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VE SAMYZEK POZSKA VOLUME TWO: EDITION TWO TWO MINAS AVAILABLE IN NAUVMARIAN, HYSPIAN PER PAPER WALDENIAN AND AUVERGNE WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY HIS LORDSHIP, FABIAN OTTO KORTREVICH ON THE 5th OF Msitza ag Dargund OF 471 E.S. IT IS WAR Not a Saint’s Day past the fateful trial of Henrik Sarkovic came the decree of the Canonist League’s unification: then, of war. The Canonist League unites His Holiness Pontian IV; His Royal Majesty, Alexander I of Balian; His Royal Majesty, Charles I of Aaun; and His Royal Majesty, Georg of Hanseti-Ruska, and Archduchess Renilde I of Petra. According to the official decree, the alliance is to last until the destruction of the Anathema, at which time it will be either renewed or dissolved. Haense has further established a Non-Aggression Pact with the Barrowlands, though it is said the March is plagued by the Mori Threat and must focus its efforts on the homefront. Aaun’s involvement continues after failure to see the fulfillment of the fourth and sixth terms of their Armistice, which specified hostilities would resume if fellow Canonist states did not cease their own conflicts, nor was the Duke’s excommunication lifted. Transcripts from King Alexander I’s court report that Aaunic navymen will train alongside the Balianese Company, as petitioned by Prince Emil to the King. Furthermore, Atrus, the Capital of Balian, has also welcomed a number of Aaunic refugees. Finally, the 469E.S Writ of Avoidance remains in effect, forbidding any Haeseni travel to Adria by order of the Crown. Canonist troops making camp. AFTER THE ANATHEMA Black shards of stained glass behind the Basilica altar. Healers waiting for the inevitable wounded. Muffled clanking of chains and interrogations from the prisons. The Basilica of Saint Henrik -- the irony of which is not lost on this reporter -- was, in the days after the Trial of the anathemized Duke of Adria, a spectral sort of silent. Elsewhere, good Canonist men gave chase not unlike hounds to a hare after the escaped Duke Heinrik. In the city, queens held murmured court in the square, while princesses waited alongside surgeons in St. Amaya’s for the inevitable injuries of battle. If clambered, the broken window behind the altar leads to an overgrown hill where one might make their way to the rooftops of Karosgrad and, if able-bodied and fleet of foot, beyond its limits. Perhaps this is how some of the Adrians made their escape. Others, such as the Matriarch of House von Draco, were captured, imprisoned, and held in the Capital dungeons; later to escape via conniving trickery. But while this uneasy peace fell over the Canonist North, what was unfolding to the East? “A war,” one man, waiting outside the city walls of Velec, said. “A war for the fate of Adria.” The shouts of battling men and the song of steel on steel rang over the otherwise silent forests. Within, soldiers of Aaun; Balian; and Haense waged war upon the Adrians who would defend their Duke. The Patriarch himself, Lord Palatine Iosif Basrid, could be heard calling for a blade. Gates to the city were drawn firmly shut, trapping the soldiers within; allowing no reinforcements from beyond, though there seemed to be few able-bodied soldiers of Horen’s line not already within the walls. “It would be foolish to think anyone other than Adrians could win such a fight,” said Margarete, daughter of a Vilac and a young woman at the gates, as a small crowd assembled to await the final strains of the battle. “Have you seen anyone hold a victory over their heads?” Tragically, Margarete’s words rang true, and the battle ended in a loss for the True Canonist states. The Princess Royal herself staggered to St. Amaya’s, wounded from valiant battle. She said to medics she was lucky not to have been captured; indeed, a number of the nobility rode to the frontline and were blessed to return, injured but alive and free -- Viscount Colborn among them, freed by a stranger. Both were treated by the capable staff of the clinic and released home within the day. Their swift recoveries shall remain in all our prayers. The Battle at Velec. NEWS FROM HOUSE KORTREVICH Countess Ileana is expected to return from her pilgrimage in approximately one Saint’s Week. She has been travelling in celebration of her investiture as Countess and in the interests of humility and education; her safe travels have remained in the family’s prayers. Lord Borris published the 3rd edition of the Haenseni Papyrus! Featuring works from the Duchess Josefina Barclay; Count Justinian Basrid; Earl Adolphus von Alstreim; Countess Emigliana O’Rourke; and Lord Sterling Amador, each work is an excellent display of Haeseni talent and creativity. Lord Fabian has been accepted to the Bard’s College, of the very caravan posted just beyond Karosgrad’s walls; Lord Virgil seeks to begin his medical studies with St. Amayas’. Both brothers have high hopes as to bringing the family pride. WITH DUTY, COMES HONOR WITH THE POST, COMES TRUTH Those interested in writing or advertising in the Post should contact Fabian K. by bird or at the Kortrevich Karosgrad business. Corrections will be published by request in the following edition of the Post.

A Kortrevich lordling sighs, and makes to revise the typeset for his newspaper.

VE SAMYZEK POZSKA VOLUME TWO: SPECIAL EDITION TWO MINAS AVAILABLE IN NAUVMARIAN, HYSPIAN PER PAPER WALDENIAN AND AUVERGNE FREE FOR THE OCCASION WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY HIS LORDSHIP, FABIAN OTTO KORTREVICH ON THE 12TH OF VYZMEY AG HYFF OF 471 E.S. ______________________________________________________ THE TRIAL OF THE AGE Those hundreds gathered in the Karosgrad Basilica for the Trial of his Grace Heinrik Sarkozic, Duke of Adria, the Anathema, could not have anticipated the chaos and violence which would follow. Certainly not at its beginning, when the Cardinal presiding addressed the then-still docile church. As written by his Holiness High Pontiff Pontian IV, the Duke committed “crimes against Man and GOD through doing the bidding of the Azdrazi,” whom he is accused of harboring in Velec and, furthermore, tricked his Holiness into meeting these dragonilk directly. Duke Heinrik was further accused of “consorting with known Heretics;” namely, Godfreyists, whose corpses were found among fallen Adrian soldiers. The Cardinal said the Duke “did purposefully use” the Godfreyists “as a weapon against another Canonist nation, and through such, a weapon against men of GOD, and through this committed a crime against Man and GOD.” Finally, the court allegeded Duke committed adultery against his wife, Austine of Aldersberg, as demonstrated in an exposed letter. “I do not think there was an affair,” one attendee explained as the Cardinal went on to pray for fortitude and balance, “but he certainly tried to have one. With his coz.” Both judges -- including Lord Palatine, Patriarch Iosif Basrid, declared the Duke guilty; with the Lord Palatine declaring Sarcozik “unequivocally defied the Will of God.” Upon this decree, gasps rolled through those gathered. One child even cried out in joy. Several Barclay men prepared to draw their weapons. Yet even beneath the immense pressure of the crowd’s gaze and the charges laid upon him, Sarkozic - head held high - entered a plea of “not guilty” to the court. When asked if he had anything further in his defense, he asked -- almost, one could think, with his tongue in cheek -- “Charge by Charge, Cardinal?” He then presented into evidence two letters allegedly proving his Holiness had contact with Azdrazi prior to their meeting; evidence that did not deny Sarkozic arranged such, nor his own contact with the Azdrazi. “...The Pontiff,” Sarkozic said, “stated he wished no further contact with the Azdrazi… We saw each other the next week with no hostility and he would later conduct my coronation.” though he then added, despite his plea, “I do not refute holding such meeting.” His Holiness himself was thus called to the stand, rising to face the assembled. “Good friends,” he called, “I will not lie about my speakings with these Azdrazi. I prayed, I read the Virtue over and over. Waiting for a sign from Him. One day He did and bid me give mercy to the dragonkin.” A cry of heresy erupted from within the pews as the Pontiff continued, recognizing he acted against the common thought of other clergymen and so found the Azdrazi unforgivable. He alleged the von Dracos have “long been suspected” of being Azdrazi, and has no doubt “they and their kind… wormed their way into Adrian society.” The church thus erupted. The Cardinal himself called for Death to the Anathema, as did so many. Blades were drawn in droves. Many fled: the Princess Royal calling for her husband, his Grace, to take their children, while Sarkozic protested the spilling of blood in GOD’s house until a warhammer was swung towards his own head and Haeseni men made to bind him. Men, seeking to protect them, swarmed the Pontiff and those Royal Women present, while children were ushered out by those who could guide them, followed by the sickly and unarmed. In the square, all was quiet; sounds of battle and wrath within the Basilica, until at last a man cried “It is over,” and from the doors armed battlers flooded the city -- soon proving it was not, in fact, over, as they hunted fleeing Adrians from shops to balconies until, at last, the cry came that the Duke fled the city - laughing upon horseback, as fighting continued in the streets. A man allegedly Azdrazi faced two combatants outside the church. Onlookers gathered on the palace balcony. Supposed sons of the Duke were bound, and held within the Church. Those other remaining Adrians were similarly captured; offered Last Rites and food; then summarily imprisoned. Children and women rushed from the palace once it was deemed safe, with no injured among the cityfolk’s ranks. The Pontiff was heard discussing the testing of the von Dracos. At last the fighting men began to rally at the Karosgrad gates, and at the time of this writing, marched dutifully to battle alongside the Balianese and other gathered Canonists. As this ink dries, they ride to, one can pray, deliver Justice to the Anathema at last. Reporting by F. Kortrevich.

VE KORTREVICH SAMYZEK POZSKA VOLUME TWO: EDITION ONE TWO MINAS AVAILABLE IN NAUVMARIAN, HYSPIAN PER PAPER WALDENIAN AND AUVERGNE ____________________________________________________________________________ WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY HIS LORDSHIP, FABIAN OTTO KORTREVICH ON THE 5TH OF MSITZA AG DARGUND OF 470 E.S. ____________________________________________________________________________ A COUNTESS DEBUTED Just one Saint Day’s past, the Countess Ileana Stefaniya Kortrevich formally debuted at the family home in the County of Jerovitz, where before the assembled friends and people she vowed to be fair, just, and true; thus marking the ascent of the first-ever Komitas i Jerovitz. The young Lady Kortrevich took her post as peer several years prior after the abdication of her father, Count Mavity Kortrevich, due to an extensive illness negating his ability to serve as peer. She has since reigned under the regency of her mother, Grand Lady Viorica Kortrevich, and departed uncle, Ser Vladrik. Last Saint’s Days celebrations -- the events themed after the Celestial Elements -- were joyous, though not free of chaos: in a true test of her temperament, the young Countess found herself mediating between several Lords as dire allegations were leveled against her uncle, Ser Vladrik Robaire O’Rourke, as to his conduct towards noblewomen who shall, in the interests of their peace and reputation, go unnamed The House’s regency will end in a few months’ time, at which point the Countess shall be free and independent to rule her house as she wishes. The family has faith in their young matriarch, who has demonstrated a fiercely protective nature tempered by her humility and commitment to duty and honor, and look forward to seeing her thrive in her post. ____________________________________________________________________________ A COMET IN THE NIGHT The loss of any life is an undeniable tragedy unlike any: the loss of a young life is, perhaps, the most cruel. On the 8th day of Wzuvar and Byvca of this year, HSH Analiese of Karosgrad penned a sorrowful missive announcing the passing of her eldest daughter, Lady Elizaveta Irena vas Ruthern -- “the Cometborn” -- in just her sixteenth year, after extended illness. Lady Elizaveta leaves behind her beloved siblings; her many cousins; and her parents, Her Serene Highness Analiesa of Karosgrad and his Grace, Aleksandr var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus. “I beg you,” Her Serene Highness wrote, “to pray for her eternal rest,” and so we shall. May the family have a solemn peace in their time of mourning, and may the Lady Elizaveta and those she has left upon this realm remain ever in our prayers. ____________________________________________________________________________ THE DEATH OF A KNIGHT The times of mourning are not yet at an end. Just hours after the debut of his niece and nephew, the corpse of Ser Vladrik Robaire O’Rourke, née Kortrevich, in the fields just outside the limits of the Capital. It is my fear, as your reporter, that this article cannot be written in the traditional tonalities of the Paper, for I found myself in the midst of these dire happenings. HSH Analiesa of Karosgrad herself graced the County of Jerovitz, calling for Lady Viorica; who, after the festivities, had retired to her chambers; as had the Countess Ileana. Instead the Princess Royal found none awake and at the ready save myself, having been hosting a business associate in the family hall. Though the Princess kindly worried for my youth, it was my duty as eldest son to reply to her call: and so I was informed that my uncle, Ser Vladrik, had been found deceased by none other than one of my own young Ruthern cousins. In Karosgrad, I identified what remained of his body by his hair and build to the Deputy Surgeon General Haus Weiss, who thus conducted a full autopsy. At the aforementioned debut, a young guest presented the allegation of Ser Vladrik having sired a bastard son with a recently widowed Lady; and, furthermore, rumor of additional breaches of etiquette. Ser Vladrik arrived shortly after these discussions began, where he was confronted by Lady Viorica and myself; then, met with Countess Ileana in the church of Jerovitz, soon accompanied by His Grace Aleksandr var Ruthern. These conversations, though heated, came to solemn and formal conclusion, and Ser Vladrik left the festivities accompanied by none save his pack of hounds. The report and investigation into his death have since begun, and I am sure there will be more to write of this tragedy. In the meantime, the House Kortrevich does request peace and grace as we enter a period of mourning for the late Ser who, despite the misgivings which marred his final years, was a seated Knight of the Knight’s Table; Master of the Hunt; a Jovenaar of the Aulic Government, Baron-Consort of Old Halstaig and known as the “Houndsman.” He leaves behind his daughter, Lady Emigliana O’Rourke; his siblings; his nieces and nephews; and those who loved him as he was. He will be in our prayers, that he may find peace and forgiveness beyond this mortal realm, as we know only Godan can judge the virtue of his creation. A depiction of the Ser by myself. ____________________________________________________________________________ EN TERMINANT | A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER In truth, the allegations and consequential death of my uncle are what have inspired the revival of the Kortrevich Bull Post, in the hopes that we may write frankly of the events which have come to pass and ensure truth does prevail. The Post was the tradition of my grandmother, though whom I never knew I do greatly admire; and it is my dearest hope that, in years to come, there will be more jovial news with which to share with our Kingdom. In the interests of respect for those lost, this edition shall not discuss the happenings of the court nor city as the volumes before it have; though, perhaps in the future we may be free to write of such, more pleasant things. Those interested in contributing to such a publication may contact me at the Kortrevich business in Karosgrad or by letter; though I do request time in which to hold my own mourning. Until I write again,

Fabian Kortrevich proudly tacks the missive up in the Kortrevich Knick-Knackery with a grin, impossibly proud of his beloved sister.

Fabian is forever grateful for the young Countess's support, arranging a particular bouquet to congratulate her ascension to peerage.

THE FLOWERS OF JEROVITZ VE BLAUWMS i JEROVITZ | LES FLEURS de JEROVITZ | LAS FLORES de JEROVITZ Written and Published by FABIAN OTTO KORTREVICH On this day 11th of Wzuvar and Byvca of 469 E.S. THE TRADITION OF FLOWERS As Her Royal Highness, Prinzenas Klara Elizaveta, wrote in her Ve Blauwms i Hanseti-Ruska, flowers have great meaning and importance in the etiquette of Haeseni courts. The same holds, then, for the County of Jerovitz, which has further been influenced in recent generations by Auvergnat and Woldskyev cultures. It is my pleasure to publish this pamphlet to honor the flowers of the County I have been reared in, including a selection of illustrations from my childhood, and to make my foray into the wide world of cultural literature published by our people in both recent times and centuries past. I dearly hope this will bring joy and a further depth of appreciation for the natural wonders of our realm. MORRIVI Ve Welcoming i Spring At the coming of spring, crocuses, snowdrops and lily-of-the-valley flowers are gathered up and woven into flower crowns and wreaths. These are then worn or hung on doors to welcome the spring season, and to give thanks for the thaw which allowed these blooms to emerge. Ve Crocus Special breads, called Brânduși, are baked in the double-loop shape of the crocus. Crocuses are not only a Haeseni symbol of devotion and rebirth, but the loops of Brânduși further symbolize the crown of the Koeng and the holy crown of Godan, both of whom protect and provide for the people; and, in their loops, remind us of the unending passage of time and the seasons. Honeyed Brânduși are traditionally served at breakfast on the first day of spring. Ve Primrose In honor of the Dame Primrose Kortrevich and the delicate rose’s penchant for growing in the first early days of spring, primroses are considered a symbol of grace, valor, and persistence. Achievements may be recognized with gifts of or honoring primroses: shields with primrose crests for newly-fledged knights and accomplished soldiers, primrose-embroidered silks and cloths, or even simple, golden tokens featuring the flower. White primroses or white roses themselves are considered a somewhat more somber gift, and may be left on the graves of loved ones or those lost to battle. Primrose wreaths are often given to the Heirs of Jerovitz upon the first spring following their debut, typically woven by their siblings as a sign of devotion and respect, and primroses may be planted outside homes for protection. ASSERALA Ve Welcoming i Summer The pale yellow daffodils of Jerovitz often bloom between spring and summer, though they will not be seen long. The young women of the county gather up these flowers, weave them into wreaths, and keep them around the necks of milk-jugs. No other flower may be added to the jug wreaths. These daffodils may also be fed to the cows themselves, with both traditions meant to ensure sweet and plentiful milk all year ‘round. KHOVALA Ve Welcoming i Autumn Goldenrod may be scattered around the fields of Jerovitz, in an effort to draw Godan’s blessing for the harvest. The last wild roses of summer may be pressed and dried in parchment, and then framed and hung in the kitchen, to remind the family of summer’s warmth even through the coming winter. THE ETIQUETTE OF GIVING & WEARING Flowers are an appropriate gift or accessory for any occasion in Jerovitz, from the birth of a child to the funeral of an elder. Cut flowers arranged in bouquets are typical; potted plants should be reserved as gifts for either older women or a housewarming present. Furthermore, flowers should always be given in an odd number; unless it is a bouquet for a funeral or other somber, mourning occasion. Flowers may also be incorporated into the art and cuisine of Jerovitz. Its famed maple syrups may be infused with different herbs or blossoms, or its beehives kept near certain gardens to produce honey from certain flowers. Children may make paper flowers to decorate toys or homes for holidays and weddings, and flowers may be embroidered onto dress hems, woven into lace, painted onto trims, and otherwise constantly present in the day-to-day lives of those in Jerovitz. In Courtship A young man should always bring flowers when meeting his beloved, and furthermore should never bring yellow flowers. Yellow flowers are thought to be an omen of a doomed courtship, or a sign that the giver prefers the company of the recipient only as a friend. Red, pink, white, or other pale hues are preferred. The more intense the color, the more intense the romance. The exception to this is irises, which often grow with streaks of yellow and are a symbol of great duty, and orchids, the symbol of the late Countess Esmée. However, irises and orchids are thought symbolic of only the most noble and well-fated courtships, and reserved for the engaged or betrothed. Young men of age are also given boutonnieres of ferns to wear when they first meet the lady they wish to court. For Weddings White flowers and sweet-smelling herbs should adorn any Jerovitz bride-to-be’s bedposts and silken sheets. Mint leaves and pure white snowdrops will be placed under her pillow and around her sleeping form the night before her wedding, while a crown of white orchids and kaffir lilies should be hung above the bride’s head. Upon the next day, she and her husband shall throw this crown into the hearth of their shared home for good luck and the blessings of Godan. Against Illness Unless one wishes the sick to stay sick, an odd number of cut flowers and herbs should be arranged on the bedside of the ill and injured. For ailments of the senses or stomach, garlic flowers, rosemary, and mint should be given; for injuries, bouquets of blissfoil and poppies; for conditions of the mind or sleep, lavender. Other flowers, particularly the favorites of the patient, may also be included no matter the condition, though their combined meanings should be considered beforehand. FOLKLORE Olives and olive oil have become a lynchpin in the spiritual protections of Jerovitz, and often imported from warmer climates. Babies are often washed with olive flowers and holly sprigs in their baths to protect them against ill intent. If someone fears they have been cursed by the ungodly, they may drip olive oil into a dish of water. If it remains in one complete circle, then the person is safe; but if it scatters and disperses throughout the dish, they have been hexed, and should seek the help of an ordained priest of the Church. Before the courting season, maidens of age may bathe with privet (or lovage) leaves and rose petals. If done properly, this will ensure a suitable match for the girl; but if she fails to pluck all the flowers of the privet plant, and ensure none of their small yellow petals end up in her bathwater, she will only wed a dull man - or worse, shall be an old maid. If a maiden wishes for her courting partner to propose, she must drink chamomile and lavender tea every morning for a week. If they are meant to be, he will propose by the seventh night. Lilacs, with their four petals, must never be brought into the home, and no gift of lilacs accepted. If they are, the head of the house should bite off the extra petals from each flower, and cast the plant into their hearth. Otherwise, bad luck will surely come for the family. REFERENCES Ve Blauwms i Hanseti-Ruska, Vol 1 ag Vol 2, HRH Prinzenas Klara Elizaveta Private anatomical studies of flora, Lord Fabian O. Kortrevich Private notes of the late Countess Esmee O. Kortrevich SIGNÉE PAR, HIS LORDSHIP, Fabian Otto Kortrevich

Lord Fabian hurries about the Jerovitz keep, simultaneously selecting fabric samplings; debating which flowers will be in season for the event's arrangements; and pestering the chefs about the menu!

Fabian Kortrevich pokes his head out of his tower; blinks twice; and returns to his solitude.

I'd say that depending on intention, this post does provide fine ideas to generate slice-of-life RP and connect characters who may not otherwise have reason to be in a space together, thus creating the potential for players to find new openings in their characters' stories. Providing a reason for characters to gather in a communal space at a particular time isn't inherently bad, and I would argue that when these events are done with the intent to connect and encourage RP, rather than just activity grind, they at the very least don't hurt anyone. Also, this was not a particularly kind way to provide constructive critique, if that was your objective.

this is a good post i like this post

A daughter of Arvellon rejoiced in the customs of her kin, scritching fondly at the ears of her life-long karin companion.

The Dryad of Jerovitz, having long since lost her wits and, quite literally, the Kortrevich blood which ran from her veins to her now-dutiful son's, sways with pride.

Young Fabian, unsure of the situation afoot, sets out to pick flowers for the Viscountess Colborn and Count Kortrevich in a childish effort to provide the pair some joy.

this is absolute gospel truth. asking lotc players to be willing to lose is not my effort to ask them to stop having fun; it's to begin a deeper process that enables us all to have better, more consistent fun, and to share that fun with others thank you Puffables for this addition

The newly-proclaimed King of the Cave consults his tarot deck with great intensity, broken only by little giggles at his sisters' jokes and missive.

Yeah, when writing this I had to refer to the community guidelines where it states to make sure I wasn't about to outright and utterly contradict the server mission. Putting the "collaborative" side first in advertising would be a huge relief to me, for one.

such a good question and also the thing that i struggle with the absolute most. at LARP i tend to straight-up avoid these players tbh, but there's also a physical element there that we dont have online. the most important thing is to encourage players, esp new players, to consciously and deliberately give their characters traits they, the player, do not have. a good persona tends to be a blend of relatability and contrast to its player (as most of us know, subconsciously or consciously), but obviously if you're already entangled with an idealized-self character that's not really an option. in those situations, distance and OOC check-ins to keep your boundaries steady + a line of communication/feedback open are probably the best moves, with more of one or the other depending on how things are going. alternatively if the player is not receptive to OOC check-ins re: the flow of rp/safety, forcibly keep everything wholly irp. i wish i had more concrete advice, but i'm still navigating this one myself! thanks Bonito!

As a refresher… Character bleed is when the experiences of a character influence the relationships of the player. Consider checking out my first guide or this handy intro for more. DISCLAIMER Alright. Into the thick of it. PLAY-TO-WIN vs. PLAY-TO-LOSE vs. PLAY-TO-LIFT A play-to-win mentality means that you are playing to win, by whatever metric satisfies you. A play-to-lose mentality means you are actively setting your character up to lose in order to create more drama and story intrigue. A play-to-lift mentality means that you are both taking responsibility for your character, and also seeking to create good storytelling experiences for your fellow players. While all three are techniques you can apply to RP, play-to-lose and play-to-lift mentalities are both part of collaborative play styles. Play-to-win is competitive, and that’s where the conflict begins. In my time on LotC, I have noticed an alarming amount of communities who seem to have become driven by a play-to-win mentality. If the majority of a community is playing to win, then their culture becomes a competitive one, and player may find themselves ‘punished’ by that system when they don’t prioritize ‘winning.’ No one person or source can be blamed for this. It’s often a slow creep within a system. PLAY-TO-WIN To be clear: it’s not a bad thing if you want your character to win. The danger lies in how you as a player respond when they don’t, and whether or not you can separate your characters’ wins from yours. You, the player, are always winning if you enjoy the story you are telling through your character. This may be difficult to remember, especially if you’ve been with one character for a long time; but if/when we lose sight of it, that’s when the problems start. A play-to-win approach to RP is more than just wanting your character to win. It often serves to create frequent feelings of frustration, disappointment, anger, and strained relationships with other players. Players who come to RP settings with play-to-win mentalities are also more likely to experience character bleed, or to have no boundaries between themselves and their character to start. Play-to-win mentalities are great for MMORPG or ‘traditional’ video games; Call of Duty, Elder Scrolls Online, etc etc etc; if you’ve seen the classic gamer guy punching a hole in the drywall for taking an L, then you’ve witnessed the most intense form of play-to-win character bleed out there. But in communities like LotC, which are inherently collaborative and require distance between the player and the character, a play-to-win mentality undermines everyone’s experience. PLAY-TO-LOSE & PLAY-TO-LIFT (or, PLAY-FOR-STORY) For our purposes, we’re going to be discussing these two mentalities as one: “playing-for-story.” “Play-to-lose” is a little intimidating if not discouraging, and should really be a part of a mentality, not one on its own. A “play-for-story” mentality is often the hardest shift for those players having their first community RP experiences, be it live-action, tabletop, or virtual. Your experience, even your ‘success,’ hinges on your relationships with other players and their characters. You have to place a level of trust in the player, something I myself often struggle with, and this is where a play-for-story approach comes in. A play-for-story player is more likely to recognize when their character needs to lose for the advancement of both their personal and the overall story, when they should pass the spotlight to another player, and most importantly, that the actions of a character do not reflect on the player. These approaches to RP do not make a player immune to character bleed, but it does change the fundamental way they interact with other players. APPROACHING RP Whether you’re a nation leader or a new player, your core objective is always the same: Tell. The. Story. Your character’s story, first and foremost; and through that character, the story of those around you, and the wider world they exist in. If this feels vague and overwhelming, that’s alright. From here on, we’re going to discuss a few approaches for building characters and interacting with other characters from a play-for-story mentality. Oh, and for gods’ sake; stop referring to your characters in the first person. Draw the first line there, and the rest will start to fall into place. GOOD META An essential in the RP’ers toolbox. Touched on in my last guide. KINGMAKER'S STYLE An individual RP approach to character design. PASS THE SPOTLIGHT A both communal and individual tool which can be implemented at any time. IN CONCLUSION… There are a lot more methods and concepts to add to your RP toolbox. Hopefully, though, this has given you a way to evaluate how you think about and approach RP, and expanded the ways in which you can discuss it. Please remember this isn't a one-time process; every time we log on, log off, and join a new scene, we should be considering from what angle, and what our needs and wants are. I would love to see folks replying with examples, thoughts, critique, or more ideas, and to open this for broader community discussion. FURTHER RESOURCES If you’d like to learn more about RP techniques, these are my primary sources for this guide: https://cwfox.com/2018/04/26/how-to-share-the-spotlight-at-larp/ https://nordiclarp.org/wiki/Playing_to_lose https://nordiclarp.org/wiki/Category:Techniques If you’d like to learn more about character bleed and taking care of yourself as a player, check out: Wrap up your gaming experience with these RPG Aftercare Tips 3 Red Flags that your RP is getting out of hand Post-Play Activities for LARP: Methods and Challenges ...and if you're a community leader, consider making these or guides like them readily available in your Discord or community hub. It also never hurts to review the community guidelines. LotC is way more accessible than most RP formats, but it is still essential to treat it as a social and psychological experience, from which you need breaks, care, and rest. Be safe/have fun. Special thanks to @satinkira& @Minuvas

A young Kortrevich celebrates the announcement of another cousin!

Luciana awakens somewhere in the depths of the desert, brows raised in surprise and delight!

Little Fabi races about the Jerovitz gardens, arms brimming with flowers and flags as he shouts his excitement!

A druid gathers the news wandering between wilds and towns, and avidly celebrates the blessings of the House Kortrevich and the joy to come to Haense! -- A toddler nods in absent agreement with the many exclamations of finally throughout Jerovitz.

The youngest Kortrevich yet coos cheerily in his shared nursery, with a shock of blonde curls quite like his mother's - though a pale complexion, as if unwell.

Stifled sobs rang through a quiet grove in the Eastern woodlands, with all the grief of a mother who had lost a son.