Behind the Scenes at D&D in a Castle: Part 2 of 5

First contact with the guests of D&D in a Castle, as described by first-time staff member Nicci-Grace of Mystic Quill Collective. From grand entrances to medieval feasts, follow along as she recounts the exciting immersive experience of the Barovian Banquet and Night of Renown.

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Arrival Day at D&D in a Castle

Arrival at the castle is nothing short of dramatic. The entirety of day one is underscored by pomp, ceremony, and grandiosity. Guests are received by a full outfit of Lumley Castle staff bidding them welcome as their coaches wind their way up the grand castle entrance, accompanied by a bagpipe procession. The musical accompaniment continues throughout the outdoor reception as guests are furnished with sparkling refreshments for the upcoming round of toasts. When each guest has a drink in hand, the Castle Squire (also known as Justin the Charming when he doffs his squire’s hat), greets the guests and introduces the Dungeon Masters with all the grandeur befitting the backdrop. The Dungeon Masters in turn unfurl their fateful scrolls and call upon the brave adventurers who will join their campaign over the course of the event, summoning them to their prologue sessions. With many a toast, a sparkling sip, and an echoing “huzzah!” (huzzah!), the players disperse, party by party.

Barovian Banquet & Night of Renown

I don’t know what mysterious excitement the DMs manage to pack into their prologue sessions, as I was quickly entrenched in operational tasks and preparing for the Barovian Banquet that kicks off every D&D in a Castle event. Though I sadly missed the banquet for the first round of gaming, I was thrilled to join the guests in round 2 for a hearty, three course feast, complete again with live, medieval musical accompaniment. The banquet hall, furnished by rows of long tables, glowing in the light of hundreds of candles set in ornate, silver holders, came to life with buzz and chatter. In this magical environment, made all the more fantastical by the cosplay efforts of many of the guests, you could forgive me for feeling a little like I’d stepped into Hogwarts. It was the perfect setting for the opening ceremonies, in which the Castle Squire made another appearance, this time joined in a dramatic performance by Lady Lumley (Tara the Magnanimous), Hopper the Devoted (playing herself as Hopper…), and a mysterious cloaked and bearded wizard, whose identity never became clear (spoiler alert–it was Jon the Jaunty in disguise all along). When we were finished feasting, the dramatic display saw the whole crowd of guests ushered into the ball room where the theme for the weekend was announced and explained. The impending threat of a tarrasque and a beholder and a rift in the Material Plane were exposed and the guests were called upon to take part in quests throughout the weekend to earn renown that they may be able to defeat the threat when it surfaced. Luckily, feats to earn renown were imminently announced and the guests were encouraged to explore the various activities in which they could prove themselves worthy. Off they went to find the DMs running the challenges, to prove their strength, their perception, their resilience, and their grace, amongst their many other skills. The excitement was palpable as guests mingled with each other, making friends, trying their hand at the various challenges and capturing memories at the photo booth. And certainly, I imagine what added to the excitement for the guests, was the very same thing that added to mine…meeting the Dungeon Masters!

For more of my photos and reels from the event, follow me @dndnomadgirl on Instagram, or for official photos and event announcements, follow @dndinacastle.