*cue Tony Iommi riff*

So, the first batch of photos from Ravenswood Institute recently emerged, and now I understand why players said they had no idea who was in the Automaton suit. I’m still a bit sad that, as far as I know, there’s no footage of him walking around. I completely understand why only approved crew have cameras, as I’ve been at fantasy LARPs where players have had phones out and recording during game play and it BOILS MY BLOOD*, , but to see what it looked like from the other side would be lovely, you know? in any case, I continue to patiently wait for more photos to emerge, and not just ones with me in them.

There’s been further planning for next event (Tickets are already on sale!), and I’m trying to be good and not buy more costume parts** yet. It’s helped that I’m mostly fixated on making Phys Ed better, and more inclusive, rather than how I’m dressed. Can’t take the field? I’m hoping at the very least you’ll watch, and that I can get you involved somehow. Being inclusive is important to me, and I want as many people to enjoy my events. Yes, I know I won’t have everyone on the field, but I don’t want people to feel as if they missed out owing to factors beyond their control. The fact that Phys Ed was embraced so eagerly is still a huge weight off my shoulders and brought me almost as much joy as hearing that I made people cry during my time as the Automaton. I was crying during the performance, and it’s heart warming to see the audience felt that way as well.

Work continues to go along. I seem to have a bunch of regulars at the store and my banter seems to be well received. Seeing positive reviews people have left about me has been wonderful. I got to meet Human Nephew*** for the first time yesterday, and he didn’t immediately freak out when he was handed to me, which was nice. My wife said he was really enjoying being patted to the sound of drums, at which I cackled madly with joy. He will be like us! I’m back doing driving lessons again, and I’m not sure what’s more odd, that I told my instructor a heavily censored version about an incident involving a certain Cradle of Filth shirt (If you don’t immediately know the one I mean, I’d turn safe search on), or that I spent most of my last lesson with the opening of the theme to Mr Squiggle stuck in my head. My brain continues to be odd. (On that note, yes, I’m aware of the exhibit and am sorely tempted to make a day trip to see it)

LARP wise, I’m still focused on Ravenswood, continue to be curious about Drachenfest (It’s proximity to Pheno continues to be an issue), have had several WA friends try to get me over for Concord and Lost Settlers announced dates for next year. So many events, so little time… And that’s without mentioning my wife reminding me about the New Zealand scene. I do miss running about with foam swords and shouting, but given I can’t even fly the skull and crossbones from my balcony, I don’t think I should engage in that sort of behaviour at home. I managed to get through Winterfest without buying another weapon, but that’s only cause a dagger I was keen on had sold out when I went back to buy one. Still, the hood I bought helped keep the sun off my face on the Sunday, and that was welcome. As for the upcoming Blacktown event, I’m tempted to take my fencing gear one day, but go in costume the next. It’s been far too long since I wore my giant hat out and more people need to see it’s glory.

As for home, the new place is going well. We’re mostly settled in and unpacked, though renovation ideas are in motion. The feeling of knowing that it’s ours, and we can decorate as we wish continues to surprise me, and given the corridor between the main and bedrooms is now painted a dark violet, that really shouldn’t do so. I’m still not sure what art I want to put there, or above my writing area. Paralysis of choice is real. I don’t know how people can make an immediate decision and not spend weeks agonising over it, but I envy them however they manage it.

The only other planning of note (asides from Pheno), has been for future birthday events. I have a few ideas for combined movies and themes (ie, a theme of weird science and the film The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension), but one thing is confirmed, at least, at the time of writing. My 50th is still several years away, but there’s a film that’s very precious to me that I’ve somehow never seen in a cinema. What film, I hear you ask? Well, it has it’s flaws, and it’s lack of adherence to the source material is pretty damn strong, but the visuals and music made such an impact on me that I invoked it on no less than my wedding day. And really, hitting the half century seems an appropriate day to have the King of Aquilonia’s chronicler tell you of the days of high adventure…

Right. Time for bed. Night all. Sleep well. I’ll mostly likely kill you in the morning.

*I’ve been guilty of taking the phone out during quiet times, but I’m trying to keep a lid on it. Leaving it back in the dorm and trying to be more involved in game helps a lot.
** A weight lifting belt over the front of which I cover with leather, and have something Roy and HG-esque written in Futhark on it, with a wand holster on one hip and a hook for my Aether Ball frisbee on the other.
*** The original Nephew is a a Schnauzer and a Very Good Dog. He got 12/10 from We Rate Dogs, so it’s not just us who think so!