By: Matthew
Hi! I’m Matthew “You-can-call-me-Traveller-though-that-is-not-my-name” Mueller, and about one-fifth of my personality is that I drive a minivan with four wheel drive. When SMAS makes a transportation sheet for each event, I have the dubious honor of driving the clown car- and tetris-ing everyone’s gear into the car. Turns out, 7 people, 6 shields of varying sizes, a couple 5’s, and many, many single shorts, 3’, and daggers can fit with little issue. I’m pretty sure I could even add a pike or two to that mix. Anyways- I figured I’d ask each of the Clowns this time round why they want to go to Arken- and getting four out of five responses is pretty good for busy college students.
Keith ‘Harkel’ Palmer-Poirier (Shotgun. Navigational Aid):
“Attending last year’s Arken Expedition was a lot of fun, one of my favorite events of the year. I found the regionals to be fun as a shield fighter who got to feel important by being able to block a lot of the projectiles which were flying around. Additionally, the event has an interesting setting, with the mirror world being a really neat idea. Lastly, the site is a lot of fun, with the castle that we were able to siege as well as the field and the trails, giving a lot of variety to where we were fighting! Overall, last year was a great experience and I see no reason to expect anything different this year!”
Aiden Emeric | Ace (middle row, right, so I can keep an eye on him and his demon sword):
“A few reasons. 1st is to get a better understanding of the realms via participation in events and to become a better fighter so that I am more recognized IC which. 2nd is that my demon sword wants souls and I thought this might help with that.”
Elise “Topaz” Sainio (Middle row, left. Trusted not to kick the seat in front of her):
“I've heard great things about last year's Arken Expedition, and want to experience it for myself. Also, snow combat is fun and should be done more.”
Emma “Companion” Perez Rovira (Back left. Will probably fall asleep):
“I was told ot's[sic] cool. And i like the realms :3”
I attempted to reach out to the pike, nicknamed “Emiko’s Aura of Fear”, and the 5' diagonal “Shield of social obligations 2, electric boogaloo” which are occupying the 6th seat in the ride sheet. I did not receive a response.
And finally-why I want to go: The promise that the Arken team is making is one of a playground. Fighting through 2 feet of snow, with a castle, regionals that are as fun as they are powerful, and a premise that is both deeply serious and silly. I’m going to be running around with one point armor and two 3-foots, as a 3 path. In addition, the Arken team is playtesting fun new mechanics, from Ian’s animal companion overhaul, to a new ritual style spell alternative. I’m going to be craft swapping with a new friend, flinging myself through the snow, gasping dramatically at the plot twists I (totally) saw coming, and having a (snow)ball!
