Player Profile: Maggie BechtelDecember 28th, 2017

How long have you been playing?: I have been playing since September 2012.

Describe your character: I have two. Baevynn is my main PC. She is a Freelands farm girl turned Medium. She is incredibly kind and caring. She has been called both “Pinedale’s little sister” and “everyone’s fifties housewife” and neither of those descriptions are wrong. Her heart aches constantly as she goes between the adventuring life and raising her departed friend’s two young children. Agrona, my Dellin (pictured above) is the opposite. She is grumpy and mean and will definitely fight you.

What was your favorite in game moment?: My favorite in game moment was the plot where Baevynn became a Medium. She was visited by the ghost of her mother as well as a Dellin grandmother she never knew she had. The roleplay was amazing. I cried a whole lot and that night really shaped Baevynn into who she is today. Huge props to Kevin and Richard for orchestrating the whole show as well as props to Amanda for playing Baevynn's grandmother.

Why do you love Kingdoms of Novitas?: I love KoN for a bunch of reasons. The roleplay is spectacular and the attention to detail by both the Plot staff and the Props and Atmosphere staff makes it all feel so real. Nothing is better than having a stressful mundane life and being able to run off into the woods for a weekend and forget about it all. Another reason I adore Kingdoms of Novitas has been expressed by almost everyone who has filled out these profiles: the people. I started playing this game in a time in my life where I really needed some support and the friends I have made through this game really came through.

Who is your favorite PC?: My favorite PC is Adam del Cano's character Ferrous Irongall. He is a gem of a person (pun slightly intended). Adam has always gone all out with his character, leaving him incredibly close to permanent character death more than once. If you get a chance to meet this character, definitely take it.

What did you think your character concept was? What is it now?: Baevynn started out as me in funny clothes. I was sixteen at the time so she and I were both naive. It wasn’t until she became a Medium that she became her own person. Now she and I are both grown up. However, she is just as lost as she was when she arrived in Pinedale that fateful December day. Agrona is still very new so she hasn't strayed much from her original concept of being a grumpy, selfish barbarian.

How many PCs have you had? What happened to them?: I have had three. Baevynn was my first PC. She comes in and out of play frequently. Until her missing husband is found, she just doesn’t have the strength for the adventuring life. My second PC was a Civenite courtesan called Andromeda. She ended up not being as fun to play as I hoped. She is not technically retired so I may bring her back one day. She is currently on a ship off the coast of Evenandra. Agrona is still milling about the Freelands. I expect she’ll return to Maplewood in the spring.

Posted by Julie

Player Profile: Shane SmithDecember 14th, 2017

How long have you been playing?: Since April of 2016

Describe your character: Kiba is salt. A person who has had a hard life, but does not gripe about it in the slightest.
 

What was your favorite in game moment?: One of my favorite in game moments was when Kiba helped out with waking a princess and when she asked which prince saved her, gesturing towards marriage, Kiba was the only one hanging around to ask “What do I get out of it?” After a verbal exchange, Kiba declared marriage to just be slavery and walked off to have tea instead.

Why do you love Kingdoms of Novitas?: I’d say the various people you meet when playing. I’ve made my best friends in this game and I’m thankful for the experiences I’ve had here.

Who is your favorite PC?: I can’t say one specifically, but Helene is one of my favorites because she is Kiba’s employer, the sugar and salt play well off of each other. She has a naive innocence about the world whereas Kiba does his best to fulfill the contract of keeping her safe. Marcus is also a favorite because he is the leader of the adventuring party I am part of. He is the grizzled veteran that Kiba relates to best when it comes to herding the cats. Even though Kiba and Marcus have theological differences, they still get the mission done.

What did you think your character concept was? What is it now?: Kiba was my therapy character. I had a close friend who was just starting to come to game with me pass away and rather than play the character through, I made Kiba. I wanted to be salty and be a jerk. Kiba has evolved into something that I never expected him to become. I have various people from other snow goblins to even elves wanting to chat with me and have tea. It kind of blows my mind with how well Kiba has been accepted by the community.

How many PCs have you had? What happened to them?: I have had only one PC before Kiba. I retired them after my friend’s death because I felt it would not be right to keep RPing him if I didn’t have my friend there to RP with.

Posted by Julie

Player Profile: Laura BNovember 30th, 2017

How long have you been playing?: I started in May of 2015, so almost 3 years.

Describe your character:  My first and current main PC is named Thaerion Daewen, an unconventional wood elf that hails from the Mad Wastes. She probably won’t like you at first, but don’t take offense–she doesn’t like anyone at first, if ever. She wandered around Novitas on her own for a long time, surviving different trials and hardships before finding a small group of elves in Pinedale that accepted her as one of them. Although it has taken time, she has grown to tolerate and accept them as what others would call family. She operates more as a scavenger–she will use whatever she is given, although sometimes unpredictable she can be relied on in a pinch–if the mood suits her.

What was your favorite in game moment?:  I really enjoy roleplaying with other characters–especially when it really causes someone to think as their PC and not themselves. I think my favorite example of this was when I was an NPC named Gert. She was a feral, cannibalistic human that was feeding in the graveyard of Pinedale. It was so neat to see the different dynamics in all the PC’s that were involved. Some wanted to kill her for violating the graves, others were against it because she wasn’t aggressive–just hungry and was lacking in communication. In the end she was petrified for a few hours then ran into the woods during a very large battle with some Undead (after snacking of course). She may still be roaming the wilds so look out if you get wounded!

Why do you love Kingdoms of Novitas?: I really love KoN because it supports a rare type of community. The kind where all the people–regardless of gender, race, religion, background or skill–can come together and simply accept one another because we are all there for the same purpose and same reason; to enjoy ourselves. It also helps teach people some consequences of being a leader or a follower and what can happen if you give the wrong command or follow the wrong person or idea.

Who is your favorite PC?: For this I’ve got to say Lord Sidhan (JC’s PC). He puts a lot of effort into his character’s looks and demeanor and roleplays nobility in a beautiful way. Lord Sidhan gave Thaerion something nobody else ever had at the time–trust. This simple concept really changed the course for Thaerion’s developments as a character and makes her double check herself sometimes. When she steps slightly onto a wayward path or borderlines it, Lord Sidhan manages to sway her back to her course–without causing her to want to stab him (if you know Thaerion then you know this is nearly impossible). It will be interesting to see how this plays a part in Thaerion’s life.

What did you think your character concept was? What is it now?:  When I created Thaerion I was brand new to Novitas and had no idea what to expect. I created Thaerion as an outsider so she could learn the ways of Pinedale and Maplewood at the same speed as myself. I had originally thought maybe she’d learn a trade and simply wander the Freelands for a bit, but she has now developed into an elf with reputation. She is now respected as a Wildrunner and a daughter to a noble family, and is known as “Shadow” for many reasons.

How many PCs have you had? What happened to them?: I currently have two PC’s and they are both alive and well–for now.

Posted by Julie

Player Profile: Steve ArnoldNovember 16th, 2017

How long have you been playing?: I have been playing over 10 years now? Maybe… it was the tail end of the Night's Children plot arc.

Describe your character: So, Marcus is a paladin with the stick shoved not as far up his backside as you would normally expect. He is originally from Civen, but when he joined his order, he gave up any and all ties with his birth nation. He is a master paladin in his order and the commanding officer of the Templar Legion.

What was your favorite in game moment?: Oh god. There are so many to list. If I had to narrow it down, I would have to say it would be the ritual to destroy the Al'Carn's phylactery on fourth shift. I was one of the people to actually do the ritual and dumb me I didn't think we would then immediately march on Cairnhold. So, I spellstored every bit of power I had so those who were going to be defending us as we did the ritual would have a lot of healing available. So when we marched, it was the first time since I played a level 1 character where I went into a fight with only what protections I had up. Let me tell ya, it was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.

Why do you love Kingdoms of Novitas?: The family we have at game. Though I only see everyone once a month, it's like returning home.

Who is your favorite PC?: Wow so many to choose. I would have to say Phil Braun's old PC Gaius.

What did you think your character concept was? What is it now?: So when I brought Marcus in I wanted to make someone who could be approachable to new players. I wanted to take the idea of bringing new low level characters out with veteran groups to a new level. So I made Marcus to be the solid rock that new players could fall back to when they bit off more then they could handle. I feel that I have accomplished that with the Legion.

As to what it is now, it really hasn't changed much except that now I am stepping back and giving the newer players in the legion a chance to step up and shine. As to if they shine bright or not is in their hands, but I will be there to back them up when they do or say something that would end up with them in hot water.

How many PCs have you had? What happened to them?: I am on my third now. My first was a wood elf druid who hated and despised humans because all they cared about was themselves. This ultimately lead to him having a chaotic rampage where he killed a group of elemental worshippers and the trees were really angry and came in and beat him to death. It made for some serious role-play with both druid and non druid players and, when he was buried I know there were a few wet eyes.

My second PC was a Dellin who secretly was a darkness worshiper. He died due to pride and challenged the wrong person to the ultimate fight and lost.

Marcus is my third PC.

Posted by Julie

Player Profile: Ceilidh MitchellNovember 2nd, 2017

How long have you been playing?: Since January of 2017 and I’ve attended every event since for the past 10 months.

Describe your character: Helene Briar is a friendly, happy-go-lucky Terran merchant. Peaceful and known for her signature sweets. Like most of her kin, she enjoys crafts, food, ales, parties, and the giving and receiving of presents. She is perhaps a little naïve to the surface lands of Novitas but full heartedly believes with hard work it can be made better. When in need of a bit of brightness, her bakeshop is always open.

What was your favorite in game moment?: Out of character, it was a night out on the trails playing a lowly skeleton to bait in for an ambush. When no one was taking the bait, I instead made a unearthly screech and got to chase one of the more fearless players in game around a dark trail for a bit.
In character it was one snowy night snuggling up by the fire under a pile of cloaks with adorable players and telling horrible puns.

Why do you love Kingdoms of Novitas?: It’s a golden community. The rules are well balanced and the game welcomes all sorts of people & playstyles. It allows you to make your own paths and play your own way within reason.

Who is your favorite PC?: Tetsu Shimo no Kiba. My character’s steadfast guardsman and snarky friend. His passion for game and dynamic role playing as a PC or NPC is always great to roll with.

What did you think your character concept was? What is it now?: My concept was based on Hobbits & the old folk tales of the Briar Rabbit. That is still her driving force, unrelenting kindness, cleverness, and never fighting what you can outwit.

How many PCs have you had? What happened to them?: She is only 4 events old but getting to play Helene is amazing. She has her own successful bakeshop, a household of fantastic ladies around her, a guardsman loyal to her side, a team of Templars, and countless Freelander folks to share treats with. Playing your first character can be a WILD ride but it’s worth every step & swing you take. I’m excited to see what the future brings.

Posted by Julie

Player Profile: Gilbert OcasioOctober 19th, 2017

How long have you been playing?: My first event was July of 2014, so more than three years now.

Describe your character: My current main (since we all know I love alts) is Bàn. Bàn is from Vlean, though he cannot recall this due to his amnesia. Bàn worships both the Elemental and Nox, for without both he would not be able to make his poisons. He is free spirited and a ladies’ man (in his own mind). Bàn, due to his amnesia, kind of takes it day by day, and he is overly honest at times when he really should not be. One thing he has a hard time understanding is why people think he is shady as he has been honest about his affairs. Bàn runs Bàn’s Botanicals, a local poison shop. Though to people he might be shady, he takes his shop and reputation as a merchant very seriously.

What was your favorite in game moment?: I would have to say the first time the Rhinos fought a Minotaur. Back when I played Ulysseus, the founder and original leader of the Rhinos, we were on our way back from patrolling the woods on the secret trail when we saw the beast. None of us had ever fought one before, but Butcher being Butcher and Ulysseus being a Grak worshiper, we decided to try our hand at it. We made a half-baked plan and charged in. Let’s just say it hit harder than we thought. After about 3 minutes of fighting, I looked at the tree line edge and noticed half the town was watching. It felt like they wanted to see what the Rhinos were really made of. After about another minute we killed it. This moment sticks out because I feel that that is when a lot of the town folk accepted the group.

Why do you love Kingdoms of Novitas?: I came from Amtgard (another LARP), and after my first event seeing all the work that went into Novitas, I was amazed. After the event, I heard tales of other PCs that just blew my mind. The main reason was what Dustan said to me, “You can be and do anything you can think of, as long as it’s safe.” Just the thoughts that ran through my head after…

Who is your favorite PC?: Easily “Geoffredo” (an elderly Septon). The dedication Al Ferro had to his character was amazing. Walked slow, talked slow, gave sermons, and gave Ulysseus advice before he died (though if he had talked to him one more time maybe Ulysseus wouldn’t be dead now lol). Honestly just a great PC to be around.

What did you think your character concept was? What is it now?: Originally Ban was going to be a botanist that secretly worshiped Nox, however I realized that that was too boring for me. I did want Bàn to have amnesia, that was certain and I stuck to it. Overall, Bàn was supposed to be a coward who stayed in his shop with his plants and herbs. Now, he’s an open Nox worship who is unpredictable and naive to the world, and to how deep his roots go with Nox pre-amnesia.

How many PCs have you had? What happened to them?: All in all I have had 3 PCs. Ulysseus, my first PC, died in combat partly because of another PC and partly because of a Wraith. I decided to just end him there and refuse a revive, as I wanted to do more things with newbies and during this time we had scheduled shifts. Traygard was my second. Traygard is a very strict, upstanding follower of the Knight, basically the opposite of Bàn. He’s an old man who collapses from exhaustion sometimes, and has a strong prejudice against elves. Everyone loves Traygard and he’s still around, but I haven’t played him much lately due to interest in my third and final character (for now) Bàn, everyone’s favorite neighborhood Nox worshiper.

Posted by Julie

Player Profile: MaryKate BensonOctober 5th, 2017

How long have you been playing?: I started playing in Fall of 2008, so… *does some math* I've been playing at KoN for 9 years now. 

Describe your character: My current character is Dwyn, an elf who was stolen as an infant and raised as a house slave by various Dellin tribes.  She was passed between tribes for over 200 years, generally as a gift, to help cement alliances and peace treaties.  Her last Master was the notorious Black Mountain, leader of a large Dellin horde that invaded the Freelands about 5 years ago, give or take.  When he was slain by the residents of Pinedale she found herself with no Master and freedom that she didn't know what do to with.  She came to the Freelands to find his murderers.  She's still not sure if she intends to thank them or seek vengeance.  At her core she wants nothing more than to belong – she's not quite and elf and not quite a Dellin – and The Black Mountain, a man who broke with societal norms (and who she loved), held the promise of belonging for her.  So, unsure what to do with herself and gifted with the patience of 200+ years, she has taken up mercenary work with the Owl & Ore General Store.  She's also decided that it's time to take on an apprentice to pass on all the knowledge and skills she learned in her years in the tribelands.  It should be an… interesting apprenticeship. 

What was your favorite in game moment?: So there's a lot to choose from here, so I'm going to do a two. 

When Belladonna (played by Ann Aumick) gambled for memories with a Dark Fae so she could win back those lost to it by a fellow party member, Ambrose (played by Richard Baldwin).  It was one of those moments where you felt real life bonds being formed because of in-character actions.  The group we were all in at the time, The Oddfellows, blurred that line a bit and the familial bonds formed by those characters has bled into our personal feelings for one another.  I still consider those Odds as some of my dearest and most cherished friendships.

Again with the Oddfellows, but this one is a sad one.  The death of Ajax.  He was the founder of our little group and had been our leader.  He was also brutally murdered right in front of us by fringe religious zealots.  It was one of the most gut-wrenching moments I have ever experienced IC.  So why is it one of my favorites?  Because it drove so much plot for the group and other groups for years.  His death had fallout – he had friends who grieved for him – he had friends who sought vengeance for him – he had friends who sacrificed the last bits of his remains to forge a sword that would be used to defeat the Avatar of Darkness – he became a hero of his people with statues erected in his honor.  I mean, that's just amazing to me.  This brief moment, a death that happened in an instant, spiraled into something world changing. 

Why do you love Kingdoms of Novitas?: So community is the easy and obvious answer.  I love these nerds.  They are my nerds and I will love them and hug them and keep them forever.  That said, I also love the story we're telling together.  The cooperative story-telling that happens at KoN is pretty amazing to me.  When people buy-in to someone else's story line and you get to see the ripples of that story spreading to other players, whether through their PCs or through the GMs responding with plot – it gives me warm fuzzies.   

Who is your favorite PC?: This is hard, especially with the new influx of PCs we had this last year, but I'd have to say Thaerion (Laura Buchta) is my favorite.  Thaerion confuses the heck out of my PC, so we always have really interesting role play.  She's completely unpredictable and seems to always be getting into (and amazingly, out of) trouble.   The thing I find most impressive is Laura's ability to throw herself into her roleplay.  In real life she's one of the bubbliest and cheerful people I've ever met.  In character, I'm only about 10% sure she's not going to stab me at any moment and I think she likes my character, so… that's… fun. 

What did you think your character concept was?  What is it now?: Honestly, I think I've managed to stick pretty close to my concept.  I initially intended Dwyn to be a bit crankier than I have been able to maintain (it's hard to play cranky when you're happy playing with your friends).  I also intended her to be a bit darker than I've played, but I have plans to fix that.   Oh, did I mention Dwyn is looking for an apprentice?  Yeah.  Anyone interested?

How many PCs have you had?  What happened to them?: I'm on number 4, technically.  Here's the quick and dirty:

My first PC was Maeve, a Septon healer.  She got married, got pregnant, had King Quartzhammer buy her and her family citizenship and an estate in Civen as reward for her part in defeating the Avatar of Darkness and saving the Terran people (see Ajax story above).  She's in Civen now, raising her family with her dearest friend, Belladonna, while her husband (also a Septon) is out doing the work of the Sept. 

My second PC was Agatha, an elderly Wise-woman from the Shari Nai tribe.  She came to Pinedale to die, but instead ended up adventuring for a few years with a group of ruffians known as the Brave Companions.  A few years ago, she returned to her tribe and actually did die (from natural causes!).  Parts of her remains were sent to her companions in the Freelands to be consumed so that she would be with them always and they would gain some of her strength.  Yay! Mortuary cannibalism!

My third PC was Antigone, a travelling Judge from Civen.  I only played her for a few events before retiring her.  When the game moved towns to one with actual law enforcement about a year after I retired the character, it made sense to bring Antigone back as an NPC Constable of Maplewood.  In my head she's not really a PC, but technically she was, so…

Now there's Dwyn and I have no idea what's going to happen to her.  Figuring that out is half the fun!  

Posted by Julie