I knew I had to be part of such a momentous occasion! This event is special; it feels like the best way to show off the incredible hard work of so many artists, engineers, fighters, and other gifted and talented folk from many backgrounds. I am excited to field a team primarily of first time competitors to the large variety of competitions and to focus on building a team not by nation lines, but by people who might not otherwise get the chance to shine on the usual Queen of Hearts team. This event is a cornerstone in our game and a highlight of the year for many in our community. I for one, cannot wait to see what Jason and his dedicated and wonderful team will put together for this milestone event and for the party Saturday night! I look forward to being part of the grand history and tradition that is Queen of Hearts and leaving my mark as one of her Queens.” - Crystal “Cressida” Welch

And that’s what makes Queen of Hearts so timeless; it grows with its players. It challenges the old guard, welcomes the new, and reminds everyone why they fell in love with the game in the first place.

“Ahhh, Queen of Hearts. 30 years of competition, laser etched cups, and tactical innovation. I can’t think of another event series that has offered me such a wide range of highs and lows: From winning my first ever boff archery tournament, to getting absolutely dumped on by a hurricane… After all these years, I’ll offer up my best piece of advice: I never go to QoH for the strict purpose of winning. Don’t get me wrong, I give it my all every year, but to me, what makes Queen of Hearts different is to showcase the best of our community: the camaraderie, sportsmanship, skill, tenacity, and brilliance. Sure, tempers can flare, but the fact that this event has persisted throughout the decades shows that love and respect always come first. 

To anyone who has never been to Queen of Hearts, you are missing out on the best the Realms has to offer, from crafting to combat. To everyone who has been to Queen of Hearts, you know that Aeston will surely have some surprises as it enters its third decade. 

To my teammates, I cannot wait to sweat, laugh, and fight with you. To my opponents, I cannot wait to sweat, laugh, and fight with you. To everyone who makes Queen of Hearts happen: My sincerest respect and appreciation. May it be the best year yet.” - Paul “Grindin” Tilton

Whether you’ve fought for the crown, helped coordinate a team, marshaled the battles, crafted the perfect piece, or stood on the sidelines marveling at the whirlwind of chaos & camaraderie, Queen of Hearts has likely left its mark on you. And still, you may be asking yourself Why should I go?

Go because it's one of the biggest & boldest tournament events.

Go for the stories you’ll tell for years to come.

Go because your teammates are waiting to fight beside you.

Go for the competition. 

Go because you'll cheer, build, break, lose, win, and laugh harder than you thought possible.

Go because it's the 30th anniversary of something truly special.

Go because this is what makes what we do unforgettable.

Pack your armor, polish your performances, finish your crafts, hydrate, and get ready to be dealt some cards.

See you on the field, 

Dani “Elizah” Lacasse 

Fresh Faces with Kieran/Kyra “Omri” Barry

Intermediate Adventurers

We are back with more Fresh Faces interviews! To start us off, one of the View’s own Editor-in-Chiefs, Kieran/Kyra Barry (they/them), who plays Omri (he/him).

You may notice that some of these questions are a little different from the standard Fresh Faces fare. While still directed at newer players, the Intermediate Adventurers answering these questions have been around a little longer than the newest adventurers, and their questions reflect the additional years of experience they have.

Photo by Kersten/YPNN [Black and White 2024]

1. How did you learn about and join The Realms?

I saw people hitting each other with foam sticks on the lawn of my college campus. It was conveniently located along the path from my dorm to the dining hall. I hit a few practices, I attended meetings where spell explanations went over my head, and I attended Black and White. From Black and White onwards I was hooked. 

2. Have you experienced any moments in the Realms that you think will be told for years after? What was this moment?

I don't think there are any moments others tell about Omri unprompted, I do not think he is talked about very much, and my other characters are less used and newer so ditto for them. I can think of one that has equal parts shock value and amusement, admittedly more so humorous after the fact, that I think fits the bill if any of my moments were to be repeated.

So Omri is a fighter with some plot reality magic. Apparently when your reality mage teacher is actually Robin Goodfellow masquerading as Meerkat (but he actually is Meerkat simply from another reality and things went sideways for him a while back), things get a bit fucked. I had been hearing some things about Minerva for one of the more recent Randy events, and OOC I was actually excited to meet her. Goddess of magic and Dreaming? Two things Omri is into. Named after one of my favorite Roman goddesses? Bonus!

In reality (badum tss), she saw Omri before I saw her. From across the field I hear an angry "YOU!" and a woman storms over. I look around, confused, surely she doesn't mean me? I've been around less than a year, I've hardly done anything. Sure enough, she's marched right up to Omri, in his face, and lays into him. She threatens him for the damage he's done (????), and tells him if he doesn't leave she will scatter his particles to a thousand realms, and begins counting down. Panicked, I say "I don't even know who you are??" A helpful bystander shouts, "That's Minerva!" I book it at two when she had begun with a five second count down.

As a bonus to this moment, when I was far enough away and she was distracted with talks so no longer threatening Omri's life, curiosity got the better of Omri. I snuck back, and hid behind Pawldo (good old Half-Ling, being very tall) to listen in. Alas this did not work, I could only barely hear snippets. Still, Pawldo is an excellent hiding spot in a pinch. At least Minerva didn't turn Omri into a thousand ashes and scatter the pieces to numerous planes.

3. Has LARPing changed any parts of your life? If so, tell us about it?

My car trunk is full of Realms stuff that I need to clear out at some point, for one. For another, cliche incoming, it's given me an excellent community that I have fallen back on when I needed them. Nothing too major but I've seen them rally for those deeply in need. I won't lie and say it's the entire community but finding your people in the community at large can be such a gift. Joining as a young adult it's hard to say what is change because change is inevitable as one matures, and what change was caused by this community.

LARPing gives me an outlet for the weird and creative energy that has been a constant throughout my life. In fact, per Beth Freesia's orders, I must remain weird so I guess I'm stuck unless I find a better outlet for it ;p

On a less cheerful note but not necessarily negative note, it's been a few months since someone very dear to me and the community has passed. Without the Realms I never would have met Janna. They have had such an impact on my life in the time I knew them, and I wish that time could've been exponentially greater. I actively grieve on and off but their loss is not lesser for the time that passes. Something that has heartened me is that for all I struggle to feel like I'm doing alright, someone told me I remind them of Janna when they were my age. If I could become a fraction of the person they were in my own way, I feel I'd be doing alright in life.

 

Photo by Kersten/YPNN [First Training Day]

Photo by Matt Norris [Orion's Coronation]

4. What is your character like? Where are they from? What is their species? What is important to them?

 

Omri is part dragon on his mother's side. He grew up with lots of people around part of his mother's clan, not all related to him, though he had many siblings, some blood and some adopted. If interacting with non-clan it was normal to refer to oneself as part of the collective, though such interactions were rare. As such he grew up weirdly sheltered, where any involved in his home were vetted, but any who were there came from all walks of life and corners of the Realms. A melting pot of cultures and traditions.

All this lends itself to Omri being very community oriented. Failures were shared as well as successes.

Individually Omri craves knowledge. He loves words, hearing and reading them, and learning about others. Anything that gives him a better understanding of the world and others. As much as he values that, he values others more, and their safety and well being. He hesitates to strike if he thinks it's possible diplomacy might still be possible. And he loves fostering in others the curiosity that sparks in him, taking a shine to newbies and oldbies alike who seem to think akin to him, part of which is that the obvious isn't always the right way to go.

5. What has been your most memorable event so far, and what happened?

I have faced horrible creatures, uplifted allies, been awarded powers and items due to my character's actions, yet when I think of the Realms I think of my first ever event. People have mixed opinions for what should be a person's first Realms event, all with their own reasons. I can only speak to my experiences, which is that on a crisp autumn day I attended a Realms masquerade called Black and White and was met with a wondrous experience with a visually delightful array of strange and fantastical beings and creatures. A tree person named YPNN sitting fiddling with a camera, a lord named Kovaks herding newbies for tournaments which I eagerly took part in, a wolf named Madame J who touched up my dragon scales in exchange for water, a king named Cecil who I accidentally threatened because of BINGO and not for the reason you'd think (all of those mentioned I now count as dear friends).

Delicious food of all sorts coming out in waves. Strange brews that one drinks at their own risk for delight and shenanigans. Puzzles and fighting appearing at random.

Events occurring just out of sight or in Court that I did not yet know how to find or take part of that I was eager to join in on. I would later learn events like this don't really have 'plot' per se, but happenings that contribute to plot from other events. Once I learned that the FOMO abated because it is difficult for someone who has not yet gone to an event, especially a shiny newbie, to take part in the plot going ons. It did mean when I did get to become involved in things I hit the ground running because I had been revving for months building anticipation. In hindsight I can apply all my current knowledge to make sense of what had been going on, both in and out of court. Things click into place. But Black and White will forever hold that special place of wide eyed wonder where I see how fantastical things could be. 

 

A phone selfie with the aid of Kelly/Nixiel (also Firebone). First ever Black and White.

6. What things have helped to make you feel welcome in game?

 

The people. At my first event I had a few things for newbie challenges, and a Realmsie named Tuilli took the time to be the person I referred back to. When I and others couldn't get to that year's Uncle Cecil's Tavern Janna gave us a ride even though I now know it was the opposite direction for them from their home. Anyone and everyone who made my failures feel like they weren't the end of the world and that I'll get to fight another day, not just as Omri but also as myself the player. I won't be shunned or excluded for mistakes.

7. What parts of the game do you find most challenging?

 

Fighting. I know I know, Omri is a fighter. And I stand by that. I don't think it should be if you don't want to fight, be a caster. I enjoy fighting. Doesn't mean I want to do it for hours on end. Power to those who do, you scare and inspire me.

Feeling like I make an impact. Collaborative elements are great, but I struggle to feel like what I do matters for any given scenario. It's something I'm working on overcoming to avoid harshing my fun at events. It's a good thing that situations don't rely on any one person, fluidity is what keeps the game going in my opinion. 

 

8. Do you have any game-related goals (as either a player or character)? What goals have you previously accomplished in game?

Honestly, I want to do all the things. Throw feasts, tournaments, see what I like to do and don't like to do. I even got some plates recently courtesy of Aaron and Melissa that I plan to use for a plated feast at some point in the future. I want to stretch all my muscles and see what I can do. What works, what doesn't. My goal is to at some point have done it all, even if I only repeatedly do a few things.

IC Omri is part of the Order of the Lantern, an information gathering and sharing order. I hope to help grow it as one of its leaders so that plot and other sort of information freely flows between players instead of getting bottle necked. That way everyone has a fair chance at plot, even if not everyone will take the opportunity to get into it.

I've become a better fighter, and a squire to a couple of orders. I've become known as someone people can ask what's going on and I can either answer or point them to those that do know.

9. Have you run or helped run any events? How did those go? If you have not yet, do you plan to run or help run events?

I have run a newbie night quest for the UMass Lowell LARP club. I will get to run a mod during Sunday of KOSD Questing this October. Shout to Brooke (IC Rowan) and Paul (IC Grindin) for helping me with putting together the mod! Hopefully it kicks off even more, both long running plots and events that are just because/self contained.

10. What have you enjoyed most about the game so far?

 

To name one is impossible. I really like how everything comes together, the passion people have for this game. I love roleplaying. I love seeing people and as I get to know them how it evolves into events meaning I get to see my friends. 

 

Photo by Matt Norris [Orion's coronation]

The History of Queen of Hearts through Card Backs

Collected by Jason "Aeston" Rosa

Queen of Hearts has existed since the mid 1990s, first ran by Steve "Duncan" and Amy "Fallon" Johnson, the creators of the event series and Rhiassa itself. 

I became a permanent part of the Queen of Hearts staff around the year 2000 or so and during the years where Steve was in charge and following that during the years where Seth "Da'oud" Flag was the leader of Rhiassa and the EH of the event, I served in various capacities including, eventually, head war marshal for quite a few years.

Much of this was long before I was a Rhiassan. 

My wife (Jen "Areni") and I joined Rhiassa in 2008 and after a couple of years serving as the Warmarke I was promoted to the lordship in 2010. It was at that time that Queen of Hearts was officially passed on to me. So its since that time that I have been in charge of producing the yearly card deck that defines the scoring of the event.

For those of you who don't know, Queen of Hearts is scored using a deck of cards. Generally speaking the face cards, won in war maneuvers, are worth ten points and the numbered cards, won in individual tournaments, are worth five. Winning tournaments earns you a card which you then use to enter the culminating event Sunday afternoon, Queens War. 

The cards, themselves, are important keepsakes for the winners of those tournaments.

The Queen of Hearts scoring guide for 2025, from the Rhiassa website

From almost the very beginning, the card decks distributed at Queen if Hearts have featured custom artwork on the back. These days thats a product that's very easy and affordable to produce, however in the 90s it was certainly a more arduous task for Steve to make happen. Those card backs from the 90s and early 2000s probably exist in a digital format somewhere and it would be great if we could collect them all together someday.

What I can share with you now, however, is every deck back that was used since the event was passed to me in 2010.

These cards tell the history of the event and the history of the Realms to some extent. For most years the card back was a featured scene taken from the previous year's Queen of Hearts, though sometimes we tried to capture iconic moments from year's past. But no matter what the subject was, there are lots of interesting things to be learned or reflected upon through seeing them.

Lets take a look.

 

2010 - Queen of Hearts XVII

This is a scene from Folkestone Challenge, a war maneuver where various obstacles to go over and around were set up on the field. In this case you can see the castle towers were used along with a picnic table to make this particular choke point. 

2011 - Queen of Hearts XVIII

This year the card back featured an important historical event of that year, the coronation of Alexander Cecil. Specifically the moment when Rhiassa presented him with Majesty's Reach as a coronation gift.

2012 - Queen of Hearts XIX

A picture of most of the true supporters of Team Keela (on the far right), also known as Team Dolphin Moon Sparkle Hearts. 

2013 - Queen of Hearts XX

Another photograph of a historically important event to Rhiassa, the marriage of Aeston and Areni that had happened at Feast of the Leviathan in the preceding January.

2014 - Queen of Hearts XXI

At Queen of Hearts XX, the previous year, Rhiassa unveiled a new Queen of Hearts tournament fixture that would remain a part of the event for many years, a 12' wide by 24' long wooden bridge with actual water on the sides shooting from sprinkler hoses and pooled on tarps. The card this year featured that new tradition.

2015 - Queen of Hearts XXII

A photograph of team Iawen engaged in the Field Battle, the heraldry of the team can be partially seen on Vawn's tabard.

2016 - Queen of Hearts XXIII

A victorious moment was featured on this card as it was announced that Kara was the winning Queen from the year before.

2017 - Queen of Hearts XXIV

This year's card featured team Eris marching across the bridge.

2018 - Queen of Hearts XXV

At Queen of Hearts XXIV several major systematic changes were implemented. One of those was the introduction of the four non-com war maneuvers. This card features the teams playing Targetball, a dodgeball-like game that was a tournament for many years.

2019 - Queen of Hearts XXVI

Live Chess has been a staple of Queen of Hearts since the very beginning of the event series. In this photo the queen piece from Team Salt Queen fights toward Team Arryn's side of the board.

2022 - Queen of Hearts XXVII

During the pandemic we missed two summers of eventing, and 2000 and 2021 went by with no Queen of Hearts. We got back to it in 2022 and this picture from Queen of Hearts XXVI was from the Challenge Race, one of the most consistently hilarious of the non-com war maneuvers. For some reason I chose to put the event name and date on this card back then probably forgot to ever do it again.

2023 - Queen of Hearts XXVIII

Clearly we already had featured Targetball on the card back from a couple years prior but Saka looks so poetic moments away from pegging an armless, legless Elwin that I couldn't resist using this image.

2024 - Queen of Hearts XXIX

Probably my favorite Queen of Hearts picture of all time, this is a drone photograph taken by Paul Tilton of the infamous 2 hour long castle battle from the first year we tried the Art of War series of war maneuvers.

I hope you enjoying this stroll through the past looking at the backs of the Queen of Hearts card decks. I'm particularly happy with our picture choice for this year's deck as well. Hopefully we'll see you on the field this year at the event and you'll be able to win a card or two for yourself.

Monthly Toahscope - August 1025

 Greetings. Toah here once again with your monthly premonitions. This month is a strange one. It was quite difficult to get my readings to focus on these instead of that portal everyone in Blackwood is trying to figure out. I hope my results weren't skewed too much.

Air

Various materials will show great importance to you this month

Fall will find stone to be significant in some way
Spring should look for gold

Summer will want to watch for mythril in some form

Winter will see leather play a part in their future

Day will be helped by this material but Night will find it a danger

Earth

There are three tournaments this month. Earth will see an impact in one or more of them.

Fall may see results in a team tournament
Spring should watch for bardics

Summer may want to look for crafting tournaments

Winter will find a traditional tourney to be significant

Day is, unfortunately, destined to lose. Night will be cheated by a marshal.

Fire

People will have more impact than usual

Fall will find answers with a Rhiassan
Spring should be aware of those from Invictus

Summer will want to look for someone specifically not from Folkestone

Winter may find something with a person not in a nation

Day will find this person a threat, while Night will see them as friendly

Metal

Shadows dominate all four seasons, but there is a slight variance in them

Day will be effected by literal shadows, like those caused by sunlight. Night will see sentient shadows.

Water

You would be wise to watch what you drink this month. It may have consequences.

Fall will be drinking something cherry flavored
Spring will have a lemon taste to theirs

Summer may have a sour drink

Winter should watch for a dark colored drink

Day will be an alcoholic drink, Night will have no alcohol in theirs

 

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

Rumors around the Realms August 1025

 

Rumors around the Realms AUGUST 1025

Blackwood

A mysterious portal has appeared in a field in the lands of Blackwood. Nothing has yet come through, but rumors abound as to its origins. In an attempt to learn more about it, Toah has been focusing his cleromancy on the portal. Every spell cast has produced the same result, just two words: kombat approaches.

CHimeron City

Some fussy court commentators are muttering about certain recent visitors sullying the halls of the castle by appearing before the throne in dark and ragged blue tabards.

Blackwood

"Engineers" have been "commandeering" fields in Acteon for secret experiments, local farmers have reported. These experiments have been both bright and loud.

Gathering masses have been complaining about family members disappearing. Town councils have demanded answers from the Royal family, who have been suspiciously quiet about the subject.

East of little ruck river

Several villagers have now claimed to experience an odd sense of familiarity. A knowing glance from a stranger, a conversation they swear they've had before, or a chore completed twice without memory of doing it the first time. The baker swears he delivered one loaf to the elder down the street one morning, though it seems that three loaves were found on their doorstep. Meanwhile, the town bell was heard ringing multiple times at sunrise last week, though no one was scheduled to ring it. The watchtower keeper says he “must have dreamt the sound,” but others confirm hearing it clearly.

General Realms

Business has reportedly picked up for some travelling merchants of basic goods.  More than one village has requested an emergency market day, complaining that some sort of imp-like creatures swept through their town like locusts, stealing or breaking everything.

 CHimeron 

In addition to digging holes under every hill they can find, since the coronation there have been reports of goblins knocking over chicken coops and running off yelling "Goblimeron forever! Overthrow the king!" Farmers are frustrated, but officials are glad the goblins giving orders don't know how to spell.