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I attended Runefest alone this year. Unfortunately the price of the ticket is steep for many of my friends. For this reason, I decided it would be a good idea to try a cosplay to help make friends. I bought everything I wanted on Etsy, shout-out especially to Jack, the creator of the staff.
As it turns out, that was completely unnecessary. At the night before party I had already made friends with at least 10 great people, from the osrs side and RS3 side. My friend accidently dropped a handmade rune in someone's pint, and we made a reference to the quest where you have to drop a gp in a beer to make it gold. Nowhere else in the world can you make a joke about a niche reference like that and get the whole group laughing!
So Saturday comes around and I'm all dressed up in my cosplay and ready to leave the hotel. Again, I'm on my own, but I got chatting to new people instantly because of their outfits, so I wasn't alone at all!
Entering the event was absolutely insane. All the JMODs lined up applauding which put the biggest grin on my face (as you may have seen on the RuneScape tiktok page!)
The trading card skill chip was a fantastic idea. It basically encourage everyone to trade cards and talk to each other. It felt like a real RuneScape experience. On top of that, it was absolutely surreal to genuinely say to my mate "meet us at the G.E. later bro", I think I had to double take and remind myself that this year's theme being Varrock was just perfect.
Very quickly, the highlight of my event started. So. Many. People. Asked me to PK them. This was absolutely hilarious and of course I obliged every time. It was also really nice for people to ask for pictures - so many times I wanted pictures with them too!!
The cosplay parade started and I finally met my destiny. I stood myself on the centre of the main stage, and ice barraged the entire audience. Hearing the audience roar was absolutely exhilarating. If anyone has a video of that, I would be beyond grateful to see it. Of course I did not win the contest because my costume was just a three piece throw together, but by Guthix, I won when that crowd cheered for me.
One comment I'd make is that I'd like to see only one gnome going to one person each year. By all means, if the community wants B0aty to win a gnome, he should get one. But I think it would be great to implement a system where, if someone gets a second gnome, then the award goes down to the second place vote (maybe with an honourable mention to the actual first place winner). It would be a nice way to give the less well-known guys a chance.
Saturday was a huge day for everyone, and I really like the idea of Sunday being more chilled out. I was still super excited to see new friends, but it felt great to be a bit more relaxed.
My little mate Graardor comes up to me and asks for a signature, of course I gave him one. I'm looking at the book, seeing all these RuneScape celebrities, so I said to the little dude "where do you want me to sign?". He says "under Mr Mammal". I was absolutely struck. Side note, if anyone knows the dad/kid, I didn't get any of their contact. I'd love to get updates on the little guy's adventure.
Goodbyes were sad, but I added many people as possible on discord. To be honest, the goodbyes weren't really that sad at all, I think we all knew that we would see each other again at the next event.
Just before the after-party, I rolled up to the casino on my own to try meet others. I stopped at the first group I saw, and they were instantly super welcoming and we had a great night. The community is top tier. There's no other way I could describe it.
The unofficial after-party was pretty great. It was at this point that I got talking to the other (much better and dedicated!) cosplayers. They floated around the idea of us doing a four-person themed cosplay next year. I am absolutely hooked. I refuse to spoil for you guys what the plan is, but if it is executed, it's going to be a spectacle.
I want to thank all my new friends, you know who you are. You will see the ancient mage back at runefest. He might have some ridiculous gear upgrades, and he might be significantly less purple.
All my love to you guys,
Hippeis
P.S. Please PM me if we met at the event. Especially if you have photos with me!!! My friends in the blood torva, infinity, and ancestral are also looking for photos, so please share!
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