Soul meets soul on lovers' lips.
~ Percy Bysshe Shelley
~ Percy Bysshe Shelley
By Macillus, for The TownCrier's Sweetheart's Week 2018.
He was dressed up as a Vathor and his presentation was just astounding. ~Maetriks
Q |
How long have you been playing? |
@DurakarOff and on since 1996.
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@Maetriks11 years.
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Q |
How did you meet? Tell us your story! |
@Durakar
Initially in game we met through the various interactions in and around Wehnimer's Landing as Maetriks was with the Ta'Mori at that time and eventually became known as the Bane of Wehnimer's due to this. I mainly avoided that whole group as I didn't care for that particular bent on the storyline and wanted to support the Landing and be an upstanding citizen. Overtime I had a few merchanting interactions with Melissa and her various characters on forums outside of the game and a couple brief IMs regarding items and such.
Over the years we had never talked much about anything, but that changed while I was at my first SimuCon and IMing folks about the goings on there and generally chatting about things. From there we started talking more and things took off.
Over the years we had never talked much about anything, but that changed while I was at my first SimuCon and IMing folks about the goings on there and generally chatting about things. From there we started talking more and things took off.
@Maetriks
In game, well, Maetriks was married to someone else at the time and for her, it really was love at first sight when she saw Durakar. That’s the best way to describe it. It was during EG, I think 2010, maybe 2011. Costume contest. He was dressed up as a Vathor and his presentation was just astounding. She knew then. Out of game, well, I’d say we were distant acquaintances at best. At the time of our meeting, the general consensus was that I was not someone others wanted to associate with (due in part to my relationship with my ex). We didn’t come close to talking even as friends until after my ex and I split up.
Q |
How did you hit it off? What was it that attracted you to him/her? |
@Durakar
We hit it off rather well, both being into some of the same gaming interests while still having our own other areas of interest works out quite well. As we talked I became attracted to the way we just meshed well in conversation and were able to talk about mostly anything.
@Maetriks
When we really started talking, we learned we had just enough in common to get along like normal people would. I expressed interest in things that he was familiar with, ie I’d never done Magic the Gathering or Dungeons and Dragons and wanted to play a game or two. He was fairly well-versed and told me if I lived near him (we were a few states apart at the time), he’d get me in on some games. The more we talked, the more I realized how much of a nerd he is, and dad-joke goofy and it was just very endearing. He made me laugh and that, above all else, is probably one of the most attractive things a man can do.
Q |
How has GemStone brought you closer together? |
@Durakar
It allowed us to know one another and eventually meet.
@Maetriks
I wouldn’t say it has, honestly. We hardly even play together these days. He likes to play other games and goes through phases. Honestly, if not for the fact that he ended up being my sorceress’s Palestra after the recent Palestra trials, I doubt we would actually ever play together. I think it works out this way so, if anything, we have other things to talk about besides GS.
Q |
Does your romance carry into the game? |
@Durakar
Yes. Though at first Durakar thought Maetriks was a bloody psychopath, after her break from the Ta'Mori he has witnessed a change in her demeanor and even took the offer to be her Palestra after his Trials. This expanded into their upcoming wedding.
@Maetriks
Sort of? When we started out, we weren’t playing together and we swore that we would never get our characters together for the sole reason of us being together in game. It’s too forced and inorganic. Beyond what we have, there’s not much to it. Our relationship thrives outside of the game more than in it.
Q |
What's your favorite thing to do in game together? |
@Durakar
I haven't been playing as much recently, so there isn't any major thing currently. I'd say enjoying a good festival together is on of my favorite things to do in game.
@Maetriks
REIM, with HoA. Really, that’s the most we do in game these days and that’s when he’s on his ON cycle with GS, which he currently isn’t. When he comes back, we’ll probably hunt and if time and opportunity allows, RP.
Q |
How do you enjoy time together outside of Elanthia? |
@Durakar
Watching movies, playing video games, and picking on each other.
@Maetriks
Dinner, movies… watching Netflix. Just normal couple stuff… We did recently start an Exalted campaign with a few other GSers (I mean, really recently) and it has provided SUCH hilarity.
Enjoying a good festival together is one of my favorite things to do. ~Durakar
Q |
How do you compliment one another? |
@Durakar
I'm a bit more logical in some aspects yet have grand dreams while she likes to plan things out and keep me on track.
@Maetriks
Every comedian needs a straight person. I’m that person. That whole dad-joke-esqueness comes into play here. I often find myself rolling my eyes or chuckling at some nonsense he’s said or done (like googly-eyeing my monitors). Things are just natural with him and I can be myself… and he can’t judge me because he’s a nerd.
Q |
What's the key to a set of successful characters (on and off screen)? |
@Durakar
Communication.
@Maetriks
Always remember it is just a game. Sometimes you can’t help but get personally invested but if it starts causing issues, it’s time to step away. We work because there’s no secrets between us with our characters so even if I’m not playing with him, he knows what I’m doing. He knows if I’m like “Whoa, no.”
Q |
What advice do you have for anyone interested in pursuing a GS romance? |
@Durakar
Get to know the other person, don't judge things just on the character interactions. Our characters can often be different from who we are and you want to be sure that you enjoy the entire person and not just a facet of them.
@Maetriks
Be careful, be safe. Not all relationships have a storybook ending and always keep your safety in mind. Talk to the person. Not just through text, but voice, skype. A lot can fall apart when you escape text and you actually TALK to the person. It’s easy to delete something before sending that message but once you say something, it’s out there.
Q |
Do you have any plans for Valentine's Day? |
@Durakar |
@Maetriks |