Last Friday, Dungeons & Toast celebrated the end of No Shave November at the Festival of Lights (meeting theme), culminating in a beard-judging contest to benefit myasthenia gravis research. Here are the contest winners:

• Fresh-Faced: Most Impressive Growth – David E
• Fresh-Faced: Most Whimsically Styled or Decorated – Cliff C
• Established: Most Voluminous – Maurice “Santa” W
• Established: Most Whimsically Styled or Decorated – Mikey Miller

Thank you to all members who participated: Andrew B, Cameron P, Cliff C, David E, Jeremy K, Lucas R, Maurice W, Michael A, Michael C, Mikey M, Patrick V, and Ryan K. And thank you to all members who pledged to donate $ per beard grown: Andrew B, Cliff C, David E, Michael A, Greg S, Jeremy K, Kelly S, Loni H, Lucas R, Patrick V, and Ryan K!

Want to learn more about the worthy cause myasthenia gravis? Member David E delivered a speech about it last month:

Want to donate to this cause? Visit the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America!

Hail!

If you have been concerned for my wellbeing, I appreciate you. I know it has been quite sometime since I have ventured into the virtual lands for a Dungeons & Toast meeting, but I wanted to assure you (or disappoint you) by letting you know that I am alive and well. (The proof is in the images from Loni’s hostile takeover of the East LA region.)

I write this message because I do want to ensure all of you that despite my “real life” conflicting with our meeting time for the last few weeks (and next two… sorry), I am still actively performing my non-meeting duties as guildmaster and would love to continue performing said duties if y’all would continue to have me. My message has not changed in terms of the why (if necessary, a video of my “stump speech” will be played tonight), BUT I really wanted to post a quick note to garner a little bit of undeserved good faith before tonight’s election.

It has been a tremendous honor and joy serving with this wonderful group of leaders to support our amazing guild. Dungeons & Toast is a kick@$$ club because the members are active and engaged, and having even this brief shot to be the useless, bumbling figurehead of an insanely adept and talented group has been more than I imagined. It was such a delight to meet many of you in person during Loni’s Visit of Violence, and I truly hope you’ll consider allowing me to continue for a full, year-long term.

In any case, I will continue to “hustle” in the background until when next we meet and formally submit my candidacy for guildmaster for the next term.

Your (debatedly) humble servant,

Andrew

PS – A more self-serving statement/request is for future years: may we shift elections to a day that is not my anniversary weekend nor my wife’s birthday weekend. =P

While Dungeons & Toast is virtual home to members all over the world, a plurality of members live in Los Angeles, California, home of District 100. I took advantage of this concentration of members by tagging along with my husband while he was traveling for work. While I was there, I was able to meet Kelly for drinks; Andrew, Patrick, and Hovey for sightseeing (and boba!); and too many wonderful people to list for a fabulous party generously hosted by Hovey on Friday night. Thanks to everyone who shared part of their week with me and — if anyone is ever in Houston — be sure to look us up!

May your All Hallow’s Eve celebrations provide an opportunity for getting into character, be ye ghost, goblin, or ghoul!

Dungeons & Toast is celebrating No Shave November, sponsoring a contest to judge facial hair growth over the course of the month! To make things fair, members will be separated into two groups: fresh-faced and established (as of November 1). Judging will take place on December 2nd, at the first guild meeting of the month. Members who grow or continue to grow beards throughout the month of November are eligible to compete in the following categories:

• Fresh-Faced: Most Impressive Growth
• Fresh-Faced: Most Whimsically Styled or Decorated
• Established: Most Voluminous
• Established: Most Whimsically Styled or Decorated

I am pleased to share that members now have the ability to nominate each other for one of three awards:

Charismatic Seeing Glass
Commendation

This magical item is fashioned of polished walnut. Upon gazing into the finely-silvered glass, the user feels a sense of self-satisfaction and contentment.

This item is awarded to members who have performed a feat of charisma, such as outreach to another group or a particularly engaging performance.

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Sighted Stone of the Wise
Commendation

This translucent crystal ball is large enough to be held in two hands and rests upon a simple mahogany frame. Gazing into it, the user is overcome with a flash of insight into past or present events.

This item is awarded to members who have performed a feat of wisdom, such as mentoring another member or remaining cool under pressure.

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Tome of Intellection
Commendation

This leather-bound book is illuminated in umber, azure, and rose gold. Flipping through the pages, the user is struck by a feeling of brilliance.

This item is awarded to members who have performed a feat of intelligence, such as aiding another member with a technical issue or providing an especially detailed report as the Cleric of Rhetoric.

View More

Monarch’s Medal of Meritoriousness
Commendation

This gold shield with an emblem of a lion hangs from a suspension in the colors of the royal family. It denotes recognition by the royal family for an act of outstanding service to the kingdom and it’s people.

This item is awarded to members who perform an extraordinary act of service for the guild or for another member.

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Herald’s Trumpet
Commendation

This brass trumpet gleams brilliantly, reflecting the pride its owner takes in it.

This item is awarded to members who go out of their way to advocate for the benefits of Dungeons & Toast.

View More

Chain of the Dedicant
Commendation

This heavy gold chain and medallion give the viewer a sense of steadfastness.

This item is awarded to members who exhibit exceptional dedication or commitment in the face of difficulty.

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Each of these items is worth 20 XP (and do not confer in-game benefits). Nominations for each month will be reviewed for approval at the monthly Executive Council meeting and awards will be announced during the Club Business portion of the following weekly meeting.

Visit the Commendations page.

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch

What’s that noise?

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

Casting aside your covers, you search for the source of the noice.

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

It’s your front door. You open it.

“Duessss are duuuuuuuuuuue.”

The creepy collector has arrived. You’re reminded that if you haven’t paid your Dungeons & Toast dues, you’ll need to contact Kelly and/or make payment utilizing the following methods:

1. Venmo: @SweetCatastrophe15
2. PayPal: @SweetCatastrophe15
3. Zelle: 631.806.6764

To remain in good standing, dues need to be paid by September 30. That leaves one more day. Pitter patter, y’all.

Cheers!

Last Saturday, District 100 hosted an end-of-year awards banquet and celebration. Several members of Dungeons & Toast attended both online and in-person, and several members were honored for their contributions to making the District a better place for all. Congratulations to the following:

Founder Hovey won first place in the District 100 Marathon, having completed 20 miles; meanwhile, D&T members nabbed three of the top four places in the Marathon. Immediate Past Guild Master Patrick was recognized as Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year. Dungeons & Toast was recognized as Club of the Year, in “recognition of exceptional commitment to fellow members and support of District 100!” Yanini was recognized for having won Club Mentor of the Quarter for Q3 and was also installed as an Area Director, while Cliff was installed as Division L Director, both for 2022-2023.

Last night, Dungeons & Toast celebrated Talk Like a Pirate Day with intrepidity. Backgrounds featuring ships of various make and size were chosen, tri-corn hats were donned, and ARRRRS were exaggerated with rakish fervor. Thanks to everyone who turned out, including guest Viranga, and whatever bird is perched on Quest Master Greg’s shoulder.