A Very Spooky Weekend in Voraniss

 Dearest friends,

If one can believe it, I am still learning customs and cultures in these Realms after two decades of adventuring. As such, the chance to don a costume and pretend to be something I am not for one night of playfulness sounds like a delight. 

That is to say, this coming weekend, I will be traveling to Voraniss to visit. Three cities in a little over 24 hours begs for a very exciting experience! Between Friday night's busy schedule (truly, have you seen the missive from Margaret? Court, internal challenges, external knowledge testing, a potluck, costumes! I hear there is a contest, though I'm happy to personally just wear mine. I have been a bit giggly about it for months now.)

There's also a Wild Hunt, which I'm curious about. More and more hunts are appearing these days, and there is a part of me that is mildly amused at one being the week before Black & White, where the Fae conduct our own hunting tradition.

Saturday is just as busy, and I'm looking forward to observing or taking part in the various tournaments, and hearing each person's story out of the Healer's Guild challenge! This one is going to change up your expectations if you've competed in years past. I hear also that our friend known as Traveller (though that is not their name) will be running something called "Sports betting" too, and that the Healer's Guild will be providing the usual absurd amounts of grilled cheese. Plus, there are visitors whose aid and trust we must gain before our evening turns to that valued past-time: adventuring.

Voraniss is home to many of my friends, and their celebrations are not something to miss. I, sadly, have missed quite a few of them, and thus I'm delighted to be able to finally be there. I delight and wonder at encountering new customs, new cultures, to find a level of familiarity and new things to learn. I'm nothing if not perpetually curious and what better time to visit than now?

With delight and excitement,

Phee

---

Honestly, y'all, have you READ that announcement? I started to write my IC WIWTG and it turned into a longer version of it. There's so much going on, so much that interests me, so many things I want to sink my teeth into. While this may not have been the initial plan for the event when it was put on the calendar, I have no doubts that this is going to still knock your dang socks off. In about a month and a half, so much was planned, and while I know how bone-deep stressful that can be, how anxiety inducing it is to try and get all the preparations done...

I can't help but still feel this thrill of excitement of being able to see it all come together.

There are only a handful of events left on the calendar for this year, and you may regret not hitting this one, even if it's just for Friday, or just Saturday day, or even just the night quest. (Especially with no Sunday, so we can all spend a day recovering before the work week drags us back to the mundane world.)

Come hang out, say hi, and partake in some of the most delightfully deep culture and lore in the game.

Briar

Why I Want To Go - Three Course Questing

by: Ash "Margaret" Meisser & Keith "Saegan" Cronin

IC:

Sometimes, when it rains it pours. There are two upcoming expeditions of historical importance, and one burgeoning threat. Each of which will require a team of trained adventurers to help tackle.

Following Garrimaddons retreat from Coventry, things have been quiet. But the Erl King’s forces have been on the move once more. Several years ago, Invictus and allies reestablished Fort Bramble on the outskirts of the Lost Kingdoms. Now, a wave of Skalds, Rottlings, and Wolds threaten this outpost and others along its northern road. Hidden in the fort are pieces necessary for a ritual which may be able to put an end to the threat posed by Skalds. But be warned; the forces of Corruption will fight us every step of the way while we work to defend the fort, destroy these foul beings, and prevent the innocent souls inside from being sent to Oblivion. 

Meanwhile, at Queen of Hearts, we were visited by one of the Sentinels. There, they revealed that a hasty retreat from Monk’s Keep by one of Nemesis’s Wraiths may have left behind vital information in the fight against the Demon Prince. A group of adventurers are being assembled to uncover this information, hopefully without drawing the attention of Nemesis himself. 

For the final encounter, I find myself called to the Western Flank. So I will turn it over to King Saegan for the rest of this article. But I look forward to working with allies new and old as we embark on the next steps of these long roads.

With Light,

Magus Dame Margaret August,

Lightbringer of Voraniss

OOC:

I am incredibly excited to be able to visit such iconic locations in Realms histories for the first time in-person. Both Fort Bramble and Monk’s Keep were the locations of events held before I was born OOC, and so I feel privileged to be able to walk in the footsteps of giants as we embark on these quests. In that vein, every great story starts somewhere. And I can think of no greater start for a new storyteller than alongside such epic tales. I look forward to helping NPC for Emma and seeing where her plot goes.

—-----------------------------

As a warrior by trade, and a career adventurer the thought of war never leaves my mind. Powers clashing, the sound of blade against blade, or lightning striking a soldier down. But rarely, dare I say never, have I heard of a war where no one dies. Death is the base cost of war. I, as a leader, perhaps understand this more than most. So when someone calls for aid, and promises that we'll be at war, and that no one will die, well I'm skeptical to say the least. But my curiosity is certainly piqued. Now I know of others that have looked into this call for aid, and they say that when they have they feel the eye of the gods upon them. Which makes me ask, is this a divine request? Who am I helping? 

These questions are both worth asking, and worth answering. Should I find my way to the battlefield on this day, I hope to be able to decide, am I helping a good cause, or am I enlisting to fight against it. 

Hope to see you on the field, 

Saegan of Blackwood

OOC: It takes a lot of courage to be an Event Holder. A lot of work goes into planning, crafting, and organizing an event, and supporting new creators in our community is important, because it’s how we grow, and gain new content for future players of this wonderful game we all play together. While I don’t know Emma / Companion well, I do know that she is a creative powerhouse, with a knack for story, and a plethora of new and interesting ideas. I have no doubt that these qualities will shine through in this new quest line, and who knows, maybe in 20 years, an excited adventurer will be describing the things we as adventurers accomplish on this day, the footsteps we take, as the footsteps of giants. Be curious, be excited, and come for a good time! 

Why I Want To Go - Ashen Bounty XIII

by: Christina "Adara " Clements

So the autumnal joy of Ashenbounty is once again upon us. So why am I going?

First, Temorse Sorrowind has been leading Ashenmark for more than fifteen years, and this shall be his last court.  While no one is nervous about Umbra and Raynor at the reins, changes in leadership like this are rare.  These sorts of changes mark the time in our game, eras that come and go. I am also going to celebrate the accomplishments of the knight who has done so much for our game over the last 20 years.  Our game and our community would not be nearly the same if this nation had not been founded and had not been so expertly piloted by Sorrowind.  I, perhaps, have a specific understanding of how chaotic this group could have been if not for Temorse. 

Secondly, the food from Ashenmark never disappoints, no matter what hurdles it has to overcome in the remote kitchen.  Why would I miss a chance to eat in Ashenmark? Of course I won’t! Perhaps there will be cheese. It seems like most of the nation takes their food seriously, and I appreciate the dedication. In fact, if I do nothing other than lurk outside the kitchen waiting for new courses to appear it will be a successful day. 

There will be well run and high caliber tournaments to watch, and I do enjoy watching what combat has come to in our game.  Every year the blows get faster, and the weapons get lighter.  There is a great joy in watching the best fighters do their best for the honor and prestige on the tourney list.  I personally enjoy it more when the adrenaline from possible nationwide annihilation is not in play and I can enjoy the art for the sake of the art. If you need the adrenaline rush, the labyrinth is sure to entertain, and perhaps make your pockets a bit heavier.  

Lastly, I am going because Bricochet and Cinder will never forgive me if they miss a chance to either beat up bad guys, steal hats from important people or shake down dead monsters for gold. This event marks their first year in the game and I suspect they will always mark the anniversary.  Who can forget their first event?  

OOC Note:  Generally I need to plan my events far in advance and last year on nearly a whim I returned to Ashenbounty.  I have perhaps never felt such a sense of homecoming as I did then.  We go to events for many reasons, to accomplish things, to stand up for right, because plot compels us, because our friends need help.  As someone who spent too long away, savor that moment when you arrive and you know those around you are the people who see you for who you are, and know you for who you could become.  I have had the pleasure of watching Tucker become a pillar of the Realms and celebrating that will be foremost in my mind all weekend. 

Why I Want To Go - Tournaments Of the Blue Rose 26'

by: Arthur "Aiden" Granger  

It’s that time again folks! The Blue Rose has put together another chapter in their length history filled with attractions for players new and old. There's a lot of ground to cover so allow  me to list out attractions to expect. 

Tournaments- The Blue rose tournaments feature competition of the highest caliber and the illustrious “Blademaster” Over the years heroes of the realm have tested their mettle in a wide array of combat. If you're aiming to live game history this is a stop you should make in your journey. Only few in my time have achieved this rank and if you feel you have what it takes to join their ranks in the halls of time then this should be on your to do list. Making an appearance this year a nation tourney is in place. Offering a larger scale pvp experience entire groups are welcome to take the arena in an exercise of teamwork and field superiority. 

Conventional tournaments not your style? Not a problem! There is to be a gold auction on night one and night two a cash charity raffle. Kharma has personally scoured the realms to put together a spread of goods and items from across the realm. If you are the type to enjoy interesting curios, rare and old currencies for your collections, or that piece of gear you have been needing to procure this really should be on your bucket list this year. Proceeds from the cash raffle are going to a family from within the community who could use a little help as we all do from time to time.

Finally can we talk about questing for a second? The Blue Rose team has ensured for years now that even the most novice treasure hunter will not go home empty handed. Not into tournaments? Well take a walk and it would not be unusual to find a box filled with goodies or some other prize around! This year activities are being held within Kalumdaka. For those unfamiliar its actually one of the youngest provinces within Blackwood founded by two old friends Meds and Faust. For those who haven't had the experience of meeting them I can tell you for fact you never know what your gonna find. I hear orcs or some other creatures have been about and we will probably have to deal with that….. Past the fun and games many of you have heard me speak on my own hunt to gather keys for the Church of Shadow. Hopes are high that the rumors that have floated about are true for leads on this goal. Time is ticking and last year we heard of this “raven lady” being. Given my own experiences last year I can say she is not someone we want to deal with more than necessary and I intend to make my preparations  between now and arrival to have everything we need ready for expeditions to take place. 

Why I Want To Go - Feast of Blackwood 2026

By: Michael “Swoop” Zajac

What is going on adventures! It’s ya boy here, cursed with the knowledge of things yet to pass, and with that ball knowledge I am predicting that this Feast of Blackwood is going to be a certifiable Banger this weekend. I’ll keep this short and sweet with three main points so you can get back to whatever you weirdos do during the weekdays. That said, here’s my big things to look forward to!

1. Exciting questing and continuing narrative: Blackwood has been really cooking with their Ork’ne storyline now for a few years, and I believe we are at the point where things are about to get real interesting. We’ve met an interesting cast of characters, from good, bad and somewhere in between. We’ve learned some interesting tidbits of Ork’ne culture and their motivations, and seeing how fast they adapt to take advantage of ancient powers  that lie in the provinces of Blackwood. Now armed with knowledge, and a certifiable track record from the Blackwood quest writers, I predict we are at a major juncture for some awesome encounters (May I remind you of such highlights such as Temorse shooting a DRAGON with a magical GUN) and some pivotal plot points for those hungry to consume some potentially unhealthy amount of soul-infused goo paste. I’ve had a good time uncovering the mysteries of these alien Ork’ne and I’ve kept extensive notes the entire time, so if you’ve been lost in the sauce and would like to know more, I’m an open book! Come find me onsite to get the skinny on these very not-skinny foes.

2. Kicking it Old School in Idaris: A big theme for this Feast weekend is going to be Legacy. In simpler terms, it means a look back at some important snapshots in Realms history is being interwoven into this whole event. Idaris is old school, with a lot of prime Blackwood and Realms history baked into the province. Let’s just say if the province was a Realmsie, it would DEFINITELY have a “favorite” knee by this point. Now I only have foggy visions and unconfirmed rumours, but from the sound of it it seems Blackwood is pulling out the ancient tomes, the deep forgotten lore from the early days of Blackwood, maybe never before seen in the Realms at large. So if you have old memories of running around in your riveted steel chainmail, getting thawcked with a drilled core PVC boffer, and more “No shit there I was” stories than anyone has time to listen to, you may want to stop on by this weekend to relive some history coming alive.

3. A Feast to Write Home About:  Now it’s no secret that Blackwood has a fantastic track record of delectable feasts entries, but I believe this one may be the best one we’ve seen to date, due to a few culminating factors. Obviously we have some masterful hands behind the kitchen, Sir Mathies should really swap his necromancy spellbook with a cookbook with the wizardry coming out of those ovens every year. While we don’t have a confirmed menu, previous Blackwood events have given us such memorable dishes like the soothing gazpacho, Blackwood’s iconic Meatloaf in various shapes, and at this point the legendary Hungarian mushroom soup. Known food critic Madam Zarine's only complaint from the soup was that there wasn’t more of it! This expertise and vision, combined with the fact Lady Matiya has been working steadfastly turning this kitchen and its various tools from an unruly mob into an elegant machine of dispensing culinary delights over the past few months, is shaping up to make this the perfect storm, destined for your stomach.

So, come on by this weekend! Quest, running for your life, and food made from for your soul! What more could you ask for?!

Why I Want To Go - Exotic Items, Creatures, and Wares 7

By Margaret (Ash/Bri) August

IC: 

The Rogue Angel Malthael is a threat to humanity. Believing we are too corrupted by demonic influences, the only solution in his view is to kill mortals and demons alike; taking on the moniker of Archangel of Death. 

He resides in his fortress of Pandemonium. A key has been retrieved, and now we seek a way to survive within its walls if we wish to take the fight to him. Be prepared for anything. I hear it will be a dangerous fight. Moo.

See you in Stonewood,

Magus Margaret August, Lightbringer

OOC:

Stonewood continues to throw some of the most intense questing in the game. These events have become a favorite of Voraniss, and I'm so excited to be able to quest with my nation and anyone else who's willing to help.

Why I Want To Go - Another Door Opens

by: Hannah "Ryu" Boucher 

                Approximately 3 years ago, we ventured into the Fortress of Doors for what we hoped would be our final time. Not because we disliked the Fortress or its inhabitants, but because we hoped to end the threat of the Red for good. We found the breach, sealed it closed, then detonated the Source Well in an attempt to rid the Fortress of the troublesome and corrupting Red that were left behind. That should have been the final chapter, but the expression goes, “when one door closes…”

                It appears that another door has, in fact, opened. A transmission from Olivia’s Rangers has reached us and it doesn’t sound good. The Board has warned us, in its own strange way, of a danger lurking through the halls. Is this a new threat? Has the Red somehow returned? Will we finally rid the Fortress of its persistent mold problem? We don’t know much about what we will face, but the Board has left some clues. A collection of songs has been given to us which spell out “H E A D   U N D E R W A T E R” when you look at the titles. A special certificate released at the Midnight Festival had some strange pictograms, and an unusual font. An unusual mention of “contingencies” and “White Bishop to B5” has been overheard through Board and Ranger transmissions. What does it all mean? I don’t have the answers, but I am ready to find out inside; this time, armed with copious amounts of Moldicide.  

                For more specific details of our previous outings into the Fortress of Doors, I encourage you to reach out to YPNN. It is not essential that you know all the details, but learning from the past can help inform our future, and maybe you’ll discover something we previously overlooked!

If you will be joining me, bring your wits, bring your weapons and spells, and bring whatever Source you still have. With the Well gone, we will need every bit we can muster if we are to navigate the strange twisting hallways and liminal thresholds. If this will be your first time venturing inside the Fortress of Doors, it is a space of inverted logic and impossible physics. Things won’t always make sense, but they will always follow rules. Figure out the rules, and you can handle anything that comes your way.

Remember, the answer to fire is more fire.

        -Commander Ryu and Ro the Dog

Why I Want To Go - Anthologies 2 [Part 2]

by: Kathy "Makhta" Fey

Makhta:

Sometimes it falls to people like us to save Creation.  I mean, gods don’t have their own hands and feet right?  So there’s this arc – it’s a super powerful Creation-magic artifact – that the bad guys are after too, and we have to beat them to it.  

If you have no idea what’s going on with any of this, welcome to my world, but we’ll catch you up on anything you need to know about what we’ll be facing and what we need to do and, heck, how this all fits in with our whole reality.  Ace will explain it all to you with an orange.

As for the fact that we’re questing into Fae – or, the Mysts, or something – I don’t have the slightest but I know it can mess you up big time so we’ll have a briefing on that too.  Which I better pay attention to.

But don’t let all that scare you.  You’re a hero, right, you wouldn’t be scared anyway!  But please come help out because, well, I like Creation right where it is and I’d rather it stay that way.

Other than that quest, I know there’s some Sanctuary magic mumbo jumbo going on, which is also tied into world-saving actions, so get over here heroes we need to jump into that together.

And then, there’s the Laurlins stuff, which I also don’t get but there will be experts on hand and I’d really appreciate it if you all could work on fixing Traveller’s friggin’ lung plant curse problem because holy hell that’s gone on long enough. 

And hey – with all this questing into like every plane of existence but our own – I have a personal request to make.  Please do not let anyone wander off on their own, and please for the love of all gods don’t leave anyone behind.  

Kathy:

Anthologies will be a treat!  You have a whole team of great storytellers presenting a collection of unique but interconnected mods, each of which serves a dual purpose – as both a nice chance to bathe in plots we’re invested in, and as a great entry point for people who haven’t encountered these plots before and want to dive in!  Or even just stick a toe in, or just hit things and huck magic around – whatever you find fun about questing, you’ll find it here.  What’s not to love about spending a day hitting your friends with sticks in a park and getting all worked up over our own intertwined and epic stories!

Why I Want To Go - Anthologies 2 [Part 1]

By: Briar "Phee" Sieracki

 August, R.Y. 1026, loose thoughts from a desk in Caer Estelle, Val’Dara

The days are ticking down as we come ever closer to a quest that no one should ever wish be a need. While a majority of our forces focus on a quest for the greater good, one that’s too important to be left to the wayside (as many of our adventures ever are), a number of us are to split off and to step willinging into the Mysts of Forgetfulness. It is not an undertaking to do lightly, and though out of our number I have stepped into it the most frequently (much to my own dismay), I made a promise.

I keep my promises.

Raindrop has asked aid to seek someone from their previous cycle, back in the First Age. So, they have sought a questing party of those they know, love, trust. I am…uneasy, bringing my child and…and her father with us. I know it’s going to be difficult, and it’s been some time since the Mysts showed us all its tricks. I am ready and wary, and know that that may not be enough.

The quest we split off from seeks a far more dangerous, timely fight. An item that is crucial to keep out of the hands of those that seek it, out of Napheclthi’s hands. I don’t know this quite as well, though Ace, Margaret, and others who have been working on this would have a much better grasp. It’s crucial enough that reality itself is staked on it…and that’s worth keeping out of an Unmaker’s hands. Find those who have stepped through a book into the place known as Jhoril, they’ll answer questions better than I could.

After that, I turn my focus on another delve into aiding Sanctuary. I hear we will have spirits guiding us, and helping us make our way through temple grounds. What spirits those may be, what trials we will be tested against, I don’t know. In passing conversations I hear things about Cryodinium oaths and weapons, Ardor and a knighthood, and on occasion I find myself looking for a blade to come to hand that I have never known. It’ll be…curious to see how this plays out, especially as I feel perpetually like I’m four steps behind in understanding Sanctuary’s convoluted histories. It’s…oddly enjoyable, as if I’m a student in my family’s halls again, discovering a new corner I had missed before…

And then…the part that makes me most curious, and most concerned.

The Laurlins are familiar as a bedtime story and just as strange and different. A land beholden to the aspects of a story, and yet…not quite. Again, another place where others know more, and again, it’s comforting to find something new to sink my teeth into. I’ve felt what I can only describe the lands being just as curious about me, felt it tell me one of their titles and shape changes to my magic. I’ve never been able to tap into the regional magics of lands before, and technically I’m not feeling the Laurlins’...but all doubt must be pushed aside. We have surgeries to end curses, and what’s sure to be a fight ahead of us.

---

Why do I want to go? Where do I start? 

Alex is bringing a touch of a complex, convoluted world to the Realms, and I am so excited to see people’s reactions! (I’m both sad to be missing out, but glad I’m not needed for this mod: My face role will show up later down the road, and very different from Phee!) If you’re looking to tap into a plot that’s gonna have a lot of parts, Dark Cosmos is for you!

While the Fae plot quest that’s happening simultaneously is split off and a capped number, don’t let anyone fool you into thinking you can’t do more things, have character growth, or tease a bit of your character’s backstory as an oldbie! There’s something fun and satisfying in getting to explore a new part of a good friend’s backstory all these years later. 

I know Sanctuary is a big plot, overwhelming at times, and I’m the worst at keeping up with it. That doesn’t stop me from looking at each new angle, going “huh!” and rolling with the punches. Ash has been doing a fantastic job making a complex multiverse feel alive by having so many factions working towards various goals, and hey! I get to do a Star Wars with this mod!

Finally, Laurlins. Just like our other fantastic storytellers, Matthew has woven a wild fairytale (heh) with this and I’m so excited to see what she’s got in store. This is my first real time interacting with Laurlins stuff that hasn’t been in passing, and they suggested an absolutely bonkers, fantastic thing for my pre-reg perk. I can’t wait to explore that and this plot line!

If you’ve held on for my long-winded IC and OOC rambles, you should absolutely try to make it out to Anthologies 2, as either a PC or NPC. You’re guaranteed to have a good time!

Why I Want To Go - Queen of Hearts XXXI Knave of Hearts

 By: Adrian Cronin 

This year is my ten year anniversary in the realms. Queen of Hearts was my second event and by far the most intense crash course the realms has to offer. My friends and I found the game through a simple google search and decided to give it a shot. We had pvc weapons, no armor and got our asses handed to us all day long. There were four teams back then, rushing back and forth across the field with an intensity I could never have anticipated. My memory of that event is so vivid. We met the friends who would become my church, and my nation. I wrote a song on site and won the bardic tourney, only for my trophy to get handed to the wrong person and never be seen again. I got piked in the face. I got yelled at. It was legendary.

Coming back to the event over the years, it has faced multiple evolutions to survive the times while still managing to retain the same staples we all love and enjoy. Like jilted lovers, we complain to Sir Aeston and he takes it in stride. Managing to create something interesting for us all to enjoy. I have high hopes for this year.

With no predetermined teams, we have an opportunity for balance. We can take things down a notch in regards to the intensity. Make the game a bit more approachable, especially with such a large community of players with different desires and expectations regarding what we do.

Ten years ago, the Broken Spears just showed up. And now that’s all we’re asking you to do. Just show up, fight your ass off, call your shots, watch your blow strength and stay hydrated. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate humility, which is a core value of the Broken Spears Free Company than to compete on equal ground with all of you. That field has a lot of history. Plenty of ghosts and at least a few angels. The eyes of the warriors who came before us are upon us. Act accordingly, and do honor to yourself and to them.

When night falls, the most hyped night quest in quite some time will be taking place. So save a bit of steam.

I’ll be honest, I would have loved to have run my team this year. To celebrate Broken Spears on their tenth year and bring the hype of my team's progress to proper conclusion. However I am taking this extra year as an opportunity. To mend broken bonds and prepare the community for the greatest battle the realms has ever seen. 

For next year, Cronin Barbaria will face off against Margaret August. Margaret and I are both committed to putting past strifes behind us and are holding our teams to the highest standards. 

We’ve got a year. My sigil may be a bull but that doesn’t mean I can’t squash beef. Let it end.

Praise Vandor.

-Cronin Barbaria

Why I Want To Go - A Weekend In Creathorne

by: Anna "Hedda" Rufus

It has been some time since last I set foot in Creathorne. Word went out across the realms, calling friends and allies to gather for food, games, and whatever adventures might stumble our way. I am not entirely certain I qualify as either friend or ally, truth be told, but I will be joining in the chaos all the same.

Rumor reached me of goblins lurking about… perhaps they intend to join the cookout? If so, I hope they bring something other than trouble. I also caught wind of talk regarding necromancy and rending permits. Are such things to be formally requested, or are they simply granted upon arrival? I have grown far too accustomed to Blackwood, where undead wander as casually as townsfolk and it is more of a suggestion than a rule.

For now, I shall step out of Hartlepool for this Excursion and present a new adventurer to the company. Whether it is wise to bring a fresh recruit to help Veet fend off goblins is… debatable. Still, it should be fine. Probably.

Why I Want To Go - Makhta's Lucid Nightmare ...and the Dream Shards Pt. 2

 IC (Aiden Penclaw)

The sound of the anvil had begun to make Aiden's ears ring. It had been one year since he hid the dream forge and escaped being fae touched again. A bead of sweat ran down his cheek as he could feel it calling again. Word had traveled of Makhta's plight between all corners of the realm. Things were getting worse and even the fires of the forge showed Aiden visions of a terrible possibility at hand. If action wasn't taken soon the friend he had made the last two years would burn in a gristly death saved for those of vampiric blood. Weapons of silver and every magic trick and trap packed, he looked back at his forbidden traps in the corner. Various supplies that once deterred fae were being left behind to make room for what comes ahead. With a long breath Aiden mounts his horse for the trip from Tarngire within Invictus. Making his way back towards the forge to meet up with Omri, Ryu, and several more to find what can be done to prevent fate. He whispers under his breath- "If not for our friends then why else-" Aiden begins his trip.

OOC (Arthur Granger)

Do you enjoy questing events? Looking for an event that could lead to changes that affect your character for years to come? Maybe you're a newbie looking to learn more about the travelers and groups of the realm you run into along the path. Come along and join this weekend in a plot that heavily features a friend we all know at this point and be a part of seeing this story's progression. Maybe a few curveballs might be thrown our way as those new to adventuring will learn. Dreams can turn into nightmares in a world where logic might not be the only answer. All in all a fun weekend and I look forward to it!

Why I Want To Go - Makhta's Lucid Nightmare ...and the Dream Shards Pt. 1

by: Sky "Raindrop" Rubenstein

IC:

Friends, Heroes of the Realms, Comrades in Arms,

One of our own is in danger. I don’t know about you, but I grew up hearing tales of Makhta’s heroism and prowess. And my experience is that she lives up to her reputation. I have been honored and delighted to get to know her these past few years, and fight at her side. Now, she is in danger. Cursed by vampirism that has been getting worse and worse, I have watched her struggle with her own darkness, and to find her path. Now her life, fate, and heart lie in our hands. To save her or lose her forever. I am proud I get to fight for my friend. My warlord. I will not let her lose herself to the Darkness forever. Please, I encourage those who are able to join us in this fight. Help us keep our friend safe, and find peace with herself, and harmony.

Dame Magus Raindrop Storm

Knight Protector of Faerie

Magus of the Realms

OOC:

I had the pleasure to play with Randy at Intercon this past year, and he is an incredible storyteller. I have heard some of what he has planned for mechanics this year, and I think that this event is going to be a phenomenal one with some innovative storytelling techniques. Beth Tozier is an incredible storyteller and friend as well, and I always enjoy getting to play with her, both player-to-player and player-to-npc. And then you bring Sean V into the mix, one of the minds that brought us Bedlam, and an amazing storyteller and NPC, one of the best out there, and someone who always plays an excellent villain. Then adding in Kelly Bonci, one of my good friends and a delightful person who has always played incredible characters, and done a great job bringing characters to life, and Kathy Fey’s experience, storytelling, and roleplaying acumen, this is shaping up to be an incredible event. They’ve really worked hard to weave in character stories, as well as personal plots and storylines, and I am so thrilled to see what this brings.

Come prepared to roll with the punches, improv, and play hard. I think this is going to be a good one.

Sky Rubenstein

Why I Want To Go - Exotic Items, Creatures, and Wares 6

By: Emily "Kara" Murphy

Hello People of the Realms,

It has been some years since I’ve visited Stonewood…on a weekend that is. Although I’ve fallen out of the habit since I moved south, I used to visit quite regularly on the weekdays, when the land was less likely to be ravaged by some powerful evil person or evil army or evil lich, or occasionally all three at once. Although all nations in the area see what can only be described as a weekend spike in monster sightings, Stonewood took the cake for how quickly I would feel the need to leave before dusk on a Friday. Why am I breaking this years long streak you ask? Well…if your Baroness jumped off a bridge, would you?

Baroness Phee has decided that we should help our Stonewood friends by venturing into their lands to enter a Horadric Vault and obtain a key to Pandemonium. Stonewood, infamous for their anti-fae protections, shall receive the aid of the nation that is at least 3/5ths Fae or Fae adjacent in retrieving something I definitely know about and definitely did not space out when it was explained to me by Tony. I suppose I asked for new issues when I moved, but this is not quite what I meant. Granted, as much as I don’t doubt Phee’s intention to help, I’m still not convinced this isn't just a ploy to see James Swift.

I won’t lie and say I am being forced to go, however. There are people I hold dear in Stonewood that I want to help and protect. I won’t shy away from any challenge if it means preventing those I care about from being in danger, or in more danger that is strictly necessary for what we all do. And with what Deckard Cain is promising we’ll face, the challenge will be worth it in the end, to save lives of civilians and to help our friends and allies. I hope to see familiar faces there, working towards those goals. And hopefully, one of those faces can tell me what a key to Pandemonium is, because I won’t lie (again), I do not know what that is, and I am a little concerned with the name. May the Warrior of Summer aid us all in our quest.

Yours in Faith,

High Priestess Magus Jarl Sir Kara

Why I Want To Go - Tournaments of Blackwood XIII

by: Nixon "Jasper" Showalter

Hello friends, foes, and otherwise,

The lands of Heminshire call to me, as I am sure they are calling to many of you as well. There are good times to be had and I can now only wait eagerly for the weekend! I saw many of you around this time last year, though at the time I was working as a bartender keeping you all hydrated and keeping spirits high, with some side work on the Western Flank (I still occasionally get dreams of Orion chasing me down through the woods with dramatic music in the background, how strange). However, getting to see first hand all of the incredible times there were to be had, I knew this year I wanted to try my hand as a competitor. 

Starting off the weekend with the Fated Arena is incredibly exciting. I have only heard stories, but I can say without a doubt I am eager to experience it for myself. There is nothing like entering a competition knowing your objective is not only to win, but to survive. And for all of you wealthy benefactors out there, it seems there will be some use for all of that coin you have accumulated. If anyone wants their heraldry on display, send me a pigeon and we can work something out.

Saturday is going to be a blast, a day full of tournaments for you all to put your best skills on display. Hopefully those of you who suffered, excelled, and survived this past weekend will be recovered to put on a show like no other! This past year Blackwood hosted some of the most unique and whimsical tournaments I have seen on the field, so I know without a doubt there will be fun times to be had. Not only are we competing for placements in each tournament, but winners will also be earning points towards the champion titles of Slayer, Archmage, and Skald. These are not only impressive titles, but also come awarded with their respective relics as well. 

As night approaches, the festivities do not end! Drinks will be available to keep the night young, with challenges to Beat the Bartender to keep your bar time exciting. Sir Tao will be hosting a stack deck tournament for those of you who seek to rise in the gambling ranks, and last but certainly not least, Ser Elizah will be opening the Drag Inn for adventurers to compete in some incredibly fun games. The return of Dark Deed and Stoneface are extremely exciting to hear, but for the return of my personal favorite Nay, Poxy, Nave, I cannot wait! Ending the night, the Drag Inn will be hosting their first ever Drag Show, which is so exciting and I look forward to seeing all of the incredible performances for the night!

On Sunday, breakfast will be served (and I am sure it will taste incredible after the night's festivities and with the talents of Irri and Cronin at the stove) and tournaments will continue! To end the day, awards will be presented, titles will be appointed, and we will all have great stories to share.

I cannot wait to see you all there, and I hope you are all excited for a great weekend full of fun times, exciting tournaments, delicious drinks, impressive performances, and all of the amazing things Blackwood has to offer!

Until the sun touches the sea,

Jasper Havarti Sherwood

Why I Want To Go - Pressure Point 4

by: Anna "Hedda" Rufus 

You’ve heard the stories, haven't you? Our predecessors had battles of all kinds. Protecting our lands against a variety of internal and external threats. Entering through portals and solving puzzles that many of us have never thought to dream of.

People talk back about the heroic and demonic feats of adventurers and how they cherished the camaraderie among the nations. Coming from Atlantis, these stories are like the wars under the waves with different enemies tied to them. My mettle has been tested in many ways since coming to the land. Many enemies placed all sorts of afflictions upon me and took me to the brink of death. The stories that have reached my ears recently? Of a challenge to test myself to the limit of what my mortal coil can handle. These things I have not had the chance to experience since washing ashore. I have been tested through tournaments of many kinds. Stories from the past say this trial cannot compare to those. It proves we can be much more and takes every fiber of our being. How far can you push the mind, body, and soul before it breaks?

I cannot do it alone. Across the realms many of you have heard from me. A call for people to come and challenge themselves alongside me. We will be split into teams. We will attempt to keep ourselves awake and challenge our minds and bodies together for the first time in a decade of previous combatants. Run until your legs give out, then stand back up anyway. Fight till you drop and get back up relying on your teammates to help you up if you must. Fight past your comfort zone, swallow the strange stuff and move forward anyway. Let us take the next step of stories to tell the ones who follow in our footsteps. I cannot promise you will be on my side or, if you challenge your team against mine to take the victory. What I can promise is that you will come to this, test yourself in ways you may not have before, and you will become closer to a tight knit group that creates a bond together.

I will challenge myself to be a captain. I will strive to win and be the best. I will push myself to the limits. There are people there to ensure we are safe, though they will also push us to be outstanding as well.  

Why do you come and read my words? Is it curiosity, or perhaps inquisitiveness? Whatever brought you here, I am glad you did. Let yourself bear witness to this next story of greatness, trials, emotional and physical tests, and the forging of souls that will carry on the chronicle of heroes brought to their Pressure Point.

Whan-Hedda con Atlantis

Why I Want To Go - Tournaments of the Branch 4

By: Briar "Phee" Sieracki

My dear friends,

For those who have been unable to make the first 3 iterations of Tournaments of the Branch, truly, you have missed some fantastic times.

To begin, Lord Harkon has made sure that the fields are fought as evenly as possible; to begin, there is both Combat and Arts & Sciences. The tournaments are split between Knights and Unbelts…simply, if you are of a peerage such as a knight, a magus, or the like, you fight under that. Unbelts is the easiest way to describe a wide array of people who might not have had the attention drawn to them that they should: squires, pages, people with no titles whatsoever. There are even steps to break Unbelts into further categories, should numbers prove large enough.

Combat is easy enough to explain, but Arts & Sciences…in years past it has been tactics and strategy (using the infamy of Argyle!), embroidery, calligraphy, some…resource allocations…many skills we may not think about when it comes to the world around us.

In this way, Tara has offered a format in which people can fight their peers, and allow those who may be looking for squires, apprentices, or mentees to find them. A fantastic way to match your skill as well as get all eyes on you.

There is, of course, also the Champion of Champions tournament, a recognition of heralds (a personal favorite), and newly added, an encampment competition!

As every year, there are also two altars available, that allow our spellcasters and fighters to try the other paths’ shoes, so to speak. An altar to Rawonam where magic casters may lay their spellbook to take up arms, and an altar to Antioch, where a fighter may lay a weapon or armor and try magic for a while.

Between a casual day of tournaments (a rare case where I enjoy watching the fights!), food, friends…it is worth the time to make it.

Phee

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I might be a bit biased because Hillary is my partner, but I mean it when I say that TotB is absolutely a tournament you should make the time to hit. In my years in the Realms, I’ve never seen cleaner tournament fights, the joy people get from hearing their names called or trying a new tourney they never would have otherwise.

Swing by for a few. Bring your dad, it’s Father’s Day after all! You’ll be glad you came, and sad you missed it.

Briar

Why I Want To Go - Heroes for Hire II

by: Angel "Aris" 

Hai everyone! If you don't know me I am the one who plays Aris, if you don't know who that is, well its the person running around with orange hair and fox ears. And this is why I want to go to Heroes for Hire. 

First off I want to start by one of my goals as a new player is to hit almost all the events this year. 

Second, I am really excited for the Summer Solstice Festival, (I love solstice's), as it gives me the opportunity to celebrate it and just hang out with people I don't get to see or talk to enough. 

Third, I stand for random questing and all that it is. (aka, the various odd jobs from wildcard guild) Which means plenty of opportunities for shenanigans. 

Hopefully see you there - Angel

Why I Want To Go - Anthologies

 

From Violets 

Hello, wonderful people of the Realms, this is why you should join me in questing at anthologies. One of the reasons I'm so excited to go to this event is the blooming. I'm extremely interested in finding a way of healing or curing it using information gained from ground zero. Something else I'm very excited about is finding out more about the blue blazers. The blue blazers is a group I’ve only heard of once before, and im excited to be able to interact with them, though I have been told they do have a price for asking for their help. Hopefully, no one makes any deals.

On that note of making deals, I have been extremely interested in learning more about the weavers. For those unfamiliar with how the strange magic door and people work, the rough gist of it is that there are titles that hold power. Such as weaver, tricker, and traveler, with these titles you can manipulate and change magic and reality in different ways.

Hope to see you soon- Violet

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Margaret here.

I’m really worried about Makhta. The darkness in QTN has gotten worse, to the point where there are rumors that The McKyre is returning to fight the darkness because the darkness is here. I should’ve made fixing Makhta part of the deal for putting Soultaker in charge of the Dreaming, but I didn’t realize the Dream Demons were going to keep the Chimeronian Vampires because it was ‘funny’. But I digress. 

Meanwhile, someone from a group called the blue blazers wants help finding the actual name of a door, presumably the door to the Lauralins. Nothing sketchy about that. They are offering to take us to Springs, which is the location of the first known case of The Blooming. I still have a ritual that may be able to cure The Blooming, with the looming question hanging over me of if it’s worth the price. All while a former Villain continues to bet on my successes, and to stack the deck in my favor. So uh. If anyone wants to help with all of this I certainly wouldn’t say no. Because the chess pieces are being assigned, and I don’t want to end up as a pawn. 

With Light,

Magus Margaret August, Lightbringer

OOC Note:

I am incredibly excited for Matthew’s first foray as an EH, especially after having to miss their storytellers mod. The teams involved in anthologies are fun, and I trust them to roll with things while managing to turn a free event in the park into one of my most anticipated events so far. Kathy as MM is going to be hilarious, Sky will make us cry, and Matthew will make me want to pull out my hair. All in good fun. Can’t wait to see you there.

~ Bri

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From Companion.

As someone who the villain has tried to directly afflict with the blooming finding ground zero is an exciting venture. We may be able to collect clues on how to cure or at least slow the progression of the blooming within hosts. This could help us save countless people as the blooming spreads through the lands, as it was designed to be a magic nature combo curse. It's a pain in the ass to fix after a certain point, but if we can find more information, it may be possible!

There is also the potential to find out more about Midoru, the rune that was supposed to be dead long ago. This rune has recently seen a resurgence, infecting at least two known people, myself and Makhta. During our questing into the plane of lost things, two items were found containing Midoru: a necklace and a wand. As of now, what happened to the necklace is unknown. There is still so much that we don’t know about Midoru. However, what we do know is scary on its own. We know that it never died, and that it has a cult to back it. We know that creatures with it on them have started showing up, and we know that it can spread. I am both excited for and dreading what we may learn during this quest.

I hope to see you there,

LiiCompanion

Why I Want To Go - The Gilded Lion and Silver Branch Summer Festival V

by: Emma "Chrysanta" Harvey

Hello Friends!

I have once again been asked to write for the View! Yay!

This time, it is to get people excited for The Gilded Lion and Silver Branch Summer Festival! So, why should you trek all the way to the Rhiassan-Chimeronian border? Well, not only is it a lovely time to enjoy yummy food, refreshing drinks, and good company, there are always many fun activities and strange occurrences.  From Dinosaur jousting to puppy dog catching (at least that’s what happened last year), who knows what may occur!

Why else should you join us for this summer festival? Well, from what I know, one of my best friends, Friend Rowan, will have her rarities shop with many treasures to spend your hard earned gold on (Friend Grevin told me to say that). I also have the honor of serving drinks for my lovely friends of the Realms! Yup! Cinnamon’s Tea Trove will be hitting the road with special drinks and tasty treats! So if you haven’t been to Mirador, fear not! A pair of friendly fauns will be available to serve you lovely, handcrafted libations. 

As for anything else? I am not too sure. Probably someone will annoy Friend Aeston. Probably me. (Hee hee)

See you at the festival!

Dream Mender Chrysanta Morris

Friend of the Realms

Scholar of Air and Warden to Magistrate Zula