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[Dust & Bones]

I'm Dust & Bones, of Cairnhold.  I've been elected night life coordinator for the 2013 Ragnarok, and I'd like to get your feedback.

What did you like this year?
What did you hate this year?
What did you miss from previous years?
What have you always thought would be cool, but havent seen yet?

[Varadin]

Sin Night. I don't care how, I don't care were. Bring it the **** back.

[athelas]

Carnival of Sin from XX. As long as I don't have to build all that stuff.

[Silk]

If you are going to do that though, don't have a repeat of Bukaki Hill. I would suggest a series of games with naughty themes that one has to complete. Best overall scores become king/queen of Sin Night. Rather than doing a bunch of f'ed up crap that nobody wants to see or hear about.

[Janwin]

Translation: sin night back when it was at least relatively tasteful.  Like Rag 17/18.

[hivemind]

I liked our invitation-only party, and I liked the hafla. Sowerwine's Prom also was fun, but lacking seating and light and music, we didn't stay long (I'm sure they'll improve, as they are wont to do). Based on past experiences, I did not attend any other parties this year.

I didn't hate anything because I didn't go to the things I knew I'd hate.

I missed the parties where there are enough drummers that everyone gets up and dances. I dislike the exhibitionist dancing at Mardi Gras and other "firepit-centric" parties.

Things I'd like to see:

Masquerade Ball
Monster Party
Rave in the castle
Garb gates at all Ragnarok-sponsored parties
More parties where the focus is not getting drunk enough to puke or ogling women

[Briar Rose]

I may have missed it this year, but last year there was a grown up wine and cheese party that was a lot of fun. I think I also missed a tea party this year, which makes me sad.

Something with drumming. I didn't notice a whole lot of drumming this year, not even walking around camps.

If you bring back Sin Nite, do it with a purpose other than "be drunk and obscene". I liked the glow paint Brother Henry had many years ago. And maybe call it something else, like a Masquerade Ball vs Sin Nite.

Prom was cute. See earlier comment about drumming/music.

[Ravus]

 Everything hive said sounds awesome. I went to several of the quiet parties this year, and hosted one, and while it was a cool thing, it was more like having an officially designated "open camp" for hanging out than anything else. More themed parties sounds like an awesome plan. Anything with a theme or idea rather than just tits and an open bar could be awesome

[Stellaria]

Yup, the quiet parties were a bust Ah well!

[Ravus]

 

Yup, the quiet parties were a bust Ah well!

I wouldnt call em a bust, but they were kinda just what would have happened anyway. friday nights night-fight-heckling party was great.

[Stellaria]

As was trolling the bulletin boards

[Ilyas ibn Yahya]

Yup, the quiet parties were a bust Ah well!

I wouldnt call em a bust, but they were kinda just what would have happened anyway. friday nights night-fight-heckling party was great.

Friday Night Quiet Party: where we shout helpful suggestions at the night fighters across the road.

[athelas]

Silk, XVI or XVII
was psychedelic drumming. XVIII was the bukkake hill one. XX was carnival of sin. Then it went downhill...

[Dust & Bones]

We will not have anything titled or with activities similar to Sin Night.

I am interested in what (besides orgies and bukkake) was enjoyable about sin night.

Even mardi gras, is it fun because boobies, or fun because it's got a consistent gaming theme?

There was talk around my camp of some sort of carnival, and separate discussion of a masked/masquerade party.

[Aros]

Yup, the quiet parties were a bust Ah well!o

I wouldnt call em a bust, but they were kinda just what would have happened anyway. friday nights night-fight-heckling party was great.

Friday Night Quiet Party: where we shout helpful suggestions at the night fighters across the road.

And inadvertently call out to people of the same name as the moves we were suggesting

[Silk]

Athelas, I was responding to the idea of sin night in general, not XX specifically.

[Stellaria]

Yup, the quiet parties were a bust Ah well!o

I wouldnt call em a bust, but they were kinda just what would have happened anyway. friday nights night-fight-heckling party was great.

Friday Night Quiet Party: where we shout helpful suggestions at the night fighters across the road.

And inadvertently call out to people of the same name as the moves we were suggesting

Hi, Cross!

[athelas]

Silk, you did mention XVIII.... Of which we shall never speak. Ewwwwwww. But
the Carnival of Sin was a hoot!

[Silk]

I was talking about that kind of incident, which was worst then, but similar ones happened at other times, which is why I didn't use the Rag number, but the incident name.

[Thrush Svartehjertet]

Things I'd like to see:

Masquerade Ball
Monster Party
Rave in the castle
Garb gates at all Ragnarok-sponsored parties
More parties where the focus is not getting drunk enough to puke or ogling women

I have challenge for anyone throwing a party at Ragnarok (a medieval fantasy event):

NO GLOW PRODUCTS
NO LEDs
NO MODERN MUSIC
MEDIEVAL/FANTASY THEME
NOT FRAT STYLE DRINKING THEMED

I CHALLENGE YOU to throw a party that takes it's setting into account, and doesn't just shoe horn every damn real world party into our event.

If Sin Night comes back, and is not medieval themed (like the Carnival of Sin), I think I can speak for all of Security when I say, we WILL NOT WORK that night.  We may even leave site...  that **** was uncool, unsafe, illegal, and in poor taste for about 3 or 4 years I can think of.  It endangered the very existence of Ragnarok, and goes against everything we volunteer for.  We try to protect the participants AND the event itself.  I wonder if Rag could enjoy a Sin Night where no booze was served by the event?

Thrush
Security
berserk

[Thrush Svartehjertet]

I liked the glow paint Brother Henry had many years ago.

Dude, we were painting on a naked chick...  I don't think that would fly any more...  My F.O. belt flag still has glow paint on it that glows under a black light form that night.. or maybe its... er..  hush.

Thrush
berserk

[Cancer]

On a slightly different note, I've spoken to a few people about the roaming bardic circle (i.e. the lack thereof). I canceled the event due to lack of interest, but I'm not giving up.

After spending time at Springwood and speaking with Vade, I'm thinking next year we'll try for pub sing / campfire story nights at the Tilted Tavern. This will give us a good location with the right atmosphere to sing a few songs, tell some stories, and knock back a few beers. Also, instead of making it a set time, we'll probably just say "sometime after dark", since Vade is usually performing up there anyway.

[Grey Wolfcaller, Grand High Homo of Dagorhir]

I was sad to see the Ravens et al didn't do the wine and cheese party again this year. It was a lot of fun to get dressed up in my best garb, serve as escort to a fabulously dressed lady of the realm, and enjoy a quiet, dinner party atmosphere. I would love to see more things like that. Don't get me wrong, even though I don't really drink (and not at all during it) I enjoy Mardi Gras, but more events that encourage people to put on their finery and actually get to know each other would make me very happy.

Unfortunately due to several events outside my control as well as obligations later in the week I was not able to make any of the Quiet Parties, but thought they were a great idea. I wonder if maybe it wasn't the naming wasn't a problem. Perhaps not throwing them out immediately, but calling them "Open Camp hosted by *****" would go better and we give it a try one more year.

For those who really want period experiences my thought for something less drunken debauchery oriented would be to do more things like the Hafla down at the amphitheater. I know we already have the bardic competition, but perhaps if the opportunity were made available we could entice people who usually only play period instruments in their own camps to put on small concerts of two or three people. Or maybe even some period plays or staged readings of some of our favorite medieval-fantasy literature.

[Tannhäuser.]

Here's what I would like to see in nightlife:

1)  Multiple well-organized parties per night, preferably catering to varied tastes / age ranges
2)  Official nightlife ending by 2AM (Springwood for nightcaps after?)
3)  Themed parties that revolve around Dagorhir's time period (Tolkein-ish fantasy or late dark ages)

Remember, part of the reason that old parties worked well is because we had 1/4 to 1/3 of the people we do now.  There's a sort of 'sweet spot' for party attendance that keeps things fun.  In my opinion, that's part of why the Cairnhold Legion party worked - controlled attendance.

[hivemind]

I have a theory that making every "official" party Formal Feast Garb Required, and having a garb gate at them all to enforce it, will automagically select party attendance down to the correct level.

[Thrush Svartehjertet]

I have a theory that making every "official" party Formal Feast Garb Required, and having a garb gate at them all to enforce it, will automagically select party attendance down to the correct level.

Yep, and keep 98% of the "we wish we were on ESPN and hate "flurbs"" people out of our awesome flurb fest!

Thrush
berserk

[Blackhawk The Apollyon]

I really like the idea of having multiple parties for different tastes. I grow weary of listening to some people complain about all the parties being drum circles while other bitch about mundane themes, still others about volume levels, and drink-o-centric vibes. Having choices wont keep erryone from bitching, cause, let's face it, some just like to bitch, but it should improve the rag experience for a vast number of revelers.

[athelas]

The Succubi Soiree was the best thing since the Kutriguri wine and cheese party. We kept referring to it as "High Tea with the Undead". Thanks for the invite. Indomar and friends loved it!

[Hiram the Incredible]

the only thing to do in regards to the mardi gras which has become a staple is to do a full blown Carnivale. A masquerade ball here and there..

[Briar Rose]

I did not see the painting the nekkid chick. I agree that should not fly. I just remember it because I wrote "MINE" on my husband's head in paint.

And, as much as I love my glow sticks, I see the point about not having them at Ragnarok parties.

[athelas]

Looks like Hiram just volunteered to throw a masked ball or Carnivale.

[Kyrax the Hobbled]

I really like the idea of having multiple parties for different tastes. I grow weary of listening to some people complain about all the parties being drum circles while other bitch about mundane themes, still others about volume levels, and drink-o-centric vibes. Having choices wont keep erryone from bitching, cause, let's face it, some just like to bitch, but it should improve the rag experience for a vast number of revelers.

I agree with this - multiple parties give people options, particularly if at least some are focused on the not-of-legal-drinking age segment of our population.  As for themes, I'm okay if some are non-medievally focused as long as others are. If we have choices among parties, people can self-select which one(s) to attend.

[Hiram the Incredible]

I'm in! I'll do this carnivale thing!

[Dust & Bones]

I can understand why some people strongly dislike anything modern at their medieval fantasy week.  I think we can accomodate this by having at least two "parties" each night, with tastes varied enough to accomodate any of our 1500 people.

I am happy to have people jumping up to say "i want to do this!"  It's my intention to fill out the night life with things like mardi gras and hiram's carnivale, and then develop filler parties/events and asj for volunteers to host. I'll take care of all the planning and supplies, i'll just need location and staff

Hiram, get in touch with me on the book of the faces, or i can pm you my email here. I'm interested in your ideas and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

[Scheiny the Space Oracle]

copied from Facebook:

i liked the parties that had cohesive music or at least drumming rather than the drumming that sounds like shoes in a drier. i love the moments in shoes in a drier drumming parties when i catch a couple decent drummers jamming together despite the noise.

one of the best times i had all week was the Poisoners' Party, but that was mostly my attitude. last year i was tired and it was cold so i had on tons of layers and i didn't have a good time. this year i was excited about shenanigans and it was warm.
they could arrange their fire circle and drummers to be more cohesive to dancing [including NOT just belly dancing], but i'll bring that up to Mikar Meatsplitter and Baast InBlack in a message at some point.

Mardi Gras was awesome. i love how Juniper and Obi used Mirkwood's space. i saw a chick in a cow costume whip some dude, it was like the Chik-Fil-A commercial of my dreams, i dunno if that can be topped. Mordor bringing a pole and performers was spectacular.  i didn't even make it to the fire because i was too busy looking at everyone.

next year i will arrive to the Succubi Soiree on time. that party will be a priority of mine!

i love the Hafla. i love that the people who show up are really into it. i love being able to bring Ishtar out. i love the belly dancers who come out to jam with a live band even if it's the only time they dance all week and i love that people get up and ask for lessons.
i don't love that it has a stage/audience feel, it's not supposed to be a show. join in the fun! get up and dance, bring an instrument and join in with the band, get up!
the Goblins dancing, Vythel, Morgrim, and Malpan might have been my favorite part this year.  they 'got' it!

i am shocked by how well the Fashion Show went. people were way more into it than i expected! that made organising it worth doing!

i think there should be a fire in a central location each night. by the End of the World people are used to partying in camps instead of at a central fire, so no one bothers going to the End of the World. i liked that at Rag 25 if i didn't know about an in-camp party, i could still find The Party at the central fire every night. i met a lot of people that way.

i've been hypothesizing with some folks that the Show rather than Party feel of the Hafla is due to its being in the Amphitheater with a stage.  while i love that it stays somewhat private, i would gladly move it to a central fire location if that would knock out the formality attendees seem to feel about it.

[Scheiny the Space Oracle]

also, for the past two years i've worn costumes to Mardi Gras, but a costume Carnivale would be pretty sweet!  go, Hiram!! 

[Tervel]

I'm surprised and pleased that everyone enjoyed the Kutriguri Wine and Cheese Party last year. I'm sure we would've done it again but this year was weird for us. If people are interested I can see if the Bulgar Nation can get that going again for next year.

I do know that that party was not the cheapest to put on last year. Would it fly if we had a donation box?

[Thrush Svartehjertet]

Yes, but you can't suggest a level of donation...

Thrush
berserk

[Kyrax the Hobbled]

I'm surprised and pleased that everyone enjoyed the Kutriguri Wine and Cheese Party last year. I'm sure we would've done it again but this year was weird for us. If people are interested I can see if the Bulgar Nation can get that going again for next year.

I do know that that party was not the cheapest to put on last year. Would it fly if we had a donation box?

Post a request for donations ahead of time too.  I'm sure it'd be cheaper if people brought their own wine and/or cheese to contribute.  My camp did that sort of thing ad-hoc when we heard there wouldn't be a Bulgar bash - it had a Moscato themed, and those who hadn't brought wine pitched in food.  Twas a lot of fun. 

[Scheiny the Space Oracle]

you can require it be potluck for wine, cheese, or bread/crackers.

[hivemind]

I'm surprised and pleased that everyone enjoyed the Kutriguri Wine and Cheese Party last year. I'm sure we would've done it again but this year was weird for us. If people are interested I can see if the Bulgar Nation can get that going again for next year.

I do know that that party was not the cheapest to put on last year. Would it fly if we had a donation box?

The Legion's Succubi were so distressed that you guys were not having it that they devised their own replacement.

If you want to do it, talk to Bones and just get it official. Then everything but booze can be paid for.

[Tater the wine maker, sword unit of K'lar]

this was my first rag.

sadly, I was looking forward to a bit more adult themed activities, but i seemed to miss the boat on a number of them. mardi gras was nice, but i do have a few complaints about that too.

talking with a few other dagorhirim clued me in on things i missed, and what to look for(and where) next year.

party holders, let me know what you will need for wine.

[Tervel]

I'm surprised and pleased that everyone enjoyed the Kutriguri Wine and Cheese Party last year. I'm sure we would've done it again but this year was weird for us. If people are interested I can see if the Bulgar Nation can get that going again for next year.

I do know that that party was not the cheapest to put on last year. Would it fly if we had a donation box?

The Legion's Succubi were so distressed that you guys were not having it that they devised their own replacement.

If you want to do it, talk to Bones and just get it official. Then everything but booze can be paid for.

Is that the case? I'll talk to the rest of the unit and see if we can't get this going.

[Zagar]

one of the best times i had all week was the Poisoners' Party, but that was mostly my attitude. last year i was tired and it was cold so i had on tons of layers and i didn't have a good time. this year i was excited about shenanigans and it was warm.
they could arrange their fire circle and drummers to be more cohesive to dancing [including NOT just belly dancing], but i'll bring that up to Mikar Meatsplitter and Baast InBlack in a message at some point.

We aim to please.  We discussed moving the firepit this year, but any farther away from the Stagger Inn and we're dealing with the sidehill.  Slopes + Drunk People + Fire = Bad.  Plus we spent all our energy on the new poles and making the new and improved bar this year.  We've got some more ideas for next year, but anything people think could make it better, just message any of us Poisoners on here or FB.

[Grey Wolfcaller, Grand High Homo of Dagorhir]

this was my first rag.

sadly, I was looking forward to a bit more adult themed activities, but i seemed to miss the boat on a number of them. mardi gras was nice, but i do have a few complaints about that too.

talking with a few other dagorhirim clued me in on things i missed, and what to look for(and where) next year.

party holders, let me know what you will need for wine.

Tater, PM me your comments on Mardi Gras and I'll make sure they get to Obi and Juniper.

[Tater the wine maker, sword unit of K'lar]

I noticed a couple people mentioning events from previous years that they liked. I was wondering if there is a description of such events? succubus party sounds really REALLY interesting, but maybe that is just because of the name....

Also, i think we really need to make an effort to equalize the gender ratio. I don't mind hanging out with bro's but I also like to admire the pretty ladies

[hivemind]

succubus party sounds really REALLY interesting, but maybe that is just because of the name....

It was a private party we held this year, featuring several tables of finger foods, a chocolate fountain, dozens of different wines, kegs of Yeungling and Woodchuck, and a full bar. We hand-delivered invitations. Formal feast garb was required, and we had a herald at the door to check garb and announce guests by name, rank, title, unit, and realm with a gong. We played some baroque chamber music for the first few hours, then Morte and I did some drumming. I spend the first three hours behind the bar making Mint Juleps and Mojitos, and our Coven of Succubi (our non-combatant females) served the wine and food.

It seemed like a success.

[athelas]

It was AMAZING. Thank your wimmens (I know they bust ass).

[Askarus Space Beard]

succubus party sounds really REALLY interesting, but maybe that is just because of the name....

It was a private party we held this year, featuring several tables of finger foods, a chocolate fountain, dozens of different wines, kegs of Yeungling and Woodchuck, and a full bar. We hand-delivered invitations. Formal feast garb was required, and we had a herald at the door to check garb and announce guests by name, rank, title, unit, and realm with a gong. We played some baroque chamber music for the first few hours, then Morte and I did some drumming. I spend the first three hours behind the bar making Mint Juleps and Mojitos, and our Coven of Succubi (our non-combatant females) served the wine and food.

It seemed like a success.

I am so bummed that I missed this. Appreciate the invitation none the less, time just got away from me that day, I wanna say I was tied up in War Council stuff, but might have just not had a good sense of time.

Hope to attend next year though!

[Briar Rose]

Announcing people is fun. We've done that for our February Tournament Feast in the past.

Tervel, it was a nice party. It was fun to dress up in feast garb, and chat and be civilized with other civilized people. I would absolutely donate to the cause in the future. I have post-Rag Plague right now so my brain is foggy, but the gist is that the party type was very appreciated and I am sad to have missed any other similar-themed parties (esp. in my camp!) last week. So, Tater, the wine and cheese party was in a similar vein to Hivemind's gig, but open invite, no announcing, and I don't recall a full bar.