It can often be awkward joining a new group of people. If you don’t know anyone in that group already, it can even be a little scary. In the Realm of Nessa, we try to alleviate those fears and awkward moments. To do this, not only do we accept newbies into our fold, and treat them as if they’ve been a member all along, we also give them a much coveted llama plushie. Morlothwen, our current Realm Head, was the one who began this marvelous tradition, thus earning the title “Giver of the Plushies”.
“I have been asked once or twice as to how I came about creating the llama souvenir. My answer to that is rather simple and one could say obvious. The Nessians! Many of the Realm members had been giving out little presents to the newbies and I thought why not make a tradition out of it? Since the llama was already a huge part of our community I turned it into something that was fun but simple, a llama souvenir! It was both a welcoming gift and somewhat of a warning so they would not be unprepared for the silliness and fun we enjoy in the Realm of Nessa! (Morlothwen)
And how do our new members feel about receiving a plush llama toy?
“I joined before we started giving out the llama plushies! I think it would have been like a token of acceptance into this wild and wonderful realm. I had already heard vague rumors of llamas from pippinsscarf and kingurl in the games forum and I think if I had been handed a llama plushie I would have felt like I had been let into some awesome inside joke type of thing. ” (Rodwen)
“I joined the realm of Nessa at a time when things were a bit slow because a realm head had just left and was in the process of being replaced. However, this didn’t mean I was welcomed any less! Within days Morlothwen was there to hand me my llama welcome plushie, and I instantly knew that Nessa would be a fun, happy place for me.
Gift giving is something very special. After all, Hobbits delight in giving presents on every occasion, Galadriel gladly bestowed each member of the Fellowship with an Elvish gift, and Arwen gave to Frodo a beautiful jewel as a sort of token in honor of his quest.This all fits the joyful, loving personality of Nessa perfectly and is why we welcome all newbies to the realm with a uniquely made llama plushie.” (Fealome)
So there you have it. Receiving a llama plushie is not only a sign of reassurance for us, but also one of acceptance. You don’t have to earn your plushie, you just simply have to show up and share in our silliness. I personally did not recieve a plushie, for the same reason as Rodwen. I did, however, coerce Morlothwen into giving me one once she started giving them out, and I now refuse to let my plushie, Harold, out of my sight! In fact, if you’ll excuse me, I think Harold and I will go take a walk now, I have to make sure my plushie gets enough exercise.
by vanyar and Morlothwen
