Shield Stories with Cameron Huneke

  Organized by James "Tao" Murphy

Please physically describe your shield; style, Heraldry colors etc? 

Green teardrop shield with large white lettering on the front: FRONT TOWARDS ENEMY

How long have you had your shield? 

A little over three years at this point, it made its debut (decorated, anyways, I had it unfinished at practices for a few months beforehand) at Divine Intervention II in May 2022.

Is this your preferred shield style? 

I personally think I would benefit from a slightly larger version of the shield I have, but I like the teardrop shape because it gives good coverage while still being maneuverable, and I like the punch style because I can put the shield in many more places than I would be able to with a strap shield.

Have you ever tried a different style of shield? 

I've used a strap shield from time to time, though usually just at fight practice and not at an event.

Who made it?

I did! At a SMAS shield/combo building workshop, with some help I believe from a member ot two of Invictus, though it's been long enough that I don't remember exactly who was there to help out at the time

Have you ever had to fix/repair/refoam it since it's original creation?

Not yet, though the foam on the bottom is probably due to be replaced in the near future.

What is your favorite move with the shield?

Hard to say, though I like a feint to (my sword arm side) with a quick twirl to the opposite side, ideally aiming at a now-exposed sword arm or shoulder.

Do you have any interesting stories about the shield?

This is the shield I won the Ace of Hearts tourney at QoH 1023! Other than that, another notable fight I can remember was a limited sword+board fight vs Torolf at Shandar's Coronation, which I managed to win but ended with my sword launched about 10 feet to the side because it got caught between Torolf's chest and his shield while he was trying to block the killing shot I made. The shield has also been with me for a few other big moments in my realms career, including my first magic item! I likely wouldn't have really picked up sword and shield as extensively as I did if not for a ritual consequence from either my first Black and White (1021), which involved swearing off weapons 5' and longer in order to fix Icicle.

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

What You Missed - Queen of Hearts XXX

By Commander Ryu Goldscale

As an avid reader of Conspiracy Monthy, I must mention how intrigued I was for what this event had in store for the participants. Sadly, the most “risqué” thing about this event was the new safety requirements for pikes enforced this year. This Queen of Hearts continued to be a spectacular competitive event rated E for everyone, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Despite this only being my second time attending, I would describe QoH XXX as the best QoH I have ever been to, and the most fun I have had in a while. I quite liked many of the changes that were made this year, including adding “non com” components to some of the combat tournaments, the ace tournaments, and the addition of Siege weapons in the Art of War tournament. All around, I was thoroughly impressed by the Event Organizers, Marshals, my fellow teammates, and the participants on the opposite team. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year! Now, onto the play by play.

The two teams this year were Team Cressida and Team Sindri. Both teams came armed with an impressive collection of true supporters and Aces. Team Cressida boasted the talents of Shader as General, Evie as Seneshal, and Me as Provost. In addition, we employed the skills of Jasper as our Warrior Ace, Styx as our Mage Ace, Kalashai as our Ace of all Trades, and Bogen as our RAT Ace (rogue assassin thief). Team Sindri, likewise, had an equally formidable lineup of true supporters. Highlord Temorse as General, Kwido as Seneshal, and Graham as Provost. It was obvious Queen Sindri came to win, as they brought Killian as Warrior Ace, Kaelkatar as Mage Ace, Grindin as Ace of all Trades, and someone so mysterious and secretive they were never uncovered as RAT Ace. With such a lineup, the title of Queen of Hearts was quite literally anyone’s to claim. 

As always, the event kicked off with all of the major war maneuvers; Kill the Queen, field battle, the incredibly lengthy and excessive Art of War bracket, and of course, Hadrian’s Wall. While Team Cressida fought incredibly well and showed incredible tenacity during the bridge battle, the experience and tactics of Team Sindri overcame us, and once again proved why Highlord Temorse is often asked to be a General each year. I however, will never forget the shock on Lord Aeston’s face, when we proved just how portable a Ballista can be and put it in the tower of our castle.

At various points during the war maneuvers, combatants were pulled aside for the individual and pair tournments such as, closed fighter, open fighter, mixed pair, Duncan's challenge, knight and squire, and newbie. For a full list of the individual tournaments and their winners, I will direct you to this View Article. I do want to say, that the level of skill and sportsmanship on display among all combatants was off the charts. For all the newer players that participated in this year’s Queen of Hearts, I am so incredibly impressed by you and I am so excited to see where you go from here. I know you are going to move on to do amazing things. You all embodied the phrase “do honor to yourself and the Realms” and I would fight beside you anytime. 

After the classic war manuvers, we moved into what I like to call “non com war maneuvers”. Technically, they don’t require combat, but they certainly required a level of athleticism and projectiles that I wouldn’t want to participate in as a true noncombatant as per the omnibus. Regardless, this encapsulates tournaments like Rock Assault, a magic missile bonanza that went on for far too much time and included far too many rocks. Despite the many missiles to the face, we all escaped mostly unscathed, and maturely let Aeston know ways he could improve the tournament. I’m kidding, we all immediately turned on him and helped him collect the scattered missiles by lobbing them in his general direction. 

There were many more tournaments, both combat and non combat, that ran Saturday. So many that I wasn’t able to keep track of them. I will once again direct you to the full list of Tournaments and Victors that was posted on the View recently. If you participated in these tournaments that I didn’t mention, you kicked ass, regardless of if you won. I am so happy that you came and gave 110%.

Saturday ended with the Weapon Showcases, a series of one on ones and squad battles that showcased individual combos. I had luckily found a Tambourine in my box of things, and took advantage of the situation to cheer louder than the other team and boost our spirits. While every participant in the showcase was incredible, I want to give a particular shout out to the sword and shield three man squad participants. That was a battle that will go down in the history books.

Night fell with the promise of the crafting presentations and a party. Both teams participated in the opening ceremony to light the bonfire, and despite how it looked, the rest of site was kept fire free. A few people were invited to share some words about Queen of Hearts and the order of the Magi surprised us by inducting Merrix into their ranks. I was further surprised by the Knights of the Lunar Aegis when they called me up to promote me from an Initiate to an Elite, the second step on my journey towards becoming a Knight of the Lunar Aegis. The evening ended with the presentation of all the crafting competitions. As always, we crafters went all out and put our best foot forward. All of the projects were stunning and true works of Art. I am sure the judges had a tough time determining the winners of each category. 

Sunday rolled around with the 5 man and 10 man battles. For an extra boost of morale, team Cressida dressed to impress in Hawaiian and Tropical shirts, a tradition I hope will continue in the future. At this point, the scoreboards was looking pretty tight, I truly believe this was the closest competition I’ve seen at Queen of Hearts. Even though we were all exhausted from the day before, Luke John apparently didn’t get that memo and completely swept the five man bear pit. Where did he get that energy from??? 

There were a few more tournaments on Sunday, but let’s be honest, you’re all just here to read about Queens War. For the sake of my audience (and because I can’t remember which tournaments were on which days) I’ll skip ahead. Queens War, as always, is the highlight of the event, at least for me. A series of limited 1v1s that always impress and dazzle. This year was no exception. Everyone brought their A game, even those that normally don’t fight. Some notable moments I remember include an amazing Javelin catch by Rosetta, some matrix level projectile dodging from Voutia, and a fierce attempt by Makhta to defeat a 6’6 with double daggers! As always, though, Queens War had to end and despite an incredible showing by Griffin, Team Sindri took the victory. 

After was the awards ceremony. This year, the awards were custom, laser etched wooden swords with the name of the tournament on them, and similar mason jars filled with nicknacks and candy. I completely agree with Shader that these awards were “not mid”. I would even go so far as to call them “peak”. Omri also presented some custom awards, hand drawn and completely free of bias. I was delighted by these awards personally. At the end, of course, a Queen of Hearts had to be crowned. The competition was close, but Team Sindri cinched the win! Many accolades to Queen Sindri! May you have a long and prosperous reign (until the next Queen is crowned).

This year really renewed my interest in Queen of Hearts. Previously, I felt I could take it or leave it, but this year made me feel as if I would be missing out by not attending. For my first time being a True Supporter, I had so much fun and really got to see in real time how much I’ve improved. I want to shout out the amazing photographers, YPNN, Orion, Margaret, Rowan, Toah, and Cyrus. There was truly not a moment of this event that wasn’t photographed and every picture is just stunning. Thank you all so much for your dedication to documenting everyone’s best moments. To the staff and marshals, THANK YOU! I cannot say thank you enough! To my friends and Teammates on Team Cressida, you all rock. You brought my dreams of what a Queen of Hearts team could be to life and I will forever be thankful to you all. To the opposing members of Team Sindri, congratulations on the win and thank you for bringing your all. Despite the gap in the team size and experience, you all were willing to roll with the punches and did everything you could to help keep the teams as balanced as possible. Thank you to those who switched teams halfway through, and especially thank you for not pulling any punches. I hope Queen of Hearts XXX will be remembered for a long time, I know I certainly will, and no matter what the future of Queen of Hearts holds, I will see you all on the battlefield!

All Hail Queen Sindri!

Cmd Ryu

PS: Their RAT was Kwido. It was very obvious. 

[Tambourine of Victory!]

Fresh Faces with Kanik "Corvus" Hollan

In this Fresh Faces article, meet Kanik Hollan (they/he), who plays Corvus (it/they).

Photo by Bri Meisser

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

 I learned about it through SMAS at WPI.

 2. How many events have you been to?

Currently 6!

3. Have you ever LARP’ed before? If so, tell us about it?   

Not really! I did a bit of boffer fighting among friends but have never been in a LARP before. 

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

Corvus is very curious and tries their best to be friendly, is fairly new at seeking adventure but is more than ready to step up to a task that may be asked of them. They're from somewhere in the woods, it's not entirely sure where, just that after walking in one direction long enough they met other adventures and followed along. They're pretty sure they're human, but do remember a time where they were a magpie. Friends and shiny things are important to them. Shiny things can be anything from a gold piece, a trinket gifted to them by others or gifted by finders keepers, but shiny things are also anything new or exciting that may catch their eye. They hope to stick out for and by their friends and to make new ones along the way!  

 

Photo by Kersten Prince

5. What do you remember most about your first event? 

 It's hard to say just one thing, other than the overwhelming sense of community that's here in The Realms. There is always someone with the answer you need or willing to help you find it, and even when the day is done and you're out of character, everyone is still kind and happy to help clean site and converse. I suppose I actually remember most helping pack up Black and White with Bogen as we talked about various things including the puzzle box that I had not yet solved.

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

As I said before, the sense of community is so welcoming. I initially was very overwhelmed by spells but knew I wanted to take them up and even though I was overwhelmed, the people I reached out to were more than happy to help me out, talking about their experiences or guiding me in the directions of those I needed signatures from. I will also say joining through SMAS is a *tremendous* help, I was able to meet so many people that I can call friends out of game that when I see them in game, even if our characters may not know each other, it's far less stressful to talk to a face you already know!

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

I struggle with chronic pain so even though I would love to go out and be a full fighter, I can't so it can certainly be challenging for me to find my niche on a quest but I've been doing what I can. I also want to mention that it's sometimes hard to be a new face and have my voice heard, and I thank everyone who has given me the space to speak and be listened to!

Photo by Kelly Perfetto

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

I hope to become a recognizable face of someone who can help! I want people to think the name Corvus when they need a helping hand or a puzzle solved or a message relayed or anything else! I also hope to expand my crafting, out of character I sew and design costumes and I hope to bring those skills into the game!

9. What advice would you give other new players? 

I would say to say hi! A lot of us are friendly faces and more than happy to meet another. Also don't be scared if you don't immediately have it all planned out, or if something you thought would work out didn't, larping is improv, and if you can go with the flow you'll find your spot that you can call home!

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

 

Honestly, I've really enjoyed the sidequests or the more personal aspects of the game where we might go off and do a ritual or a stealth mission, the bigger plots are great, but the personal ones feel more real and tangible! 

 

Photo by Kersten Prince

 

What You Missed - Queen of Hearts XXX - Photos

Photos courtesy of Dustin "Toah" Mack

 

 

Queen Sindri

 

Queen Cressida

 

Ashenmark on the move

 

Team Cressida's siege weapon

 

Rock Assault got pretty wild

Live Chess anyone?

I wonder what their cookin' up?

 

The Order of the Magi induct new member Merrix

Ryu gets promoted to Elite status in the Order of the Lunar Aegis 

 

Double Daggers!

Dodge this!

 

One of many, many fights in Queen's War

 

This year's winner, Queen Sindri

Queen of Hearts XXX Official Results

Below are the results from the 30th Queen of Hearts Tournaments and War Maneuvers presented by Rhiassa.

War Maneuvers

• Castle Battle - Team Sindri
• Bridge Battle - Team Sindri
• Antonine Wall - Team Sindri
• Field Battle - Team Sindri
• Live Chess - Team Sindri
• Hadrian's Wall - Team Sindi
• Squad Grand Melee - Team Sindri
• Grand Teamwork - Team Cressida
• Rock Assault - Team Sindri
• Snatch n' Dodge - Team Sindri
• Queen's War - Team Sindri

Five and Ten Persons

• Five Person Field Battle - Team Sindri
• Five Person Bear Pit - Team Sindri
• Ten Person Field Battle - Team Cressida
• Ten Person Bear Pit - Team Sindri

Individual Combat Tournaments

• Open Fighter - Luke John from Team Sindri
• Closed Fighter - Omri from Team Cressida
• Mixed Pair - Ryu and Griffin from Team Cressida
• Light Caster - Grindin from Team Sindri
• Heavy Caster - Malaki from Team Sindri
• Young Blood - Margaret from Team Cressida
• Newbie - Nestra from Team Cressida
• Knight & Squire - Malaki and Cronyn (and sometimes Kwido) from Team Sindri
• Spirit & Steel - Osric and Anton from Team Sindri
• Boff Archery - Potato from Team Sindri
• Duncan's Challenge - Graham from Team Sindri

Weapons Styles Showcase

• Single Short Individual - Jasper from Team Cressida
• Single Short Squad - Caleal, Grindin, and Killian from Team Sindri 
• Florentine Individual - Killian from Team Sindri
• Florentine Squad - Bogan, Voutia, and Omri from Tram Cressida
• Sword and Shield Individual - Shader from Team Cressida
• Sword and Shield Squad - Orion, Jasper, and Griffin from Team Cressida
• Hand and a Half Individual - Grindin from Team Sindri
• Hand and a Half Squad - Osric, Temorse, and Kaelkatar from Team Sindri

Non Combat and Crafting Tournaments

• Marksman - Raynor from Team Sindri
• Athlete - Luke John from Team Sindri
• Gambler - Avendar from Team Sindri
• Strategist - Ypnn from Team Cressida
• Loremaster - Raynor from Team Sindri
• Scavenger - Voutia from Team Cressida
• Banner & Heraldry - Tarnisha, Omri, Bogen, and Ryu from Team Cressida
• Foamsmith - Nestra from Team Cressida
• Armourer - Ryu from Team Cressida
• Garb - Aranel and Corvus from Team Cressida
• Engineer - Shader and Styx from Team Cressida
• Performance - Cressida from Team Cressida
• Cutthroat Cleaved - Potato and Ragnar from Team Sindri
• Jester - Cressida

Honorifics

• Team Cressida's Inspirational - Gael
• Team Cressida's Tactician - Voutia and Styx
• Team Cressida's MVP - Nestra

• Team Sindri's Inspirational - Will of Creathorne
• Team Sindri's Tactician - Caleal
• Team Sindri's MVP - Luke John 

• Team Pageantry - Team Cressida
• Team Camaraderie - Team Sindri
• Team Spirit - Team Cressida

• Best Provost - Ryu from Team Cressida
• Best Senechal - Evitta from Team Cressida
• Best General - Temorse from Team Sindri

Aces

• Ace of Spades - Killian from Team Sindri
• Ace of Hearts - Styx from Team Cressida
• Ace of Diamonds - Kwido from Team Sindri
• Ace of Clubs - Grindin from Team Sindri

And the Thirtieth Queen of Hearts title was bestowed upon

Sindri of Team Sindri

Meme Monday

 by the Meme Team

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]