I'll likely write more later, but I just want to mention now that this event has been incredibly appreciated, and I truly am glad that it came about in this manner. The ability to further customize my characters in subtle, but tangible, ways that allow them to better interact in the world of Elanthia appropriate to who and what they are means a great deal to me. While it is easy to be side tracked on the discussion of microtransactions and the pay-to-win concept in general, as someone whose schedule is often hectic or incredibly busy, having the flexibility of popping in over the course of several days for automated services that I could pick up for a few dollars' worth of Simucoins really made a positive difference for me. I managed to get a few prep phrases and signature verbs for my primary characters and could not be happier with them.

I'd always wanted to attend similar festivals in the past, but was concerned that I couldn't necessarily commit to a specific 2-hour window a month in advance - and thus would simply take up a spot that would better go to someone else. This struck a perfect balance for me, and while I hope it is not the exclusive trend for festivals, I would like to say that this particular one really balances well against Duskruin (for a different focus based on a similar design) or Ebon Gate and other merchant-heavy ones (with the contrasting style of implementation).

So. Thank you! I hope that this event was relatively easy enough to implement so that it might become a semi-regular occurrence.

- Overlord EK

>You now regard Eorgina with a warm demeanor.

I heartily third those sentiments!

While I will always be a die-hard Duskruiner at heart, I absolutely loved this event.

Overall, I found the format to be rather ingenious, and though I would also vote to see more face-to-face work (like GALDs) again at some point in the future, this seemed like an excellent way to provide more content with less hectic (and probably less grueling) time constraints for the GMs... something I completely understand, and have no problem with. That isn't to say that it wasn't a huge amount work and effort, of course; I'm sure that it was, and as such, is very much appreciated. This is a renaissance for character customization, and I totes enjoy seeing what various people have selected.

I, too, really loved the à la carte aspect of the event (allowing people to buy in at whatever level they wanted, not unlike Duskruin), and ability to just peruse at one's leisure over the course of the weekend, as well as the sheer breadth of choices offered... I may have gone a little bonkers loading up on things, but I regret nothing! And even though it was a largely "automated" event, it was fun to bump into Sylinar again!

Big thanks to all who made it possible!!

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-- Wheels & Skulls Department

[ https://sites.google.com/site/theorderoftheshadow ]