*zigzag* Stratics Communications Director UO Associate Editor
We will be bringing our forums down Friday, July 11th 2008 to import restored user data initially lost in May. The following was posted in our Forum Announcements:
"On Friday, July 11th our message forums will be taken offline for approximately 48 hours while we restore the data we were able to pull from the old database and merge it with the existing data. The restoration will begin at about noon EST on Friday.
Users whose accounts were recovered from the old database will have those accounts merged with the current existing account, if the username and the email address match. For those of you who created alternate usernames we will be able to merge your restored account with your new account after the restoration has been completed.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with your account please email forumhelp@stratics.com or use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the forums."
While we apologize for the inconvenience, we are at the same time very happy this scheduled downtime is occurring as it means we are returning to normality!
Posted on Monday, July 7, 2008, 6:58 PM EDT by Sara of Baja (Baja)
Kingdom of Dawn Call for Player-Written Books
The Kingdom of Dawn is pleased to announce that our vast collection of game and player-written books has been cataloged, organized and available to the public at two locations:The Dawn Library located within the boundaries of the Kingdom of Dawn at coordinates 118”33’N 62”51’E and our Malas Outpost & Book Library located just East of Umbra at coordinates 24”10’N 57”26’E.You can find the card catalog online at http://www.uoforums.com/f1495/.
Harlequin, the Library Director, has requested that The Royal Council authorize funds for a contest for player-written books and we have approved it.The guaranteed prize fund is currently 2.5 Million Gold Pieces with several generous donations from some citizens of Baja.
The contest will accept books in the following categories:
In-game history – Guild, Personal, Player-Run Establishment, Quests, etc.
Guides – Skills, Templates, Champion Spawns, etc.
Essays – The Virtues, Monster AI, etc.
Poetry – An ode to UO, Love, etc.
You have one month to write/submit your book.Your submission must be received by August 8th, 2008 at 9 PM PST (12 PM EST).
Rules:
1)All books MUST BE PG-13 which will be determined solely by Grand Duchess WildStar.If your book is found not to be PG-13, it will be returned to you and you will have only one chance to resubmit it.
2)Your submission must be an original work created by you either at some time in the past or created just for this contest.If the book already exists in The Dawn Library Collection, it will be disqualified.You can view the card catalog online at http://www.uoforums.com/f1495/ or visit the libraries in-game to see what books are currently in the collection.
3)Only one entry per category is allowed.If your entry is part of a series of books, please select one to be judged although we will gladly accept the entire series.
4)Your submission must include your name and a method of contacting you – ICQ Number or email address.
Your submission will be judged on the following qualities:Content & Quality of Writing.
The winner’s will be announced on Stratics & UOForums and the books will be prominently displayed in both libraries.
All books submitted may be included in The Dawn Library Collection at the discretion of Library Director.
Contact Grand Duchess WildStar at ICQ # 8040775 or via Private Message on Stratics & UOForums to arrange dropping off your submission.Please include Player-Written Book Contest in your message.
A small group of Baja residents and visitors from Chesapeake, Pacific and Whispering Rose Radio gathered at the Skara Brae Trammel Community Center on Sunday, May 4th. While waiting for some stragglers to arrive, James the Animal Tamer from Mage Tower (MT) entertained the crowd by bringing his talking dragon, Pia, out of her stable and having her say a few words.
Once everyone had arrived, Nicholas the Old, head of the Baja Role Players and Event Alliance (BRPA), gave a short speech and we started the tour of historic and current player-run sites and places/events unique to Baja.
The places visited in alphabetical order were:
Avalon, The City of Destiny (Felucca) – It is one of the few player-run cities on Baja to be blessed by the Seer Program. One of our visitors from Chesapeake – Mayor Ga’kuct, who is an orc, managed to get himself clomped while visiting the Fighting Pits here.
The Dark Tower (Trammel) – Originally located in Felucca, they are the evil role-playing group on Baja. If you are having trouble, it is a good guess that this group is involved somehow. The current master is Alton who took over from Dread Lady Cymidei Fier.
The Golden Brew (Malas) – Originally located in Felucca, it was the premiere alehouse & role-playing location on Baja. Many fond memories and great events involve the Golden Brew and the City of Golden.
Gravewater Shores (Malas) – This is the player-run city ran by the Underground Knights (UG.K). It officially opened a year ago and is located along the entire western coastline of Gravewater Lake.
The Kingdom of Dawn (Felucca) – Dawn opened officially in February 1999 and is located east of Dungeon Wrong. King Desmond Cross and Queen Hayloh are on a long journey but you will Prince Riain in Dawn when he is not busy with his studies or working on his fighting skills. It was an open house held on March 1, 2008, that led to us being put into contact with the Paxlair Statehood and this cross-shard tour.
Lord & Lady Courage’s Quest Item Museum (Malas) – This building located just outside the west gate of Umbra contains one of the best collections of ancient quest relics and artifacts on Baja – some of which are unique to our shard. We had a very hard time getting anyone to leave this building.
The Lumarian Bridge (Felucca) – It is all that remains of the play-run city, Kingdom of Lumaria, which was the home of a group of sea elves. The Kingdom of Lumaria was located around the Shrine of Sacrifice.
The Mage Tower (Felucca) – Outside of Avalon, this is one of the few sites blessed by the Seer Program. One of the features is a one-way teleporter to Felucca Wind, which Mayor Ga’kuct happened to find out the hard way. It is also one of the few Mage Towers left from when there was one on every US shard.
The Partisans of Chaos Tower (Trammel) – It is located southeast of Moonglow on Verity Isle. This location is unique to Baja and is from the Event Moderator Program Era. EM Vincent constructed the tower when the Partisan of Chaos won a series of challenges.
Skara Brae Community Center – While we were here, the painting on the north wall, “The Lady of the North” was pointed out. This painting is unique to Baja. It was created by a GM who was also a player on Baja as a tribute to the player-run cities that were mostly created in the northern reaches of Britannia.
The Skara Brae Fairegrounds (Trammel) – Events are held here, including the Best Shot in the Realm hosted by the Society of Archers (S|A), which Orion was very generous to setup and demonstrate. Citizens of Baja and our visitors even had a try at the archery buttes. Orion presented Governor Winfield and Mayor Ga’kuct with bows prior to us leaving this location.
After the last location, we returned to the Skara Brae Trammel Community Center. After the thank yous, we parted ways but only temporarily as Baja toured Chesapeake on Sunday, May 18th. We visited the cities in the Paxlair Statehood and watched a demonstration of RISK in Vesper. The goal of RISK is to capture an individual island for the forces of good or evil. This is done thru PvP and archery contests. (Mayor Ga’kuct asked me to invite the members of Baja’s HardToOvercome (H2O) whom he met at the Yew Moongate in Felucca.)
A great time was had by all, and we even got to work on our Orcish language skills. Yub Yub
WildStar Grand Duchess Kingdom of Dawn Member of the BRPA Alliance
Posted on Friday, April 25, 2008, 7:51 AM EDT by Cymidei Fier (Baja)
From Orion of the Society of Archers
To all residents of Baja!
It gives me great pleasure to announce the April Best Shot in the Realm contest! This month’s event will take place on April 27 and be held at the Skara Brae Fairgrounds in Trammel. The event kicks off with some light refreshments starting at 4:00 PST. Registration will begin at 4:20 PST with the event starting at 4:30 PST (7:30 EST, 6:30 CST, 5:30 MST).
The Best Shot in the Realm Contest (BSR) is a monthly free event hosted by the Society of Archers. Archers of all skill levels are invited to compete and take aim at this month’s prize which is a minimum of 200,000 gold.
In addition, the winner will also receive a custom made Frostwood bow prepared by our own craftsmen and engraved to commemorate the occasion. But wait, there’s more! The victor also will receive an invitation to compete in the annual Tournament of Champions held but once a year. The Tournament of Champions is where the winners of each monthly event meet once again to determine who the very best Archer on Baja is!
We’d like to thank everyone who helped with the event especially those who donated resources, gold, and prizes.
Baja Roleplayers and Event Alliance Announce Cross Shard Tour
Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2008, 9:21 PM EDT by Sara of Baja (Baja)
This message just in from the desk of WildStar, Grand Duchess, Kingdom of Dawn
The Baja Roleplayers and Event Alliance [BRPA] is pleased to announce a cross-shard tour with The Statehood of Paxlair on Chesapeake and SAGE of Pacific. They will be coming to Baja on Sunday, May 4, and visiting Baja's historic player run sites such as Avalon, Mage Tower's Blessed Felucca Tower on Verity Isle, and other sites such as Gravewater Shores and The Partisans of Chaos Tower. The tour will be from 4 to 6 PM PDT (7 to 9 PM EDT).
On Sunday, May 18, Baja will visit Chesapeake and tour the cities of The Statehood of Paxlair. The tour will be from 4 to 6 PM PDT (7 to 9 PM EDT).
Posted on Sunday, April 13, 2008, 10:08 PM EDT by Cymidei Fier (Baja)
Tamer Palozza 2 was held this weekend by the Covenant of the Dark Moon (CTDM), bringing out the best tamers in the land to compete for gold. In order to win the tamers had to donate as many animals as possible to the Moonglow Zoo within two hours. Each animal was given a point value based off of the Zoo point system.
Epona and Yalp of CTDM, and Wildstar of The Kingdom of Dawn, were on hand to award points and keep track of points as the long line of tamed animals were brought in. Lord Milandro took an early lead by taming numerous drakes, over 114 total in two hours time. The contest organizers were also on hand at the taming spots to make sure that everything was on the up and up.
And the Winners are
First Place: Lord Miliardo of Spawner's Incorporated, SI Second Place: Sun Tsu, United Tamers of Britannia, UTB Third Place: Lord Conall Cernach, UTB
Shortly after the event, the award ceremony took place and the checks were awarded. A special thanks was given to the Mage Tower for gold donations and to Wildstar for helping to keep track of points. Once the winners were named, there was a pet parade through the City of Luna which ended at the city stables.
Special congratulations to Lord Milandro for winning first place, again!
Event Update, Captain Avery and Nurman Giving Clues
Posted on Monday, April 7, 2008, 5:21 PM EDT by Cymidei Fier (Baja)
Captain Avery and Nurman Now Giving Clues
The seige in the Moonglow rift continues to be fought by bold adventurers against the growing threat posed by the Shadowlords. Moonglow itself is always humming with activity as the fight continues, into all hours of the day and night.
New sources of information are now available to shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Kronos and the explosion of the blackrock machine.
Special Thanks to Wildstar for the following information, which she found while doing some research. Captain Avery is now responding to the following keywords when spoken: Blackrock, Rift, Kronos. There may be more combinations and clues to be learned, if you find one please post a response to the forums.
Nurman the mage outside of the Captain Avery's tent responds to the following words: Purple turtles, Blackrock, Kronos, Rift, Machine, the machine is in pieces, daemon beserkers Purple Turtles, where? What is Nurman talking about exactly? I can't wait to find out. Maybe he's mad, maybe he isn't, if you find a purple turtle let us know.
BNN: Military Arrives In MoonglowMilitary Arrives in Moonglow
Draconi Apr 3 2008 9:08AM
Early this morning a blockade of cannons was erected around the crater in southern Moonglow. Captain Avery, himself on scene, tersely ordered our correspondents back and had little to say directly to us. However, contrary to expectations, the military is not stopping ordinary (albeit well-armed) citizens from entering the rift!
Despite refusals to comment on the situation, the BNN has been asked to publish a short declaration from the Royal Britannian Guard, which follows:
Attention citizens of Moonglow, the greater Britannian kingdom, and visitors. A state of emergency has been declared in the township of Moonglow, currently under attack by forces unknown. We do not advise volunteerism in the city’s defense, but under these incredible circumstances we will not interfere with attempts to enter the rift we are now guarding.
A medical station is already under construction. All contact with entities within the rift should be met with extreme prejudice. Experience has shown that nothing within has attempted any form of communication – only vicious attacks resulting in numerous deaths.
Please report any and all information gathered to myself, Captain Avery.
The BNN also regrets to inform our readers that we’ve confirmed the death of Kronos, leader of the blackrock detector project. Dexter, his field apprentice, disappeared shortly after returning to Moonglow from the rift with master mage Sutek, who arrived at the scene after the disaster. The fate of Melissa, friend and fellow mage of the local council, is currently unknown.
We will continue informing our readership about this calamity as details pour in.
Posted on Sunday, March 30, 2008, 12:55 PM EDT by Cymidei Fier (Baja)
It was a few moments after nine in the evening and everyone was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kronos and his assistant mages. We were not to be disappointed, after a brief speech Kronos intoned an unknown spell. It was then that the chaotic energy of the blackrock began to swell and tides of darkness flowed out the machine.
As Inu the Crone had predicted days before, the machine was engulfed in a massive surge of flames and a flash of light left all of us blinded for several moments. When we came to our senses, all of us had traveled to the other side of the rift.
There is a new Moonglow that floats in a dark abyss apart from Britannia populated by deadly creatures. Huge glowing masses of green gas prowl the streets that are called Fetid Essences; these have the ability to damage you simply by being close. There are also Fallen Warriors, which look like ethereal warriors; I slew one and found a planar sword and shield. There are also Dark Wisps which will chase you and cast magic spells if you get to close, these beings, when slain may leave a black chest.
After a short time, the blackrock machine hummed to life again and darkness emanated from it revealing new foes, The Shadowlords themselves. The shadowlords warned Kronos to cease his activities and die. Following the command from these wondrous beings, three mighty entities laid siege to Moonglow and it took all of our combined might to slay them.
The rift is still open and all may venture beyond it to explore the abyssal Moonglow. Be warned, fighting the Shadowlords and their minions is no small task. According to adventurers, the Shadowlords are still appearing and those who deal the hardest blows may find a Cloak of Corruption.
Posted on Saturday, March 29, 2008, 6:03 PM EDT by Oriana (Baja)
Blackrock Detector Unveiled!!
Last night many of Britannia’s citizens appeared for the unveiling of the newly completed Blackrock detector.
Kronos the Mage and his assistant Dexter then appeared to test the instruments and present their latest achievement.
Suddenly it appeared as though there was a problem.
Citizens were then asked to come back on the morrow to once again view this machine in action. Many were leery as a huge explosion swept through the area radiating from the machine.
No one knows for sure how many heeded the request to bring Blackrock to this unveiling. But it is told tonight will reward those that did. Reward maybe the wrong word according to some citizens. Only time will tell. One gentleman I interviewed made a curious statement:
Could it be true that those carrying Blackrock are infected with some sort of curse or a blessing?
This morning as some gathered once again to view the Detector; there were a few additions since the night before. Fences are now surrounding the machine and guards posted at each corner.
Suddenly there was a large explosion and our very own Master of Disaster: Draconi appeared to us.
He asked a quick favor and as the good reporter I am I quickly asked him if he had anything to say to the public. And I quote:
So Ladies and Gentlemen, Citizens of Baja: join forces this eve and begin the new stage of this mysterious event!!
Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2008, 1:01 AM EDT by Cymidei Fier (Baja)
Some of you may remember me as Lady Cymidei Fier. I was a member of the UO Baja News Team for about six years. I am back after exploring other Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games and rediscovering the fun that is Ultima Online. There's nothing like trying out a heartless leveling/raid/grind type of game to make you appreciate how much fun it is to be part of Baja and all the features that make UO unique.
Some of my goals now that I am back include, helping with the news, revitalizing the establishment pages, writing features, interviews and most importantly getting to know the community once again.
So if you love Baja let me know what you like to do with your time. Do you have an interesting guild, tavern, rune library, player run city (or any kind of establishment)?
If your going to host a community event like a chicken toss, net fight, pvp rumble, public harrower or if you like to role-play, let me know, I love all that stuff and I am available to put it in the news.
When I am not out reporting or adventuring, I can usually be found lurking around the Dark Tower, researching blackrock and forbidden magic.
PS: My name is pronounced, Ky-me-dee or you just call me Lady Fier for short.
Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 5:29 PM EDT by Oriana (Baja)
Inu the Crone Spotted in Moonglow!!
It came to this reporter’s attention moments ago, that a blast from the past has once again been stirring and walking the streets of Moonlgow. This insane crone can be found once again spouting gibberish and warnings as she roams.
Upon further investigation, a few anomalies around the decaying project, once started by the mages of the realm, were seen. It would appear as thought some of the grounds around and in close proximity to this blackrock “detector” are sinking.
Inu the Crone can be heard sputtering things such as:
Spleeny!
Grizzled folly-fallen dewberries!
Mewling half-face.
What’re *you* looking at?
You just can’t make this stuff up folks. She also seems to have learned Pig Latin and spouts various phrases using this odd language.
Stratics Central
Stratics Announces New Policy Regarding Advertising UO Items
From Orion of the Society of Archers 
