True Dungeon 2013 was a huge success for the members of Team Yeti. Our goal was to test our playing ability by attempting the dungeons in many possible ways. We ran with groups equipped with everything, even a ‘purple’ kitchen sink! We ran with nothing except what the bounty of a ten-pack gave us (see separate thread). We ran Grind twice in a row to test our stamina, and nightmare runs at night to test our fortitude. We even went behind the scenes in an attempt to, in some small way, contribute to the community that has spawned this incredible experience.
Overall, I’d say the dungeons were fantastic! The puzzles were challenging; we gauged this by the fact that we didn’t get half correct the first time, but conquered them all before it was over. Eric provided yet another opportunity to do something different by dividing our party in grind. The second time through we chose the other side to enjoy the entirety of the great experience of True Grind.
Once again we were fortunate to have incredible sliders in our party. I heard our four sliders hit the statue in Golembane for 142 on the first round, followed by 159 on Cogwin and his lil’ buddy. For us, these are big numbers!
I must add kudos to our Bearbearian Tim, who wore a 40-pound bear head/pelt through several runs. Now you know why I’ve been spelling ‘barbarian’ that way this past year. It was created by our Paladin Chris, a true renaissance man whose talents know no bounds. I look forward to his creations for next year. Let’s see, desert…. Hmmm…. Camels? Waitaminnit! I ain’t puttin’ no camel head on… and you can fergit that tail idea you had!
We tremendously enjoyed our time volunteering, despite a rocky start trying to understand and fit into the volunteer system (sorry, Jean!). Coaching was very satisfying; Jason (and several of his ‘victims’) is still buzzing about his time in the puppet vine suit. I even enjoyed pushing small rubber and metal balls through a wall… go figure!
Thanks (and probably apologies) go out to those who ran with us this year: The incredibly talented and beautiful team of Chris & Lynette VonWahlde, beginners who earned their honorary yeti shirts. Raven, who tortured us for two grinds in a row, earning her honorary shirt. Rocky and Boonie, two experienced veterans whose friendship, attitude and competence earned them their honorary shirts.
Full Team Yeti status was conferred on Tom and Jenny (binia), who not only led us to victory in grind and golembane, but tolerated us practicing our Yeti Call back in the cave all night long. Then there’s Steve (quip) and his incredible son Logan. Steve not only organized several of our runs, he used his token collection and knowledge to round out our equipment. He’s a big pillar of our community and deserves our appreciation.
Logan is by far the neatest youngun’ we’ve met. In each room he delivered candy and goodies to the volunteers, and ducks to the unsuspecting adventurers in our wake. He even allowed himself to be lifted into a tree to rescue a dryad’s eagle egg…. What a trooper! Did we mention that he came within a gnat’s whisker of taking the Red Dragon Inn title? He’d’ve had it if some mean ol’ growed ups hadn’t ganged up on him!
Thanks to Ro-gan (a rare nutjob, if I do say so myself), Dial, and the rest of the guys and gals that made our trips through the dark less perilous. Thanks also to Jeff and the GT gang for a crazy run, and to Candace and Alvin for letting me play a teeny little part in their quest to start their lifelong journey together.
Thanks to all who participated in our Yeti traditions and put up with the zaniness. I hope we added to your fun; we know you added to ours. Team Yeti is a fun name that just stuck. It made sense in 2012 when the scenario involved mountains. It’s even more fun now due to attempts to make a yeti theme make sense in each year’s new environment.
We look forward to continuing our search for the lost Dwarves, enjoying each challenge as it comes. But we look forward most to seeing all of you again, and meeting those of you we haven’t. As Steve so eloquently typed it - ARARARARUARUAAAR! Go Team Yeti!
See you on the forums for now, and in 50 weeks in Indy!
You still got hit points! Get back in there and fight!!
