What I enjoyed most was being convinced by Ezri that maybe he should allow dryads into the Wold. I had to take a break in the middle of the conversation to go see Donna: "What if they change my mind?" I asked. "It's kind of hard to argue against this. How much of a racist should I be?" I was given permission to not be such a ****, and went back and had a great transformation. Great roleplaying from all; I had a blast.
Mike, I'm not sure I can articulate how much that comment means to me. That in-game moment was probably the defining element to Ezri's career, and was a huge deal to me out of game as well. I'm so glad you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Overall, this weekend's agenda seemed to be "How many emotions can we get out of Michelle this event?" Disgust, Rage, Fear, Pride, Love, Confusion, Depression, Devastation, Grief, Elation, Frustration, Exasperation... I'm sure there's more in there.
Firstly, my team. The hugs, the "you should know better" stares, the pats on the back for jobs well done... Joe was right. Baby Forest has grown up, and you are kicking *** - collectively and each in your own ways. I am so proud of you.
All things Ashley. For a long time I was afraid to let plot play with that particular aspect of my character history, but holy crap they could not have picked a better person for it. As torturous as it was in some ways, in others it was some closure for her, and it was definitely a moment that will stay with me for a very long time. Thank you.
Also, All things Sean Metzler. I know DAMN well if you wanted to you could have lit me up one side and down the other in that fight, but you gave me a solid, challenging fight that made me feel effective without making it feel like you were letting me win. That's a tough balance but you do it with style, sir. Oh, and you're a freaking creepmaster! I still can't believe you didn't see us in that cabin but somehow managed to hit us all in dead center mass with those packets. Crazy talk!
DONNA FREAKING HELLMUTH. Ahem. Where do I even start? All the amazing write-ups that lead to this event, the very spiffy prop that went with it, calling me out on the field for the golem fight (oh, NOW you want to talk? We could have avoided all this!), warm fuzzies as the sapling... you are amazing, lady.
Ezri having her emotional anchor (Mouse) absolutely lose her s*** on the nightmare mod. Wasn't prepared for that. In the same mod, have a horrific nightmare that involved Ulthoc, finding him in the nightmare realm... I beg him "Tell me this isn't real!" and he just blows me off. We both needed a lot of soothing after that fight. The fact that we actually managed a solid half hour of uninterrupted sobs and snuggles kind of amazed me.
Perry, you're still a jerk. Love you. Jerk.
Knighting Kailani. So many heart-to-heart talks. So many tasks. You've been on that edge longer than you even know. Thank you for finally showing me what I needed to see to give you that belt. You earned it. I have to give Tom props for the idea on the style of that ceremony though.
Raven - we sometimes disagree on things, but you've always had my back and this weekend was no different. Thank you.
The insanity that was the Shadow Dragon/Life Elemental fight. Wait... this guy was trying to kill us... but he's fighting the... um, ok, keep him healed! And wait... the atter-elosdi are fighting... FOR us? I AM SO CONFUSED BUT THEY'RE HELPING SO RIGHT NOW I DON'T CARE.
I'm sure I will think of more as soon as I hit "post" but for now, a huge thank you to all the staff, NPCs and PCs of HQ. You are an amazing bunch of people.