AD RL Meetup 20th-21st July 2024

Argent Dawn
107

I just got back to the hotel after the second day of the meet, and the partings.

It was a long way to Helsinki, and I was in danger of missing my flight connection after the first flight was delayed, but I did make it and it was absolutely worth it! It was a joy to see Acrona in person again after eight years (seriously, eight years?!) and the others too, to exchange memories and anecdotes, to be thanked for my contributions to the AD and Chaos RP communities…

Ropecon was amazing. I had only hazy memories of Ropecon 2016, and I forgot just how huge this event is. I’ve been to Tolkien and LARP conventions in Russia, but Ropecon frankly blows them all out of the water with its sheer size. So many awesome costumes (I’ll post the pictures later). Where else other than a roleplay con can you see elves, Jedi, medieval knights, tieflings, Fallout power armor wearers, and Princess Zelda in the same room?

There was a dance event there too, and I wish I could join it, but unfortunately I was tired and the instructions were in Finnish.

Later on Saturday we gathered for a pub night, playing card games and reminiscing. It really made me feel like Argent Dawn was more than a server. It was a shared passion that connected people, brought them together, and forged lasting friendships. A pleasant surprise was people telling me how much they enjoyed reading the Warcraft Retrospective and how it made them look at the franchise in a new way.

The highlight of Sunday, to me, was the trip to the island fortress of Suomenlinna, known in days of yore as Sveaborg. Acrona led us to the harbor, which was where we parted ways; those who wanted to go to the island took the ferry and then went on their separate ways on arrival. Neoleb and I explored the southern island, and I found it a beautiful enclave of nature, a lush garden with overgrown old fortress walls that made me feel like I was in a fairy tale, and made me forget entirely about my supposed sickness. I felt young and vigorous again.

Thank you Acrona and Snooki for organizing this, and thank you everyone who came to the meet. Thank you Atalahni, Telaryn, Ara, and Neoleb in particular for being such pleasant company. I hope there will be more of them in years to come!

19 Likes
108

I had a really fun time, and it was strange how easy it was to talk to people as if we were old friends picking up from an older conversation despite never having met in person. Although Atahalni and I often disagree on the forums, from the moment we met we were talking like as if we had always known each other, and it was a very pleasant highlight of the meetup for me.

To all the familiar names, I liked being able to put a face to them. Atahalni, Acrona, Lintian, Ryldor, Jai’are and Brigita to name a few I recognised immediately. To the new ones, I enjoyed making friends out of them! If there are more meet ups to come, I’ll absolutely try to join again (and convince others to come who couldn’t make it this time — one wasn’t able to spare the time from work, but sent their wishes), because it was an experience I enjoyed thoroughly.

Also shout out to Neoleb who I had only interacted once, briefly, months ago for an entire minute in a passing and the interaction is pinned in my guild’s screenshot channel because of how funny it was. It was such a funny coincidence that I recognised it immediately, and had my guild sending their regards.

19 Likes
109

I had thought I couldn’t write here as I haven’t had active sub for a while but apparently that has changed! So here I am, writing! Wheee! :dracthyr_yay_animated:

When I heard that there’s another one of these meetups happening, I had to sign up! I’ve been to couple of previous ones before and remember having great time, so why not! This time was no different, except for the fact that I didn’t drink alcohol at all. Good for me and everyone else involved. :dracthyr_nod:

I joined the crew at the pub on Saturday, although I briefly encountered most of them at the railwaystation. That helped to alleviate the anxiety I had for meeting old friends and new acquaintances alike. It was nice to see familiar faces and chat with others as well. I also brought Joking Hazard with me again and it was one of the games that got played at the pub.

I had great time and used my tools (stimming toy plus drawing pad) to not get too overwhelmed by everything. Thank you so much for organising, Acrona and Snooki! Thank you for listening to me ramble about FF, Lorrus! Thank you all for such a great meetup! I am looking forward to another where I will meet familiar and unfamiliar faces alike! :dracthyr_heart:

16 Likes
110

Thanks for the meetup, gang. Shortly put, I had a good time. :grin:
(and have to post on a random classic char because i haven’t played on AD for so long that the forums don’t recognize any of my chars?)
-Zal’kundi et al

13 Likes
111

Ok, back in my hotel.

This was such a fun gathering! It was mostly all new faces for me, being a bit of a rookie as far as all sorts of community stuff on AD goes. I get a bit shy in those situations, but everyone was quite warm and welcoming. My first con, board games, an old fortress and general hanging out made for a very memorable weekend.

I met a lot of vivid people being very genuine together. That’s about the highest praise I can think of.

Thank you all (but Acrona and Snooki for the organizing in particular) and see you all around! :slight_smile:

17 Likes
112

Hello all!
Long time no WoW, but a few days with a bunch of AD nerds would make anyone re-sub :smiley:

When Acrona brought up that she’d like to host a meet-up again, I was more than excited to help her out! All the organising credit goes to her, I’m only a loyal minion doing her bidding :bowing_woman:

This was maybe my third or fourth meet-up, and they grow more chill and cozy every time. As Kestonya phrased it; Enough familiar faces to make me feel relaxed, and enough new people to make me feel excited!

I was delighted to see how any old friends were doing, and making new friends. I felt loved and cared for both during the more energetic evening at the bar and the chill brunch (Ropecon I missed this year, but was happy to see people enjoy it a lot as well).
Various card games, reminiscing old times, hyping upcoming adventures, strawberry daiquiris, elven scribing, general sight-seeing and overall bonding - what more could a shortie ask for?

I noticed people giving each other space and support when needed. The kindness of this community continues to amaze me at every meeting :heart:

From the bottom of my lil heart; thank you everyone for coming! :pray: :people_hugging:

Please come again, and bring your friends too! And if you don’t know anyone who’s attending - don’t worry, we’ll be your new besties in no-time :heart_hands:

Special thanks:

  • Acro
  • That one random guy from the bar who took a group photo of us and turned out to be a WoW player too
  • My folding fan, rip 2024-2024
19 Likes
113

Greetings!

I said it before, however it can be said once more: It was such a lovely time! Everyone was pleasant and fun to spend time with. Be it over a game or casual conversation, and it warms my heart to hear how you all felt welcome and included!

I know I certainly did.
I don’t believe you can really ask for much more than that when meeting up with strangers on the internet. Some names are familiar, now have a face to them, some remembered in hindsight - that I have met IC - and new ones unlocked!

I would be happy to spend time with all of you even more, both in game and out of game.
If that feeling is mutual then… - Don’t be a stranger!

And then, thank you to our organizers for hosting it.
It was a solid event!

13 Likes
114

Goodmorning, good afternoon and good evening to those reading this!

I’ll start off by saying this was my first ever IRL AD meet-up, and if I was given the chance to rewind time, I WILL definitely rewind this whole weekend just to experience the fun again!

I had thought I’d be going alone with little to no knowledge of any of the folks (except Acrona who hosts these amazing events ic and ooc), but when I got to talking with people, I found out I’ve interacted with some of them once or twice from years back, even going as far as in FF14! And that just blew my mind!

While I did not join the RopeCon gang, I did arrive early with Snooki waiting just outside the bar which helped in defusing some anxiousness. And just like a wave crashing in to shore, there they were, colorful, lovely smilin’ nerds in the distance that made me go: “Ah yes, my people…”

By the time we got into the bar room, that’s when I got to know most of everyone! Thanks to the game called One Night Alien and another game called Coup (mostly the latter) new friendships were formed through constant betrayals ingame… and I loved it! Everyone was a great sport, and genuinely had the best time. While we did not get to play the rest of the other games, the bonds between strangers developed into friends! And that’s what matters!

When Sunday rolled along, I got the chance to speak with those I haven’t, and just the same - actually poggers people!

Big thanks and all the love to Acrona and Snooki for organizing the event! It was well-planned and it was through your initiative that the atmosphere became vibrant and inviting to everyone!

And another big thanks to those who brought along some games with them, it made it all the more comfortable to interact, witness and cherish the little time we had together!

(I am coming for those who betrayed me in Coup with fiery vengeance, looking at you Acrona)

Looking forward to the next IRL meetup!

See you all in Azeroth, or for those nearby, don’t be afraid to hit me up!

14 Likes
115

JUDAS ! ! !

I was not only flabbergasted but also completely bamboozled by this gentleman not once but twice in the same game.

10/10 can recommend.

4 Likes
116

Glad you all had a lovely time, sounds to me it was amazing!

7 Likes
117

Big thanks to Acrona and Snooki for organizing this wonderful event! It was such an honour to meet everybody at the meetup and I am so glad, overjoyed even, that I decided to attend this year. As a ‘Ropecon veteran’, I’ve come to associate the ending of Ropecon with tiredness, social exhaustion even, but this legendary AD meetup gave me such a boost of energy that I just can’t wait for the next meetup. So, once again, big thank you to everyone who attended and made this event glorious and memorable.

As a side note, I may have developed an addiction to “Coup” the game. No regrets.

11 Likes
118

I feel so spirited I want to meet up with people again!

Sooo, next meet when? :dracthyr_uwu:

7 Likes
119

I vaguely remember being there for the summer 2016 meetup. I think I couldn’t stay around for long because I had to go to Ropecon to DM a game. Even had my badly painted miniature up for a painting competition there! :dracthyr_crylaugh:

Winter 2016 I do remember, but that I don’t remember if it was this or the winter 2017 where I was nicknamed Rogue for spooking someone twice. :dracthyr_hehe_animated:

3 Likes
120

Finally made it back home, as well, and I have regained access to my PC:
I have had the absolute pleasure of attending this 2024 AD RL Meetup! :blush:

Acrona, as a host, went above and beyond while already in the realm of “above and beyond” when organizing! She ensured that everyone was clued in on just about everything Finland had in store for us. Seriously, every question pertaining to a logistical aspect she had answers for: timetables, routes, locations, venues, accessibility, capacity—she knew it all! And so we were in the safest hands with her.

It was my first time, but it will definitely not be the last—both in terms of AD meetups and Finland, as everything about Helsinki & the adjacent zones just spoke to me on a deeper level. These were some of the finest people I’ll ever meet, everyone being exceptional and facilitating the perfect holiday trip. I can only hope we’ll see each other again!

And

Same

I’ll see you out there, Inquisitor. :eyes:

11 Likes
121

Hey everyone!

To me, this was my first ever AD irl meetup and I greatly enjoyed meeting other people that I only ever saw and spoke to online! Both the roof gang and the warden gang- the mighty dwarf, the horde enjoyers and of course, the host of many community events, Acrona! It was a major pleasure

Ropecon was my first ever experience of such type of events, and it is something to remember going forth!

I got to play a board game I love with all you wonderful people, but then I was also introduced to something even cooler, the coup. I had lots of fun with that one and the bonds grew strong!

I’d like to thank both Acrona and Snooki for organising this meetup and also everyone who have taken the time and effort to join! It was an awesome experience and absolutely worth it!

I am looking forward to the next meetup! And I hope to meet you all again both ingame and hopefully on the next meetup!

12 Likes
122

Please arrange something next year, I pinky-swear I’ll make time. It sounds like a lot of fun!

8 Likes
123

What a weekend! Thank you all for coming, I’m over the moon at how smoothly everything went, not to mention how cozy the gatherings were on both days.

In a world obsessed with online attention rather than connection, it warms my heart that we had this time together, connecting face to face.

I’d like to thank everyone who came to the meetup:

Snooki: Regardless of me doing much of the organizing, your support means the world and your positive energy is infectious! I always love how you effortlessly talk to everyone, and discreetly pay attention to how people are doing.

Ryldor: Thanks for bringing Coup and teaching the game, and for being my stress-reliever outside the meetup!

Lorrus: It was really cool to see how much you backed the meetup, both on the forums and in the Discord server! In real life, you struck me as an extremely kind and genuine person!

Bolf, Beringer, Jai’are, Brigita, Nirue: The energy you guys brought to the gaming table was incredible! It was immensely entertaining watching you play, not to mention playing with you. In true Argent Dawn fashion, there were alliances, plotting and betrayals - more delicious than any drama thread you’ve ever read. 10/10 would join in on the havoc again.

Atahalni, Ara, Lintian: It was really sweet to see you three again after many years, and yet it almost felt like no time had passed at all given how familiar the moments were. Atahalni possesses such a vibrant and welcoming air in real life, Ara’s enthusiasm to explore the city was majestic, and Lintian honored us with elven grace.

Telaryn: It was exciting to meet you finally in the flesh! We’ve known each other online for ages, chatted a lot together, and I really appreciated you coming. Very much looking forward to the next time when we have time to talk more one on one! Our < Walking Warcraft Encyclopedia > is also < Super Nice Guy >

Neoleb: Your positive energy was most charming, and you were very easy to be around! Was wonderful to put a face to the name, thank you for coming all the way to the meetup!

Zal’kundi, Kestonya, Solineria, Phaidra: The Finnish regulars to these meetups, I was so happy to see you guys again! Thanks for chipping in with tips for our many visitors from abroad.

:camera_flash: Some glimpses of the meetup :camera_flash:

Ropecon

This year’s Ropecon broke visitor records again, going up from 7100 to 8500 people attending the convention during the weekend! We only saw a small fraction of it, yet it was quite impressive how big the event has grown over the years, now properly filling the large convention center. Lots of people in costumes too, from fantasy to sci-fi and steampunk to medieval!

We visited the market area grabbing some unique loot, were taught the basics of mahjong, and watched the colorful costume competition. Wish there’d been video display of the outfits on the big screen to see them in clear detail, but the acts were still fun to watch from the back seats.

Pub

We had a separate room booked for us at a pub in the city centre for the evening. It was time for drinks, food and plenty of card games! In the bottom corner Lintian writing our character names in Tengwar script. Lintian had also noted me wearing tree of life themed earrings, and unexpectedly gifted me a silvery tree pendant that she had bought at the con without me noticing :deciduous_tree: :smiling_face_with_tear: Thank you, it’s beautiful!

Sunday

Due to the weather being 10 minutes of rain and 10 minutes of sunlight on repeat, we gathered at a cafe for late breakfast/lunch. People saying they got addicted to Coup is no understatement when Ryl had smuggled the game with him, and the table was quickly filled with tactical negotations and friends turning into turncoats.

At the café some people expressed interest in visiting Suomenlinna, a historical sea fortress composed of eight islands, about 4 km southeast of the city via ferry. We walked the group back to the railway station and parted ways with some of the attendees, and with the remaining folk, had a detour at Fantasiapelit to escape a sudden shower. The sky quickly cleared, and we walked through the city to Kauppatori where the ferry stop is located. While I didn’t join the Suomenlinna trip myself, I heard our foreign guests had a good time exploring the place!

Thanks for an amazing weekend, can honestly say the meetup was the highlight of my summer!

Quia populus demanda, there may be something happening in winter, possibly in January. The meetup left me with such good vibes that I’m already eyeing potential venues in Helsinki for a gathering with a particular theme that shall be revealed later…

24 Likes
124

Some photos I took at Ropecon:

https://imgur.com/a/Odye6LL

8 Likes
125

https://imgur.com/a/ropecon-2024-Odye6LL

I’m sure the people in costumes were happy & flattered whenever asked to pose for a photo, and great shots of the different con areas as well!

6 Likes
126

Well, better late than never.
What an amazing few days, great weather , great food and great palling around whether it was on a boat , at a con ,in a bar playing cards , walking around the city or standing in a hobby shop going insane as you try to decide on what to buy .

I have to say what great help Arcona was .

MAde some new friends ohh the food was great.

I would highly recommend attending future events.

Absolutely worth the trip

8 Likes