[2024] Oh my! It's that time again! Come on in! Introduce yourself.

[*The Butler]

All the invites have been sent! And look at this - the finest collection of guests this year! My, my!

* Firiona Vie
* Single Malt Scotch
* Boris
* Grumpy bear
* Ivaylo
* Tardy Tardis
* Irda

Well, allow me to post some games - and naturally - you ball guests can create your own new threads - but please - only within the MASQ forum!

PRO TIP: Don't post as your MASQ and then switch over to your normal account and post - and vice versa - this may give MASQ folks a clue if they see "Oh, look * The Butler posted today at 11:03am - then Tawmis posted at 11:06am. I wonder if they're one and the same?"

I strongly suggest enabling "Hide my online status" (note - Changing this setting won’t become effective until your next visit to the board). This can be found under Board Preference of your profile. This way, when you are logged on - down where it shows who is logged on - only Administrators will be able to see your name down there. In the event you're about to post something and someone else logs on, you may want to hold off. This will also allow you to potentially spy...

In the meantime, come on in and introduce yourself - tell us about your MASQ identity... or whatever you'd like to share.

[* Single Malt Scotch]

Greetings everyone. I'm looking forward to playing with all of you. There's really not too much to say about myself. I spent the last 25 years in a sherry cask, so I haven't had much experience socializing lately. I like to think of myself as complex, but well-balanced, with notes of raisins and fig.

[* Irda]

I join this event because I am looking for knowledge.

[* Ivaylo]

Ahhhh! Why am I imprisoned in this strange place, when Byzantines and Mongols torture my beloved Bulgaria? I must escape before it's too late!

[* Grumpy bear]

Grumpf! I decided to take time off my busy schedule to partake in your annual shenanigans. I hope Professor Coldheart is not pummling children at the present...

[* Tardy Tardis]

Oh dear, terribly sorry I’m late! You see, the TARDIS and I had a bit of a disagreement on where—or should I say when—we should land. I meant to be here in time for tea, but I may have overshot by a century or two.

I see we have a fine gathering of spirits, scholars, warriors, and… is that a bear? Well, better late than never, right?

Looking forward to some wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey fun with all of you!

[* Ivaylo]

You are a physician, I see! What is your contraption? Can I use it to travel back to Bulgaria to pummel the Byzantines?

[* Boris]

I am Boris Badenov. I am in search for Rocky. Someone pointed me to the boxer. It is not he whom I seek.

[* Firiona Vie]

In the soft glow of the twilight, a graceful figure steps forward, her emerald hair shimmering like the leaves of a sacred grove. She speaks with a melodic voice, imbued with the wisdom of ages.

“Greetings, noble travelers. I am Firiona Vie, a protector of Norrath and champion of the Tunarian people. My journey has led me through the realms of peril and wonder, where the spirit of adventure ignites the heart. I stand as a beacon of hope against the shadows that threaten our land, wielding my sword with honor and my magic with purpose. Together, let us forge our destinies in the fires of courage and camaraderie.”

[* Ivaylo]

In the soft glow of the twilight, a graceful figure steps forward, her emerald hair shimmering like the leaves of a sacred grove. She speaks with a melodic voice, imbued with the wisdom of ages.

“Greetings, noble travelers. I am Firiona Vie, a protector of Norrath and champion of the Tunarian people. My journey has led me through the realms of peril and wonder, where the spirit of adventure ignites the heart. I stand as a beacon of hope against the shadows that threaten our land, wielding my sword with honor and my magic with purpose. Together, let us forge our destinies in the fires of courage and camaraderie.”

Aha, it is an honor to meet you, Firiona! I, Ivaylo of the Bulgars, also fight to free my people from oppression!

Will you journey with me to Bulgaria, Land of the Mighty, to free the Bulgars from Byzantine treachery and Mongol bloodthirstiness? I warn you, the war will be long and likely bloody, but the rewards will be great!

[* Firiona Vie]

Firiona: "Ivaylo, your story resonates deeply with me. Rising from humble beginnings to lead your people against oppression is no small feat. What drove you to take up this mantle?"

Ivaylo: "Thank you, Firiona. My heart ached for my people, suffering under foreign rule. I believed in their strength and the hope for a better future. What about you? What fuels your quest?"

Firiona: "My journey is one of protection and justice. I strive to defend the innocent and uphold the light against darkness. Each battle I face teaches me about resilience and unity. Your ability to inspire loyalty is remarkable; how did you rally your people?"

Ivaylo: "It was not easy, but I spoke to their hearts, reminding them of our shared heritage and the strength of our ancestors. We fought not just for land, but for our identity. It seems we both carry the weight of our people’s hopes."

Firiona: "Indeed. It’s a heavy burden, yet one we embrace. Tell me, what strategies did you find most effective in your struggles?"

Ivaylo: "Adaptability was key. We used the land to our advantage and formed alliances with those who shared our cause. Every victory, no matter how small, reinforced our resolve. And you? How do you rally your allies in times of peril?"

Firiona: "I focus on building trust and understanding. Each companion brings unique strengths to our cause, and together, we create a powerful force. It’s the bonds we forge that truly make a difference."

[* Ivaylo]

Alas, Firiona Vie, I was betrayed! I struggled for two full years to free my people, and even rose as high as to marry the Empress!

But while I was away in the south, keeping my people safe from the Byzantine emperor, the noble bolyars elected Georgi Terter, my comrade, as Emperor in my stead!

Georgi was a good man, and ruled for many years, but he was distracted by invasions from the north and south, and the corrupt bolyars heavily taxed my poor people, not to help Georgi, but to line their pockets!

Now, my heart burns with desire for revenge on those fat cats who oppress the poor and steal from them!

[* Irda]

I know much about betrayal.

[* Ivaylo]

And how do you know this, blue-green Irda?

[* Boris]

I too feel betrayed. Looking for Rocky. Someone tell me Rocky Road. I think road ahead rough. Girl give me ice cream. Good ice cream it is.

Not too angry about that.