Hello fellow Sosarians,
Today I returned home only to find a "Big Fish" on my front steps with a note sticking out of its mouth. This is how it read. . . .


The Gentlemen Of Fortune are proud to present


The 2008 Quint Classic

Bait your hooks and get to chumming the waters of your favorite fishing hole. In this event, quantity and size do matter.

The month of February will be used for fishing up your biggest and best fish. All interested fishers will use the entire month to hook your winners.

On the night of February 29th at 1100 EST, we will be meeting up at the Vesper Docks in Felluca to weigh your fish and award prizes.

There will be two categories to win in and you can enter both. There will be only one prize for each category.

First will be the overall biggest fish. Simple enough, the fisher bringing in the biggest fish will win.

Second will be a total weight. Each fisher will bring his 3 biggest fish and the one with the highest total wins.



Now, I know Pirates do not like a lot of rules, but we do have some rules for this event.

1. All big fish being entered must be un-mounted. We will mount the winning fish in the biggest fish portion, to assist in future events.
(Yes, you are keeping your fish after we mount it)

2. You must bring your fish to the docks to be entered.

3. No loading your fish with rocks or other items to increase the weight.

4. Sea Serpents are not eligible as big fish.

5. Fish showing signs of being caught by explo-fishing are ineligible.


Set sail and good luck!

This has been Paul Harvey,
Good Day!

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For additional information, make sure to check out the article on Stratics Central HERE

"Perhaps it is time," he spoke aloud to himself, "perhaps it is time to leave this place."

He reconsidered his choice of words. Place? This place was his home. A home that was now a mere shadow of what it once was. He continued pacing the darkened room, carefully avoiding the crumbling bricks beneath his feet. He was beginning to come to the realization that his home would eventually become his tomb if things did not change.

It had been ages since he spoke to another, although on occasion someone would still wander into his home. He would never speak to those individuals however, instead he chose to lurk in the shadows, in fear that someone might be coming to enact revenge against him. He still considered the possibility of revenge, even after so many years had passed. It had become an obsession for him, an overwhelming paranoia that had gripped him for so many years. Who would be the
next to enter his home? Would it be just another harmless adventurer that had simply stumbled upon the cave? Would it be another miner looking for a hidden stockpile of precious ore? Or would it be someone from long ago, coming to seek revenge against him for his past crimes? Perhaps even the son or daughter of someone that had fallen victim to his past atrocities. There were so many possibilities that it was pointless to even try to consider all of them.

But it didn't matter. He still considered every possibility, over and over again. He was losing a grip on his sanity. Even his perception of reality was fading. He feared as if he was drifting back into the same state of mind that had harmed so many in the past. He needed to escape his home, if just for a moment. Maybe that would help heal his diseased mind.

He wandered out into the cave and looked about. A pile of discarded ore and a rusted pickaxe, an indication that no one had entered the cave in quite sometime. He leaned forward and peered out towards the cave's exit. The sunlight burned his eyes to the point that it was almost dizzying. He took a knee and then sat himself down upon the floor of the cave. He pulled a book out of his satchel and started writing hastily.

His writings were the only thing keeping him sane, or at least that is what he believed. To anyone else, the writings were garbled nonsense.
They had slowly deteriorated into words and symbols that only he could understand. His panicked writing continued into the night. Eventually he wiped his brow and rose to his feet.

"It must be nearly midnight by the eastern sky." He thought to himself. "Enough of this for one day. Time to go home."

He took a few steps backwards until he could feel the carved stones beneath his feet.

"Frostflame," he whispered.

And with that he was home to begin another day.

Late yesterday evening I was startled by Eldred Wodeu, the Britain Postmaster, while perusing some newly discovered tomes for the Library of Sosaria. He handed me a letter, apologized for its tardiness, and went about his rounds. The unsigned letter was written on parchment that had a faint scent of incense:

My curiosity piqued, I waited until 8:45 pm and used the public Yew Moongate north of the Library and went to Britain. Minutes later, I arrived at the mouth of the mountain pass and headed east. At the old fortification I came upon Templar Oona and several Redemption Knights, needless to say they were curious as to why I might be in the area. I showed them the letter I received, and Oona mentioned something about strange dreams she had been having which coincided with a letter that she had also received:

While we waited in the pass, Soke Bishimi of the Blue Lotus Clan suddenly appeared in our midst. A long-time enemy of Britannia, the Soke's arrival instantly raised the Templar's hackles. She demanded to know why he was there and why she shouldn't arrest him on the spot. Bishimi coyly stated the he was "here due to prophecy delivered to the Dojo that very day." Apparently a messenger had verbally delivered a message to the Blue Lotus leader. They continued to argue as the sound of several approaching travelers grew louder.

Three men dressed in brown monk's robes strode towards us, two pack llamas in tow. Templar Oona stopped the men and asked them why they were in the pass. The lead man, who said he was a "Prior of the Order of the Sacred Heart," informed her that they were monks taking cargo from Britain to a ship docked in Skara Brae - and from there on to Yew. When asked what their cargo contained, the monks produced a manifest declaring it as two cases of 'dusky red paint.' They also produced a scroll bearing a note from the Abbot of their Order:

Unimpressed by the monk's papers, the Soke repeatedly demanded to inspect the llama's cargo. Templar Oona steadfastly rejected his demands and groundless, seeing as not only was he an agent of Tokuno, thus he had no authority. The monks looked nervous and asked to be on their way, refusing a B.A.F. escort to their destination. Bishimi gruffly demanded they hand over their cargo to him..."or else." He stated that the monks were carrying items "crucial to averting a catastrophe for the Tokuno people."

Of course, the monks refused to hand over their cargo, saying it was only paint. One by the name of Vorn even went so far as to show the edge of one of the cases, only to discover that the paint had begun to leak. The monk's dismay over the loss gave Bishimi an opportunity to swing the encounter to his benefit and a group of ninja descended on the Redemption Knights - who also had several hidden members reveal themselves. Escaping through the canyon in the melee, the monks made it to the road heading into Skara Brae before the victorious forces of the Blue Lotus caught up to them. I hid behind an oak tree and watched what transpired...

More demands for the cargo were met by refusals from the monks, and threats soon escalated into violence. One ninja that I recognized as Garret, held a blade to the throat of the monk called Vorn. He quickly lay lifeless at the feet of his brothers. The Prior looked shocked, but refused to give in to the demands for their cargo...the second monk then joined Vorn in the afterlife. Curiously, one of the llamas chose to avenge its master's death and attacked Garret; one swift stroke of his leafblade later and its lifeblood pooled on the ground with the others.

It was then that the Prior, looking his soon-to-be murderer in the face, chose to reveal himself as an agent of Absu Maul - and a follower of Nosfentor. The 'monks' were not what they appeared. The ninja took the cargo; two crates soaked with a red liquid, and killed the 'prior'. The remaining B.A.F. forces came upon the scene just as the Blue Lotus clan gated away.

Men working for Nosfentor by posing as monks carrying mysterious cargo through Britannia... A 'prophecy' about a disaster in occupied Cove - or is it in Tokuno? Who are we to believe? Who is the mysterious 'pagan woman' behind the messages? What was in those crates that were so important to the Blue Lotus Clan that they would risk coming deeper into Britannia? I implore the author of the letters to contact me personally. Tell me your secrets...

As I sat down to write this article, a confidential source arrived and informed me that the Blue Lotus Clan had been attacked by the Triad of Evil earlier that evening. Apparently Nosfentor had sought to kill the Empress of Tokuno, Miko Nakamura. The Crimson Order was broken; Tokuno had cut its ties to Nosfentor. Anything that weakens the Shadowlord is good news! Could the end of her reign of terror be neigh? One can only hope...

**Interesting aside: The Order of the Sacred Heart did indeed exist. However, it was a charitable organization based in Britain and founded on the Principal of Love. It's logo was that of a heart with three drips of blood underneath. It was founded in BY 5 by Lucas Wagner, a peasant farmer who became rich after finding buried treasure on his land. It prospered for many years bringing food and clothing to the needy, which ultimately created the village of Paws to the south of Britain. The Order eventually foundered in the chaos after the mass exodus from Felucca to Trammel in BY 331.**

Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria

The following are our Auctions for this week on Lake Superior:

FATE Auction

Date:  Wednesday, January 30

Time:  6:45 CST

Location:  Road West of Umbra by Orc Fort

Contact:  Dosa Ravengard - ICQ 302871673

YGV Auction

Date:  Thursday, January 31

Time:  7:00 p.m. CST

Location:  Northwest of Yew Moongate

BEC Auction

Date:  Friday, February 1

Time:  8:00 pm CST

Location:  West Gate of Luna City

Contact:  Lady Tia - ICQ 23944805

- Jeremy

This report was submitted to me by Oriana and Sara of Baja on their new auction house!

New Auction house opening!! Oriana and Sara of Baja are proud to announce the Grand Opening of the Baja Cathedral Auction House. Date: Saturday February 2nd, 2008 Time: 4:00pm shard time Where: Baja Cathedral Auction House We will be accepting consignments until Friday, February 1st 2008 at 7pm shard time. There will be a book locked down at both Oriana's and Sara's both located on the outer ring outside Luna in the northwestern corner, with the consignment guidelines as well as runes to the auction house will also be available. Here's to a successful auction and lots of fun for everyone!!

Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday:

FoF: Fletching, Finally
Jeremy Dalberg
25 Jan 2008 17:53:08

"Enhanced Bandages - do they help if you're already at your skill cap," redux:

Leurocian looked over this again, and it turns out while we were partly right, we were also definitely wrong:

"Using enhanced bandages - even if you’re at your healing cap - will affect the amount of hit points healed. Enhanced bandages essentially adds 10 to your healing skill for the purposes of calculating the amount of hit points healed."

What they do NOT do is improve your success chance (say, for resurrection, which is 64% at GM.) So if you're capped out, they do provide a benefit, but it's a very specific benefit.

(Note: if you're NOT at the cap, one other thing enhanced bandages can do is bump you up over the minimum skill requirements for curing poison (60) and resurrecting (80.) You'll have a pretty low success chance, and you won't be able to gain skill from those attempts, but you can try 'em.)

Thanks to Athos for very kindly pointing out that we'd overlooked something :)

"What are the property and intensity ranges for runic saws and fletcher's tools??"

Well, this one's long overdue, isn't it? Here Ya Go!

(Incidentally, I'm convinced that one of the reasons that the guide is so behind is that no one wanted to make all those fiddly little item graphics into transparent gifs. Oh, Fletcher's Tool, how I loathe thee!)

"How are the various Chivalry spells' duration determined?"

There are three spells in Chivalry that have a variable duration - Enemy of One, Divine Fury, and Consecrate Weapon. Turns out they use very nearly the same formula. (Warning, math ahead!)

The base formula is as follows: duration in seconds = (square root(karma + 20000 + (Chivalry*100)) / divisor) The "divisor" part is the bit that varies from skill to skill - for EoO it is 1, for Divine Fury it is 10, and for Consecrate Weapon it is 20. "Karma" can be anything from -20000 to 20000. Chivalry can, obviously, be anything from 0 to 120. It's also all converted to an integer, so fractions are dropped.

As for the actual results, for people who don't want to play with spreadsheets:

Enemy of One: 109 seconds at -20000 karma, 178 seconds at 0 karma, 228 seconds at 20000 karma

Divine Fury: 10 seconds at -20000 karma, 17 seconds at 0 karma, 22 seconds at 20000 karma

Consecrate Weapon: 5 seconds at -20000 karma, 8 seconds at 0 karma, 11 seconds at 20000 karma

"Does the Jack of All Trades bonus affect the parry/bushido relationship?"

First of all, a few explanations:

Jack of All Trades: a human racial bonus that gives humans a bit of skill (+20) in everything. (This ONLY serves as a minor chance to succeed at untrained skills - it doesn't affect a skill at all once you train it past 20.)

Bushido and Parry: Bushido gives a bonus to your chance to parry with weapons, but reduces your chance to parry with a shield.

What the question is really asking is, does that +20 Bushido from JoAT reduce my chance to parry with a shield? And the answer is no - the JoAT bushido has no effect on your ability to parry whatsoever. Leurocian was particularly thorough with this one - JoAT was specifically designed not to have that effect, and it says so in the code itself, the actual scripts don't use that modifier, plus Leurocian wrote a test script just to make sure, and, sure enough, JoAT does not reduce your parry chance with a shield.

"When's the next patch, and what's going to be in it?"

We're looking tentatively at getting the next publish out to TC the first week in February - we've got a pretty solid handful of bug fixes planned for it (KR, 2D, and gameplay bugs) we're in the process of looking over the BOD bug fixes and runic intensity tweaks, and, of course, the next event will be included in this one.

Jacksonville Town Hall

Remember, the first Town Hall of the new year will be March 1 in Jacksonville, FL at Dave and Busters. The RSVP page isn't updated yet, but you can get the address and time on our Town Hall Page - we'd love to see you all there!

Hope everyone had a lovely week - enjoy your weekend!

Jeremy

Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday:

FoF: Fletching, Finally
Jeremy Dalberg
25 Jan 2008 17:53:08

"Enhanced Bandages - do they help if you're already at your skill cap," redux:

Leurocian looked over this again, and it turns out while we were partly right, we were also definitely wrong:

"Using enhanced bandages - even if you’re at your healing cap - will affect the amount of hit points healed. Enhanced bandages essentially adds 10 to your healing skill for the purposes of calculating the amount of hit points healed."

What they do NOT do is improve your success chance (say, for resurrection, which is 64% at GM.) So if you're capped out, they do provide a benefit, but it's a very specific benefit.

(Note: if you're NOT at the cap, one other thing enhanced bandages can do is bump you up over the minimum skill requirements for curing poison (60) and resurrecting (80.) You'll have a pretty low success chance, and you won't be able to gain skill from those attempts, but you can try 'em.)

Thanks to Athos for very kindly pointing out that we'd overlooked something :)

"What are the property and intensity ranges for runic saws and fletcher's tools??"

Well, this one's long overdue, isn't it? Here Ya Go!

(Incidentally, I'm convinced that one of the reasons that the guide is so behind is that no one wanted to make all those fiddly little item graphics into transparent gifs. Oh, Fletcher's Tool, how I loathe thee!)

"How are the various Chivalry spells' duration determined?"

There are three spells in Chivalry that have a variable duration - Enemy of One, Divine Fury, and Consecrate Weapon. Turns out they use very nearly the same formula. (Warning, math ahead!)

The base formula is as follows: duration in seconds = (square root(karma + 20000 + (Chivalry*100)) / divisor) The "divisor" part is the bit that varies from skill to skill - for EoO it is 1, for Divine Fury it is 10, and for Consecrate Weapon it is 20. "Karma" can be anything from -20000 to 20000. Chivalry can, obviously, be anything from 0 to 120. It's also all converted to an integer, so fractions are dropped.

As for the actual results, for people who don't want to play with spreadsheets:

Enemy of One: 109 seconds at -20000 karma, 178 seconds at 0 karma, 228 seconds at 20000 karma

Divine Fury: 10 seconds at -20000 karma, 17 seconds at 0 karma, 22 seconds at 20000 karma

Consecrate Weapon: 5 seconds at -20000 karma, 8 seconds at 0 karma, 11 seconds at 20000 karma

"Does the Jack of All Trades bonus affect the parry/bushido relationship?"

First of all, a few explanations:

Jack of All Trades: a human racial bonus that gives humans a bit of skill (+20) in everything. (This ONLY serves as a minor chance to succeed at untrained skills - it doesn't affect a skill at all once you train it past 20.)

Bushido and Parry: Bushido gives a bonus to your chance to parry with weapons, but reduces your chance to parry with a shield.

What the question is really asking is, does that +20 Bushido from JoAT reduce my chance to parry with a shield? And the answer is no - the JoAT bushido has no effect on your ability to parry whatsoever. Leurocian was particularly thorough with this one - JoAT was specifically designed not to have that effect, and it says so in the code itself, the actual scripts don't use that modifier, plus Leurocian wrote a test script just to make sure, and, sure enough, JoAT does not reduce your parry chance with a shield.

"When's the next patch, and what's going to be in it?"

We're looking tentatively at getting the next publish out to TC the first week in February - we've got a pretty solid handful of bug fixes planned for it (KR, 2D, and gameplay bugs) we're in the process of looking over the BOD bug fixes and runic intensity tweaks, and, of course, the next event will be included in this one.

Jacksonville Town Hall

Remember, the first Town Hall of the new year will be March 1 in Jacksonville, FL at Dave and Busters. The RSVP page isn't updated yet, but you can get the address and time on our Town Hall Page - we'd love to see you all there!

Hope everyone had a lovely week - enjoy your weekend!

Jeremy

Dearest Lava!
Fun and games abound this coming week at Majestic Madness! It's Let's Make a Deal! Lots of fun games and lots of great prizes! There's a pendant of the Magi in the offing for some lucky contestant! Come to the wintery MOA Castle on Ice Island via a gate at many Trammel banks. The madness starts at 8pm Central time!

Vanna White, Drop-Dead Gorgeous Game Show Hostess

Oceania Olympic Games: Summary 19th-23rd January

It's been an exciting week of the Olympic Games, with a lot of changes in the medal tallies for both players and cities. DJ Urlacker has been broadcasting each event live on Whispering Rose Radio, and his exciting commentary and musical accompaniment has certainly made for some interesting events! We've now played ten of the eighteen events, so we've passed the halfway mark!

There's still plenty of excitement to be had, however, and the Games resume on Tuesday 29th January with Track & Field (Cross Country), so be sure to join us to compete or spectate. Now for some results...

Medal Tallies as at 25th January

And the individual events...

The Equestrian Event took place on a specially-built track. Competitors had to complete the track (while mounted) in the shortest time to win. The track was essentially made up of two levels: The lower level was a simple grass and step track, whereby contestants earned a "fault" (adding three seconds to their time) each time they went off-course or stepped on a black goza. The upper level was a suspended track, where falling off was its own penalty, but stepping on the black goza still cost players the three second penalty.

Competitors: Bird (Yew), Chief Y (Skara Brae), Johan (Jhelom), Lady Kat (Skara Brae), Lourd (Moonglow), Nakita (Moonglow), Queen Aglaranna (Magincia)

The aim of this event was to earn 101 points by taming from a list of available creatures with set point values. Here were the creatures that could be tamed and the point values for each:

Competitors had to bring in the creatures one at a time, and once they were tallied, they led them to the slaughtering pen before releasing them so that Lord Canute could bludgeon them to death with his mace. Animal rights activists were advised to keep away during this event.

Competitors: Bryson Fox (Britain), Lady Kat (Skara Brae), Lauren (Britain), Ma (Trinsic), Nakita (Moonglow), Nameless (Magincia), noX (Skara Brae)

Contestants had to race to plant a seed in a bowl. Sounds easy enough, right? Except that the four components needed for this (bowl, dirt, water and seed) were scattered in crates and chests in our garden, and these were locked! Each competitor was given a keyring with a set of four keys, which would open the four containers they would need to complete their own planted seed. The first three to return to Digger with their planted seed claimed the medals.

Competitors: Aria (Yew), Becky Lee (Moonglow), Blossom (Moonglow), Fib (Minoc), Gohan (Jhelom), Lady Kat (Skara Brae), Lexise (Yew), Lover Boy (Minoc), Queen Aglaranna (Magincia)

In this event, entrants were required to catch a set combination of things and return them to Digger first to win. Of course, to ensure no-one had come prepared with fish in their pack, we took everyone to Felucca first for a good snooping. Once this was done, it was off to Blanche Island, the ideal remote fishing spot! Contestants had to catch the following: One plain fish facing each direction (four in total), two of the four 'scattered' fish types (highly peculiar, truly rare, wondrous or prized), and two different types of footwear.

Competitors: Beach (Britain), Becky Lee (Moonglow), Blossom (Moonglow), Lady Kat (Skara Brae), Popeye (Magincia), Queen Aglaranna (Magincia), Walter (Minoc)

Thanks to everyone who has supported and continues to support OPEN and the Oceania Olympic Games! And thanks to Lady Kat for her fantastic report on the earlier events!

Oceania Olympic Games: Summary 19th-23rd January

It's been an exciting week of the Olympic Games, with a lot of changes in the medal tallies for both players and cities. DJ Urlacker has been broadcasting each event live on Whispering Rose Radio, and his exciting commentary and musical accompaniment has certainly made for some interesting events! We've now played ten of the eighteen events, so we've passed the halfway mark!

There's still plenty of excitement to be had, however, and the Games resume on Tuesday 29th January with Track & Field (Cross Country), so be sure to join us to compete or spectate. Now for some results...

Medal Tallies as at 25th January

And the individual events...

The Equestrian Event took place on a specially-built track. Competitors had to complete the track (while mounted) in the shortest time to win. The track was essentially made up of two levels: The lower level was a simple grass and step track, whereby contestants earned a "fault" (adding three seconds to their time) each time they went off-course or stepped on a black goza. The upper level was a suspended track, where falling off was its own penalty, but stepping on the black goza still cost players the three second penalty.

Competitors: Bird (Yew), Chief Y (Skara Brae), Johan (Jhelom), Lady Kat (Skara Brae), Lourd (Moonglow), Nakita (Moonglow), Queen Aglaranna (Magincia)

The aim of this event was to earn 101 points by taming from a list of available creatures with set point values. Here were the creatures that could be tamed and the point values for each:

Competitors had to bring in the creatures one at a time, and once they were tallied, they led them to the slaughtering pen before releasing them so that Lord Canute could bludgeon them to death with his mace. Animal rights activists were advised to keep away during this event.

Competitors: Bryson Fox (Britain), Lady Kat (Skara Brae), Lauren (Britain), Ma (Trinsic), Nakita (Moonglow), Nameless (Magincia), noX (Skara Brae)

Contestants had to race to plant a seed in a bowl. Sounds easy enough, right? Except that the four components needed for this (bowl, dirt, water and seed) were scattered in crates and chests in our garden, and these were locked! Each competitor was given a keyring with a set of four keys, which would open the four containers they would need to complete their own planted seed. The first three to return to Digger with their planted seed claimed the medals.

Competitors: Aria (Yew), Becky Lee (Moonglow), Blossom (Moonglow), Fib (Minoc), Gohan (Jhelom), Lady Kat (Skara Brae), Lexise (Yew), Lover Boy (Minoc), Queen Aglaranna (Magincia)

In this event, entrants were required to catch a set combination of things and return them to Digger first to win. Of course, to ensure no-one had come prepared with fish in their pack, we took everyone to Felucca first for a good snooping. Once this was done, it was off to Blanche Island, the ideal remote fishing spot! Contestants had to catch the following: One plain fish facing each direction (four in total), two of the four 'scattered' fish types (highly peculiar, truly rare, wondrous or prized), and two different types of footwear.

Competitors: Beach (Britain), Becky Lee (Moonglow), Blossom (Moonglow), Lady Kat (Skara Brae), Popeye (Magincia), Queen Aglaranna (Magincia), Walter (Minoc)

Thanks to everyone who has supported and continues to support OPEN and the Oceania Olympic Games! And thanks to Lady Kat for her fantastic report on the earlier events!

Posted to uoherald.com:

All Shards Have Been Published
Jeremy Dalberg
23 Jan 2008 12:07:43

All shards have been published with the following:

Made changes to the character database to allow for larger backup sizes. This will not have any visible impact on players.

Last evening's 286th meeting of the High Council of Britannia was sparsely attended, but full to the brim with interesting developments in the fields of national and international politics. Chancellor Max von Bayer, clothed in a blindingly white tunic, called on Minister of Virtue Lord DaKaren to announce proposed changes to the Royal Constitution of the Kingdom of Britannia. The Minister, also clad in a glaring snowy hue, directed the council and spectators to the Ethereal Tomes and a copy of the proposal. The changes Lord DaKaren put forward range from simple clarifications and added administrative regulations, to a definition for Enemies of State and how the High Council is to respond to an Occupied Territory during times of War. Also, for the first time, common-law land laws were explicitly spelled out. Plans are to ratify the new constitution during the next High Council meeting.

After the Minister of Virtue, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kemmler, brought a representative of the Empire of Tokuno before the Council to speak. Bunshichi apologized on the Empire's behalf for the deaths of the children of Britain several weeks ago. He stated that "Empress Nakamura had ordered the children to be released unharmed, but that Nosfentor acted in defiance of those orders when she butchered them. The Empress has vowed that the Shadowlord shall face severe consequences for her cowardly actions." Bunshichi also stated that the children of Cove were being prepared to return to the families without Nosfentor's interference. "I give you my word that they will be returned to their parents just as they left them."

Bunshichi then stunned the Council with a request for aid... Apparently, the Lotus Dojo in Zento had been robbed by the mysterious thief known only as 'M.' She had apparently stolen a sword that had once belonged to Seiji, the founder of the Blue Lotus Clan. As is typical, a scroll was left at the scene of the crime:

M's note is characteristically sarcastic and insulting, reinforcing previous supposition that she intentionally taunts her victims. A tidbit of her past is revealed, by saying that she has been in Tokuno before. However how this could aid an investigation is presently unknown. The most interesting bit of information is of the existence of a 'pet.' What, or who, this could be is a complete enigma.

Unsurprisingly, the Blue Lotus Clan wishes M captured and the sword returned. Chancellor von Bayer cautioned that the state of war that exists between Britannia and Tokuno would hamper a coordinated investigation of the theft, but he tasked Minister Kemmler to work with the Tokuno representatives.

At the end of Bunshichi's audience, a commotion was heard downstairs at the Civic Center's entrance. The Knight on duty rushed into the Chamber to speak with Templar Oona, who then announced that a party from the Temple of Mondain had arrived and sought to address the High Council. The Council accepted them into the chambers. A group of people in sand-colored clothing entered dragging a struggling robed man bound in chains. The leader of the group was an elf named Gargomel, and he wished to share with the Council "the events of past night."

Apparently, there had been a coup de grâce within the Temple of Mondain. Mordain, the Dark Lord of the Temple, had been usurped by one named Marka Sythiox. Marka felt that Mordain had led the priests astray from their faith in the divinity of Mondain, and deemed Mordain's followers to be 'Mordainites' and had them purged. Marka wishes to make amends to the High Council for the crimes of the past, and thus sent the party to present the chained Mordain as a gift, "disarmed of his power to show that Marka means what he says."

The stunned High Council turned the new prisoner over to Templar Oona so he may be imprisoned in the Newcastle Jail to await trial on multiple charges of murder, kidnapping and sedition. As he was about to be handed over to Oona, Mordain called Gargomel a "traitor" and called Mondain an "old crusty deity." He then went on to say that "his followers would kill him (Gargomel) when they came to his rescue..."

Gargomel laughed and said that Mordain's "rescuers were naught but ghosts" and that "he couldn't hold a candle to Mondain's power" or his religious faith.

Mordain countered acerbically with "I AM your religion!" At that point Gargomel ordered fellow faithful Mondainite Veritus to gag Mordain. Oona handed Mordain over to Maelmordha for transport to the jail in Newcastle.

After the meeting, I approached the Council members individually for comment.

Chancellor von Bayer: "I'm quite pleased with their offering tonight. Britannia is safer with Mordain off the streets, but my main concern at the moment is Zento must be held to their commitment that the children of Cove will be returned safely."

Minister Kemmler: "I will be endeavoring to see that these two opportunities are given the chance to blossom into a brighter future for Britannia and her people..."

Minister DaKaren: "Tonight has shown us that the forces we consider to be 'evil' are far more complex than any black and while label we can place on them. It was a fascinating night!"

Is cooperation with the Empire of Tokuno advisable after years of war? Is peaceful contact with the Temple of Mondain even possible? Does Britannia have a choice? Only time will tell. In the days ahead I will be following up on these events and investigating further into each to bring you the most complete picture possible.

Have hope, my friends, for the Virtues shine gloriously upon our Kingdom brighter now than in recent years.

Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria

Many pleased shoppers patronized the Newcastle Bazaar's Grand Opening last Thursday evening, making the Bazaar a smashing success. A lone golem stood outside the building with members of the Royal Knights of Redemption welcoming the people being gated in from across the Kingdom and beyond. Inside, crafters peddled their well-made wares to the curious customers.

On the first floor, Dag Nabit, Dot Warner of the Order of the Etheral Ankh, and Ra'Vendall of Newcastle (Arms) covered the bowcraft, tinkering, carpentry, smithing, and stonecraft services. On the second floor, Sorrowful Rain of the Empire of Tokuno (a rare cross-cultural exchange), Luigi and the Goddess Isis of Newcastle took care of novelties, pizza, and tailoring respectively. A man named Zork cheerfully served beverages from the nearby Wild Rose Inn and Café to both patrons and craftsmen alike.

There were but a few minor disruptions to the otherwise peaceful evening... The Temple of Mondain tried to proselytize for their faith, and was quickly asked to leave. They went outside the Bazaar and continued to try and convince passersby of the divinity of the long-dead evil sorcerer. The Royal Knights of Redemption and Bishop Micah (of the nearby Newcastle Abbey) forcibly ushered the Mondainites through a moongate and back to their dark keep in the Compassion Desert of Felucca.

The party returned, those of us on the first floor were regaled with a heroic story by Lilandra - a tale of how Bishop Micah protected her from scorpions. Lilandra the tailor, formerly of Newcastle, has been living with Lady Silverbrook in her estate on the Isle of Magincia since her dog Skattles was kidnapped by 'M' during a Virtue Poetry contest several years ago. Afterwards, she literally bounced about the Bazaar until she was menaced by the wolf that has beset Newcastle for several months. As with the week before, the wolf chased and bit at Lilandra before being stopped by Arzakon Smash and Pierre of RKR. Lilandra seemed strangely drawn to the wolf, and attempted to calm the beast. Unfortunately for her, the wolf only glared at her with contempt before assaulting her again. This continued off and on for the next hour with Lilandra being the target each time, eventually ending when Lilandra left.

The largest sale of the evening was to Rachel of Chicken Fight Club fame. She placed an order with Dot Warner for the staggering quantity of thirty golems. Curiously, no one questioned the sobriety of Ms. Warner as she continuously quaffed jugs of the most expensive spirits the Wild Rose had to offer, Verity Cider. As I have known Dot for quite some time, I questioned her about the wisdom of 'drinking on the job'. She dismissed my concerns as foolishness, and promptly toppled off her stool. I hope her guild can help to resolve whatever issues have led her to the bottle...

The Newcastle Bazaar will reopen for a night next month to provide the same great services at lower-than-Luna prices in a friendly atmosphere. Keep an eye on the Calendar of Events for the next Bazaar date.

Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria

Login Servers Down Temporarily

This information was just posted onto the UOHerald:

---

Login Servers Down
Jeremy Dalberg
22 Jan 2008 18:35:48 (GMT -8)

It appears that the login servers are currently down - our network guys are investigating, and I'll post when we have news. (People currently in game should not be affected.)

---

Jingle, Jangle, Jumble, Jump! This just in! No time set yet, watch the Stratics boards, or contact the man in charge for more info!

===============================

Sunday January 27th FOKU is hosting a 2 vs 2 tourny..

20 million pay out..

Followers of Kyrite Untied….. Are proud to present to you FOKU #1

Grab the best pvp your know and Enter the tournament 1 million per team…

Rules are
No Pets
No Summons
No Fields
No Earthquate/wither/poisonfields/para fields
No Exp Potions
No wraith form
No Mortal Strike

Allowed:
All specials not mentioned above
Cure/Heal/Refresh/Strength/Dex Potions Allowed
Protection Allowed
Necromancy/Chivalry Allowed
Apples Allowed
Hiding
Mirrior Images
Magic Stone Walls
Gift of Life(If cast during duel)
Essence of Wind is allowed

*Additional rules may be put in before fight date*
*2 vs 2 Tournament Every class…

If you would Like to Enter Sign up at 42254535

After more than twenty four hours reclined and sedate I clicked into the realm this evening for just forty five minutes to witness Katie and Merlin tie the knot.

I was greeted at the Compassion gate and escorted to the wedding location by the galant Lord Spark.



hollister offered his front row seat which I gladly and thankfully took.
There were the busy last minute details being seen to as I took my seat. I had the pleasure of sitting in the same row as Avari'sLoveSlave, Courtney and Lord Fritz.

The location of this ceremony was very familar to me as this is the area in which I GM taming many many moons ago on a Ridgeback. Lee pointed out that he had tamed in this location often also.



As Emma and Merlin saw to last minute decor and flowers I could not help but notice Queen B arriving in a white dress and cape. It was shocking to me as everyone knows you should never wear white to a wedding unless you are the bride. Then again Queen B is a Queen so I guess she can get away with it.

On the subject of fashion the guests were to the nines. Well...all except one who needed a facial and microderm badly! See below.



The Rev arrived in a brown robe with the perfect accessories.
Not only did the Reverend Paul look the part he spoke the part beautifully giving the bride and groom a vow to remember.



Decker the Black arrived extremely late as the bridal party waited calmly but not as late as the Bride.
It was worth the wait as she looked ravishing and you could tell on Merlin's face she was melting his heart.



GROG walked the bride down the aisle and before you knew it they were man and wife under a canapy of fireworks.



Both the bride and groom were dressed in clothes crafted by Eternal Love. Hopefully that is an omen.

As the wording on thier reading cake read.....

" TWO UNITED AS ONE ~ CONGRATULATIONS MERLIN AND KATIE "

In typical male fashion as the newlyweds walked down the aisle exiting, you could here the groom shout " Come on baby ! " to his new bride.

Nice going Origin!

Please join us on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, for a House of Commons chat with the developers of Pirates of the Burning Sea. The chat will begin at 5pm PST /7:00pm CST /8:00pm EDT in the #StraticsHoC channel on Stratics IRC.

You can connect to one of our IRC servers through the use of your favorite IRC client or you can visit our new Downloads section to choose a suitable client. Connect to irc.stratics.com port 6668 or whichever server is closest to you:

• stratics.frws.com port 6668, USA - Colorado
• irc.gamers-irc.org port 6668, USA - Colorado
• irc.glowfish.de port 6668, EU - Germany
• stratics.afraidyet.net 6668, USA - Atlanta

You may also connect through our handy Java link which may be found right here. You must have Java installed to use this which can be downloaded from the Java homepage.

How to ask questions at the chat: Type /msg [QT]NICKNAME and your question. Please send questions only to the QT's (moderators) because questions sent to anyone other than the QT's will not make it into the lineup.

Flying Lab members in attendance are projected to be:

• Producer John Scott Tynes
• CEO Russell Williams
• Lead Designer Kevin Maginn
• Content Director Jess Lebow
• Troy "Aether" Hewitt.

We hope to see you there!

Kayhynn

The storytelling festival held in PaxOku as part of the PaxLair Statehood 10th Anniversary announced its winners in a short evening ceremony. The contest was held in the Musuem of Virtues Annex. There were 3 categories to compete in: Best Written, Most Entertaining, and Most Memorable. Lady Luana R. Wilfair of the Crest of Courageous Hearts [*CH*] was the the festival hostess and judge.

The winners were:

Best Written: Governor Winfield for Fishing Forever

Most Entertaining: Elias of Arundel for Journeys of Elias

Most Memorable: Jhym for Courage of Trinsic

Congratulations to the winners!

Contestants and audience members watch the awards ceremony

Oceania Olympic Games: The Journey So Far...

KNOWLEDGE
GOLD - Chief Y (Skara Brae)
SILVER - Ereon (Minoc)
BRONZE - Fib (Minoc)


Chief Y does an acceptance speech for his Gold medal.

ARCHERY
GOLD - Queen Aglaranna (Magincia)
SILVER - Penny (Trinsic)
BRONZE - Miki DeTaker (Minoc)


Penny's lucky shot!

ORIENTEERING
GOLD - Teeshy (Trinsic)
SILVER - Frost (Jhelom)
BRONZE - Thalandor of Yew (Yew)


Teeshy, Nakita and Frost on the Orienteering Lap.

BAGBALL
GOLD - Johan (Jhelom)
SILVER - Queen Aglaranna (Magincia)
BRONZE - SORO MANY SPAWN (Britain)

SCRIBE
GOLD - Kizukai (Moonglow)
SILVER - Lady Kat (Skara Brae)
BRONZE - Queen Aglaranna (Magincia)


Such serious scribing!

A Bulking Bagball Bout

The first match kicks off.

Miss Wind Rider races after the bagball.

Chili shows his support for SORO MANY SPAWN.

Miss Wind Rider and Johan battle it out.

Lava!
This Monday, Jan. 21st it's Majestic Casino! There will be games of chance with gold to be won at the MOA Castle on Ice Island! The fun and games start at 8pm Central time with gates at many Trammel Banks! Hope to see you there!

Vanna White, Drop-Dead Gorgeous Game Show Hostess




Vanna Dearest,

I am having a little " tune up " this weekend and will try to attend.
It may be a little liberating to toss some gold around.

Fondly, L.L.

• The Ground floor and the top floor are the only floors that need to be designed. The new top floor has to be a garden design. The dimensions of the house are 17x17.


• The designs must match the current floor plan, and no use of glacial/crystal tiles, walls, or floors are permitted. The bottom floor must have room for 5 vendors.


• Entries are allowed to use decoration (lockdowns and add-ons) as well as custom housing designs, if this is the case, two screenshots must be submitted, one with the decoration, and one without.


• Contestants from any shard may enter, and the design can be done on any shard, even test center, as only the screenshots need to be submitted.


• All entries are to be posted in the thread linked to this article. The winner for each floor will receive 2.5 million gold, for a total of a possible 5 million gold, as well as a special book to commemorate their architectural achievement. Gold will be given out on Atlantic only.


• Pictures of the current floors can be found here: First Floor - Top Floor
  

Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday:

FoF: Fearsome Frailty
Jeremy Dalberg

18 Jan 2008 13:10:28
"Are Necro and Spellweaving affected by intelligence or inscription?"

Leurocian says,

"No, just magery."

"Do monsters ever have HCI or DCI effects or is their hit chance purely based on weapon skill?"

At first glance, it looks like no, NPC hit chance is solely based on weapon skill. However, that's not *quite* the whole story.

A few NPCs have attacks that debuff hit chance or defense chance - Lady Mel's "Aura of Nausea" does both, and NPC ninjas can use "Surprise Attack" which lowers defense chance. NPC samurai can use "Lightning Strike" which gives themselves a hit chance buff. So in those cases, it's not pure weapon skill determinining their chance to hit.

Here's a completely random factoid that turned up while Leurocian was researching this, too - monsters that use breath attacks (dragons, hydra) suffer a huge defense chance debuff while using that attack. It only lasts about half a second - just long enough to shoot an arrow into their open mouth, I guess - but it's a neat thing to be aware of.

"How is Concussion Blow's effect determined?"

Concussion Blow's damage is the absolute value of the victim's current mana percentage minus their current hit point percentage, divided by four, plus ten. (Absolute value means that the result is treated as positive - see examples below.) However, the damage bonus will be at least ten and not more than 30.

Example: Your opponent has 90% of their mana remaining, but only 40% of their health. Concussion Blow subtracts 40 from 90 to get 50%, divided by four is 12.5. The decimal value gets dropped, plus ten is 22. That's within the allowable range, so your move will do 22 extra damage.

Example: Your opponent has only 40% of their mana remaining, but 90% of their health. Concussion Blow subtracts 90 from 40 to get -50%, converts that to absolute, divided by four is 12.5. The decimal value gets dropped, plus ten is 22. So the end result is exactly the same as above - it's the difference between HP and mana which matters, not which one is higher.

"Are Blackrock Elementals ever going away?"

Draconi says,

"Blackrock Elementals will be seen less and less in the coming future, especially around Valentine's Day - who'd want a romantic evening out mining ore to be interrupted by such an obstinate foe?

Know as well that soon their secrets will be revealed, and victory assured for the wary and attentive."

"I have x as my profession title and I really want y - how do I change it?"

This is one of those that old-schoolers probably know and non-old-schoolers had no chance to ever learn. Here's a brief explanation of profession titles and how to change them:

The profession title displayed on your paperdoll is your highest skill in "real" or unmodified skill. This part can't be changed - if you're a GM Blacksmith, and you have 50 Tinkering, you can't get Tinkering to display on your paperdoll.

In the event of a tie, however, you have more control. The displayed title will be the first skill in alphabetical order that is marked "up" in the skill window. If they're all locked or set to "down," the displayed title will simply be the first one in alphabetical order. For example, if you have 100 Blacksmithing and 100 Tinkering and you want your title to be "Grandmaster Tinker," lock Blacksmithing and leave Tinkering set to rise.

(Yes, it's a rather arcane system - as I recall, it was implemented when skill locks were. Back in the day, skills rose or fell based on use or lack thereof, and you had no actual control over them - being a GM was usually temporary, because if you used any other skill it'd go up and knock your GM skill down. Trying to maintain a template was... well, uphill, in the snow, both ways. :P)

Fansite News

UO TOOLBAR announces their '08 Safety Menu!

"The UO Toolbar Safety menu has been updated for 2008! This is no little update... this is a major revamp.

In the new Safety menu you will find many new additions including anti spyware, anti phishing/spam, anti virus, browser & email alternatives, firewall/intrusion protection, instant messaging protection, Internet security suites, online security testing, password managers, PC support services, Wi-Fi protection, Windows Update, and more.

Many of the products in the Safety menu are commercial, but there are also many that are free. With the new year here, now is a good time to re-evaluate your PC's security protection and update/replace those that are out of date. Protect your PC and your Ultima Online account!"

Our Newest Designer Introduces Herself!

"Hello everyone!!!

I wanted to pop my head in to give a big wave to everyone!!! Some of you may or may not remember me I was previously a gamemaster for Ultima Online a little over a year ago. I was GM Adida. When the GM support was moved to Virginia I stayed in California and was promoted to a senior game master for Pogo.com. Yes, Pogo.com people can get rowdy . Now, I am back working with Ultima Online as a Game Designer.

I’m sure you want to know a couple more things about me. I was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. Go Tampa Bay Lightning!!! I guess from that statement you can tell I like hockey. As far as console games I play a lot of Rock Band and Guitar hero. For online games I play UO, DAOC, Pogo.com, and dabble a little bit in WOW (my highest character is 30). I am also addicted to casual games for the PC such as Diner Dash Flo on the Go.

I am very excited that I have the opportunity to work on Ultima Online again.

Chrissay "Adida" Zeeman

UO Associate Game Designer"

I should totally know better than to promise that someone else will do something by "next week," and I apologize - we're still hashing out the details of our larger-scale plans for the year, so it's going to take a bit longer. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

Jeremy

Governor Winfield officially started the 10th Anniversary celebration for the PaxLair Statehood with a speech at the Mage's Tower in PaxLair City.

Governor Winfield opens his speech.

The Governor started his speech with a brief history of the founding of PaxLair, when citizens of The Band built three buildings in the large meadow east of Yew.

History was made 10 years ago...

The proclamation of Lord British, on display for all to see.

Eventually the city grew and formed alliances with other cities. Today the PaxLair statehood is 4 cities working together: PaxLair City, Felucca; Dragons Watch, Felucca; PaxLane, Trammel; and PaxOku in the Tokuno Islands.

Please join the statehood as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Realm. Schedules for the anniversary events are found in the skypage calendars, and all are welcome to attend.

Governor Winfield concludes his speech with hope for the future.

Last evening, I was invited to attend a Knighting Ceremony held by the Royal Knights of Redemption in the Newcastle Municipal Hall. Chancellor Max von Bayer, White Bryony, Zeph Wightfyre and I witnessed Prafectus Oona promote Squire Kallviels to a Knight, entitled 'Zealot'. Arzakon Smash also earned a promotion from 'Dragoon' to 'Dextra', Oona's right-hand man.

Undermarshal Ariakas, Onna's second in command, stepped forward and surprised the Prafectus by announcing that the Knights wished Oona to become 'Templar'. 'Templar' was the title held by the late Ren the Conjuror during his tenure as leader of the Knights, a label that Oona has been reluctant to accept. However, the faith that the Knights place in Oona's leadership encouraged her to embrace her rightful designation.

With their new ranks and titles properly displayed on their uniforms, Oona declared that 'the drinks were on her' at the Wild Rose Inn and Café. As Arzakon jovialy proceeded to race Scoob to the bottom of the nearest bottle of spirits; I asked her how she felt about the promotion, she said "I am most proud of my Knights and the citizens of Newcastle. With my dying breath, I will see that both continue to prosper."

As we sat there trading quips and enjoying the evening's company, a strange man in a lavender cloak came into the tavern claiming to have news of "something to the south" and saying that wolves were out to get him. Shortly thereafter, a wolf (the one who has been stalking the citizens of Newcastle since before Yule) appeared and menaced the man. The wolf proceeded to chase him around the Inn's café until Ariakas was able to shoo it away.

Unfortunately, the wolf didn't stay gone for long and returned to bite the man on the leg. Again, the Knights tried to rid themselves of the vile creature, Malag-aste received a vicious bite to the face while trying to banish it with a torch. This seemed to cause the wolf to discorporate, as it didn't bother the Knights the rest of the evening. The strange man then retired to a room in the Inn above.

My evening continued to get interesting however, as my horse CythRi decided that a command to come to me somehow meant "run away to the south and get a snack." After tracking her down and feeding her a carrot, life was contented again. I wish to congratulate Templar Oona on her new position, and hope the Knights continue to stand in defense of the Kingdom.

Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria

This past monday night I arrived at Ice Castle ready for the monthly Chests of Doom and Delights game hosted by MOA's Monday Night Madness Crew and I was greeted by Vanna White and Demitria.



Miss Vanna decorated the castle in shades of ice blue for the event. She always does a great job and changes the decor often giving the patrons new eye candy on game night. Needless to say it is not all about the patrons when it comes to Vanna. She herself always matches the decor and she never decorates with a color that is unflattering to her.

The girls seemed tired and Demitria stated that school started that day so the game was going to start on time regardless of attendance and it did.

I soon learned it was ferret night so I quickly made a dash for the stables and brought Tuck back to the castle to frolick with Nip. Tuck being the gay blade that he is was glad to get the chance to come out and play. Vanna had so many ferrets under foot she tripped often......or was she dieing ? There was a lot of dook dook dooking going on.





The Moonglow issue came up again at this event because of the ferrets about. I have heard this for months now by a handful of players claiming that their ferrets do not bond when housed at the Moonglow Stable. Stranger things have happened so it would not surprise me if it's fact.



As the evening wore on more people arrived and as always great items were in the chests including rubble. I departed with a cocoon thanks to FiFi LaForge.

Malikae sporting a purple spikey "do" and Great William assisted Vanna in making this a fun night however, a ladies nightmare fell upon me. Another lady arrived wearing the same kilt as me ! Oh the shame, oh the embaressment, oh the pain, oh the suffering.
It was that Dastardly Delight.



Regardless who shows up to this event, no matter what they are wearing knowone looks as fab as Vanna. Even when she dies not one hair is out of place! How does she do it ?

Great William asks the questions during this game and they were all related to winter, perfect for this time of year.
Thank you MOA and that crazy Madness Crew for great fun.


Try saying this four times real fast

Remember the days of yore when you could saunter up to your local smithy or tailor's and negotiate for the goods and services you needed? Tired of the trudging from one listless vendor to the next? Annoyed by the high prices and hideous architecture in Luna? If "Aye!" was your response, then the Newcastle Bazaar was built for you!

This Friday eve (January 18th), 8pm by the Central Skies, the Newcastle Bazaar in Newcastle Township will be officially opening its doors to the public. Designed with a personal touch in mind, the Bazaar will feature monthly nights of *LIVE* crafting - you won't find the vacant stares of shifty Luna vendors here!

All goods at the Bazaar are crafted to order, barring a few heavy items, and will be available on the spot. Armor, weapons, furniture, house wares, and even golems may be purchased for a fair price. Crafters may even buy resources from enterprising individuals, or barter for services.

Come for an evening of trade, conversation and to meet new and old friends alike! Find your special someone a gift for Valentine's Day, update your home décor, or bring home a mechanical friend to battle alongside you!

The Newcastle Bazaar is located at 107o 9'N 31o 0'E next to the Newcastle Abbey. It is along the coast southwest of Prison Peak and the valley that leads to the box canyon containing Wrong. Gates will be provided from the Luna and West Britain Banks, and sporadically from the New Haven Bank.

The Newcastle Bazaar was funded by Malag-aste, Turcople of the Royal Knights of Redemption, to help support the locals of the township and to breathe new life into old community traditions. He said he was "inspired by the stories of the old days, told to us by Oona..." The Bazaar is planned to be open one night a month for commissions.

Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria

Winfield, Governor of PaxLair, sent in this notice and schedule of events for PaxLair's 10TH ANNIVERSARY:

FROM THE DESK OF GOVERNOR WINFIELD - January 15, 2008

Hail my friends,

I am honored to humbly announce the 10th Anniversary of PaxLair on Chesapeake.  PaxLair was founded as a player community on January 19, 1998.  Our 10th Anniversary Schedule is published here.

A long time ago in what seems only yesterday for many of us, we saw a great Realm come into existence called Ultima Online.  This Realm immediately captured our fascination even before we could actually met each other "face to face".  When the gods created the world for us, we jumped right in to discover fantastic sights, beasts, dungeons, and treasures beyond belief.

As we walked, rode, and gated throughout the Realm we met each other.  We found each other in dungeons, in shops, and even in boats on the high seas.  We teamed up in guilds and saved up gold for houses we could care for and store our belongings, lest a thief passed by who we quickly attempted to dispatch into the abyss.

Camaraderie and friendship became the "watch-words" as we worked together, and against each other.

People started to master their skills and the people and gods were happy.

Then came the early days of the player-towns--a group of houses formed by a guild or group out of the necessity for a common location to meet one's goals or to experience the Realm in a much broader way.

PaxLair was and is one of those early player-towns.  Formed on Chesapeake Shard by The Band guild, it became noted as a crossroads and a hot-spot for many travelers and peoples.  It was January 19, 1998 when the first building and the first brick were laid down in a sleepy meadow west of the Compassion Shrine on what is now called Felucca, Chesapeake.

Various people flocked to this new town called PaxLair in the months to come with numbers estimating at around 300 interested and involved people.  The gods came too and helped PaxLair work with so many people.  It was fascinating to be a part of this interaction...and at times to see the blood spilled in the town streets.  Soon a working government was needed to control the bloodshed and to help organize the people.

I became the first Mayor of PaxLair in mid-1998 and still continue to be involved, now as the Governor of PaxLair.  PaxLair has became a Statehood of several player-cities on Chesapeake.

PaxLair is much more than a place...a group of buildings...a guild of people...a government structure of mayors and their councils.  It is a vision for persistent cooperation and opportunity for people taking their activities in the Realm two or three steps beyond defeating monsters or other people.  It is a community spread across the shard and the Realm (at times) for people to meet, greet, and have fun.

PaxLair has always been a crossroads not just as a place, but as an idea.  Many people come and go through PaxLair; some stay for years on end; others come back to their roots at a future time.

We are 10 years old on January 19, 2008.  We have not been dormant.  We have not collapsed.  For some reason we continue to trudge along trying new things and old things.  We are not about size or numbers.  We are about quality of life in this Realm.

And in this regard, we are continually inspired by all the player-towns in the Realm who accomplish so much.  For together, we are one community...one unified peoples in a Realm always full of intrigue and wonder.

I humbly invite you to come to PaxLair in our cities during our 10th Anniversary.  We have many events planned, but most importantly...we have an opportunity to meet you.

Our 10th Anniversary Schedule is published here.

Dragonspeed to you all,

Winfield, Governor of PaxLair Statehood

 

Also included is a schedule of events.  Be sure to check this page often in case the schedule changes.

PaxLair 10th Anniversary

Founded on January 19, 1998

Chesapeake Shard, Ultima Online

 

Four Day Celebration -- January 16-19, 2008

Jan 16 - PaxLair City, Felucca

Jan 17 - Dragons Watch, Felucca

Jan 18 - PaxOku, Tokuno

Jan 19 - PaxLair Official Anniversary Day

 

See MORE below for the entire agenda!! 

Wednesday, January 16th - PaxLair City Day

PaxLair City, Felucca.
(Food and drinks provided throughout the night by Klug da Stu Makr.)
 

8:00 pm EST - Governor's Opening Speech
Host: Winfield
Location: Mage Tower Roof, PaxLair City, Felucca.

8:10 pm EST - Mayor of PaxLair Speech
Host: Ga'kuct
Location: Mage Tower Roof, PaxLair City, Felucca.

8:20 pm EST - Lenora Library Dedication
Host: Lenora
Location: PaxLair City Library, Mage Tower 3rd Floor, PaxLair City, Felucca.

8:40 pm EST - Tour of PaxLair City
Host: Winfield
Location: PaxLair City, Felucca.

9:30 pm EST - Scavenger Hunt
Host: Mayor Ga'kuct
Location: Chaos Tower Roof, PaxLair City, Felucca.
Notes: 25 minutes to gather the items and return.

10:15 pm EST - Jousting Tournament - Gold Prize
Host: Mayor Ga'kuct
Location: North Arena Tower , PaxLair City, Felucca. 

Thursday, January 17th - Dragons Watch Day

Dragons Watch, Felucca.

4:00 pm EST - Archery Tournament (Hit and Run Style)
Host: Cymbria Devereux
Location: Start in Haven Archery area.
Notes: Part of the tournament will be in Felucca, but in a guard zone.

8:00 pm EST - Archery Tournament (Hit and Run Style)
Host: Cymbria Devereux
Location: Start in Haven Archery area.
Notes: Part of the tournament will be in Felucca, but in a guard zone.

9:00 pm EST - Leg Five of the Amazing Race
Host: NANOC and Phoenix.
Location: Skara Brae Community Center, Trammel.
Gold prize for the night's winner and points accumulate towards the 5 million Grand Prize at the end of the Amazing Race.
 

Friday, January 18th - PaxOku Day

PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno.

10:00 am EST - Storytelling Contest (Theme: The Best Time on Chesapeake)
Host: Crest of Courageous Hearts (*CH*) guild
Location: Museum of Virtues Annex, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno
Note: If no one appears at the Museum of Virtues Annex by 20 minutes after the hour, Lady Lu will leave until the next scheduled time.

12:00 pm EST - Storytelling Contest (Theme: The Best Time on Chesapeake)
Host: Crest of Courageous Hearts (*CH*) guild
Location: Museum of Virtues Annex, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno
Note: If no one appears at the Museum of Virtues Annex by 20 minutes after the hour, Lady Lu will leave until the next scheduled time.

2:00 pm EST - Storytelling Contest (Theme: The Best Time on Chesapeake)
Host: Crest of Courageous Hearts (*CH*) guild
Location: Museum of Virtues Annex, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno
Note: If no one appears at the Museum of Virtues Annex by 20 minutes after the hour, Lady Lu will leave until the next scheduled time.

4:00 pm EST - Storytelling Contest (Theme: The Best Time on Chesapeake)
Host: Crest of Courageous Hearts (*CH*) guild
Location: Museum of Virtues Annex, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno
Note: If no one appears at the Museum of Virtues Annex by 20 minutes after the hour, Lady Lu will leave until the next scheduled time.

6:00 pm EST - Storytelling Contest (Theme: The Best Time on Chesapeake)
Host: Crest of Courageous Hearts (*CH*) guild
Location: Museum of Virtues Annex, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno

8:45 pm EST - Storytelling Contest Judge's Decision
Host: Crest of Courageous Hearts (*CH*) guild
Location: Museum of Virtues Annex, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Homare-jima, Tokuno
Three Prizes: Best Written, Most Entertaining, Most Memorable

9:30 pm EST - Net Toss
Host: Se'an Silverfoot and Elias of Arundel, and sponsored by ATD
Location: Blue Light Tavern, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Homare-jima, Tokuno
 

Saturday, January 19th - Official Anniversary Day

3:00 pm EST - Treasure Hunt by Grandmaster Hunter
Host: Hester Tarian
Huntress: Lady Evadne Howard
Location: Tea House, PaxOku, Tokuno

8:00 pm EST - Small Claims Court Cases
Judged by the PaxLair Court System
Host: Chief Justice Kathleen
Location: Gryphon Hall

9:00 pm EST - Grand Ball and Dinner
Host: Winfield
Location: Museum of Virtues Annex, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno
Notes: Formal Dress Code or standard uniform

10:00 pm EST - Tour of Unique Places in Sosaria
Host: Winmere
Location: PaxLair Tea House, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno

No jingle or jangle today, folks. Tonight is more of a somber night here for the Jester. I have stepped out of my normal line of duty. Recently I made a visit to what is left of the City of Magincia. While there, I encountered the Magnate of Magincia, a man known in name as Isk. Isk is well known across Magincia as the richest, most powerful man on the island. The people of Magincia had been looking at him for guidance for years.

===============================================

The Magnate and one of the other men of Magincia, Walter was his name I believe, led me on a tour of the island. I warn you now, it is not a pretty sight. (Picture intensive, kids, just giving you a heads up.)

Erickson Yates: Thank you, Lord Magnate, for taking time out of rebuilding Magincia to speak with one such as I.

Erickson Yates: How goes the rebuilding process, sir?

Isk: Slowly. There is only so much that can be done without the citizens back. Parts of Magincia are still coated in rubble and debris so the island continues to look like a war zone.

Erickson Yates: Have you made an effort to seek aide for the other nations and territories?

*Isk seems to get agitated before answering*

Isk: The city of Pride does not need help from outsiders. When we were invaded the mainlanders did nothing to stop the flow of daemons. I watched with my own eyes as packs of elves lured white daemons on my buildings. Sure there were those that were genuine in the defence of the island, but the vast majority wanted nothing more than seeing Magincia burn so that they may take souvenirs home.

Erickson Yates: You are the head of a movement that is known as Humanis. Do you believe this invasion was a plan put into action by the lesser races in order to put and end to
Magincia? A place many feel to be the last beacon of hope for Humanity.

Isk: I do not think that the inferior race of elves caused this invasion… but I do think that they used the opportunity to exploit Magincia’s weakness. With the defenders so busy dealing with the daemons the elves which would normally be carefully watched had near free reign.

*Isk pauses for a moment as if considering the rest of his answer*

Isk: As all followers of the Humanis ideology can tell you, the elves are self serving and thus they can not stand anything that is better than them. It just so happens that the glorious city of Magincia overshadowed by large margins that of their primitively quaint treetop city. So elves used the invader daemons as their own weapons and lured them on our structures. So much of our history is gone now because of those greedy bastards.

Erickson Yates: Were you surprised by the mass number of men and women who came to defend Magincia?

Isk: At first I was. It seemed like we might have a chance but then one day early in the invasion a different mood came over most of the defenders. Someone must have planted the idea of letting the daemons loose in the city so that they can explode and in the carnage things might be stolen. While I have already stated that the root of the idea came from one with pointy ears there were plenty of people who went along with it, especially at nightly hours.

*At this point, the Magnate's eyes are locked onto the eyes of the Jester. Even through the mask the Magnate wears, it was visible what that his eyes were locked on those of the Jester*

Isk: Humanity rallied in the end. When the final daemons came and took root around the moongate we defeated them thoroughly… they said Magincia was saved then. But does it look safe to you?

*As the Jester glances around him, he sees the rubble of what is left, and with that, understands the point the Magnate was trying to make*

Erickson Yates: Did you know I was one of those men who came to help aide Magincia?

Isk: There were many people, a lot of chaos. I am glad you were there.

Erickson Yates: As you and I walked the streets, I noticed no buildings. How could they not have saved even one building?

Isk: Near the middle of the invasion a few of us gathered around the bank to save it. We figured the bank would be crucial in any rebuilding process. So a few of my guildmates and a handful of others surrounded the bank and successfully defended it. However over night others lured the light daemons on it. This made us see that unless we went on without sleep there was no way to save the buildings. The greed of the rubble seekers, the influence of the elves on them, was too strong.

Erickson Yates: I do not even hail from Magincia, and I am angered! What about you, Lord Magnate?

*Isk makes fists with his shaking hands*

Isk: Of course I am angry. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t enter a fit of rage. If it were within my power I would bring down the fist of humanity on every crook what stole off with my city’s walls.

Erickson Yates: Where were the refugees of the city sent? Trinsic? Moonglow? Nujelm?

Isk: My wife Angelique took the citizens off the island during the beginnings of the invasion. I do not know where they have gone but I hope they are safe and that they return soon. We can not hope to rebuild without the help of the citizens.

Erickson Yates: I have a personal question to ask of you... Many years ago, when I was a child, I came to Magincia on a visit. The one person I met was a man named Mario.
He was the town baker. Tell me, Lord Magnate, did he survive?

Isk: Ah yes, the famous Mario. He survived… I think. Since he disappeared at the same time as the rest of the citizens it can be safe to say he is with the refugees, wherever they may be.

Erickson Yates: A lot of people wonder, Lord Magnate, what can we do to help rebuild Magincia?

*Isk rubs the chin of his mask before answering*

Isk: I will take the help of any human that offers it. In these times it is not a crime to have some humility. As to what can be done to offer help, we need ships and the help of independent traders to get our diamond trade back on track. The diamond trade will be what pays for our city’s revival.

Erickson Yates: This question might seem out of place, and you do not have to answer it, but I must ask anyway... Did you suffer any personal losses, Lord Magnate?

*Isk’s left hand shakes all the more as he raises his voice*

Isk: Next question.

Erickson Yates: What words of healing can you offer all those that lost a friend or family member in the invasion?

Isk: Keep hope alive. It is the nature of humanity to rise to the top. We are a race of strength and purpose. When one of us may falls another will rise. Magincians, do not give up your pride. Just because our friends have been torn down does not mean that they will be forgotten. I promise to you that I will build a memorial to all our dead when our city is rebuilt.

Erickson Yates: Thank you for your time, Lord Magnate.

The Black Rune Library was perhaps the most used and best planned of any library of its day. When it closed it affected a lot of players. William of GOF wanted to make something as good as or better then what Black Rune was,- not just for the Guild of Friends but for all of the Great Lakes community. William and his team worked days on end with the idea of doing something that would benefit the whole shard. One of his guild members, actually the King of GOF is todays guest, the first one of 2008.


*Lady Lava and one of the many Flashes at the GOF headquarters*

You have several Lord Flash characters including a King. How many do you actually have and what are theirs skills?
I have Lord Flash (the king -Leader of Guild of Friends skilled in diplomacy & a little of everything.
The kings tamer, a legendary tamer peacer, the kings crafter Legendary smith -tailor with gm carp and tinker
and one old school miner smith.

I also have a character for fun called a cow who is a fencer poisoner. Also two pizza delivery characters, one whom is a gm bow crafter- fletch and one whom is a gm cook that does in game catering and parties.



What was the inspiration for the name Flash?
First name in real life is Gordon.- Flash was a nickname from high school and one I used during the days when CB radios were popular.

How long have you been playing UO and when/how did you first hear of this game?
My first account is at 111 months. My kids got me hooked on it. I used to watch them play and started to take their chars out on Baja shard. It didn't take long before they set me up on a different shard(Great Lakes) with my own char to save their items on Baja.

You are a member of Guild of Friends. What is your title and how long have you been involved with this guild?
I am the current guild leader.(king) I joined GOF after playing the game for about a year on my own, pre Tram. I was at a low point in game and ready to leave it when I met members of GOF (the leader at that time and his 2nd in command)who helped me out and took me in. They renewed my love of playing and helping others.


*note statues of elders above doorway at entrance of GOF Library*

There are three main leaders that have statues over the doorway of the GOF library. What are their names?
As you face the building King Flash is in the center.
To his left is william (the kings sword and protector)
to his right is Thorir Grangus (the kings shiled) and mystic diplomat. Together they form the tribunal leaders of the guild. We work as a team to lead and make decissions for the good of the guild.

On the subject of library......please share with our readers the history and goals of the GOF Library.
GOF has a long history of helping players get started in the game. While some of the PvP guilds mock us as being a “noobie guild” some of the finest fighters in the top Feluccia guilds got their start in GOF. Because we always have a lot of new folks with a lot of questions, we wanted to provide them with a resource to help them when the vets weren’t around or available to help them.



*One of several floors at the GOF Library filled with books*

At this time how many members does GOF have?
291, 187 vets

You and I met for the first time several years ago at the yearly event, Gathering of The Guilds. What do you think of this event and has it helped GOF in any way?
Myself I would love to see more events happen that involve guilds getting together ,working in union with each other. I think whomever got the idea for Gathering of the Guilds did a great service to the game. In every Gathering the Guild, mwembers of Friends met new guild leaders and members and added to our list of friends.... and meeting Lady Lava was one of the best things I remember of the first Gathering I attended.

What is your favorite color?
Deep blue ..like on a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I would improve my health -if you have good health you can overcome most anything else

What is your greatest fear?
UO will close its doors, pull the plug .... then what would I do? Real life? oh no not that!!

Which talent would you most like to have?
Signing and guitar playing -unlike most people at American Idol try outs- I know I can't do either

What is your most treasured possession in the realm and in real life?
Family for both. My real life family sticks with me thick and thin as do my friends and family in game

What do you value most in your friends?
Honesty - I'm a tell me like it is kinda person. If you lie to me, cover it up, give only partial story it lessens the true bond of friendship more then anything else can

What is your motto?
Shortly after I joined GOF and watched players die trying to help friends in bad situations I found this and added it to my profile and it's been on the kings paperdoll profile ever since.. "there is no greater valor then to give up ones life for a freind"

Now since I became the leader of guild of friends I've added "AYE IT'S GOOD TO BE KING".


Thank you for taking the time to be my guest today. For those that have not visited the GOF Library the cords are,
48o 31'N, 30o 30'E

Jingle, Jangle, Jumble, Jump! Erickson Yates here again, folks. Got another one fresh off my notebook! We got us a sit down interview with the leading lady of the Leather Neck Raiders, Kacey herself! This one isn't like the past ones. This lady isn't one of the Yew Gate Superstars or Champ Spawn Guardians! Miss Kacey is more of the behind the scenes type. Something Faces of Felucca hasn't really shown much of! Well, here is our first try at it! So sit back, read what she has to say, and I hope you enjoy your time spent here!

===============================================

Erickson Yates: Lets start things off simple. This seems like a silly question to those in the know, but a lot of the Stratics audience might not know the answer. What guild tag are you rocking these days?

Kacey: Why the Leather Neck Raiders of course. :) In my opinion,  there is no better guild to be in than LNR. They are a great group of guys & gals.

Erickson Yates: Good old LNR. What is your assigned task in LNR? Den mother? Scroll keeper? All of the above and more?

Kacey: I am all of the above and so much more. I am on the high council. I am also sometimes referred to as co-guildmaster, and, yes, at times I can be den mother.

Erickson Yates: How much work is it really to do what you do for LNR?

Kacey: Normally, no, but if I get behind, it can be a lot of work. I don't often let myself get to far behind though.

Erickson Yates: What keeps you motivated to keep on plugging away at your task? Heck, keeps you logging on UO in general.

Kacey: There is usually always something to do, whether it's spawning, Lady Mel runs, training, or just decorating my house. All that is great, but I'd say it's mainly friendship. Over the 3 1/2 years I've been playing, I've amassed a lot of people that I'd consider friends. Whether playing the game or just chillin in vent, there is never a dull moment.

Erickson Yates: You ever go out and spawn with the boys and girls?

Kacey: All the time if I'm in the mood.

Erickson Yates: Do any PvP'ing in general? It won't be revealed that you are secretly Calamity, will it? That would be pretty scary.

Kacey: I'm more of a behind the scenes pvp'er. Meaning that I will join them IF they are out pvp'ing somewhere, and I want to tag along. I play rezzer most of the time though.

Erickson Yates: Last time I checked, LNR had a pretty crazy way of figuring out who gets what scrolls. Has that changed? Or is the point system still in effect? If yes, explain it to us how it works?

Kacey: Yes, the point system is still in effect. LNR has a state of the art point system that is revolutionary to ensure the fairness of scroll distribution. You receive points for every spawn you help complete. All 120 powerscrolls are turned in and kept until the end of the week. (It is mandatory to turn in your scroll). At the end of the week, all of the 120 powerscrolls as well as stat scrolls are put into an LNR only auction. Where you may bid on them with the points that you received from doing spawns. Everyone gets the same amount of points regardless of whether they are red or blue, what template they play, and etc.

With as many members as we have it might take forever to roll for the scrolls. This way if your at a spawn that gets a 120 stealth, but you would rather have the 120 magery they got earlier, all you'd have to do is wait until the auction and bid for it.

The auction is web-based (works a lot like Ebay except you pay with points rather than real money). It lasts for 1 week. Usually ending Sunday night.

Erickson Yates: What do you say to people who claim LNR will recruit anyone and everyone with a pulse?

Kacey: We don't guild everyone with a pulse. We do believe that everyone deserves a chance though. Everyone that applies goes through a small interview process. We have had to deny a few people over time though, so we don't allow just ANYONE.

Erickson Yates: So we can look at it as LNR is a great guild to join up with if someone is new to the PvP world?

Kacey: Oh yes. While yes it is nice to have experienced pvpers, everyone has to start somewhere, and that's Tram. We like to give newer guys a chance, as long as they have a good attitude and are willing to learn, listen to suggestions, and try new things in order to better their game play. We are not a guild of professional UO players and will give just about anyone a chance.

Erickson Yates: If someone wanted to join LNR, how would they go about doing that?

Kacey: Go to http://www.lnrguild.com & put in an application. Our main requirement is a good attitude and sense of humor. We have enough experienced PvPers to ensure that we can stay on top while teaching newer players.


Erickson Yates: Any advice for the kids out there?

Kacey: Keep your young status as long as possible. Believe me, it may seem like it limits you, but it will help you more in the long run since your more protected from loss. Get to know the game before you drop the young status or out grow it. Play the game how ever you want. Its your money that pays for the game, so if you want to be trammy for a day, spawn, craft, whatever you want, just do it.

Erickson Yates: Anything else you want to add?

Kacey: Always remember that UO is just a game. Never take it too seriously. The day that starts, you really need to turn off the pc and go for a walk. If you find yourself planing real life events around uo, its time to quit.

Erickson Yates: Thank you for your time! Hope all goes well for you in the future, ma'am.

===============================================

Few little artist renderings from Kacey herself. Take a look at what we got here!

===============================================

Rawr, folks! That is all for today! Stay tuned, we got us another Femme Fatale coming up by the name of Tinkerbelle! Also watch out, because my mortal enemy Wafflez and I will be sitting down soon! Good times on that one! Stay tuned, folks, and thanks for reading!

Tonight was the big PVP Fel fight night that I have been hearing a lot about so I decided to attend.



I arrived thirty minutes early and around twenty patrons were already in the house. It did not take long for the place to get packed....overflowing actually. Sum Yung Gui commented that next time around he needs to rethink seating.

H A Z E, CASULL, Peon, Cy, Road Kill, Midnight Blue, Thorn, Iggy, Benson, Woot Woot, Sariel Damear, Toad, jason, GuardGoneGimp, Zolar, JuJu, Silk, No Name, lil bit, Bittersweet, Fro Bro, A Cyclone, Neo, Mr MiaGi, The Drow Elves, Chinday, Bad Magik, SparHawk, IMPALA, Bullseye, Slapper Jr. and Shaolin Monk were a few faces I saw as I looked around the arena room.

The event started fifteen minutes late and the patrons were getting antsy. So antsy deaths fell upon some before the first bell rang. LoaRDrazon was the first death in the crowd followed by Arabella then Discontentment.


*LoaRDrazon was the first death of the evening. A bad trigger finger or macro malfunction ???*


*Arabella*


*Discontentment*

The event got under way and Rach in red took bets and played bookie.



The first duo up for death and glory were No Name and A Soul Train.



Though A Soul Train was bleeding profusley he was the winner leaving No Name face down on the cold tile floor.



The next duo was to be announced and as I never bet at these events personally myself I left to pick up my carry out dinner a few blocks away. Returning around ten minutes later I found my screen was in shades of gray with only a few people left hovering near the arena. A kind soul ressed me and I inquired what happened. Kimberly informed me BC came and wiped everyone out and that she thought the event was over. So much for the life and death in Fel.

Last Monday's 284th meeting of the High Council of Britannia started with a grisly discovery: Thirty-three heads had been placed strategically around the Council Chambers in the Jerred Ghyss Civic Center in Compassion Grove. These were not the heads of criminals, prominent public leaders, nor political pundits. They were the innocent faces of the children of Britain, brutally slain by the vile hand of Nosfentor as punishment to Britannia for her defeat in Britain.

A scroll was left with the head of the youngest child, no more than two years, on the central podium in the chambers. It read:

The High Council and the Field Marshalls of the Britannian Armed Forces were aghast at the atrocity committed by Nosfentor and the Crimson Order, and by extension the Empire of Tokuno. The 'peaceful end' that Nosfentor speaks of would be the unconditional surrender of Britannia to her sadistic rule, an option unlikely to be embraced by Virtuous citizens.

"Once again, Empress Miko Nakamura heaps dishonor on her people by harboring that witch of cowardice!" said the Minister of Virtue, Lord DaKaren.

"The Empress told the Council she had ordered the safe return of the Britain children, not their execution!" said Kemmler, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Grief stricken parents swarmed the courtyard of Castle British after the announcement, angrily shouting how the government had let them down.

"Ye save tha stone city, wi'out first rescuin' the hostages? Me family's mo'important 'en some damn castle or bank! E'en Magincia got mo'attention 'en us!" yelled Martin, a local farmer who lost his daughter.

The parents were quickly ushered into Castle British to meet with people specially trained in grief counseling. "The parents of Britain will get all the support we can provide them," assured Chancellor Max von Bayer. "Our hearts go out to them for their terrible loss..."

The Empire of Tokuno refused to comment for this article, and my pigeons to Nosfentor could not locate her.

If you hear any information about the children's whereabouts, please contact the High Council (meetings every Monday night at 8pm under the central skies in Compassion Grove 14o4'N 35o34'W) or any B.A.F. branch member (Royal Knights of Redemption [RKR], Yew Militia [YM], Highland Light Infantry [HLI])

May the Virtues protect you and your family,

Martyna Z'muir, LofS

Posted to uoherald.com:

Origin to be Published
Jeremy Dalberg 11 Jan 2008 18:26:08

Origin will be published with the following during its regular maintenance on Monday, January 13th (Sunday night/Monday morning):

- Made changes to the character database to allow for larger backup sizes. This will not have any visible impact on players.

Posted to uoherald.com:

Origin to be Published
Jeremy Dalberg 11 Jan 2008 18:26:08

Origin will be published with the following during its regular maintenance on Monday, January 13th (Sunday night/Monday morning):

- Made changes to the character database to allow for larger backup sizes. This will not have any visible impact on players.

Posted to uoherald.com:

Origin to be Published
Jeremy Dalberg 11 Jan 2008 18:26:08

Origin will be published with the following during its regular maintenance on Monday, January 13th (Sunday night/Monday morning):

- Made changes to the character database to allow for larger backup sizes. This will not have any visible impact on players.

Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday:

FoF: Fount of Facts
Jeremy Dalberg
11 Jan 2008 18:22:08
"Can you use the Dismount weapon special with a lance or not?"

I got an email that complained that being unable to unhorse someone using a lance wasn't very realistic - and I became confused, because the Playguide says that lances are the exception.

And they are! But it's a really special exception. The only time you can use the Dismount ability on a mounted target is if *both* of you are using lances. Whoever succeeds with their Dismount attack first will knock the other player off of his steed.

Let the jousting tournaments begin! (And let us know if it doesn't seem to work as described above - as I said, it's... special.)

"Do healers count as mages for the mage slayer property?"

No, the Mage Slayer property affects:

Liches

Lich Lords

Ancient Liches

Evil Mages

Evil Mage Lords

Bone / Skeletal Mages

Zealots of Khaldun

Orcish Mages

Juka Mages

Meer Mages

"There’s some confusion about enemy of one’s actual damage increase - is it 50% or 100% more damage?"

I checked with Draconi on this, and he said:

"It’s 50% more than your normal damage to your chosen enemy. So if you’re hitting for 80, multiply by 1.5 to get 120. Everything else though hits you for 100% more damage: double the trouble."

"Enhanced Bandages - do they help if you're already at your skill cap?"

No - they give a +10 boost, but will NOT bring you up over your skill cap. (So, for Legenday Healers or Grandmasters who haven't used a Power Scroll, they won't actually help any more than normal bandies.)

"What is Quiver of Rage supposed to do?"

There's actually some weirdness with how these properties are displayed - here's the full list:

Damage Modifier: 10% Direct Damage: 10% Physical Damage: 40% Cold Damage: 50% Weight Reduction: 25%

Two notes: Direct Damage is non-typed - so it isn't affected by resists. Also, "Damage Modifier" is NOT the same property as "Damage Increase" - it's a property unique to quivers that increases the total damage applied - AFTER resists are calculated. So it ends up being a pretty powerful item. (The fact that the Direct Damage bit is invisible is a bug, and is now in our database.) Draconi adds,

"Oh. And it’s a cold, seething rage."

Fansite News
UO Guide has a few announcements:

"- UOGuide has hit 2,500 pages and 10,000 edits as of January 1, 2008!

- UOStuff is closing. But do not despair! UOGuide is in the process of merging UOStuff.com into our database as we speak. Over a quarter of the pages and information at UOStuff have already been integrated as I write this."

UO Toolbar! is celebrating!

"Recently UO Toolbar celebrated it's 2nd anniversary! It has been a great two years, lots of changes to the UO Toolbar and around the UO community. And the future looks bright for both. Keep a look out for more changes and new products.

Personally I would like to thank all the fine people at Electronic Arts & EA Mythic, UOForums, UO Stratics, the UO Team, and most importantly... all our supporters and users in & around the UO community!

As you share your love of Ultima Online, please continue to tell others about UO Toolbar! Again... thanks!"

I know everyone's waiting for some more forward-looking details - we're putting that stuff together even as I type. Look for news next week!

Jeremy

Lava, Dearest!

This Monday, Jan 14th, Majestic Madness presents our favorite game: Chests of Doom & Delight! There will be lots of nice prizes including rubble and a Cocoon! (I know you like both!) The fun starts at 8pm Central time with gates at many Trammel banks. I hope to see you there!!
~~Vanna White, Drop-Dead Gorgeous Game Show Hostess



Vanna Love,

Did I hear the word cocoon ??? My storage crates are overflowing with yellow bells and cocoons but I just can't stop! Oh yes and I do have a nice collection of rubble. See you there my dear.

Fondly, Lava

UO Toolbar's 2nd Anniversary!

Recently UO Toolbar celebrated it's 2nd anniversary! It has been a great two years, lots of changes to the UO Toolbar and around the UO community. And the future looks bright for both. Keep a look out for more changes and new products.

Personally I would like to thank all the fine people at Electronic Arts & EA Mythic, UOForums, UO Stratics, the UO Team, and most importantly... all our supporters and users in & around the UO community!

As you share your love of Ultima Online, please continue to tell others about UO Toolbar! Again... thanks!

Nok

Just when you thought the holidays were over!

This past holiday season Catskills had an amazing amount of fun filled player run events. This holiday contest is not player run but voted upon by you the players.

The Twelve Days of Christmas contest can now be voted on. I have provided a link below to the voting pole. Please take the time to go vote,.... oh and by no means feel obligated to vote for your Catskills reporters submission,lol. On a serious note there are some good entrys and it would be nice to support those involved by your vote.

Happy voting.



http://boards.stratics.com/php-bin/uo/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=uouhall&Number=7577747&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=31&vc=1&fpart=1

Just when you thought the holidays were over!

This past holiday season Great Lakes had an amazing amount of fun filled player run events. This holiday contest is not player run but voted upon by you the players.

The Twelve Days of Christmas contest can now be voted on. I have provided a link below to the voting pole. Please take the time to go vote,.... oh and by no means feel obligated to vote for your Great Lakes reporters submission,lol. On a serious note there are some good entrys and it would be nice to support those involved by your vote.

Happy voting.



http://boards.stratics.com/php-bin/uo/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=uouhall&Number=7577747&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=31&vc=1&fpart=1

Jingle, Jangle, Jumble, Jump! Erickson Yates here, folks! I know what you are thinking, "Erickson, where did you go?" or most likely "Erickson, why the hell did you come back?" Well, folks, I was gone to the land of Holiday Happiness and De activated UO AccountLand! Why did I come back? Because I can, and I got paid, that is why! I thought it was time to bring back the Faces of Felucca! This go around is with a pretty solid guy known as Limlight! Read on, enjoy the pictures, and keep on keeping on! Rawr!

=============================================================

Erickson Yates: I always like to start it off simple. What guild tag are you sporting these days?
Limlight: Leather Neck Raiders! LNR!

Erickson Yates: Why is it you have chosen LNR? What are the little extras that make LNR your choice over say HOT or DEI?
Limlight: I chose LNR because of the comfortable atmosphere, and the kindness of people like Obsidian Knight and Kacey from the guild. I was recruited by Ransford in Felucca outside Shame about three years ago. He and I had little one on one tussle for about ten minutes. He ended up claiming victory. After which he kindly rezzed me, and then proceeded to ask me to join the Leather Neck Raiders. No rez kill, no "You suck Noob". I was honestly so surprised that I joined up on the stop. I have been a part of the Leather Neck Raiders ever since. Well, wait, I take that back. There was a three month period during the last summer where I was a member of 1vs1. That was due to the fact that the Leather Neck Raiders actually went to Legends and I did not choose to join them. 1vs1 was very kind to me during my stay. Talon (The leader of 1v1) is a good guy. When the Leather Neck Raiders came back, Kacey contacted me and asked me to rejoin, so I informed 1vs1 I was going back. 1v1 really is a solid group of people. I hold liking to most of them still.

Erickson Yates: What keeps you logging on UO from day to day?
Limlight: I would say it is the diversity the game allows. I can PvP, or I can work my PvM characters. There is also the bonus of the crafting system. I have been working my crafter a bit lately. Pretty lame, I know.

Erickson Yates: Are you red or blue?
Limlight: I have six blue characters and just one red character.

Erickson Yates: Any reason as to why you are blue?
Limlight: I am mainly blue for several reasons.
1. I am one of the designated protectors of my guild at champ spawns. Being red would make Limlight unable to do that.
2. I don't use UO Assist. (I also do not use any programs that would break the ToS!) Because of that I am not as "skilled" as some of the other PvP'ers out there. I mainly PvP on Limlight and Maxim. Some call me gimp because I am a Protection Pixie Necro Mage, *Laughs* but in field fights I can be deadly. My biggest weakness is one on one with a warrior.  My character is built for max damage fast with few defensive options.
3. I like being able to go to the bank, Ilshenar, and Luna.
4. One red character is enough for what I need to do. Some players prefer it in reverse. six reds, one blue. 

Erickson Yates: Have the changes to the champs (Increased hit points) effected how you and LNR handle champ spawns?
Limlight: The only real thing that has changed the way we handle spawns was the added bridge in despise. I hate that extra bridge. The increased hit points don't mean much really. The initial hit point increase was pretty silly though. We had about 14 of us hitting it one day, and the champ's health wasn't moving at all. The powers that be had loaded to much hit point regeneration on the champ at first. Thankfully they have evened it out.

Erickson Yates: How do you think LNR feels about their spawns being raided?
Limlight: LNR likes it when people raid. Its more of a challenge and it creates a fun atmosphere. Doing Champ Spawns all day would get boring if no one ever crashed the party.

Erickson Yates: You hang out in Doom at all? With the changes to the artifact drop system, lots of people are spending time there.
Limlight: I have gone to Doom maybe three times since Age of Shadows came out. The first time I was there, which was right after the Gauntlet debuted, I stayed in for around a week. I ended up getting Voice of the Fallen King. After all the time I had spend in the Gauntlet, I decided I would rather just sell powerscrolls instead. I could buy whatever Artifacts I wanted with the gold I would make! I guess to sum it up, the phrase "I hate Doom." would probably work out best to describe my opinion.

Erickson Yates: Erickson Yates: What is your favorite way to get your PvP fix? Yew Gate? Despise Spawn Battle? Battle at another spawn location?
Limlight: It all boils down to my mood that day. Most of the time I enjoy a spawn battle. I am a fan of Despise. Keeping the Baracoon spawn requires more strategy because of the fact that there are two bridges to keep now. I enjoy a City of the Dead and Tortoise spawn fight from time to time as well. Someone out there really needs to summon a harrower! *Laughs* The chaos and excitement from three to five guilds converging in one spot is just an enjoyable experience.

Erickson Yates: Any advice for someone who isn't a professional pvp'er? Any little tips and tidbits they should know?
Limlight: If you aren't an experience PvP'er, then my advice is pretty simple. Be a good teammate. Make sure you cross heal. Try to get Ventrillo and UO Auto-Map as well. It will help you be able to keep in contact with your guildies. Also, make sure you listen to the caller. Most guilds have one, and he/she knows what he/she is doing, so always listen to him or her. You don't want to run around like a chicken with its head cut off! That makes for chaos, plus you will die faster. Avoid bickering and arguing. It just makes everything worse. Another key aspect is rezzing your guildies. Make sure you can do it quickly. You also have to invis them after so as to avoid a blatant rez kill. Key rezzes can be the difference to success and failure.

Erickson Yates: Who is the BEST PvP'er you have seen in the field or in a duel? Whichever you want to answer, or both!
Limlight: The REAL Dueling Legend was amazing back in his day. Current guys with skill: Vorpal Bunny, Captain Ahab, Eckzinator(from !20X), Slim Shady, Obsidian Knight, Ngraskel, Juan Valdez, Kraxal, DothraPvPProdigy, and GI Joe. (Go JOE!) Those guys are all pretty darn good.
A name from the past is Acid Bath. Acid Bath was probably the best I have ever seen. He was ridiculous.
Ohh! I almost forgot! Rabid Chicken was a hilarious thief. Just to add that in.

Erickson Yates: Who out there claims to be great, but are actually mediocre or below at best?
Limlight: LOTS of people. *Laughs*
Roidzinator claims to be awesome, but he is only a good shot caller.  I am sure he will find a way to insult me on the boards now. *Laughs* He is definitely Legendary in  skill of Trash Talking. Everyone from SlaP is on the list as well. They are a guild made of 90% stealth archers, and they will hide until its 10vs1 so that they can gank you. Then after you die, they will trash talk you.

Erickson Yates: Anything people should know about you? Lies you want debunked?
Limlight: I am fun to hang with in game, easy going in vent, and I almost never lose my cool. I don't really know any lies about me in game. Many call me a Protection gimp, which is true, I do roll in protection, so it's not really a lie. My view on Protection and Pixies is this. OSI put them in, so I use them because they benefit my playstyle.

Erickson Yates: Anything else you might want to add?
Limlight: I would recommend anyone looking to learn the ropes, or are just looking for a fun guild and great people to check out http://www.lnrguild.com
LNR is full of great leaders, people like Kacey, Trube and Obsidian Knight make this game great. Want to join up? Contact Trube on our web site and fill out an application. You will be welcome in our guild as long as you are level headed and have a sense of humor.
LNR isn't the only guild out there. If you don't want to sign up to be a Leather Neck Raider, there are other solid guilds. 1vs1 has good people. HOT has some good people and they mix in Trammel stuff as well. DEI has a great leader in Sakkarah. COW is a pretty solid guild if you are looking for smaller PvP guild.
Everyone always trashed VIP!, but before they left the shard, my experiences with them weren't all bad. I think most people just don't like losing. Plus, THE PAGERS ARE REAL! Don't let those VIP! guys lie to you.

I will say this though. AVOID UOMH. I can't go into details as to why, but just try to avoid them if possible. Except for Vorpal Bunny, he is awesome!

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Next, he gave me a tour of his home!

Afterwards, I decide it was my turn to turn on someone! Har har!

Here he is acknowledging my victory and greatness. *Nods once*

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All in all, it was a good time. Great guy, lots of fun, good times were had by all! That is it for this installment of Faces of Felucca! Stay tuned for the next one! It could be an actual female that plays UO! *Gasps*

It has been months since the FCB hosted a Net Toss which are famous on Great Lakes.

Arriving thirty minutes early I thought I was late as sea creatures littered the docks and pools of blood lay beneath my feet. I was not late at all, members of FCB were holding their own net toss before guests arrived. I heard several members refer to it as a "warm up".



Amari,(resident healer/resser), Aridas, Fish King, Symbolia, Tucker, Tunna, Von Hogan, Balthazar and MAGELLI were having a grand time.
Oh yes and then there is Curly the Dread, teasing, tormenting and sniffing the ladies as always.



It was not long before guests arrived on the docks. Aridas started the event informing the crowd of the rules, and getting the crowd worked up for bloodshed.



Many a sea creature met its death but very few people did....well...other than FCB members. MAGELLI died so many times I stopped counting and Balthazar and Curly were close seconds. Symbolia was face down plenty of time also.
Balthazar was a net dropping maniac and that may account for his numerous deaths. You could tell he was loving every minute of dieing.


*Amari and Balthazar*





Chaotic Barbie, Indigo, Hoyle, Tyrant, Iggy, Matt, Lord Goran, Sagers Acatour, Lady Ren, craftsmen, Lord Arrow of Yew and Vaxius Style were a few that attended this event. The only none FCB members I witnessed die were Gabrielle, Whisper and Tweek.

If you have never attended a FCB Net Toss be sure and try to get to the next one. This event usually pops up every few months and it is always pre advertised on Great Lakes News.

Enjoy a few screenshots below.