Dear magic enthusiasts, We are delighted to announce the upcoming New Berlin Magic Tournament, taking place on [date] at [venue]. This thrilling event promises to be a memorable experience for all participants and spectators alike. The New Berlin Magic Tournament will gather players from all walks of life, from seasoned veterans to newcomers eager to showcase their skills and learn from the best. Regardless of your level of expertise, this tournament offers a unique opportunity to engage in intense battles of strategy, wit, and cunning. Participants will have the chance to compete against fellow Magic players in a variety of formats, including Constructed and Limited, putting their deck-building and tactical prowess to the test. With a diverse range of playing styles and strategies, the tournament guarantees a captivating experience for everyone involved.
How was it possible for a man like Gary Hallet to kiss his wife good night, close his eyes, and never wake again? His horse had died of grief two nights later, lying down on the earthen floor of the stable. Sally was stunned and devastated, and some people said she had lost a piece of her heart. Certainly, she seemed transformed. When she did say hello to her neighbors, which was rare, she made it perfectly clear she preferred to be left in peace. Sally had returned to school for her degree in library science at Simmons University, and now, at the age of forty-four, she was the director of the Owens Library. The only other employee was Sarah Hardwick, who had worked at the library for over sixty years, and who still made it a point of leaving every day at five o’clock on the dot, which allowed her to stop by the Black Rabbit Inn and have a cocktail at her regular time. Often, she didn’t report back until ten in the morning, especially if she’d had more than one drink. Sally didn’t begrudge Miss Hardwick the need to come in late and leave early at her age, and she didn’t mind the hours she spent working alone in the library, late into the evenings. She did her best to be helpful when she checked out books, or assisted students from the local high school, but everyone knew Sally Owens was embittered, and even more standoffish than she’d been as a girl.
There was no partner in the picture and when asked who the father of her unborn child was, Antonia merely shrugged and said it was a long story, which in truth it was not. To be honest, she wasn t even sure if she believed in love, but she definitely believed in children, as did Scott, who was two years ahead of her at med school, in a long-term relationship with another doctor, Joel McKenna.
With a diverse range of playing styles and strategies, the tournament guarantees a captivating experience for everyone involved. Beyond the exhilarating gameplay, the New Berlin Magic Tournament also offers a platform for players to connect, exchange knowledge, and forge new friendships. The magic community is renowned for its camaraderie, and this event aims to strengthen these bonds and create lasting memories.
Review: The Book of Magic
Gardner Dozois writes in the introduction to THE BOOK OF MAGIC (Amazon) that he “[…] endeavored to cover the whole world of magic” (xv). The stories collected in this anthology cover a wide range of magical people and places. While there are plenty of wizards in robes, magic takes many shapes in this anthology.
It’s no mistake that THE BOOK OF MAGIC begins and ends with comic fantasy. The energy and humor of showcased in the first and last stories propels the reader into the anthology and sends them off with a smile. The first story, K.J. Parker’s “The Return of the Pig” follows a wizard reluctantly returning to his hometown to find a new magic user, while also trying to outwit his rivals. “The Fall and Rise of the House of the Wizard Malkuril” by Scott Lynch begins with a wizard, but ends with a sentient house and several tribes of kobolds trying to make it in a tough world. It’s funny and sweet at the same time. While these stories differ in scope and setting, they share a sense of the absurd and were some of my favorites in the collection.
There are also plenty of amusing and wry tales in between. “The Devil’s Whatever” by Andy Duncan or “No Work of Mine” by Elizabeth Bear were good examples of lightheartedness combined with tight writing. Duncan’s voice is especially strong in his story about the Devil’s son-in-law trying to extricate himself from a tricky trap laid by the old man.
Quite a few of the stories had at least some connection to an author’s previous works, whether they were returning to familiar characters or worlds. For example, the protagonist of Lavie Tidhar’s “Widow Maker” is Gorel of Goliris, whose stories are collected in Tidhar’s anthologies. I hadn’t read Tidhar before and this tale was strange and compelling, standing well on its own without the other stories as context.
THE BOOK OF MAGIC has a little bit of something for everyone. as long as you're looking for something Fantastical. A great read.
One of the few pieces that fell flat for me was “The Song of Fire” by Rachel Pollack, not because of poor writing, but because her story was so deeply enmeshed with her previous work that even the expository heavy-lifting she did couldn’t save the story for me. If you’re already a fan though, I’m sure this was a fun installment.
It was hard to choose stories to highlight for this review because the quality was high and I really enjoyed most of the offerings–this would be a great way to browse and discover authors to love. For me I also rediscovered old favorites. It’s been a while since I’ve read Megan Lindholdm (aka Robin Hobb) (“Community Service”) or Kate Elliot (“Bloom”), and both of their selections reminded that I should remedy that soon. Lindholm’s story was a modern fantasy with a super creepy toy-eating witch while Elliot’s offering was a more traditional fantasy setting but with an interesting magic system and an unlikable protagonist who had a nice arc. Other old favorites that caught my attention included “The Staff in the Stone” by Neil Gaiman, a story of a wizard who wants to be left alone but is forced to out himself from hiding to save the village he resides in.
If you are looking for urban fantasy, Greg Van Eekhout’s “The Wolf and the Manticore” was set in LA with hints of a radically different future and some cool bone magic. If you’re looking for more slipstream, steampunk, or urban fantasy, you might be advised to look elsewhere. This is fantasy with a capital “F.”
Each story is about 30 pages, which I mention only because that’s long enough to potentially produce bloated stories stuffed with unnecessary words and characters. Luckily for readers, THE BOOK OF MAGIC contains stories that use their word count wisely to bring together fantastic characters and magic in an entertaining array. A strong anthology with a number of memorable stories, THE BOOK OF MAGIC will delight readers.
- Recommended Age: 12+
- Language: One or two stories with more language, most with very little.
- Violence: Yes. Magic can do nasty things to people, but generally not tons of gore.
- Sex: Very little. Allusions mostly.
In addition to the main tournament, there will be side events, drafts, and casual games available throughout the day. Whether you are seeking a competitive challenge or a casual gaming session, the New Berlin Magic Tournament caters to players of all preferences. To ensure a seamless experience, the tournament will be overseen by experienced judges who will uphold the integrity of the game and ensure fair play. Rules and regulations will be strictly enforced to guarantee a level playing field for all participants. Registration for the New Berlin Magic Tournament is now open, and we encourage all interested players to secure their spot early, as spaces are limited. To register, simply visit our website or contact our designated registration team. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Magic and join a community of passionate players. Mark your calendars for [date] and get ready for an unforgettable day of thrilling battles, unforgettable moments, and the chance to take home the coveted New Berlin Magic Tournament trophy. We look forward to welcoming you to the New Berlin Magic Tournament and witnessing the magic unfold! Sincerely, [Your Name] [Event Organizer].
Reviews for "Join the Magic Craze at the New Berlin Tournament"
1. John - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with the New Berlin Magic Tournament. The event was poorly organized, with long waiting times and unhelpful staffs. The communication leading up to the tournament was also lacking, leaving me confused about the schedule and format. Additionally, the prize pool was underwhelming, making the competition feel less rewarding. Overall, I would not recommend attending this tournament if you value a well-run and enjoyable gaming experience.
2. Emma - 2 stars
I had high expectations for the New Berlin Magic Tournament, but sadly, it fell short. The venue was uncomfortably crowded, making it difficult to move around without bumping into people. The playing area was cramped, and it was challenging to find a quiet spot to concentrate. The judging at the tournament was also subpar, with several instances of inconsistent rulings and favoritism among the players. It's a shame because the potential was there, but the execution was far from satisfactory.
3. Michael - 2 stars
The New Berlin Magic Tournament was a letdown for me. The tournament organizers seemed more interested in maximizing profit than providing a fair and enjoyable competition. The entry fee was exorbitant, considering the lackluster prize support and mediocre player experience. The tournament format was not well-thought-out, with unbalanced pairings and a lack of clear guidelines. Overall, it left a sour taste in my mouth, and I would recommend looking for better-organized events elsewhere.