January 2009

Interview with Lord Casca, Part II
Posted on Saturday, January 31, 2009, 8:11 AM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. Interview with Lord Casca, Part II Please see Part I of my interview with Lord Casca published two days ago… LC: Sometimes it is necessary for a kingdom to push for a little more from its people, for everyone's sake. Do not worry, I hold myself to the same standards. There will be no lavish Magincian or Nujel'm styles in my court. It was at this point that the gathered citizens spoke up on the topic of taxes, and how raising them would affect their lives. LC: Taxes are always a difficult topic. I know that for the poorest of our citizens. Each coin is a portion of a loaf of bread, each ingot is a teapot or skillet, each board a bit of roof. I will do my best to make the taxes fair and no more than they need be, but I don't have the details. Hopefully we will be able to find another way to pay for the war. My Minister of Finance is still going over the Royal budget. The Royal Guard will probably have to wait for salaries until after the war. *Red of DC: How can the average citizen help in the upcoming war? LC: The upcoming war. That is a good question. Joining the Royal Guard or joining a faction of Virtue is a good way. Red of DC:* But a lot of us are not warriors, I alone am but a simple crafter with no fighting skills. LC: Can you repair the weapons of war? Can you cut cloth into bandages? Can you organize and sort potions, arrows, and other provisions of war? *Red of DC: Aye, I can try my best. LC: Then there is your place. In the invaded cities, we don't have enough support personnel. We need people able to gate in and setup healing stations and supply depots in a hurry. I'm not an expert on these, but I do understand their value. Would you be willing to lend your help to such a branch of the guard? Red of DC:* If they would have me, yes! LC: Until Tomas returns and we have more formal leadership, it will have to be an informal arrangement... But keep your beetle stocked and ready! When you hear of an attack, be ready to recall in and help setup a station. MZ: Captain Savos is away? LC: Captain Savos is visiting the islands to recruit. *Aluriel of CL: With you as king are we just waiting for British to come back or what? No offense of course... LC: I am King pro-tempore, temporary king. We need clear leadership in this time of strife. With Lord British unavailable, the Royal Council chose me to fill this temporary role. Aluriel of CL:* Until? Lord British said he wasn't coming back. I heard him. LC: He has the support of many, and many of us hope he will find a way to return. He was very likely being humble in his abilities. However, should he never return, I still am only King pro-tempore. *Aluriel of CL: That would be nice if he came back, of course again no offense. LC: None taken. Aluriel of CL:* Do you know what your first action will be as King? LC: The best way to answer that is with Lady Z'muir's next question... MZ: How do you plan to end the terror the FoA and the Shadowlords have represented for years? LC: My first action is to end the terror of the enemies of Britannia. The FoA, the Shadowlords, the vile factions, and all our enemies. We must strengthen our military. We must be able to combat the enemies of Virtue. Lord Savos will recruit for the guard. And most of you will serve some task in this new Guard. Whether as warriors and mages on the front lines, or crafters and healers in supporting roles. *Aluriel of CL: A draft? LC: Nothing so formal, as of yet. I trust the people of Britannia value their freedom and Virtues enough to stand up and fight. Your guilds will be useful structures in the Guard, as individual units in the war. Each with their own tasks they do well: Crafter guilds mining ingots for the weapons of war, Mage guilds researching and mastering spells of wall and flame. Warrior guilds standing together against orcs in Trinsic and dragons in Britain. I suspect our enemies have resources we have not yet seen. They may pillage and rob our cities, but we may be forced to take their weapons and resources. Hopefully these potential spoils of war will encourage the more mercenary elements of our people. MZ: Do you plan to work with the civilian High Council to help bring order to the realm? LC: The civilian High Council group has provided a useful service over the years. While my resources are limited due to the war, I do encourage their efforts. I hope that despite missing members and resources, they continue to fill this role. I look forward to discussing more details with them in person, and I will arrange a time shortly. Red of DC:* How will we be able to tell friend from foe? LC: Honesty. Honest people tend to know the truth more than dishonest. We must be honest with one another. Aridas: Ok, easier question do we have friends? LC: Yes, we do! How much help they will provide is a difficult question, however. The elves and Meer have always been good friends to us. Fae creatures such as pixies love Virtue. Tokuno has an open boarder with us... Nujel'm has always been our friend, as has Occlo's matriarch... Am I forgetting anyone? We are not alone, but we are most likely the most powerful force for good at this time. Another question? MZ: Sherry the Mouse has appeared recently suggesting caution in embracing your reign and to give you time to settle in your new role. What do you think of her words? LC: Sherry the Mouse is the most loyal non-human being I've ever met. She was a friend to Lord British. She has been a friend to our people for years. Her words are reasonable. I question my own competence to lead sometimes. However this isn't the time for doubt. This is a time for clear leadership and direction. Sherry is loyal, and I hope in time she understands that we need to focus on the Shadowlords. MZ: Speaking of Sherry, many citizens are concerned for her safety since the appearance of Lord Grey's mousetraps. There are several within Castle British, mainly around her well-known mouseholes. Citizens are puzzled by these trap placements if they are designed to trap rodents which threaten crops to the west of the city - on the other side of the moat surrounding the castle. Many people find the danger to Sherry unacceptable, and suspect something amiss. Not being one to perpetuate conspiracy theories, but I would like to know your thoughts on this.. LC: Since this was the first I heard of the traps, you must bear with me. One of my servants mentioned there is a mouse problem in Britain. He saw a few during his walks to get fresh fruit for the castle pantry, and he asked me if he could talk to the Minister of Agriculture about it. I gave him permission. I guess Lord Magnus took initiative and placed the traps. If there is some fear that innocent pets and loyal allies will be hurt, I will have the traps removed. Shall I ask Lord Magnus to remove the traps? A resounding chorus of "AYE!" sealed the mousetrap's fate. LC: Very well. He returns shortly, I will write him a note... He isn't always the most competent of ministers, so you may need to help him find all the traps for removal. Can I trust you with a note for Lord Magnus? MZ: Of course, my Lord... Casca then stood and made a brief stump-speech before the assembled citizens. LC: Expect the war to continue, and know we will probably try to force a confrontation with the leaders of the Shadowlord army. I can't tell you exact details yet since it depends on military intelligence and various reports. All I can say is be ready. Aridas: You mean to pick a fight? LC: Yes! We're going to pick a fight with the Shadowlords before this is done. I think we can win if the Virtues guide us. MZ: Thank you for your time and candor, Lord Casca! Lord Casca left us to return to Castle Blackthorn to prepare for meetings later on in the day. On a tip, I went to Yew looking for Lord Magnus Grey, the new Minister of Agriculture, to deliver the King's mousetrap order. Fortunately, my search was brief, as I found him looking somewhat befuddled outside the winery just south of Empath Abbey. Once informed about Lord Casca's order, he was gated to Britain where he began the tedious process of dismantling each trap. Thankful that Sherry had thus-far avoided a grisly fate, I traveled about the capitol with Lady Silverbrook and Red of DCas we witnessed each trap's demise. Lord Grey commented on the fact that so far the traps had been completely useless - not a single rodent had been captured or slain. Eventually, Lord Grey had to part company with us as several traps remained in places closed to the general public. However, he said he would meet us at the Salty Dog tavern for a drink when he was finished. Upon his arrival, Lord Grey said that he wished to get something out in the open before rumors and innuendo about his past began to surface. Apparently, Magnus Grey was once incarcerated for 'forgery and questionable paper pushing'.* He says that he served his sentence fully, but that he could not go into the details. I questioned him as to whether this should have disqualified him from holding a Ministerial position, and his response was a simple "Not exactly." Red of DC* asked Lord Grey about the red kryss he wields, and about its curious inscription of 'Back Alley Deals'. Lord Grey stated that he found the weapon in the closet he uses as an office on his first day of duty. Regrettably, the Minister of Agriculture soon had to depart so he could complete various reports for the King. Two weeks ago we were a land in turmoil - only the High Council stood as a governmental entity. Only your martial skills and spells kept the Shadow Army at bay, and our cities defended. Now, we have a new Royal Council, new Ministers...and a new King. Love him, or hate him, Lord Casca leads Britannia. *Will you follow?* Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria
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Chesapeake Faction Guilds Battle in Despise!
Posted on Friday, January 30, 2009, 10:22 PM EST by Morpheus Mardox (Chesapeake)
Chesapeake Faction Guilds Battle in Despise! The lands of Felucca have become a battleground as of late as what many across the realm consider the shards largest pvp guild has come under attack. The Reign of Tyranny, who for months has had the shard's Felucca facet firmly in thier grasp excerting the will of Minax across the lands, have been besieged by the forces of the True Britannian guild the "WoWzaSArOuSes." Know as the "WoWz" for short, they arrived on the shard only weeks ago from the lands of the "Great Lakes" shard. The guild has managed to score decisive public victories in around the realm from the West Britain Bank to tonights adventure the dungeon Despise. Todays Town Crier read the announcement that WoWz would be challenging the champion of champions, The Harrower!I ventured my way to the despise dungeon early and made my way through en route to the star room anxiously awaiting the upcoming battle. What ensued was almost hard to fathom...... Upon arriving to the star room I was cornered by the new arrivals as they greedily looked me up and down to test my credentials before aligning the skulls along the altar summoning the gate to Despise. The party of seven including myself made our way to the Harrower's location centered in the lower level. After meeting my quick demise I was able to venture here and there as a ghost to witness as large a scale battle as these eyes have seen in many moons. The forces of RoT arrived on the scene entering from all directions as the group circled the location sizing up the True Brit defense before attacking from any and all angles. Spellcasters had the entire room filled with echantations, fields of paralyzation, energy, and poison. So much so that time seemed to move slowly. The surge from the Reign of Tyranny crashed like waves against the rocks as one by one they began to fall, succumb to the tactics of the WoWz. The fighting was fast and fierce as even as a ghost I was caught myself ducking bolts of energy and the flamed breath of the lone greater dragon that served the True Brits. I stepped back to the rear of the RoT lines as they were busy resurecting the dead to count as many as seventeen troops in the caverns. The WoWz were not without casualties of thier own as the flood of battle often breached the casted walls to best the True Britannians as they had already killed the Harrower with ease shortly after the battle commenced. Standing thier ground trapped in the dungeon, they impressively and decisively bested the Minax forces defending from wave after wave of RoT. To add to the fray the Shadowlords also let loose minions from the gate if you will in the form of a small party who managed to flank the RoT as they pressed in the True Brit defense. This small act of war amongst these time tested enemies perhaps provided the edge to defeat Minax this eve. More to come on this ongoing Felucca conflict as this was what this reporter thinks as just the tip of the iceberg as these warring guilds face off for Felucca supremacy. Best of luck to you all!
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1st Zoo Spawners Point Raffle was a Huge Success!!
Posted on Friday, January 30, 2009, 9:15 AM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
Last Tuesday instead of having the normal Zoo Spawn Champion Hunt a special raffle was held to give out the points built up at the zoo from the previous spawns. The Zoo Spawn Association (ZSA) had accumulated a total of 1,180,425 points at the Trammel Moonglow Zoo. So it was decided to hold an Zoo Spawners Point Raffle to benefit the Zoo, and to give out these points as prizes. This was done on Tuesday, the 27th of January when 30 books at a cost of 1,000,000 gold each were placed on a vendor at the “D\|R East End Emporium” in Luna at a prearranged time. Three of the 30 books had an award winning number in them that guaranteed the holder one of the prizes. The books were quickly bought up by the gathered people in the hopes of winning one of the following prizes. 1st: Pick of 600,000 points worth of Zoo Donation Items & 5m* 2nd: Pick of 300,000 points worth of Zoo Donation Items & 10m* 3rd: Pick of 200,000 points worth of Zoo Donation Items* & 15m** All but the Donation Titles If all 30 books are sold, these cash prizes will be given out. When all 30 books had been purchased the group moved on to the Zoo where Victania [D\|R] proceeded call forth the winners to claim their prizes. Reminding each of the winners that if they so desired they could turn in the gold portion of their prize for more Zoo Reward Points if they so desired. The first place book was held by Aang who chose the “Britannia Royal Zoo Special Achievement Award” as his desired item. The second place book was held by BarefootPrincess [SCB] who surprised everyone when she stepped forward and designated Hagrid to accept her reward in her place. Hagrid was genuinely surprised by this offer on her part, and I would not do what transpired next true justice if I did not post their exact words. So here it is: BarefootPrincess: Looks at Hagrid* Hagrid: a gift....... for a special person could be taken from there ya' know. One that I would Love to give to someone. Someone VERY sweet. I wonder how many "points" that would amount to. BarefootPrincess: looks quizzical Hagrid: My lady Victania..... Victania: along with the point u won, that’s 966666 points Hagrid: wouldn't a beautiful fountain....be a nice.....um....blushes engagement gift? BarefootPrincess: engagement? Victania: is confused BarefootPrincess: Why Hagrid! Hagrid: blushes Victania: who’s being proposed to? BarefootPrincess: looks around Hagrid: My dear lady.......a princess in a bear mask. Victania: awwwww Hagrid: adorned in beauty and kindness. kisses hand BarefootPrincess: blushes Hagrid: Sorry for the sudden surprise my princess. BarefootPrincess: What is this you are trying to say Hagrid? Hagrid: No tamer in all of Sosaria.....have I ever seen.........has ever caught my heart more than you my love, and I never left this. shows note BarefootPrincess: I meant it you know Hagrid: smudges tear quickly Forgive me.. a foul wind in me eye. BarefootPrincess: Mine too Hagrid: Victania? Victania: yes? Hagrid: smiles Dost' thou have a fountain? From that blue box? Victania: the donation statues thingy? Hagrid: aye. My dear, accept this? Forget not.....that there are tamers that hold true.......the meaning of friendship....compassion, and love. You are wonderful. BarefootPrincess: I treasure it Hagrid: kisses hand And you all. Please.....come to a wedding? Victania: yay! BarefootPrincess: but not as much as I treasure you my dear one Hagrid: clapshugs BarefootPrincess: hugs Hagrid: smiles rubs tear from eye Thank you Barefoot. Ralos DuMorrain: I think Winning Barefoot should have been first place Hagrid: straightens Barefoots bear mask Victania: aww Hagrid: looks for words to say Thank you all for.... BarefootPrincess: Tries to keep from fainting Hagrid: ......coming to the event. Victania: fans Barefoot Hagrid: gladly hold Barefoot from falling. If you see either of the happy couple please do congratulate them on their upcoming nuptials. Plus I have to agree with Ralos, Hagrid was the biggest winner of the evening by far. The third and final book was found to be in the possession of Malcontent who claimed his prize to a round of applause from all that were gathered. Then lastly but not least a special award was given to Anne Nomilly [OS] for her help with the weekly Zoo Spawns. Next week a normal Zoo Spawn will take place and here is the information on it for those of you who wish to take part. Hope to see all of you there. Date: Tuesday, February 3rd 2009 Time: Meeting At: 7:30pm Leaving At: 7:50pm Spawn Starts At: 8:00pm Spawn: Rat Meeting Point: Felucca Fire Entrance All times are EST* I just want to thank Lady_Calina and her guild [D\|R] for sponsoring these events for the entire shard to take part in.
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Last Deaths of January
Posted on Friday, January 30, 2009, 7:32 AM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . OBIT COLUMN Smalter Soldier of God Spark Time Speed Speed and Noxcroxius get cozy Tinna Twlight dead x 2 Vin Vasilis Lord WALLACE Zander and Princess Zander
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An Anonymous Message to Lord Casca
Posted on Thursday, January 29, 2009, 10:37 PM EST by AirmidCecht (Europa)
An Anonymous Message to Lord Casca Someone decided to let Lord Casca know how they feel about his newly announced royal status by sneaking in while the guards let their guard down. In turn they took a picture and slipped it into an envelope marked, "Vandals desecrate Castle Blackthorne under Royal Guard's noses!" What say you Lord Casca? Will it be this easy for the Shadowlords?
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Aulbrey's Valentine's Day Skating Rink Grand Opening!
Posted on Thursday, January 29, 2009, 9:45 AM EST by Andrasta (Atlantic)
Aulbrey's Valentine's Day Skating Rink Grand Opening! Atlantic's first fully operational ice rink proudly wishes to invite one & all to it's Grand Opening!! Come and enjoy yourself... Bring your friends and participate in a team relay race! Think you got what it takes to go at it alone try the race to the finish without falling? Can you go the distance without slipping? Cash Rewards will be awarded to the winners! Dress in your Best Valentine's Outfit! When: Saturday, February 14th Time: 3 pm-5 pm Eastern Where: Aulbrey's Ice Rink UOAM Coordinates: X:1566 Y:206 Latitude= 124 degrees 37 minutes North Longitude = 17 degrees 5 minutes South Theme: Valentine's Day Fees: Donations welcomed for ice skate rentals. For more Info Contact Aulbrey at icq #334-962-301
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Bits and Pieces of News 1/29/09
Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 10:14 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
Last week at some stage in or right after the meeting in the Chamber of Virtues Catskills EM Kasaven was taken forcefully by unknown assailants. Owain Surrey set forth to find out who would want to take Kasaven prisoner, and where they might be holding him. This reporter recently spoke to Owain and his search still goes on, but he did have a vision of 4 statues and a future date that is almost two weeks away. He asked that those of you who are concerned about EM Kasavens health to please wait till he gives word that his dream is coming to fulfillment before joining him in taking action. I spent some time recently visiting with the Mage Clainin who is still caught up in a fever from when old Haven fell and New Haven was born. Casca our new king stated in his recent speech that he had the support of Clainin in taking the position of King pro-tempore and I was hoping for Clainin to have a lucid moment to confirm his claims. Alas this was not to be for the entire time I was there Clainin mumbled a few things but none about Casca. It has been wondered by many as to who this Solomon Wright truly is, a humble monk, a peace maker, or a man with his own agenda. Whatever you say about Solomon you cannot say he has not caused a stir amongst the people. In the short time he has been a public figure he has proposed many radical ideas that have many emotions running high in the land. Things from questioning the Purple Guardians of Honors (PGoH) claim on Trinsic, to stating that maybe the people should move away from the path that was set by Lord British Himself. Whatever you say about the man you cannot say he is not controversial. As many people have wandered the land they have seen mousetraps showing up all over the place. The rumors swirl that our new King has ordered these traps set in the hopes of capturing or killing the famed Sherry the Mouse. Sherry, a well known author who was close to Lord British, has been outspoken and critical in her statements about Casca since his claim to the throne. Through official channels the only statement was that all these traps were to combat the growing rat problems in our fair cities. So you decide what is the truth. Lady Lucretia caused a uproar this week while being taken on a guided tour of the Trammel Moonglow Zoo hosted by Anne Nomilly(O*S) and myself. When she climbed over the fence of the Silver Steed enclosure and tossed out the two Phillip's Wooden Steeds that had been sitting in there for the longest time. Those of us who witnessed it were fearful for her safety being in the area with a wild creature, but it did not seem to faze her at all. She climbed back over the fence and completed the tour without any further incidents.
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Interview with Lord Casca, Part I
Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 9:13 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. Interview with Lord Casca, Part I Early this year it was announced that Casca of Heartwood had been chosen to lead Britannia during this dark time as the 'King pro-tempore' as the first official act of a newly selected Royal Council. Many citizens were shocked by the news of his ascension, reactions ranged from bemused to fanatical feelings for or against. Casca first entered the public eye as the lead prosecuting attorney for the Kingdom of Britannia during the trial of Ricardo the King of Thieves. After winning the case, Casca's career greatly advanced when he was named to the position of Royal Ambassador shortly after the disastrous raid on the Blood dungeon in Ilshenar. When the Royal Council was cowardly massacred by agents of the Followers of Armageddon, Casca found himself their prisoner - secreted away under the Ethereal Fortress. He was swiftly found by many brave adventurers, and eventually rescued by the Royal Guard. After his recent public address in front of the gates to Castle Blackthorn, many questions still remained on the minds of those in attendance. Fortunately, I happened to be at the Counselor's Guild in northern Britain as he was finishing a tour of the realm and he agreed to allow me to interview him later in the week. After finalizing details with his press liaison, the details were ironed out. I sat down with the newly-minted Lord Casca in the recently redecorated Counselor's Guild last Saturday with a small group of citizens... MZ: How do you respond to those who feel that Ricardo was unjustly tried on a trumped-up charge of treason? LC: I don't believe the charges against Ricardo were trumped-up. I know there is a lot of warm sentiment toward the thief - I don't understand this entirely. Maybe it is the small part of all of us that embraces Chaos. Treason is a difficult charge for some people, but not for me. MZ: Ah, by 'trumped-up', I meant the manner in which the charge was specially created for him.. As theft has not been considered an act of treason, at least from a foreign entity. LC: I think anyone whose actions directly harm our security and our people is guilty of treason. I know some like to have more rigid definitions, but that isn't justice to me. MZ: What of Ricardo's sentence? LC: Execution is very difficult for many people. And while I appreciate their compassion and respect for life I think there are also criminals who are too dangerous to keep alive. Ricardo is probably the most competent criminal of our generation. To give him a lifetime to escape and cause more problems seems foolish. MZ: It has been many years since the trial, and as of yet the execution has not been carried out... LC: That is also part of Justice. Appeals, briefs. The wheels of Justice can be slow. But in the end, it's will is carried out. MZ: Many believe that Captain Avery is an innocent man wrongfully accused of complicity in your abduction, and that the 'evidence' against him is circumstantial at best. How do you respond? LC: I have to admit his treachery hurts me deeply. He was one of us, and he betrayed us. While I wasn't involved in his arrest or the building of the case against him, since I was kidnapped at the time, I did look over some of the evidence against him when I returned and recovered. I think some of the journals taken from the members of FoA seem to indicate he worked with them. MZ: There are those who believe those journals exculpate him as well... Especially the journal of soldier Brian. LC: I don't have a copy with me, but I'm sure these will be discussed during a future trial. I can't comment more as that is a pending case. MZ: So there will be a trial? LC: I don't have the details, but I believe the Court of Justice is working toward that end. Sorry, been so busy with the invasions that I haven't been able to focus on those details. MZ: Ah, many had wondered about that.. And where he was being held... Both the Yew and Trinsic jails stand empty. LC: There are safety concerns about those jails. MZ: Oh? LC: I can't discuss the details of his incarceration more though. MZ: Hmm. Alright, let's move on. The Royal Mage, and Royal Council member, Clainin has lain in a comatose state in the Healers of New Haven for many months. Are there any plans to bring him to Britain for more extensive care? LC: I am not a healer, so I don't know the full details of Clainin's medical condition. However with the invasions in many of our towns, New Haven is probably the safest place for his treatment. Britain's healer's shop doesn't have the resources to provide the wonders the City of Compassion is known for. I do believe he is getting the best care possible in New Haven. Of course if you know something different, please share it with me. I would hate to have such an important ally not receive the care he deserves. MZ: Personally, I do not.. Citizens have just been worried about his health, and the lack of any improvement shown in his condition. LC: It is problematic to second guess the methods of healers. Time is sometimes the greatest medicine. MZ: Aye, this I have heard. LC: I wish him a speedy and safe recovery. If anyone is reading the news to him, tell him he has the good will of all our people. MZ: Let us continue... In your speech, you mentioned strengthening our laws. How do you intend to do this? Which laws do you think need strengthening? You also mentioned the Virtues several times in your speech, how do you plan to bring them further into the public consciousness? LC: I think often we think of Justice as just punishment. Hit them after they've hit you. Put them in prison after they have taken something. This is the wrong way to look at it. Justice is Truth tempered by Love if you read Lord British's book. Laws must be fair, but also keep things orderly. I think by bringing the Virtues to people, by teaching them to be better laws may not even be necessary. However, this perfect world of Virtue isn't something easy. Lord British, the greatest king we will ever have, could not make people perfect with just love and respect. He needed the steady hand that comes from the rule of law. There will be new laws or revisions to old laws. These changes will stem from the Virtues. MZ: 'Stem from the Virtues'? Might you have an example? LC: I can't explain all of them in detail now since the full legal explanations will take hours. However, one example is crimes of omission. People not helping their fellows. People failing to stop evil. All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing, as my father used to say. MZ: Hmm.. LC: We can't allow Apathy to join Lies, Hatred, and Cowardice. All will be encouraged to work for the public good. MZ: Aye, no more Shadowlords..However, this sounds as if you wish to codify Compassion as a requirement into law. LC: To be fair, that is nothing new. Kingdoms have drafts, codifying valor and sacrifice when it is necessary to go to war. Kingdoms codify sacrifice in taxes. Kingdoms codify justice or try to in every legal text. MZ: Taxes as Sacrifice.. Hmm.. Interesting point. LC: Sometimes it is necessary for a kingdom to push for a little more from its people, for everyone's sake. Do not worry, I hold myself to the same standards. There will be no lavish Magincian or Nujel'm styles in my court. Stay tuned for Part II of my Interview with Lord Casca for his response to the crowd's reaction to the possibility of higher taxes, the war against the Shadowlords, and mousetraps. Included will also be information on the new Minister of Agriculture, Lord Magnus Grey. Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria
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An opportunity to lend a hand
Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 7:12 AM EST by Larisa (CommunityNews)
More details can be found Here
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A Letter from Martyna Z'muir
Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 10:15 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
Greetings Friends, It has been a while since I set quill to parchment to bring you the news of our realm. For you see, many months ago after my Library was damaged, I was abducted by the Triad (forces of the Shadowlord Nosfentor) and held captive. Apparently, the vile witch had learned that the Library possessed a book containing a ritual capable of banishing her from the body she inhabited - so she had me kidnapped to try and force the High Council to surrender the tome to her... Virtuously, the High Council refused to negotiate for my release with the book as collateral. I do not blame them, dear readers, as my freedom was a small price to pay to keep such an evil off balance. I do regret, however, my inability to warn the citizenry of the Shadowlord's plans, the wholesale invasion of our beautiful cities. I heard you held firm, and routed the trespassers at every opportunity. Congratulations! Towards the end of my imprisonment, I learned that Nosfentor had changed her strategy and now intended to take me as her vessel. Through me, she hoped to usurp my knowledge and my contacts to tear at our society from within. Her malevolence with my face, the mere thought is enough to induce nausea. Fortunately for me, a bizarre set of circumstances and a rescuer from...well, else when I think... freed me and Woodrow Call, a Justicar long-thought dead. Unfortunately for me, the ancient rune my rescuer used to send me away from the Triad's stronghold led to deep within the bowels of Destard. I was quickly a new kind of captive, the future meal of an ancient wyrm. My fate now lay in the hands, or rather paws, of two courageous rodents... Early in my captivity I had befriended a young rat that had the misfortune of making the Triad's tower her home. Through elven magic, and her own innate intelligence, I helped give her rudimentary speech. Lotha-abbil she was named, and she soon crept from the tower to send word of my capture. A confusing series of events for my rat friend, and the Royal Council's murder, led to her being forgotten within the catacombs beneath Castle British. Eventually, Sherry the Mouse freed her and led her to Chancellor DaKaren. He, in turn, mobilized the Britannian Armed Forces, consisting of the Royal Knights of Virtue (formerly the Royal Knights of Redemption) and the Dragons of Honor, valiantly came to my aid and slew the hungry wyrm. Nosfentor briefly made an appearance, little more than an animate corpse. Her badly damaged vessel was quickly put out of its misery, the Shadowlord's shade fled to cower with her brethren. A message from Absu Maal, discovered on the body, spoke of the Triad's being sent somewhere to fight an enemy of the Shadowlord's master, someone called 'Guardian'. Now you know the abbreviated version or my return, dear readers, and I once again renew my pledge to bring you the multitudinous stories our realm has to offer. My next article will be of the interview I had with our new King, Lord Casca. If ever you have breaking news to report, or simply wish to read a good book, I can be found in my home above the Library of Sosaria - Directly south of the Yew moongate in Trammel (72* 26'N 39* 18'W) Britannia is indeed great, my friends - It is you who make it so! Long live Britannia! Lady Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria
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Torgoth of RKV Headlines
Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 9:55 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . Torgoth of RKV Headlines Obits ~ OBIT COLUMN ~ END OF JAN 09 A Hash Brownie Animal Anok Libertine Deathbringer dead in Destard Jesus Malag aste Mister Jones MYSTIQUE PHATOM Naudia Princess of Pain
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Another Chance at the Bank Renovation Contest!
Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 8:45 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
For those of you who wanted to submit an entry for the Bank Renovation Contest and did not get it done in time for the original deadline. You now have an second chance. Due to an issue that prevented us from receiving some contest e-mails last week, we’ve decided to re-open the Bank Renovation contest! We need you to resubmit your entries or if you did not get a chance to finish in time for the deadline, to submit them by Sunday, February 1st at midnight EST. We’re sorry for the inconvenience but we feel this is needed so that we can be fair to all interested participants. Please also note that we’ve added some extra information in the rules section of the contest based on some of the entries we had already received. Please make sure to modify your entries as needed. Thank you and good luck! All details about the contest can be found below here. Bank Renovation: Designers Wanted! Joanne Laroche With the new year, Sosaria’s main bank is in high need of a serious makeover. We are looking for talented designers and decorators to submit their original ideas on a great new look for the West Britain Bank. This is a permanent new look so do not focus on just a winter theme! Contest Rules: You must take a screenshot of Britain Bank and decorate it with existing UO art. You can copy/paste existing art from elsewhere in the game on top of the bank area. You may optionally use InsideUO to grab tileart directly from UO. Your submission screenshot must be a JPG and for e-mail submissions must be no larger than 800x600. (For screenshots larger than 800x600 please upload it online - we suggest using a free image hosting site and send us the link to your image.) There will be one winner per shard, you may only win once. To qualify, entries must include your name and shard. You must have an active Ultima Online account to participate. Enter as often as you wish, but only one submission per e-mail. Submission for banks other than West Britain Bank will be dismissed. All entries become the property of Mythic Entertainment. Added 01/27/09: Please make sure to keep your bank designs to one story/level and to respect the current layout of the bank (do not move walls!). While we appreciate the designs with multiple stories/levels and different layouts we're not accepting them at this time. Prizes: One winner per shard. Added 01/27/09: If we do not receive any acceptable winning entries for a shard, our team will provide the renovations for that shard. The winners will have the bank on their respective shard redecorated on both facets according to their design. A plaque will also be placed by the bank identifying the winning designer. All winning entries will be posted here on the UOHerald once the judging has been finalized. How to Enter: When you are ready to submit your entry, you must include the following: Your Character Name: Shard: E-mail address: Description of your renovation (optional) Your screenshot (or the link to where your screenshot is hosted): Send all the above information to: [email protected] This is open to all active Ultima Online subscribers. Entries must be received by midnight Eastern Time on Sunday, February 1st, 2009 to qualify. Good luck and happy bank renovating! Joanne added the following information for those confused about what they could do with thier designs: Hey gang, I just wanted to help clarify a few things! Rooftops - Feel free to decorate them as you want to, but please do not add another story to it. (This would mean adding something that has another roof on it!) Moongates - Sure, you can use moongates in your renovations! Don't forget sparklies, glowing runes, pentagrams, arcane circles, are all fine too. Stalls on the roof - If you so desire. What can I put on the roof? - You can put any decoration item you want to there, including benches and tables. Do steps leading to the roof count as a second story? No, just make sure you do not have a 2nd roof! Are we allowed to create buildings that attach to the bank as long as they are single story? - No. Do the walls need to remain exactly the same, or can we alter the material from which they are made? - The walls need to stay the same, you cannot change the material to sandstone for example but you can add new material to it! I hope this helps, happy decorating everyone.
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[NEWS] UOHerald: Bank Renovation Update. Deadline Extended

Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 6:16 PM EST by Sara of Baja (Origin)

Posted on UOHerald earlier today

Bank Renovation Contest Update

Joanne Laroche

27 Jan 2009 12:52:53

Due to an issue that prevented us from receiving some contest e-mails last week, we’ve decided to re-open the Bank Renovation contest! We need you to resubmit your entries or if you did not get a chance to finish in time for the deadline, to submit them by Sunday, February 1^st at midnight EST. We’re sorry for the inconvenience but we feel this is needed so that we can be fair to all interested participants.

Please also note that we’ve added some extra information in the rules section of the contest based on some of the entries we had already received. Please make sure to modify your entries as needed. Thank you and good luck!

All details about the contest can be found here.

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A Curious Fellow at the New Haven Bank
Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 5:45 PM EST by Terence Duff (Chesapeake)
*This news is from a reader, on a great little event that happened on Chesapeake:* Greetings! I had the pleasure of witnessing a small event on the Chesapeake shard, at the New Haven bank. I took lots of screenshots, and will happily provide them. Below is the writeup: At around 11:30 PM, EST, a curious fellow appeared on the steps of the New Haven bank. As a grandmaster tailor, I often wait there in case some new resident of Britannia appears, so I've gotten used to the usual folks who linger there. This strangely garbed fellow pulled out a wand... not the usual behavior for the residents of New Haven. With a wave of his wand, he disappeared, only to reappear standing at the top of the nearby lamppost! he pointed his wand at the sky once more, and my heart pounded as the very heavens trembled at his power! Thunder rolled across the city, and he vanished again, only to reappear just before the steps of the bank once more. I got a closer look, this time. He was wearing a kilt made from golden thread, a golden necklace holding a glowing white gems, shiny golden wristwatch and a special book of magic tricks! Others started to gather, drawn by my applause and the rumble of thunder, to witness his feats of prestidigitation. He was just getting warmed up. He summoned a ring of rabbits, much to my delight. Then, he revealed his assistant, a charming actor with a decidedly skittish streak. She kept bolting from the scene, although Kendrick Morrow insisted she stay for the show. Perhaps she suspected what he he planned? He waved his wand again, and lo and behold, her skin turned a variety of unnatural shades, and she was not impressed with his generous gift of gold to thank her for her services. Magic wasn't Kendrick Morrow's only talent. Swiftly wielding a hammer and nails, he produced a table on the spot. Upon it appeared a cake, which he promptly ate. Then, a carrot. He removed his hat, waved his wand, and summoned... ...not a rabbit. A bear burst into being, startling us all! He tried again, and managed a llama. One of the audience members quipped that she'd like a prince, and I couldn't help but add he needed to be rich. And indeed, it seems that Kendrick Morrow's powers are endless. A noble prince appeared before us! I think he liked me. This time, Kendrick Morrow reached far into his hat, took a deep breath and pulled, with a declaration that surely he'd find the rabbit for which his carrot was intended. It wasn't to be. he hastily dismissed the dragon he accidentally summoned in the midst of the New Haven square. The fifth time was the charm, and no less than six fuzzy little rabbits appeared around Kendrick the Magician! With another wave of his wand, and a rapid burst of flame, he touched his wand to one of the rabbits, and it vanished in a puff of smoke and a whiff of singed fur. "Hossenfeffer, anyone?" the magician quipped. After a hearty round of applause (and a brief translation from one of the audience members,) he readied himself for his final trick. He vanished, and the heavens roared as lightning and thunder rattled the buildings around us. He reappeared, and bowed. We filled his proffered tip table with gold, and he vanished once again, leaving us to resume our activities. This time, with a smile on our faces and a touch of magic on our skin.
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Bank Renovation Contest Update
Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 2:14 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: Bank Renovation Contest Update Joanne Laroche 27 Jan 2009 12:52:53 Due to an issue that prevented us from receiving some contest e-mails last week, we’ve decided to re-open the Bank Renovation contest! We need you to resubmit your entries or if you did not get a chance to finish in time for the deadline, to submit them by Sunday, February 1st at midnight EST. We’re sorry for the inconvenience but we feel this is needed so that we can be fair to all interested participants. Please also note that we’ve added some extra information in the rules section of the contest based on some of the entries we had already received. Please make sure to modify your entries as needed. Thank you and good luck! All details about the contest can be found Here .
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Community Hunt - Week of January 26th
Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 8:16 AM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
Want to go hunting but don't have a big enough group? Are you looking for good guides to dungeons you've yet to explore? The community hunts are open to everyone! Come show your support for the Lake Superior community and take a walk on the wild side at the same time. Meet some new and old friends and have a bit of a challenge along the way. Vesper Museum Exhibit Tour Date: Tuesday, January 27th Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Peerless Hunt (Mondain's Legacy Required) Date: Wednesday, January 28th Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Terort Skitas Dungeon crawl Date: Thursday, January 29th Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Champ Spawn Hunt Date: Friday, January 30th Time: 9:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Hosts: Taeara Mi'aken And remember, these hunts are for everyone, regardless of their skill level or guild affiliation. Come meet new friends, see new places, gain experience and just have fun. Sabina Nikolai, High Marshall, Community Hunt Organizer The Order of the Silver Rose
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Community Meet Up
Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 8:04 AM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
We had quite the party last night at the Community Meet Up. It was held at the Counselor's Guild in Brit. I just have to say that we have the BEST Event Moderators!! Who would have expected a table dance....
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The Testing Process
Posted on Monday, January 26, 2009, 6:01 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: The Testing Process Joanne Laroche 26 Jan 2009 16:48:05 We’ve learned that some of our players are a bit confused on how the testing process works for Ultima Online. We wanted to clear any misconceptions and let you know how it all works: When new things or bug fixes go to Test Center it is so that they can be tested by the players as well as the Developers. Theses fixes or changes are there so that we can acquire feedback and any reports of them working incorrectly. Just because something goes to Test Center it doesn’t mean it will automatically go to the live shards with the next publish. Many things change over the course of the test cycle and through Feedback as well as Bug Reports it assists us in deciding if they will go to the regular shards in a future publish. We hope this helps and if you do decide to do some testing please make sure to send us your Feedback or Bug Reports to the following addresses: Bug Reports can be sent directly to this address: [email protected] As well as through our Feedback Form. In the future, for systems or game balances that we would like input on, we'll try to place it on a different shard from our normal pre-Production so there is less confusion. We’ll see you on Test Center!
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249th Assembly of the 7th High Council - Note Location Change
Posted on Monday, January 26, 2009, 4:55 PM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
*249th Assembly of the 7th High Council* Date: Monday, January 26, 2008 Time: 10:00 PM EDT/9:00 PM CDT Location: West Counselor's Guild, Britain, Trammel Facet Meeting Agenda: -Possible edicts from Lord Casca, King pro-tempore. -The High Council will discuss the present political and military situation in the realm. -A Report from Trinsic by Lady Leeda. -Other items to be announced at the meeting. --Athenat High Council of Britannia
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Update to the Shard Wide Tour - Napa Valley updated
Posted on Monday, January 26, 2009, 4:12 PM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
An update on the EM’s housing, Napa Valley’s Counselor’s Guild has been decorated! They did a lovely design with plenty of seating and even an office for the EM’s. There is a very conspicuous banana there as well…. OH did I mention they have a bar!!! Great job to EM’s Sezja, Kaen, Pallando, and Janae! Thanks for the love to Napa Valley! Here are some before and after pictures for your viewing pleasure! Now we just need to give Lake Austin a little bit of love Devs! Airmid and I will bring our crafters to help!! Thanks to the devs for moving forward with Napa Valley! We do appreciate all your hard work! One note, there is now a shield at Lake Austin. See below. Thanks again to our great developers. It is much appreciated!
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Silver Steed At Moonglow Zoo

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2009, 11:41 AM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

Silver Steed
On Display At Moonglow Zoo

When Sunday Night Taming began on January 26, the donation box was on Tier 10, with only one creature missing from the creature display. After a frenzied hour of turn-ins, it was noticed by Lord Grim Reaper [M!S] the zoo was very close to Tier 11. He graciously handed Darcia a check to donate and bring the zoo up to the top tier.

As soon as Darcia made the donation, we all raced to the Silver Steed area to gaze upon the beauty of the all but extinct creature

After the taming turn-ins and generous donation of gold, the Moonglow Zoo is at Tier 11, with the current zoo points 11,285,948! Darcia also reports the turn-in fund now has enough points for two lucky tamers to pick a statue (winners to be determined by a dice roll).

Participants of the Sunday Night Taming Turn-in, giddy with happiness and excitement over the appearance of the Silver Steed in Baja's zoo last night, could not resist posing for a cheesy photo.

As a reminder, anyone may participate in Sunday Night Taming, and can either donate directly to the zoo donation box or contribute their points to the reward pool by transferring their tames to Darcia, who in turn donates the pets to the zoo, keeping track of who donates so they are eligible for a chance to roll for a zoo reward. If you wish to participate, Sunday Taming Night begins at 8 p.m. PST (9 p.m. MST, 10 p.m. CST, 11 p.m. EST).

Thanks again, M!S, for helping the zoo by sponsoring this open event every Sunday evening.

(M!S is still waiting for taming challenges from other guilds.)

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EMs now offer Wedding Services
Posted on Monday, January 26, 2009, 7:04 AM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner many ladies and gentlemen’s thoughts turn to love and marriage. Most everyone wants their wedding to be a very special day that they will always have cherished memories of. With this in mind our new EMs are offering a much desired service, and that is wedding packages. Not only will an EM marry you, but they offer a large selection of vows that will satisfy most every type of player, but that’s not all. If you are married, but it was not done by an EM (Or any other official representative of Mythic/EA) then you can have your Vows renewed, and they will provide you with new rings that show your never ending love for each other. If you want to avoid the hassle of a large wedding they offer to marry you and beloved in a small private ceremony in the new wedding service building. Here is what their new wedding service offers so far. ~ EM will marry you ~ You pick the wedding location for your nuptials (They have a runebook there with some of the recommended places that you can have your wedding ceremony. ) ~ You have a wide choices of Vows to choose from or you can write your own (There are at this time 12 in the book they provide for you to look at.) ~ EM will give you an Pink bag, with a custom wedding planner for the couple ~ Plus a bottle of wine, a wheel of cheese and a candle ~ Last but not least.. Free Rings. Your choice of silver or gold and they are blessed and can have statements of your true love placed on them (Within reason, of course). **At this time they are also tentatively planning to offer special wedding outfits if the Bride and Groom want them. These outfits will only last through the wedding and will disappear afterwards. The new “Center For Wedding Services” building is a small 7x7 wooden building found in north western Britain beside the “Councilors’ Guild Hall” that EM Kasaven now resides in. You normally can find EM Annendora there at 4 and 7 PM EST waiting to help make you and your loved one the perfect wedding. If you miss catching her there use the Wedding Registry Board in the Center so you can reserve your wedding date and time before anyone else does. Just remember you must talk to the EM to plan the wedding though so please leave a time you may return to make your plans. Weddings will not start officially till February but please try and make arrangements ahead of time so that the EMs can give you the best possible wedding they can.
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Community Meet Up - January 26 Counselor Guild Hall, Britain
Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2009, 10:41 PM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
Community Meet Up - January 26, 09 Date: Every Monday Night Time: 7:30PM CST Location: Location change: Counselor Guild Hall, North Britain Meeting Agenda: Tonight we'll meet at the Counselor Guild Hall in North Britain with an opportunity to meet and discuss EM events and what we can do as a community to help them along. Also: I wanted to note that this Wednesday the 28th marks a year that microelf known to many as Rupert Kye or Ziggy passed away. Please keep Luna du Selene in your happy thoughts. He is dearly missed and she is dearly treasured. We'll hear weekly announcements of upcoming events and hunts for Lake Superior from Sabina our events coordinator. The weekly community meetings, events, hunts, etc are always open to the public. No invitations needed! Everyone is always welcome to come ask questions, make plans, or make announcements. Bring a friend if you can make it, tell a friend if you can't!
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A shard wide tour of Event Moderator's Homes
Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2009, 10:32 AM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
Yesterday evening, this reporter decided to take a tour of other worlds and began a trek of all the North American shards, with two little excursions to Drachenfels and Oceania (lovely places by the way) to see all the decoration the Event Moderator’s (EM’s) have done to the counselor guilds. My journey began on Legends, where I found a very well decorated guild, which included a Wedding Planning Center created by EM Tashik and a very well stocked bar! Next, I moved along to Atlantic, where I came to the front of the Counselor Guild to find a very nice use of virtue tiles and a very regal interior design. This reporter was very impressed by the decoration done by EM’s Kanmare and Sykobri. The next leg of my journey took me to my home shard, Lake Superior. I spent quite a few moons wandering around “touching their stuff”. EMs Autolycus and Quantum have made very interesting use of odd decorative items, such as a display of the “Whump’em Stick”. Although that is just but one example, there are many other interesting items! Moving along to the shard of Great Lakes, I found a lovely decorated guild in a tavern style. The EM’s Iatu and Malachi made great use of plants and a fire pit. It was a very cozy arrangement with a long bar on one wall. Alas, I did not find their bar stock! They must have heard I was coming to visit. sigh Onward to the next shard of Chesapeake, where I found the town of Brit under invasion and my newblet self ran as fast as she could to the Counselor Guild. I found a very well decorated guild in a restaurant style with a bar, oven, preparations for a meal, games and a warm fire pit. EM Tailspin has done a very good job. I have to thank Nancy who came by just in time to help me with an invis so I could log my little newblet out safely. Thank you Nancy! The next step in this trek of shards took me to Catskills, where I found several items of interest. The first being, a shield on the ground with a title of “Kasaven has been captured – Possibly by the Royal Guards! Details as I find them out. – Owain”. There was a book laying on top of the shield which yielded the following information: My Search for Kasaven, by Owain Surrey For the past few days, I have searched for Kasaven assiduously, to no avail. I have checked the jails of Yew and others, suspecting they trapped him inside by some arcane means, yet I have found not. I have searched Blackthorn’s castle, I have searched the Orc Fort in Cove, I have searched the depths of feluccian dungeons, and I have found not. I have not sensed his presence in my any means, and I fear that he is either in an imprisioned behind a wall of vile theurgies or he is slain. I hope for the former, but in either case I believe that we are dealing with a foe much more powerful than Casca or the royal guards. On this night, I will delay my search for the moment and rest, hopefully finding answers in my dreams. God save us all – Owain Now, this reporter finds that very interesting. Also the decorations in this Counselor’s Guild were a bit on the evil side, possibly a determent or maybe foreboding? The Red book on the far left sitting atop a pedestal was entitled “A Treatise on Demonic Magics” and note the burning skull in the center of the room, right next to the fresh body parts laying scattered about… Does anyone know the whereabouts of EM Kasaven? The next leg of my journey took me to Origin where EM Laurana has created a house next door with the Wedding Services of Origin. The decorations included a roaring fireplace with plenty of firewood nearby, a book with Cacsa’s Speech, fully stocked bar (my personal favorite) and lots of comfortable seating through out. Traveling next to the shard of Pacific, where EM Cyno Razik has created a “Mystery House of Questionable Origin” next door to the Counselor’s Guild. The EM’s have made a bold blood red stage surrounded by magical crystals with plenty of seating for the people of this shard. This was a great combination of red and black theme. Moving along to the next shard on the list, I found my way to Sonoma. Where EM Eira has created a Wedding House next door and decorated the Counselor’s guild with sashes from many different EM’s. The decorations included a book with the History of Sonoma, tables for gaming and even a Massage Table!! Way to go EM Eira! My next destination was Lake Austin, where I was very much surprised to find an empty Counselor’s Guild, but next door EM Annendora has created a Center for Wedding Services for the shard. Maybe we need to help the EM’s with some decorating ideas for Lake Austin? The next step in my journey was to Baja and also a very interesting experience as I met up with Samarian, Nicholas the Old, and shard reporter Oriana! It was quite an evening as Samarian shared that he had discovered there were parts of Lord British’s Castle that are no longer accessible, such as the roofs and upstairs. Nicholas the Old surmised that Casca must have warded the building. The Counselor’s Guild has been very nicely decorated by EM’s Seppo and Pallando with red curtains behind the stage and magic sparkles in front. There are many books along the left side for the citizens reading pleasure such as Casca’s speech, tales of the Nystad Twins and others. The next leg of my travels led me to Napa Valley which sadly remains undecorated as you can see below. Maybe the LS EM’s could take a short journey to Napa to give them a hand! Thanks to the heads up from Canary and Teeshy, I made an additional trip to the lovely shard of Oceania. Teeshy was correct in that EM Aeon has done a very nice job in decorating their Counselor’s Guild. They have their very own outdoor bar which serves Foster’s Beer and Apple Isle Whiskey. A shard after me own heart! The interior is decorated with a very large seating area as well as some unusual statues. The next to last stop on my trek of shards to visit all the EM Centers was to Drachenfels. EM Immortal has created an Event Manager’s office next door to the Counselor’s Guild. This EM has done a very fine job of decorating the Guild with a large stage in one corner, a long table for celebrating, and gaming. I love the blue banners and seating. And last but certainly in no way least, I visited Seige. EM Alcor has done a wonderful job with the Counselor’s Guild. It was very colorfully done with blue and green sandstone tables and a large shield behind the EM’s table which stated “Welcome to Siege Perilous!”. Well I hope you enjoyed the tour of shards EM’s houses. I certainly enjoyed taking the journey. Safe journey’s to all. And a big Huzzah! to all the new Event Moderators!
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[NEWS]Lady Aino offered Captain of the Royal Guard
Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2009, 8:26 PM EST by Oriana (Baja)
This morning the Lady Aino Nystad contacted me about her meeting this day with the newly self appointed King, Lord Casca. She asked that I give her strength in words as she spoke with the King about her lands and family name. I agreed and told her that I would gather as many Citizens as I could to support her in her time of need. I spread the word as best I could, sending books and scolls everywhere I could. Contacting comrades and telling them to spread the word as well. We met with the Lady Aino Nystad near her guest quarters, in front of Castle British. I believe Aino was quite surprised by the turnout. Even our shard drun...er sake conosuer came to give his blessing and support. Lady Aino soon opened a portal to the location of the meeting and we followed her through. The following is a transcript of the conversation that was held. Lord Casca: Hail Lady Aino the mighty, of the magicians most renown! Casca: Hail Lady Aino the fair, whose mane is gold and name is great! Casca: Thank you for arriving on such notice. Casca: I assure you, your punctuality is noted. Lady Aino Nystad: Hail Lord Casca! Casca bows to the Lady Aino. Aino curtseys to Casca Aino: I thank you for your flowery words and for allowing this meeting… Aino: Given the arduous task that has already been laid out before you in becoming our new Lord. Casca smiles and nods Aino looks at the seats as Casca tells someone to remove himself from the seat. Casca’s guard, Kemer, pulls out the chair for Aino. Aino: My Lord, I will speak plain. My family has served the throne of Britainnia for many years… both in war and trade. Aino: The Nystad Estate and its assets have made the kingdom safer, richer, more glorious! Casca: Lady Aino, this meeting is not about your family or your estate. Aino looks confused. Aino: Surely, … Aino pauses in disbelief Aino: Surely, My Lord… I can imagine no other reason to be here before your grace. Oriana lays a hand on Aino’s shoulder in support Aino: Why must my family suffer under the weight of this embarrassment! Aino: Our livelihood taken! Cast out, becoming hardly more than beggars! Casca: Lady Aino as I have already stated, I have not brought you here to discuss your family problems, or the state of your material assets thereof. Aino looks around desperately, pleading Aino: Forgive my impudence, Lord Casca, I beseech you! My home and my lands have been robbed from us beneath terms malicious and unjust! This cannot stand! Casca pounds his fist angrily on the table. Casca: Lady Aino! Hold your tongue and speak no more of this! Aino is stunned by the out burst Oriana again places her hands on Aino’s shoulders, only to be threatened by Casca’s guard, Kemer The crowd grumbled at his display, James invites him to speak his mind. Aino grinds her teeth Aino: If you did not wish to discuss my issue then why did you summon me here… Aino pauses Aino: Sire… Surely you have other tasks to attend to… rather than ti simply sit and wait at my expense. Casca’s expression softens. Casca: I understand your heart, my Lady. Let me only say that at this time, what you ask is not possible. Casca: It would create a conflict that could divide the nobility. And perhaps in turn divide the people, which we can not afford. Casca: Much less at such a crucial juncture. I am confident you understand this, as one who is of noble blood… Casca: that the need of the people are put above yours and those of your family. The crowd begins to murmur amongst themselves and looks at the Lord Casca with mistrust. The dignitaries from Dawn looked at one another, and the Luminari delegate could be seen narrowing her eyes. Kemer the Royal Guard grips his halberd and points it across the room! Kemer: Orc! points at Kurpur Kemer: Orc, What is your business here? Casca to Lady Aino: however unfortunate it may be for you. Aino nods hesitantly The room erupts as Kemer calls Kurpur to him! Wildstar: You will leave him alone! Sara: He is here as our guest. Casca: Calm, Kemer Kemer: Milady, I cannot allow a foul creature to stand so close to our liege. Kurpur takes a defensive stand Kemer: You draw your weapon, orc? Aino looks around Aino: The orc is with me! Kemer blinks in surprise Casca: Enough Kemer! Casca: Both of you! Kemer stops his eyes widen fearfully. Kemer: I… I apologize for my conduct, your highness. Kemer sulks away Aino looks confused Casca: He is allowed here, as are all who come under term of peace. Kemer watches Kurpur warily Casca take a deep breath Casca: No my Lady, I have called you here today to offer you a proposal. Aino’s eyes widen as her anger ebbs away into curiosity Casca: A proposal not from me myself, your King, but from our Fellow citizens. Casca: Who by their words and actions during this time of tribulation, I believe are in desperate need of closer leadership. Aino: My lord? Kurmur laughs causing Kemer to twitch at the sound of his laughter Casca smiles warmly Medusa makes an in appropriate comment causing Kemer to stare at her Casca: I have studied you, Aino Nystad. Casca: and this is what I have ascertained. Aino raises and eyebrow Casca: You are as loyal as a servant of the throne should be, strong and unwavering. Casca: You aptitude for magic surpasses that of many. Casca: Such that even the mages of my court could learn a trick or two from you… Aino blushes Casca: And though young you are wise with the knowledge of any learned scholar. Casca: But most of all, you are respected and you are followed. Aino looks around Casca: The noble and citizens speak to me of the name Nystad only in praise, and this together with your natural abilities, make you my first choice to lead the royal Guard as Captain. Aino stutters in disbelief Aino: C-Captain of the Royal Guard? Me? Oriana takes Aino’s hand Aino looks as though she has been hit by a llama The crowd once again rumbles Sara: But she is of noble blood. Katrina grimaces Aino pauses Oriana whispers in Aino’s ear…Do not fall for this distraction my lady! Aino: My Lord, I-I do not know, this is no small thing you ask of me… Casca smiles Kemer the guard yells at Lady Oriana: Do not touch and bother the Lady Nystad so. Oriana stares back at Kemer Casca: Indeed it is not my Lady. I expect to hear fron you soon on this matter. Casca: Do not make me wait. Casca: Let me say this finally, Aino Nystad. Casca speaks firmly Casca: The people have issued a cry for leadership and I intend to answer. Oriana whispers again: Be strong m’lady Casca: I am sure that those who follow their new King in this undertaking will be looked upon favorably… Casca: in all things. Casca pauses Aino nods slowly Casca: Eve their own personal endeavors. Aino’s eyes widen Casca smiles warmly and bows Casca: Good day my Lady Aino: Fare Well… Lord Casca Casca: Kemer at your leisure Kemer nods Oriana glares at Casca The crowd begins to rumble again.
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Lord Casca, The Warrior Guild Hall, and Sherry the Mouse Part II
Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2009, 8:05 PM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
Lord Casca, The Warrior Guild Hall, and Sherry the Mouse Part II (cont’d from part I) I made my way to the Warrior Guild Hall on the west end of Britain over the bridge to find many waiting there already with time to spare. I explained to them that Lord Casca was speaking openly with the community and a chance may not happen again for those that wanted to hear for themselves. Our numbers dwindled because of this but our spirits were high in discussing what his reign might mean for us citizens. A little squeek by the stairs alerted us to a visitor for those remaining…… Sherry the Mouse greeted us cheerfully as she entered the room and seemed in high spirits despite the watchful eyes looking for her. Once again her words of wisdom regarding our new King resonated with the few of us there. I asked Sherry the Mouse of an idea I have to gather the community and choose within it a non political counsel to approach Lord Casca with citizen concerns. She thought this to be a good idea and one I will lend more thought to and bring up at future meetings. She is not trusting of the Counsel of Mages, for obvious reasons and spoke well of Lady Aileen who she hopes is still well. Most likely Lady Aileen would assist Sherry in any way possible. During our discussion, Nathan Windfall returned from having talked to Lord Casca with a report much the same as I had found in our conversation earlier that day. “He believes he can find a way to try and get the Shadowlords to retreat.” After staying too long in one place, Sherry the Mouse sweetly took her leave and carefully blended back into the cracks in the wall, hurrying out the door. We relaxed at the table there and hashed out much of what Nathan reported. As the night wore on and coming to the decision that future meetings would benefit the community we decided the next meeting should take place outside Britain walls. Therefore we will announce another strategy meeting for all that would like to attend in the lands of Ilshenar. This is done to prevent the eavesdropping we were made aware of and if there are spies among us, well perhaps the skills of the fairies may help us decipher this. I made my way to the Twin Oaks Tavern in Spirituality, Ilshenar and was assured that Zut and Rael will do all they can to accommodate us and for those traveling a distance the Inn above provides a nice slumber. Date and time for the next meeting is to be announced and hopefully word will spread. Let us hope we can gather again as we did in times past and as a community stand together for or against what we deem necessary for our lands.
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Lady Aino to have a meeting with Lord Casca
Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2009, 12:20 PM EST by Oriana (Baja)
Here Ye, Here Ye The Lady Aino is meeting with Lord Casca regarding her family’s lands. If you do not know of her problem thus far, there are books at EM Seppos office by the name “The Nystad Twins” and “The House of Games”. They will catch you up to date. Please come and attend this meeting as it is an open forum and give our newest citizen all our support. The meeting is scheduled for 3 pm shard time today, January 24, 2009. (4pm mtn, 5pm cst, and 6 pm est) to be held at the Castle British.
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FoF: Chrissay's First FoF!
Posted on Friday, January 23, 2009, 4:22 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday: FoF: Chrissay's First FoF! Chrissay Zeeman 23 Jan 2009 16:33:47 "Will windows 7 be compatible with Stygian Abyss?" We are planning to support both clients on Windows 7. However, until Windows 7 is officially released, our customer support team will not be able to support players using Windows 7 Beta with technical issues. -Supreem -- "Are the scrolls of transcendence always going to drop from here on in, like the Dungeon Arties? Or is this one of those "limited time" deals?" The scrolls of transcendence and other champ spawn rewards are a permanent addition. So no, it's not a limited time deal. -Sakkarah -- "Do Quivers of Infiniti on non-archer characters give DCI bonus?" Quivers of Infiniti affect will effect you when they are equipped; it is not based off your skill. -Mesanna -- "Will there be another spring cleaning event?" There may be another spring cleaning type event at some point in the future. But it is not currently in the schedule. -Sakkarah -- "I am a new player in New Haven, why can I not buy skills for training?" If you have accepted one of the new player quests in New Haven you will have to resign from it before you can buy skills. -Mesanna -- Fansite News: Lake Superior Community Meet'n Greet Date: Monday, January 26th Time: 7:30PM Central Location: Skara Brae Community Center Hosts: Airmid / Sabina Nikolai ------------------------------------------------------ Vesper Museum Exhibit tours Date: Tuesday, Januray 27th Time: 8:00PM Central Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse Host: Taeara Mi'Aken ------------------------------------------------------ Peerless hunt (Mondain's Legacy Required) Date: Wednesday, January 28th Time: 8:00PM Central Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse Host: Taeara Mi'Aken ------------------------------------------------------ Terort Skitas dungeon crawl Date: Wednesday, January 29th Time: 8:00PM Central Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse Host: Taeara Mi'Aken ------------------------------------------------------ Ilshenar Champion Spawn hunt Date: Friday, January 30th Time: 9:00PM Central Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse Host: Taeara Mi'Aken -- Whispering Rose Radio Events Saturday - Jan. 24th - Its time for the ever popular Brush LimpPaw show starting at 5pm ET (2pm PT) on WRR where listeners hear his Universal Outlook on the worlds 'current events' as only he can deliver it. ~~~~~~~~~ Saturday - Jan. 24th - WRR Deal or No Deal 'UO Style' ~ Win up to 10 MILLION in GOLD on the shard of your choice (1/3 Seige) playing Deal or No Deal. This weeks DoND is on NAPA VALLEY starting at 3pm Pacific, 6pm Eastern. The DoND house is located along the North wall inside Luna town. Players from all shards are eligible to participate...just make a character on NAPA VALLEY to join in the fun!! Rules on how to play DoND UO Style are available on the station website where you can also tune in to hear this and other UO events live from...Whispering Rose Radio - For more details and location map CLICK HERE ~~~~~~~~~ Saturday - Jan. 24th - At 10pm Eastern (7pm PT) join in the fun with WRR's Name That Tune & Artist Show where over 25 Million in UO Gold can be won on the shard of your choice!! Anyone can play - just log onto CHESAPEAKE and head to Oni's Silvervales Lord & Lady Ball (runes found at banks) then tune into Whispering Rose Radio at www.wrrad.com to hear the tunes. Every person that plays is on their own ladder. For NTT&A game details and more information CLICK HERE ~~~~~~~~~ Saturday - Jan. 24th - From 9pm to 11pm PT (Midnight to 2am ET) participate in the live fun of DJ Flash and The Box Game with lots of chances for you to win fantastic UO in game prizes. Tune into wrrad.com to hear full game details and be ready to contact DJ Flash at ICQ 124-373-22 ~~~~~~~~~ Sunday - Jan. 25th - The Pacific Auction House (located just East of the Luna moongate) continues after 4 fantastic years to bring you more great deals. Get there early for best seating. Auction starts at 3pm ET (Noon PT) and is broadcasted live on WRRadio. ~~~~~~~~~ Thursday - Jan. 29th - Its time to party with the Tazz and Keg's Underground show broadcasting live from 9pm to 11pm CT. Entering their underground world leads you to places you will never forget. Remember you can call into the show via Skype! For full details on how to call into the show visit the Tazz & Kegs Underground page at Underground Knights website. ~~~~~~~~~ Have a blast playing Ultima Online and listening to Whispering Rose Radio (www.wrrad.com) ~ see you all on the flip side. -- Chesapeake Chesapeake Event! The SHE Twisted Scavenger Hunt The SHE guild of the Chesapeake shard invites everyone to participate in this shard wide event. Please join us at the SHE Auction house where you will receive your instructions. You will be given a clue to a location in Sosaria and a mini-riddle for an item that you must bring to that location. When you arrive at the location, hand the item to the SHE member and then the SHE member will give you the next item mini-riddle and location clue. This event is sponsored by the SHE guild, and we welcome everyone to join in the fun! Date: February 6th, 2009 Time: 6:00 pm EST Starting Location: SHE Auction House (runes on ground and gates available at Luna 5:45 pm EST.) This event will have a total prize money of 10 MILLION Gold! The first 5 people to complete it will be rewarded as follows: 1st place: 5 million 2nd place: 3 million 3rd place: 1 million 4th place: 500K 5th place: 500K (SHE guild members are not eligible to participate.) And as always don't forget our SHE Auction every Saturday night at 7:00 pm EST., runes on the ground and gates from Luna at 6:45 pm EST. to 7:05 pm EST. We begin taking items at 6:30 pm EST. Everyone is invited to buy or sell items at our auction! -- Interested in having your event posted on the Five on Friday? Make sure to send in all the details through the Feedback Form and selecting "Fan Site News" from the drop down menu. All entries must be received no later then Thursday at midnight for the FoF you want it in. Please note: All entries are subject to editing.-- -- Do you have questions that you want the developers to answer? Submit them here for the Five on Friday. -- I wanted to thank everyone for the warm welcome back to the UO team. I'm looking forward to helping out with the community team. Have a great weekend!
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Lord Casca, The Warrior Guild Hall, and Sherry the Mouse Part I
Posted on Friday, January 23, 2009, 3:17 PM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
Lord Casca, The Warrior Guild Hall, and Sherry the Mouse Part I A few days have passed now due to a busy week but I wanted to report that the meeting we had at the Warrior Guild Hall in Britain was successful and we plan to do more. Before any meeting was to be conducted, there was the matter of Lord Casca visiting the citizens of Felucca for one final announcement speech at Blackthorn‘s Castle. Knowing full well to expect to see the world in gray, I lined my apron pockets with as much gold as I could carry and grabbed a few doom artifacts that would hopefully give a surprised look to my death dealer. It is not that I think so lowly of the lands behind the red gates, on the contrary I feel that if I unable to defend myself properly then to my champion go the spoils. After the community meet up I prepared for the journey and made my way to the Castle. Upon arriving I sent a gate for those brave enough to venture with me. There was one criminal there ready to hear Lord Casca’s speech but offered no menacing glares at our group. We stood idly by waiting for whatever would come next. Before Casca could get a first sentence out, along came more criminals in the form of wraiths. No need to wonder what spell they planned on casting eh? laughs Before the second cast of wither could be felt, my body rocked in pain for a moment then felt peaceful in the gray light. The true champions that night were in Lord Ironhorse and his faithful companions in FV. I would name them all save for forgetting even one so let thanks be known for such valiant behavior in showing our attackers the gray light themselves. We assured Lord Casca to continue with his speech which he did amongst the battle. Lord Casca knew all too well to expect unrest in these lands. Equipped with new gray robes we made our way across the bridge past the cowardly paralyze fields cast in our way and once free of the menace were able to get the first aide we needed and make our way back through the blue gate to the Counselor Guild Hall. It was hear that Lord Casca agreed to meet with those interested in a safer area to speak of things to come and try to give everyone a better understanding of his intentions. I made my leave with him there stating a few of us were meeting to discuss exactly those issues but without his presence. He nodded his head in understanding but did not seem to be offended that we may very well be discussing how to properly overthrow this new government. I made my way to the Warrior Guild Hall on the west end of Britain over the bridge to find many waiting there already with time to spare. I explained to them that Lord Casca was speaking openly with the community and a chance may not happen again for those that wanted to hear for themselves. Our numbers dwindled because of this but our spirits were high in discussing what his reign might mean for us citizens. A little squeek* by the stairs alerted us to a visitor for those remaining……
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A Chance Meeting with EM Laurana
Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009, 11:08 PM EST by AirmidCecht (Origin)
A Chance Meeting with EM Laurana Hello fellow citizens of our wonderful realm! I stopped by Origin via other shards to get a looksie at everyone’s Counselor Guild Hall and to my surprise I was able to meet your EM Laurana. She was busy getting things squared away with the Wedding Planner house next door but graciously took the time out to come greet me and chat for a minute. McLovin was I’m sure his lov’n self and as always I felt warm and welcome visiting Origin. I just wanted to pop in and share that with you and a picture of your EM. Hugs, AirmidCecht
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Images of the Wednesday Night Incidents
Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009, 9:56 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
A request came across my desk asking for images of the incidents that happened Wednesday night. Being a faithful Knight who serves the people I could not refuse this request. So here is some reflections of what happened that evening. Solomon Wright speaking to those gathered in the Chamber of Virtue This is the mysterious Robed Stranger that was making comments during the meeting in the Chamber of Virtue. (Later it was found to be none other than Owain Surrey himself.) Opinions ran strong on many subjects and much of the discussion was very lively Those who followed Solomon up to the old councilors Hall found out that EM Annendora had been hit over the head and EM Kasaven had been taken away. The question is by who and for what reason?
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It Is Never To Early for V.D.
Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009, 8:16 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . It Is Never To Early for V.D. That's right folks, shops are already decorated and selling Valentine themed items. The big red and pink holiday is only three weeks away. As usual the very creative Poison Ivy has her shop decorated for big heart day and the vendors are full of great gift ideas for your sweetheart or wannabe sweetheart. Runes are often dropped about to this great shop but also you can find Ms. Ivy gating from the Luna Bank from time to time. Please PM me or send in screenshots of any heart or Valentine themed plots. Below is one for inspiration created by Kailee. Who knows......maybe the Cloth Bandit will give us a Valentine design.
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Transcript of Chamber of Virtues Gathering
Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009, 7:09 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
{I arrived at the appointed meeting place seeing many people already gathered and waiting. The first thing I did notice was that there were an uncomfortable amount of Royal Guards around the area. I took a seat on a bench and chatted to friends till Solomon stood up and spoke.} Solomon Wright: My friends, the time is now 10:00pm... Solomon Wright: A humble call for silence for a moment. Solomon Wright: If you would be so kind. Solomon Wright: My name is Solomon Wright, and I appreciate every one of you coming out this evening. Solomon Wright: This sign of unity in times of political and military crisis is quite good for morale. Solomon Wright: Take a look around at all of the different faces assembled. Solomon Wright: People from all walks of life... Solomon Wright: All creeds, all colors, all philosophies and motivations... Solomon Wright: But I am not here to preach, nor am I here to lead. Solomon Wright: So I will end my comments briefly. Solomon Wright: What I would like to begin with is a quick exercise to demonstrate where we stand... Solomon Wright: Both divided... Solomon Wright: And unified. Solomon Wright: I have taken the time to speak with many of you, wandering the streets of this land... Solomon Wright: And although I have not had an opportunity to meet most of you, I believe there are a few Solomon Wright: common sentiments that have been rippling through our streets that should be addressed. Solomon Wright: Lord Casca. Solomon Wright: The name itself brings a variety of responses. Solomon Wright: Some call for allegiance. Solomon Wright: Some call for assassination. Solomon Wright: Some call for neutrality. Solomon Wright: What I would like to ask of you now... Solomon Wright: Is those of you who SUPPORT Lord Casca's ascension to the throne, please say "Aye!" {I counted 8 Ayes from the gathered group. That’s also when I first noticed a Robed Stranger working around the edge of the people gathered to speak and listen.} Corvak: No judgment? what of them? points at the royal guard Solomon Wright: Those of you who are indifferent to Casca's reign, please say "Eh!" {Ehs! I counted 6} A Robed Stranger: looks about Solomon Wright: And those of you who are opposed to his ascension, please say "Nay!" {No surprise there was 29 Nays from the group} Solomon Wright: As you can see, we have many different viewpoints represented this evening. Solomon Wright: The nays are in great abundance. Katherine Elle: takes a glance at the man in the odd clothes with the red blade Solomon Wright: But there are many sides to this coin we are flipping. Katherine Elle: keeps an eye on the robed stranger A Robed Stranger: tries to stay unseen Solomon Wright: There are four main points that have caused much of the animosity... Solomon Wright: And I would like to define them now. A Robed Stranger: Too many royal guards.. Solomon Wright: Taxation. Solomon Wright: War. Solomon Wright: The removal of city independence. Solomon Wright: The way in which he rose to power. Solomon Wright: Those are the four primary issues, as I understand them. Solomon Wright: Does anyone differ? Solomon Wright: Onward, then... A Robed Stranger: I have seen the new council! Solomon Wright: On the issue of taxation... Solomon Wright: Many of you here have donated to the Library, the Museum and the Zoo. Solomon Wright: Say "Aye!" if you have. {This time 32 Aye's rung out} Solomon Wright: These were contributions you made to government-maintained institutions. Solomon Wright: So I have a question for you. Solomon Wright: If you knew where your tax money was going... Solomon Wright: Would you have such a problem paying it? {only two people rang in with Nays to this} Solomon Wright: Let us put it differently. A Robed Stranger: How do you think this place was built? Solomon Wright: You use the roads of this land. Solomon Wright: You stand in a chamber built on behalf of the people. Solomon Wright: Guards protect our streets. Solomon Wright: These are public services that have, for so long, been taken for granted. Solomon Wright: We have not contributed to their maintenance. Solomon Wright: Now, before you call for my assassination... Solomon Wright: Let me be clear. Solomon Wright: This is not my stance. Solomon Wright: This is A stance. Solomon Wright: And a valid one. Solomon Wright: One that should be considered in this debate. Solomon Wright: I will close on taxation with this statement. If you had transparency, would taxes be that bad? Solomon Wright: Wars. Katherine Elle: Solomon, if I may? Katherine Elle: One addition to your statement.. Katherine Elle: It is not that we are upset about taxes. Solomon Wright: Katherine, certainly. Katherine Elle: All citizens have paid taxes, and it is taken by the vendors. Katherine Elle: Have you not noticed when a tailor does well Katherine Elle: His wares cost more? Solomon Wright: Ah, so you think there is a sales tax in effect? Solomon Wright: smiles Katherine Elle: They are taxed, and when we buy things, we are paying the taxes. Katherine Elle: nods Solomon Wright: A fair position. Katherine Elle: However... Katherine Elle: The problem here is that He wishes us to all pay these undefined 'back taxes' Solomon Wright: A humble request for silence, briefly. Solomon Wright: We do not know the amount being requested, quite yet. Katherine Elle: There has never been any mention of where these back taxes are going to be calculated. Solomon Wright: Nor do we know how it is to be used. Katherine Elle: Actually... Solomon Wright: If the amount is reasonable, and the use is visible... Katherine Elle: From Casca's words, we know exactly where it will go. Solomon Wright: Which brings us to... A Robed Stranger: I have seen it! Solomon Wright: War. Katherine Elle: And looking at these Royal Guardsman, we can tell. A Robed Stranger: He will build an army Katherine Elle: nods Solomon Wright: Let us discuss that. Solomon Wright: The second topic. Solomon Wright: The ophidians are besieging Vesper. Solomon Wright: Even now. The criers speak of it. A Robed Stranger: Tax to create an army, expand Britannia. It will be our downfall! A Robed Stranger: shudders Solomon Wright: It is intertwined with the war on Felucca, but they remain a threat here. Solomon Wright: The Shadowlords and Followers of Armageddon have demonstrated their danger to this world. Solomon Wright: It is quite clear that both represent a danger. A Robed Stranger: Both? They are one in the same. Solomon Wright: How many here feel that stopping the threat of Shadowlords, Zog Cabal and ophidians is just? Solomon Wright: Say, "Aye!" {8 Ayes and three nays this time} A Robed Stranger: You cannot simply stop the Shadow Lords with sword and shield! Solomon Wright: Yes, my friend? Va'lis Razele: These are not normal Ophidians attacking. Va'lis Razele: They are stronger. Solomon Wright: Aye, they are not. Solomon Wright: That is understood. Va'lis Razele: So who is to say... Va'lis Razele: These are ones that we should chase down into the Lost Lands? Solomon Wright: Perhaps not. Solomon Wright: A valid point that should be discussed. Va'lis Razele: Whose to even say... Va'lis Razele: That they are of free will? A Robed Stranger: War upon the Ophidians is not the answer. A Robed Stranger: They are strong, yet foolish! Va'lis Razele: Why does a man, call for more war? Solomon Wright: You can see differing opinions on this issue. A Robed Stranger: They do not act under their own will. Va'lis Razele: What we need... Katherine Elle: I fear that the one in the corner with the red blade might cause trouble. A Robed Stranger: They never have. Va'lis Razele: is Peace. Solomon Wright: But all of you must admit, a king, a valid king, would be concerned on all military fronts. yet you can't repel them? Solomon Wright: Let us move to the third topic, with a bit of quiet, kindly. Va'lis Razele: nods Solomon Wright: The removal of city independence. Solomon Wright: This was a proclamation many feel is aimed at both Trinsic... Solomon Wright: And some suspect Buccaneer's Den, Zento, and other small townships throughout the kingdom... Solomon Wright: Let us begin with Trinsic. Katherine Elle: We do supply Trinsic's protection. Katherine Elle: And we always Have. Solomon Wright: Long ago, Lord British offered a very specific honor to the Purple Guardians of Honor. Solomon Wright: It involved a royal decree, and a document being granted. Katherine Elle: nods to Solomon Solomon Wright: The debate as it stands, as I understand it, is whether or not this document is still legally Solomon Wright: binding. Solomon Wright: The Guardians declare it is. A Robed Stranger: Casca will demand proof Solomon Wright: As it was issued by Lord British. Katherine Elle: It is accurate, and has no expiration date. Solomon Wright: Casca appears to wish to overturn it. Katherine Elle: It is not a package of meat. Solomon Wright: And so, I propose this solution, in the case of Trinsic... Solomon Wright: A formal hearing at the Court of Truth, with both sides represented. Solomon Wright: So that a legal proceeding may establish the legitimacy of the claim contested. Katherine Elle: If I might interject... Katherine Elle: We all saw what happened to Ricardo. Katherine Elle: And Avery has not even had a hearing. Katherine Elle: I have no faith in the courts of Yew. Solomon Wright: Aye, so it is a hearing we must organize ourselves. Katherine Elle: Also... Katherine Elle: Since it is Lord Casca whom hires the judges Katherine Elle: Appoints the juries Katherine Elle: And pays the court repair costs... Solomon Wright: This brings up a side tangent, involving legitimacy of courts and establishing independent Katherine Elle: How exactly do you think it will proceed? Solomon Wright: judiciaries. Solomon Wright: But let us not go down that path quite yet. Katherine Elle: nods Katherine Elle: The way I see it is simple Solomon Wright: Let us address the final topic, so that I may relinquish the floor. Katherine Elle: Very well. Solomon Wright: The fourth and final topic... Katherine Elle: but I wish to have first chance to speak when able. Solomon Wright: How did Casca rise to power? Solomon Wright: Regarding this issue, I will say there are many questions. Solomon Wright: And questions that are fair. Solomon Wright: Some would say treasonous... Solomon Wright: But I would argue that those with Britannia in their hearts have fair concern here. Solomon Wright: A council was killed, a new council secretly elected... Solomon Wright: We must know who these nobles are. A Robed Stranger: Nobles! A Robed Stranger: They are no such thing A Robed Stranger: I lay last night A Robed Stranger: in a cold, dank cave A Robed Stranger: and a vision came to me, of Casca's council! Solomon Wright: We cannot judge the legitimacy of the crown until we see the credentials of those who Solomon Wright: pushed him to power. Solomon Wright: I will close with this... A Robed Stranger: They sit, corpulent, feasting on meat of all sorts! A Robed Stranger: and have only avarice in their hearts A Robed Stranger: I know not where Casca found them Solomon Wright: In his speech, Casca claimed Clainin, a surviving member of the Council, gave his blessing... A Robed Stranger: nor what is in his heart A Robed Stranger: but I know his council is false! Solomon Wright: A visit to the healer in New Haven will allow you to meet Clainin. Solomon Wright: He remains deranged and semi-conscious, with no ability to make competent judgments. Solomon Wright: So...those are the primary issues of contention, with some broad points regarding them. Solomon Wright: I will now relinquish the floor to... Solomon Wright: Whomever wishes to maintain order for a bit. Katherine Elle: raises hand Katherine Elle: I wish to speak. Katherine Elle: Since it is we Guardians who are at the center of a large issue here. Katherine Elle: Trinsic has long stood under the Purple Guardians of Honor's protection. Katherine Elle: Even if we were not owners of the city, we would still protect it. Katherine Elle: Casca claims to have our best interests at heart, but we have seen no aid Katherine Elle: No help since he came to power Katherine Elle: In any of the cities whom have been invaded. Katherine Elle: Trinsic will remain under our protection Katherine Elle: and instead of even speaking with us Katherine Elle: Lord Casca decreed that he would take it from us by force. Katherine Elle: Know this, all of you Katherine Elle: We do not advocate violence against Lord Casca. Katherine Elle: but if he brings it to our doorstep, we will not shy away. Katherine Elle: He has sent his collectors after us Katherine Elle: We told them to go home, and have him parley with us. Solomon Wright: To prevent bloodshed, are you willing to demonstrate your claim in an open, unbiased Court? Katherine Elle: It is a well recorded fact. If you can get a truly open court, then we have no problem. Solomon Wright: nods Solomon Wright: Very well. Katherine Elle: But what is to prevent Casca from stealing the document from Evidence? Katherine Elle: Burning it? Katherine Elle: We are all at danger, even here. Katherine Elle: gestures to the guards Katherine Elle: They already wish that we do not speak the truth. Solomon Wright: Let us seek to resolve that dispute peaceably. Katherine Elle: My final statement be this... Katherine Elle: The people of Trinsic have never asked to be removed from our Protection. Katherine Elle: The people of Trinsic have not wanted. Katherine Elle: Minax's forces were repelled... Katherine Elle: Juo'nar's forces repelled... Katherine Elle: Ventryn, Xenthyl, and now the shadowlords have been fought by us. Solomon Wright: glances over at the man in purple Katherine Elle: We will continue to do what is right by the people. Solomon Wright: Katherine... Solomon Wright: Please hold one moment. Katherine Elle: I am done, Solomon. Solomon Wright: My friends... Solomon Wright: We seem to have a distinguished guest this evening. Solomon Wright: gestures A Robed Stranger: Ah, but I dare not bring notice to myself, not with this many Royal Guards here. A Robed Stranger: I am a wanted man! Solomon Wright: nods A Robed Stranger: Outcast from Britannia.. A Robed Stranger: I only came to tell my vision A Robed Stranger: of Casca's 'council' A Robed Stranger: and that they are false! Solomon Wright: We will allow you the floor after Va'lis speaks. Va'lis Razele: Friends.. Va'lis Razele: Many of you know my opinion. Va'lis Razele: whips out a glass dagger Va'lis Razele: In fact, perhaps you have heard e speaking in New Haven! Va'lis Razele: where is Casca? Va'lis Razele: Hmm? Va'lis Razele: Where is he now? Va'lis Razele: Hiding? Va'lis Razele: I see his guards. Va'lis Razele: Yet Va'lis Razele: They are nothing. Va'lis Razele: I tried to Kill Casca! Va'lis Razele: thrice. Va'lis Razele: i will try again. Va'lis Razele: Let his guards show me his power. Va'lis Razele: Arrest me Casca Solomon Wright: Va'lis, that's not really what we're here to discuss this evening. Solomon Wright: But thank you for expressing your view. Va'lis Razele: If he is truly King... Va'lis Razele: He will. Solomon Wright: Which is an important one to consider... Solomon Wright: As you can see, there are calls for anarchy. Solomon Wright: There are calls for remaining inert until something occurs to require action. Solomon Wright: I think, what we have demonstrated this evening, is that Britannia is diverse in its motivations. Solomon Wright: But we do have one common purpose. Solomon Wright: And that is to write the history of this world, together, as a people. Solomon Wright: gestures Solomon Wright: The guards have dispersed. Solomon Wright: Perhaps our Robed Friend will come out and speak with us? Batlin Hawkwind: excuse me sir Solomon Batlin Hawkwind: i have a weird question Solomon Wright: Yes, my friend? Solomon Wright: Please, ask. Batlin Hawkwind: we had a regent Batlin Hawkwind: Dawn Batlin Hawkwind: she vanished? Solomon Wright: nods Solomon Wright: One of many nobles who have come and gone. Batlin Hawkwind: I see Batlin Hawkwind: thank you Solomon Wright: I do not know what has become of her. Batlin Hawkwind: I don’t understand Solomon Wright: But that is part of the problem. Solomon Wright: We have a rotating door of ascendancy. Batlin Hawkwind: how can we have a new regent Batlin Hawkwind: with the last one still around Solomon Wright: Leaders who randomly appear, and then vanish after a short time has elapsed... Solomon Wright: With no accountability to the people. Batlin Hawkwind: those are whispers in the sands of time Batlin Hawkwind: thank you Solomon Wright: Another purpose of this evening's gathering is to discuss two things... Solomon Wright: The first... Solomon Wright: Do we rebuild the system that provides for our monarchy? Solomon Wright: The second, if not, what is the new path we should walk? Solomon Wright: Some say democracy. Va'lis Razele: One man with too much power is corruptible. Solomon Wright: Others wish for the status quo. Solomon Wright: What I would propose, over the coming days... Solomon Wright: Is that we all consider... Edders: If we cannot agree on one thing....We may have Civil War upon us!!! Solomon Wright: Do we want a just monarchy, or democracy? Solomon Wright: Do we want anarchy, or order? Solomon Wright: And is there a middle ground between them? Solomon Wright: If all things must exist in balance... Solomon Wright: Could we not create it within our system of governance? Solomon Wright: That is what Blackthorne and British explored where their Order and Chaos orientations. NataS SanE: until Minax yes they did Solomon Wright: Until Minax. Solomon Wright: Indeed. Solomon Wright: The final thing of note... Solomon Wright: That I can think of... Solomon Wright: Is this man... Solomon Wright: Owain Surrey. Solomon Wright: Have you heard of him? Solomon Wright: Both Casca and Emissary Kasaven have mentioned him. Solomon Wright: A prophet with a desire for vengeance. Solomon Wright: Haunted by dreams, some real, some warped by the Shadowlords... Solomon Wright: That foretell of the future. Solomon Wright: This man can see what lies before us. Solomon Wright: The question is... Solomon Wright: Can we trust what he sees? Solomon Wright: I believe he stood before us tonight. Solomon Wright: We should seek him out. NataS SanE: that purple guy? Solomon Wright: I believe that was him. Solomon Wright: He had a sword of remarkable energy with him. Solomon Wright: Someone else should speak. Will a pirate take the floor? Solomon Wright: I am interested in their perspective. Solomon Wright: They must have all departed. Solomon Wright: The guards...! Solomon Wright: Surround the corner! Solomon Wright: Create a circle! Solomon Wright: He must have run! {At that point Solomon recommended that that everyone seek Kasavens help in finding Owain, and we should move up to the old Councilors Hall. Most rushed after him to the hall but I was a few minutes late in following. I arrived there to find the following.} EM Annendora: I am so confused! One minute sitting in the office, then knocked on my head and here I stand! Owain Surrey: Knocked on your head? By who? EM Annendora: I do not know, they told me, begged me not to come into here Owain Surrey: Guardsmen? EM Annendora: I tried to run in the door and I blacked out! Solomon Wright: Annendora, what did your assailants look like? Owain Surrey: As do I, I must find Kasaven! Owain Surrey: Damn the guard! Owain Surrey: I shall leave you all a message Owain Surrey: if I find any clues Solomon Wright: listens closely Owain Surrey: but I doubt it will be this night Owain Surrey: for already he is lost.. Fur Trader: true britanian royal guards fear nothing and give their lives to defend the land Owain Surrey: true? They were not true, their falsehood reeked like rotten corpses EM Annendora: Good luck to you Owain Solomon Wright: Owain, what is your message? Owain Surrey: To keep an eye open and a hand open for Kasaven Owain Surrey: if he needs assistance! Solomon Wright: nods Owain Surrey: I shall go in search of him Owain Surrey: If I find any clues Owain Surrey: I will report them back here, on the morrow Owain Surrey: Well met, Britannians! {Owain then left the hall and most of the gathered people followed hoping to find a way to help poor Kasaven. The ones that stayed behind had a discussion with Solomon about the legal status of the PGoHs claim to the city of Trinsic. The sticking point being the Deed to the city of Trinsic given to them by Lord British Himself years ago.}
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Introducing Chrissay
Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009, 5:42 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: Introducing Chrissay Joanne Laroche 22 Jan 2009 15:44:58 Please welcome Chrissay as the newest addition to our Community Team! She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge of online games and more specifically UO. For a time she was part of the Live Events team so many of you might remember her. She is currently getting caught up on recent UO happenings but you will see posts from her very soon. Welcome Chrissay
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Cloth Bandit Strikes In Luna
Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009, 2:15 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . Cloth Bandit Strikes In Luna ~ There seems to be a very creative person about town these days and some are calling him the "Cloth Bandit". To date three designs have surfaced with the lastest being today in the city of Luna. I have always been a huge fan of pack art, home design / decor and what I refer to as street art or bank art. This new Cloth Bandit has the city excited and waiting to see what he/she will do next !
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All Hail The New King Of Britannia!
Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009, 9:34 AM EST by Mapper (Europa)
All hail the new king of Britannia.. Lord Casca made his first appearance on Sunday at Lord Blackthorns Castle and spoke to those attending from a plaster pillar, The speech included a royal hunt. On Wednesday the speech was replayed and a fight broke out in the Hedge Maze. His speech told us of how he was taken captive and held in a cell for days, He continued to talk about how he was the only one who posed the information on the portal used by the followers of Armageddon in Wisp Dungeon. He then thanked the citizens of Britannia for rescuing him "You rescued me from the clutches of chaos" "Thanks to you truth, love and courage prevailed" "And it is you, the citizens of Britannia, to whom I owe my life. By the virtues I now pledge to dedicate that life to you!" "This day I greet you, the citizens of Britannia as your new king!" Further into his speech he spoke about the town invasions in our great cities, how kingdom defences are crumbling, over run by the onslaught of evil forces. At the end of his speech he said he would not hesitate to reach for a sword and together, we would face the trials that await us. --------- After the speech he mentioned what happened on Sunday, How a group of daemons suddenly appeared on the royal hunt. During the ferocious attack a note was found that said: "Recruit! We need many more, Untangle, at its core you will find!" After a short pause members of the crowd suggested dungeons such as the Twisted Weald, Blighted Grove and Exodus, However Lord Casca said he did not understand why it would be there. Another suggestion was yelled out, the hedge maze! Quickly a gate appeared and we headed for the hedge maze in Trammel. On arriving and finally reaching the centre of the maze balrons and daemons awaited us and a fight broke out. After the fight I returned home and may have missed any speech afterwards. For those who missed Sherry's Appearance on Monday, It will be replayed again today (Thursday) at 8pm!
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Catskills News Feed: 01/21/09
Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009, 2:24 AM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
I know many of you are interested in what events unfolded last night at the meeting held in the "Chamber of Virtue". So here is a recap provided by Solomon Wright. More information along with a transcription of what was said will provided later in the day. Catskills News Feed: 01/21/09 by Solomon Wright More than thirty citizens descended on the Chamber of Virtue to discuss current events on Wednesday evening. Reflections on Casca's declarations regarding war, taxation, and the removal of city independence were offered. His rise to power through the vote of an unknown council of nobles was questioned. Defense of the claim to Trinsic put forth by the Purple Guardians of Honor was discussed. The idea of forming an independent, impartial judiciary was explored. A House of Commons was proposed, comprised of ordinary citizens elected by their peers. Owain Surrey attended the gathering in the Chamber of Virtue, and was eventually forced to flee, pursued by the Royal Guard. He revealed himself at the Counselor's Guild, warned of the unknown council's intentions, stated Casca might be nothing more than a pawn, and bragged of killing three guardsmen, whom he claimed were gripped by madness. Emissary Annendora was assaulted and knocked unconscious while walking from the wedding office to the Counselor's Guild. Emissary Kasaven was reported kidnapped. A blue shield from Owain Surrey affixed to the floor of the Counselor's Guild accuses the Royal Guard of being involved, and indicates more information will follow. Mouse traps, rumored to be put in place by Casca to catch Sherry the Mouse, have been placed throughout Britannia.
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Please Help Complete The Historic EM Book Library

Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 8:06 PM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

EM Seppo is seeking copies of event books related to Archimedes the Old by EM Vincent, such as this book in the Shame Elder Gazer area.

If you happen to have books that can be copied, copies would be greatly appreciated by EM Seppo. If you know where some of these books are located through out the lands, please post the areas here, and we shall get copies that way.

Thank you!

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WarderDragon Reports Exciting Changes At Skara Brae Faire Grounds

Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 9:41 PM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

Skara Brae Faire Grounds
Decorated
In Memory Of
The Best Shot In The Realm Tournaments

By WarderDragon
January 20th, 2009

Hail, my friends and fellow citizens!

It would seem that our event moderators have been paying close attention to our forums. I wandered into the Skara Brae Faire Grounds moments ago, only to discover they had been decorated by the event moderators. I suggest you go take a peek. *Smiles*

Many thanks, Seppo and Pallando!

- WarderDragon

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An Interview With Longtime Baja Resident Lord Frigin Azim

Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 1:38 PM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

Recently I had the great pleasure of running into Lord Frigin Azim, a resident of Baja since October, 1997.

We spoke of his experiences with shipwreck recovery and of how it helped form his philosophical outlook that is printed in his profile. Then reminisced of his days as a merchant with his partner, Randum Sycoseas, in their historic vendor house, The Heroic Stoic, which is located (but is no longer an active vendor house) very near the current location of Frigin's personal archery range.

Frigin Azim is also a long-time competitor of the Best Shot In The Realm, and the winner of the very first Tournament of Champions. He couldn't remember with certainty, but said he begin competing in either the 2nd or 3rd monthly competition, and was a regular, attending all but a few of the tournaments over the years.

In response to the question, 'Will you be competing in the upcoming BSR?', Frigin's answer was a hearty and strong, 'Indeed!'.

Lord Azim then graciously invited me to view his personal archery range, where he spends many hours arduously honing and perfecting his skill with a bow. (With all his hours of diligent practice, Frigin will no doubt be a favorite and a strong challenger in the upcoming BSR.) He also extended an offer for the use of his archery range to any guilds or groups interested in holding archery competitions.

As I made my preparations to leave, Frigin was becoming preoccupied with a water-soaked message and making plans to set sail to yet another shipwreck recovery location in search of adventure and fortune.

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Auctions for Week of January 19th
Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 6:03 AM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
The following are our Auctions for this week on Lake Superior: NeXt Auction Date: Tuesday, January 20th Time: 7:00 p.m. CST Location: South of Luna City Contact: Meani – ICQ 65-689-918 YGV Auction Date: Thursday, January 22nd Time: 7:00 p.m. CST Location: Northwest of Yew Moongate
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Lord Casca Visits PaxLair Anniversary Celebration
Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009, 7:30 PM EST by Lady Katherine (Chesapeake)
PaxLair City, Felucca Everyone was surprised right before the start of the PaxLair Statehood's 11th Anniversary dinner when Lord Casca arrived outside the Mage Tower in PaxLair City. He was accompanied by a young woman who was introduced as the Royal Food Taster. Both were quickly invited to join in the celebration and Lord Casca graciously accepted. Dinner was served and after a brief time for eating and drinking, Governor Winfield made a short speech commemorating the 11th Anniversary of the PaxLair statehood and thanking everyone involved at any level in making our realm the place that it is. Several other award presentations were made. Lord Casca was invited to speak and made a few comments about the safety of the realm, specifically that the key to the safety of the cities in Trammel may be the securing of the cities in Felucca. Shortly after the dinner, Governor Winfield showed Lord Casca the memorial to Seer Daemeon and the books that the Seer left behind. Lord Casca seemed to recognize the value of these works. Here are a few images that were able to be taken of the event. Lord Casca is present at the Anniversary celebration. Peach Frost, the Royal Food Taster
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Roll Over Beethoven and A Little Fel Yew Gate Fun
Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009, 5:25 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . OBITS ~ 1 - 19 - 09 Athena Re-Tard Runaway Crom Ironlord Erebus Grendal the Monk Hans Qu Zayer Rouge SilverMist Sure Shot
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Casca - The New King's speech

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009, 12:44 PM EST by Medea (Drachenfels)

Our little world was on its toes - as announced earlier our new elected King, Lord Casca, would speak to the crowd like he did the evening before, so yesterday afternoon I was heading towards Britain. I was eager to hear for myself what the elf had to say. An hour before the speech there was already hustling and bustling in the surrounding area of Castle Blackthorn. Tuerius, the new Captain of the Royal Guard had put his people on duty early. He would not tolerate agitated citizens picking a fight, or even rioting. Hanassa Oriel, presumably a messenger of Casca, alerted the people in Luna und Britain. Lord Casca arrived in front of the castle on schedule and began his speech, talking with flamy words:


looks at the crowd and smiles Citizens and Nobles of Britannia! I wont mince matters, our kingdom is burning, our heroes dead! The Shadowlords are proceeding to conquer our country as we speak here and the council got slain. shivers In these dark days we have to make decisions! keeps speaking in a heroic voice What the kingdom needs is a lionhearted King with a strong personality! One who won't let you down when you need him! One who won't hope for a stranger, the Avatar to save us all! One who won't put evil beings like Blackthorn on his throne in his absence! takes a deep breath You need a king who is of immortal blood and won't die you away. Me, from a noble elfin bloodline and only survivor from the council, am the only proper, the only true and the only righteous decision for this job! very assured of himself We can't expect help from our old alliance of Luna and even less from Tokuno! Where are they in these hard times? Where are their armed forces when we need them? They are a selfish pack who don't care when we are in trouble! growls It is a big liability but its my duty to act fast before it's too late. From now on I shall lead you as your new regent pro- tempore! Ahhm Hear, hear Citizens! Captain Ulrich died in battle to a wyvernsting. Captain Tuerius will be leading the Royal guard from now on. He is the ablest warrior of Sosaria and the soldiers trust him! I ordered that our towns will be fortified even more, but thats not enough! I have one request to all of you! I beg thee! Take your weapons and fight!		I understand that you already lost too many members of you family! Too many friends you watched dying! And fathers shouldn't bury their sons! But war is ruling! Open your eyes! You can decide if it is worth it! Is it worth to fight for this country? Is it worth to bleed for it? Is it worth to die for it? Take your weapons and fight! Mourn one last time! Fight one last time! And die one last time! clears his throat tries to calm the crowd I understand that you are worried, but we need every man who is able to yield a weapon or it will be over with us soon! You shall be rewarded after the war as far as the royal treasury lets us. I promise that I will win this war for you but you have to make sacrifices. We will rebuild the burning Towns, even Magincia which lays in ruins way too long! I will lead us to victory, I will help our kingdom to get back to its old glamour! I shall lead us to neverending peace! I will take care that you can sleep at night! With me as regent you shall not turn around looking for evil foes! I will rebuild our kingdom and warm your hearts! Is there anybody disagreeing with any of my decisions? Anybody who revolts against me? Are there such treasons between us? So speak now and bear with the consequences of your decisions like a man! coughs looks around Very well, you all shall get free drinks in the Councelor hall for the rest of the evening! Drink, eat and be happy! I have to plan a strikeback against the Shadowlords now, I will retire in my castle! We shall be victorious! mumbles something to himself

Shortly after, Sherry the mouse appeared nearby and talked to our minds with warning words:


What makes Casca qualified for such a high position? He only just became Lord! Don't we already have a good king? squeak Lord British has been Britannia's ruler since it's inception. The council of Lords and Ladies should be rebuilt, to manage the kingdom in my lord's absence. Who is on the Royal Council? We cannot be without a council. in a low voice I'm not sure if this is right. How could a decision have been made so quickly? Our old council is not yet cold in their graves! squeak Why was Casca the only survivor of the massacre?		squeak Can we trust him? What are Casca's intentions as King? looks around hastily I need to speak to him! He led the hasty trial of Ricardo, and was behind the arrest of Avery. Does Avery not deserve a trial? Eeek Why is no one asking for Avery's side of the story! in a small voice What has Casca done with Avery and Ricardo? I beseech thee to think about my questions, squeak don't be deceived! But I am but a mouse, and none hear me. scurries off

She hastily ran away towards the city and the people gathered in the Counselor's guildhall a short while afterwards. I saw concerned faces but also determined looks. It was clear that this new King was putting people into a moral dilemma - and the citizens should be really worried and prepare themselves for the upcoming tough times!

Unsere kleine Welt war in heller Aufregung - wie zuvor angekündigt sollte unser neu auserwählter König, Lord Casca, heute zum Volk sprechen. Schon am Abend zuvor hatte er das erste Mal zu Britain's Bürger gesprochen, gestern am Nachmittag wollte ich mir nun selbst ein Bild von seinen Plänen machen. Bereits eine Stunde zuvor herrschte emsiger Betrieb in der Umgebung von Schloss Blackthorn. Tuerius, der neue Captain der Garde, liess die Wachen schon früh antreten um einen möglichen Massenauflauf mit darausfolgenden Tumulten zu verhindern. Hanassa Oriel, vermutlich eine Kundschafterin von Casca, rief in Luna und Britain die Leute zusammen. Pünktlich erschien Lord Casca und sprach zu uns in feurigen Worten:

Bürger und Adelige von Britannia! Ich werde unsere Situation nicht schönreden! Das Land steht in Flammen, unsere Helden tot! Die dunklen Lords ziehen die Schlinge um uns immer enger, und der Rat war eines ihrer Opfer! *schaudert* In diesen schweren Zeiten müssen Entscheidungen getroffen werden! Zu lange haben wir unsere Hände in den Schoss gelegt, was das Königreich braucht, was ihr braucht, ist ein mutiger König mit starker Persönlichkeit! Einer der euch nicht im Stich lässt wenn ihr ihn am meisten benötigt! Einer der nicht einen Fremden, den Avatar die Drecksarbeit erledigen lässt! Einer der nicht Übeltäter wie Blackthorn auf den Thron setzt weil er es leid ist selbst die Verantwortung zu bernehmen! *holt Luft*

Ihr braucht einen König der lange lebt. Ich aus edler elfischer Abstammung und einziger Überlebender des Rates bin die einzig richtige, die einzig wahre und die einzig rechtschaffene Entscheidung für diesen Posten! *ist sehr selbstsicher* Wir können keine Hilfe von unseren frühen Verbündeten aus Luna erwarten! Und schon gar nicht aus Tokuno! Wo sind sie in diesen schweren Zeiten? Wo ist ihr Heer das uns bei der Verteidigung helfen sollte? Sie denken zu sehr an ihr eigenes Wohl als das sie uns helfen würden, nicht wissend das sie die nächsten sein werden die zerschmettert werden! Es ist eine grosse Verantwortung die ich nur ungern auf mich alleine nehme aber es ist meine Pflicht in diesen Zeiten schnell zu handeln, bevor wir endgültig dem Untergang geweiht sind! *ärgert sich* Dies ist eine schwere Aufgabe und es ist meine Plicht sie auf mich zu nehmen! Von nun an werde ich als König zweiten Grades regieren!

*Ahhm* Hört her Bürger Britannias! Captain Ulrich wurde in der Schlacht von einem Wyvernstich vergiftet und erlag seinen Wunden! Captain Tuerius wird fortan die königliche Wache führen! Er ist der fähigste Schwertkämpfer des Landes und unsere Soldaten vertrauen ihm!

Desweiteren habe ich angeordnet das die Städte noch stärker befestigt werden. Aber das ist noch nicht genug! Ich beschwöre euch, greift zu den Waffen und leistet Widerstand! Ich verstehe das ihr schon zuviele Familienmitglieder verloren habt! Ihr zuvielen Freunden beim Sterben zugesehen habt! Und ein Vater seine Söhne nicht begraben dürfte! Aber es herrscht Krieg! Im ganzen Land! Öffnet eure Augen! Ihr könnt entscheiden ob es dies wert ist! Ist es wert für dieses Land zu kämpfen? Ist es dies wert dafür zu bluten? Ist es dies wert dafür in den Tod zu gehen? Ihr seid diejenigen die dies entscheiden! Drum greift zu den Waffen und kämpft ein letzes Mal! Ein letzes mal Trauern! Ein letzes mal Kämpfen! Und ein letzes mal Sterben! Ich verstehe das ihr aufgebracht seid aber wir brauchen jeden Mann der fähig ist eine Waffe zu führen, sonst wird es bald mit uns zu Ende gehen! Ihr werdet nach dem Krieg reich entlohnt soweit es die Stadtkassen zulassen! Ich verspreche euch, mit mir als König werden wir diesen Krieg gewinnen, und wir werden unsere Städte wieder aufbauen, auch unsere wunderschöne Stadt Magincia die so lange schon in Trümmern liegt! Ich werde uns allen zu neuem Glanz verhelfen! Ich werde uns zu ewigem Frieden verhelfen! Ich werde dafür sorgen das ihr Nachts wieder gut schlafen könnt! Mit mir als König müsst ihr euch nicht ständig umdrehen! Ich werde dieses Land wieder aufbauen und die Herzen erwärmen! Gibt es jemanden hier der mit dieser Entscheidung nicht einverstanden ist? Jemand der gegen mich und somit auch gegen das Königreich und das Volk revoltiert? Gibt es solche Verräter unter uns? So sprecht nun und tragt die Konsequenzen eurer Entscheidung wie ein Mann! Wachen kümmert euch um diese Unruhestifter sobald ich im Schloss bin! Ein Jahr Kerker sollte ihnen helfen auf andere Gedanken zu kommen! Nungut, ich habe angeordnet dass in der Councelor Halle heute Freibier ausgeschenkt wird, auf dass sich meine Untergebenen auch wohl fühlen. Trinkt, feiert und speist soviel ihr wollt! Auf dass wir diesen Krieg gut überstehen! *murmelt etwas zu sich selbst*

Gleich kurz danach tauchte Sherry die Maus auf und redete uns ebenfalls ins Gewissen, diesmal aber mit einem warnenden Unterton:


kriecht aus ihrem Versteck Was macht Casca für diese Position qualifiziert? queek Er wurde gerade erst Lord! Wir haben doch schon einen guten König! quietsch Lord British war von Anfang an Britannias König. Der Rat der Lords und der Damen sollte neu aufgebaut werden, um das Königreich in der Abwesenheit meines Lords zu leiten. in winziger mäuslicher Stimme Ich bin mir nicht sicher ob das richtig ist.... Wer ist im königlichen Rat? quietscht Wir können nicht ohne einen Rat sein. Wie konnte eine Entscheidung so schnell getroffen worden sein?		Die Leichen des Rates sind noch nicht einmal kalt! Glaubt ihr das man ihm vertrauen kann? quietsch Was sind Cascas Absichten als Knig? in leiser Stimmlage Er war der Staatsanwalt bei Ricardos Anklage und stand hinter der Gefangenname von Avery! Verdient Avery nicht eine Verhandlung? Warum hört sich keiner Averys Geschichte an? Ich beschwöre euch, denkt an meine Worte! queek Aber ich bin nur eine Maus, keiner hört mir zu. in hoher Tonlage ... hastet davon

Sie hastete in Richtung Britain davon, und die Menge fand sich kurz darauf mit vielen Fragen in der Counselor's Halle ein. Betretene Gesichter aber auch fest entschlossene Mienen waren auszumachen. Es war klar, dass der neue König viel Zwiespalt sääte - und die Bürger haben allen Grund dazu, denn es werden schwere Zeiten auf uns zukommen!

Farewell, auf bald!
~ Medea

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Best Shot In The Realm Returns, Saturday, February 7

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009, 12:43 PM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

The Best Shot in the Realm Returns!!

Theoran of the Society of Archers recently handed over the Best Shot In The Realm to the Misfits of Society with this message:

     They have my full blessing, and it would be wonderful to see the name "Best Shot in the Realm" and its tradition live on.
     S|A greatly appreciates M!S asking us. We give them our full blessing and support, and they are welcome to use the name and anything we learned/used back in the day. I think it's great! Long live the BSR!
     *raises bow*

In the tradition of Society of Archers, M!S will be hosting the BSR on Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. PST (8:30 MST, 9:30 CST, 10:30 EST).

Gates to the new location of the BSR will be available in Luna before the event. Prizes will be awarded!! Come join the fun!!

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Community Meet Up – January 19th
Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009, 7:18 AM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
Community Meet Up – January 19th Date: Every Monday Night Time: 7:30PM CST Location: Skara Brae Community Center Meeting Agenda: Now is the time to discuss Lord Casca's reign over our beloved realm! We will continue the discussion at the Warrior Guild Hall in Britain at 9:30 CST. We'll hear weekly announcements of upcoming events and hunts for Lake Superior from Sabina our events coordinator. The weekly community meetings, events, hunts, etc are always open to the public. No invitations needed! Everyone is always welcome to come ask questions, make plans, or make announcements. Bring a friend if you can make it, tell a friend if you can't!
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Community Hunt - week of January 19
Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009, 7:06 AM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
Want to go hunting but don't have a big enough group? Are you looking for good guides to dungeons you've yet to explore? *Note: The events listed here are subject to be cancelled in the event of an invasion by the * * Shadow Army. Should any town come under attack, the community event of the * * night will be cancelled in favor of battling the forces of Chaos. * The community hunts are open to everyone! Come show your support for the Lake Superior community and take a walk on the wild side at the same time. Meet some new and old friends and have a bit of a challenge along the way. Moonglow Zoo Community Collections Night Date: Tuesday, January 20 Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Peerless Hunt (Mondain's Legacy Required) Date: Wednesday, January 21 Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Mistas Tour Date: Thursday, January 22 Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Ilshenar Champ Spawn Hunt Date: Friday, January 23 Time: 9:00PM CST Starting Location:New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Hosts: Taeara Mi'aken And remember, these hunts are for everyone, regardless of their skill level or guild affiliation. Come meet new friends, see new places, gain experience and just have fun. Sabina Nikolai, High Marshall, Community Hunt Organizer The Order of the Silver Rose
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Sherry the Mouse Visits after Lord Casca Leaves Us
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 10:36 PM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
Sherry the Mouse Visits after Lord Casca Leaves Us This day is a day of many surprises not only in accepting a new King to lead the realms or the fact that the counsel is now in an advisory position. After the endured speech from Lord Casca many of us talked of meeting together to further discuss our opinions of this new enlightenment. I suggested we meet at the Britain Warrior Guild Hall in west Britain Monday night at 9:30 CST. While ironing out the details of the meeting Sherry the Mouse snuck out of the outside wall of Lord Blackthorn’s castle to greet us. Her eyes darted about for anyone on the lookout for her but alas she was welcomed and treated with honor. It was quite a conversation that was both diplomatic and prophetic. When we explained we were mistrustful of this new King she replied, “mistrustful that is natural with the speed of which this has all happened.” She went on to say, “Keep your wits about you. Keep an eye open and the truth will reveal itself. But you must all refrain from letting your hate boil over. Casca as per the system m’lord British left us with has been chosen King. That is what is important. Remain calm and let us see how this Lord Casca takes this.” It is with this encouragement that we proceed forward in being cautiously optimistic for the citizens of Lake Superior. We do not know what Lord Casca has in store for us but we will collectively be at the ready. I invite all who want to join in discussion to meet with us at the Warrior Guild Hall in Britain on January 19th at 9:30 CST.
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Lord Casca Appears Before Lake Superior Citizens
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 9:56 PM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
Lord Casca Appears Before Lake Superior Citizens Standing in the outside foyer of Lord Blackthorn’s Castle felt as uneasy as hearing the sudden news that our realms had a new King in an elf named Casca. I went both Saturday and Sunday to hear the newly appointed King address us citizens. A sizable amount of both concerned and unconcerned people were there, some just out of curiosity to be sure. I found it daunting to find a place where I could get a good view of those gathered and yet not lose site of what was said. Having found my spot I waited patiently. When Lord Casca appeared he was standing above us all, already lofty in his actions balancing on a post and looking down on the crowd. He was here with a purpose and not easily distracted from it despite the many sayings from the crowd. Already showing his prowess as a ruler he relayed his much practiced speech, not wavering from his intentions. He spoke of being under oppression and the cities under siege from the Shadowlords. He spoke of a new Captain of the Royal Guard. He also spoke of, well he mentioned mandatory conscription if it came to it. He would not specify if this applied to enrollment in the military or by monetary means but the crowd bristled at this suggestion. These are very brave things to say as a new King and his resolve is there. So take what you will from his words, dear fellow citizens but do not take them lightly. This is sure to affect each and every residence of this realm. The current counsel has been shifted to more of an advisory position and what is more, “all independent governments by Royal decree are to disband and hence forth outlawed, all non-sanctioned townships and state hoods abolished. Unity must begin from within and by separating ourselves we are counterproductive to that purpose.” I will close with that thought and let the words seep into your thoughts and dreams of what we may be asked to do. There is no knowledge save for gut instinct on what this may mean. Already reaching the boundaries of opinion as a reporter I simply leave you with this as wisely said as closing remarks by Lord Casca but taken out of context may mean the same for his rule, “We must unify or taste defeat at the hands of our enemies!”
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A King in Felucca?? (As reported by Feluccan citizen Aia)
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 9:55 PM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
A King in Felucca?? (As reported by Feluccan citizen Aia) First off, let me explain something about myself – I’m a Feluccan. That means I’m into pvp, not politics. The idea of having to ‘talk out’ differences gives me the heebee jeebees. Give me a big club to bash heads and I’m a happy camper. With that being said, hearing that we have a new king didn’t bother me one bit, because ‘we’ usually meant Trammel only. After all, who in their right mind would try and rule Feluccans? Yet the new king was scheduled to talk to us Feluccans. Today, tomorrow and the next day!! Three days in a row. In the off chance that this new king felt obligated to do something more than just give us lip service, I decided to go check it out. Getting there early I discovered a blue who looked like she was bank sitting at Luna. I wondered if I should risk getting guard whacked…. No guard zone. evil grins hopes for more blues No blues show, just the new king. And so begins a very interesting conversation… Me: will the king be answering any questions? Lord Casea: Not today… I haven’t long. This terrible war needs pondering further. Lord Casea: And I have affairs of state to attend to. Me: what war… Lord Casea: Ahh the War with the Shadowlords of course. (I had heard about the invasion in Tram and that it was somehow tied to the factions in Fel. Since I’m in the Shadowlords faction, I wasn’t sure where I stood with this new king, but since he wasn’t trying to kill me I decided it would be prudent to keep my mouth shut…) Me: oh. We fight that daily in Fel. Lord Casea: Yes and I know the value of that service by the Guard among others Me: Thank you (Like what else was I going to say with a SL tag flying over my head?) Me: Guard? Lord Casea: The Royal Guard they are pressed to their limits in Trammel. That’s why there is none present here at the moment. Lord Casea: Terrible invasions Lord Casea: If you by chance have a means to contact others that wish to attend please do. Me: I do, but their interest lies elsewhere… Me: They are fighting their own battles. Lord Casea: Ah well as we all know in Felucca every day is a battle! Me: aye, we like it that way. I came to see if the king was going to interfere in our way of life, or enhance it. buku of TB chose this moment to join us. He was wearing newbie clothes, riding a horse – and orange. He was dead with one shot from my bow. Lord Casea: Might I ask that hostilities not happen until after the Speech? Lord Casea: Seems I was a bit late buku spoke briefly with Lord Casea, but since I can’t speak the language of the dead I only heard one side of the conversation. After chatting, Lord Casea began the speech he prepared. Lord Casea: Welcome Citizen’s of Britannia Big Angry Cause of TB (orange) ran in just in time. I took one look at him, saw nothing newbish about him - and hid. Big Angry Cause most likely took one look at me, decided I’d be a pain in the ass to kill and ignored me. With the unspoken truce between us our attention turned back to Lord Casca. Lord Casea: I stand before you today not as an Ambassador to the Royal Council but as your newly appointed King. As much as I respect my predecessor, I must humbly ask that the outpouring of loyalty you’ve given him in his reign and absence be given to me. The Primary order of the Kingship is to ensure the welfare of the citizens of Britannia. I have decided that my primary focus of business is to find a solution to the recent hostilities brought forth by the Shadowlords. If a diplomatic compromise can be found then I say let that be the… (Both Big Angry Cause and I had a few things to say at that point. I learned that Big Angry prefers big clubs to ‘diplomatic compromise’ as much as I do. Unfortunately I missed a few things Lord Casea said…) Lord Casea: If open warfare becomes necessary to ensure our safety then rest assured that I will do all in my power to minimize the negative effects on the general populace. The recent invasion of our cities and the resulting weakening defenses of our kingdom must be made corrected. In order to do so, I shall be appointing a new Captain of the Royal Guard. I dare say our new Captain may desire mandatory conscription, though I do not wish to see this come to pass, I will enact this course if no viable solution presents itself. To prevent this I encourage all of you to swear fealty to your King and Nation and make it your priority to ensure it’s safety just as strongly as I shall. This is not condoning vigilante justice, but requesting that all citizens step forth and honor the sacrifices of our forebears. (Mandatory conscription? Hmmm…) In order to not sully the history of my predecessor, I here by lay claim to the magnificent castle who’s courtyard we are intruding upon. Castle British shall still be used for councillary purposes but this shall be my permanent residence, as soon as certain precautions are put into place. (My guess is that ‘precautions’ would mean adding a guardzone. grumbles) The current council shall be shifted to a more advisory purpose, with the appointment of a new King to the function as was intended when it was established. With those thoughts in mind, worry not about the fact that I am not a Man but an Elf. While our differences are self evident our goals are the same. (Getting bored I tell Big Angry Cause that in Tram they get goodies, but not in Fel. He buys it hook line and sinker and begins to entertain me with his pleas to Lord Casea for free stuff.) The end of a costly and deadly conflict that has torn at the minds, hearts, and souls of everyone involved, from the poor beggars to even myself. And through the enlightenment that such suffering brings, I assure you, I will do what I feel is in the best interest of Britannia and it’s peoples. Yet in order to do so I must consolidate the Kingdom. Hence forth all independent governments by Royal decree are to disband, and hence forth outlawed, all non-sanctioned townships and state hoods abolished. (Big Angry Cause took the words right out my mouth with his comment of, ‘DUDE! HE’S TALKING SMACK!’) Unity must begin from within and by separating ourselves we are counterproductive to that purpose. We must unify or taste defeat at the hands of our enemies! Now, I must leave, my duties to the Kingdom call. With my regards go forth and enjoy the glorious new dawn that is upon our Kingdom. Big Angry Cause: THAT’S IT? Lord Casea: Sorry but this was just to be a speech to introduce me to my people. Me: Sorry sir – but you have to earn the respect of the fel people Big Angry Cause: YES EARN RESPECT IN A DUEL! Me: before you’ll be able to get them to do anything Lord Casea: Oh I understand and hope to do so. Me: oh! Ummm how? Big Angry Cause: YEAH HOW! Big Angry Cause: HOW HOW HOW HUH DOGPOUNDGANKSTA? Lord Casea: That I haven’t fathomed as of yet the crown fell upon my head rather suddenly. But rest assured I’ll think of something. But for now I must depart I have a new Captain to select. Big Angry Cause: Well casa select me dawg Lord Casea: Thank you for attending. And poof Lord Casea is gone. Big Angry Cause and I start comparing notes when poof Lord Casea: Oh you may commence slaying one another now, I don’t mind. Big Angry Cause: stfu, we don’t slay each other, that’s my lover! This was news to me, but it did get across the message that we’re Feluccians. We don’t need permission to kill who we wish. poof gone again – for now.
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Early Super Bowl Party !
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 9:26 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. This just in from the Monday Night Madness Crew. Monday Madness Great Lakes 8 pm Central Jan 19 Hi, This just in, we are going to be having a Super Bowl Party. Yeah, I know we are a little early but oh well. This week we are playing Jeopardy with a twist. We will have teams compete against each other. Besides the individuals winnings, the winning team will get 50k each. Come party with us, if you can. Gates in Luna. Will
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Kasaven Chats with Some of the People
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 7:32 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
Today I went to see watch Casca speak again, but I was running late and missed it all together. {Though word did reach me of one foolish soul who it seems rushed our new King and cast Armageddon on himself in a vain attempt to slay our new monarch. Word was he got more of his body parts on the crowd then on our new monarch.} I arrived in time to encounter a large group who were heading to EM Kasavens new home after seeing Cacsa, so I joined them. I entered to find Kasaven holding an informal question and answer session. So I settled in and pulled out a piece of parchment and scribbled these notes I will now share with you. When asked if anyone had seen “Owain Surrey” Kasaven had this to say: Nay I have not seen him about. Often he stops by to bring council, but he has not in at least a week.. and honestly I fear for his safety. On the subject of Lord Casca’s speech he said this: I think he speaks ill..but I would not jump to conclusions before I see his acts. Those will speak much louder than words. Kasaven also took the time to introduce Annendora an Floater EM whom will help him with events from time to time. Though Annendora was given a warm greeting by all in attendance she seemed not to be there in spirit. When asked about what Sherry the Mouse had said he replied: I think Sherry speaks more sooth than Casca, though she remains unaware of many things. When someone mentioned that Casca had also said something about Owain he responded by telling the following story: And he spoke of Owain, which brings fear to my heart, for Owain has always been loyal to the people of Britannia. Are there any here who didn't hear his tale, yesterday? Well, him and I have known each other for longer than all of you have been alive, combined. We served together on the council of Lord British, and he was the Royal Augur, a soothsayer of sorts, and a military genius. We both served lord British loyal for years, and when Lord Biritish departed for a time. Lord Blackthorn came to power and the same council remained that belonged to Lord British. Know Blackthorn was a great man at a time, with a will to help any in need, and truly great visions for the kingdom. But as time went on, we were not his only council. Three men, black robed, with a dark aura about them began to take secret council with our Lord Blackthorn, and as such, he began a gradual descent…. into falsehood. Seeing this Owain tried to speak to Blackthorn about it. He told them these three Robed men, whom he termed the "Shadow Lords", were false, and were utterly poisoning his mind! Blackthorn took this as an affront, and was already too far gone into the madness that the Shadow Lords induced upon him. He looked upon Owain, and told him he believed it was not the three Shadow Lords, but him who sought to ruin the Kingdom, and he backhanded Owain across the face in his fury. But that was not the worst affront to Owain.. He was thereby banished from the Kingdom of Britannia, never to stop foot inside her borders again, and he was removed from the court by the royal guards. Towing him arm in arm! I remained, not knowing of this until much later, but quickly left the Kingdom lest I suffer the same fate, but before I did, I heard word of a public execution.. and I saw..then.. Two royal guardsmen. One with Owains daughter..not even 5 years old, in tow, and his wife.. and they were taken to the block! And beheaded! I tried to intervene, but I could do little. I, too, was cast out from Britain as tears streamed down my eyes.. Owain, much unaware of the events when I spoke with him again asked if I had spoken to his wife and child before I was banished. I had to give him the news, and never had I seen a man so tortured. He did not cry, he couldn't, but you could see the fury in his eyes! From that day forward, he promised to seek vengeance upon the shadow lords, for corrupting his king, and putting his family to the block through his hands. He carries a powerful sword, that he poured his grief, anger, and hatred for the shadow lords into. He stood at the forge crafting it for neigh on 3 days and entitled it "Retribution". He won't rest until he uses it to behead the three that ruined his life. Also, knowing his great gift of prescience, the Shadow Lords cast a spell on Lord Surrey. They knew his visions came to him in dreams. So they corrupted his dreams, so that as often as they are sooth, they are false! His visions can be the very opposite of reality.. but always know he is pure of heart, and if Britannia needs him, he will be there. To lend us his aid. Either way! Ah, would you not seek revenge? For a family slain? Either way, he often takes council with me, but I have not seen him at all this week. Kasaven then mentioned about Casca and his bring up Owain in his speeches again: It seems so, as he addressed him in both speeches. he knows of his potential to disrupt him. If he is indeed false, I think we are all in danger. Owain often brings me word of on goings, though, as I said, he has not for quite some time.. and as for the meeting I may be able to send Owain in my place. If he is safe.. I am going to do a bit of research and try to find a way to communicate with Owain and find out that he is safe. So I will leave you all for now.. So I will leave you all for now.. Be careful! And consider Casca's words! Goodbye! Sometime while Kasaven was speaking a man dressed in a simple robe had come in and sat down to listen. He mostly watched and listened only saying a few things till after Kasaven had left. Then he engaged the remaining people in conversation. When someone brought up the subject of Clainin (Senior Mage of Britannia. Fought in the great war against Blackthorne alongside Dupre and Dawn) giving his approval of Casca. The simple man whom I found out to be Solomon Wright said this: Yes, muttering of Armageddon, bedridden. Have you been to New Haven to see Clainin? Indeed. An obvious falsehood told by Casca. Solomon took control and directed the sometimes heated open discussion on if Casca should be recognized as our new king or not. As the views of both sides were brought forth he asked questions and made statements hoping to reach a middle ground between the opposing opinions. One of the most thought provoking questions he asked was this: What would you say to those that don't oppose Casca, but simply oppose the way he came to power? Would you prefer the opportunity to legitimize Casca to those that are upset with his ascent? He also spoke briefly of the meeting that is scheduled to take place on this Wednesday: No, and that is what we must address on Wednesday. To decide what it is we need, at this time. Do we reconvene the Council? If so, how? Do we pursue a new path, guided by new principles? We have differences. The question is, where do we have common ground? Each of us have a stake in the history unfolding before us. Collectively, we can realign our destiny. But it must be manifested through coordinated will, and there must be consensus for that to occur. Powerful words from a very wise man. I should also mention the as many of you have heard Solomon Wright is a prophet too and during these discussions he went into a form of a trance and made the following statement. The Abyss beckons. The gargoyles rise. A new era arrives.
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Casca Speaks to the Kingdom!!

Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 3:31 PM EST by Oriana (Baja)

Casca speaks to the Kingdom!!

Casca appeared last night before the citizens of Baja. At which time he began to speak of the new policies that are to be put into place for our Kingdom. This caused a great variety of reactions, from joy of having a new king to resentment and anger of replacing the known king. Flowers were thrown to his feet, spoiled fruit hurled at his person. This was to be a very interesting event to say the very least.

He appeared on a tall plaster podium in the front courtyard of Blackthorn’s Castle. There he addressed his new subjects. He was quite annoyed when he saw so many had broken into the castle he now calls home and waited a few moments for them to come forward and hear his speech.

I give you Lord Casca’s speech to decide for yourself.

Citizens of Britannian, I come before you at a time of great upheaval. Our Kingdom stands on the edge of despair, and not so long ago, without a council. The heinous murder of the council members…laid bare our greatest weakness. *grinds his staff* That the throne sits empty! For as long as we stand without a leader…we open our doors wide to the schemes of our enemies. May it be Ricardo or the Shadowlords.

As the only remaining survivor of the previous council….it falls upon my shoulders to resolve this. *nods* Let shame fall on me for eternity, if I let my people continue to suffer! We should and shall remain loyal to Lord British. Aye! But should the throne remain empty while the kingdom falls apart. Nay!

*looks around*

Who knows naught…of a friend or kin that has lost a loved one in this invasion?

Who here knows naught…of the rises in petty flagitious crimes in our once great cities?

*narrows his eyes in concern*

Who here knows naught…of our brethren migrating to other lands leaving behind empty cities?

The very land is crying out for a king…A leader!

*takes a deep breath*

So at the behest of the new council and my own conscience….I bring myself to accept the responsibility of this kingdom. I proudly accept the title of King pro-tempore, with all rights, statuses and honors thereof.

*takes out a crown from his pack*

*places the crown on his head*

*looks around*

Throughout this momentous day I have sustained….(someone in the crowd asks... “By pie?”)*shakes head* No not by pie, by the knowledge that I can count on your thoughts and prayers *smiles* The awareness that my peoples, spread far and wide…will unite to support me in the task to which I have now been dedicated with such solemnity. *nods* While I know that together we will overcome the great challenges that we must face such as I know the Sun will rise again…I will not mislead you for even the sun has to overcome the darkness. *sighs* For we face an arduous path in front of us…For we face a great test of faith…For we face a future the will demand sacrifices…But we will face this together…lest our land falls into chaos. *nods*

As your king, I ask of your fealty in the journey that lies a head.

*looks into the eyes of those around him*

From this day onwards, I declare that…it will be our utmost priority to end this invasion and usher in a new era of prosperity.

From this day onwards I declare that…crime of any nature will be met with the harshest of the punishments.

From this day onwards I declare that…all kingdom estates that have propped up within the boundaries of Britannia will dissolve. The leaders of these kingdoms will declare fealty to the throne. Let me DAWN upon you that rebellion will not be tolerated.

*shakes head*

From this day onwards I declare that…any suggestions of wrong-doing by the nobles or council will be condemned with censure. The nobles require our full support at these trying times.

Finally, I ask of you, who are present today to become my prophets. Go forth; spread my message of a new era of peace and prosperity across the land.

*smiles warmly*

Let it be known that the thrown is no longer empty…and we are no longer afraid. *nods*

Fare Well till next time!

And with that the newly declared king disappeared without further comments.

A bit of motion from the bushes near the courtyard was noticed by a few and soon a tiny voice was heard…our beloved Sherry the mouse appeared and began to speak.

King you say? *squeaks angrily, looking up at where Casca stood*

Many were surprised by her appearance while some encouraged others to be quiet and listen to our littlest reporter and friend of the missing king.

Surely you jest, “Lord: Casca the silver tongued!

Tell us O’ mighty king what council didst elect thee? Surely none that live!

*stamps her paw*

As well, what of Ricardo O’ great leader? What of Avery, didst not thee suffer his very misfortune!? Yet he is the one condemned unfairly to rags and misery! Whilst you wallow in power and spew declarations most unjust!

Hear my words Casca, though meek they may be! Something is rotten in the kingdom of Britannia!! And ‘tis not fitting for only one to rule whilst our liege is away!

*scurries back into the bushes*

Within moments of Sherry disappearing, Lord Casca appeared again...

I heard Sherry was here. Do not mind that poor ra..mouse. She is just loyal to the great Lord British, and unable to change with times.

Be well!

So discuss, decide and dwell over these two very opposing speeches. Which way the kingdom will decide remains to be seen. Although it sounds a lot like there will be pie at the end.

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Kullervo's Journal: The Magic Mirror, as told by Malthon Harper

Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 1:54 PM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

Greetings, my friends and fellow Britannians!

I suppose that by now, you've had more than ample opportunity to view our Royal Council's decree, forming for yourself an opinion regarding the "coronation" of our new Lord and Liege, His Highness the King Casca. Elf Friend and Thieves Bane, they call him in the northlands. If you have not, then I dare say, have you been living under a rubble rock for the past week? Or, perhaps you've been chasing futons throughout the eastern isles? Alas, I should send Mama Faith after the whole lot of you. Her Cavorting Club'll teach ye a lesson you'll not soon forget.

So, where was I? Ah, yes! Our new king.

This past winters eve, I've had the pleasure of watching our Elvin liege place the Crown of Kings atop his brow. 'Twas an interesting sight to behold; certainly not the traditional ceremony you might've expected from the Lord of Britannia; no less one standing in the very City of Kings. Indeed, such self-coronations are uncommon in recent history; considered the blasphemous practice of the Heathen Kings of Old. A warrior's coronation. A conqueror's coronation.

Yet, it is not Casca whom I seek to dwell upon. You shall certainly be hearing more about him, from both the Stratics and Britannian Heralds; along with sketches and the like. I seek not to form your opinion for you; but even the most loyal Britannian must question such threatening words being bandied about so casually. Instead, I wish to focus upon something that I discovered shortly after Casca and Sherry departed.

You may very well say, the crowd was shocked by what they had just witnessed. The crowd argued amongst itself; some tossing flowers atop the podium, others crying for the return of Lord British. Still, others screamed that they needed no king; and more than bloodied nose was to be found departing the foregates. I noticed an old, grey-robed man leaning on some strange wizarding staff; consulting with a raven-haired swordsman. I couldn't make out the words, but he seemed troubled. They were soon joined by a fair-haired noblewoman. The only piece of their conversation I divulged was when Handalf the Chicken King squawked: "Clerists?"

I proceeded down to the end of the bridge, intent on visiting Castle Britannia to seek an interview. It was there that I spied none other than the approach of Mistress Aino. I had been hoping for an interview; but the moment the crowd spotted her, I was nearly trampled. The stampede of bodies surrounding her, chatting her up and asking questions. In the minutes that followed, the crowd calmed; the young woman taking questions with reporters from the Stratics Herald and that golden-haired woman. The grey-bearded man stood behind them, silently puffing on his long wooden pipe. What a nasty habit!

Nevertheless, I just got close enough to hear tidbits of the conversation.

"Alas, I fear that I must depart," he said with a hint of urgency. "I shall speak with thee anon, Mistress Nystad."

Lady Aino nodded her head in response. The old man looked to the other noblewoman - the gaze clearly conveying something of importance, for she nodded silently in response. The old man turned, striding with the swiftness of a man half his age to his great white stallion; the steed patiently waiting at the base of Locke's Crag. He leapt upon the war horse, and galloped off down the road.

I gazed back at the crowd. Clearly, I was not going to get the exclusive interview now. Too many people. Too many sensitive subjects to discuss. On the other hand, the old man might know something? Old men were usually senile, but what else was I going to do? So, I produced an onyx figurine from my pouch; tossing it to the ground at my feet. Poof! An ethereal unicorn stood before me. I leapt atop the translucent beast's back - somewhat unnerved by my ability to peer into the beast's innards (where in the name of Hythloth did that thing find carrots?) - and spurred it into a gallop. I wheeled around the corner of the Bardic Conservatory, galloping south in the direction that I had seen the old man charge off. I would have to ride like a speedhacker if I hoped to catch up with this old conjurer.

I followed his trail for nearly an hour. I thought that I had lost him more than once, only to catch a glimpse of the grey old man astride his white stallion some fair distance away. Past the hamlet of Paws we galloped, down past the Britanny Farms and beyond. Through the woodlands for what seemed like hours, until at last I caught the old man dismounting his horse beside a small pool of water. The white stallion bent its thick neck, dipping its nose into the frigid snowmelt to drink.

I dismounted my own ethereal stallion, commanding the beast to return to the Ethereal Void from whence it came. I collected the onyx figurine, and strode just to the edge of the tree line. I stopped. The old man had found a book on the ground, dusting its cover.

He stood there for a moment, reading the text, before carefully setting it back upon the ground. Patting his horses neck, he lept upon its back, and shifted his gaze into my direction. I froze. Drats, discovered again!

"You there," I choked. "I am with the Paws Village Herald. I would like to interview you."

The man raised an eyebrow, regarding me silently for a moment.

"You know...to get your thoughts on the recent coronation of King Casca!"

"I fear that time is something I do not have to spare right now, lad." The stallion snorted; and somehow I got the sense that he was responding to the old wizard. "I have business in Avalon!" With that, he dug his heels in; the massive war horse bellowing loudly as it sprung into a full run.

I had no other option, but to inspect this dust-covered and discarded notebook. I could return to Britain; but Lady Aino was probably long gone. I would break my neck and lame even my ethereal stallion if I tried catching up with that old conjurer. With a sigh, I approached the book, kicking the cover open.

I nearly fainted then. The book was missing several pages, but it was a journal. Scribbled on the weather stained parchment was the title: "The Magic Mirror" by none other than Kullervo Nystad. So, the rumors are true! Aino does have a brother. Or could this be a hoax? A ruse, meant to lead me on some wild goose chase? I don't know.

I copied the contents of the entry, and reproduced it here for you to read:

With consideration to the fierce competition as of late, I shall keep the location of this book a mystery; unless, of course you can solve my riddle. "The information you seek lay behind the titaness. Just be careful. You wouldn't want that forbidden fruit to give you a concussion"

Happy Hunting!

Malthon Harper,
The 17th of Hammer, 2009.
Paws Village Herald

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The Casca Schedule
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 10:22 AM EST by Larisa (CommunityNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: The Casca Schedule Joanne Laroche 16 Jan 2009 23:56:43 EST All hail Lord Casca! Here is the event schedule, please take note of the time zones and dates so you do not miss out! Updated 11:45pm: A few modifications were made as well as added the schedules for Sonoma and Oceania. Please note: Lord Casca can be found outside of the Lord Blackthorne castle at these times. Lake Superior (Saturday - Monday) Saturday, January 17, 2009 - 4pm CST Trammel - 9pm CST Felucca Sunday January 18th, 2009 - 4pm CST Felucca - 9pm CST Trammel Monday January 19th, 2009 - 4pm CST Trammel - 9pm CST Felucca Baja (Saturday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 3pm PST. Great Lakes (Saturday - Monday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 7pm EST Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 2pm EST - 8pm EST Monday, January 19th, 2009 - 8pm EST Siege (Saturday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 9pm EST. Drachenfels (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 8pm GTM+1 Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 3pm GTM+1 - 8pm GTM+1 Catskills (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 8pm EST Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 8pm EST - 3pm EST Napa (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 8:30pm PST Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 7:30pm PST Pacific (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 3pm PST Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 3pm PST Europa (Sunday - Monday, Wednesday - Thursday, Saturday - Sunday)) Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 8pm GMT (Casca's Speech) Monday, January 19th, 2009 - 8pm GMT (Sherry appearance) Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 - 8pm GMT (Casca's Speech) Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 - 8pm GMT (Sherry appearance) Saturday January 24th, 2009 - 8pm GMT (Casca's Speech) Sunday, January 25th, 2009 - 8pm GMT (Sherry appearance) Pacific (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 3pm PST. Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 3pm PST. Origin (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 12:00pm Pacific (3:00pm Eastern) Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 6:00pm Pacific (9:00pm Eastern) Legends (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 5pm EST Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 7pm EST Chesapeake (Saturday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 6pm EST - Felucca 8pm EST – Trammel Atlantic (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 5:30pm EST Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 12pm EST Trammel - 8pm EST Felucca Oceania (Sunday - Monday)) Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 1pm AEST - 7pm AEST Monday, January 19th, 2009 - 9am AEST - 1pm AEST - 7pm AEST Sonoma (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 9am PST, - 12pm PST - 5pm PST - 6PM PST - 7PM PST Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 9am PST - 12pm PST - 5pm PST - 6pm PST If your shard is not listed here please visit the Town Crier in Britian Trammel for the scheduled time.
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FoF: Virtue and Weddings
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 10:17 AM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday: FoF: Virtue and Weddings Joanne Laroche 16 Jan 2009 18:48:01 “Will the 255/255 replicas become dyeable?” They will be changed to 150 after the next publish, and they should be dyable. If you are aware of one that is not dyeable please send in a bug report with as many details as possible including which boss dropped it. -- “Is introducing a new Virtue to the Virtue system on the Dev roadmap for 2009?” The Virtues will be a very important part of the upcoming gargoyle culture. -- “Any plans to change the intensities of ML weapons learned from Heartwood?” Not at this time. -- “I saw that you are running a Bank Decorating contest I’ve been really busy so I haven’t had the time to design it yet. Is it possible to extend the deadline a couple more days?” The deadline stands, please make sure to have your entries in by midnight EST on Sunday, January 18^th. Good luck! -- “Will UO ever have weddings again?” Yes. -- “Who will perform the weddings?” The Event Moderators on your shard. -- “How will I contact them to make arrangements?” They will have a Wedding Book locked down in their office (counselor hall in Trammel) on each shard. -- Fansite News: This weeks live musical fun on Whispering Rose Radio ... Friday - Jan. 16th - Shard Chatter will be buzzing with the latest hot topics of Ultima Online news!! Join DJ Exiled Connections starting at 10pm ET (7pm PT) on WRR and participate in these fun and always lively UO discussions. Instructions on how to tune in and participate are located on the www.wrrad.com website. You can contact Exiled Connection by ICQ 179159158. ~~~~~~~~~ Saturday - Jan. 17th - Its time for the ever popular Brush LimpPaw show starting at 5pm ET (3pm PT) on WRR where listeners hear his Universal Outlook on the worlds 'current events' as only he can deliver it. ~~~~~~~~~ Saturday - Jan. 17th - WRR Deal or No Deal 'UO Style' ~ Win up to 10 MILLION in GOLD on the shard of your choice (1/3 Seige) playing Deal or No Deal. This weeks DoND is on LAKE AUSTIN starting at 3pm Pacific, 6pm Eastern. The DoND house is located just east of the Luna moongate. Players from all shards are eligible to participate...just make a character on LAKE AUSTIN to join in the fun!! Rules on how to play DoND UO Style are available on the station website where you can also tune in to hear this and other UO events live from...Whispering Rose Radio - For more details and location map CLICK HERE ~~~~~~~~~ Saturday - Jan. 17th - At 10pm Eastern (7pm PT) join in the fun with WRR's Name That Tune & Artist Show where over 25 Million in UO Gold can be won on the shard of your choice!! Anyone can play - just log onto Lake Superior and head to the game house of Xanadu's located inside Luna town along the north wall then tune into Whispering Rose Radio at www.wrrad.com to hear the tunes. Every person that plays is on their own ladder. For NTT&A game details and map of location CLICK HERE ~~~~~~~~~ Sunday - Jan. 18th - The Pacific Auction House (located just East of the Luna moongate) continues after 4 fantastic years to bring you more great deals. Get there early for best seating. Auction starts at 3pm ET (Noon PT) and is broadcasted live on WRRadio. ~~~~~~~~~ Thursday - Jan. 22nd – Its time to party with the Tazz and Keg's Underground show broadcasting live from 9pm to 11pm CT. Entering their underground world leads you to places you will never forget. Remember you can call into the show via Skype! For full details on how to call into the show visit the Tazz & Kegs Underground page at Underground Knights website. ~~~~~~~~~ Have a blast playing Ultima Online and listening to Whispering Rose Radio (www.wrrad.com) ~ see you all on the flip side. -- UO Toolbar's 3rd Anniversary This is late in coming, but last month GameXbar's UO Toolbar reached it's 3rd anniversary of serving the UO community! Yup, three years and we're still pounding out the latest news about Ultima Online and the UO community of contributors, fan sites, and media... along with hardware reviews, security notices for your PC, and much more. It's been a great 3rd year. Lots of new users. Met with many great UO players & team members at the San Diego and Seattle UO town halls. More links & feeds than ever. We look forward to a bigger & better year in 2009! Keep a look out for more changes and new products. Like last year, I would like to personally thank all the fine people at Electronic Arts & Mythic Entertainment, UOcomplex, Ultimate Online Forums, UOGuide, UO Stratics, the Ultima Online Team, Whispering Rose Radio, Queen Mum for the cookies at the town halls, anyone else I have missed, and most sincerely... all our supporters and players in & around the UO community! As you share your love of Ultima Online, please continue to tell others about UO Toolbar and GameXbar! Again... thank you. -- Hey everyone, just a quick reminder that you have until Monday afternoon to login and collect your tickets for the holiday gifts! I hope ya’ll are staying warm this Friday evening. Sit back, play some UO and have a great time. Have a great weekend everyone!
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Is The New King a Fraud ?
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 7:30 AM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . Is The New King a Fraud ? Last night our supposed new king made an appearance in Brit and a huge crowd showed up to see what he had to say. The Lord Casca as he is referred to claimed he has not " become King for personal power or glory ". Many did not agree and one outspoken Arsenik Drakken claimed, " The King is a fraud, he helped kill the other council members ". Negative rumbles were heard in the crowd but Lord Casca went on to say, " I am not working just for the Royal Council but for all of Britannia and the Virtues ". Some of his claims were, " In the past I have helped maintain peace and create alliances, my past decisions as a member of the Council kept us all safe ". After spilling his guts about how humility guided him when working with allies he asked all to stand by him against Virtue-less in our world and stated we all have a role in our Kingdoms future. " I am your King and your servant ! " This is a difficult and hard line to walk for any ruler. There was a Q & A session after his speech with Cyric Truesilver asking the first question and that was about the state and future of our cities. The King strongly stated the cities in disrepair will be rebuilt but it will take bloodshed and we all need to help. Tomas Savos was introduced to the crowd and his new position as Captain of the Guard stated. It was not long after this that the entire crowd made its way across the city to The Cat's Lair and the ale flowed heavily. Lady Martyna Z'muir, Lord Goran, Sherry the Mouse and Mangus Grey were a few of the many throwing back the ale. Late in the evening blanc De blanc was seen dancing on the tables sans her robe to the delight of the men and a few women too. Will the Kings vision of the future come to pass ? Is the King out for personal power and glory ? Will we FINALLY after so many years get new under clothing/pants ? Time will tell!
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A Call for Governing Alternatives
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 7:17 AM EST by Sahra Swift (Catskills)
Greetings fellow Catskillians, I have received a request from Solomon Wright. He has asked that I pass this message along to you: Recent events have brought an old debate back to the streets of Britannia. The ascension of Lord Casca to the throne has been questioned and discredited by countless citizens, with some even calling for his assassination or arrest. The death of the Council, the arrest of Captain Avery, and the lack of transparency into the new king's nomination have caused a wave of distrust and anger to crash upon our shores. It is in times of great change that we are forced to confront our deepest fears and hopes, to choose the future we wish to manifest. And so it is here, at these crossroads we now face, that we must determine if the current governing structure of Britannia still serves its people. If we desire to act in accordance with the Virtues, we must find solutions to the problems we face, not simply complain about them. With this in mind, I would like to convene a meeting of concerned citizens to discuss viable alternatives to the monarchy now imposed upon us. To solve the political crisis we may be facing, we must explore ways to conjure a unified vision of the future independent of the legacy government that has been dying since Lord British's departure. Is the future of Sosaria democratic, socialist, communist, capitalist, dystopian or utopian? Let us decide as a people, instead of allowing an elite to do it for us. On Wednesday, January 21st at 10:00pm Eastern, gather in the Chamber of Virtue in Trammel's Britain with an open mind, a golden heart, and a desire to shape your own destiny. An open debate will be held to determine the course of action we must take to reshape the coming chapter, to ensure we do not fail the generations that will follow in our footsteps...
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Casca's Coronation.
Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2009, 2:23 AM EST by Katlene (Oceania)
The call went out that our new liege was to give his coronation speech on the stairs of castle Blackthorn. Two times were given for today and 3 for the next. Many people showed up for the event, eager to see what would happen. A cloaked figure walked through the gates of the castle... Viktor Cotume: Greetings fellow Britannians! Viktor Cotume: It gives me great satisfaction to introduce to you, the Sovereign ruler of all Britannia... Viktor Cotume: The benevolent King Casca! An elven man came out and stood before the citizens, Casca: Extends both arms out in warm greeting Casca: Glorious greetings and salutations, wonderful Britannian citizens! Casca: With humble stature I stand here before you as King, pro-tempore, of Britannia. Casca: For so long our grand kingdom has required a figurehead to rally behind. Casca: The newly elected Royal Council has responded to the need for one person to lead our people. Casca: Through the perilous and peaceful times of our future, Casca: I shall now lead you. Casca: And perilous times are upon us now. Casca: Our lands face dire destruction if we do not rally ourselves Casca: into a unified front against these forces. Casca: We have already witnessed such atrocities as the annihilation of Magincia, Casca: the almost complete slaughter of the previous residing Royal Council, Casca: of which I was the only surviving member. Casca: May their ghosts be at peace. Casca: Pauses reverently Casca: And we are witnessing now, Casca: the terrible invasions of our cities, Casca: the destruction of our historic buildings, Casca: and in a sterner tone Casca: and their reprehensible costs, Casca: but most tragically, the killing of many innocent citizens. Casca: As King, I want you to have peace of mind Casca: that I will do all in my power to return our kingdom Casca: to a time of peace, Casca: a place of beauty, Casca: and a malevolent force not to be trifled with! Casca: We will have all these things, Casca: but not without sacrifice. Cook: eh, malevolent? Casca: Taxes may be increased to afford new war machines, Casca: employ troops and bolster our Royal Britannian Guard numbers Casca: to be better able to protect our new Royal Council. Casca: I know within my heart and with all honesty tell you, Casca: justice will be served swiftly to any person who would bring Casca: harm to our plans for a better Britannia. Casca: Even now we have traitors in our Royal dungeons awaiting our compassion. Casca: Are these curs deserving of it? Casca: These fiends that sow their seeds of cowardice amongst our communities Casca: with motives so inhuman that their hatred of us runs so deep Casca: it cannot be comprehended? Casca: They shall be taught humility! Casca: Britannia will not succumb to the wiles of the followers of falsehood. Casca: We will not stand for it! Casca: I will not stand for it. Casca: Pauses for breath Casca: We will look to our allies and seek their aid Casca: in our defence of our Kingdom. Casca: It will be their honour to stand in defiance with us, Casca: against our obnoxious enemy. Casca: We shall have numbers not ever conceived of by our enemies. Casca: We shall also look for new allies, perhaps in old foes, Casca: with caution of course, Casca: but definitely in new places. Casca: Britannia has a unique spirituality which will not merely roll over and die Casca: but fight on til she has conquered any adversity. Casca: We shall send emissaries of great valour and resolve, Casca: with out Royal backing, to rally to us any potential allies Casca: Looking out upon Britannia today, Casca: I get a positive feeling about the new direction Casca: Our kingdom is headed Casca: My coronation is but the start of a new and exciting era Casca: for our kingdom Casca: It gives me great pleasure to help usher this new age in Casca: for all of our peoples Casca: Thank you. Casca: Extends both arms out in warm greeting. He then walked into the castle leaving behind him a bewildered crowd. Then all heard a quite scurrying of paws... Sherry: Excuse me, sir... Sherry: A little voice squeaks from the assembled throng* Sherry: Good day! Sherry: Dark times are indeed upon us, but i am nay sure Casca is the guiding light we need. Sherry: It is nay recent news that my liege, the sovereign ruler of Britannia hath gone... Sherry: We know not where, but we should continue wait for his return. Sherry: Her eyes dart uneasily between members of the gathered crowd Sherry: Aye, Casca was appointed by the Council left to direct the kingdom in my lord's absence. Sherry: But since the massacre... this new council's integrity is questionable. Sherry: She pauses a moment as if deep in thought. Sherry: Truth, Love and Courage the principles from which all the eight Virtues flow... Sherry: We must ask ourselves... are these truly values our new Lord will uphold? Sherry: Some of the greatest harms have been done by those who had nay but the best intentions. Sherry: All I ask of you Britannia is to please be mindful before you swear your fealty to Casca... Sherry: His tale is a muddled one... and something is nay right about it. Sherry: Thank you for hearing me. Sherry: Squeaks She scurried away before anyone can ask her questions. The crowd, now even more bewildered then before, are left standing unsure what to do next. Then they hear footsteps marching along the bridge towards them. Two captains from the Royal Guard! Viktor Cotume: Greetings again, citizens. Ellis Duffield: Straighten up Fink: Hallo persons Ellis Duffield: I didn’t give you this post to slouch around Antalya: Ellis Duffield is the new Captain? Commander? Ellis Duffield: Hello Katlene: And who might you two actually be then? Viktor Cotume: Oh, ye have not heard of us, Milady? Katlene: May have... Katlene: But a proper introduction would be grand Ellis Duffield: We are both captains of the Royal Guard Viktor Cotume: I am Viktor Cotume, Captain of the Royal Guard. Viktor Cotume: Aye. Katlene: Well met Antalya: curtsies Ellis Duffield: I am Ellis Duffield, a Captain of the Royal Guard Viktor Cotume: And how did you all enjoy the audience with our new King? Viktor Cotume: Viktor adjusts his vibrant sash. Antalya: Hrmm, well, what I could see of it... Katlene: It wasn’t easier to hear his words Antalya: Rowdy crowd nods Antalya: I think these will be interesting times Chomper of Souls: CASCA CAN GO SWIM IN THE MOAT Viktor Cotume: He is our King, we shall not speak ill of him, Chomper of Souls. Ellis Duffield: Agreed Fink: It will take some getting used to... Viktor Cotume: King Casca has only just begun his glorious reign; we must give him a chance. Viktor Cotume: But I do foresee prosperous times ahead. Katlene: He has to gain a lot of trust Ellis Duffield: No doubt the increase in taxes he mentioned will help towards our numbers Viktor Cotume: Aye, Ellis. Antalya: Hrmm, more taxes, yes... Katlene: These meetings with the members of the royal guard are not a "freebie convention" Viktor Cotume: Too true, Milady. Antalya: Hrmm, curious to see if the royal guard stays loyal. Regardless of all else that may happen Gohan: Viktor, you’re a ninja and a grandmaster at that, ninja’s train in deception, Why should we trust you? Ellis Duffield: Cur! Viktor Cotume: Are you accusing me of something, citizen? Ellis Duffield: I'll not have you speak so about my friend! Viktor Cotume: His grey eyes narrow Gohan: You’re a grandmaster of deception! Deneya: Off with Gohan's head Ellis Duffield: and a decorated Captain Fink: Trained to deceive the enemy, a good quality in a captain I would think Katlene: Accusing the captain of the royal guard of deception.... Viktor Cotume: I am a Captain of the Royal Guard! Show me a little respect, citizen. Gohan: spits Gohan: There’s your respect! Viktor Cotume: How dare you! Gohan: How dare I? Gohan: How dare you! Viktor Cotume: Wipes the spittle from his tunic. Ellis Duffield: This is no good. Is this what war has done to Britain? Ellis Duffield: Reduced her citizens to insulting people? Antalya: No. It's what it's done to some people Captain smiles Katlene: Please note good captain that this man does not speak on behalf of us all Deneya: Indeed he does not Viktor Cotume: That is noted, Milady. Gohan: I have followed Lord British since he first reigned! Katlene: You followed a dead man for all these years? Viktor Cotume: He glances at Ellis. Ellis Duffield: Have you seen when Lord Casca will make his next appearance? Ellis Duffield: There is a book in the Hall with details Chomper of Souls: Follow the mouse! Viktor Cotume: You would believe a rodent? Chomper of Souls: yes Gohan: over a ninja at the moment, yes Viktor Cotume: What nonsense! Chomper of Souls: all hail the mouse Viktor Cotume: Ellis, we must remember to place those rat traps about the castle... Antalya: Nooo! No rat traps! Ellis Duffield: A safe measure Viktor. Shiva Me Timbers: Sherry is a mouse. Not a rat Viktor Cotume: We cannot have vermin running around the castle. Viktor Cotume: Rat, mouse... Viktor Cotume: He shrugs Viktor Cotume: Still vermin. Gohan: Viktor Viktor Cotume: Aye? Gohan: give us a reason to trust you. Viktor Cotume: My rank with the Royal Guard should be enough, citizen. Katlene: They are members of the guard. And have not given us reason to distrust them Viktor Cotume: We are free from trickery. Antalya: Were you in the royal guard before Casca was appointed? Ellis Duffield: Of course he was! Ellis Duffield: You don't make captain sitting on your laurels, getting favours from new lords Ellis Duffield: Not in this Royal Guard Ellis Duffield: looks at Blorn Ellis Duffield: You hear me! Ellis Duffield: Not on your laurels! Ellis Duffield: Back straight Blorn Viktor Cotume: It was no easy task eradicating all the terathan from this fair city... we have been busy. Viktor Cotume: That is why you have nay seen us. Katlene: Has castle British been cleaned as well? Viktor Cotume: We are in the process, Milady. Katlene: Very good Viktor Cotume: It is a rather large task. Katlene: I could bring along a broom and help! Ellis Duffield: The previous occupant was rather ensconced in there. Viktor Cotume: Every spare hand is welcomed, Milady. Deneya: Excuse me Viktor Cotume: Yes, Milady? Deneya: I acknowledge your presence Deneya: but I am unsure Deneya: why we have been summoned Viktor Cotume: You do nay think seeing our new King address the community is important? Ellis Duffield: I thought his speech rather invigorating Deneya: Not to mention Deneya: he was rather easy on the eye Ellis Duffield: He promises some great improvements Viktor Cotume: These are dark times, citizens. King Casca will be our beacon. Deneya: Why are you here to speak with us? Viktor Cotume: We merely came to see how the speech went, Milady. Deneya: I see Viktor Cotume: And to check on our fellow guards. Ellis Duffield: We need to check our assigned Guards here Ellis Duffield: Ensure everything is in good order Ellis Duffield: and secure for the King Viktor Cotume: The King will make more speeches, fear not if you missed it. Viktor Cotume: Ellis, might I suggest we finish here and retire to the barracks? Ellis Duffield: Aye Ellis Duffield: A good suggestion Ellis Duffield: Our Guards here, aside from Blorn, are in good order Antalya: Thankyou for coming captainscurtsies Viktor Cotume: He glances at Blorn Viktor Cotume: I will include it on the report. Ellis Duffield: Good man. Viktor Cotume: Well, it was... interesting meeting all you fine citizens. Viktor Cotume: May we meet again soon.
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Lord Casca Gives His First Public Speech
Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2009, 10:01 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
This last evening Lord Casca our new King made his first appearance in front of Blackthorn’s Castle, and gave a short passion filled speech to the awaiting crowd. Those in attendance were not quiet in their support of him, though there was a minority who questioned how he was chosen to be our new leader, and he tried his best to answer their concerns. He also touched on his future plans for the Kingdom, and spoke of his respect for the former members of Lord British’s staff. Below is a copy of his speech as I wrote it down on a parchment. { I feel I must tell all of you my faithful readers that the new regime is watching closely all scribes that report anything negative about our new King and those who serve him. So now with a form of martial law taking over I will be censored in what I can say here. However I will strive to sneak the truth in when they are not checking. truthfully at the new kings speech there was a very heavy presence of armed Royal Guards and yet most of the people screamed out their outrage at him, for most likely appointing himself as our new sovereign. All of you who were brave enough to speak up made me proud. One person who I could swear was a vampire was even trying his best to murder him, but Casca was outside his reach. } Lord Casca: Hail, citizens of Britannia, nobles, and warriors! Lord Casca: smiles Lord Casca: Glad to see such a turnout.. Lord Casca: I come to you this day under grievous circumstances. Lord Casca: Never did I think such tragedy could befall the Britannian Council, my brethren! Lord Casca: As you all know, their lives have been taken by the legions of the Followers of Armageddon. Lord Casca: It is only for the councils sake, and the sake of Britannia, that I stand before you all this day. Lord Casca: I apologize that we must meet here, Lord Casca: but Castle British still evokes horrible emotions when I gaze upon it. Gwenyth: So if the council is dead, who chose YOU to take over as King? Lord Casca: Closes eyes for a moment Lord Casca: Ah, Patience, Gwenyth Lord Casca: I have been through unimaginable tortures whilst in the clutches of my captors. Lord Casca: I still feel the clasp of their manacles upon my wrists Lord Casca: Shudders slightly Lord Casca: Perhaps I will never escape the feeling. Lord Casca: Looks over the gathered crowd, motioning his hands toward them Lord Casca: Yet you all were my saviors, and for that I am forever in debt as the peoples servant. Lord Casca: Through your quick and noble deeds, I am the only member of the council who yet survived Lord Casca: and was not tainted by evil and corruption. Solomon Wright: False. Clainin is alive, bedridden in New Haven. Lord Casca: Ah, Clainin is a wise man Lord Casca: but he is ill! Half dead! Lord Casca: I sat by his bead the other night Lord Casca: and it is his will that I become king! Lord Casca: Thus, out of need for structure, a new council formed of Lords and Nobles. Lord Casca: They hail from all over the land and are both magnanimous and valorous. Lord Casca: Yet I am afraid I cannot reveal their identities at this time, for we cannot Lord Casca: risk suffering another defeat at the hands of the Followers of Armageddon. Lord Casca: and you may speak to Clanin, as I said, I have his blessing! Lord Casca: And he is the wisest man left in Britannia Lord Casca: If he were in full health, I would have him be king Lord Casca: But, the new council Lord Casca: In safety we took council, and they said unto me Lord Casca: Casca, you have been through much. Lord Casca: Casca, you are wise and experienced. Lord Casca: Casca, we know you desire only justice. Lord Casca: I replied that they all exhibit such traits, or we would not be meeting together.! Lord Casca: Yet they continued to echo my praises Lord Casca: Casca, rise up, for you have our vote, ascend the throne! Lord Casca: But I responded to them resoundingly, Lord Casca: Nay! Lord Casca: I cannot! Lord Casca: I am not worthy! Lord Casca: Still they insisted, and spoke to me of the good I could do, Lord Casca: and I began to feel the potential and sooth in their words. Lord Casca: The more I listened, the more their words rang true in my ears. Lord Casca: For if not I to raise up Britannia and stand proudly beside her, Lord Casca: if not I to heal her wounds and protect her land, then WHO??? Lord Casca: So I took their votes and I am proud to come unto you now, as King of Britannia! Lord Casca: Looks down upon the people, hands wide up in the air embracing them, smiling Lord Casca: Now I must act upon their faith, I must do this good of which they speak! Lord Casca: Clenches his fist and shakes it toward the people Lord Casca: More so, it must be done swiftly. Lord Casca: looks slowly into the eyes of everyone gathered below him Lord Casca: I promise now, before the people of Britannia, Lord Casca: to rid the lands of the vile, rancorous, malicious Ophidians! Lord Casca: To end the invasions once and for all, bringing peace back to Britannia! Lord Casca: They are strong, but foolish! With the support of the people, we can best them! Lord Casca: I understand the scorn, I would rather earn my peoples trust than it be given lightly! Mathena: and where is Avery Lord? Lord Casca: Avery is under investigation Lord Casca: for being in league with the FoA! Lord Casca: Yet those are not my only promises! Lord Casca: Also, I promise Lord Casca: To bring strength back to the Royal Guard and protect our borders from another invasion! Lord Casca: And to protect Britannia from the rancor of the Shadow Lords, while exterminating their minions. Lord Casca: All I need to do such good is for you, the people, to bow to me, and we will reign forever Lord Casca: in peace and prosperity. Lord Casca: I put my faith in you, citizens of Britannia, to help us remain the prestigious Lord Casca: and respected land that we have been for so long, to help me carry on in the name Lord Casca: of the great and noble kings who came before me. Lord Casca: Without the love and universal goodwill of the people, though, I can accomplish none of this. Lord Casca: So this day, I demand Lord Casca: coughs Lord Casca: I beseech all of you to lend me your hands and hearts so that together we can thrive! Lord Casca: I also ask, in your great intelligence, that you all see through the guise of false prophets! Lord Casca: This Owain Surrey, who the people whisper about on the street, is no prophet. Lord Casca: He works for a witch, for the Lady Melissa, and for the Shadowlords. Lord Casca: Do not heed him! Lord Casca: Long ago he was cast by Lord Blackthorn, Lord Casca: out onto the streets for the falsehood he spewed at council. Lord Casca: I implore, do not heed his words! Lord Casca: Lastly I must relinquish the independence given to some cities under Lord British, such cities Lord Casca: will hail the crown, or be outlawed! Lord Casca: We must all hail the same flag together, lest we all fall separate! Lord Casca: A tax collector will be around to collect your long-standing debts. Lord Casca: dodges (At this point some claim a shoe was thrown at him.) Lord Casca: I leave you all this day hoping to have left a lasting impression of hope and virtue, Lord Casca: that we may protect Britannia side by side, with sword and shield! Lord Casca: I wish safe travels to all, and when we meet again I shall be sitting on the throne in this Castle. Lord Casca: Salutes the people Lord Casca: Rel Por In Plyem {After he was done and gone, and a good portion of the throng was gone, Sherry the Mouse (Best known for being a accomplished writer and a close friend of Lord British himself) came out of hiding and spoke to those still gathered there. I am putting my position as a reporter and maybe even my very life at risk by also sharing what she had to say to the people that were still around, but I feel all of you should ask yourself these questions that she brought up. Here is what she had to say.} Sherry: crawling out of her hiding place carefully Sherry: What makes Casca qualified for such a high position? He only just became Lord! Sherry: Don't we already have a good king? Squeak Sherry: Lord British has been Britannia's ruler since it's inception. Sherry: The council of Lords and Ladies should be rebuilt, to manage the kingdom in my lord's absence. Sherry: Who is on the Royal Council? We cannot be without a council. Sherry: in a low voice I'm not sure if this is right. Sherry: How could a decision have been made so quickly? Our old council is not yet cold in their graves! Sherry: squeak Sherry: Why was Casca the only survivor of the massacre? Sherry: squeak Sherry: Can we trust him? Sherry: What are Casca's intentions as King? Sherry: looks around hastily Sherry: I need to speak to him! Sherry: He led the hasty trial of Ricardo, and was behind the arrest of Avery. Sherry: Does Avery not deserve a trial? Sherry: nibbles on cheese Sherry: Why is no one asking for Avery's side of the story! Sherry: in a small voice What has Casca done with Avery and Ricardo? Sherry: I beseech thee to think about my questions, Sherry: squeak Sherry: don't be deceived! Sherry: But I am but a mouse, and none hear me. Sherry: scurries off
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Lord Casca Speaks.....
Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2009, 9:47 PM EST by Morpheus Mardox (Chesapeake)
Lord Casca Speaks........... The "newly" appointed King of Britannia Lord Casca made his first appearance this evening addressing any who would listen from atop an elven pillar along the steps of Lord Blackthorns Castle on both the facets of Trammel and Felucca. Many were on hand to witness this historic address as the lands new leader appealed to it's citizens. Brief were his words as he described the situation facing us all as even now cities throughout the realm are under siege from the forces of the Shadowlords. Casca told those in attendance it was our own greed not the side effect of one mages fouled experiment which allowed the entrance of the evil into our communities. The thought we could control blackrock was merely a ploy, another falshood supported by the lies of the shadowlords which fed the growing powers of the evil within. The new king appealed to the leaders of all guilds and city governments to band together under one banner, united in one goal, not for loyalty to the new king but for the cleasning of our lands from the foul existance to end this threat to all. Lord Casca was not met with roaring applause, his appointment has many around the realm troubled due to the circumstances in which he has risen to office. His subsequent rise to power includes many "convienent" occurances to which those skeptical call for optimistic observation of his every action. His lone survival of the massacre of the royal council, rescue from capture, and rumorish self appointment has the entire realm questioning his motives. After his call for unity he took a few brief questions from the crowd. One of which directed to him was his rule once this crisis had been adverted. Casca in turn reaffirmed the onlookers of his pro temp status assuring he will relenquish the throne upon the eveil's demise. The king advised the realm to band together in the coming weeks to meet the Shadowlords head on , drive them and the crimson dragons from the lands of Britannia. He then bid the crowd farewell and vanished into the night. The time has come to stand and fight Chesapeake, the call to arms has been issued......... The night appearances on both facets yeilded quite different results as those present in Felucca met a harsh demsise as the unwitted city guards were no match for the forces of Minax. The evil that is the Reign of Tyranny arrived in full force slaying the small crowd brave enough to enter what was widely known as a trap since the announcement came through. Despite the ensuing battle, the new king proceeded with his address as the murderous guild proclaimed their rule in Felucca and allegiance to Lord Blackthorn himself. Warnings were sent by way of this reporter to any who venture there. They vow to defend his castle and allow no elf to rule Britainnia. A new name was given tonight as they refered to themselves as the Legion of Thorns. The sides seemingly are sorting out.... Appearing on both facets upon the depature of Lord Casca, Sherry the Mouse ascended from the depths of her cavernous mouse holes to also speak. The realms smallest citizen in stature, loyal servant of Lord British, and veteran to much of the shards history warned of the false kings appointment. Fueling the conspiracy rumors Sherry pleaded with the onlookers to not be taken in by Lord Casca's treachery. and in Trammel Time may soon tell the complete underlying story of Lord Casca and the Royal Council as for now the realm turns its attention to the riddance of the forces of the Shadowlords. Be mindful of treachery as you set forth in the name of all that is good, and may the virtues guide you all. Until next time my friends be safe.........
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Wedding Planner And Other Books Added To EM Office

Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2009, 10:49 AM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

Wedding Planner
At the EM's Office, EM Seppo has added a Wedding Planner book inviting residents of Baja to leave their suggestions concerning the reintroduction of the wedding system with the ceremonies to be performed by the EM's.
(My suggestion is that Oriana and Arlon FINALLY get married.

)

Other recent book additions include:
Lord Casca's Speech, check this book for additional Baja appearances by King Casca; and The Game of Houses by Aino Nystad.

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King Casca To Speak At Blackthorne Castle Saturday, January 17

Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2009, 9:19 AM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

From UO Herald:

The Casca Schedule
Joanne Laroche
16 Jan 2009 23:56:43 EST

All hail Lord Casca! Here is the event schedule, please take note of the time zones and dates so you do not miss out!

Baja (Saturday)
Saturday, January 17th, 2009, 3pm PST.

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Five on Friday: Jan 16 2009
Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009, 11:45 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
“Will the 255/255 replicas become dyeable?” They will be changed to 150 after the next publish, and they should be dyable. If you are aware of one that is not dyeable please send in a bug report with as many details as possible including which boss dropped it. “Is introducing a new Virtue to the Virtue system on the Dev roadmap for 2009?” The Virtues will be a very important part of the upcoming gargoyle culture. “Any plans to change the intensities of ML weapons learned from Heartwood?” Not at this time. “I saw that you are running a Bank Decorating contest I’ve been really busy so I haven’t had the time to design it yet. Is it possible to extend the deadline a couple more days?” The deadline stands, please make sure to have your entries in by midnight EST on Sunday, January 18th. Good luck! “Will UO ever have weddings again?” Yes. “Who will perform the weddings?” The Event Moderators on your shard. “How will I contact them to make arrangements?” They will have a Wedding Book locked down in their office (counselor hall in Trammel) on each shard. Regine_EAMythic UO Associate Game Designer later had this little reminder to add: On a side note, something that didn't make it to the FoF is a reminder to everyone who didn't collect their Holiday Gift tickets, Monday afternoon (jan 19), is the deadline. You do not need to pick gift right away (no deadline on that) but you must at least get the ticket.
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How to know when an EM Event is about to take place.
Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009, 11:16 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
EM Kasaven today provided the information on how he would let the Catskills player base know when an scheduled event was about to take place. He plans to use three different methods to make sure everyone has a chance to know when there will be a event. The first one is he will place a shield, with the facts about the event posted on it, just inside the doorway of the old Councilors Guild building that he resides in now. If you see the shield on the floor just click on it to see what is going on. (Previously I had reported he had planned to use a book to inform players but the decision was made to use the shield instead.) The second way he will let players know there is an upcoming event is he will light the lantern that sits on a bench at the top of the steps on the right hand side when entering Castle Britannia. Though he is thinking of placing a torch in its place possibly. The final way is using the Town Crier system to get the news out. Though they say some of the Criers fail to share information like they should at the present time. EM Kasaven wants to try and let people know at least a day in advance of when a event will take place, and your staff here at Stratics will strive to help keep all of you updated on future events too.
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Casca Event Schedule for Lake Superior (Tram & Fel)
Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009, 10:09 PM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
The Casca Schedule posted by Joanne Laroche 16 Jan 2009 23:56:43 EST All hail Lord Casca! Here is the event schedule, please take note of the time zones and dates so you do not miss out! Please note: Lord Casca can be found outside of the Lord Blackthorne castle at these times. Lake Superior (Saturday - Monday) Saturday, January 17, 2009 - 4pm CST Trammel - 9pm CST Felucca Sunday January 18th, 2009 - 4pm CST Felucca - 9pm CST Trammel Monday January 19th, 2009 - 4pm CST Trammel - 9pm CST Felucca
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The Catskills Casca Schedule
Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009, 9:48 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
It is rumored that our new King Lord Casca, is making an appearance outside of Castle Blackthorne and will be saying a few words to the people at the times listed below. As many of you may of heard Lord Casca and the new Council of nobles have taken up residence in the castle and have it surrounded with tight security during this transition period for the Kingdom. So this will be his first public appearance since being made the King pro-tempore. The Royal Guards have stated that they expect quite large crowds to show up to see our new monarch, what with him being embraced and loved by the people so much. One Noble was also overheard saying, that with Casca being the new king the people now have a renewed hope for the future of the lands. Another declared Casca is a very talented orator and should give a Very historic first speech that should not be missed by anyone. It has been reported that there may be a few sporadic protestors there who are upset over Lord Casca being crowned the new king . Though the Royal Guard really does not think a few malcontents will be a major problem. Below here is the information as given by the UO Herald for the Catskills Shard: The Casca Schedule Joanne Laroche 16 Jan 2009 23:00:36 EST All hail Lord Casca! Here is the event schedule, please take note of the time zones and dates so you do not miss out! Please note: Lord Casca can be found outside of the Lord Blackthorne Castle at these times. Catskills (Saturday - Sunday) Saturday, January 17th, 2009 - 8pm EST Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - 3pm EST - 8pm EST (As you can see there is some confusion as to the proper times for these events as posted in the UO Herald. However they do recommend you check with the “Town Crier in Britian Trammel for the scheduled times”, so that is what I would suggest you do to avoid missing this event. )
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Fiction: Royal Decree
Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009, 8:49 AM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
Posted to uoherald.com: Fiction: Royal Decree Draconi 12 Jan 2009 18:59:49 EST Citizens of Britannia! Know that the Royal Council, in unanimous and glorious unity, has elected from amongst their noble selves a new man of the people, and for the people. Know that the Royal Ambassador Casca has been raised up to lead the people of Britannia in her times of peril and peace, as King pro-tempore, with all rights, statuses, and honors thereof. Know that Lord Casca, ruler of the Kingdom of Britannia, shall lead his people with humility and grace, always striving for the greater good, always seeking to honor the Virtues our most just and magnanimous founder, our once and future king. Know that this decision comes at a time of great uncertainty and trouble for the Kingdom, and that even our Lord Casca has been touched by these events. He hath survived the evil designs of evil men, who sought only to rain chaos down upon fair Britannia. Even as his noble brethren fell to fates most ignominious, he hath been preserved through his own power and prowess, an exemplar for the common man! All hail Lord Casca, All hail our King!
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WRR's Name That Tune & Artist Show comes to LS ~ Sat. Jan. 17th (CS Event)
Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009, 8:17 AM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)

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Isto Veldruk's Quest for Solace
Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009, 4:02 AM EST by zigzag (Atlantic)
This morning I was rudely awoken by a loud clicking of a pidgeon on my Window. I opened it and let the bird in. Attached to his leg was a little roll of paper witch I carefully opened. The message was from Noximos , summoning me to Buccaneer's Den in Felucca. He was talking about strange findings. A bit suspicious I took off to Felucca.... I arrived in Buccaneer's Den and was greeted by Noximos. At first I didn't notice anything out of order, but looking around closely I noticed some notes laying on the ground. Noximos was quite excited, he was talking about this strange Creature that was sneaking around here. I couldn't make anything of the Notes, Tapping my shoulder Nox told me it was written in an ancient tongue called Drow. We translated it to the best of our knowledge to "Music of Drow" All the sudden the Creature revealed himself. A dark Man with elven features. He was not very talkative but we were able to get some information out of him: When addressed as an elf, an expression filled with disgust covered the dark face, simply to snap back, that he was actually known as a "Drow". When asked about his ability to shift into animal forms, and his ability to walk amongst shadows, he responded "We are darkness, the art of stealth is not a challenge" He said: My tongue is limited without darkness , this we seek is an injustice We seek death of infidels Light skinned pointies, is that what you call them? We speak of these darthirii. Is that what Mortal refer to as? Or light skin pointies? They shal feel blades. Speak of Tunnels I know them well. In becommings they must not disturb. A lot of people started coming by to take a look at the new Stranger he didn't feel threatened at all This always crowded when dark skin appears. Knights of pure in the City of Kings. Would wish harm upon us. Elf tis scaped my grasp Another dark elf walked in just a guy like you or me and the Stranger became quite excited! Your skin is dark speak fast Jalus nym'ver uns'aa Your tounge is that of....oloth udos zotreth Hmmmmm hmmmmm hmmmmm When asked about his Agenda he answered : "Why must one have what you say?" About his plans he only answered : Solace He told Noximos " The caves is where you can find me, darkness I seek" He asked him the caves of Felucca , or the caves of these Lands He answered the Second Then I had to leave for a couple. When I returned he seemed gone but Nox and I took on the search for his secret Lair. We found it after a little while, but I won't tell for now , don't want to spoil the secret . After returning home to Yew I had to sat down and brought the whole adventure down to paper thanks Noximos for sharing
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EM Seppo Adds Historical Books To The EM Office

Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009, 8:48 PM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

This evening I went over to the new EM Office to see if there were any changes.

In the Guest Log by the front door, there was an interesting entry that reads, "Hello, Seppo. I’m here for good now. –EM Kaen"; which made me wonder if EM Kaen is now assigned to Baja rather than being a 'floater'.

And EM Seppo has been busy sorting and organizing mementos left by his predecessors.

EM Library
by EM Seppo

"What a pleasant surprise it was when I stumbled into the private library of Event Moderators. I am still archiving the collection but it has already proven to be quite a find. Please feel free to copy any of these books for your own library.
Seppo"

There were bags labeled: Julius Dryden, Sameerah, Garem Pazen, BNN, and Miscellaneous.

The books on display that can be opened and read include: A Transcript of Disclaimer For Events by EM Vincent, A Note On Orcish by Sameerah, and Nystad Twins.

The Trial Of Archimedes and Annals Of EM Sameerah are open books that cannot be read.

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Happenings in Castle Blackthorn!
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009, 6:23 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
This is a news post written by Norrar: Awake citizens of Catskills, awake! New happenings are reported at Castle Blackthorn! Upon approaching the bridge to to castle that I had claimed as my own, i was immediatly grabbed by two guards, turned and kicked out onto the ground infront of two gleaming new cannons. Turning angrily I let loose a string of curses at the two pompous fellows, threating them with death and the like. Nodding in satisfaction I attempted to walk back in...only to be met with the same incident. Not to be outwitted, I yelled out "Hey is that Lord British?" The two immediatly dropped their halberds and ran over to where i was pointing. "Minions..." I thought grinning. "So easily tricked." Striding down the bridge i was stopped yet again, the gates closed and many more guards. The guard at the gate glared at me and pointed away from the castle. As i started to climb the gates, he threw me into the water, ruining my new sash. Full of despair i left that place. But do not back down just because I was turned away Catskills! We must know what is going on in that place. Oh and if anyone finds my sash...I would like it back, I think the guards took it. Until next we meet, may your travels be prosperous, and the deaths less frequent!
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Kingdom of Dawn Announces 11th Anniversary Book Contest

Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009, 8:52 AM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

Kingdom of Dawn
11^th Anniversary
Player-Written Book Contest

The Kingdom of Dawn, a player-run city located east of Dungeon Wrong in Felucca, will be celebrating its 11^th Anniversary on February 11, 2009. One of the events that we are holding is another player-written book contest. The theme for this contest is appropriately In-Game History – Guild, Personal, Player-Run Establishment, Quests, etc. (The rest of the Kingdom of Dawn 11^th anniversary events will be announced on Tuesday, January 20th.) The guaranteed prize fund is currently 1 Million Gold Pieces.

You have one month to write/submit your book. Your submission must be received by Sunday, February 15^th, 2009 at 9 PM PST (12 PM EST).

Rules:

All books MUST BE PG-13, which will be determined solely by Grand Duchess WildStar. If your book is found not to be PG-13, it will be returned to you, and you will have only one chance to resubmit it.
Your submission must be an original work about or related to In-Game History created by you either at some time in the past or created just for this contest. If the book already exists in The Dawn Library Collection, it will be disqualified. You can view the card catalog online here.
Your submission must include your name and a method of contacting you – ICQ number or email address – in a separate book.

Your submission will be judged on the following qualities:
Content & Quality of Writing.

The winners will be announced on Stratics & UOForums and the books will be prominently displayed in both libraries. The Dawn Library is located within the boundaries of the Kingdom of Dawn at coordinates 118”33’N 62”51’E (Felucca) and our Malas Outpost & Book Library located just West of Umbra at coordinates 28”23’N 41”24’E (Malas).

All books submitted may be included in The Dawn Library Collection at the discretion of the Library Director, Harlequin.

Contact Grand Duchess WildStar at ICQ # 8040775 or via Private Message on Stratics & UOForums to arrange dropping off your submission. Please include Player-Written Book Contest in your message.

The Royal Council
The Kingdom of Dawn

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Stygian Abyss Update
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 9:14 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: Stygian Abyss Update Robert Mull 14 Jan 2009 17:13:33 The Stygian Abyss Web Site has been updated with new information, new screenshots and new concept art. Check out the latest info on the upcoming expansion for Ultima Online.
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Writings reveal more of the Nystad's Story
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 7:31 PM EST by Oriana (Baja)
The following writings have been found within the Offices of Seppo and Palindo and within the confines of the Lady Aino Nystads quarters, within the castle walls. The Nystad Twins By an unknown scribe (as found within the Counselor's Hall) Somewhere in the furthest outreaches of the kingdom in the north, there used to be a noble known to its people as the House of Nystad. That is till the day it was all lost in a mysterious fire. Like all tales of tragedy, this one also spun rumor and some riots to boot! While some say that the fire was started by the lord of the manor himself, others are of the mind that it was the work of a gang of bandits. There were also stories with villains of gargoyles and even dragons. We may never find out what truly happened that ill-fated night, but there are two facts undeniable: One that the entire Nystad household perished in that fire sans the twins. And two that the royal council refused to reinstate the estate to the twins due to political complications, which the raised some more rumors of political nature. This was over ten seasons ago and no one knew what became of the twins till the showed up in Vesper last summer. The two twins, Aino and Kullvero, would be hard to distinguish from any of the other migrants had it not been for the few family heirlooms they still brandish. They are of age now and what little they have spoken of their past since that night betrays a childhood unbecoming for one born noble. A childhood of misery for orphans, even noble born, is unfortunately of no great surprise or interest. What is of an interest is not their past but what might still become of them. It is their distinct character that perked up my ears. Aino Nystad, a beautiful young maiden that might still blossom into a lady is a proud woman. If it was not for her lack of gold, you would think the she was a noble straight from the king’s palace. In fact she maintains the council should reinstate the House of Nystad. However, thankfully her pride is not always blinding. On most subject matter she comes across as both kind and intellectual. She is genuinely interested in the political establishment and in the future it would not surprise this old man to see her at the helms of a high office. Kullervo Nystad, also a handsome young lad, does not exhibit the family pride as his twin. He also brandishes heirlooms, not out of the need to deny the reality but maybe to embrace it. He is not overly social, some may say loud like his sister, but likes to keep to himself. While you may consider these as good qualities, it is him that gave me reason to pause. While Aino is keen to work from within the establishment, Kullervo could not be any more against it. These may seem like a lot of differences, they do share a few things in common. Not just the of their northern hair or the familiar Nystad chin, but they also share a deep love for one another and are both equally inclined to bouts of fierce temper. From my short time with them, I can state that, not unlike in many orphans, they share an attitude of “us against the world.” Yet their paths are also so clearly leading into different directions, we have not heard the last of these Nystads. The Game of Houses by Aino Nystad (as found within the confines of the lady's quarters) Starting a storm in a tea cup, with the most noble of intentions, I rode out of the city of Britain. There is an old saying amongst my people. "A sheep amongst a pack of wolves would be soon killed by the wolves. Yet a sheep amongst a pack of bored nobles would have the nobles kill each other trying to crown it king." So I set out to the sheep to play my part in the political intrigue that is oft played out in this city. My plan was straight-forward; go to Britain, declare my intensions to get the House of Nystad reinstated, and lend my ears to every noble who might seek a potential alliance with me, yet never promising or discounting anything. As they take my silence to be a sign of power, a power that can be harnessed by their enemies. I will raise higher in the social and political ladder. High enough, I hope, to get what I want but not too high as to have my corpse be discovered floating in the sewers. Indeed, it is a dangerous game but that is oft the case when the stakes are high. It was a little over ten seasons ago when a fire destroyed not only my familial estate but also claimed the lives of my entire kin but for my twin brother Kullervo. The political turmoil of the time allowed the neighboring nobles to exploit the situation to their advantage, the end result of which dissolved the House of Nystad. We became not only orphans but also lost our identities on that day. I can recount the hardships and humiliations we faced growing up in a world to which we were no use. However, wallowing in misery has never been my forte. If anything those years have only firmed up my resolve to reclaim out title. To those intensions, I fly like an arrow. I am well aware of the dangers I face and the sacrifices I must make. I have already sacrificed the close rapport with my brother who thinks of it as a fool's quest and wants to play no role in it. While I seek healing from the very institution that inflicted the wound upon us, he would rather have it brought down one brick at a time. So, should I fulfill my quest, I run the risk of finding myself bereft of my brother/ Yet, I fly like an arrow.....
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[NEWS]It ain't news unless......
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 7:27 PM EST by Oriana (Baja)
It says [NEWS] There have been some problems of late with people using the [NEWS] tag in front of their posts. Please bear in mind that this tag is for official UO Stratics Reporters to use only. There maybe people that post helpful items and tidbits and this is very much appreciated and encouraged. But for the main facts being taken directly for the Mythic site and actual in game information for each shard [NEWS] is saved for those that diligently report the goings on of their respective shards. Keep in mind each shard while unique in some aspects do share a commonality towards the end. So have fun folks and as always if you have a burning tidbit you would like to see as news or to have Sara or myself post an event please send all requests to [email protected] . HUGS Oriana
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Fiction: Royal Decree
Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 1:34 PM EST by Larisa (CommunityNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: Fiction: Royal Decree Draconi 12 Jan 2009 18:59:49 EST Citizens of Britannia! Know that the Royal Council, in unanimous and glorious unity, has elected from amongst their noble selves a new man of the people, and for the people. Know that the Royal Ambassador Casca has been raised up to lead the people of Britannia in her times of peril and peace, as King pro-tempore, with all rights, statuses, and honors thereof. Know that Lord Casca, ruler of the Kingdom of Britannia, shall lead his people with humility and grace, always striving for the greater good, always seeking to honor the Virtues our most just and magnanimous founder, our once and future king. Know that this decision comes at a time of great uncertainty and trouble for the Kingdom, and that even our Lord Casca has been touched by these events. He hath survived the evil designs of evil men, who sought only to rain chaos down upon fair Britannia. Even as his noble brethren fell to fates most ignominious, he hath been preserved through his own power and prowess, an exemplar for the common man! All hail Lord Casca, All hail our King!
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O9 Obits Continue
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009, 9:56 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . O9 Obits Continue Noetradamus and Smokey Pathion " Obit Centerfold" Princess Amara Princess of Pain ProZac Richard II
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A Look at Lord Casca Our New King
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009, 7:02 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
As all of you have heard Lord Casca was announced today to of been elected to serve as our King pro-tempore during these trying times for the Kingdom. Casca came from heartwood and first made a name for himself in the courts by being among the first elves to participate in our modern legal system. Lord Casca then came to be known by most common people for being the prosecutor in the trial of Ricardo the Thief for being the man who started the Ophidian War. There he won a controversial victory with the decision that Ricardo would be executed for his crimes. (As of press time today no one is sure what happened to Ricardo. The government has not made any statement that the verdict has been carried out, or if they still have him imprisoned awaiting execution.) After the trial was finished Casca was invited to stay at Castle Britainnia where he was the toast of the nobility. Casca soon parlayed his new found fame and status to being given a seat on the Brittain Ruling Council. This new position on the Ruling Council was quite a honor for Cassca because the council was appointed to rule the land in Lord British’s absence. Making him one of the most powerful men in all of the lands and he was also given the new title of Ambassador. Earlier this year most of the Ruling Council was mercilessly slaughtered in Castle Britainnia by elements of the FOA (Followers of Armageddon) and Casca himself was the kidnapped. When Lord Casca was rescued he indicated that that Captain Avery , whom many thought was also kidnapped was somehow tied into the massacre of the Royal Council. (Captain Avery was quickly arrested and is awaiting a trial at the present time.) Today in a surprising move a royal decree was released announcing that Lord Casca was elected from amongst the nobles themselves to serve as the new King pro-tempore with all rights statuses, and honors thereof. Long live King Casca!! This reporter in good conscience cannot remain unbiased when it comes to Casca, even though it may bring the scorn of the nobility of the land upon myself. For you see I was at the trial of Ricardo, I even helped gather the evidence that convicted him, and it was a travesty of the justice system we are so proud of. Many of our fine laws were stretched to their limits to convict Ricardo, and in my eyes he was made a scapegoat for the governments failings. I also question Cascas rise in power, and wonder about how he was the only member of the Council to survive that savage massacre . I do know when he was rescued he did not look like a man who had suffered any hardship at the hands of others. Where as Captain Avery looked a good bit rougher and was genuinely confused when he was arrested and taken away. Now Casca is our King pro-tempore? I for one have a bad feeling about this entire situation.
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Fiction: Royal Decree
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009, 5:14 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
Fiction: Royal Decree Draconi Citizens of Britannia! Know that the Royal Council, in unanimous and glorious unity, has elected from amongst their noble selves a new man of the people, and for the people. Know that the Royal Ambassador Casca has been raised up to lead the people of Britannia in her times of peril and peace, as King pro-tempore, with all rights, statuses, and honors thereof. Know that Lord Casca, ruler of the Kingdom of Britannia, shall lead his people with humility and grace, always striving for the greater good, always seeking to honor the Virtues our most just and magnanimous founder, our once and future king. Know that this decision comes at a time of great uncertainty and trouble for the Kingdom, and that even our Lord Casca has been touched by these events. He hath survived the evil designs of evil men, who sought only to rain chaos down upon fair Britannia. Even as his noble brethren fell to fates most ignominious, he hath been preserved through his own power and prowess, an exemplar for the common man! All hail Lord Casca, All hail our King!
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Suspicious Items: Update
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009, 12:56 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: Suspicious Items: Update Robert Mull 12 Jan 2009 11:15:52 EST Good news everybody! Our concerns about a recent appearance of suspicious items have proven to be unfounded. They are, mostly, obtainable in ways that are long standing tradition: “oops, we didn’t lock it down, it’s decorative, and it’s been that way for a long time.” In other words, this is not the result of a new dupe. The bulk of reports coming in were about the dinner plates, both full and dirty. It turns out that these plates are actually spawning daily. Whenever the server comes up, you should be able to pick up more. At this point, we’ve decided to add the ability to craft plates of these types in a later Publish. The market has become unstable for them already, and a few people are hoarding them better than most real life diamond mines. Until then, here’s our spoiler of the day: they spawn daily in the Four Huts southwest of Britain (west bridge, go south), only in Felucca. Enjoy the new found competition! Meanwhile, we are aware of other “rares” appearing that are generic versions of more common items – these will be dealt with as exploits.
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UOForums Interviews Josh Kriegshauser (Speedman) from Everquest
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009, 7:57 AM EST by Watchertoo (CommunityNews)
This just in from our friends at UOForums: *UOForums Interviews Josh Kriegshauser (Aka Speedman) from Everquest!* Speedman/Josh was kind enough to agree to do an interview with us and this interview can be found here. Thanks to UOForums for sharing this interview with us.
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248th Assembly of the 7th High Council - Note Location Change
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009, 12:26 AM EST by AirmidCecht (LakeSuperior)
*248th Assembly of the 7th High Council - Note Location Change* Date: Monday, January 12, 2008 Time: 10:00 PM EDT/9:00 PM CDT Location: Horse's Head Tavern, Jhelom, Trammel Facet Meeting Agenda: Items to be announced at the meeting. --High Justicar Athenat
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An Visit with Kasaven
Posted on Sunday, January 11, 2009, 8:37 AM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
Last evening I dropped in to visit EM Kasaven to see how his redecoration of the old Counselors’ guild Hall, on the north west side of Britain, was doing, and maybe to have a ale with him. I walked in to find he had accomplished most of the decorating and was enjoying some lively banter with a handful of people. Never one to miss a good time I grabbed a seat and joined in teasing a few with jest, and watching the antics of others. Most of the evening was light hearted, but EM Kasaven did become serious for a moment and this is what I wish to share with all of you. Most of the group became quiet and listened closely as he talked about “Owain Surrey” a bit of a clairvoyant prophet that he had met recently. It seems that this Owain has dreams that many times come true in time. Now this Owain fellow goes to places where he can find people and warns them of his dreams. So if you see him, listen as best you can and share it with anyone whom you think may care. One member of our group then asked EM Kasaven if something is happening how will we know we are needed. He answered by saying that he hopes to gather the people together in three ways. The first is he plans to leave a book in the his Hall in Britain a day before we are needed. The second is he will light the lantern at the entrance to Lord Britain’s castle. Lastly he will ask the town criers to yell the news out to all that pass them. As a forth way, I will also endeavor to get the news out to the good people as soon as I hear we are needed. That way we can have as many people there as we can get. I digress though for most of the evening was spent in good cheer as many people came in to meet and chat to the newest member of our community. I will give tell all of you this EM Kasaven is a avid Chess players and loves a challenging game. He does hate to lose though so if you play him ask yourself why there is a lever on the floor beside the chess table. Once again I encourage all of you to drop in and see what he has done with the hall and hopefully he will be around for you to welcome to the shard. If not there are many interesting things to see in the place he now calls his home. If anyone spots "Owain Surrey" please pass the news of where he was and what he said to either the Catskills Forums Boards here on Stratics or get the news to one of your shard reporters. So that everyone on the shard can know something is coming up. Thank you for your time.
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Community Hunt - Week of January 12th
Posted on Sunday, January 11, 2009, 7:03 AM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
Want to go hunting but don't have a big enough group? Are you looking for good guides to dungeons you've yet to explore? The community hunts are open to everyone! Come show your support for the Lake Superior community and take a walk on the wild side at the same time. Meet some new and old friends and have a bit of a challenge along the way. Britain Library Community Collections hunt Date: Tuesday, January 13th Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Peerless Hunt (Mondain's Legacy Required) Date: Wednesday, January 14th Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Dreadhorn Peerless Hunt Date: Thursday, January 15th Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Ilshenar Champ Spawn Hunt Date: Friday, January 16th Time: 9:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Hosts: Taeara Mi'aken And remember, these hunts are for everyone, regardless of their skill level or guild affiliation. Come meet new friends, see new places, gain experience and just have fun. Sabina Nikolai, High Marshall, Community Hunt Organizer The Order of the Silver Rose
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Auctions for Week of January 12th
Posted on Sunday, January 11, 2009, 6:35 AM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
The following are our Auctions for this week on Lake Superior: NeXt Auction Date: Tuesday, January 13th Time: 7:00 p.m. CST Location: South of Luna City Contact: Meani – ICQ 65-689-918 YGV Auction Date: Thursday, January 15th Time: 7:00 p.m. CST Location: Northwest of Yew Moongate BEC Auction Date: Friday, January 16th Time: 8:00 pm CST Location: South Gate of Luna City Contact: Lady Tia - ICQ 23944805
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Community Meet Up - January 12th
Posted on Sunday, January 11, 2009, 6:16 AM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
Community Meet Up – January 12th Date: Every Monday Night Time: 7:30PM CST Location: Skara Brae Community Center Meeting Agenda: We'll hear weekly announcements of upcoming events and hunts for Lake Superior from Sabina our events coordinator. The weekly community meetings, events, hunts, etc are always open to the public. No invitations needed! Everyone is always welcome to come ask questions, make plans, or make announcements. Bring a friend if you can make it, tell a friend if you can't!
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Fiction by Draconi: From Rags to Riches
Posted on Friday, January 9, 2009, 9:15 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
For those of you who have been wondering where Ricardo and Avery have been, Draconi has penned a new story. Fiction: From Rags to Riches Draconi 09 Jan 2009 15:24:19 EST Ricardo had gotten thinner. Imprisonment in some forsaken, glorified mine shaft could do that to a man, Avery reflected. Where were they? More importantly, why hadn’t he ever heard of a prison like this? “Well Captain,” Ricardo was interrupted by another spasm of coughs, “Looks… looks like I’ve lost a little weight since ye last saw me? Eh?” “Gods man, what’ve they done to you?” The infamous thief’s bony frame shook with mirth – at first Avery feared for the shackled man’s mind, but then the laughter bubbling out became genuine and full of amusement. A string of hacks and wheezes insinuated themselves throughout the laughs as Ricardo calmed down, gazing at the bruised and beaten man of arms on the floor. “You’re not looking to good yourself, you know?” Avery grimaced. “They wanted information.” He spit to the side, pulling himself up. “I didn’t have any to give them.” Ricardo laughed again, triumph in his eyes: “Then we share a common problem, friend!” “How so?” “I’ve been here for, well… mon-, no wait, a yea-, hmm, a long time,” his thoughts trailed off, his eyes lifting gradually to the ceiling, losing focus. “And?” Avery rejoined. “Ah, right. A long time, and, obviously, nothin’ to share,” another laugh, “no, ‘intelligence’ I’m supposing.” “Then why are you still here? What do they want from you… us?” Ricardo’s chains swung forward as far as they could go, he leaned in, staring right through Avery. “Examples?” Avery wasn’t a dumb man, but his lips faltered a bit and the thief coughed again, discretely this time. “That is to say, a pair of executions, I’d imagine.” “I’ve done nothing wrong!” “Uh huh. Let me guess, did you cross the wrong man, by chance?” “No! One minute I was in the service of mi’lord, the next he, and,” Avery paused here, realizing Ricardo knew nothing of the recent events plaguing Britannia, “and he, and everyone else on the Council, they were dead!” “Dead?” Ricardo was more quizzical than concerned. “All murdered in Castle British itself!” “Everyone?” Avery stopped again, considering. “Well, no, Lord Casca was kidnapped by the assailants. We tracked them, rescued…” Ricardo interrupted, “Lord? I’m sorry, did you say ‘Lord’ Casca?” “Yes, Royal Ambassador, found him taken prisoner, ended up fighting with some sort of witch – I …” Avery was looking down at his hands, disbelief at the events still evident across his face. Britannia’s thief thrust a hand forward, motioning him to stop. “A lord. My, my, and Royal Ambassador?” Avery managed half a nod and Ricardo continued, “Why, he’ll be King at this rate!” Avery looked up, the pieces all finally falling into place for the loyal soldier. Without warning a third voice broke through the gloom – a high pitched voice, and somehow tiny. “Excuse me,” Sherry the mouse squeaked, “Need a paw?” Looks like something interesting may be happening soon. Can we hope for a jailbreak?
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First Obits of 09
Posted on Friday, January 9, 2009, 7:03 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . First Obits of 09 ~ Aicirtap Suar Aldrick Arctic Fox Autumn and Journey Bloody Offals Cleveland Dale DollMaster Emerald Lynn Flame and Celestine ironman Kahlan Amnell More to come tomorrow!
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FoF: Exactly Five on Friday
Posted on Friday, January 9, 2009, 3:54 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday: FoF: Exactly Five on Friday Robert Mull 09 Jan 2009 18:21:14 Happy New Year! We are a back with the first of our FoF's for the new year. Today's FoF is an exact five as Joanne is out of town today. "My Masonary skill became locked and unusable when something happened with the tool window when I was working. Is there some way this can get fixed as I have put a lot of work into this skill?" We have identified a bug with the Masonary gump. Checking the box in the gump can cause the Masonary skill to become unusable. If this happens to you, please contact CS immediately and they can remedy the situation for you. Until we get this situation resolved, please refrain from checking box in the Masonary gump. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our players. "Why are there no slimes on Siege Perilous? Slimes were spotted at Brit farms the first two days of the event, but they have not been seen since." The slime event is being restarted on all shards after maintenance tomorrow. If the issue still exists please let us know. "Are there any plans to reactivate blackrock or get it back into the current events?" Yes! :) "The Heartwood quests for the saws/fletch kits are not designed that well. Are there any plans to redesign that??" We are aware of this issue and will be looking into it in the future. "Any update on the nerfing of concussion blow and/or pets in pvp?" Please check TC1 in the near future. We will be publishing all balancing issues there first to get everyones feedback on the changes.
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Fiction: From Rags to Riches
Posted on Friday, January 9, 2009, 3:50 PM EST by Larisa (CommunityNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: Fiction: From Rags to Riches Draconi 09 Jan 2009 15:24:19 Ricardo had gotten thinner. Imprisonment in some forsaken, glorified mine shaft could do that to a man, Avery reflected. Where were they? More importantly, why hadn’t he ever heard of a prison like this? “Well Captain,” Ricardo was interrupted by another spasm of coughs, “Looks… looks like I’ve lost a little weight since ye last saw me? Eh?” “Gods man, what’ve they done to you?” The infamous thief’s bony frame shook with mirth – at first Avery feared for the shackled man’s mind, but then the laughter bubbling out became genuine and full of amusement. A string of hacks and wheezes insinuated themselves throughout the laughs as Ricardo calmed down, gazing at the bruised and beaten man of arms on the floor. “You’re not looking to good yourself, you know?” Avery grimaced. “They wanted information.” He spit to the side, pulling himself up. “I didn’t have any to give them.” Ricardo laughed again, triumph in his eyes: “Then we share a common problem, friend!” “How so?” “I’ve been here for, well… mon-, no wait, a yea-, hmm, a long time,” his thoughts trailed off, his eyes lifting gradually to the ceiling, losing focus. “And?” Avery rejoined. “Ah, right. A long time, and, obviously, nothin’ to share,” another laugh, “no, ‘intelligence’ I’m supposing.” “Then why are you still here? What do they want from you… us?” Ricardo’s chains swung forward as far as they could go, he leaned in, staring right through Avery. “Examples?” Avery wasn’t a dumb man, but his lips faltered a bit and the thief coughed again, discretely this time. “That is to say, a pair of executions, I’d imagine.” “I’ve done nothing wrong!” “Uh huh. Let me guess, did you cross the wrong man, by chance?” “No! One minute I was in the service of mi’lord, the next he, and,” Avery paused here, realizing Ricardo knew nothing of the recent events plaguing Britannia, “and he, and everyone else on the Council, they were dead!” “Dead?” Ricardo was more quizzical than concerned. “All murdered in Castle British itself!” “Everyone?” Avery stopped again, considering. “Well, no, Lord Casca was kidnapped by the assailants. We tracked them, rescued…” Ricardo interrupted, “Lord? I’m sorry, did you say ‘Lord’ Casca?” “Yes, Royal Ambassador, found him taken prisoner, ended up fighting with some sort of witch – I …” Avery was looking down at his hands, disbelief at the events still evident across his face. Britannia’s thief thrust a hand forward, motioning him to stop. “A lord. My, my, and Royal Ambassador?” Avery managed half a nod and Ricardo continued, “Why, he’ll be King at this rate!” Avery looked up, the pieces all finally falling into place for the loyal soldier. Without warning a third voice broke through the gloom – a high pitched voice, and somehow tiny. “Excuse me,” Sherry the mouse squeaked, “Need a paw?”
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TC1 Balance Testing Changes
Posted on Friday, January 9, 2009, 3:44 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: TC1 Balance Testing Changes Robert Mull 09 Jan 2009 15:24:00 TC1 has been updated with Balance Testing Changes. Patch notes are available in the Regular Place
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Suspicious Items
Posted on Friday, January 9, 2009, 3:39 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: Suspicious Items Robert Mull 09 Jan 2009 13:47:59 We've received multiple reports that new, supposedly "rare" items are appearing across the servers. These are not sanctioned items from the recent content patches or events, and in some cases even take on the appearance of server-birth rares. If you find these suspicious items for sale, or see them being offered, please use the in-game reporting tool to page a GM. Please enjoy your post-holiday vendor shopping, but beware of deals that are too good to be true.
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From the Office of the Magistrate of the Cappadocians
Posted on Friday, January 9, 2009, 6:15 AM EST by Andrasta (Atlantic)
Submitted on Behalf of Lord Ronin of The Cappadocians by Assia Penryn
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Rare Buyers Beware
Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2009, 8:54 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
This warning was recently posted on the login patch page: WARNING: Suspicious Items We've received multiple reports that new, supposedly "rare" items are appearing across the servers. These are not sanctioned items from the recent content patches or events, and in some cases even take on the appearance of server-birth rares. If you find these suspicious items for sale, or see them being offered, please use the in-game reporting tool to page a GM. Please enjoy your post holiday vendor shopping, but beware of deals that are too good to be true. More information on this subject can be found in Uhall here: "New "Uber Rare" Bottles, Flasks, and other "new" items."
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[NEWS]Strangers spotted in the City of Dawn and Britian.

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2009, 4:23 PM EST by Oriana (Baja)

Kullervo Nystad Spotted in Dawn

Article by WildStar, Grand Duchess, Kingdom of Dawn

I was in my private quarters in Dawn when I was alerted by a guard from D-G (Dawn Royal Guard) that there was a strange man in the area. When I asked the guard what was strange about him, he replied that “the man’s name badge appeared yellow.” I went out to investigate and came upon a man named Kullervo Nystad. His name badge was indeed yellow. I went up and asked if he needed any help. He hesitated for a moment than said that he had been separated from his sister, Aino, 10 days ago. He further stated that she was on her way to and that was not a city he liked. He asked if I would pass on a message to his sister. The message was that “He was doing well.” & “I have also met some friends who take care of me.” I told him that I did not go to often but would watch out for her. Kullervo Nystad then stated that he had friends waiting for him but that they would not enter Dawn. I bid him farewell and went back to my quarters.

I continued to work on matters relating to Dawn but was unable to concentrate. While Kullervo Nystad appeared calm, I had gotten the feeling that he really wanted his sister to know that he was not harmed. So, I decided to see if I could find Aino Nystad. I recalled to Felucca and conducted a quick search of the city but was unable to find her. I decided to write up this account so that others will be able to watch out for her and help the brother and sister communicate.

(OOC Note: Kullervo Nystad appears to be one of EM’s Role-Played Characters (RPC). *smiles* There is a book titled Nystad Twins in the EM’s Office in Trammel – old Counselor’s Guild in West Britain.)

Later that same day....
After receiving the first message from the Duchess of Dawn that there was a stranger lurking around her Kingdom, she soon notified me that there was another stranger claiming to be his sister, Aino Nystad. This time at the new offices for Seppo and Palindo, Baja's newest citizens.

I quickly grabbed my quill and books and hurried there to get the story of this new stranger. It seems that Lady Aino and her brother Kullervo have been seeking assistance to revive her family's lands to the rightful heirs. Lady Aino had come to speak with the Royal Council and her brother was elsewhere it seemed.

I quickly assessed her clothing and noticed a few curious things about them. First her boots, they were very sturdy boots. So she must have come quite a long way. Then I noticed the book she was carrying, also quite curious, and she gave an air that she was a well educated and dressed lady indeed.

Soon we were discussing her plight and that Wildstar had seen her brother in Dawn earlier that day. Lady Aino looked relieved, but was frustrated by such sparse details. She later revealed that her brother was often a man of few words. She was asked were she might be staying while awaiting her appearance before the Royal Council.

She soon lead us to the former BNN News House of days gone by. It was barely furnished as it had lain empty for many many moons. Then she began to reveal her plight in more depth to us.

Oriana: So tell us more of your situation, m'lady.
Aino: Well, it all started with a fire.

Oriana: A fire you say? Where abouts?
Aino: I will keep it brief as it pains me greatly even though it has been over 10 years to this date.

Oriana: Oh m'lady, Forgive me for prying.
Aino: A fire at our manor in which the entire Nystad household perished, but for me and my brother.

Sara: How sad.

Aino: To add insult to the pain, the council allowed the neighboring noble to take over our lands and our people.

Oriana: With heirs still living?? Well that's not right!!
Aino: Aye. As such, I am here to argue, beg plea that the Nystad household is reinstated.

Wildstar: The Royal Council is not known for doing the right thing.

Aino: *smiles* We are within the castle walls,

Oriana: Hmpf, they have done their fair share of good as well, Duchess.
Aino: My brother does not believe in my ways and did not wish to come to this city.

Oriana: Very sad, indeed. So where is your brother now?
Aino: We parted ways when I left Vesper, where we had been staying for the past year.

Wildstar: That makes sense.

Aino: Just today, Lady Wildstar, brought me news of my brother

Oriana: Oh? Indeed?

Wildstar: He was in Dawn. It was a brief conversation.

Aino: He is not much into talking.

Sara: So what is it that we may do to help you Lady Aino?
Aino: That is too kind of you. Alas, unless you know one of the council members, I fear there is not much that can be done at this moment. Or if you can convince Kullervo to return to me.

Everyone nodded in agreement that it was Baja's honor and privilege to help those in need. As that is the sort of citizens we have in our fair land. Everyone offered their services to help this poor stranger, from finding her brother to rallying the citizens for her cause.

Aino: *looking sad* I'm afraid not. I think it's natural for him to try and find his own way, even if it pains me.

We all agreed to not pursue Kullervo. But she did ask us all for a favor:

Aino: Yes but you can certainly deliver a letter for me. *glancing at Nicholas' hands* Maybe Nicholas can scribe some copies? And give one to each of you. He seems to have the mark of a scribe on his hands.

Nicholas nodded in agreement and ran off for the proper tools and more parchment.

While we waited for Nicholas to return, the Lady Aino began an attempt to make her new and temporary quarters comfortable. The duchess Wildstar had already commissioned her crafters to make a few items for our new friend. And we offered some advice and a few tips on decorating such a small area.

Then discussions began of the current state of the towns, Thievery being so prevalent these days. And brigandry and cowardice in other places. When the Shadowlords evil was mentioned Aino gave no comment.

Soon Nicholas returned with our copies of the letter to be delivered to Aino's brother. I took my leave to tell My auntie Mama that there was a new soul to feed in Britian. She immediately rushed over with food and drink for the Lady Aino and her helpers. But alas Lady Aino was worn from her travels and needed to rest for the evening.

So come and visit this new visitor at her quarters within the walls of the castle. Perhaps she may divulge more to us as time goes on.

Oriana, Baja News Reporter

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All Shards to be Published
Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2009, 9:01 AM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: All Shards Published Joanne Laroche 07 Jan 2009 17:44:18 All shards will be published during their next regularly scheduled maintenance. Here are the notes: The Slime Event will be extended until January 24^th. Slimes will now switch locations every 3 days. New hues will be available. Barding deeds can no longer be colored with Tokuno dyes. Barding deeds can no longer be recycled. All swamp dragons with Tokuno dyed barding armor will be reverted to iron. All dyed barding deeds will be reverted to iron.
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Ransom and Blood - Extended to Feb 7
Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2009, 7:33 AM EST by Sahra Swift (Catskills)
Hawkeye Pike has provided some new information for his most recent quest: Additional information: Two people have solved the quest so far (I don't know how many tried). To solve the riddles, you need persistence and patience. Often, the two adventurers were thinking outside the box, while the solution was right in front of their eyes. Remember, anyone can solve the quest, you don't need an IQ of 120 to do so. Mostly, you just have to read carefully. The quest was meant to be difficult! If you're impatient, don't bother to try. I decided to give the adventurers more time to solve it: until the next Black Market on February 7th. The rewards will be quite interesting. Have fun!
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Upcoming Weekend Events, CIGO Casino & DC* Guild Killing
Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2009, 7:08 AM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . Upcoming weekend events ~ The CIGO Casino did a test run last week and it seems to be well accepted, the game was loved by everyone that played. The official Grand Opening will be on Friday Jan 9th, 2009 5:30pm EST. It will be open every Friday and Sunday nights, as to not conflict with MOA events or CFC. Gates will be provided before and during the event at the Luna and Brit Banks. On Saturday you may see a lot of DC* members dead and dieing and no I am not talking about champs in Fel. The Dragon Clan Guild for some time now has been in the the top five largest guilds on Great Lakes and often number one. To keep it fresh and new they come up with in guild events such as the Hunt for Richard. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
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M!S Hosts Sunday Night Taming For Moonglow Zoo

Posted on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 11:49 AM EST by Sara of Baja (Baja)

Misfits of Society Help Moonglow Zoo

Under the leadership of guildmistress Toni Fierce, M!S has resumed one-hour Sunday Taming Night turn-ins at Moonglow Zoo. Anyone may join in, and can either turn-in pets for points for themselves; or transfer the pets to the M!S representative, Darcia, who then donates the animals to the zoo. Darcia also records the names of those transferring pets to her. When there are enough points in the pot, the guild holds a dice roll, and the winner gets to claim a zoo reward.

This past Sunday, January 4, 2008, in one hour the group gained 129,908 points for the zoo ... an astounding 2165.33 points per minute!

This is great way to help maintain the Baja Moonglow Zoo, and to work up taming skills.

In reference to a question about shard events Toni Fierce commented, 'What I think would be nice if there was a representative from each guild that could get together and plan events for all guilds to do together.'

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Ransom and Blood (Jan 3-17)
Posted on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 9:48 AM EST by Sahra Swift (Catskills)
Hawkeye Pike has sent along news of yet another quest: Ransom and Blood (starting Jan. 3rd, 2009) A scavenger hunt quest with tricky riddles. Those who solve the quest can participate in a lottery on January 17th, at 9pm EST. This means, you have 2 weeks to solve the quest. IMPORTANT: Please do not give away the solution of the quest riddles, or the location of quest stations! This quest is meant as a challenge for riddle-solvers, and we don't want to spoil this challenge. It can be solved by anyone who uses his wit, and it only is most fun when you try it by yourself. - - - [Sahra] Warning: Initial hint is somewhat gory, so I have not included it in this post. To read it, click here.
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Tournament 2 on 2 Team Free for All - Sunday, Jan 11 at 7 PM EST
Posted on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 5:58 AM EST by Andrasta (Atlantic)
2 Team Free for All! Sunday, January 11th at 7 PM EST Felucca On Sunday January 11, 2009 at 7PM Eastern Standard there will be a 2 on 2 team tournament. The entry fee is 200,000 gold per team. Be sure to bring your entry fee in check form with you. Gates for participants/spectators will be provided in Lord British's Throne Room Trammel and at the Trinsic Felucca Moongate for murderers. Spectator Rules You are not allowed to carry any weapons/armor/reagents if you are just going to watch. You will be turned away at the entrance if you are found carrying prohibited items. Be sure to bank all weapons/armor and other fighting equipment before taking a gate to the tournament area. Security will be provided by the HOT guild. Only tournament participants and HOT guild members are permitted to be equipped. In the event of a disruption please remain calm and the HOT guild will attempt to deal with it quickly. A full list of prohibited items: Any weapons Any armor Any magic scrolls Necromancy/Bushido/Ninjitsu books Pet Summoning Balls Any reagents To make things easy, just bring some nice clothing to wear along with a runebook filled with recall scrolls to leave. Gates will be provided at the beginning and end of the event. We will be checking for contraband items with snooping. Tournament Rules No Mounts No Pets/Summons No Precasting No Orange Petals No substitution of team members All rounds prior to the semi-finals will be single elimination. Semi-final and finals will be best two out of three. In the event that some faction participants are in stat loss, we will attempt to work around it by scheduling other matches. However, if this is not possible you will either have to fight or forfeit. Prizes To be determined Voice Chat The HOT Guild may be opening our Ventrilo server to the public during the event. More details on this later if it happens. If you have any questions/comments/concerns please reply with them to the Atlantic Stratics post.
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Swamp Dragon Notice
Posted on Monday, January 5, 2009, 4:40 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: Swamp Dragon Notice Joanne Laroche 05 Jan 2009 13:50:05 We've received reports of players who have dyed their Swamp Dragon armor deeds with the dyes of Tokuno, and then created neon pets. These dyes were not intended to be used in this manner and those players with neon pets will find their swampies reverted to iron in the near future.
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Slime Event Issues
Posted on Monday, January 5, 2009, 4:38 PM EST by Larisa (GeneralNews)
Posted to uoherald.com: Slime Event Issues Joanne Laroche 05 Jan 2009 13:35:56 We just wanted you to know that we're aware that some slimes in the Slime Event have not been moving on properly, or giving all the hues that they were supposed to. We're currently working on a fix for theses issues and we will extend the Slime Event as necessary so everyone has the time to fully enjoy it. Please keep an eye here on the Herald for updates about the slimes!
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Dyed Swamp Dragons
Posted on Monday, January 5, 2009, 1:20 PM EST by Vallend (Catskills)
Tim "Draconi" Cotten the Lead Designer for Ultima Online had this to say about the dyed Swamp dragons wandering our lands today. Notice: Anyone who dyed their swamp dragon armor deeds with the Dyes of Tokuno, and then created neon pets, will find their swampies reverted to Iron in the near future. The use of dyes in this manner is not intended. So if you were thinking about purchasing or making one, do not do it! In a few days all of them will be back to their natural color.
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Community Hunt - Week of January 5th
Posted on Monday, January 5, 2009, 4:41 AM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
Want to go hunting but don't have a big enough group? Are you looking for good guides to dungeons you've yet to explore? The community hunts are open to everyone! Come show your support for the Lake Superior community and take a walk on the wild side at the same time. Meet some new and old friends and have a bit of a challenge along the way. Net Toss Date: Tuesday, January 6th Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Peerless Hunt (Mondain's Legacy Required) Date: Wednesday, January 7th Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Fire Demon Temple Hunt Date: Thursday, January 8th Time: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken Ilshenar Champ Spawn Hunt Date: Friday, January 9th Time: 9:00PM CST Starting Location: New Haven Terrasse - located next to the bank Hosts: Taeara Mi'aken And remember, these hunts are for everyone, regardless of their skill level or guild affiliation. Come meet new friends, see new places, gain experience and just have fun. Sabina Nikolai, High Marshall, Community Hunt Organizer The Order of the Silver Rose
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Community Meet Up - January 5th
Posted on Monday, January 5, 2009, 4:26 AM EST by Lady Tia (LakeSuperior)
Community Meet Up – January 5 Date: Every Monday Night Time: 7:30PM CST Location: Skara Brae Community Center Meeting Agenda: We'll hear weekly announcements of upcoming events and hunts for Lake Superior from Sabina our events coordinator. The weekly community meetings, events, hunts, etc are always open to the public. No invitations needed! Everyone is always welcome to come ask questions, make plans, or make announcements. Bring a friend if you can make it, tell a friend if you can't!
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Sunset Winner of Dragons Wars !
Posted on Saturday, January 3, 2009, 12:52 PM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . Sunset Winner of Dragons Wars ! Dragon Wars is back on Great Lakes and its return was a grand one indeed. I arrived and was greeted by the charming Emerald Ice of MOA who was helping out with the event. Emerald Ice also informed the crowd of the rules before Gemini took over and gave the brackets and welcomed the crowd. The dragons were looking very nervous, hungry and ready for battle. Da Killin Spirit, A Dirty Dragon, Majestic Oaks Dragon, Fluffy Britches II, Panzer, Itty Bitty Dragon, Killer, Sunset, Envy and A Terrible Nuisance took thier place for a group photo on my request. The first battle was between Panzer and Itty Bitty Dragon and a good fight is was with Panzer coming out as the winner. The stakes were high at this event with first place winner getting 5 million and second place getting 2 million. MOA donated a million for the third place winner. It boiled down to Fluffy Britches II and Sunset with Sunset being the best of show, on top winning the big prize! Congratulations ! Thank you also to Sir Travis, Gemini and Kiara as judges. It was a fun time and hopefully repeated next month.
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Lady Lava's Year End Letter. Zento House of Fashion Folds
Posted on Thursday, January 1, 2009, 9:26 AM EST by Lady Lava (GreatLakes)
. . . Greetings and Happy New Years to all, Many New Year's resolutions will be made this week as it is a tradition. That tradition dates back to the early Babylonians. Popular modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking. The early Babylonian's most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment. I do not need to diet or return farm equipment but I am going to try to play UO more. :) One of my traditions this time of year is posting a year end letter recapping the good, the bad and the ugly of Great Lakes. So many changes, events and drama happened in 2008 a recap could take all day. The fresh breath to factions, invasions, champs and new items for the pixel crack addicts has made many players happy, inspired and blood thirsty. The new plants and plant resources has brought horticulture back to life for many people also, just check out the botany section on Stratics. Hopefully 2009 will give the smith and tailors something to cheer about. On the subject of tailors it is with some sadness I report the Zento House of Fashion will be closing its door soon so if you have not been to his museum of fashion be sure to check it out. It is located right in downtown Zento. A feature article was never done on this museum. Our last Great Lakes reporter was working on a piece about it and then she disappeared so below are a few screenshots of the Zento House of Fashion. The first floor was the site of several past player run fashion shows and contests. This main floor also houses models dressed in tailors designs and those of local guilds. Some of those nimble fingered designers are, Ghetto Barbie, Jamba Juice, Martha Stewart, MOA, Prada, Giorgio Armani, The Drow Elves, Joanne Fabrics, Vanna White, Victoria's Secret, FCB, CFC, Elizabeth Darcy, G-V Guild, MOA Casino Outfit, ULTIMA, Easter Bunny, Versace, and Blue Lotus Clan. The second floor is a reception area where food and ale were served after fashion shows and weddings that took place on the rooftop chapel. The third floor is a sewing room, storage bin and display area. The chests are full of double blessed and exceptional old school clothes. Scattered about are AoS clothes such as duds once belonging to Vivian Divine, Poop, Betty Ruble, Penelope Porter, Jesus, Space Ghost, Living Dead Girl and Baja Boy. Also there are creations by local tailors showcased like, Stud Finder, Proctologist, Herbal Gardens, Incision, A Drunk Mom, The Killer Inc., A Crack Fiend, Miller Brewing Co., Dirty Girls Inc., Hello Kitty, Deamons Daughters, GOD, The Devil, Plush Velvet, X Rated Inc. and much more. The roof top chapel has been the setting for a handful of small weddings. Time and gold is running out on this museum. All of the donated clothing will be stored when the place closes. My future goal is when and if I ever acquire another Luna city plot the museum will reopen with a new look and a new attitude. Player run plots and events are very active on our shard and I am proud to announce the first one of 2009 and it is this sunday. M()D (Martyrs of Doom) request your presence at a event on Sunday, January 3rd at 1pm CST. Nujulem at the "checkerboard". It will be "Dragon Wars". It will be dragon fights to see who can win the title of best super drag on GL. Winners will win no less than 5 million gps. This use to happen years ago with drakes. There will be a peacer there so that dragons will not die. The only dragons allowed to fight to the death will be the final fight. I have out of town company coming in that day but I am going to try my best to attend. This should be great fun. A new year is starting for us all and I hope this is healthy one for each and everyone one of you and your families. Fondly, Lady Lava
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Happy New Year!

Posted on Thursday, January 1, 2009, 2:11 AM EST by BlindOtto (SiegePerilous)

Happy New Year!

Tis the 9th year of the Twentieth Sosarian Calendar! I declare this, 2009, the year of the lesser-spotted mystic llama herder! I hope ye will pardon my lengthy silence, good folks of Siege! Life has become overwhelmingly busy, this past year! All in a good way, but still - it has eaten into the time I get to spend blindly blundering about our unique lands! Hopefully 2009 will give me a little more breathing space! Still, enough about me! On to Siege Perilous! I went to Britain yesterday evening, and was lucky enough to bump into our new Event Moderator - Alcor! It seems that he is currently under house arrest, within Britain's Counselor's Guild - the one near Blackthorn's Castle, not the one in East Britain.

He cannot leave there without the express permission of the Ancient Ones, at least - not yet. However, several of us were able to spend some time talking with him, and a few gave him fashion advice! From what I hear, this was one of those times when 'twas good to be blind! Floppy hats, green shoes, and Counselor's robes do not go well together! Thankfully, there were a few representatives of the Thieves guild present, so he probably won't have them long.
But, fashion was not the order of the day. Siege's newest recipient of Order of The N00B wishes to gain an insight into what we would like to see, in the way of events and celebrations! So, if ye are in and around Britain over the next few days, it would probably be prudent to visit the Counselor's guild, and pass on thy thoughts to Alcor! I spoke of my wishes to have events that could appeal to all - no small order, that! I also mentioned that event which many of us would love to see - namely, the destruction of Luna! Or at least, to have the appeal of its guard zone reduced! We spoke of the complexities of Siege, of the troubles of presenting a truly balanced event, that all could enjoy, and of the ins and outs of faction abilities. The weather, the food, and the multiple timepieces we tend to use here, and more besides. I must point out, good readers, that Alcor is not one of the Ancient Ones. His powers are, at this point, unclear, but he cannot reshape the land at his leisure, he cannot sense where specific items are, and he cannot change the laws of nature with a gesture. However, he was able to disappear, walk to the other side of the room, and re-appear. Amazing. I've never seen the like. But then, I am blind. So I probably never will. Now, it appears that the lesser wits in other realms have been woo'd and awed by their Event Moderators, as they have stood by handing out gifts of sashes. I am glad to say that our moderator is cut from a sterner cloth. Alcor knew that sashes would be sneered at by the hardy folks of Siege - and so he brought a pile of bandages instead! Very fitting, I thought.
Regrettably, he was forbidden to speak at length of future plans and events - it seems the Ancient Ones are watching closely, and are quick to ire, yet slow to forgive! But, Alcor was able to tell us that great things were coming! Of course, the proof will be in the experience, and probably in the dying! But, I leave this short news article to ye now - I know not all will be able to speak with Alcor in person, but, if ye leave thy thoughts here, on possible events, I am sure he will hear of them! May this New Year bring all ye wish, or at least, all ye truly need! And may Alcor's time with us be lengthy, filled with fun, and blessed with a better tailor!

Standard disclaimer to my critics: No, it's not earth shattering news. It's light hearted. Bah. Humbug. And a Happy New Year to you, too!

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January 2009

OBIT COLUMN

OBIT COLUMN ~ END OF JAN 09

OBITS ~ 1 - 19 - 09

O9 Obits Continue

First Obits of 09 ~