Another Door Opens By The Board

It’s always difficult wrapping up after an event, but especially this one. We had some extensive set ups, lots of combat, and plenty of rain to keep us on our toes, and we could not have done it all without the fierce community that is the Realms. I truly have so many people to thank for so many things so bare with me for a rather lengthy message:

First up, Thank you to all 31 of our amazing PCs. Whether you were there for a few hours or from start to finish, we loved having you play and you were incredible out there and kept us guessing. You were also super understanding when we got hit by a massive downpour and when we lost potatoes. Shout out to everyone who took turns digging by hand, shovel, and rake (graciously provided by the lovely Laura) to help us try and get all of them up from the beach. Also shout out to all those who helped Jason carry in all the food supplies from the rain so dinner could proceed. You are all the reason we do what we do.

Next, the biggest thank you to are incredible NPCs! Fin, AJ, James, Justin T., Kai, Sky, Noah, Kathy, Kieran, Sean V., Kanik, Stephen S., Emma S., Ryan K., Jerry, and Jason R. You were absolutely phenomenal out there and Ryan and I could not have asked for a better squad for this event. Also thank you to Jason Rosa for not only NPCing our lost Ranger Webber, but also cooking (and dealing with weather on the fly) a stunning seafood paella that I’m sure will be gushed over for years to come. Thank you also to Dani, Matthew, and Angel who jumped in to assist Jason in getting everyone fed and cleaning dishes, as well as Becca for helping me make a ton of grilled cheeses, and Kieran for surprising site with Ice Cream! 

Thank you to Rock and Ryan K., for designing and printing our squid door puzzle. To my friend Morgan for helping me come up with a design for the Angler Fish Rig. To Devon for loaning us pinking shears to finish up our new mildew tabards (and loaning us Stephen on their wedding anniversary so we could get the site set up). To Tucker for loaning us the Long Barney Rig. To Kathy for transporting that rig and tabards, and Kanik for loaning us lightning bolts (compliments of SMAS). 

Thank you to Jerry, Sean and Karen Veale for helping us set up Friday and Tear Down Saturday (as well as transporting everything back to our house after we left site). Thank you to everyone else who helped clean site in any way including Sky, Cameron, Hannah, Adam, Zack, Kieran, Ryan K., Kathy, Jerry, Sean, Karen, and Noah. To Sky for doing the make up look on our very scary Rangers (they looked perfect!). To Noah for coming a long way to reprise his role as the Janitor. To Emma S. and Ryan K. for their help writing and for being incredible mentees to Ryan and I. 

And finally, the biggest thank you to Stephen Sanford for literally so much. When I tell you this event may never have happened without him I mean that. In addition to NPCing, he showed up at our house and stuffed his car to the brim to help us get everything to site. He then helped us set up on his anniversary while also running out to grab water for the site multiple times as well as a variety of other items. He helped 3D print the little fish tokens, cleaned up the site trash, helped me fix tarps as they fell, made sure we had dungeon walls to use, helped us get the site in the first place and so much more. Stephen, you are an underappreciated hero in this game and we are lucky and blessed to have you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

We look forward to seeing you all at the next event, hopefully with a little less rain next time!

Crystal and Ryan Welch