Jan 2014 Event Highlights!

It was my first KR event and I full-time NPC'd. Friday night, being a Death Herald was tons of fun, loved the reactions out of a lot of the PCs, you guys were great. The barn was cold as hell, but the heater definitely helped.

Did some refugee and bandit NPCing on Saturday, before being a corrupted goblin for tower mod. As my first real combat mod, it was lots of fun, and I felt like we were giving the PCs a good challenge. PCs roleplayed the encounter pretty well, starting out cocky against a bunch of goblins but getting more apprehensive when they realized how many of them there were - kudos to you guys, it was a good fight.

Did some NPCing for a scene that I thought was absolutely awesome. I don't think I should say much about it because of plot, but I can say that if I wasn't sold on KR by then, the atmosphere of that scene would have sold me on it. Awesome stuff.

Main mod was, quite literally, awesome. The unified chanting was really cool, and I'd love to know how it made the PCs feel. The fight was really chaotic, but a great melee in general. Put a couple of people into serious, got to shout defiance at the Travancians when they told us to stand down at the end, telling them that if they knew True Faith, they would know that we would never surrender.

A pity that that act was followed up by me forgetting the words "Chaotic Mind," which ended up in me getting mind controlled pretty much immediately thereafter. Ah, well, it's a learning experience.

Sunday consisted of being a water elemental, which was fun.

I had a great time at my first event. You guys were awesome, and made me feel welcomed. The quality of roleplaying and costumes was great; I definitely look forward to returning next month with my PC.

Alrighty, Start to finish, this event was the followup from Moresca that sold me 100% on going for the rest of my foreseen existence.
Im horrible with names and honestly some of the people I RP'd with or NPC'd with were having so much fun I think names completely escaped us.
The Awesome:
-Getting to the camp for the first time and immediately feeling like I wasn't being stressed by work or anything out of game was a real refresher. It's been a long time since I felt that escape and it meant a lot to me that everyone was so helpful in helping me find where I needed to go.

-Checking in was very easy and I was glad staff werent perturbed at all by us VA folks arriving a little late. I was so excited to get out there and RP that instead of going to bed after the 4 and a half hour drive, I geared up immediately and headed to the Inn.

-RPing with all the sleepy people's who were up late was interesting. Everyone seemed like they wanted to hibernate, but in the end that night helped me understand the status of the world itself as I was constantly asking questions about things that have transpired so I could learn them INC. Angeliana and Dr. Darkwood were both very helpful in enabling me to grasp what was going on around me. Thank you for offering to bring me breakfast Ilana , sorry I was so sleepy I pseudo-coma'd into saturday.

-The camp in the snow looked so neat! albeit slightly treacherous in some areas. Despite the renovations and construction of some of the buildings, it makes me feel great knowing that the event fee Im paying is going towards improving the larp in some way, and not just all into someone's pocket. I like how theres a sense of progression and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

-Saturday noon to afternoon was a cornucopia of RPing awesome. Being able to sit around in the Inn and introduce myself to people, explain Willow's philosophies and beliefs, as well as learn things most would consider mundane INC. I can point out many facts that Willow learned.

1. Goggins taught Willow what a spanner was after he unceremoniously swiped the wrench from his pack. He was very kind and intriguing.

2. Willow learned what wine tasted like, and apparently is not a fan of being intoxicated. Dizzy-drink makes you dizzy.

3. Typhon and Kaldor both made excellent teachers in explaining the foundations of what it means to be a druid, as well as explaining their roles in druidic society respectfully. It was sad to discover that Lady Elawyn was not around nor would be for the foreseeable future, as Willow was looking to be mentored by her. But what was even more intriguing was discovering the man who took up her mantle in her stead.

4. Valentine and Typhon teaching Willow how economy and wealth works as well as taxes. Additionally coming to understand the importance of coin itself and it's role in the marketplace and Travance as a whole. The way you guys explained it was very real and easy to understand INC.

5. Karen (funny I totally brained your INC name) teaching Willow what a spear and shield were and how they were used. [I will eventually need to seek training in the use of a polearm to be entirely honest *rubs hands together* gooood.....] Sword on a stick!

6. This happened on friday night, but Ilana taught Willow what a physician was and how they help people. She also gave him a little information about how you can be an assistant when using skills to help others.

7. Discussions about human procreation...and how a great deal of it went over Willow's head or was too awkward to explain. Lots of red faces, lots of Willow being confused.

8. Kaldor explaining how alchemicals work, potions and the like as well as gifting him with a good handful of useful things. I used the itching powder! Very convenient.

9. Willow learned what a brownie is.
"Here, it's a brownie"
Willow: "What is it? It looks like dirt."
"My wife made it, it's good."
"Oh, made by a dryad, ok!" *sticks brownie in mouf*
"Wooow...that's definitely not dirt....much tastier."
(Marie, omg...t'was delicious!)

-The "Tower" Mod. I was excited to go, it was my first introduction to the combat system and honestly I loved how it flowed. I liked how when effects were called, people who asked for clarifications got quick answers and didnt argue, almost to the point where holds didnt even need to be called and combat kept going. I liked being able to snare a few of the demon goblins and be useful, as well as heal a couple other people. And on the same coin, I got whopped and downed by Jason. Congrats, you were my first lol. The upside was at least it was easy math! I was sitting there counting my concentration and saw you running towards me, I kind of knew I would get Angela up, as I counted to 10, I said "Cure Light Wounds, 12 points." and then came the blade, *WHOP* down I go. With only 5 body, I ish squishy. I wasnt upset at all about that, I kinda felt special that I got targeted, made me feel like I had a purpose, despite having the effective staying power of a dried out twig ready to be snapped.

-On that same token, Ill repeat again, I liked how when either someone called an effect on me that I didnt know or vice versa, all I had to do was ask quickly or explain quickly and there wasnt any arguing. The fact that a marshal wasnt far away at all times made me feel like the rules were being upheld and I didnt really have to worry about cheating so much.

-Mr. Tinney's quick rescue when I started shivering. My costume was warm in all places except the two most important ones for someone who's anemic. My fingers and toes. Despite feeling slightly embarrassed for having to be carted off from the mod, I was glad the cold was taken seriously and no one told me to "buck up" or "shouldve worn better clothing". After that I learned that even fully waterproofed moccasins do not offer much in the way of insulating your feet. I later discovered a way to counteract that by putting two pairs of toe warmers in each moccasin. I've never attended an event so cold that frostbite was honestly a danger, but we're all hardcore and it was handled very well.

-The banter amongst people in the armory, learning more about the game while we were in the medical hold. Belegchand explaining profession roles, strengths and weaknesses so that I could get a better grasp of the system was very helpful. To all the folks who helped me out during that time, whether fetching my more insulated boots or bringing heat packs for my frozen feet, you were all so awesome.

-The feast atmosphere was very lively and believable. I felt like I was actually at a feast, the long tables, people elbow to elbow sharing stories and jokes. The food was delicious.

-NPCING! For my first npc rotation I got to go out as 3 awesome roles. The first was one of my favorites. In the other larp I came from, I played a rogue/assassin type. I've always liked skulking around in the shadows, and the dynamic of being a priest who had stealth abilities and prayers to match the playset was incredibly reminiscent of D&D. It was really difficult for me to remember the prayer verbals, so I stuck to what I liked best, backstabbing...a lot. My favorite bit of deception during that mod was encountering a Kitieran and her friend who looked lost and confused, I walked up to them and said "This is crazy isn't it? Im a little scared right now to be honest" they replied "Yeah, I can't even tell whose friend from foe." my response "I know right?" as her friend turns, I assail him and drop him there on the spot. The look of utter betrayal on her face was so genuine when his body hit the ground, as I ran off cackling. You know people are INC when they react in such second-nature ways to things happening to them and others. Additionally, going that whole time without using any other skills than backstab damage and assail. Bread and butter, I don't need that Hide in Shadows. I blend...

-The next npcing rift was playing an undead. I decided to try my hand at sword and board and I wore some pretty legit armor. Realizing I was the only one who could legitimately push into the tavern without dying instantly was very empowering, it was incredible to see the other undead follow behind me as I held the line and moved forward. This glory was somewhat short-lived however, as after a certain point I was dominated, and turned against my undead friends. It was quite fun, and I totally understand why wearing armor has it's OOC advantages. Had I not been wearing it and attempting the same breach, I would be covered in bruises right now. Instead the satisfying symphony of 'pings' and 'pangs' and 'dings' of countless weapons pounding into the armor were what filled my ears, as well as the cacophony of damage that I could only come to understand as "You are going to die, in about 10 seconds from taking all of this damage. Because counting it all would be a superhuman feat."

-My most enriched and deep RP experience yet was playing a farmer from Glensdale, which had just been decimated by trolls. It was amazing considering how the NPC's all originally treated it as a joke while waiting to go out, but the second we actually came into the Inn, it all became very real. People were sobbing, panicking, trying to kill themselves because of their grief, some were truly inconsolable and some let those compassionate souls in to help. It was amazing to see how each NPC came up with their own on-the-spot backstory which made each of us unique. We all lost something, whether it was family, wealth, pets, etc. At least one of us played a horrible person who actually sacrificed their family to escape the trolls who was particularly apathetic to the situation. The characters were all very believable, and there was a lot of OOC crying too. When a characters emotions become so powerful that they overwhelm you and you BECOME them, that is true RP. And I saw so much of it that I can honestly say it was the most deeply immersing experience I have ever had. And to think, it came from a very simple idea. To all the PC's who engaged us, and to all the NPC's who made that role their own, I frickin' applaud you all. It was incredible.

-Sleeping in a cabin that was finally warm...my god that's good.

-Cleaning up and such was easy, very streamlined and straight forward. I was sad that I didnt have an alarm or something to wake me up on sunday early enough to get more RP in before lay-off. The larp I came from typically was mostly OOC on sundays when wrapping up. So realizing that at future events I have a whole 'nother 5 hours of RP before being done is pretty awesome. Ill get used to the timetable of how things are done eventually.

The Not-So-Awesome

-Cold...all I can say...holy crap.

-Cold Latex Weapons...

-Cold Latex Weapons hitting you so hard your body goes numb...

-People calling damage so fast I couldnt understand them in combination with the above.

-Slipping and falling, lack of traction makes me feel very insecure particularly since I'm a highly mobile person who normally has a godlike vestibular sense. I felt really out of sorts considering the ground was so unstable with the ice and snow. The lack of tread on my other pair of boots did not help this either. The moccasins were the only things I could maintain balance with.

-I forgot my latex staff in the armory!

The Ouch

-Getting cracked in the face hard enough to literally floor me in one swing, I dont even remember who it was, but I saw stars for a few minutes. I didnt sustain a real injury or anything, but I dunno if I can handle that more than 2-3 times in an event, I'll need to buy stock in Excedrin. I know it happens when you are in a big battle and weapons are flying everywhere, but I dont believe there should be any reason for it to happen in a 1v1 from a standing position and particularly not with the force the blow carried.

All and all, This event possessed everything I expected out of a larp, as well as a plethora of things I never could have expected which truly made it unique and memorable. All the players I interacted with directly were awesome and kind, the system seems easy to learn, and with exposure I know I will master it. I love being able to learn about the world INC through almost childlike eyes because it makes even the simplest lessons fun and engaging. The RP I had with people was amazing, asking the simplest questions often got a lot of people thinking about subjects they never really thought about before. And that was truly magical, when you can get an experienced character to sit down with you and go over something even THEY don't completely understand, it enhances the relationships and makes it truly something worth doing.

The 4 and a half hour drive to get up there, will be worth it time and time again. The event fee, the gas, all of it I think pales in comparison to what I got out of the event. And it made me happy to see my fiancee enjoying it too, as we've both been looking for a larp in our lives that we can see ourselves playing long-term and get to know everyone like it used to be for us. I look forward to making more friends and sharing more unique experiences with all of you!

A serious thanks to the marshals and coordinators who made this event smooth despite the torture of the climate. Larry, your way of explaining npc information, motivations and procedures was comical and easy to remember. And another great thanks to James for being a ringleader in this crazy circus of awesome that we all love so much. I know as time goes by, I will learn everyone's names and give credit where credit is due. For now, my memory is a bit difficult to manage in some places.

Can't wait for February!

Sincerely,

Chris Stephens aka. "Willow"

January definitely lacked in the combat area, but more than made up for it in roleplay. It's still one of the best that I've went to since I first started to play.

Friday:
Clytie manned her tea booth that evening as usual.
-Interactions with the goblins and their little quarrel with the new Bedouin at the booth. The goblins we really adorable, and the tension was at a good level
-The "ladies' tea table" conversations with Meander and Almat, talking about anything and everything, including one big plot point for Clytie over the weekend.
-Moving forward with the judicial system in the incident in September. Chatted a bit with Herrister and Magnus, and all in all dredging up the memories left a bad taste in her mouth
-Clytie actually didn't get interrogated due to her regular interrogator/customer's absence. Feel better Charlie!

Saturday:
This was her first real day as an employee of Teavance, as well as big plot and battle stuff
-Business really started getting going around breakfast to a level that she's never seen before, and got bigger and bigger after Zathir plopped 8 more teas on her table and told her to go nuts
-The Chronicler mod was entertaining and mentally stimulating. We all had to try our best not to kill everything, and Goggins was talking to the trees and was shocked when they talked back
-The Visagalan sermon. It was actually pretty cool, great jobe James and Gene!
-Tower mod was a lot more actiony, and Clytie got to make puns regarding the goblin heart she found on the ground
-Finally going to Mother Remi for help. She was avoiding Andorrans for the issue due to what she thought the response would be, but Remi actually gave her great advice.
-A lot of dancing around the situation, but Clytie finally conveyed how she felt to Arthur. That was really bittersweet, thanks to Cory for being such a good sport about this.
-Lots of crying, stopping crying to try and distract herself, and failing and crying again. And lots of makeup reapplication.
-Jed's discussion about the hypocricy in the light clergy. He and Clytie got along really well.
-Feast was soooooooo good. Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good.
-Vigorous strategizing and a bit of confusion, but main mod was fun. I just wish that we knew the results of what happened in the barn
-Edwin left us Blueberry cake! Too bad a necromancer interrupted and caught her unarmed. She jumped over tables SO fast.

NPC gank shift in the winter was... kind of awful, yet also awesome.
-First I was a peasant running away from 3 trolls. One of 20 peasants running away from 3 trolls. We flipped our lids for a really long time, and Cory and I 007ed under the tables. That was an awesome time
-Then we were the illiterate and excitable citizens of Brownhurst, and we made everyone uncomfortable. I gave the painfully long hugs.
-Then I was a little girl who accidentally made her first kill. It was a bit underwhelming. Though my stint as a Malycite with Schizophrenia was fun. She was pawned off onto people until Razael suggested she cause chaos by getting Billiam to attack her by angering him. Almost worked.

Sunday:
Rather peaceful, took a lot of time to learn stuff
-Clytie shared her results with Mother Remi, who was trying to reassure her, but Jason Lieb's Satyr bard made everything better when he came in with an off-tune birthday song for Remi. That was the perfect thing. Just the perfect thing. Period.
-Alchemy lessons with Meander and Rudolph, and an incredible fire magic lesson with Carlotta.
-Clytie got really excited about Close the Box. One of her customers taught her how to play, and it turned out she was pretty good at it.


Thanks to everyone for making this event so wonderful, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again in February!

First of all it was great finally coming back to an event I missed everyone and yet, Ava was back to her usual antics!

Friday:

- More talks about religion with Several Valosians. Sorry they ran so long Shout out specifically to Mary as Mother Lenore for taking all the subtle and not so subtle insults Ava had about her PC's morality and self. Also another Valosian whose name I can't remember (So sorry) Warning her that her path was going to lead to self destruction. (Ironically the first person ever to really sit there and try to get her to stop doing what she was doing).

- Manhunt for the theif who cut pursed Zelretch. When we had gotten to a point where the tracks ended but he seemed like he was in range Ava yelled the loudest insult she ever did....unfortunately he didn't come. Also luckily Zelretch incurred the mini wrath of Magnus before Ava did anything to the thief....

- The towns person with the fishing hook inside him. Ava got told to be more sensitive. Good show nonetheless though

- Giving Refugees money trying to figure out this whole "Act of Kindness" thing. Still trying to figure out "real kindness" as opposed as doing something "kind" but still expecting a favor in return someday, which is what she sees most people doing.

-Pretty sure every conversation she has with Angeliana starts with either "move that", "Point that away" or "Don't hold that" in reference to her weapon

Saturday:

- Talk with Jed. Unfortunately for Ava, Jed is one of the only people who unsettles Ava slightly, though she really wants to hear more of what he has to say.

-Karkat(Sorry Steve if I spelled that wrong ) saying Ava was looking at him funny. Ava took that as she managed to creep him out, which made her slightly sad.

- Listening to Genes NPC Kapriel. It was interesting and something Ava could see, with more information of course, possibly jumping in on. Unfortunately things went south before she could get more information. She will need to follow up at game and see what exactly happened with everything.

- Missing a chaotic alteration on a angry towns member (who I heard ended up being confirmed as a malycite) which then got resolved before any fighting However he may have said something which led to something on Sunday.

- Main mod was fun considering the cold. Fighting yay! Lots of mind defenses with the enemies not so yay but by the end of the battle Ava's chaotic things were going through. It was fun to chaotically alter an enemy and then tell them to work it out amongst themselves.

Sunday:

-Ava was most useful during the water elementals. Most of what she did was unfreeze poor peoples limbs and unincase them in ice. Also made a lot of people remember she was also a mage.

-Billiam coming up to her saying someone told him she was a Malycite. Ava being confused since he brought it up during the water elemental battle but also glad he hadn't just straight up attack her. Telling him no, of course she wasn't and is now trying to find out who started the rumor. OOG I'm not surprised at all. IG Ava is insulted mostly because whoever started the rumor didn't accuse her to her face. So we'll see where that goes. Not the first time some weird rumor about her has started... Also Billiam reminding her about when he taught her how he told her not to give into the urges of chaos. (second time that event someone warned her lol)

- Talking to a potential new chaos warrior. Trying to explain to her the very basics about chaos without going to in depth to try and prepare her what she might be jumping into. Hopefully Ava will get to teach her more, but depending on whether or not I can make it to game next month will probably decide if she hears about more 'restrained' chaos warriors....

A++ Event would event again

This event was defiantly suffering from the cold, but every strived through.

Highlights&Lowlights:

Pre-Game:

Unfortuantly I was working on a super-duper warm costume that fell apart last minuet for a stupid reason...my sewing machines can't handle the total 4 layers of felt and 4 of fabric to put the pieces together. So it's in a attempt later pile.

4 layers of tights are a mixed blessing in this weather!!

Traffic, tired, hungry and I AM A BANANA!! DOOOOOO~O~O~O~O~!!

Signing in was a bit rough when you're outside, but the heat made it feel nice.

ZOMG!! NOT SLEEPING IN A COLD WINDY TENT ALONE BUT IN THE INN! Yay~!

What? I can just resubmit my character background? Good, now I don't have to remember Maisie's siblings names atm.



Friday Night:

Nothing to report since the loopyness and attempt of warm winer costume made me turn in early. Though my bunk mate said I looked like the princess and the pea with my blankets.



Saturday Morning:

TEA~! Fruity tea With roll of good.

I got to actually teach with the skill. I only wish I was more useful on the evaluate item front. Note to self: Memorize chart. Though the Heal Life lesson brought up an interesting question of not morality but legality on whether or not we're allowed to kill someone for the sake of bringing them back for healer lessons.

Honestly, Saturday morning was a lot of waiting for 4o'clock for the inverted tower.



Tower Mod:

I was thankful they shortened our hike due to the cold but we still got some good stuff when we got to the goblins.

Loot? Loot?! LOOT! I never got loot before



Feast:

Food was awesome.

Being highjacked for a lesson that requires I regrow their limbs back before we have main mod was interesting but hurt later.

Whether or not this is a highlight or a lowlight singing at the feast depends on how people liked my performance. I know some were taken out, I'm sure some didn't like it, but I don't know. I hope you did and apologize if you didn't.

That Sounds Like Thunder song was a real treat though.



Main Mod:

...I honestly have no idea because it wasn't long before I ran out of HP and had to run back in because I was a liability not an asset.

I did get an interesting read with some interesting results. "I'm sorry the cards aren't better" Certain magic words weren't said so Maisie didn't mind.

I got to meet some nice people who gave me great advice on how to be an effective combat healer. (I can't remember anyone's IC names )



Post-Mod:

Healing lessons was quite nice and fun.

YAY! FIRST BARD SKILL!



NPC Shift:

Had some great conversations and funny stories with people. Including the practical use of perhaps making available combinations of classes abilities, like Bard+Healer casting Heal Wounds and singing to send it to a person.

Damn, people are smart about not leaving stuff and not leaving alone now a days A thief has no practical use but was great RP.

I normally hate being combat NPCs but Bite was fun to play and I felt I did a bit more with the sword and shield than normal.

I thought I was going to hate touch the thing mod. But people caught on quickly "Was this just an excuse to get us outside?" 2 Minuets of laughter "Yes". Though I can't say I would have been surprised if the second time people weren't touching the thing due to lack of combat.

Sunday:

Breakfast!

I can't remember if it was this day, but I think it was Saturday that I learned to make healing salves. Which is good for the healer out of HP.

I'm glad I bartended when I did since it bleed into camp clean up and speed up the process a bit. Gave a bit of time.

Post-Game:

Glad I got to talk with friends before heading home and getting there realizing I didn't have a key and was locked out until my sister got home.

-Returning to Travance with Duncan, Ilana deciding to keep a promise then leaving the Barony right away.

-Ilana/Billliamm hanging out on Friday

-Fish hook mod. I loved it personally. I was very confused, almost gave up, and then a spark of realization. Ilana's immediate glee as she cut into the poor unconscious boy and a very concerned father. Swift helping and misunderstanding a direction leaving a teeny bit of grim humor and good RP.

-Ilana very happy to find Willow and hanging out with him.

-Carlos confirming fate is still not kind to Ilana, but she'll keep trying to fight it bit by bit.

-Breakfast. Breakfast success.

-Aaaall the diseases. Getting help from various sources throughout the event. Thanks to everyone

-Lazurus, Kapriel, and the concept of 'Aspect Priests'. Ilana personally hopes it's not some evil behind their little religion. They seem like great people. Even Kapriel, though 'imbalanced'. Lazurus didn't appear altered mentally, so who knows.

-Valence Showing Valence off to some very shocked mages. (And all of us staring as Silverbow passed by and didn't realize. As far as Ilana knows, he still doesn't know)

-Everyone's interest in my new Physician stuff

-So many lessons! The larger lessons: Tobias was very interesting and a delight, Valentine was very kind and tried to help Ilana with her confidence a bit, and Lois was just a treat to ramble at about a million things.

-Razeal and friends.

-Cypher and Ilana. His concern for her and her concern for him.

-Politely speaking with Jed.

-Didn't do much during Main Mod, but stayed my ground until the group returned from the maze.

-Matt Calo, the obsidian assassin. Having my sword used against me (right, not attuned anymore >.o). Morwenne being *amazing* with an Expel From Lair, and finishing off the encounter using a gift from Belegchand and Farslayer.

-Ilana's not afraid of you. You might be taller, maybe more powerful, but she'll make things right.

-Hanging out with Londwyns and learning a bit more about their different personalities. (Hey, they aren't all Goggins )

-Drega'mire room.

-Tari's shenanigans.

-Hanging out in Kaladonia on Sunday morning.