The Recap!

Oh, it has been an incredibly busy week, but to those reading this blog, perhaps it look like nothing has happened. So I resolved that, after some proper sleep, I'd come on first thing today and post as to what has been up with Ar!

After the Veils of Ar Tea on Tuesday, the warriors had their first mock battle since the “regime change.” It was with Tyros, far, far from home, on the waves of Thassa. My report indicates that our men did a fantastic job, and our chances for victory look extremely promising if we can get a few more numbers. In short – we have good organization, direction, and actually, our skill level is quite good. If we can just add a few more men, we're going to totally kick steel.

Wednesday was the stage for our “Slave Scavenger Hunt – Come Get Some,” and the sim was filled with Kur eggs that had to be found by the slaves and destroyed. Each egg was filled, of course, with a prize. I'm still seeing those little purple things on the sim, so not all of them have been found!

Tamar Luminos “illuminos'd” us with her instruction on roleplay fighting during her 6 p.m. Wednesday class. A forum topic with pointers is available for anyone wishing to excel in their skill there, and her Master, Cadence, taught us at 4p.m on Thursday more about combat. The men of Tyros actually showed up during this combat training (apparently there are some old friendly ties between Galahad and Cadence, ha!) and came out to support the sim. OOC friends, IC enemies – a great combination! It reminds me of the beginning of the Port Kar-Telnus wars we had a few years ago.

On Friday, I was pretty skeptical but very eager to see how the Gorean Confessions event would go. I expected many folks not to come due to confusion about what the event was about, or just not wanting to participate in voice. I was shocked when we almost packed the sim out for it! I had more great comments about this event than any we've done so far all month. Apparently people were extremely curious and excited to hear some of the voices connected with avatars in Ar and to hear some juicy confessions. I was told that it really stimulated some good discussions and gave people a lot to think about regarding roleplay and what their characters could possibly due for secret “personal” stories. I also received a number of messages from folks who are excited and already writing something up for next month. What's your secret? Get it on paper.

Today, we have the OOC Town Hall meeting where everyone can discuss concerns, ideas, and just hang out for a few minutes at the landing, and of course –deep breath-- today is the Ubara's Ball! Am I nervous? Well, we have received RSVPs from around Gor for this major roleplay event. I have one eye on the ban button and one eye on RP, and... I honestly am very excited to see everyone and see the RP. I know there are going to be some major plot hooks delivered tonight.

All in all, I'm so happy. A few very old friends have shown up and made the decision to be part of Ar – people I've known for years who have never made such commitments. I'm proud, and while I know not everything is perfect, and we're certainly not going to agree on everything, we are slowly and surely building relationships in our community that will outlast anything petty or any misgivings that crop up. Forgive quickly, give some grace, and let's remember that it's our home – and just like in real life sometimes – we've got a set space with a lot of people, and more people coming every day. Welcome our newcomers with open arms and let's give the kind of roleplay and atmophere that Ar's slowly building reputation is worthy of.

SPQA!