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Marks 3 to 5 days old news |
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Britannian date: Dec 9, 372
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| Catskills News |
General News |
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 Brushing Up On Your Gargish | |
| Posted on Sunday, June 28, 2009, 11:39 AM EDT by Lady Lava (Catskills) |
It has been many months since I have posted on the Community News. My hopes are that todays post will inspire not only Role Players but many in our community.
In both the General News and Community News we have been informed of the new Gargish language and linked to the new dictionary. As a reporter for Great Lakes for more than eight years and a periodic reporter for Catskills I find all things new in this world that we love in, die in, play in and grow old in very exciting. This new language is a challenge for sure. Always up for a challenge I studied the new dictionary and wrote a little article that I would like to share with the entire community.
Good luck and enjoy the translating.
Fondly, Lady Lava
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Re,trak Est Rumored Ten-te Lem Esta Gargl Pos-tim
In-por Des De Cathedral Macs Esh Klep Agra Ante Vi-de Ter-mur,
An Vas Trak Don-mur-tas Mir De Reg-vas-uus Vas-uus.
Prae-tim Carved Gret De Mischief Pos-tim Esta Zen Sop Bal Au Fer Bal?
Gargl Pos-tim Est Vol-de Esh An Quas-korp De Lor-tim Kua Ante La Prae-tim.
Mas-lem De Fol, Gaping Buks, Disembodied Wis-char, Mur-in-zen Vas-quas De La Prae-tim ..... Pos-tim Ilem Est Kred Stat De Vi-de Pos-tim?
Tim Pos-tim Lok !
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| Hawkeye Pike's Boat Race Challenge, Thursday, June 25 | |
| Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 6:18 AM EDT by Sara of Baja (Catskills) |
| Boat Race Challenge! Ahoy all!
As our last boat race went awry [my provider disconnected me for several hours], we will now repeat the event on Thursday, June 25th at 8pm EST. The meeting place is the Counselor's Hall in Britain. A landlubber has accepted the challenge to race against me on a given route. Hopefully, our EM will be referee and take the time. The event will be repeated and will be held like a lottery:
The landlubber who accepts my challenge bets a decent amount of gold or nifty items on his victory, and I will also throw in several thousand gold coins a race. If I beat the landlubber, the prize goes into a pot. This way, the pot will accumulate and raise until someone manages ta outsail me! If someone beats me, he gets the whole pot.
The location of the race is determined by the me (the one who accepts my challenge will learn about it a few days prior to the event). The location may change with every race.
Spectators are welcome, and they may place bets as well!
May the fastest seafarer win!
Hawkeye Pike
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| Robert the Royal Guard To Lead Tokuno Expedition Friday, June 26 | |
| Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 3:01 PM EDT by Sara of Baja (Catskills) |
| from EM Kasaven and EM Cernunno’s Catskills Events Page Request from the Royal Guard by Kasaven
23 June Robert of the Royal Guard has requested that we meet him at the Counselor’s hall in Britain on Friday, June 26, 7 p.m. EST. In accordance with the Royal Decree from Lord Casca, Robert wants to lead an expedition into Tokuno, he fears an army is being gathered against the Empress and he wishes to cut it off before it can strike. He says to come battle ready, and to keep alert in the coming days. There are also other ‘issues’ he wished to speak with the people about but would not disclose any further information… | |
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| EMs Discuss Upcoming Events, PvP Arena At Meet and Greet, June 21 | |
| Posted on Monday, June 22, 2009, 8:45 PM EDT by Sara of Baja (Catskills) |
| Meet & Greet With
EM Kasaven & EM Cernunnos
Sunday, June 21 
EM Kasaven announced: 'I have spoken with Robert of the Royal Guard, and he will need many of you for an expedition next week. As I hear more, I will inform you all.' He also informed those present that due to the Treasures of Tokuno III going on right now 'Owain's discovery will be put on hold until next month. But keep an eye out for books and updates on that early next month.' EM Cernunnos asked: 'Anyone have ideas for the next Story Night?' 
Katherine Elle inquired about the Golden Flower and Sand of Compassion that are on display at the EM Hall.  
EM Kasaven explained, 'Hmmm, the sand of compassion was a mysterious discovery ... I was in Dungeon Doom, the Gauntlet and I happened to rest my arm up against the wall and, to my amazement, it passed right through. I looked on and all I saw in front of me was blackness. Curiously, I stepped through the wall, I tested the ground underfoot, though nothing was there, it held me so I continued on until I came to a large room. In it I saw a man, I cannot recall his name, but he wore the clothes of a merchant. Hunched over his body was Alaz'in the Dark Father. I drew my blade as quickly as I could, though I knew I was not a match for the Dark Father by myself, I did the best I could to lure him away, back through the dark, dank hallway where he lost sight of me. As quickly as I could, I returned to the merchant. He was greatly injured. I carried him on my back, teleported past the dark father into another room with a healer and vast treasures. I spoke with the healer, the merchant's wounds were great, but we laid him down and bandaged him best we could. He awoke a day later. I spoke with him and he thanked me and said, "For your great compassion, I will give you this sand. Do not lose it, it has great power and great purpose." I shrugged and placed it into my coin-sack. I decided to put it on display in case others might know its uses. The merchant would not tell me its uses other than I would know the time to use it. The Golden Flower, I am afraid I do not know its origin. It grew in a vast, green acre where only Cern and I may travel. I picked it and preserved it, hoping to put its beauty on display here. It seems as if it was planted some time ago. EM Cernunnos: That might belong to someone ... or something. There is a rumor of a terrible monster in those lands. EM Kasaven: Indeed, the last object I placed there brought us nothing but trouble ... the still-lost Treatise. Which almost lead to Owain's undoing. Another item you may not have noticed that is a recent addition to the hall ... Outside an ancient moss grows. It has been some time since I've seen a plant which radiated such an aura. I know not where it came from. It is an odd thing, the nigh Owain had his vision, which by the way we suspect was about Relvinian, if any remember the name ... Katherine Elle: The mad mage! EM Kasaven: Indeed, we knew him quite well at one time, one of the first to be titled 'grand master'. He disappeared some time ago, into dust and darkness. But due to the location Owain saw, the hedge maze (which Relvinian was said to have constructed), and that demons rose from the ground, we believe he may still be alive ... or worse ... undead. How that connects with the moss, though ... Owain slept outside between the two saddles for nigh on two days while he had his vision. When he arose, sweat-covered and pale as Anne's skirt, the moss covered his entire body 
and strapped him to the side of the counselor's hall. When he tried to free himself, the moss simply 'released' him and stuck itself to the ground. He tried to take a sample to study, but it is quite immovable, and, even more amazing, harder than blackrock! I just hope it does not encase the entire hall before it is through. What theurgy brought it here, though, I do not know. (At this point a debate about the hardness and durability of blackrock ensued ... it was decided that valorite was a better comparison for the Ancient Moss.) Either way, it is quite a mystery. EM Cernunnos: I think it's an improvement. This hall doesn't have enough plants as it is. (EM Kasaven then noticed Ann Nomilly's white skirt is a 'Green Skirt'. After thinking aloud he would like a skirt like Anne's, EM Kasaven added, 'Not to wear, of course!' and returned his attention EM Cernunnos' comment about the lack of plants at the hall.) 
EM Kasaven: Aye, we could use a few plants I'm certain, Cern, which is one reason I brought the flower, though it is not as verdant as most plant life. EM Cernunnos: All that talk about Relvinian reminded me there's a mage I'd met with similar aspirations. However, it wasn't that daemons would serve us, as we all know how that idea ends. But instead, that humans could be served by taming the mighty mongbat. You might all laugh at such an idea, but I think there may be something to it. In any case, I'd recommend you all go get yourselves one. Tame one yourself or buy one ... They're really the next big thing. Anyway, I just feel like this is a great idea. I'm buying one from Honest Ed's Mongbat Emporium. (When asked if he would recommend a normal mongbat or a greater mongbat, EM Cernunnos advised, 'Whatever you think you can handle.') You'd be convinced, too, if you'd heard this guy. 
EM Cernunnos: Story Night Number Three! Let's set if for Thursday, July 9. The subject will be announced when the book is set out. EM Kasaven captured our attention with he asked, 'How many of you here go to Fel??' 
If you brave it, check out the PvP Arena ... It is not quite finished, but just about. Any feedback (click here for for feedback form on EM website) on it would be great. To access the arena, go to Felucca Britain, this exact spot (counselor hall) and there will be a white vortex outside the hall. When you step through, walk a bit northwest along the path, and keep in mind the Fel ruleset. * jokingly * I will be waiting there to PK you. * chuckles * The house is public, so anyone can be there, so obviously insure your things. Some PvP events should start next month. Check out the arena, there are a few 'interesting' items about. As I said, remember it is Fel ruleset, no guard zone, but you can run inside the house if someone flags on you, and they can't enter. (At the current time, there is not a stablemaster nor a permanent healer at the arena, however EM Kasaven is checking into having those added.) Probably the first set of fights would be full template. I hope to get some pure mage type duels set up as well, if there is a demand for it ... but all of that is up to you guys. (Dueling is) always good fun, so don't be afraid to get your hands dirty even if you are a bit of a novice. No fighting takes place outside of the two fighters on the dueling floor. If someone violates that, they'll get the boot immediately. Spectators also welcome. I'll be snooping all spectators ... no wands, talismans, explo/conflag pots ... anything that can subtly or overtly interrupt or ruin the fight. The meet and greet concluded with Scarst asking the EMs if they'd any good books lately. EM Cernunnos has been reading 'Rant', and EM Kasaven is currently re-reading 'The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever', while awaiting the last book of the saga which still has another year. EM Cernunnos then asked if we'd like to head to Tokuno where he was hoping to find the ruins of the Empress' lost tavern ship. 
EM l33t Gear  
Off we went to the Tokuno Sleeping Dragon spawn area: 
Thank you, EM Kasaven and EM Cernunnos! | |
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| Invitation from EM Kasaven and EM Cernunnos | |
| Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009, 5:53 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
from EM Kasaven and EM Cernunnos' website
“Lets get together and chat”
– Sunday, June 21, 8 p.m. @ Counselor’s Hall
by Kasaven
You’ve already met us, so lets discuss some things planned for Cat’s future. Come with questions, concerns, or open ears.
Sunday, June 21, 8 p.m. @ Counselor’s Hall
Both Cern and I will be in attendance. |
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| Black Market tomorrow, June 6th, 8pm EST. Merchants Wanted! | |
| Posted on Saturday, June 6, 2009, 1:48 PM EDT by Petra Fyde (Catskills) |
Ahoy all!
The United Pirates of Catskills announce the next Black Market event for June 6th, 8 pm EST! During this monthly recurring event, you can sell, buy or trade your wares! The facts:
- Merchants can claim a personal market stand where they can advertise and sell their products. The merchants should enter the list of their products into the book locked down on their market stand (at least one day prior to the event, so people can come by and check on the items).
- The prices should be LOWER than the regular Luna vendor prices! Bargaining is encouraged!
- Are you looking for a certain item? You can post your request on the bulletin board out front of the Black Market. Merchants can check the board beforehand and have the appropriate items ready for sale. The board will be wiped after the Black Market is over.
If you want to sell contraband, you can simply come to the Black Market building prior to the event and enter your name and your item list into one of the (empty) books on the market stands. By doing that you have claimed the market stand and may use it exclusively during the event. The Black Market building is located next to our Jolly Roger Inn.
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| The Admiral's Cup - Friday | |
| Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009, 5:18 PM EDT by Sahra Swift (Catskills) |
 Hello Catskills,
Some news from Hawkeye Pike:
At 8pm EST sharp, the most venturous and skilled mariners will meet at the Jolly Roger Inn to compete with one another. At a signal, the seafarers will start and follow a given route, where they have to pass certain check points. The rules are simple:
- Bring yer favorite vessel and yer sea legs!
- The whole journey has to be done by ship.
- The check points will be explained in advance. You have to sail past those check points in the correct order, and make sure that the person waiting there recognizes you (shout your name).
- The mariner who returnes to the Jolly Roger Inn first, wins the cup!
The whole sailing trip will take approximately one hour.
*Pirate Beach Party (Saturday, May 23rd, 8pm EST)*
On Saturday, we invite everybody - both landlubbers and seafarers - to come to our beach party in the pirate village. We will do games, we will gamble and bet, we will hold tournaments and beast fights. Bring some gold for gambling! Bring a weapon (bought from an NPC vendor) for tournaments and fighting! Bring high spirits! Ale is free.
Both events will start at the Jolly Roger Inn in Trammel:
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| “Tales of Terror!” Story Night to be held by EM Cernunnos on 5/21/08 | |
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009, 8:39 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
All ye bards and masters of the spoken word your presence is requested by EM Cernunnos to share your best tales of Horror this Thursday the 21st of May at 8 p.m. EST, at the Catskills Rewards Hall. Below is the information provided by Cernunnos:
  
So prepare your best tale on the subject and join us for what should be an very entertaining evening.
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| Changes and New Things in and Around the Rewards Hall | |
| Posted on Thursday, April 30, 2009, 2:46 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
EM Cernunnos has been extremely busy the last few days and has made a few changes involving the Reward Hall. Here a few things that he has done or has requested done.
 
Some of you may have noticed the energy vortex outside of the EM Hall that took you to the Rewards Hall is now colored black and filled with sparkles. It also no longer is titled “3”, but now is identified as “A Vortex Leading To The Reward Hall”. Meaning it will be less confusing for those unsuspecting people that come upon it and have not read about here on Stratics.
At the Reward Hall on display on the first floor is “A Mysterious Bog Creature – Grown From A Seed Found By Buck On March 19th, 2009” Congratulations go out to Buck for growing such an interesting creature/plant.
On the East side of the Rewards Hall there are now steps placed that lead out to an fire pit surrounded by logs. If you can highlight the fire and see what it says, also single click the fire for a surprise and then for the biggest surprise step into the fire. This reporter promises it will not disappoint you. |
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| New West Britain Bank Renovation Completed by Draconi | |
| Posted on Thursday, April 30, 2009, 2:15 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
Yesterday Draconi visited the Catskills shard to redecorate the First Bank of Britain on the west side of Britain, Trammel side. He converted the drab old bank into the winning design by Sweety making it a much nicer and useful bank for everyone.
 
Some of the improvements are stairs to the roof area, a forge and anvil on the roof, Flowers and decorations around the area, a small picnic area, and seating for those who just wish to enjoy the much nicer bank.
 
  
The bank is now a great starting point for hunting parties because there is a working moongate, Hitching Post for claiming and storing your pets, an Arcane circle for Spell weavers, an Ankh for Paladins to tithe at ( You may be able to ress there too, though this has not been tested yet by anyone this reporter knows.) an forge for armor repairs, and of course you can access your bank box there too as always.
I just wanted to thank Sweety for a well thought out design and Draconi for building it for Catskills.
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| New West Britain Bank | |
| Posted on Thursday, April 30, 2009, 7:22 AM EDT by Sahra Swift (Catskills) |
Hello Catskills,
I have some exciting news... Draconi has built up a new West Britain Bank for us based off of a design by Sweety!
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| “Meet and Greet” with EM Cernunnos Rousing Success | |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 10:29 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
Saturday afternoon and Monday night EM Cernunnos took the time to get to know the residents of the Catskills shard a bit better. He invited everyone to come meet him and ask any questions that they might have, along with handing out sashes of greeting to anyone who desired one. He was given special permission to give out these sashes due to him being assigned to the Catskills shard after most of the other EMs were in place on their respective shards, and they had already given out their Sashes of greetings.
   
Originally EM Cernunnos was only suppose to have his meet and Greet on Saturday afternoon, but due to the low turnout a second “Meet and Greet” was arranged at a hour when more players could attend. The second one also had EM Kasaven join him to joke with the much larger crowd and also hand out a few sashes of his own. At first the two EMs were surrounded by people desiring their sashes, but soon a organized line was made and EM Cernunnos tirelessly handed out sahes to every single person that wanted one.
In a huge surprise even Mesanna (UO Associate Development Manager in charge of the EM program) made an appearance to place a new Animal Trainer at the front of the hall so there would not be so many pets lagging the area. The EM Hall has also gained a new tavernkeeper to keep the thirsty pirate well supplied.
Tuesdays night the Knight's Rest Tavern and Shadowmoor Community Center hosted a Bard's Night in Skara Brae, at the Shattered Skull Tavern, and EM Cernunnos joined in to listen to the tales about “Life in the City”.
On a side note EM Cernunnos placed a new lantern letting those players who are doing the “Botanical Research Event” that he will be collecting the books from 8 p.m. EST till midnight on April 30th. Meaning you just have most of today to complete your book and turn it in to him.
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| Second Chance to meet EM Cernunnos tonight Sunday April 26th | |
| Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2009, 11:13 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
Players who missed their chance to attend the meet and greet for EM Cernunnos yesterday will have a second chance today. He will be at the Councilors (EM) Hall today, Sunday the 26th of April, at 8 p.m. EST for those of you who wish to get to know him and ask him some questions. He may even be handing out special sashes of greetings from himself for those who drop in to meet him. So if you want to chat to the man behind the beautiful new Rewards Hall come tonight and get to know him.
On a side note Lucretia Genovese has placed a new book in the EM hall that is shown below.
  
  
For those of you who are wondering who Lucretia is here is her back story (Lucretia is the RP Character EM Cernunnos uses for events.).
The steward paused a moment at the door of the old cabin, doubting that such a homely place could actually be the residence of his lord’s daughter. Cracks in the crude wood walls of the structure emanated light into the evening outside, giving him hope that perhaps at least some peasant residing here might be able to direct him on to the address he sought. The steward took a sharp breath, then knocked boldly upon the door.
“What is it?” The response was immediate, a female voice tinged with annoyance or distraction, he couldn’t tell. The unlocked door creaked open slightly, and the steward peered inside. A woman was seated with her back to him, writing furiously at a desk cluttered with papers and tiny bottles. The walls of the cabin were covered with dried plants, sketches of animals, and shelves of jars stuffed with all manners of plants and animals. “Yes?” She asked dismissively “Go on, I am quite busy”.
“Lady Lucretia?” he began, waiting for some response from the woman, who only continued to write. “M’lady, I.. have an urgent message from your father”. He called through the cracked door. The woman leapt to her feet, toppling a number of the vials on the desk. One vial of green liquid hit the floor and rolled to the steward’s feet. He glanced down, reading its label: Sample of Swamp Mist. For a moment, he pondered why anyone would want such a thing. She interrupted his thoughts, her voice raised in anger:
“My father..” she began, then turned to face the steward, “I suppose he’s sent you here to bring me back to his castle?” He nodded dumbly, the intense gaze of the noblewoman piercing his resolve. She was both beautiful and stern, her long copper hair tied back tightly in a ponytail, staring at him with steel gray eyes. He swallowed, then stepped inside the cabin.
“Lady Lucretia, he sent you this message...” he offered a folded letter to her, sealed with red wax. She snatched it from his hand and tore it open.
Daughter,
Please put this foolish nature study aside and return at once to my court. Your place is here amongst your own. Leave the picking of dirt and leaves to the peasantry – they are more suited for it.
If your behavior were made public you would bring me much embarrassment. I have sent five million gold to your account – use it to purchase and acceptable wardrobe and carriage for your return.
Lucretia crumpled the letter in one hand, turning to the steward.
“Give my father thanks for his donation to my research, and tell him that if he wished to save himself embarrassment, he may tell others that I am dead!”
The steward stammered, gesturing meekly in protest “M’lady Lucretia, that is quite..”
“That is quite all!” she finished for him, hastily pushing a pouch of coins into his hands. “For you sir, for your troubles.” She pushed him out the door, adding “Much work to do; do take care sir.” With that the door was slammed behind him. |
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| "Meet and Greet" with EM Cernunnos Saturday April 25th | |
| Posted on Friday, April 24, 2009, 2:09 AM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
A new shield can be found in the Councilors (EM) Hall in Britain. The new shield shows that EM Cernunnos will be holding a "Meet and Greet" at 3 p.m. EST on the 25th of April.
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| Mini-Event [April 18th] start Location changed! | |
| Posted on Saturday, April 18, 2009, 9:44 AM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
The start location for tonight’s Mini-Event at 7:30 p.m. EST have been moved to the Councilors (EM) Hall in Britain, Trammel. Sorry for the short notice and please do tell your friends.
In shocking news Lord Owain Surrey is now laying unconscious on his bed in the hall. The questions that has crossed everyone’s minds is how did this happen, who done this to him and why?
Some of the answers are in a book by Kasaven found on the floor beside the bed. Here is what is written in it.
  
  
  
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| A Tour of the New Events Reward Hall | |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 6:14 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
 After visiting the EM Hall I went to check the progress on the new Events Rewards Hall. Last I knew they were taking donations of stone and wood for the project so you can imagine my surprise when I saw the hall pretty much completed in front of me. I took a quick tour of it and wanted to share it with all of you.
 
 
All I can say is EM Cernonnus was not kidding when he said he had a touch for doing homes. Next time you see him tell him he did a wonderful job on the hall. Now it makes me wonder how nice our new Fair Grounds will look when they get them done.
For those of you who wish to visit the new Hall you can get there by stepping into energy filled cloud that is beside the Councilor (EM) Hall in Britain.
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| EM Mini-Event Saturday April 18th, at 7:30 p.m. EST | |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 6:00 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
This evening I was making my rounds to see if there was any new news when I stopped by the EM Hall only to find a new shield placed announcing an future event and a book laid on top of it. This looks to be an Mini-Event this coming Saturday April 18th, at 7:30 p.m. EST and if the book is a clue it involves Lord Owain Surrey.
 
Here is the tale written in the book.
 
 
 
 
For those of you who are not sure who Owain Surrey is here is his back story (Owain is the RP Character EM Kasaven uses for events.):
Owain came into being roughly around the same time as Lord British, and thus has been in the land of Britannia for around 57 years. However, unlike Lord British, Owain was behind the scenes for the majority of his tenure. He hailed from a distant land, but came to Britannia to serve with Lord British. He was on British's council in every one of his tenures as king, but was never revealed to the people, for he had a secret service that he performed. Not only was he on the council to advise Lord British, but he was an his Royal Augur, a soothsayer.
His visions came to him in dreams, and he used those visions to advise Lord British in matters of war, monetary decisions, and foreign policy. He was British's right hand man, only remaining behind the scenes for purposes of safety; he could not be risked to British's enemies.
Then, as Lord British left Britannia for a time, Lord Blackthorne came to power as regent of Britannia. Owain, still wishing to support the regent and the land, remained on the council and remained the Royal Augur to Lord Blackthorne. For quite some time, Lord Blackthorne ruled a prosperous society, and Owain Surrey stood by his side, advising him behind closed doors.
In time Owain Surrey was not the only advisor whispering words in the ears of Lord Blackthorne. Three black robed men began accompanying Lord Blackthorne; his ears no longer listened to the soothsaying of Owain. If Owain would press them to allow him access to Blackthorne they would beleaguer him, refusing him influence upon the regent. They spoke to Lord Blackthorne of great treason unto the throne; they spoke of the evil intentions of the people of Britannia, and of his own council members' appetence for power and their plots to take the throne for themselves.
Thus Lord Blackthorne began his gradual descent into darkness. Owain, seeing this, knew he must act soon lest Blackthorne be lost for eternity. After the black robes left at dusk upon a task most rancorous and malicious in nature (Owain could see this just from the looks in their eyes), Owain burst into Lord Blackthorne's throne room to tell him a of a vision that came to him as he lay sleeping in a cold sweat, concerning the evil of these dark three, these robed aberrations.
As he ascended towards the throne, he raised his eyes toward Lord Blackthorne and stopped abruptly. As he gazed upon his great lord, he saw the transformation that had taken place since their last council. His skin was jaundiced, covered in chancres; his skin sagged and his eyes looked ill, yet his mouth was curved in an ominous grin.
"My Lord, what has become of you?" Owain said, eyes wide and full of pain.
Blackthorne looked back at Owain, and burst into laughter. "I am better, Owain, I now see the truth!"
"My Lord, you are ill, let me take you to the healers," Owain's mouth stood agape "let me undo this evil that has been done unto you!"
"Do not touch me, traitor!" Blackthorne spat, "Guards, cast this man out my kingdom for he is an outlaw, never to return!"
Owain teleported to and fro, avoiding the guard's snares, leaving spurts of lightning trailing in his wake. Yet he was outnumbered, and soon the room was filled with royal guards. Despite his struggles he was knocked unconscious and dragged from the hall.
While this affront to Owain was great, and he was never able to return to Britannia under Blackthorne's rule, it was not the worst he faced in the coming days. A former council member and good friend Kasaven sought him out to give him the more dire news.
After Owain was outcast, Lord Blackthorne sought out Owain's family, his wife and child. Kasaven spoke with much gravitas and pain as he told Owain what had happened. Owain's family was taken from his home in the dead of night and put upon the block. At the stroke of midnight, his wife and his daughter, only five years old, were beheaded as a warning to any others who would bring treason to the crown. If you spoke out against these three, who later became known as the Shadow Lords, or the crown, your pain would be catastrophic.
Hearing this, Owain let out a paroxysm of rage, his fists banged against the earth with such force that he could have shattered its very fabric with his lamenting. A moment later he stood, and his eyes met with Kasaven's. He motioned his palms forward and produced a forge and hammer where before nothing stood. He gripped the hammer so tightly that his palms turned white and his eyes grew red with fury.
For three days he stood before the forge, pounding upon iron with such force that the clang could be heard for miles. He poured his sorrow, suffering, and seething hatred for the Shadow Lords into his creation. On midnight of the third day he gripped the hilt of the sword he had crafted and rotated his wrists, twirling it in front of it. He entitled it "Retribution", for with it he planned to take the heads of each Shadow Lord who stole away his kingdom, his family, and his life.
The Shadow Lords, knowing his intent to visit vengeance upon them, waited until Owain's exhaustion finally turned into slumber. Knowing his gift of prescience, the Shadow Lords waited until he dreamed. Using their theurgy, they brought an imprecation upon him that corrupted his dreams. From then forth, Owain's dreams were at times entirely false, the polar opposite, just as often as they came to fruition as truth.
This became just another reason for Owain to make an oath to himself and his slain family to bring the Shadow Lords to justice. |
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| An Easter Egg Hunt & Bits and Pieces April 15th 2009 | |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 2:15 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
EASTER EGG HUNT April 12th 2009
Last Sunday (April 12th 2009, Easter Sunday) two Easter egg hunts were held for the Catskills residents. Both times the Easter bunny himself showed up at the North Britain Councilors (EM) Hall and stated that he had hidden eggs for them to find and then told them where to go look for the eggs. This reporter only made the later hunt and golden hued bunny sent those who were there with me to the depths of the dungeons Deceit and Despise. Soon as everyone heard where they needed to look they rushed out of the hall and recalled to those two dungeons in search of eggs.
 
 
 
The people ran into many monsters in their search for eggs but they did not let that dampen their enthusiasm for the event, as they scoured every inch of those two dungeons in search of different colored eggs. Some found many eggs, others only a single egg, and few none at all, and when they tired of hunting they returned to the hall to swap tales of their day in the dungeons or to trade for eggs of a color that they coveted. It was a fun event and I just want to say “Thank You Easter Bunny!”.
 
TRAVELING BARDS NIGHT & BLACK MARKET April 4th 2009
 
This reporter has been remiss in announcing the winners of the last Traveling Bards Night at the Jolly Roger. Unfortunately I was late getting there and only caught the very end of the event. The winner were:
Third Place: Trinsic
Second Place: Kaylor McKairin
First place: Georg Satzler
The Bards Night was followed by another successful Black Market and even EM Cernunnos was there to get to know the pirates better. The pirates of course being pirates, asked *Coughes* “Demanded” a tax tribute from him. He had no gold on him but an agreement was reached where he would come to no harm from the pirates… this time. (Best get pockets sewn into those EM robes to carry gold so you can avoid tense moments like that one.)
NEW GATE TO REWARDS HALL
Many of you have noticed a new energy filled cloud that is sitting next to the northern Councilors (EM) Hall in Britain. There is nothing to be alarmed about though. It is merely a gate to the new Rewards Hall that is being built for the shard. For those of you who live under a rock the Hall was taking plant donations to hall beautify it. Now EM Cernunnos is requesting all types of wood and stones to aid in speeding up its completion. So if you have some just taking up space in your house take it there and donate it.
HAGRID RETURNS CLAININ’S SPELLBOOK
 
After Clainin’s Memorial Service was over many had gathered in the EM Hall to raise a toast in honor of a man who lived and died by the virtues. When whom should stumble in but Hagrid carrying a very interesting Spellbook. He inquired if he had missed the ceremony and looked saddened when he found out he had. He then asked Lord Owain Surrey for a special favor that Owain was more than willing to grant him, the honor of placing Clainin’s spellbook at the memorial. No one was sure how he had gotten the book for the last time it had been seen it was in the hands of a certain blackrock loving vampire who had bragged about his part in the slaying of Clainin. Was it the same book? No one is sure and no one is answering any questions about it. So it shall remain a mystery. Later on Anne Nomilly and myself returned to the memorial with Hagrid where he spoke of leaving our lands to visit new places and how he would like the people to remember him by his act of returning the spellbook to its rightful owner. So wherever you end up Hagrid good travels my friend and you did the right thing returning Clainin’s Spellbook.
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| Clainin's Memorial Service | |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 12:00 PM EDT by Vallend (Catskills) |
Clainin the former Royal Court Wizard for Lord British, was slain in what can only be called a unprovoked malicious attack by the forces of the Shadowlords Faction. Clainin, was recently moved from New Haven where he was known to be in a near comatose state for nearly a two year period of time, till he awoke dazed and confused a few weeks ago. It was decided by Lord Casca then to have him escorted to Trinsic in Felucca in an attempt to hide and protect him from harm as he slowly recovered from the long illness. It was there that his life was taken from him way to soon. Clainin was a beacon of hope for the people in these dark times will be missed and mourned by many.
Clainin was first came to public notice when he served as the famed mage Nystuls apprentice where he served his master faithfully. Little did Clainin know that Nystuls had been training him to be his replacement so he could leave the lands to join the king. Clainin proved himself to be more then up to the task put before him, and rose to a position that men like Dupre sought him out to ask council.
Clainin soon had his skills tested when the Meer, Juka and the forces of Exodus appeared. He had a part in finding Dawn so the people had a hero they could rally behind. When through a accident Yew got turned into a swampland by the decay spell cast by the Meer he helped them work to find a cure for the land.
When Lord British left the lands for the void Clainin was made a member of the Royal Council. Where he work diligently to protect the kings lands and people. He found a cure for Sir Geoffrey the Royal Guard Commander when he had been poisoned during a battle with Keeonean, one of Minax’s generals. He also aided Avery in investigating the followers of Armageddon only to be caught in the disaster that destroyed the town of Haven and ending up in his long lasting coma. Clainin was a man that cared for the people and the land and will be missed very much.
Lord Owain Surrey presided over an special memorial for Clainin in the throne room of Lord British’s castle and here is what he said of the great man.
Lord Owain Surrey: I hope you are all well, and in better spirits than I.
Lord Owain Surrey: Let us begin
Lord Owain Surrey: It brings tears of pride to my eyes to see so many gathered here this day.
Lord Owain Surrey: To honor such a man whose loyalty to Britannia cannot be summed up in mere words.
Lord Owain Surrey: To honor a such a man whose magnanimous actions, time and time again,
Lord Owain Surrey: protected all living things from the travesties of blinding evil.
Lord Owain Surrey: Only his penetrating gaze could detect Ramuz the Shadowlord when he walked among the people.
Lord Owain Surrey: Only his powerful machinations protected Britannia when Yew and Cove were overrun by Orcs.
Lord Owain Surrey: *relights his candle*
Lord Owain Surrey: Only his great leadership rallied the people, side by side with Dupre.
Lord Owain Surrey: *bows his head, remembering a time long ago*
Lord Owain Surrey: And only his gentle words prevented me from drowning in despair, when my life was in ruin.
Lord Owain Surrey: He was the last of the council whose whereabouts were known,
Lord Owain Surrey: and thus an era of great men of Britannia,
Lord Owain Surrey: men whose good deeds we could not fathom to match, even if wed lived 10 lifetimes,
Lord Owain Surrey: comes to an end this day.
Lord Owain Surrey: *looks out and over the crowd, his eyes moist with sorrow*
Lord Owain Surrey: It is our duty, then, to carry on as protectors of valor and virtue, of honor and humility,
Lord Owain Surrey: *raises head up*
Lord Owain Surrey: to stay the hand of evil till we breath our last breaths,
Lord Owain Surrey: till we can no longer grasp the hilts of our swords in old age, for long have we fought damnation.
Lord Owain Surrey: *takes a deep breath*
Lord Owain Surrey: When word reached my ears of Clainins awakening, my heart leapt from my chest.
Lord Owain Surrey: I am sure I am not the only one here who felt thus
Lord Owain Surrey: eh?
Lord Owain Surrey: I ran to New Haven, my mind racing, my mentor, after 10 long years, finally awake!
Lord Owain Surrey: Yet when I arrived, only the outline of Clainin remained in the linen on his sick bed.
Lord Owain Surrey: Word later came to my ears that Casca had moved him to a safer place and
Lord Owain Surrey: as my heart had leaped moments ago, now it collapsed in my bosom.
Lord Owain Surrey: I knew nothing good could come of such a thing, and my premonitions did not lie!
Lord Owain Surrey: And alas, here we are today, to honor the fourth innocent soul
Lord Owain Surrey: that the Shadow Lords have rent from my life, from our lives!
Lord Owain Surrey: *Scans about the crowd and scoffs*
Lord Owain Surrey: I also see that Casca is not here today, perhaps that is in his best interest,
Lord Owain Surrey: for we demand answers!
Lord Owain Surrey: As much peril as I risk in this statement, if he cannot bow his head to honor Clainin,
Lord Owain Surrey: I cannot bow my head to recognize him as king!
Lord Owain Surrey: But alas, today is not a day of revolution; it is a day of remembrance.
Lord Owain Surrey: I remember Clainin as a great teacher, for I was his apprentice, as he was Nystuls.
Lord Owain Surrey: He taught me not only the arcane arts of the magician,
Lord Owain Surrey: but more importantly the love of the land and its people.
Lord Owain Surrey: I carry that love with me this day and for always, and I share that love with you all.
Lord Owain Surrey: Let us not lament for the man that once was,
Lord Owain Surrey: but rather let us rejoice for the legacy that forever will be! Long live Clainin!
Lord Owain Surrey: Never forget!
Lord Owain Surrey: *looks about the crowd*
Lord Owain Surrey: Shall anyone else like to say a few words before we march to his memorial in the gardens??
Lord Owain Surrey: Come, let us go then!
Lord Owain Surrey: let us form
Lord Owain Surrey: a line and march!
(Lord Owain Surrey then led the group outside the castle and led them to a private spot in the northeastern corner of the courtyard.)
Lord Owain Surrey: *bows head gently*
Lord Owain Surrey: The flowers have an enchantment upon them
Lord Owain Surrey: they will never wilt nor die
Lord Owain Surrey: forever shall they smell sweet to honor Clainin
Lord Owain Surrey: Does anyone have any items they wish to add, as an everlasting memorial??
Lord Owain Surrey: Come, hand it to me, I shall place it
(Many people gave Lord Owain Surrey items to be placed around the memorial in remembrance and out of respect for Clainin at this time, and he placed them carefully around it.)
Lord Owain Surrey: Thank you all, these items will help us to remember Clainin and all he has done for us
Lord Owain Surrey: * bows head, saying his final goodbyes*
Lord Owain Surrey: If there were ever a time when the land needed you, Clainin
Lord Owain Surrey: it is now
Lord Owain Surrey: I will heed your words of wisdom
Lord Owain Surrey: and adhere them to the best of my ability
Lord Owain Surrey: I pray I do not disappoint.
Lord Owain Surrey: I shall retire to the Counselor's hall, for a few drinks in honor of Clainin.
Lord Owain Surrey: If any would join me, comfort is always needed
Lord Owain Surrey: *bows one last time for Clainin*
(The gathered group then dispersed some going for the drinks and others to mourn a fallen hero of the land in their own way.) |
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