Leafiara's late-starting Advent calendar of love and life lessons

[Leafiara]

So I really like way, way too many of you lovely GS players and wanted to honor tons of you, and thought I'd start a belated advent calendar honoring a few of you each day until Christmas! I took my alphabetical list and I'm rolling 3 or 4 random numbers each day and you can keep dropping by to see who's getting honored this time. Let's have some fun!


Maybe you'll love seeing a mutual friend on here since someone I think is great is also someone you think is great.
Maybe you'll be on your way to making a new friend by learning something about a person that you never knew. (You'll definitely learn things about me that you never knew, at least!)
Or maybe you yourself will be the one honored?! Stay tuned and find out!



Today's numbers are 16: Ilande, 31: Puptilian, 29: Nolofinwe, and 40: Stormyrain!


Links:
Day 1 - Ilande, Puptilian, Nolofinwe, Stormyrain (this very post)
Day 2 - Jostaldo, Luxelle, Cruxophim, Khylynnia (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1906156#post1906156)
Day 3 - Andalusain, Riixae, Aydan, Quane (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1906392#post1906392)
Day 4 - Areigha, Sekoridin, Elionora, Gingie (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1906591#post1906591)
Day 5 - Dirvy/Chaddeaux, Kittai, Deva, Shinann (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1906791#post1906791)
Day 6 - Clunk, Cephia, Ylandra, Caence (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1907000#post1907000)
Day 7 - Kyulen, Tolan, Maags, Solstys (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1907185#post1907185)
Day 8 - Irar, Kahlanni, Rubi, Sareyna (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1907276#post1907276)
Day 9 - Brokkrsten, Adavelle, Barble, Mischung (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1907585#post1907585)
Day 10 - Dreaven, Jhenni, Ketiosin, Telum (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1907851#post1907851)
Day 11 - Thailmore, Ososis, Lylia, Severine (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1908300#post1908300)
Day 12 - BLOWOUT SPECIAL: Archales, Balantine, Chamorr, Cherryth, Criket, Cryheart, Drakes Vanguard, Hapenlok, Izden, Katiesa, Kayse, Krontab, Lilysnow, Maylan, Nyatherra, Raelee, Rhayveign, Roelaren, Ruskos, Ysharra (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1908487#post1908487)
Day 13 - Finale: Roxe('s GM), Wyrom, Jainna, Retser, Kenstrom (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1908630#post1908630)

Bonus spoilers: Anyone mentioned by name in any of these writeups who hasn't gotten their own writeup yet will get one at some point in the upcoming days.





Ilande

You were just one of the most adorable empaths in the lands while you were here! I haven't seen you in a while and I figure you got sick of fighting the F2P struggle, but what a fun and energetic character you portrayed that inspired me in a lot of ways. I still wish this game had a verb to tousle someone's hair, because I needed it in the worst way every time I saw you.

Something I learned from you: The "grin flash" verb that was all you ever used and is now all I ever use, the praise verb, the fret verb, and you were the first one I saw rubbing your eyes even though I still don't know what exactly that verb is.



Puptilian

We've barely interacted, but for someone who says so relatively little during story events, almost everything you do say is very meaningful to me and often helps me shape why Leafi's chaotic good and not lawful good. I saw you write once on the officials that you're not very good at RP, but I disagree. Sure, you're not an exaggerated character or a master of verbs, but you have a clear sense of who Pup is and you play that to the utmost even in story settings that, as you've mentioned (and I agree), don't have much space for a lawful good character. You make a great grounded contrast to some out-there scenarios that maybe not every character should be instantly agreeing to.

So while Leafi doesn't care for Pup much yet (she's warming up the more she sees him interacting with Maags or cracking occasional jokes), I appreciate you and all that you do.



Nolofinwe

A reliable face who I always look forward to seeing. We don't talk all that often since we both have a habit of always being out and about, but sometimes I still feel like more of a kindred spirit with you than many others because we're the types who can manage to be mutual friends of two people who hate each other. I really respect that about you along with your taking time to help others and even playing along with my off-hours story-based RP!



Stormyrain

What a wonderful portrayal of Stormy you do! Much like I thought that Leafi's "real" character was hidden or buried in the gravitas and circumstances of the recent story but now feel that she's really come back in a huge way recently, I also feel like I'm only now just starting to know Stormy from seeing her more loosened up for mischief and a fun side in TSC. Both Leafi and I love her and you for (appropriately!) playing so differently in the middle of a war than in more peaceful times. You'll be hearing from her in-game about this too at some point whenever she works up the nerve and/or finds the perfect opportunity to say it!

Something I learned from you: How to participate in story events! Someone else brought me to the dance in terms of getting me started, but since I didn't know a thing, I was just going to watch events passively and maybe throw out a couple verbs here and there until you told me one day that we can have more substantial participation. Also, I got the praise verb from Ilande like I said above, but the "praise eloquent" verb from you!

[Jhynnifer]

This is really sweet, and a great example of the spirit of the Holiday. Kudos. =)

[Leafiara]

Quick change of plans for the better: forget "3 or 4" names per day, it's going to be 4 names per day without exception! And with that said, today's numbers are...!

19 - Jostaldo
25 - Luxelle
10 - Cruxophim
22 - Khylynnia



Jostaldo

We kick off today with another vanished Landing empath! While you were here I really enjoyed the halfling folk songs you made up and sang in the square, and the very silly way that Leafi and your character were pretty much trying to play each other, with Jostaldo wanting smooches instead of tips for healing her and her giving them out--on the cheek--because she's secretly kinda greedy. :P


Luxelle

How would anyone know anything about the story if not for you and your bold leadership of the TownCrier team? You're an ever-hard-working, ever-friendly, ever-awesome ray of sunshine to everyone, beloved and deservedly so! Keep being you! (Please, for all our sakes.)

That's OOC! IC you really are the Bardess, as one of my earliest memories in this GS run was when you dropped by TSC and sang everyone a song of several stanzas for a few minutes. I was wondering who you even were since you were so distinct and yet I hadn't seen your name, but then you talked about coming from the Elven Nations and made it sound like a grand trip and that you wouldn't be back to the Landing for a while after that night. It's so easy to take for granted now because of Chronomages or ;go2, but that really is a long distance to our characters and you impressed me and kind of brought back some of the "magic" to GS that night.

A wonderful RPer and person.


Cruxophim

The absolute king of RP, not even a question in my mind. The most well-portrayed character in the lands and a nonstop joy to interact with, watch, discuss even when you're not around (which is very easy since you're so distinctive), and even write posts about on the officials. Of all characters in the game, I think that you and Pup have most helped me flesh out Leafi a bit more on the D&D alignment scale, where he's contrasting lawful to chaotic and you're contrasting I-have-no-idea-what to good.

With you it's more than that, though, where you also helped me figure out what happens when her general squeamishness about dark magic and anything macabre clashes with her love of distinct people who she'd call "not-boring." I don't even know if Leafi and Crux are as much as 15% similar in morals and interests, but she thinks he's great because of sheer charisma.

Honestly, I feel like I should have a lot more to say, but what do you even say to the person who just does everything well? And thank you forever for creating an entire sidestory recently with me completely off the cuff.

Something I learned from you: That there's an entire world of how to vary adjectives and verbs for speaking and I'll probably need two years to come close to you!


Khylynnia

Poor Leafi has had like eighty would-be suitors despite showing no interest in romance (and kinda fretting that she's accidentally breaking hearts because of her red hair), but I think you might have set the record for just how fast you went for her after arriving from Dragonrealms. :P You've picked things up super fast on both the gameplay and RP sides and I really look forward to when or if you start participating in stories, whether those are GM-driven or (based on what you've said) player-driven.

Something I learned from you: That Leafi has a very kissable nose. Who knew?!

[Leafiara]

We've got a very eclectic bunch from today's numbers!

2 - Andalusain
33 - Riixae
4 - Aydan
32 - Quane


Andalusain

Always a fun empath and welcome sight! My schedule changes mean that I almost never do see you anymore, but when we were aligned better, I always got a kick out of chats between you and Ketiosin. I think you were the first one who made me notice that the weirdo Landing culture (said in the best way!) loves licking people. Also, this is completely random, but one day I got the biggest smile for no good reason when out of nowhere you got on Prime and went "OMG I'm so hungry someone buy me a pizza." Yes, I'm easily amused. :P

Something I learned from you: What perfumes are and the shocking fact that people can be rated on lickability!


Riixae

There are a ton of empaths who I'd call cute or fun or sweet, and you're in that group too, but you're the only one who I'd call fluffy. It's really charming how you're sometimes slightly squeamish or timid... So many players make a character who's unwaveringly bold (or even unwaveringly evil), and that's fun but can also feel very "fictional," for lack of a better word. You have these touches of realism more than many others. Subtle, but so appreciated--we need more of ya!

Something I learned from you: It's not a shameful thing for any character to show weakness sometimes. I went from playing Leafi as fearlessly mocking her captors even while facing certain death to, a couple months later, playing her as nervous and scared when all eyes were on her as the (previously-seen-to-work) black blood cure was tested on her. And I believe you were the difference; between those events, Riixae was the only one out of over a dozen half-elven blood donors to be (understandably) timid about seeing even a few drops of her blood drawn, and that impressed me. I can be more nuanced now thanks to you.


Aydan

I've had all of two conversations with you, one of which was only three lines or so, and in that span you did more to help me define Leafi's character than many, many other heavy hitters. Like with Pup, there just aren't all that many people playing a straightforward lawful good character (or at least giving off the impression that that's what you are), and I really look forward to seeing more of and playing more off of your conflicted paladin in the future!


Quane

Talk about dedication to an intriguing idea with a character raised by wolves who couldn't speak. Still miss ya! You interacted a lot with Ylandra, Dirvy, and me, and I'm amused that half-sylvan Leafi and sylvan Dirvy loved Quane but didn't take it upon themselves to teach him language--in my case Leafi loves animals and doesn't see "not speaking" as a problem needing to be addressed, and maybe something similar for Dirvy?--but Ylandra the dwarf jumps right in to play a mother figure. I would have loved to see that progress!

[Ardenwulf]

This is a really great thing to do. Thanks for brightening this place up a bit!

From reading it, I'm also learning a lot about people's characters, many of whom I haven't been able to interact with much yet. It's great preparation for when I have more time to enjoy this aspect of the game!

[Leafiara]

Today's numbers are all somehow related! Kind of. You'll see.

3 - Areigha
36 - Sekoridin
14 - Elionora
15 - Gingie



Areigha

You, my dear friend, have been so remarkably good to me that I almost don't even know what to talk about here.


Should it be the first memory I have of an interaction between us, when Ososis brought me to a GALD merchant before I knew what a GALD merchant was and you were joking about it being my "first time" and telling the merchant to be gentle? (All this while Leafi was the one pulling rope out of her basket because someone had joked about tying the merchant down to make her do even more work for us.)
The countless boxes that you've picked for free for me and others?
Or when you brought everyone in TSC coffee, juice, and fruit just for fun?
Your random silver giveaways at Dreavenings?
The time we were bidding against each other for the same sword and you won, but then you didn't like the sword and gave it to me free the next day?
Your dozen or so in-game siblings whose names all begin with "Night", "Wolf", or "Elionora"?
The morning when you were taking the time in TSC to find something nice to say about each person there and uplift them?
The rogue tales you sang while playing your harp? (Do you remember that you once said "We have to get you singing" to me months and months before Leafi did start singing when she raises the fallen?)


Of all the names in my list, I think you're the one who's around the Landing the most and I've seen so much from you. I could pick anything or everything, but I only have so much room to write, so I'm going to pick this:

You're one of my favorite RPers because your RP switch is always on even when it costs you heavily with arrests, fines, and in the moment I'm about to mention. Out of all the rogues by profession in the lands, you're one of only three I've seen who I've believed plays a stellar rogue by character. And the pinnacle of this was my favorite player-driven RP yet, when we both got escorts to Icemule at the same time and traveled together along with Brokk. A bandit one-shot me with a shield bash when we were very close to Icemule, my traveler ran, you gave the death threat to your traveler, Brokk sancted and field raised me, and so you stepped one room away to kill your traveler for their culpability in getting me killed.

For me, that is a rogue.

Something I learned from you:

The "skip [name]" verb, "skip behind [name]," "nod enthusiastic," "sit down [own name]," and most importantly that there was an ongoing story. For months I thought invasions were isolated events of GMs messing with people for fun (which is totally what I'd do if I were them) and I thought the weather was just ambient messaging until you invited me along to a Chaston speech. Back then, because you mentioned an RPA, I was like "wait, free exp?! I'm there!!" Now I also go along for the memories and souvenir items (but the free exp is still nice, I can't lie ;P), but it's thanks to you.

In fact, I could say another big thing I learned from you is that sometimes those of us who participate in the story need to be the ones who reach out to our friends and invite them in, rather than hoping they come to us--because some of the great players and characters who we see all the time living out their everyday adventures might not have a clue the story exists unless we tell them. In the spirit of that I invited Severine in, and hopefully I'll find others in the future.

Thank you for everything. I'll end it here before I tear up--oh, sorry, too late! (Really, I did. Softy's curse...)


Sekoridin

Oh, talk about a great juxtaposition in the random number rolls. You've gotten into some unfortunate, um, "antics" that I won't bring up here that have negatively impacted my friends or even me (mostly unintentionally in both cases), and yet you've also done so much for me, including running into places many levels over your head to rescue me. And I'm not perfect myself. One time you ran out for me and I complained that you left my boxes behind and felt absolutely terrible afterward. Even though I was kinda joking, I was also kinda serious, so I was being ungrateful. I don't think I apologized enough that night, so I'll say it again here!

I guess that's humanity. We're ugly and we're beautiful. So let's be ugly and beautiful together. I like ya, flaws and all. It's not without reason that even Areigha seemed to make up with you one morning. There's a decent guy in there! Just, uh... please stop drinking and playing so often, maybe? :P


Elionora

Maybe Areigha's newest in-game sister? I don't know. What I do know is you're one of the not-all-that-many energetic characters in the lands who's always a ray of sunshine to others. If you weren't so charming and sweet then maybe I'd be kinda jealous over someone giving you the starstone prep for free or that time Seko passed you a free half million note and winked and ran away, but you know what? You deserve it and more. Haven't known you as long as most others on my list, but we'll get there! I know you stick around to chat a lot more than I do, after all, and from you I see what happens when you make deeper connections instead of always being go-go-go, bounty-bounty-bounty like me.

Something I learned from you: That chrism holders of the appropriate Arkati work with Symbol of the Proselyte, a spell I'd never used because the wiki makes it out like you have to travel to Zul and I didn't feel like doing that. Brokk didn't know this either, by the way! Amazing how much older clerics can learn something from a younger one...


Gingie

You know you're always my favorite giant ranger! Or at least I hope you know, since I always say it and then Leafi gets a tickle back. :D With you and me it's a story of firsts... You were the first name I added when I found out about the befriend list, because you always drop by to share some colors and spells. You covered the cost of my first GALD merchant (yes, the same one I mentioned up above). All my characters got their first 4x armor from your shop and I still get equipment for other characters there to this day. You're warm and generous and all-around great and you even help new players get started with better outfits than the ones they start with, and I'm so personally happy that I'm a high enough level now where I can run out to rescue you and start paying some of that back.

Something I learned from you: The recite verb! I was newly returned, and how magical and interesting it sounded when you'd say "Courtesy of the Black Wolves." Who were they? What were they? Elanthia was open and fresh again, full of mystery.

[FlayedAngel]

What an awesome idea! <3

[Leafiara]

Who's up today?! Some very fun characters with very small nuances.

12 - Dirvy
23 - Kittai
11 - Deva
38 - Shinann



Dirvy (and Chaddeaux)

You're an extraordinary RPer with both Dirvy and Chaddeaux and an amazingly helpful person whose patience and generosity blow mine out of the water. From Necropolis runs to Sovyn talks to organizing RP events to your everyday rescuing, foraging, and skinning, you do it all and spend more time with the community than absolutely anyone else I know of. Is it possible for someone to be voted in Frost Queen and still be underappreciated? Maybe it is--because whatever amount of love you get, I think you deserve even more.

Something I learned from you: The chortle verb, the "tilt my head" verb, the "preen [own name]" verb, and the fact that a bell-adorned layered skirt is zesty. (I got the one I have from a mystery bag, so I wouldn't have known there was anything special to it if I hadn't seen you with yours.) Also, as a proper and formal character, Dirvy never uses contractions in her speech... After I noticed that really fine subtlety, I started intentionally simplifying and "casualizing" Leafi's speech tics too and added bits into her backstory about the differences with the way her human and sylvan parents talk.


Kittai

Another friendly and helpful character; you've gone out of your way to do things for me at times that even I wouldn't necessarily do for others, and you've done it with a grin. Speaking of a grin, there's something about your character that I can't quite put my finger on, where she's either subtly mature or subtly tomboyish or both--one time you gagged at the thought of the color pink and ever since then I noticed that like 90% of the time you use the grin verb instead of smile, I've never seen a beam from you, and I've also never seen you curtsy or giggle. In a world with a lot of cutesy characters, you're definitely not that and yet every bit as helpful. Charming and a breath of fresh air!

Something I learned from you: That you can leave a kid in a hard-to-get-out-of spot like the monastery exit or the cliff out of Darkstone, fog or Symbol of Return back to town instead of swimming or climbing, then run back from the outside to one step away from that place and the kid will follow. What an amazing tip!


Deva

Oh, friend, where have you disappeared to? We had many fun times when you were around and I still think of you. Like so many of us you were coming back after being away from many years, and you were always concerned that you were being a "pain" by needing too much help getting back into the swing of things, but the community in general always appreciates another friendly face and so do I. Helping each other out can be its own reward.


Shinann

We've only scratched the surface of interacting with each other, but you RPed a two-friends-as-close-as-siblings relationship so well with Rubi that Leafi and I kinda instantly fell in love after just one conversation in Solhaven. Right now I really don't think that the "chaotic" in Leafi's chaotic good could ever be held down long enough for her to join the Landing militia no matter what kind of intel benefits her "good" side would want (especially now that I learned about the Landing Defense Irregulars this past week), but if she ever did then it would definitely be because of her admiration of you and Stormy! Also, I love that you always bow instead of curtsying--it's such a small thing, but does help set you apart if someone takes the time to notice.

[Leafiara]

Today we've got three Cs and Ylandra! It's alright, friend. For today you can be Cylandra... or something.

9 - Clunk
8 - Cephia
44 - Ylandra
7 - Caence


Clunk

Talk about pioneering untreaded ground... who would imagine that a character could be made and RPed who's based around forging weapons? And yet here you are pulling it off and making a remarkable impression every time you step away from Zul to deliver to customers. There's nobody like Clunk.


Cephia

My most reliable and trustworthy Landing-based bard friend! We have a thing going with my foraging and your singing (and pocket wizarding)! I think (this is just my impression) that you're more playing yourself than RPing, but either way I always find you one of the funniest characters around. The way you nod three times in a row when you're being sarcastic, the time you wore a gown and ankle-boots to Brokk and Riixae's wedding because of your bad hoarding habits and not being able to stuff clothes away (not that I can talk!), or your quick-as-a-whip "No sylvan girls here" when a guy in TSC wanted flirting targets.

Oh, and of course I can't forget the OOC fun at that one Dreavening when I was joking that Leafi gets kidnappers and suitors alike because of her red hair, then someone said people would want her even if she were bald, and then you were like "not sure about the bald part." Hilarious honesty. :D

Something I learned from you: After watching you blow up your hand and a gem often enough, I learned why some clerics charge 15k for chrisms and I learned how to feel just a little bit dumber for only charging 12k myself. ;) Oh, and you gave me the final push to go premium and become a gigantic packrat forever. Um... thank you? Yes. Thank you.


Ylandra

Always such a friendly face and snuggly arm around the Landing, and you're just the best and super helpful even when I was asking incredibly dumb questions like thinking one of my items was cursed because I "lost" 15 AS, but really it was just that my Strength melted in Darkstone and I didn't know about spell active yet. Even now you're still helping me avoid doing dumb things--literally to this day since just yesterday I won a custom spell prep and would have gone for Major Spiritual until you pointed out the perks of putting it in Cleric. You have a real love for the people and I know that because you stick around the Landing even though there's nothing for a capped character to do here except bandits, the Confluence that I don't even think you go into, waiting for invasions and stories, and rescuing. Which reminds me...

You're one of the greatest rescuers who's been saving me since I was dying to greater spiders! Both you and your empath are two of the first four names on my friends list--says it all, really. You had the most distinct raising ritual out of anyone and inspired me to write songs and have my own fun too. All the respect and love to you.

Something I learned from you: How to pose heroically, how to snuggle, and how to give verve to raising rituals.


Caence

I'll keep this one short and sweet. You're the ultimate master of roshambo mindgames! Keep doing your thing there in TSC, my friend. I also laughed so hard when you said, as a corpse, that Illoke could kiss your pasty white butt. I hate the Bowels too, but I'm stuck never leaving the Landing because so many fun people like you are there.

[Leafiara]

What a fun RP-centric bunch we have today! The numbers are:

24 - Kyulen
43 - Tolan
27 - Maags
39 - Solstys


Kyulen

The Landing's top drunkard! (Sorry Barble!) Booze in this game must be to you what experience is to me since I could almost swear you pretty much never gain a level, go hunting, or do anything except sit around as a dedicated RP machine getting drunk in TSC late at night and laughing at your scripted maggots. But hey, that's why we love ya. And I can't blame you for being endlessly amused by your antics since I'm endlessly amused by them too!

Something I learned from you: An even more firm commitment for Leafi to never get drunk unless the social situation absolutely demands it! ;)


Tolan

Your number's finally rolled! I know you've been waiting for this since I keep mentioning Leafi's red hair and it's all the fault of you and your lady Areigha (but mostly you) for convincing her everyone loves a redhead. :P Speaking of Areigha, you're a great match because you play a somewhat dark and yet amusing character who rides a fine line between good and evil. You're a ranger and yet still a better rogue than most! If I need someone to get conspiratorial with or dream up bizarre plans, you're a great go-to.

Something I learned from you: Well, as you'll never ever let me forget, you invited Leafi to Voln when she was a fresh turnip! Also, that time you made fun of Leafi by saying she was like a brother made me laugh a lot, but also immediately became part of her backstory when she replied on the fly that she does take after her dad. I'd never thought about it before then. I can't remember whether that was also the day I decided her dad was a ranger or whether that happened at some point while taking foraging jobs and someone saying she must be related to a ranger, so let's just say you contributed there too.


Maags

For as much as I'm racing to cap, sometimes I fear getting there--will it still be fun, will I like the limited selection of hunting grounds, etc. But then I see characters like you. There's a lot competition for who's the cutest empath, but no competition at all for who's the cutest cleric: that's you by a long shot and you're such a blast and so charming every time I see you in town. Mischievous, funny, playful, and just a joy to be around--a quintessential halfling!

So no matter what being capped is like, the RP still will be there and that makes me happy, plus maybe I can actually get to go along on hunts with characters like you... if you'd have me, anyway! Also great to have even one other prominent character in the Landing who skips around.

Something I learned from you: The stomp verb!


Solstys

My friend, you are possibly the most outlandish person in, well, the lands! For better and worse (yes, better and worse?!) there's nobody quite like you sitting around in your self-proclaimed butt dent and calling out heathens. :P I still don't know what you're even talking about with that, to be honest, but that just makes you even funnier and more surreal to be around. We're going to find a toy chicken for you one way or another--oh yes we will--because it would be perfect for you. Even if we just end up having to alter some other toy to get one!

Something I learned from you: One of my very favorites: the tickle verb!

[Leafiara]

Who's up today on day 8 as we begin the second (and last) week of the calendar? Let's see here...

17 - Irar
20 - Kahlanni
34 - Rubi
35 - Sareyna



Irar

Well, for reasons that you know, I can only say so much, but thank you for the you-know-what and I really, really, really appreciate the vote of confidence! Aside from that, I think we kind of passed right by each other in the recent story, where I wasn't around in the beginning and you weren't around in the middle, but I do look forward to getting to know your character better in the future. What I do know is you're good enough for Ylandra, so that means a lot to me. Now hurry up and make that wedding happen! (And preferably on a day I can attend!)


Kahlanni

I'm going to keep this brief because like 90% of the time we talk is in whispers and I'm sure you have your reasons, so I can't say too much. I won't even tease you about one thing that I'm pretty sure would embarrass you, even though I seriously want to! I'll just say that for a couple months you might have been my most reliable empath friend... oh, and I'll say that absolutely nobody in the lands bites her lip quite the way you do.


Rubi

You're another fun and good friend for Leafi to interact with, at least when you're not taking random multi-week breaks! For as many suitors as she's had and turned down (Rubi included) due to having no interest in romance, she at least feels like she has a slightly better understanding of what that mysterious thing is thanks to a conversation with your character. And you must be doing something right RP-wise since one day Crux blurted out to Leafi that he thought Rubi had feelings for her and she had absolutely no inkling of that on her own. I think you and Areigha are also the characters who most clearly saw who Leafi is and wants to be, spotting her personality and characteristics even during difficult circumstances.

Something I learned from you: That whatever slim chance Leafi has of ever getting into a relationship vanishes real fast when someone who's like half her level says he's glad to be almost as physically strong as her. ;) (I'm not trying to be mean OOC! I've really enjoyed our interactions and found them amusing, and she figured she'd gotten "even" with Rubi for that comment after she webbed him a couple weeks later.)


Sareyna

The perfume queen! You're kind and helpful and always looking out for others--especially with fellow empaths, where you're not about to let anyone scar up and you also make sure nobody hogs all the healing when younger ones are about. It really warmed my heart to see how nice you were to Adavelle while she was around, and on the flip side I also get a real kick out of seeing you and Areigha go at it verbally and completely in-character. Also, you're the only character who ever calls me "Lea" and for some strange reason I feel a unique bond over that! ...yes, even though poor Sareyna does hate skipping. ;)

Something I learned from you: "Scram hooker!"

[Leafiara]

Today we get a group of pures who actually wanted to play pures! You know, as opposed to Leafi, who would gladly be any square or semi profession if only that profession knew Raise Dead and could wave chrisms.

6 - Brokkrsten
1 - Adavelle
5 - Barble
28 - Mischung




Brokkrsten

A constant companion and one of my favorite cleric friends! Probably my favorite dwarf portrayal I've seen other than maybe Chaddeaux, with hilariously good (bad!) dwarven eating and drinking habits along with dwarven speech. We're about as different as two clerics could get in terms of hunting, whether it's our skills or even you preferring group hunting while I've got no patience for that, but I've always been glad to know you and see how the other side of being a cleric works over the course of many levels. (The "real" side of being a cleric, I guess.)

Also, I was super amused when I found out Jhenni was your adopted daughter since you two are just so like-minded in certain ways, and then doubly amused to know that you were marrying Riixae since that's a really funny setup with an easily-embarrassed and easily-embarrassing character involved! Speaking of that, your antics even at your own wedding reception were awesomely funny.

Something I learned from you: Ooh, what didn't I learn from you? You taught me that manna bread helps with spirit regeneration--I remember it clearly, we were at Voln for triage handling a flood of corpses in an invasion and I was just barely old enough to raise at all. You taught me that Symbol of the Proselyte is powerful instead of something I should totally ignore like Prayer of Communion. You taught me that Relieve Burden isn't useless. You taught me that Censure is a spell that actually exists, that Symbol of Sleep is a symbol that actually exists, that Web and Fire Spirit combo together, that Call Lightning blows up boxes, that Symbol of Seeking can get a person to and from Pinefar in no time, and probably more things I'm forgetting! Yep... I can be terrible with testing new spells and symbols. Oh, and of course I learned that undead hate the beard!



Adavelle

I doubt you're even reading this and you were only around for three weeks or so, I think, but you were undoubtedly the world's most adorable empath in my eyes! (Edit: And I know I've said a lot of empaths are adorable, but you're the very, very, very top of my list. And Ilande is one behind you!) Loved your character who was kind of clumsy because of her height and not being used to wearing shoes but being forced to because of gross things out there like swamps, and it was cool how Mischung (think it was him) stepped in to cobble some shoes for Ada. And you were also kind of hilariously fast-speaking at times, like jumping ahead to tell the end of my story once before I could finish it myself. All the charm of an endearing and hyper girl.

I think you were a legitimate new player (could be wrong) instead of someone returning from days of old, which would be even more impressive since you really got to wielding lots of verbs in no time at all. And it also seemed like you and I are kind of kindred spirits too where we're both very much here for both the RP and the G about equally. Anyway, every day I still hope that you'll make it back to GS like you wanted to. There's no doubt that Brokk and Mischung and I, and everyone else, would love to have you.

Something I learned from you: The "laugh merry" verb and fluster verb! Also that apparently being a pure casting empath from the start isn't as tough as people claim it can be, since you didn't have issues with that at all.



Barble

The Landing's most fun drunkard cleric! I love everything ya do, friend. Straight-laced, never-drinks Leafi gets mortified when you start pouring ale into her body while she's a defenseless corpse, but I'm laughing behind the computer screen. I feel like I don't actually see you around all that much, or at least not for extended periods, but whenever I do see you, ya always make an impression.



Mischung

Another kindred spirit, this time in going through excruciating things that ruin our bank accounts for no reason at all! In your case it was becoming a master cobbler and in my case mastering alchemy (through I'm still going in terms of becoming a cleric guildmaster), which I probably couldn't have without help from you(r ranger) and Thailmore. Even I aspire to master cobbling one day myself...

I'm really delighted you took Severine under your wing and just--well, just what a great person you are, in all your forms. Never forget the time Dreaven got Comcasted mid-Dreavening and you had to fill in with a Mischunging!

Something I learned from you: That a wizard can start in Sunfist even in the 70s and claim that it's not too bad!

[CaseyJones]

"Never forget the time Dreaven got Comcasted mid-Dreavening and you had to fill in with a Mischunging!"

I wish I could have seen this, although I'm not surprised by it one bit. :D

[Leafiara]

For today we've got a theme of people who have great character dynamics with others--and also someone who's been long conspicuous by not having his name rolled earlier! Also... tomorrow is the last normal day of this Advent calendar! Friday and Saturday are reserved for something real special. For now, though, it's today and today's numbers are:

13 - Dreaven
18 - Jhenni
21 - Ketiosin
41 - Telum



Dreaven

The man, the myth, the legend. The unsung hero of the Landing. Actually, scratch that--you must be the sung hero of the Landing considering that even Kenstrom's NPCs who have never seen you still have fun namedropping you. Every character that I keep is inevitably off the beaten path (characters I keep: brawling cleric, TWC paladin, THW empath; characters I don't keep: sword and board rogue, THW warrior), so as someone who's always fighting intended game design, I need your spells even more than most and wonder if a couple million of my exp would even be possible without your crew!

There's a serious case to be made that nobody gives up more opportunity cost for the community than you since your army of characters could easily be out hunting and getting tons of loot for another 90 minutes a day instead of sitting around spelling us all up for free.

Edit: logs are now up of the two times I saw Kenstrom mention Dreaven. :P http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?106203-Leafiara-s-late-starting-Advent-calendar-of-love-and-life-lessons&p=1908339#post1908339

Something I learned from your face: How to ruin GS!


Jhenni

The lands' naughtiest half-elf gal? Probably! Actually, make that the lands' naughtiest gal. Actually, the lands' naughtiest half-elf. Actually... the lands' naughtiest character, period?! The things you say out loud, the things you whisper to me, and the things I can only imagine you whispering to others just based on their reactions in TSC--all a hilarious blast! We make a fantastic odd couple of an asexual character and a hyper-sexual one, and yet you 100% respect Leafi's boundaries and that's kinda heartwarming and sorta amazing. You also have great dynamics with some of my favorites like Brokk and Areigha.

Just, please, leave wearing a Maiden title to me when I have enough premium points to afford that for Leafi. :P You're much better as a Mistress!

Something I learned from you: That a certain item still exists somewhere in the lands that I really need to get my hands on...


Ketiosin

You were the very best help I had in the level 20-40 range or so, especially back before I was using Lich! We took a lot of skinning bounties and strolls to Solhaven (escort bounties) and I'm forever grateful. I don't see you around that much anymore, probably because of schedule changes for either of us, but I still remember you saying that one day I'd outgrow your help and me shooting back that we'd just see about that. Back then I was still so low level and couldn't imagine getting as far as I have, but that day really has come. I'll never forget our time together, though, or your hilarious interactions with Andalusain where you always claimed to be cold and unhelpful while in the middle of helping people and she'd always call out your faux tough guy personality quirk.

Something I learned from you: How to swing untargeted attacks so that I'd never again type "att tr" for a troll, swing at my traveler, and fail my escort. (Even though I missed!)


Telum

Kittai's constant companion and maybe significant other--you two are always together and you do little things here and there that make me think you're a couple, but I can never be 100% sure since you two never go into full-on PDA mode, which Leafi and I really respect and appreciate. (And don't tell me OOC either. It's more fun not knowing!) Either way, I really get a kick out of the way you two interact, where you're playing Telum as this kinda, um... I wouldn't say wimpy exactly, but definitely not a super buff guy since he'll do things like pick Kittai up to dance with her but then fall over panting. She seems tougher than him, to be honest, so that's always amusing.

Also the legendary figure who led both your alliance of friends and me to be the only ones who finished Dreaven's scavenger hunt! May we do it again next year. :D

[Leafiara]

The final "normal" day of my Advent calendar! Tomorrow's going to be a big blowout special, so even if your name didn't come up in any of this, you might still get a mention then! For now, the final rolled numbers:

42 - Thailmore
30 - Ososis
26 - Lylia
37 - Severine



Thailmore

My favorite curmudgeon! You play this hilarious 800-something grump of a dark elf who's kind of a mischievous prankster and I just love it and can never get enough of your antics. The harumph signature verb literally couldn't be any more perfect for anyone than it is for you! We'll get ya to Frost King next year. Oh, we will. (Hey, I did my part trying to get you there this year...)

Something I learned from you: Where to get my stuff back after I got arrested for accidentally using an ewave item in town.


Ososis

Helped me out way back when I was still getting poisoned trying to skin tree vipers and you still help me to this day with armor support! I love all your funny whispers about the support too, and you also make fantastic use of your messenger dove. You have the flashiest and most fun skinning macro I've seen too, which is even more impressive considering that (I'm pretty sure) you don't even use Lich.

Something I learned from you: A lot about warrior sheaths! For now I've abandoned weapons training to be a brawler, but one day I'll take it up again and you'll be the first I go to for a good sheath.


Lylia

A superbly-RPed character. In a lot of ways Leafi and Lylia couldn't be more different, from profession to personality to tolerance thresholds for formal events to their opinions of using weapons in battle, but at times I get a real laugh when they find common ground on something, like their appreciation of spiders or lack of empathy for crying children. They also both have great pride in what they do, even if that pride, um--manifests itself in slightly different ways. ;)

Something I learned from you: That sorcerers can pull their eyes out. Poor Leafi can't forget that one, but I just about died laughing making her react to it, especially since we were discussing vocabulary at the same time. A perfectly bizarre blend of mundane and magical.


Severine

What an irony that one of my sweetest, dearest friends is the very last to be rolled. You're one of my favorites to see rising up the ranks and leveling--I've been with you all over the place and hope to keep following your progress and living vicariously through ya. (I don't think I've mentioned this before, but back in the mid-90s every character I made was a Voln ranger and I'm pretty sure they were half-elves too.) That's me... Leafi also loves you bunches.

You're always warm and kind to everyone in TSC and willing to share a smile with anyone. At the same time, I don't think I've seen anyone use the glare verb as masterfully as you--it's because Sev's so normally sweet that it really means something when she gives someone the look of death. You even interact with NPCs more than just about anyone I know besides Areigha and me... and I don't even mean your forest fox, but also rescued children and the town guard and everyone. You treat the world like it's alive--and, because of people like you, in a way it is alive. I really hope you'll be interested in joining story events in 2017 since I know you're around at just the right hour for them!

Alright, I think that's enough sap, so I better end this on a different note by calling you out again! Please find someone here who plays on Mac to help you get Lich set up! And remember, tune Prime and TownCrier and Dreavening and Merchant, but never, ever Lnet. ;)

Something I learned from you: Here's where it pays off that you were the last rolled since this gets to tie everything in the thread together: I learned from you what it must have felt like for everyone else on my list when I learned things from them, since it really feels like you got "curtsy playful" or at very least "grin flash" from Leafi! :D

[Tgo01]

Actually, scratch that--you must be the sung hero of the Landing considering that even Kenstrom's NPCs who have never seen you still have fun namedropping you

Does this actually happen? Anyone have any logs? Or you just pulling my leg?

Also I get mentioned on the 10th day?! Time to add another name to the Dreavening ban list....

[Leafiara]

Does this actually happen? Anyone have any logs? Or you just pulling my leg?Speaking tersely to Cruxophim, Bekke says, "This .. hurts."
Cruxophim rubs Bekke.
Bekke's left cheek begins to melt, her flesh drooping like used wax.
Cruxophim nods sympathetically at Bekke.
Stormyrain warily says, "Ehh."
Goldtree quietly exclaims, "I can feel the heat...good gods, she's melting!"
Altheorn blinks.
Roxe glances at Bekke.
Mynon stares at Bekke.
Speaking soothingly to Bekke, you say, "It won't for long."
(Maylan waves the black fire around Bekke.)
Stormyrain takes a few graceful steps backward.
Speaking soothingly to Bekke, Cruxophim murmurs, "Hang in there."
Evia wipes the sweat from her brow.
You say, "Then again..."
You fret.
Goldtree clenches his jaw.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Stormyrain asks, "Anyone have water?"
Bekke rapidly sucks in air through her teeth in pain.
(Raelee observes Bekke with a faintly weary gaze.)
Speaking to Bekke, Maylan says, "Focus on the flame."
Brieson asks, "You're melting. Need a Dreavening?"
Brieson smirks.
Ulkov begins chuckling at Brieson!
Stormyrain settles her gaze on Brieson, watching him intently.
Maylan coughs.
Mynon grabs an iron bucket from a small pocket inside of his leather longcoat.
Goldtree rolls his eyes.
Rhayveign giggles at Brieson.
You nod slowly at Brieson.
Cruxophim shakes his head at Brieson and clucks his tongue.
Altheorn glances at Brieson.
Goldstr begins chuckling at Brieson!
Irar snickers at Brieson.





Jellybeard says, "I heard a rumor..."
You listen carefully to Jellybeard.
Jellybeard says, "For ye, nice lookin' lass's..."
Dirvy tilts her head toward Jellybeard, examining him intently as the tip of one ear twitches briefly.
Jellybeard says, "If yer wearin' less items..."
Xannorath raises an eyebrow in Jellybeard's direction.
Jellybeard says, "Mah spinner picks ye bett'r."
Cruxophim carefully looks himself over.
Ulkov grins slowly.
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Deall grins at Jellybeard.
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Jellybeard hip thrusts.
Cleodelia smirks.
Jellybeard asks, "Savvy?"
Braxyl snickers.
Bushwack pulls some jet black trousers set with tiny uncut emerald studs off of his legs.
Cleodelia chuckles.
You remove a pearly white mantle from your shoulders.
Dirvy covers her ears.
You put a pearly white mantle in your palm frond back-basket.
You whistle tunelessly to yourself, remembering days past.
Dirvy blushes sheepishly to herself.
Jellybeard says, "I'll give you a few minutes to prepare."
Jiarine shudders.
Jellybeard nods.
Jellybeard whistles tunelessly to himself.
Alasatia looks at Jellybeard blankly, at a loss to express herself.
Speaking wryly to Jellybeard, Cruxophim jests, "I'm doomed."
Oresiah makes a sour face.
Sorrenn grins.
Luxelle glances at something in a poof-sleeved raw silk pelisse and folds her arms over her chest.
Deall laughs!
Shinann smirks.
Speaking to Jellybeard, Ulkov says, "You're my damned hero."
(Maylan attempts to remove her armor, but gets stuck.)
Maylan falls over.
Lylia snickers.
Maylan thrashes around on the ground.
Astenniall applauds Jellybeard.
Speaking to Jellybeard, Fyonn says, "Don't make me lift my kilt for you."
Teiana chuckles.
Thondalar peers quizzically at Jellybeard.
Jiarine mouths, "I had better be dead first."
Lylia attends to her grey linen robes, making the robes as presentable as possible.
Dirvy covers her eyes with her hands.
Astenniall deeply says, "Well played."
Alaxandra squints at Jellybeard.
Meranda chuckles.
Thondalar chuckles.
Jellybeard yells, "Mass Undressing!....take that Dreaven!"

[Itachi]

Awesome.

[Sev]

Aw, this entire thread has been so sweet and a real testament to the impact you've made on our community. Your friendship has been a real game changer for me personally, and Severine thinks the world of Leafiara. (And yes, I absolutely learned "grin flash" from you!) I really don't know where to begin - Leafi's been such an amazing friend and mentor, and when Sev (finally) masters Voln, it will be in large part because of you. You've helped shape who Sev is and aspires to be, you've made death seem insignificant, and most of all, you've made the Landing feel like home. <3

[Leafiara]

Tomorrow is the finale for this thread, but today's the last day for player characters! We have twenty names to close out, but other than Criket and Raelee they're much shorter messages because these are mostly characters who I see around but haven't interacted with too often yet. Well, except for you, Raelee. I thought your message would be short, but wow.




Archales
Good to have an archnemesis. ;) Who would have expected that Leafi's one PC enemy is a fellow half-elf and (I think) isn't all that bad a guy? But she really doesn't like those who tell her she should avoid the battlefield... I don't know if Archales will ever dig himself out of that one in her eyes.


Balantine
Great knight portrayal who's always doing fun things with Roelaren and often on the frontlines!


Chamorr
The bear! If I remember right, you saw Leafi skipping around and mentioned that giantmen can't do that or they'll fall over, which made me laugh. :D It was either you or Svardin, anyway. In case it wasn't you, I'll just add that I love your bear nickname because you're both fierce in battle and also very friendly and lovable like a big teddy bear.


Cherryth
Great to have another character around who doesn't know what all those other weirdos see in the whole "relationship" business. ;)


Criket

I only saw this character around for like a week before he left, and from his in-character comments I think it's because he didn't like that GMs don't let CvC happen anymore, stopping him from trying to assassinate everyone who ever attended a Dreavening. So you might wonder why I go to more Dreavenings than anyone but still have him here! Well, my understanding is this guy was a legend from decades ago who was making a return--and he definitely RPed like it.

Along with Areigha and Chaddeaux, Criket has my vote for top three rogue portrayals ever. His witty remarks even mid-invasion ("if it was me [planning this attack], you'd all be dead"). His vow to crack people's heads open with his maul if he saw them pickpocketing empaths or clerics. Ambush mana sharing. Crazy things like marching in place as a guardian in front of North Gate for like an hour after an invasion was over or lying there in TSC on the ground praying for guidance for probably two hours. Getting arrested and coming to the square and sitting there naked for a good ten minutes without a second thought. One of the most unique and unpredictable characters I've ever seen, hands down.


Cryheart
Our story leader who takes us around town and serves as an inspiration of a knight! ...but I'll never forget Kenstrom's totally OOC "You hear a round of applause for Cryheart finally finding the alchemist lab."


Drakes Vanguard
Is it cheating to list a whole group of people? My schedule has made it difficult to participate in hunts with the Drakes, so I haven't seen you all for a while (at least not as Drakes), but these were always a fantastic blast when I could get in on them and I'd recommend them to anyone who wants a good time hunting things way over your level west of the Spine.


Hapenlok
A stellar portrayal of what a character with great power would do if he knows he can fall under the control of a witch at any given moment. Believable and sympathetic, but paranoia-inducing.


Izden
Always musing aloud to yourself in funny ways!


Katiesa
One day you gave me credit on the officials for being the only other person you've ever seen use the phrase "the hour of Ronan," but I learned that from you!


Kayse
A fun character and easily one of the best with varying speech styles. I also really appreciate that you're one of only two characters who met Leafi and wasn't instantly open to her or charmed by her.


Krontab
"Best Dreavening yet!" ...even when it's not a Dreavening and is actually Brokk's and Rii's wedding! I laughed so hard at that one. :D


Lilysnow
A genuine new player! We have those?! And yet you're learning quickly and leveling well. I hope you're having a great time!


Maylan
The Land Pirate Maylan, another fun and playful character who can be a joy to be around.


Nyatherra
Your fascination with morbid things like dead animals is usually horrifying to Leafi and hilarious to me.


Raelee

You make an awesome contrast with Leafi's character as they represent the extreme ends, with Leafi very passionate and close to others and Raelee very distant and logical. And in the span of, like, one week you showed me two sides of Leafi that I didn't know were there, in related incidents. The first was when the black blood cure was tested on her. Leafi had brought her own rope that day and had been hoping her friends Areigha or Severine could do the honors of tying her down (because she had heard it was Raelee for Shinann and she trusts neither Raelee nor the Hall of Mages), but after seeing Raelee's gaze devoid of emotion, she found it so alien that she froze up and couldn't say a word about her request. So I realized that night that Leafi, who's unafraid of death, still has a great fear... she's more scared of Raelee than of someone like Raznel because she can't understand Raelee at all.

For the second thing, this time the black blood cure was being tested on Bekke and the merchant Roxe was there getting everybody drunk. People suggested that Roxe be the one to tie her down, but she said she didn't have a rope--so this time Leafi, not wanting Raelee to "win" again, did immediately fetch her rope and hand it over. Raelee (hilariously) commented that for all her work she's easily replaced by a strange, intoxicated halfling and, although you didn't see it openly, Leafi was standing there with the most haughty smirk on the inside. :P So what I realized then is that she can appreciate forms of small revenge!


Rhayveign
Along with Kayse, you portray the only other character who reacted negatively to Leafi, which is just stellar. Unlike Kayse, though, who she figures was nervous and thinks is generally a decent person because of her relationship with Rowmi, she's extremely wary of Rhayveign because of the reactions she gets from Madmountan (Leafi used to think he was fantastic but is now concerned about after the Talador incident, so his support concerns her) and Lylia (who had Rhay kicked out of a strategy meeting with Thrayzar).


Roelaren
The last part of the trifecta of who's to thank (or blame!) for my story participation... Areigha for inviting me in the first place, Stormy for telling me I could participate and not just watch, and you for recommending that I post on the officials. And you're always friendly and sharing spells too!


Ruskos
I just love how your character always talks from behind his hand puppet!


Ysharra
We introduced off-hours RP talk to the Dreavenings thanks to you, my friend!





And for anyone who didn't get a mention... I like all of you, but it doesn't necessarily mean I could think of something to say! Yes, that means you, Spontae. And Snoobie/Headless. And Fomai. Maccus. Dord. Adrenalynx. Jhela. Hammibal. Litehan. Serravis. Ephya. Goldstr. Elbromo. Zorst. Madmountan. Rowmi. Beldannon. Dannai. Iseo. Hugasbinkarta. And everyone. Everyone!

[beldannon5]

:(

[Leafiara]

:(I already edited you in before you posted, in honorable mentions! I don't know what to say for you because you're in Reim like 98% of the time and I never see you. :P

[Viekn]

And for anyone who didn't get a mention... I like all of you, but it doesn't necessarily mean I could think of something to say! Yes, that means you, Spontae. And Snoobie/Headless. And Fomai. Maccus. Dord. Adrenalynx. Jhela. Hammibal. Litehan. Serravis. Ephya. Goldstr. Elbromo. Zorst. Madmountan. Rowmi. Beldannon. Dannai. Iseo. Hugasbinkarta. And everyone. Everyone!


:(

Hey, at least you made that list. Neither of mine did. Gives me something to work on for 2017. Not just to make the list, but to befriend someone who obviously cares enough to do something like this.

[beldannon5]

didn't see the honorable mntion part. :) I am just really awesome, so figured you would know that lol. I only go to reim once a day dang it. :)

[Leafiara]

Honestly, there are still probably way too many people I could name but didn't. Like, uh... Primayanathangi, Maccus, Nyema, Cleytie, Xexis, Ealanas, Eokurmi, Nakama, Richheal and company, Ordim, and Panndoris. Probably more! Edit: Lehon, Cylnthia.

[mgoddess]

Cylnthia
Yay, I made an honorable mention! :D

This whole thread has been awesome to read, Leafi!

[Gnomad]

I only recognize like 20% of those names. Maybe I should move one of my alts out of the EN.

[Leafiara]

We've made it! The final day! Like I said, player characters were finished... but we have a few more very important people to go through, don't we?



Roxe

I'm embarrassed to say I don't know which GM plays you, but whoever it is, Roxe is hands down my favorite merchant. (And not just because she gives out signature verbs sometimes. :P) Such amazing fun to interact with because of her great roguish pirate character and she really tries to include everyone to boot, inviting them into the conversation. Leafi doesn't even drink, but she'll do that for Roxe out of sheer love.


Wyrom

In your position it would be easy for anyone to easily justify hiding away in an office away from the people, but you're always interacting with players here and on the officials and that's awesome.


Jainna

What a ride I've been on. I started as F2P, then subscribed, then went Premium (and then went even further and subscribed as Prime with two of my other F2P accounts). Since it's you, I'm here to talk about the Premium part!

When I first went Premium I told myself it was just going to be a temporary thing. One day all my stuff would be max deepened and max lightened and altered to exactly what I wanted. One day I'd be a cleric guildmaster (only 21 ranks away now!) and being done with alchemy for good would free up like 200 locker slots. And, sure, premium points can pay for padding and weighting, but that takes ages and did I really need to wait that long?

But I've changed my tune since then and there are two main reasons that for the foreseeable future I'm staying Premium! One of them is you and the hard work you put in every month to making fun events and raffles and merchants and just everything.


Retser

And the other reason I'm staying Premium (at least assuming this holds up) is the free Reim entries! Love Reim solo, love Reim in a group, and will probably love Reim in a group even more in about 1 million experience when I'm capped. (And will probably love Reim solo even more in about... oh, let's say 10 million experience from now or however long it takes for that to become more viable for me again. :P)

Even though characters from any society or no society can participate, I also feel like this is a big reason for me personally to stay in Voln instead of leaving for Sunfist. Arguably the only reason! Anyway, Reim is just one of the coolest ideas I've seen and it's your brainchild, so thank you for all the work and thought and testing that no doubt went into it.


Kenstrom


Oh, neat, just like rainstorms in the Vipershroud, sometimes even the town has ambient weather messages. So meaningless but so cool!
(after Areigha explains the messages) Free experience points from RPAs?! Where do I sign up?!
(after showing up to three events) Aaargh, these events take so long and I'm just standing here being bored... I got one RPA once, but was it worth it? No... no it wasn't! I quit! Never joining one of these again!
Dang it Jellybeard, Leafi doesn't want an ugly tattoo of black veins! (runs off and gets them erased at the pavilion, then runs right back and winds up with more veins than before)
(like all of ten days after quitting) Look at those experience pulses! Wait, 1.5x?! This is better than Lumnis?! Why did I miss a week?! I'm changing my work schedule so I'm here for three out of four Kenstrom days!
(after Stormy explains that I don't have to just stand there and watch) Get over here Crux--I need your help! We're gonna solve this black veins thing!
(Leafi gets captured and taken to the cleansing camp) Ooh, this is so exciting! Wait... no other characters are coming in? This is completely all for me? Is this just coincidence?
(later that night Roelaren suggests writing about it on the officials) Fine! I will, you better believe it! (goes and mostly accidentally writes a gigantic wall of text about an event that might not even have been that important in the grand scheme of things)
(a couple months later) IC talk: Come with me, Sev! We're testing a cure for the black blood curse and I want your moral support! OOC whispers: These events can be very long and I felt very fidgety about them at first, but you do get to see unique things that would otherwise never happen, so you'll get cherished and lasting memories! Bear with us! (but then it turned out she liked them from the beginning because she's not impatient like Leafi and me :P)


You know... I was planning to write more after the bullet point list, but I think that last one puts a nice bow on everything. Thanks for everything in the past and everything yet to come, Kenstrom. You're the man!

[Elvenlady]

I only recognize like 20% of those names. Maybe I should move one of my alts out of the EN.

I'm thinking the same. Sad that Ta'Illistim doesn't have this kind of community anymore. Looking forward to formally meeting you, Leafiara!

[Leafiara]

I'm sure that if I went to the Nations I wouldn't recognize much of anyone either besides Legaci, a couple people who I've seen in Icemule and Illy before, and you, Rohese--and since I've only heard about you by name up to this point, I agree, looking forward to meeting IC. :D