H. Lester:
Speaking of good ideas, let’s talk about parties and events like that. You have one which really stands out to you?
G. Ravenshade:
We had a lot of events this year, and picking one is not easy, I enjoyed lots of them and think there are certain things I really like. My first event was Noblegarden and I really enjoyed seeing it, the market impressed me, there were some nice performances and activities, but I guess the one that make a big difference was the 2nd Grand Tournament, mostly because it was my first event that lasted for more than a day and I saw different competitions, lectures and even a theatrical play, it had a bit of everything and it wasn't too long.
H. Lester:
For me it is often about creativity, as a journalist I have been to a lot of events and they have a tendency to blend together a bit, some of them quickly become the same. Like this year's hallow's end events, it was all a bit of the same. I like events which stands out, not because they are always good, but because people come up with new ideas, try something new. But I am not the majority here, I know a lot of people like those annual events hosted by the same people year in and year out and with roughly the same schedule. I think in the new year I will try to be better at attending events without seeing it as a job. Maybe I will enjoy them more that way.Article continues after the ad.
G. Ravenshade:
That's how I try to take it more and more, because writing gets frustrating if not, doesn't mean the party was bad, just that there are only so many ways or times one can describe a party before getting tired of it, and getting ideas for angles and questions sometimes isn't easy. But I do enjoy them and even if new ideas are fun, they are also hard. So, I just appreciate when there is some sort of activity, especially visual and fun for the public too and not just those participating.
Ah, and about this one very important thing, even a petition for next year. I have to say events that last more than three days are not a good idea. People get tired and focusing attention on it gets harder and harder, chances are less people will attend and it just gets very... hard and heavy and to stop everything else in your life for so long can even feel frustrating so people just don't go or not enjoy it as much. I get they seem cool, like a big project, but sometimes less is more.
H. Lester:
Yeah, I get the notion of wanting it to be big and amazing, but sometimes less is more. It is something Bertel who does the poetry nights has always practiced, instead of doing them every week or every other week, he sticks to once a month. Let people have something to look forward to get hyped about. Oh, and I’d like if people doing events would put in little mini events or games, ways to make people interact. A lot of events rely on you knowing people already or bringing your own friends and if not then you end up standing and watching other people having fun.
Resolutions
H. Lester:
Do you have a new year’s resolution Gaedryel?
G. Ravenshade:
Yes, having more articles written than you, in total. Apart from that I have some personal projects, things I'm learning about. But as a whole... having a more calmed year, with more interesting news and projects, helping people make their projects come alive by writing about them, pointing them to people that can help, I like seeing business and ideas grow.
H. Lester:
Hah good luck on the first part, the second part, that sounds great, and I do like seeing new things happen - helping people. For me I think one of the things I will try to focus more on is the community feelings, like we will have a new section in the new year for classified ads, announcing weddings, people looking for work, chess moves, all the stuff which helps bring people together and help people feel connected.
G. Ravenshade:
I think that will certainly also help make projects grow, I feel sometimes people have trouble finding others, connecting, so maybe something like that makes it easier.
Everyone at the Lion's Roar wishes our readers and other beings of Azaroth and beyond, a happy new year and may the next one be better for all of you!
We will finish this article by letting some of our readers and people in general comment on the year which has passed, and their hopes and expectations for the next one. We asked what stood out for them in the year which has passed and what they look forward to.
Doctor Marizia Silverera, field surgeon in the Alliance army:
When I think of the year which has passed I think of the infestation of undead in Stormwind. How citizens, military and civilians stood together to protect aid and reclaim. But I also think of the armistice between our beloved Alliance and the Horde, and of course the kidnapping of the King.
In the new year I am looking forward to starting my new challenging project of a academic compendium in the science of Alchemy.
Konstantina Zakharova, Constable of His Majesty's Echo Company:
I think the one event that I'll remember most fondly is the wedding of Sir Darius and his now-wife - who, if she'll forgive me saying it, is far too good for him - Commander Eckleheart. It was a touching moment in a period of time that was, frankly, stressful. It was a heartfelt evening, with heartfelt speeches and an amazing show of vocal and visual skill by the entertainment there!
As for the next year...
Well, perhaps one year soon I'll be so greatly blessed as to find an apprentice with enough potential to consider as a disciple, but that feels all a little far off. I think that the progress of the city in peacetime is what I look forwards to the most. With the end of the wars, I look forwards to seeing the continued growth of camaraderie amongst the citizens of the capital as we pursue new homes and pastures for the refugees, and a boom in economic stability as they and the returned soldiers find their place back in a civil, peacetime occupation. There are glorious times ahead of an Alliance victorious and united, and despite the menial issues we still face, we're sure to make the most of them.
Tie-La Silverblossom, chef at the Golden Keg!:
Oh, definitely coming to Stormwind. If I didn't, I wouldn't have met my amazing friends, or my love, or even gotten a job at the Keg as the chef and put a Pandaren menu in place! Next year? Hmm... There's a few dishes I'd like to put on, so maybe expanding my menu, and having more people come and try it!
Duchess Brienne Langedijk:
That's a really tough question, considering there were so many good events this year. Maybe this is a bit biased over all but I do have to say the Autumn Event at Norwington was pretty good, our first job market with the Queen Tiffin Ellerian Foundation in Drustvar, then of course the Magic Faire in Dalaran, wonderful days with smaller events where I do have to give a shoutout to the Adamant Scholars for their wonderful virtuell play! I never experienced a play like this before and it was really outstanding for me this year. Oh and definitely not to forget, the Stormwind City Faire. It was a good thing to see so many people just being together and having a great time.
As for next year...
First of all, I'm looking forward to a more personal thing, the birth of my child and then of course seeing what the people have in mind for other special events. What they will come up with in the future to entertain the people and make them have a good time. And if I am allowed to tease a bit, I am also looking forward to the Mystery Masquerade Ball that is taking place soon.
Lord James Griswold, owner of the Greywoods Company:
This year was quite transformative for me. I started the year in a low down, feeling the need to make significant changes in my personal and professional life. I took some risks that fortunately worked, leading to found my Company to aggregate my business and investments, enter a completely new project and, most importantly, to find an amazing partner; whom I asked in marriage.
I hope next year will continue in this upturn direction, having already a few projects being prepared. Including my wedding!
Let me take this opportunity to wish a prosperous New Year to the Lion's Roar team and all your readers.
Baldemar Sweet-Stonebridge, Bard and Partymaster:
When I think of the year coming to an end I like to think about all the good things this year has brought to me, all the friends I have made and people I have met. What I look forward to the most with a new year is for new Experiences wondering what will happen in this coming year.
Deedi Dirgefuse, Academy Director:
When I think back at the year it feels oddly stratified, on one side there is this gaping hole in the sky over Northrend, the King is still missing. All aspects that are deeply worrysome.
On the other hand it was a year of brave cooperation, coming together and people being helpful to each other.
Despite the gloomy issues, I like to think back at the good aspects of it and how it helped people bring together.