By Max “Azimuth” McCalla
Heroes of the Realms, Blackavar and its surrounding lands call us back once again to write another chapter.
Blackavar, Slumbertimeland, and the harrowed lands beyond continue to be a region with many stories to tell. The days I have spent there tell the tales of the people and lands of blackavar, and the nights tell of the darkness lying just beyond its borders.
In the daytime, we are usually given many chances to influence Blackavar and make a difference to a wide variety of individuals and factions within the nation.
Last time we were there during the day, we helped villagers recover their belongings, dueled a chipmunk, calmed down dragons with tasks and performances, forged new weapons out of Blackavar Steel, and completed a painting about the history of the Knights of the Sable Dragon. Everyone, no matter their skills and experience, can find ways to help this land and its people.
At night, the stakes increase. We often find ourselves venturing into Slumbertimeland, a twisted fairytale place created by an entity known as the Storyteller and taken over by a dark being known as the Author. This place and the Harrowed lands sit beyond Blackavar but they encroach its borders and threaten its people.
Within the Author’s lands, we are asked to question how we fight, and who and what we fight for. It truly takes the strength of all of us to get through these lands and their challenges.
The Author intends to write this story for us, in 9 chapters. I don’t believe in destiny and I certainly don’t believe that the Author has control over our story. When the story should be rewritten and break from what the Author intends, I hope that we will all do what we can to write the story that benefits us and the people of Blackavar.
For anyone who is interested in learning more about the plot, Magus Margaret August has organized a gathering on Thursday at 6pm (in the Realms Discord) to spread information and prepare for the weekend ahead. I encourage all who are planning to enter Blackavar to attend and learn more about what we are up against.
Not all that is harrowed is lost. The story is ours to write. May your spells fly free and your blades strike true.
Signed,
Squire Azimuth of Chimeron
OOC:
This plot series has been fantastic so far, full of great NPCs and storytelling. The team running the plot is top-notch, full of excellent, experienced craftspeople, marshals, and EHs. I look forward to what the next part of the story is and I will enter with high expectations. This has also historically been a great introductory series for newer players and has offered a number of folks, including myself, ways to get highly involved with the plot.
