February 2001

Io's Challenge: Third Dark Slayer Vanquished

Last even Aasham, Champion of Edinburgh, met the third of Io's Dark Slayers in mortal combat. This powerful, inhuman opponent had Aasham hard pressed for a time, but our hero kept his head and kept harrying his opponent. With a clear lead for Aasham, we were dismayed when passerbys stopped to watch the contest, for Scaramandine the Elder (also know as Io) had warned that spectators beyond the Champion's two seconds would result in the contest being called. The Dark Slayer vanished in a crash of lightening and we feared Aasham's efforts had been for not. The Dark Slayer sent a pigeon to our hero, however, telling him a different location where the contest would continue. Gateing to the spot, Aasham renewed his attack and the Dark Slayer soon lay dead at this feet. Scaramandine the Elder appeared to offer reluctant praise to Edinburgh's champion and promised the Village of Edinburgh would again be spared the depredations of his minions for the next week. Congratulations to Aasham, hero of Edinburgh!

Deminzata Surrenders Her Soul to the Undead's Guardian

On a darker note, I have learned that our friend Deminzata, late of Edinburgh, has sacrificed her soul to the malevolent control of the Guardian of the Undead. Though affianced to the noble Fang Whitestone, in recent weeks Deminzata seems to have grown strangely fond of Scaramandine II, the great, great grandson of Scaramandine the Elder. Working with strange potions he thought would aid him in his struggle with his evil ancestor, Scarmandine II was somehow transformed into an ArchLiche, his very essence is contained in an amulet known as a phylactery. Scaramandine the Elder approached Deminzata with an unholy proposal: She must become unborn for a period of fourteen days and give herself over to the evil power of the Guardian of the Undead. If during this two week period Scar the Elder is able to locate the phylactery, he agreed not to destroy it, but Demi's soul will be forfeit and she will remain eternally enthralled to the Guardian. Should the phylactery remain hidden from his sight for the entire period, Demi's soul will be freed and Scar the Elder will call off his attempts to destroy Scar II by means of the destruction of the phylactery.

Deminatza's many friends of the Justice Alliance counseled Demi against this foul bargain, for we trust not the word of these evil ones. We challenged Scaramandine the Elder to prove his power over the Undead by securing the release of the souls of Beechel and Nyssa Kire who are currently held by the Guardian as ransom for the Armor of Virtue now secure in the keeping of the Justice Alliance at the Brazen Monkey Tavern. We fear we shall never see our lovely friend again and all people of virtue should pray for her soul's safe release from the loathesome control of the Guardian.

Aeife
Sorceress
Defenders of Justice

Additionally, the Alliance is engaged in solving a series of riddles. Each riddle leads to a battle during which one of the denizens contains a book enscribed with a single word. The seven words combined will detail the reason why Scaramandine the Elder seeks the Armor of Shielding, presently on display in the Brazen Monkey.

On another note, Duncan, mayor of Edinburgh, has resigned from his post. Taking his stead will be Niamb Goldenhair. According to Niamb, Duncan hasn't been quite himself since his victory against the Dark Slayer a couple of weeks ago. This is believed to be related to his donning of the armor he obtained from the slayer.

Edinburgh village is located west of the Dungeon Wrong, Trammel. The Brazen Monkey Tavern is located in the western farms of Britain, Felucca.

After our evaluation of the issue, we have decided to leave the currently existing statues in UO. This should not negatively impact the game itself, and we have fixed the way the statues were spawning within the game world. Our stance on bug use has not changed however and it is still clearly stated in the rules of conduct. The decision to not remove statues or audit accounts with statues does not justify the use of game bugs for any purpose. Use of bugs for personal gain is still against UO guidelines, and can possibly lead to account suspension depending on the situation. We ask you to report any anomalies you find. We thank you for any assistance you provide in helping to correct flaws or "game bugs".

I can understand your concern about this. While account review and rules don't follow under my purview, I would like to take a moment to address your concerns.

Basically, we screwed up with allowing statues to spawn in containers
players had control over. We don't like when we make mistakes, but we are human and it happens, though we try to avoid doing so at all costs. The reason we have a policy for banning is that we realize that there are 20 of us with over 200,000 of you to possibly find our mistakes. Someone, somewhere is going to find a loophole in our logic. In this case, we looked at the bug for what it did. I realize another rare is getting introduced in the world, and I am really not happy with the way it was introduced. Still, the impact is pretty low, and I think that you will agree that banning, or even marking an account over this would have been pretty severe, perhaps causing a greater split in the community. I think what you are decrying is the mentality behind exploiting. I can understand that. Still, remembering the way that Glacial Staves and the Gargoyle's Pickaxe made it into the world, I can see where someone might assume we had given them a new item. (Yes, it is a stretch.) What this bug really does is give something to someone else that an "honest" player may not be able to attain. Point taken. I am not sure what we can do about that, but I will look into it. (I do have some ideas.) In the end, I look at the overall effect on the community and the world in general. I don't see this as directly harming the game, whereas I could see us going into punitive measures as causing a relatively small problem to escalate into a full blown disaster. It could be argued that this is inconsistent. I can also understand that. However, when we stick to the very letter of our policies without weighing the costs of our decisions simply to be consistent; well, that is more a machine-like "corporate" mentality than I care for, and I think the wrong people end up getting hurt. If it is any reassurance at all, exploiters are pattern behavior individuals. Time has shown this to be true. If another exploit comes along, they will likely exploit that and get caught doing so. I would like to get these people out before causing further damage, obviously. I just don't feel like this was the issue to do that with. So while I did not make the decision in this case, I wholeheartedly support it, and wanted to give you my feedback.

Greetings all. Tonight the Guardsmen Militia entered talks with Spiritwood and Deepwater in regards to the new Domain books. It was decided that The Guardsmen Militia would join the Alliance and join the defense against this array of monsters. The Guardsmen Waited patiently outside Rilla's house in Magincia while the Diplomatic team lead by Captain Romvin engaged in talks. 

After the talks have finished and the treaty signed the Guardsmen returned to Stonekeep and shortly afterwards Captain Sothe Willoughby of the Kings Paladin regiment arrived to tell us some information. As he told Spiritwood he told us about the Missing Guard and how these orders were important. He also spoke of Lord Rothermere who had survived an Assassination attempt while he was on his way to Stonekeep. 

Just as the Captain had finished his speech and saluted us all a band of orcs, ettins and mages swarmed into Stonekeep from all sides. A mighty battle occurred and the Captain helped us to defeat the orcs. Wishing us good luck he walked of back to the King.

The Orc Attack

http://www.custodesfati.net - Custodes Fati

http://www.kenned.com/guardsmen - Guardsmen Militia

Captain Drakan

Guardsmen Militia

It was a quiet gathering in the deMonte' throne room in Havenwood Sunday eve. The Sage Lucian Delfornie had gathered the people of the land for one last ditch attempt to foil Nox Maelstrom, and cure the vile plague he had brought crashing down upon us. As the stragglers finally arrived, Sage Lucian Delfornie conveyed the riddle that the first line had been solved.

Cleanse the shrines that are not shrines.
Bless the Sage whom fortune fails.
Death be blessings yet untold.
Curse this man whom holds my soul.

The first line obviously meaning we needed to cleanse the "shrine that is not a shrine" in Despise. Gathering the attendees the sage began performing the ceremony. At midpoint through the ceremony, the sage was slaughtered by Lothar, whom was possessed by Nox Maelstrom. Thrown into disarray, General Azalin of the Havenwood Royal Army rallied the defenders, demanding Lothar(Nox Maelstrom) turn himself in. Nox resisted and the mortal form was destroyed. Lothar however is still under Nox's control. As the heroes rushed off to aid Oasis against Nox Maelstrom's ally, King Talimor deMonte' roused himself from his agonizing state, due to the plague, and made haste to Loremaster Foster, whom shared the remaining parts of the ceremony with the King. Making haste, the King swiftly made way to Despise dungeon with Wizard of Mythndale and Maximus of Nidaros. The king swiftly completed the ceremony, while the three were under attack form lesser monsters, broke the Plague that has lain across the land for a past a fortnight. Victims of this heinous plague should begin seeing improvement in their health immediately.

And now we look on into the future. The Banishing of Nox Maelstrom. The healing of the land. The funeral... of a brave, and courageous, Sage.

It seems that congratulations are in order for Kyros Stormtamer and the Lady Azaria. They've recently announced their intent to wed and are currently making plans for the ceremony. We of the Stratics News Team send along our best wishes to the happy couple. I will keep you informed of the date and details of the event.

As a side note, if you are interested in providing services as a Ceremonial Priest or Wedding Planner, please send me a notice of your fees, credentials and specialty. I'll publish a list of service providers in an upcoming article.

Cyn

Well, mersakes! This morning, I was out on a leisurely stroll about the Shrine of Honor when a messenger pigeon lit upon the ground, at my feet. Retrieving the message, I read it and nearly bit my tongue in half. Surely, this was most interesting! Read on, and see for yourselves.

Hail goodly folk,

After sharing in some ale (milk for myself) and lively conversation at the Irish Pub east of Britain I was met with the most peculiar occurrence. The rain was especially heavy that day, and although I would prefer the company of new found friends and a cold pitcher of milk, I could tarry no longer. My sister had sent me to fetch her some leather and if I did not bring back enough hides, then she would have mine instead.

So, off to the wretched dungeon of Despise. I felt my time would be best spent if I could both gather my sister her leather and rid Sosaria of some Lizardmen. So, up through Britain and past the graveyard... The rain was now coming down in torrents. For a moment I thought myself lost but I soon found my bearings and continued north. The journey was quite uneventful until I happened to come across an Ettin. It seems that these creatures, among others, have overcome their shyness and are daring to come closer and closer to fair Britain.

Knowing that the mines were near by and this beast could easily ruin a long day's work, I decided to make his existence little more than a memory. I drew my spear and slew the beast. Three jabs, one to the head, one to the heart and one that will remain unmentioned, but I believe it was this blow that undid him. In any case, in the short battle his cries of fury echoed through the darkened forest and it seemed that they carried long after his death... Feeling that I was only battle weary and hallucinating I paid little head to the continuing Ettin cry until I was struck! At first I thought that I had not slain the beast in full, but no, my dagger had made certain of his death. I was then struck again! I moved away from the body fearing that there might have been some remnant of vengeful spirits lurking about, so I drew my crossbow. For a moment it was still, and then the cry came again and I was struck for a third time! I frantically searched the area around me, but alas, my eye was not trained in finding the invisible!

Nevertheless, I stood my ground with anger beating in my temples. "Show yourself!" I screamed, but to no avail. The ettin's cry continued and I was being buffeted right and left with an invisible assault! Although anger had taken my being, I was no fool. I could not fight what I could not see, and so I fled. Luckily, whatever it was did not follow me. What was it that I had encountered? Was the spirit of the dead Ettin exacting vengeance? Was it merely a trick by some clever rogue? Have the Ettins learned to wield magic? Gods forbid! So, a warning to all of ye. Beware the forest north of Britain and stay clear of seemingly solitary Ettins.

Arachnia

Cyn

Just when you think they've disappeared, the Clones resurface. Here's the latest missive from these mysterious entities.

Greetings. I am the Second.
I serve the Firstborn.
I speak for the Firstborn.
My coming was foretold.

I bear good news! Today, my brothers walked hand-in-hand with several very brave souls, and challenged the evils of Despise, in the spirit of the virtue of Compassion.

Battling through swarms of lizardmen, ettins, trolls, and ogres, the adventurers protected me as I completed my sacred rites throughout the dungeon. They fought with great valor and honor every step of the way, even fighting hand-to-hand versus the powerful lords of the ogres, and later on, prayed with us at the shrine of Compassion in reflection of our successful journey.

The battle was not without cost, though. One of my brothers fell to the advancing horde of lizardmen early in our journey. I and my brethren shall mourn his loss, and hold firm in our faith as we continue to walk the path of Virtue.

Special credit should go out to my many brothers, Von Bruis, Lady Kirsten, and Mystic, the Guardian of Despise. All were instrumental in our success.

Cyn

Ask and ye shall receive. Only a short time ago, I dropped a not-so subtle hint, that we were interested in an update from the Council of Mages. At that time, they were the only faction that hadn't submitted a recent address on the state of the factions War. Lo and behold, here it is. Read on!

Hail and well met,

I am Hallucination, Commanding Lord of the Council of Mages. Under my leadership, and with the help of many returned brothers and sisters, CoM has once again moved to the fore in the nasty land of Felucca.

After the amazing procession of soldiers from our faction and after the beating we were taking in the news and hearts of our enemies, we at CoM decided it was time to end the reign of the True Britannians. The swarm that was being called a defense needed to be taught humility. As the sigils underwent their ritual purification, CoM plotted.

One by one the sigils began to go free again, and it was at that time that we struck. With the help of many brave heroes, such as Crimson God, Fear Factory, and Swiftly just to name a few, the sigils were easily captured and placed in the indefensible CoM headquarters. Against all odds, and all three factions working together as a team, we withstood the barrage of attacks that were leveled at us in a wild night few CoM members will forget.

We attempted to get five sigils, those of Britain, Yew, Moonglow, Trinsic, and our home of Magincia. I am proud to say that we held all 5 and have begun the process of renovating the face of Felucca cities.

The balance of power in Britannia has changed. The swelling of the numbers in CoM is heartening to see, and ensures lasting power for The Council. Thanks go out to those newly joined like Xavier Rhoads for their hard work in fighting against those they once called brothers.

And thanks and a welcome goes to those still wishing to join, led by the Saints and their destructive force that had been a cornerstone of the True Britannians defense. But again the main thanks go out to Crimson God and his dedication to the return of CoM. I will be stepping down as Commanding Lord to give control to Crimson God in hopes of building an even stronger faction, and I hope the rest of CoM will follow my lead.

So to all of our enemies, watch for us, fear us, and run from us, or you shall die in vain.

Commanding Lord of the Council of Mages
I am Hallucination

Cyn

This article is intended as a gentle reminder on the subject of "Flames." For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, a "flame" is a written "scalding" or verbal assault of another player. While there is a fine line between flaming, and ripping another in-game character, there is one glaring difference. We might print a story in which you rail against the unjust actions of another character. But we will NEVER print a letter that drones on about "that dude that killed my mule just suxs raw potatoes!" Flames have no news or entertainment value and the Powers at Stratics Central are very serious about that subject. They forbid news reporters to post or engage in flaming...period. And in the last month, I've gotten a bushel of those kind of stories.

With the advent of factions, flaming was elevated to another level. PVP is like SEC College football. What is pvp but a form of competitiion? "Trash talking" is second nature to some competitive types. But even then, there's a major difference between me 'dissing' your team and me flaming you, personally.

For instance, I might say that the faction guild, "Grandmas' on Rum" have no honor and kill innocent chickens. That's no flame. However, if I say, "KilLA GraNdMa sux because she uses exploits to kill me and my horde of barbarian chickens," that can be construed as a flame. The comment will either be deleted or edited. Which takes time but has to be done.

And by no means, is flaming the sole province of pvp. Hard-core role players who totally abstain from pvp can throw some pretty hot flames on occasion, too. And we won't print those, either.

So, as you write that story, ask yourself, "Does this sound like I'm flaming this guy?" And if it does, don't bother sending it in, because if it "walks like a duck, and quakes like a duck, it's probably a duck."

Life's too short, folks. Play the game, be competitive...or not. But save those flames for personal e-mails, if your so inclined. And most importantly, have fun playing the best damned rpg game on the market, today. After all, why else do we spend our hard-earned cash each month?

Well, that's about it. Stay tuned for a lot of news, this week. Ith'unk is cracking the whip and we've got a lot of stories to bring to you. Until next we meet, safe journeys to you, one and all.

Cyn

Hail!

If you would like to have a drawing made by me of your character in UO
please send me an e-mail and write how you would like him/her to look,
(hair, face,clothes,armor etc.), and I will make it ASAP.

I will only take requests from the Europa shard. That´s because
otherwise I will get to many requests and I wont be able to make all of
them.

The prize for one painting is 10k (UO-gold)

To see people I already painted see this site:
http://hem.spray.se/ultimaonline/artgallery.html

Send your art-request to:  [email protected]

Sincerly,
Eternia

Glad to see some more painters!

The Seer Kemmelar reveals himself.

“Ah Tar! I found something.” Young Gerald cried out as he came running from the library. Tar looked up at him from an old book with his kind eyes. “And what may that be lad? Well I think know where this Seer Kemmelar lives.” The young man continued.
-“ ´I think he resides at The Island of Valor!” Could it be so the Druid thought to himself.

Tar took this information to Lord Beril who ofcourse wanted to look further into this. “We shall go there tomorrow Tar. Gather the men up."

And so it came to be, that the Aldameir Knights Ventured to Island of Valor in search for Seer Kemmelar. Upon their arrival to the Island which is located South of Trinsic they were met by a comfortable warmth and the air was moistering. They started their search and soon they have found the man.

The Seer was dressed in a Robe of Brown Colour, and from the look of him ye could tell that this man was old and wise. He was a part of history and he had seen times come and go. He looked upon the Companions standing before him with his Steel grey eyes and asked them what they searched for. And as he got the knowledge that it was the ring they searched, he looked at them and said. “What makes ye think that ye are worthy of possessing such a relic?”. The answer came quickly as Knight Belgrav stepped forward explaining that they sought to study the Kemmelar ring and protect it from evil.

Seer Kemmelar then asked the Knight to answer a simple question for a man of the Virtues and if the answer was correct he should grant them a clue. So he asked and the answer came after just a brief moment. “ Thou hath answered correctly!” Said Kemmelar and smiled. “Here is yer clue! Ye hath found the ring of fire”. Kemmelar said and shows with his arm the surroundings.“ Now ye shall seek the ring of Ice.” Then he was gone.

They travelled home to the safety of their tower and all wondered the same thing.
What could this mean? They had no ring, nor had they searched a Ring of Fire. Young Gerald rushed up to the library followed by some others, so eager to continue. The day had ended and the sun was taking it’s last breath before descending down behind the mountains.
Many hours they looked through the Library without finding anything, some had fallen asleep on the floor and some had gone to get something to eat. But still the search proceeded.

As dawn broke Tar was worn and tired. “This is enough. We must put our heads together and think.” And so they spoke. One theory was that maybe they should search the opposite of Valor, but alas what would the ring of Ice do in the Cave of Destard? The ring was o’course not a ring ye could wear, but a place. So much they had figured out. “What if it was on Ice Island”, someone suggested. “There is a shrine there no? But O’course! It must be the shrine of Honesty we shall seek”, Tar said but he was not entire convinced.

They prepared for departure and Tar opened a gate to the Shrine of Honesty. The arrival was not pleasant as two huge deamons with grinning faces looked down at the company with lust in their eyes. FOOD! The two deamons declared with a their ugly grins. Food hath arrived! And before the company had time to think the deamons threw them selves over the arrived dinner. However as the battle was engaged the Knights fought back with all their power. A man with faith in the virtues can overcome any obstacle he encounters. The Deamons were put to fall and Seer Kemmelar himself appeared once again.

“So ye hath found me again. And again I shall test yer knowledge in the Virtues. Step forward you who shall ask my questions three." Tar asked Young Gerald to step forward and the Apprentice felt a bit unsure. Tar then spoke to him and said. “Seek within yer heart. I hath faith in ye lad”.

Seer Kemmelar asked Three questions this time. And with some help from his fellow companions he did splendid in answering all three. –“ Well done, this is correct! Ye have made me proud. Seer Kemmelar declared. “Here is yer clue. Seek the virtue at the wall of green.” And again he was gone. The Knights still work hard to figure out how to proceed. I am sure that we soon will hold the ring in our possesion and with it we will hold an relic that we will protect at all cost. For now I shall rest as it is getting late. G’night Brittania and god’s speed to ye all!

Yers truly
Lord Beril of Aldameir

KoA Golden Knights #60 - Fri, March 2 - GOLDEN TANDEM hosted by Ramsonne, KoA Guildmaster

DATE: Friday, March 2, 2001 @ 8 PM CST
TIME: Registration takes place from 7:30 - 8:00 PM CST. The event begins @ 8:15 PM CST. WHERE: The event takes place in the Alliance Village. The coordinates are 136*24'S 27*12'E (target=_top>http://www.allianceknights.com/village.html)

ENTRY FEE: 600g PRIZES:
Winning Team receives 10,000 gold plus:

• One gold archer armor set
• One gold leather armor set

DESCRIPTION: This tournament will be a 2-on-2 pvp event. Very few rules are being imposed as Golden Tandem is intended to allow for a variety of battle techniques. This will be an opportunity for all of the true tacticians on our Shard to put their skills to use. There will be a seven minute time limit imposed on bouts which may be extended at the discretion of KoA event Judges. Winning team will be determined by survival of either member OR decision of the Judges in the event of time expiration.

RULES:

• NO pets or mounts are allowed.
• NO Magic weapons/items are allowed. If anything on you saying "a magic" is noticed your team may be disqualified.
• Hiding IS NOT allowed.
• NO looting of any kind!
• NO summoning of any kind.
• All potions ARE allowed.
• Precasting/drinking IS allowed.
• Poisoned weapons and poison spell ARE allowed.
• Any attempt to exploit the event or the rules to win will result in immediate disqualification.

REMINDERS TO SPECTATORS:

• No faction fighting in the village during the Golden Knights event.
• Please do not equip bows around the ring. Spells or potions may hit you that will cause you to attack back.
• Please try to stable or feed your mount prior to the event. Wild mounts are a problem.
• No casting, sparring, or fighting right around the ring. If you wish to do this go to another location in the village.
• No spectators in the arena after the event begins.
• The Golden Knights event is a Seer sponsored event for Lake Superior. Grief players are at times removed and/or jailed, banned, etc. The consequences for disruption are solely the decision of the representatives of Origin Systems.
• Have a great time! Cheering for your friends is encouraged!

Ramsonne KoA, Guildmaster

The Grey Company
working hand in hand with
United Blacksmiths of Britannia - LS Chapter
proudly present for your crafting pleasure

The Tel'Ruid Blacksmithing Challenge
WHAT: Tel'Ruid Blacksmithing Challenge WHEN: Friday, March 2nd at 8:30pm CST WHERE: The Tel'Ruid Smithy [map], in Tel'Ruid, Trammel. [map]
WHO: All who love to craft with metal, or see it done!
CONTACT: Valdolen Firehand, at [email protected]

RULES:

The Smiths will go head to head, making all items requested by the Judge.

The first items crafted are submitted for judging.

The items wil be placed on a vendor and auto priced.

The highest value wins!

PRIZES:
1. 1000 Valorite Ingots, 100K, Ranger Armor, and 10 Bolts of Black Cloth!
2. 1000 Verite Ingots, 50K, and a Plate Set + Heater Shield!
3. 1000 Agapite Ingots, 25K, 1 small forge deed, 1 anvil deed, and a Plate Set.
- See Full Ad for prizes 4 - 10. All ingots donated by Bob the Smith -

We hope to see you all there! Come to Smith, come to watch, or come to celebrate whoever wins at the Silver Arrow afterwards! There will be fun for everyone!

Map to Tel'Ruid at http://www.telruid.com/information/map/index.html

See the full advertisement here.

Greetings and well met fellow Britannians:

Are you ready for a party? The White Wyrm pub is sponsoring a mini Gras. Yes...that's right a UO version of Mardi Gras. This week we are accepting nominations for King and Queen for the event. We are also accepting requests to be in the parade.

First..if you wish to nominate a person for King or Queen it is 100gp to nominate and 100gp for each additional vote. Get your guilds together and vote in your favorite people.

Second..to be in the parade with your guild or pets just let us know. We need pets, bards, guilds. All are welcome.

Contact [email protected] with your nominations and requests to be in the parade. Our website is http://www.geocities.com/whitewyrmpub

Cayce

As Britannia Turns, the one and only UO Soap Opera, has hit a landmark this week with the release of As Britannia Turns: Episode 20, now avaliable. See some of your favorite Ultima Online characters in the never ending epic; hey maybe even YOU, yourself are in an episode of ABT. And it's found only at redlow.net

Exploiting in Ultima Online

Please remember that exploiting bugs or using unapproved third party programs in Ultima Online can result in the permanent suspension of your Ultima Online account. A list of approved third party applications can be found here. Using any exploit or third party application not on this list is a violation of the Rules of Conduct.

We are committed to removing those players that choose to exploit Ultima Online and will continue to work towards maintaining an enjoyable and level playing experience for all of our players.

*A mounted messenger bearing the banner of King Gunther Arrives at the office of Lord August West* Lord August West,

The king of all elves, his Majesty, Lord Gunther is nay pleased with the rebellious attitude that exists in thy realm. However our lord is a kind and forgiving ruler and offers thee and thine an opportunity to prove thy loyalty to the crown.

Send to us three of thy best fighting men so that they may assist in the defense of the king. These men shalt be joined to our stone and serve the king directly. This is a position of glory, send thy finest.

I implore thee August, dispel the rumor that the Elven Keepers are traitors to the throne and do thy lords bidding. Pray take the peaceful way of obedience, for the sake of all elves.

We shalt await the list of the men thou dost deem worthy.

*The messenger swiftly turns*

*August lodges the messenger in his private quarters in the bank. He sends the chef in with some of the finest meats to nourish the messenger, and a bit of entertainment. He calls to his scribe, who immediately reports to West's desk. *

"Thee called to me M'Lord?"

"Aye, I did old friend. I want thee to pen a message to Gunther. I shall dictate it to thee.

"Aye M'Lord, give me a moment."

*The scribe moves to the desk adjacent to August's and brings out his tools. He readies everything, and nods to his brother. *

"Please continue, M'Lord, I am ready."

*August nods*

"To mine dear cousin Gunther,

I am naut in the least bit surprised to see thy messenger in mine office so soon. I have given him the finest service, as I would any visiting member of mine family. He is well rested, and should be fit for the ride back. I pray he shall reach thee unharmed, and reaches thee soon.

In reply to thy message, I can only say this. The Nation of the Keepers is a Sovran nation, and it has always been such. As thee full well knows, mine realm once broke off from the Fiefdom of the Elven Lords, for the King was foolish. Since that point, we have had no uses for monarchs.

It seems thee wishes to hold reign over mine realm, and to this I shall retort. I believe mine brother Corum gave thee a reply, but it seemed thee had to hear it from me. So be it cousin, for the Keeper August West will now end any doubts.

We shall naut send thee any men, nor shall we ask our sisters in EVR to do anything of the such. No one shall hold sway over these hallowed halls, and none shall ever. Tis almost insulting that thee would have the audacity to even send such a request, I thought thee were more learned then that.

I feel thee might be touched by the same plague Eros Rex once had. Thee feast upon thy own inner greatness, though blind to the world around thee. I have seen many a Great Empire fall for that, and I command thee turn now for this quest of foolishness. I think thee would better find more willing followers among the Orkish Hoard."

*August muses for a moment about sending a missive to Kor. He continues on with the message. *

" In the future, know we shall naut be so cordial with our replies to madness. Thee will find the Keepers shall never swear loyalty to thy throne. Do naut mistake our family bond for foolishness. Myself and mine kin are free elves, united under our own stone. Further more, I would naut hesitate to call the Elven Federation to keep thy own lust for power in check. Test me naut cousin, for thee shall find me a nightmarish foe. I leave thee in the words of a human author who wrote...

"Upon what meat does he feed that he should grow so great? He stands there, bestriding the world like the mighty colossus, looking down on all creation, as it was his own! And we to peep about his narrow feet, to find ourselves a dishonorable cold death."

"Ambition should be made of sterner stuff."

I would urge thee to think better before sending such rubbish into mine home. Rejoin thy old, forgotten realm of ELF, and pray that thy brother Sarlock forgives thee for subverting his efforts. Abandon this fools quest, and mayhap thee will escape the hangman's noose.

For the Honor of the Elven Realm,

August West, Elven Keeper of the Realm (EKR)"

*The scribe looks at West, and chuckles a bit. August is grinning like a wolf, and motions to the room next door. They walk to the room where Gunther's man is, and knock, awakening his from his sleep. *

"Take this to thy lord, and send him mine regards. I shall also offer thee a bit of advice. Should he ever send thee with such a request, refuse him. Be well cousin, and ride swiftly."

*August is grinning wider, much like a wolf before a kill. The scribe also shares his lord's expression, and Gunther's messenger now knows that his welcome has been overstayed. He mounts his steed, bows to the grinning elves, and rides quickly out the main gates. *

*August turns to his scribe and shakes his head. *

"Methinks Gunther is a bit touched, eh brother?"

*Sarlock slowly walks back into the building, contemplating this message.*

*Sitting behind his desk, he pulls out a quill and dips it in the ink.*

"Milord Gunther,

I have thy royal guard at hand and shalt send them to thee promptly. The finest warriors of ElF and EO shalt be at thy command, for stories of thy glorious victories in battle against our enemies has made our great warriors and mages rise to the challenge. They will gladly join thy ranks and I, as all of us in ElF, bow to thy rule of our kingdom.

Expect their arrival within four days.

Long live the elves! Long live the King!"

*Sarlock rises from his desk and walks outside the building. Handing it to a messager, he bids him great speed, and watches him race off down the sandstone roads of Trinsic.*

The Office of the Mayor.

The actions taken by the Moonglow Town Council the other evening are and will always be a separate action guaranteed that could be committed by a powerful and strong nation state. Yet, in a larger sense the actions taken by Moonglow Council with the raid and occupation of Nujel'm has lead the Shadow Conclave and the Tribunal of Entropy to make a solemn decision in the interest to the peace and prosperity of the city of Magincia. The combined whole of the Shadow Conclave featuring a combined force from a majority of the guilds from the aforementioned group has descended upon the city of Pride on the Trammel facet and declared the dissolution of the Magincia Senate on both facets.

Using the precedence set by the Moonglow Council and their leader’s inestimable understanding of current events and the politics of the realm the Shadow Conclave is acting under a clear primacy in not only claiming Magincia and both its facets but in using the tactic of filibustering to dissolve the Senate. Therefore, it is with immense pleasure that I announce on behalf of the Conclave the newest city to join our ever-growing confederation, Magincia...

This evening the forces of the Shadow Conclave stormed the Magincian Parliament building finding its halls empty and devoid of any semi-balance of government, guards, or the paperwork of bureaucracy has decided to take action to bring order to a vacated government. The previous government of Magincia was dismissed in absentia for their ineptitude and idiocy with true government now returning to the city to bring stability, order, and prosperity. The combined Conclave forces allied with the noble Ne’Sveti of Kos Heb and Caina have held a coronation for the new Magincian Emperor inside the Parliament building. We are now awaiting a declaration about further governing from Emperor Konrad Ne’Sveti, the new ruler of the City of Pride.

*Signed in blood *

Treadeau Du’rome
Maginicia Parliament

Hail, good citizens of Sonoma.

The Sonoma Alliance needs your help with our education program. We are soon going to make a school for newcomers or "newbies" to learn all there is to know about our great land of Britannia. However, we need a small staff, probably two to four people, to help teach the newcomers. Classes are going to be held once or twice every week on weekends. Advanced knowledge of our world is needed, especially player versus player combat strategies, and magery combos. If interested in helping, you can contact me on ICQ (44940550).

--Zeromus Lightbringer, Minister of Education

Lord Anthrax has consistently maintained that he has been cheated from his birthright--one which supposedly includes an area east of Yew formerly called "Pegasus Bay" the founding of which was by the Saints of the True Covenant years ago. The Saints, having departed for Trammel, and leaving the area relatively unguarded, untended, and untenanted, returned recently to find it had been invaded and corrupted by the Dark Lords. They have pledged to restore it one day, but thus far, nothing has come of it. In the meantime, Lord Anthrax and his vile warriors have taken up residence thereabouts and have no plans nor reason to leave it ever again.

With his primary goal accomplished, Anthrax and the Dark Lords have set their sights on other regions, most notably those held by the Saints' oldest allies, the Moors. Of late, battles have taken place at Moor village where the Moors have fought valiantly, yet, usually outnumbered, have fallen prey to the insidious and dastardly attacks and ploys of the Dark Lords, led by Anthrax.

A challenge was issued recently by Archon Velsinn of the Moor Clan to Lord Anthrax, whereupon five warriors on each side would fight each other in single combat duels atop Moor tower at their village. The Dark Lords duly showed up for the battle, as did the Moors. What happened is a matter of conjecture, since there were no witnesses to the event, but it is believed that while the fighting raged above a minion of Lord Anthrax slipped away and stole the deed to the village itself! This was not discovered until later, and was reported to Lord Preceptor Strider of the Saints on Trammel by Archon Velsinn, at their induction ceremony that very night. Lord Anthrax was there and denied having stolen anything, of course. Thus he is now in a position to lay claim to the area in the name of the Dark Lords of Oggaroth, who are suspected of being members of the evil and subversive Shadow Conclave, whose ever-lengthening and dark tentacles are known to snake out into Felucca from Caina, the city of the dead.

If this comes about, and the Shadow Conclave actually gains more territory in and around Yew, Felucca, and the valiant Moors are forced out, legally, from their beloved homeland, the future indeed looks grim for the peace-loving folk of Yew Felucca who call it their home, for I am certain the depradations and excesses of that vile band will not end there by any means.

Ranger Itannar of STC

Rattler began exchanging items with his merhcant to sell at RD Store Front and also talking to Aphrodite. Soon the front metal doors opened to the tower and in walked SiNiStEr with a deed of sale in his hand. We did it exclaimed Sinister to Rattler as he slowly turned towards his guildmate. Rattler smiled as he realized that GLV had finally closed the deal on a large tower in Trammel. A cool breeze slide through the doorway as Reddevil walked in behind Sinister. RD said" then our alliance is complete then and the new auction is underway?" Rattler adjusting some prices for his hired merchant gleamed back" Aye RD, our carpenters will be fast at work to prepare, and I will have mages dispatched to mark runes for the new tower to be sold here so the current customers can reach the tower by magical means until we find ourself an excellant cartographer to map the location." Aphrodite looked up" RD, do you wish me to oversee the construction of the new auction roof while GLV sets up vendors and furniture throughout the tower?" RD replies" Aye mylady, did you not speak of a fellow named Myth with an uncanny nak at interior decorating?" Aphrodite glides across the floor in her blue leather armor shining at the crossjoints raising her arm and lifting her hand and with a doink of her index finger on RD's nose, a slow but teasing smile crossed her ruby like lips" well of course I did Goof, what part of I am good did you not understand?". Aphrodite smiled playfully and went back to looking over item registrations. RD Grinned " Well Rattler, I am very pleased to be allied with GLV on this venture and this gives Warriors, mages, and more the chance to sell off some of those high end items which they fear to sell in Felucia due to so many brigands showing up now."

RD looked out the door as pack horses began to come down the path with swords and glowing staves peeking out of bags along with Men on horse back with smiles of riches and dreams of selling their hard earned wares at this weeks auction.

YES, Testing is complete for the auction and the Unicode. Several tests were performed and it seems that the unicode problem is no longer affecting speech. So the Auction goes on! This Week ... Tommrow! Come to RD Store Front Auction Hall to buy what you can afford!

In two weeks RD Auction Hall sponsored by GLV will open its first Monthly Auction. This auction will serve all high rollers with big items and fear of loss in Felucia.

Why come to RD's ?
1. We know how to auction and we are the oldest auction on GL and we are the best!
2. We offer stabling at our felucia Auction!
3. We have ready vendors to serve your every need at both Trammel and Felucia sites!
4. We offer a Full Rune library and Treasure rune Library at the Felucia site!
5. and for most -------------------- WE DO IT FOR FREE------------------------

We serve the people and their needs to have fun
The Devil is out and our new location is coming! So do not miss another Auction
Join us for fun
Every Tues night 9pm est
Submission night Monday 8-9pm est
Payoff Night 8-9 pm est Wed
Follow the same rules of before for conduct and 2 item max submission per person please!

Find us at :
www.rdauctionhouse.com
RD Store Front Staff ---- RDG ------ GLV

Blackmores Inn happily announces the 2000th guest of the Tavern : Balor. A very surprised man was delighted to receive the prize of 2000 gp in hard cash *g*

I myself am happy that another 1000 guests has been reached so quickly, so I decided to make the prize for the 5000th guest a check for 10k! Until then...

Blackmore Inoxi, Tavernkeeper

As planed, this Sunday scouts were sent to Nohkmahr, where a meeting of the Dark Alliance was known to be held that very evening, organized by Frabagor the orc himself. While the scouts kept an close eye on Nohkmahr and the Yew Orc Fort the forces of Deepwater and Spiritwood gathered in Yew to strike swiftly as soon as the scouts would report the sighting of Frabagor. Apparently though, Frabagor seemed to have another schedule this evening as our scouts reported, that he was seen, but left quickly after he had arrived. Did they know about the ambush? Have they been warned? We do nay know, but the scouts reported that Frabagor said he would return within an hour. Now there we stood with our gathered force, gathered in Yew without a target to strike, so we returned to Spiritwood where the wedding of Mortimer and Aneeka was about to begin.

After a quick drink at the Spiritwood Tavern the people started to gather at the Townhall where the wedding was to be held. Mortimer, one of our local barkeeps already was present waiting fer his bride Aneeka to arrive. Just when the crowd had gathered though, a pigeon arrived from the north, bearing a message, that Frabagor had arrived in Nohkmahr nay long ago. The decision that was made was nay of our liking, but the call fer battle had gone out and so our forces left the ongoing wedding to gather fer the attack on Nohkmahr.

Our forces arrived about a mile north of the dreaded town and in the gloomy distance the dark spire of Nohkmahr could be seen looming over even the tall trees of Yew. A sudden chill overcame me looking at that spire, where I knew rituals of purest evil had taken place, but accompanied by so many brave warriors I quickly gathered strength and faith. As proposed by Beneviste our forces split. While the forces of Spiritwood along with Yoldran, the mayor of Moonglow were to attack from the north, the brave guards of Deepwater along with Bronco the vice mayor rode past the clearing in order to strike from the south. We nay had to wait very long when the first orcish riders of the Severed Head Orcs were seen scouting through the dense woods of Yew. As soon as we received the sign of the southern forces to be in position I ordered the attack. Taken by surprise the orcish scouts quickly retreated back into the cursed town with us pushing forth through their withdrawing ranks. Upon arriving in Nohkmahr I immediately spotted who had joined up with the orcs that evening. Proudly, sitting on their steeds they patiently awaited us, pointed ears and faces pale as death itself ... the drow had joined the battle of Nohkmahr. The clash of the opposing forces was enormous, war cries sounding over the battle field while spells and arrows filled the air. While our mages stood in the back, the warriors pressed forward, determinate to put an end to the Dark Alliance before it could be forged. While I tried to keep an eye on the warriors I saw Bronco entering the dark spire of Nohkmahr. Seeing the battle turning to our favour, I decided to ride after him. It was nay easy to gain entrance to that doomed building and it took me quite long before I stood in the gloomy entrance hall of the spire. Blood and bones everywhere and the stench unbearable fer a mortal soul, I nevertheless decided to follow. Suddenly a cry of agony could be heard from the roof and fearing fer the life of Bronco I sped up the stairs, deeper and deeper into that cursed tower. At the upper staircase I found Bronco ... dying, and looming over him the grinning face of Xirzin De'Muz, leader of the drow. Readying my spells I prepared to meet the drow on the roof. Unfortunately though, I had used more reagents as I had planed and so was quite surprised to see my spells fizzle into thin air. Luckily though, some of my men were already charging up the stairs. Xirzin, apparently the last remaining enemy was quickly surrounded and ordered to surrender. Cursing us though and yelling his denial he prepared to cast a spell at us although it never came to that. After setting the spire aflame we hurried to leave that god forsaken place of evil to join our remaining forces and to tend the wounded. The battle was fierce and brutal and a many brave souls left their lives, but in the end the victory was ours ... alas Frabagor could nay be found anywhere. 

In the meantime the wedding in Spiritwood sadly was over although a party was to be held at the Custodes tower. I invited everyone to join up to celebrate the young couple and to celebrate our victory, before I opened a gate home. Upon arriving at the Spiritwood Tavern though we were greeted by a man, introducing himself as Captain Sothe Willoughby of the Royal Guards of Lord British. Quite confused and tired from battle I asked what the occasion of his visit in Spiritwood would be and he explained: "A young man named Parnell was sent to guard Nystul. He.. apparently died though. But.. he had on him.. a most important piece of paper. The foolish lad  had not delivered it first. That is privileged information. It concerns the Royal Guards only. It MUST be retrieved. If you hear of it.. come and tell me at once at my liege's castle." And with those words he hastily left, speeding his horse towards Britain. Although an small group was sent to the Shrine of Sacrifice immediately no evidence of that missing guard could be found, but keep yer eyes open fer that document as I'm sure a reward will be given to the one retrieving it.

Returning from the Shrine we finally joined the wedding party at the tower, relieved and tired I sank into a chair and grabbed myself an ale. Tired, bruised and thoughtful I watched as people cheered the young couple and celebrated a great victory.

Yers in faith
Pad O'Lion

On Sunday 2/18/2001 The Knights of Sosaria held a rune drive for player run stores located in Trammel. We would now like to formally announce these runes are now installed and ready for use. We managed to gather over 100 runes during the drive. All have been checked, sorted, and installed. So come on by and see what great stores you have been missing out on. Just look for the purple shelves. We would like to thank everyone who donated a rune to their store and those that helped during the drive. If you missed our drive do not fret for we shall be holding another one soon. If you need directions to the library you may view the location at Elysium Rune Library

Sincerely,
Lord Breti, KOS

The Shard News Menu is a great resource for other shard news as well. Make sure you take a look at the other information it has to offer. As of now, you can use it to check out the uo.com guild listings for your shard. Additionally, make certain to look at the LORE section and read up on the past Interest personas that appeared on your shard and a detailed listing of the exclusive quest items that reside on your shard. Some of you can even find information for past and current quests. What's more, there's always a link to your shard's discussion forum, where you can meet and greet your fellow players.

We hope you enjoy all the great information we're bringing to your fingertips.

Avalon Naval Operations Merchandise Now Available!



The Avalon Naval Operations defends the shores of Avalon: City of Destiny, a player community on the Felucca facet of Ultima Online's Baja Shard. The ANO combines an official fleet, merchant vessels, and conscripted private ships—each of them full of Avalonians proud to serve & protect their home.

The City of Destiny is now proud to announce that you can share in the honor of supporting Avalon's fleet by owning your own ANO t-shirt, sweatshirt, baby-doll T, or 11oz. mug, now available at www.cafepress.com/avalonano/.

This new design joins the original "Avalon: City of Destiny" products, still available at http://www.cafepress.com/avaloncod/.

Read more about Avalon at www.avaloncity.org, or e-mail questions & comments to [email protected]. While supplies last.

Just a quick note to let you know that I've added another parody song - "Magic Corp Por Ride" to the website! Yes, the project continues!!

Some more exciting news coming in a matter of days - plus, lot's of activity heating up - more songs, UO fiction readings, and more coming *very* soon!

Thanks again for your support!

Due to an interesting quirk in our catalog system, all books recently discovered and collected by assistant Librarian Sabine already have made their home on existing shelves. This means shelf ten is still empty at the Library of Knowledge, but not for long. We have declared shelf ten to have the theme of "Education Materials" and are looking for valuable contributions to help fill it up.

The Library of Knowledge is having another contest and here is how you can help us.

Theme: How to books

How to (enter):

• Books may be written by and for anyone, from beginner to advanced. Please mark at the beginning of your book the appropriate learning level for your readers. Please include your name.
• You can write your book on any topic you know about and want to share, from Conversational Britannian to Deep Sea Fishing. The more creative, the better. Your book can be technical or narrative.
• Books should not contain any recommendations that are considered "illegal" or highly questionable practices that may be frowned upon.

Hint (to get you started):
Many good examples of books are available at the Mage Tower. Blank books may be purchased at Heph and Imp's shop next to the mage tower, any big city provisioner, scribe, or monk.

When to (have them done): February 27th - March 7th.

Where to (turn them in): Chino and Sabine will be available some evenings to collect entries, or contact our magical quill ([email protected]) to make arrangements.

What to (expect from the judges): Books will be judged on three criteria: helpfulness, clarity, and creativity.

Prizes: 15,000gp will be awarded to the most helpful book. 10,000 gp will be given to the first runner up and 5,000 gp to the second runner up.

-Sabine and Chino, Destiny Librarians

This eve so far has been the worst attack on Harmony yet. I must say I was a bit thrown off guard a couple evenings ago by a raiding party of ratmen and large serpents, but tonight has opened all eyes of citizens in Harmony as well as travellers.

A few of us were gathered around the Boars Head Tavern, when all of a sudden an earth elemental was spotted by Enchilada, one of the Order of the Silver Serpent who was passing by. Considering the recent attacks, this started an uproar in town. Demands from myself as well as other guard in town were being yelled out. After our defense was prepared, several more air, earth, water and fire elementals started to emerge out of the woods near the tavern. The first to respond to the attack were the Order of the Silver Serpent who were called to assist in defense. Lieutenant Commander Brian was present as lead of the Order, forming up the ranks of defense. Joining his side was Grand Admiral, Witchfinder Gen of the Sea Serpents. Also the other town guilds again unified to defend Harmony once again from this threat, as well as other travellers who were visiting. The battle lasted through several waves of elemental. The attack ceased long enough for everyone to catch their breath.

As soon as we began to muster our defenses again, thinking that the worst was possibly over, some of us almost fainted by what was seen forcing its way through the woods. These elementals are only seen in the deep depths of Dungeon Shame. Two of the most hideous of elementals were pushing their way through the trees, a blood elemental and a poison elemental. After they were beaten, several others followed behind along with an acid elemental. These attacks still leave behind no clues as to who is behind this. We had several deaths in Harmony this eve compared to the last few attacks. The waves are becoming more powerful and the elementals more dreadful. If anyone has any information leading to this threat, please direct your aide to Duchess Lady Blue Kendrick or her Knights of Harmony.

And again, thank you to all who have assisted to defeat these most dread of elementals tonight. The town of Harmony thanks you tremendously for your efforts to keep it safe.

Daryth Silver
Commander of the Knights
Knights of Harmony (KoH)

Hail, Dravec S'ynn here, they mayor of the Trammel city, Riverside. The tourney will be held at Rivendell. We have made it so anyone may enter. There is a 1k Entry Fee. The winner will get half of all the fees. Second place will get 1/4th. This will happen Tuesday, Feb. 27th. The Rules go as...

• No Looting
• No Magic Weps
• No Magic Armor
• No Poisoned Weps
• No Pets
• No Mounts
• No Hiding or Invising
• No Hitting the people sparring
• Illegal Spells: Feild Spells, Earthquake, EV, BS
• Unlimited Potions (No Explosion Potions *purple*)
• Unlimited Trapped Pouches
• There is precasting and Predrinking.

If no person is killed within five minutes, the judges shall determine a winner.

You shall flag on me, so no counts will be delivered. Thank ye and I hope to see you there.

Signed,
Dravec S'ynn

Want to know which faction is "roxxing" the AOL Legends world? Go to the new UO.com AOL Legends Factions News Page. Everything you've ever wanted to know about which factions are dominating our fair shard in terms of kill points. Visit and marvel at our PvP "l33t."

Please notice that a factions section has been added to the sidebar of this page with direct links to these faction rankings. Thanks to Xena Dragon for the new links!

Praise Minax!

Tanya Ironfist sent us the following party invitation:

The City of Concordia, a player-run town located near the big swamps north of Trinsic, are coming to you with a new tavern! Its inhabitants built a tavern for all that need a rest, seek some companionship or just want to have fun.

So if you are thirsty or your shoes are almost gone from wandering Sosoria, then this is the place to come to. Come and stay with us for a while, wet your gorge, let your feet rest for a moment.

The tavern is located a bit north of the town center, right inside the PoM tower which currently also serves as townhall. Also located in the City of Concordia is the Concordia shopping centre, that has goods for sale for everyone.

"Ye Olde Concordian Taverne" now brings you the following events.

• Dart Contest
• Casino Night
• Auction
• Lottery
• Summoning Contest
• Poem Recital
• Fashion Show
• And all sorts of celebrations

All these events are being lead by atleast one of our volunteer bartenders and of course you are invited to have a drink.

For self organized events like birthdays, meetings of all kind, weddings, you can make a reservations to use our tavern for the occassion.

On Sunday the 4th of March at 18.00 and it will last approximately 2 hours, you are invited to come for the opening and casino night in our fair tavern. After that the bar will remain opened until late in the night. The only thing you need to bring is your good mood, some money for the drinks and bets. Gates will be opened from Britain east and west bank, Trinsic west bank, Moonglow and Skara Brae from 17.45 till 17.55.

If you are interested in all this, then visit our page.

Hope to see you all at the opening of the tavern and May light shine on thy path!

Go with the virtues!

While checking out the Vesper graveyard today (26Feb01) I found this strange sight. A blacksmith guildmaster ghost by the name of John Barnham. He was standing next to his headstone, which was also marked.

He would only acknowledge that he was John Barnham and nothing more. I tried to Resurrect him, but to no avail...

--Lord Brad
(GM Adventurer - CBS)

*** A Grand Event! ***

Greetings one and all. The United Blacksmiths of Britain is pleased to announce the first annual.

Blacksmithing contest and Bazaar.

It is out hope that this will fast become a Monthly event and one that travelers from all over the lands will plan to attend. This first event shall be held on March 11 the year of our lord 2001. This first time event shall be held in the Blacksmiths guild just outside the western gates of Britain in the Trammel facet at 7 p.m. PST. Future events may be held at other towns and on other facets. We shall see how things go this first time out.

There will be a blacksmithing contest for GM and Master craftsmen alike to compete in. Both of which will be open for all who wish to compete. There shall also be UBB members on hand to provide the standard services you would expect from a Grand Master Blacksmith.

So, bring your favorite hammer and your strength. There is no doubt that all contestants shall be up against the best our shard has to offer. If you are not a Blacksmith, but wish to find a place to sell other wares, please fell free to attend. There is sure to be no shortage of rich citizens with gold for you to tempt.

As always, there is no service fee for repair work done by UBB members. Others may ask for a small donation but it is never much and always fully worth the piece of mind one gets from armor or weapons in full repair.

Now on to what you are all wondering, what can you win?

In the Grandmaster category the grand prize will be 1000 - 2000 Valorite ingots. A rarer metal there is not to be found in our land. All contestants shall use iron ingots in the contest so as not to deplete our mountain's precious reserves.

In the Master category the grand prize shall be 1000 - 2000 Verite ingots. While they are not as rare as Valorite, they are still one of the rarest colors of metal to be found. As with the Grand Master contest iron ingots shall be used in competition.

No cheating shall be permitted in either contest and all bags are subject to inspection prior to the start of competition.

Look for future updates on this event on this board. There shall be information on how to enter the contest as well as any other updates.

We hope to see everyone there and having a good time. If this event is successful then there will be future events in various towns and sponsored spots throughout our lands.

Till then,

Ivan Hammerfist
UBB Sonoma
ICQ# 72893812

I know you guys have been wanting an update. We've been working hard trying to figure out what happened. First off, let me say it had nothing to do with the Above.net/ATT stuff also going on over the course of the last few days.

Seems like there was/is a problem with our BGP sesssion with Above.net. It was sporadically flaking out. We fixed it by routing out a different peer we have with Above.net, through a different router. However, we are still working on our cores but that shouldn't affect traffic coming in.

I'll see if I can post more info as we continue to work on the problem.
Sorry I don't have more info right now. Regards,

Ruben

Factions -- I love em. I had fought in the Chaos/Order battles for quite a while, and liked those too. One thing I have come to miss from those battles is the fun we had AFTER the fighting. We would sit around talking for a while, complimenting each other on our efforts and exchanging battle tactics.

Rez-Killing is so rampant in Faction battles that we don't really get a chance to say, "good battle".

I am happy to be opening SonomaFactions.com. It is my hope that the forums there will meet our need to communicate with each other -- friend and foe alike.

Each faction has its own PRIVATE message base. Just as in the game, you can change your faction once a week.

I hope to see you all at SonomaFactions.com

As a Celebration for the marriage of Polgara and Vonce Intrepid and also for the Opening of our Tavern in our Newly Born City Gryphons Rest, AIS invites all of the Atlantic Shard to join the festivities.

The Festivities will be held on Saturday March 3rd at 9:30pm EST. It will be held at the AIS town East of Britain (Trammel facet). Gates will be provided from Skara Brae (Trammel) to the location within which the festivities will begin.

What are these festivities i hear you ask! All the festivities we will be hosting are aimed even for the Young of our Shard! The festivities will include:

A Treasure Hunt consisting of 6 Questions/Riddles each leading you to a different location where a guide will be waiting to hand you the next Riddle/Question. Complete the treasure hunt and claim your prize at the final Guide. Everyone wins, no one loses!! The only modifying factor is a time limit of 1 hour! Prizes will be 2000gold/a set of GM made Leather Armor/GM studded is a possibility and various other trinkets we decide to throw in.

There will also be the Vendor of Keys. A vendor full of keys, each key costing 500gp. You can take this key and try it on 2 chests. If you are lucky enough to pick one of the winning keys you get to keep the chest. The chests will contain a cheque for 30000gold, a set of GM made Plate mail, a set of GM made colored Leather Armor, a GM made set of colored Studded Armor, various GM made weapons and a selection of semi-rares and much much more!

There will also be a Chicken Fight!! You may either bring your own chicken or buy one of our marvelous flock for 10gold. The chickens will then be released in a ring and provoked to attack each other. 1st prize is 7000gold 2nd 5000gold 3rd 3000gold

There will be a Naked Drunk Wrestling contest (clothing optional)! One of the first of its kind, each contestant will be required to drink 3 bottles of ale before entering the ring a fighting it out tournament style to the death, no heals or aids. 1st place will receive 7000gold plus 3 of each bottle of alcohol(totaling 12 bottles) 2nd place 5000gold and 8 bottles 3rd place 3000gold and 4 bottles

Finally in the tavern itself will be obscene amounts of devastatingly cheap alcohol and food beyond your wildest dreams, dice to play, checkers and chess. Gamble and drink your night away until you can stand no longer!!!!

What say you fellow Traveler? Does this appeal to you? A fun packed evening with some of the best festivities yet to be seen this year! Well join us, join AIS in our celebration of the year!!!

Hope to see you there
Regards
Bartok-Blood Ranger-AIS

I would like to take a few moments here and talk about scams and the people that use them.

Several people have written in lately telling of their stories of loss and anger. Let me first state that UOSS is a NEWS site and CANNOT help you resolve a scamming issue (in game) in any way. If you have been scammed please call a GM/Councelor and speak to them. Or if your not satisfied with them then visit www.uo.com/mail.html. And send them a DETAILED message on how you were scammed. I'm sure they can help you from there. I should say that OSI is VERY serious about scams. It is absolutely against the ToS and IS a BANNABLE offense. As many "l33t dUd3z" have learned in the past.

Many scammers say "iF tH3 r dUm nuF 2 fAl 4 iT tH3n iz tHi3r pRoB." This is totally crazy and I rank it up there with "duD3 iTz jUs a gAm". That is the hallmark of a true jerk. They know what they have done is wrong and are seeking to justify it any way they can.

I say this. If your so "lAm3" that you have to scam or cheat your way through a game, then you need to go back to kindergarten and learn how to work with others. To bad no one has made a macro for social skills.

In closing let me state again that UOSS cannot post any SPECIFIC scamming posts (to many potential legal issue there). Although we will post on things such as fake emails and general scams going around. Basically I wanted you to know that as we DO NOT work for OSI we cannot help you resolve a scamming issue. So I urge you to give OSI a detailed description of what happened and send it to them. After all it's, UNFORTUNATELY, part of what you pay $9.95 for.

Joe Woodwright
UOSS Chesapeake Reporter

On St. Patrick's Day, March 17, the town of Mythndale will host the Britannian Society of Chefs first Chef Faire! The Faire begins at 11am eastern time and will continue until approximately 2pm. The BSC is a new cross-shard guild which will be holding Chef Faires weekly on all major shards, starting with Chesapeake. For more information on the BSC visit the website at www.wedgieonline.com/bsc/index.shtml

Events will include a horse race, an ostard race, a pie eating contest, a scavenger hunt, and much more. There will be plenty of free food and ale so wear your green and come out to support your local chefs!

Directions to Mythndale:
Mythndale Village, Chesapeake Shard, Trammel Facet, 28o 33 S 14o 28 E (within walking distance of Britian). Website: www.chessienet.com/mythndale

--Honeybee, Hostess of Chesapeake's chapter of the BSC

I am honored to announce the upcoming wedding for Bellona and Ashen-Shugar of the Chesapeake shard. Since the bride does not know very many people in Britannia yet, the groom has informed me that anyone and everyone is invited to attend the ceremony. The wedding is scheduled for Thursday, March 8th at 7pm eastern time. It will be held at the top of Treasure Tower, which is located at 95o 53'N, 50o 50'E in Trammel on the Chesapeake shard.

Sincerely,
Lady Tygress
Wedding Coordinator

Lady Dreamcatcher submitted the following:

Of late I have heard the bards singing a strange tune, with a haunting melody, particularly near Minoc. I wanted to relate it to Britannian citizens for it seems like a warning of sorts.

It goes like this:

A vessel was sinking, 'tis true, 'tis true
The captain was coming ashore from the blue
And stumbled upon a battle of two
While larger blood-fights were beginning a-new.

An ill-advised captain jumped onto the boat
And patched up the holes; it remained afloat
The boat's old owner was already on land
And silent footsteps imprinted the sand

He watched from the shadows the fighting that night
'Twixt arrogant fools believing they're right
And faulty illusions of power and might
Denying self-knowledge of weakness and fright

The ill-advised captain bragged to his band
"See something funny! This key in my hand! ...
... 'Tis to that great vessel! I patched a leak-hole in!"
But little he knew the vessel was stolen.

The boat's old owner was no normal sailor
Arpana from Ocllo, but not smith or tailor.
But rather a rogue, and feared in the land
The sextant and dagger on his shoulder brand.

He marked some runes, and laughed at the chatter --
His hollow chuckle near caused them to scatter --
And said with a whisper that rustled the leaves
"Prepare for invasion by Army of Thieves!"

Army of Thieves:www.angelfire.com/rpg/thiefarmy

*smiles faintly, picking up a pen and writing once again*

My friends, companions, and brothers.. great news has found it's way into the land again.. the search for Evie Vandergellen is officially over, with the noble, heroic Ryu coming to save her, sacrificing his life to save hers. I came to find out that the plan of stealth to save her went well, despite Ryu being slain quickly after freeing Evie from her bondage. She quickly ran off, while Lag and others came to help her escape with her life, and then with the help of Isobel, Boromir of the Royal Knights of Britannia and Redemption, and countless others, assaulted the grounds of the sacrifice, dealing justice to the followers of the Cult, and the Warder Willows, serpents, and other vile beasts that arose to attempt to slay the lot of us. In the end.. it came that all was still, and the Cult's members and Exetor himself, slain.

Following this, we met again with Evie at her lab, to which she reported to be elated, thankful for everyone who came to save her, and many a gift was laden upon her.. but Evie also told those present that she had indeed acquired a seed of the ancient tree, the Death Willow.. and has planted it.. perhaps.. though the Ancient Tree be corrupted, there be light from it's seeds.. who knows.. for we all shall come to find this out. I thank Edguardo, Boromir, and others for relaying this information, as I was delayed in arriving there.

May the good spirits protect us all.
Aryn

• Events This Week - Drop by #entropiahoc this Wednesday, February 28th, at 6pm CST for another Entropia House of Commons chat with the game's designers! And don't forget our Ultima Online House of Commons on Thursday, March 1st, at 7pm CST in #uohoc.
• Underground Open - It's Round 3 for the UGO Underground Open. Be sure to check it out and cast your vote for Michelle Yeoh, star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and official Stratics mascot.
• Stratics Central - Have you checked out the logs for our January Dev Debates on the topic of Permanent Death? Coming up is our next round of Dev Debates, with the topic focusing on Massive Scale PvP.
• Stage 1 Stratics - Long thought dead, it has been confirmed that Sierra Studios is still at work on the MMOG version of Middle-Earth under a whole new design team. Check out Middle Earth Stratics later this week as we relaunch with an entirely new look.
• Anarchy Online Stratics - Excited about Beta3? AOS plans to bring you more exclusive Beta3 screenshots and news this week, so check in often.
• Asheron's Call Stratics - AC Stratics has posted three new Quest Guides: The Focusing Stone, the Major Stinging Stone, and the Fenmalain Crystal. Plus a small update on Level VII spells.
• Atriarch Stratics - Last week was certainly a fun one. We kicked off our first Commuity Story Event (Which you can still get involved in!), and also spent some time visiting with Serafina in #Atriarch, on Stratics IRC. Check the Atriarch Stratics news for logs of these DevChats, then join #atriarch and participate in one!
• Camelot Stratics - Camelot Stratics has opened up a debate board. Join us in a weekly discussion with MMORPG players about Camelot or MMORPG's in general. This week: Do you think it is proper for children of young age to be engaged so fully in a game?
• EverQuest Stratics - EverQuest Stratics presents four new articles for your enjoyment and education! First a General Rogue Starting Guide, and a guide to a new character who is a Half-elf and Follower of Tunare. For the more advanced player, we have the guide to Leveling Efficiently with a Magiciancentric Group, and finally, for those who have an interest in role-play, we present The Simple Art of Online Role Playing: A Practical Guide.
• JumpGate Stratics - Visit JumpGate Stratics to keep up to date with the latest patches.
• Neocron Stratics - This week, NCS will host a brand new Neocron movie. Drop in... download... and see almost 8 mins worth of cyberpunk gameplay.
• Neverwinter Stratics - NWN Stratics has opened up a new forum for discussion of the latest edition of AD&D rules and how they will impact your characters in Neverwinter Nights. Check out the NWN D&D 3rd Edition Rules Discussions forum today.
• Origin Stratics - One of the great things about the Origin community is the talent and imagination of the fans. As a result, we have dedicated an entire section on our site to promoting their work called the Cultural Center. As an example, make sure to check out dozens of great pieces of art in our Player Art Gallery!
• Shadowbane Stratics - The winners of our Concept Art Contest have been announced! Check out Shadowbane Stratics to see the winning entries and which guilds they belong to!
• Ultima Online Stratics - With the coming of the UO:Third Dawn expansion the tool builders have been very active also. Come see what the officially approved UO Auto Map, UO Curse Tool, and UO Magic Tool have in store to support the latest addition to UO.
• WWII Online Stratics - World War II Online Stratics presents to you a weekly story by our storyteller Eurotanker. Also make sure to take a look at our history section where GenrlBurns has written real facts about World War II.

We received this note from Aldameir:

Together they sat in the Office of Aldameir. A meeting was taking place and Lord Beril started to talk "Greetings all and welcome. I have gathered ye all here today to inform ye that our Beloved Sir Nerok hath discovered an ancient and old text. It is about a certain ring named Kemmelar.”

The meeting proceeds as Sir Nerok explains from his studies and what he had learned so far from the mystic ring. Everyone sits silent and listens amazed. The air is filled with expectations and eager to start looking for this relic that have for so long been hidden to mankind. He ends his briefing and tells all to start their search in library as he have collected all books he could about this.

Lord Beril once again taking up the word proceeds: "Tis not an easy task and it may take long, but if this ring should fall into wrong hands." Let us all hope that we find it before any of wrong intentions do.

"Yes M’lord" , is heard over the room. "Fer the Glory of Aldameir!"

And as one after one steps out from the office to start their study’s, Lord Beril himself is left in deep thoughts and a concerned face.

Signed Druid Tar

It is time for Siege Perilous' Bi-weekly. Be sure to check with your in-game local town cyrer at 7pm CST Monday 02/26/01. Last one was cleansing the shrines of Minax's evil influence. This could be a tournament to another chapter in the on-going saga of Sosaria.

Bi-weekly Events

Sara Gules
Wandering Healer

Hail citizens of Pacific:

Are you bored of the same old thing? Are you looking for a real challenge on Ultima Online? Do you want a check for 400,000 gp? If you said yes to all of these questions then we want you to participate in our Ultima Online SURVIVOR contest!

You and 11 other people will be stranded on a island somewhere in the Britannia seas. You will struggle to maintain alliances with your team mates and at the same time struggle to win immunity challenges. There will be two tribes. There will be many sub-prizes and challenges. You ask how to be one of the twelve castaways?

Send me the top 3-5 reasons why you deserve to be in this event! Only 12 people will be accepted. They can be funny, financial, and serious reasons.

Time: 6 pm Pac
Date: March 3rd
Where: Only the winning players will be told.
EMAIL and SIGN-UP

If you get to be one of the 12 people more details will be given if any questions arise e-mail me. (This event is based on the TV show of the same name.)

Sincerly Mr.T of Pacific

I regret to inform everyone that I am unable to reopen my tavern at this time as my staff and I are unable to connect to any west coast
server. The problems have gotten worse for the last 3 days and now I can not even log in at all.

I will try to reopen the tavern as soon as the connectivity issues with the west coast servers are resolved. Sorry for the late breaking news folks but I was unable to attempt to log in soon enough for much notice.

Perhaps we will have better luck in a few days.

I will try to keep everyone updated on the status of the reopening on my web site for the Jovial Jester.

Win a Set of Rares Hunting Runebooks! Lottery Vendor at the Swanton Bomb!

The Swanton Bomb is proud to welcome Absynthe, the Lottery Vendor, to our home! The Lottery Vendor is exactly that - a lottery! There are 10 pouches available for sale at 3000gp each. Inside each pouch is a locked chest, with a prize inside! No one walks away empty handed!

The top prize for this week's lottery is a set of 2 exceptional rares runebooks!! The first is a Trammel Daily Rares book, with 9 Locations (a 9+ charge book). The second book is a Trammel Semi Rares book, with 14 Locations (also a 9+ charge book). This prize is worth 13,000 gold pieces!

The remaining prizes are as follows: 1 - Set of 2 exceptional empty runebooks, worth 1,800gp! 1 - Pouch of 1,000 gold pieces 1 - Set of 25 Recall scrolls (valued at 1,375 gold pieces!) 5 - Sets of 10 Recall scrolls (valued at 550 gold pieces!) 1 - Semi-Rare Bone Container (valued at 600 gold pieces!)

So, come on! Take a shot at winning a set of Rares Hunting Runebooks at 10K below retail price! Lottery pouches are for sale on a first-come, first-served basis!

Also available for sale at the Swanton Bomb: Completed Runebooks: Trammel Semi-Rares, Daily Rares, Moongates, Shrines, Cities, Dungeons, Lost Lands Entrances. Felucca: Faction Strongholds, Scrolls in bulk and individually (all 8 circles), completed spellbooks, 1-5th Circle spellbooks, round-trip moonstone kits, reagents, magic weapons and armor, shipwreck treasures, semi-rare items, GM colored suits of armor, magic and exceptional archery weapons, arrows, bolts, true black cloth, and more!



Join the Fun at the Swanton Bomb!
Thanks!

Kitiara
UO Merchant Alliance
Webmaster & Administrator

This Doth Bode Well - The Wedding of Molly and Ragnar Teach
"Bah, late again!" I said, shoving my way past the thieves and the assorted sundry types that hang around the Britian moongate. I dashed to the Hungry Halfling and lept into the first available Moongate. "Ah, a peaceful guild warI thought, watching men on horseback chase each other down, thieves going at everyone's belongings, and everyone else attacking the thieves. Cries of Por Corp Wis, In Nox, and Corp Por rang through the air, swords clashed, and orcs ran around, trying to chase off the riffraff, who mainly babbled in insane tongues and wore death robes or were naked. "Ah, thieves, murderers, scoundrels, and the like... such a wonderful war..." "Garrett, it's a wedding." Annunzio reminded me. "What?! Oh bah!!" I said. "This should certainly have been held indoors!" So we waited. And waited. Thirty minutes passed. Then fourtyfive. Annunzio left. Several hundred deaths raged on, making the water of the waterfalls run red. Lilyth Noir struck down a thief, only to be attacked by a dozen mages and die. Some crazed man ran off with her dress, wearing it, before someone killed him. Phle'g'm admitted that he always cries at weddings. Finally, the representatives of Lord British showed up in their green robes, and, in a startling display of power, left, telling us that they would be back later. This, of course, was totally false, but Rangar and Molly were on their way via a gate already. When Ragnar arrived, a dozen or so mages shouted, Ragnar died, and had his wedding gifts stolen from him - namely a glacial staff and a war mace of vanquishing. "A good show by the king's men!" I thought, quietly applauding the representatives of Lord British. Then Molly, distraught as she was, opened a gate back to the halfling. I hopped in, expertly manuvering my way through the crowd - and someone made Molly pay for opening the gate with her life, and stole the reagents from her body before vanishing. So we sat in the Halfling, where Molly locked out the more dubious elements. Wildboy offered the use of the Sunset Knights castle, and we were off again, after a few people loaned Molly the reagents to gate us there. Eventually, after much organizing by Wildboy and Rog Fud, the guests were assembled, though the wedding party was not. So, as we had done so often that night, we waited. After what seemed like thirty minutes, though it was an eternity (or is it vice-versa?), Molly, Ragnar, and one of the blue-robed king's men showed up outside the Castle, with Aleph Aeris in tow to perform the service. The king's man, I hear his title was councilor, vanished, no doubt off to more important duties. Then, to everyone's enjoyment, Aleph Aeris performed the service via the authority vested in him as the Oracle of Truth, and Molly and Ragnar were, finally, wedded. I gave them my gift, a bedroll, and, with much winking and nudging, bade them to make good use of it. Once my winking and nudging had grown excessive, gates were provided to the Serpent's Cross - how lucky a man Ragnar is to have married a beautiful barkeep! Well, after that my memory grows into an alchohol clouded stupor. I know that the orcs dropped by to congratulate the newly weds, William Smit the IV hired me to make several thousand books for a half gold coin, and something about a dispute with a labor union. My only hope to the newly weds is that they show the same perserverance in marriage as they did in trying to get married, for I know that, no matter what difficulties had to be overcome - and do not think for a moment that they were not - this wedding day will remain one of the happier days of their lives. In the words of Aleph Aeris, "May the best days of your past be the worst days of your future!"

Garrett Granth Guildmaster, Master Author Guardians of Lore

 

Lord Aeron the wise visited us and told us of an evil necromancer Lady called Lynn. He told us that we could find the part of the book "Domain". At a heavy guarded temple what was later shown to be the ophedian lair. With the help of one of the Lord's warriors , Lady Aeradan , we started our attack on the lair. After beginning successes we were thrown back by strong ophedian forces. Some honorable guards lured the ophedians away so the others could recover their gear and jump back into battle to uphold the Militia's honor ! Hurray ! Some noble guards who bravely kept outside the battle and looked at their fighting comrades walked behind the front into the fort and took the book.

After we were back  we handed the book to Lord Aeradan who gave it to the Militia after we granted to protect it against the "dark forces" which are searching all parts. He also granted to inform us about upcoming happenings.

Guardsmen officials will now be working with the Custodes Fati who are believed to have the other part of the book.
The work of those who found a heroic dead during the battle will never be forgot!

Guardsmen Militia - www.kenned.com/guardsmen

Captain Romvin

G'luck in catching the evil lady!

New users or upgraders can simply download the complete setup file as this fix has now been included.

Tell your story here on Stratics SP! There are many untold stories in UO that need the telling. This is not necessarily a RP forum for stories but I certainly hope that we do get some RP stories. These stories do not necessarily need to be part of an RP plot either: some of the best tales are derived from the moment and are a product of chance or fate.

Put the story in your own words, meaning, you dont need to be an accomplished writer to tell your tale. If you want to use plain language, go for it! Elaborate imagery is not necessary: it is the content that counts!

When sending stories, please refrain from using language intended to cause harm to another player. Have fun with this, it is a celebration! Farewell and safe journey!

Please submit character name and and email address so that you can be contacted (just click on the name/email link at the bottom of this article). Then a meeting in-game will be setup for an interview. Not only will the player in question be interviewed, but other players that have experience with aforemention PvPer will also be sourced.

Let's hear from you out there in PvP land! Get your name in lights! Be the envy of the shard by having your elite skills documented in writing for all to admire!

Translated from Drow:
Vendui' Ilythiiri,

I am Malaggar Veldrin, leader of the drow sect of the Dark Tower. Within the past we have looked down upon the surface dwellers who forced us into the dark netherworld, but those times have past. Acceptance is no longer an issue; tolerance has become a standard for the people of all races. The Dark Tower is leading the way in this new world, and I ask you to join me in helping to create a new foundation in which the drow still do not accept the humans as an equal class, but have tolerance for their pathetic ways. In three days I shall be traveling to despise in search of more who would follow me, I ask that you who are ready to take a step into a new age be there, to join me and the Dark Tower.

OOC: Recruiting all of Drow origin, come to Despise on tuesday, February 27th at 7 PM PDT to join the Dark Tower's Sect of the Drow. Roleplaying and pvp backgrounds are encouraged but not required. This is not a "RoXX0r" guild or group and we will not accept anyone who is here only to be a "c0oL D3wD" and pk. More on the drow sect requirements will be stated after recruitment. For information on how to make a drow character for UO and how to speak the drow language please visit the following urls:
Drow 1
Drow 2
Drow 3

Bel'la dos lueth Aluve',
Malaggar Veldrin [DT]

Thank you Malaggar Veldrin for this information! I for one am studying the Drow language, in the hopes that one day I will meet a drow and be able to say: 'Just becuase you live underground does not mean that you are beneath us'. Farewell and safe journey!

It seemed a normal evening as we gathered at the Tavern in our City. We chatted about the happenings of the day and relaxed over an ale, enjoying the peace of our town. All of a sudden we heard loud voices and screams outside. To our horror, the screaming was coming from a horde of evil pirates, high in numbers, that were storming towards our city gates!

As quickly as possible we gathered up our weapons and lined up to protect our town! "Stormeye curses you!" the leader of the brigands, Brutus, yelled at us and a long and hard fight was to follow. Many of our brave fighters and heroes did not survive the heat of the battle and the pathways through our town were littered with the corpses of pirates and Dragons. Finally, with the help of our elite guard, the Dragon Avengers, we were able to defeat the evil brigands that wanted to raid our town! A great victory for the Dragon Clan and a great victory for Dragon Town! After the fight we healed our wounded and studied a book that was found on the corpse of the leader, Brutus. We remembered him shouting "Stormeye curses you!", but what does it mean for us? What does it mean for our town? The book held little clue as to the reasons for the raid, except that the horde was under the orders of a Captain Stormeye.

It would seem that our town is in great danger! Of course, Dragons will not lay down and we will fight for our town 'til none are left standing - we will never give up! Dragon Town will stay strong with us defending it! Do you want to know more about the Dragon Clan or its events? Just stop by the Dragon Clan or send us a scroll.
Calimerion

The UBB on the Drachenfels continues their market tour throughout our fair land on both the Trammel and Felucca Facet. We will provide leather/metal armour, scrolls, potions and other items - all at reasonable prices. The route we will follow is:

• Minoc - 26.02 at 20.00 CET(Monday)
• Moonglow - 27.02 at 21.00 CET(Tuesday)
• Vesper - 07.03 at 20.00 CET(Wednesday)

Vesper is our last City on the Trammel Facet, and tourdates for Felucca are:

• Britain - 08.03 at 21.00 CET(Thursday)
• Minoc - 12.03 at 20.00 CET(Monday)
• Delucia - 13.03 at 21.00 CET(Tuesday)

Now some might ask themselves the questions 'Why do a tour on both sides? Being a Crafting guild isn't it logical to remain within Trammel and let the customers come to us?'. Yes it would, but we of the UBB provide a service to the whole Community and we have to accept that some of our Customers simply find Trammel an awful place that they should never have to visit. By making this tour on both facets, we hope that our Guild can and will provide a service to all who live in our land.

Based on the success we have had so far, and the feedback from the customers, we plan on making this an ongoing thing. We have not made up a long term plan yet, but will keep you informed.

You may want to send people to the Innoculate IT web site. It's a FREE background scanner with auto updates and technical support. It is ranked up with Norton and Mac, and came in below them ONLY because of its vanilla explorer interface, which is better anyway. PC magazine and others rate it equal in finding viruses with Mac and Norton. It scans all incoming mail for viruses, and automatically notifies you. I run it with the free Zone Alarm firewall, and have yet to be infected by backdoor or other malicious attachments.

The Jovial Jester Tavern has reopened!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be reopening my tavern on Sunday February 25, 2001 at 8pm PST. There will be 3 events that occur during the evening.

Contests will be:

The Sosarian Rat race - You will need to bring your own tame rat for this event. Rats can be found in the woods outside the tavern also but beware of brigands. :)

Drunken Darts - I think just about everyone has seen this event before. If not rules can be found on the web site below.

Comedy Contest - Each person gets to tell up to 3 jokes and the jokes must all be clean and related to UO in some way. There will be a 5 minute time limit to tell all 3 jokes.

If you would like more information or directions to the tavern please visit
our web site.

The sonoma server is just too unstable at this time to hold any events like this I am sorry for any dissappointment.
And I hope to see you all there next week. Yes the Sonoma Festival of Fun will be postponed until some time next weekend, please watch here for updates.

Cheer's

Darkwing,
Prince, IoA
Queen's Hand, G-a

Other improvements: UO Curse now supports more text sets and the new Third Dawn gestures. UO Magic has been tweaked to switch to the UO window faster when casting spells. Because of some new support files that have to be installed there is no Update version available, you'll have to download and install the full package.

Enjoy!

Aryn?

For Aryn's report on Day 4 of WHEN SHRUBBERY ATTACKS, please read here.

Hail and well met all! I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you about the fantastic Fight Night that was hosted by Elder Daven and Seer Oberon last night on the Felucca shard in the Jhelom pits. One word can best describe the impact this had on our shard- Stunning.

Warriors and mages from all around gathered with high spirits to the crier call telling the populace that there was to be a tournament of grand proportions held in Jhelom that eve, and they most certainly did heed the call! My count was that over one hundred and fifty citizens from all walks of life came and participated. The event was so incredibly captivating and moving, that a good ninety percent stayed for the entire four hours of the contest of strength and brawn.

The fight featured some of Britannia's hugest and most notable guilds coming together for the first time to watch and participate in the festivities. The fight pitted warrior against mage, and each against the other as well, in bid for a *uniquely* named sash and a pot of gold. (the sashes being the driving force of 100 of those 150). In all my time, I have yet to see this much cooperation between the factions, to achieve a common goal, and there were representatives of ALL four there vying for the sash. A grand site indeed.

The tournament signup lasted for a short period of time at around 9:00 EST p.m. and accepted were 32 of the first with brave enough heart to apply for the tournament. Seers Oberon and Elder Daven marched the contestants off to a holding area, and one by one, Referee Vincent pitted the men against each other in eliminaton style battle. Macers, axers, mages, and even an archer climbed high into the ranks reaching for that covetted golden sash, each undoubtedly motivated more than they had been the entire year. Fortunately and surprisingly, the referee was able to keep the more idiotic element of the crowd from entering and interupting the ring; the spectators from atop the viewing bridge cheered as Ref Vincent smashed in the head of one of the more shameless "streakers".

After a good deal of time and anxious cheers, the tournament came down to two of THE best and most fierce men alive. Phoenix the blindingly red haired mage, and Cecil, the axer with the vanq. The crowd was totally on edge till the bitter end, when, in a mindblast strategically targetted, the clever mage Phoenix took home the gold. Below is a rendering of the prizes that brought Britannia to the edge of its seat last night, and the victors basking in the glory that accompanies it.

The crowds dispersed at the very end, with the exception of a few idiots and well-known griefers who opted to try and attack the Seers who put forth their effort and time to host the event. Using the excuse that "someone stole their axe and u better replace it!1" the coateree of those touched in the head accosted the two hosts, but thankfully, were sorely beaten back.

On the whole, the evening was a fantastic break from the monotony of everyday life in Britannia, and was the greatest thing for the community since the Summer Festival of last year. My heartfelt thanks and cheers to Seer Oberon and Elder Daven for granting us this fun time and most excellent experience...and here's to hoping for another Atlantic Fight Night soon!

Sincerely,
Your Humble Servant,
GreyPawn, Sage of Honesty, HoA
Mayor of Moonglow,
2nd Seat, Council of Mages

Our thanks GreyPawn for bringing this to our attention. We must admit, it would be quite pleasant to see more nights of bloodshed to come. To think, prizes for mayhem and slaughter. A novel idea indeed! We love the concept.*smiles darkly*

Good luck with that site karakedi !

Tournament of Steel
March 3rd 2001
3pm CST time Pacific, Trammel
Jhelom Dueling Pit

The Order of Leonine and the Baja Mage Tower Tournament
Saturday February 24, 2001 at 6pm PST at the Felucca Mage Tower in Moonglow

Come test your fighting skills! There will be three events, Mage, Melee, and Anything Goes. Sign up is one hour before the event begins (5 pm PST).

Note: The rules will be strictly enforced!

Rules for All Contests

• No Looting
• No Stealing
• Both contestants MUST flag gray before the event starts.

  Rules for the Magery Contest
  

• No potions, before or during match
• No bandage healing
• You are allowed ONE heal by magery only
• No magic weapons or armor
• No summoned creatures
• No area spells

  Rules for the Melee Contest
  

• No potions, before or during match
• No magic weapons or armor
• No poisoning
• No healing of any kind

  Rules for the Anything Goes Contest
  

• No area spells
• No summoned creature

Prizes for each event are as follows: 100k per winner, 2 hair restyle deeds per winner and more prizes to follow!

Hope to see you there!

Lord Nitram
GM of The Order of Leonine

The officers of Stonekeep would like to invite ye to a Stonekeep Parade and Medal Ceremony. This is a special Medal Ceremony as Lord Rothermere, the Kings Military Adviser will be in Attendance. Im sure he will answer any questions you have on the defense of the Realm after the Parade.

That's at Stonekeep - Saturday, 8pm GMT.

To find Stonekeep go into the Trammel Facet and it is just below Yew Cemetery and Yew Crossroads.

Thanks.

Hail!
LOK is sponsoring a 1 vs. 1 tournament Saturday, February 24th, 2001.
Registration for contestants begins at 9 pm CST and ends at 10 pm CST.
There is an entry fee of 1k Gold, but the prizes are spectacular!
Gates and/or runes will be provided from Britain's West Bank and Moonglow 30 minutes before registration begins.
The tournament begins at 10:05 pm CST.
The LOK tower is located North of Minoc near the farthest north cave.
This being in Trammel you will need to guild to our dueling stone.

LOK Rules

• No magic items, clothing, jewelry, armor, or weapons are allowed.
• No poisoned weapons, or poisoning of weapons during battle allowed.
• No summoning, field, blade spirits, or energy vortex spells allowed.
• There are only four spells that may be cast before the match begins:
  Magic Trap, Reactive Armor, Magic Reflection, and Protection.
• No stealing during battle or looting allowed.
• No mounts or pets allowed. ( Please stable your animals before fighting begins)

Please hide during the battles.
All spectators must stay behind tables during battles.
All contestants must be present when fighting begins.
Failure to comply with the above rules will result in banishment and forfeit of your entry fee.

Prizes Sponsored by LOK Guild

• First Place will receive 100,000 gold
• Second Place will receive 50,000 gold
• Third Place will receive 15, 000 gold

Safe and Happy Travels,
Friday *Second Fiddle of LOK*

Your humble servant,
Raeven Aurora

Last Wednesday we had an honour to withness the cleansing of the
Shrines, now thou may read compleat story about it at the Tales of a
Traveller.

Videric
The Tales of a Traveller
http://traveller.lemming.org/

Thanks.

 

The cloads tried their best to conquer the mountains to the north but with a deep sigh they rolled back and the heaven was cleared. The sun shined clearly now and seemed to put a special little light upon Tarscanian Scout. It was like a higher force had blessed him with a touch on his Glorius day. Lord Beril stood before him Charging him, so he knew what task that lied before him as a Knight. Without a doubt Tarscanian swore his Fealthy and Lord Beril nodded with a bright smile. Then repeat thy Vows after me Lord Beril Continued, and so it went. Tarscanian had recieved his Armour, and Shield. He had recieved his sash, a sign of rebirth and purity and last the cloak to shield him from rain and insults that may be thrown at him. "In remembrance of oaths given and received!" Beril cried out as he touched Tarscanians right shoulder with the sword.. "

"In remembrance of your lineage and obligations!" he continued as he touched the left shoulder. "Be thou a good Knight!" as he finally touched the the head. "Rise, Sir Tarscanian Scout of Aldameir!".

The cermony was a grand sight and as the evening sun slowly walked its path to settle behind the minoc mountains, jolly singing and celebration would be heard from the distance.

Strangely there had been no sight of the Barbarian Krael who daily come to claim a tribute. Mayhaps was he afraid of all the Knights or mayhaps did he have more important things to do, such as terrorising the local sheeps. But that my fellow Brittanians that shall be a story to be told later, fer now tis time to sleep. *The Druid of Aldameir closes his book of history and goes to sleep* Tome : http://www.geocities.com/uoknight

 

Jafar McFinnan sent us the following harrowing account of inter-species warfare betwixt the Orcs and the Lizardmen:

It seems some people of the Drachenfels Shard have forgotten about the threat the orcs pose to our lands. Well, let me tell you something about their latest adventures. A few of ye might recall the stunning reports of orcs and trolls working together to beat some humans who had invaded the trolls lair? Then later, about that same troll calling on the orcish horde again to help him find a friend and his most prized possession - a giant gemstone?

The story does not seem to be over just yet. While the troll - Nuk'togh or some such guttural name - managed to talk the orcs into freeing his captive brother - I hope that's not meant literally, as I don't even want to think about troll family ties - they apparently were unable to recover his "big shinie". They were sent out again, to destroy a band of marauding ogres, who had been the ones responsible for the capture, but those did not possess the stone any more. That was a good deed for once - orcs and ogres smashing in their respective heads.

The ogre leader apparently mentioned a tribe of lizardmen who claimed the gem as their own, and thus today the orcish warhorde left their pumpkin patch near Skara Brae again - this time to wipe out a tribe of lizards.

Those lizardmen nested near Papua, in the area known as Hoppers Bog just east of the fortification of the forces of Minax. The tribe leader, a fearsome lizardman, taller than the rest, and clothed with chainmail leggings and not much else, immediately ordered the orcs to attack - and without a few curious humans, who'd joined in from Blackmores Inn when they heard the angry chatter of orcs, they would probably have been beaten fast.

Alas... with the humans aid, they managed to throw back wave after wave of lizards, and even when a large brownish muddragon joined in they crushed the beast with magics and crude weaponry - take a guess who wielded which, humans and orcs. Even the lizardking - if i'm allowed to call him so - fell finally to the horde.

The lizardmen were beaten, their animals - alligators and giant snakes - skinned and their meager posessions looted, but it seems they had been sent to the wrong tribe. No "big shinie" was found.. neither on the dragons corpse, nor on the lizardking.

After a somewhat uncoordinated retreat the orcs brought that bad news to the troll - who took the story surprisingly calm. He mentioned tracking down the next tribe of lizardmen for the orcs to fight.

This just about sums up the fight, but one has to wonder if the troll is not more intelligent than he seems... a warband of ogres, then a tribe of lizardmen .. and when he mentioned another fight the orcs seemed _glad_ to help him out? Maybe this story has a deeper background than we can guess as of yet. I, for one, am sure to keep an eye on those events.

Good luck to all out there - stay clear of stinking orcs.

Go with the virtues.

Greetings, I am Duraplex, UO Companion of the Great Lakes Shard, and Hunt master of the Guild of Stygian Darkness which resides in the town of Riverveil. The town of Riverveil now hosts a re occurring event every other Friday night. The event is affectionately known as Archer's Night Out (ANO). These hunts depart the town of Riverveil usually around 8 o'clock in the eve under the central skies.

Riverveil is located in Trammel, just north of the only bridge that is north of the Shrine of Compassion. A map of it's whereabouts can be found at http://www.riverveil.org/index.php?showScreenShot=Town.

For too long the archer's craft has been neglected in the spotlight, viewed to be not as glorious a warrior's calling as hacking and slashing with the sword or axe. This will change. Who will change it, you ask? Why, it will be us - the Archers themselves! We invite any and all archers to join us in the ANOs to marvel at how effective they can be. I myself have witnessed the downing of an ancient wyrm in Destard in less than a minute with only one death out of 10 archers. Think you can see the same results from 10 melee warriors? Eh?

Later that same evening the same group downed not one or two balrons, but SIX balrons in a row at Hythloth. It truly brought a tear to my eye - the pride I was feeling to be part of such an awesome and devastating machine as that group of archers hell bent for leather on that hunt.

Of course, mages are welcome (and revered) as well, as they possess the unique and valued ability to heal a moving target - and we all know that archers move around a lot, though an archer on his toes (or his mount's hooves or claws) should never have to get hit.

Oh yeah, melee warriors can come too...they can be bait.

Duraplex

Hail Citizens of Britannia!!
Stormhaven is proud to announce their first weekly Warrior/Mage Scavenger Hunt.

The rules are simple. You will first be handed a special colored bag. In the bag will be a book telling you what items you must find. We will then gate you to the pre-designated area. The first one to complete the list, place the items in the bag, and then turn in the bag to the referees at the site wins. This will not be as easy as it seems since many will be after the same thing you are and will be attacking the same prey. Are you fast at looting?!

Special Rules:

• Registration is limited to the first 10 warriors/mages that sign up.
• Battle pets such as dragons, wyrms, drakes and nightmares are not allowed. Barding is permissible; however, this event is fast and others will be attacking your barded prey.
• Attacking the same prey while others have targeted it is permissible.
• You must not leave the pre-designated area.
• Please! No cheating. This is a fun event for all and if you cheat you are simply proving what an idiot you are and you will be barred from events of this nature in the future.

Prizes:
There will be four chests loaded with checks, magic weapons, semi-rares, mage supplies, home add-ons, filled kegs, and Grandmaster manufactured goods.

• First place may pick one item EACH from 3 of the 4 chests
• Second place may pick one item EACH from 2 of the 4 chests
• Third place may pick one item EACH from 1 of the 4 chests

Special Note: All magic weapons are Force or above. Therefore, no id wands will be allowed while choosing from the magic weapon chest.

Date: Monday, February 26, 2001
Time: 7:00 Pacific, 9:00 Central
Location: StormWatch Tower/Tavern – Stormhaven, Trammel
Coordinates: 62o 13’N, 53o 43’E
Hosts for this week's event: Tay’loren and members of the Gendarmes
Hope to see you there and remember,
*** DRINKS ON THE HOUSE! ***

Elsa
Stormhaven Sovereign

Your humble servant,
Raeven Aurora

'Twas just another fair morn in the lands of Yew, I strolled along the path
towards the jail to start my day guarding the evil scum of Britain. As I
had walked closer to the jail I could smell the foul stench of rotting flesh.
Just then I looked towards the wooded acre to see Tailor a fellow guard and
friend laying there motionless. I quickly drew my sword and ran over to him,
dropping to one knee and gazing upon my friend who had his flesh burned as if
cured leather armor had taken over what was once his skin.

I grabbed my dear friend`s charred hand, I spoke softly to him Tailor be
still I will call upon a healer. As I tried to get to my feet Tailor grabbed
my arm and motioned toward his charred face. I bent down, he spoke softly and
said there is no time for a healer Montegue,the evil Zift hath escaped. I
looked at him in horror at the thought of Zift being out in the lands again
to kill at will all who cross his path. I once again jumped to my feet palms
sweating fear had gripped my entire being as I walked slowly with caution
sword drawn towards the jail.

There as I had imagined the bodies of my comrades I had known for many a year
strewn across the road and at the gates of the jail limbs lay scorched by
fire and brimstone. I knew then I was too late he is gone. I quickly grabbed
the reigns of a wayward horse kicked with all my might and ran the beast to
the town there I called upon the guards. We rushed back to the jail to see
that all the cells were empty.

We caution all that walk the roads of our fair lands to be cautious and to
travel in groups. We are now forming hunting parties to bring the prisoners
back to their cells and make the land safe again. But Zift must be found at
all costs. We urge our citizens to report any sightings of this evil mage to
the guards immediately and all who cross his path beware he may appear as many
forms. Trust no stranger on your travels and god help us all.

Montegue the Guard

Thank ye, Montegue for this report.

On Saturday, March 3rd, the Lords of Endeavor will be holding their 2nd event at the Tavern of the Celestial Moon, located on the Trammel facet. Transportation to and from the event will be provided from the banks of Britain (West), Skara Brae, and Vesper. The schedule of events for the day are as follows...

11 am to 1pm will be a "beerfest", where people can get all the drinks they want.

1pm, the events will start, with riddles of professions, and monsters, correctly name the profession or the monster and win a prize...The next event is strictly for Guilds, to put their minds together, and solve the oddest riddles, and to discover the truth of the history of the Tavern.

Prizes include Black clothing, treasure maps, GM armor and weapons, and heaps gold coin.... Guild prizes can include a boat with treasures, and they get a chance to host an event at the tavern, if they so choose.

For further information, contact me [email protected], or visit the Tavern webtome.

Xalain N’Jare, Guildmaster, LoE

Greetings,

I am proud to announce the Grand Opening Of the Castle In the Sky Mall IV In Trammel. I will be opening my 4th Castle today to the Public. My ICQ is 17484064 and I am now taking applications for Merchants. The cost of Vendors are as follows:

• Silver Plan: Up to 3 Vendors in the Mall for a Price of only 30,000 Gold. This is a one time fee and allows you to have a vendor there for life as Long as you do not violate any of Malls Rules. This plan does not allow merchants to place a Vendor on the Mall Steps.
• Gold Plan: Up to 3 Vendors in the Mall for a Price of only 150,000 Gold. This is a one time fee and allows you to have a vendor there for life as Long as you do not violate any of Malls Rules. This plan does allow merchants to place a Vendor on the Mall Steps.

The mall rules will be posted in a Purple Book in the center of the mall. I will not be home until 6:30 PM Tonight Central Time or 4:30 PM Pacific Time.

Important Note, Sky Mall III filled up in 8 hours the day it opened. Don't Hesitate. Tonight, I will place a Rune to the new Castle Mall In Each of the Sky Malls. If you need a lift to the mall, simply pop to Inside Nujelmn Bank on Trammel and ICQ me at 17484064 and Ill open a Gate for you.

Lord Hettar

It had taken him weeks to acquire all the artisans and carpenters necessary to refurbish the Tribunal of Entropy from the damage done by William the Paladin. After the initial tedious work of searching Britannia for the most expert workers, it was complete. Finally, the seat of Cainan government was at last repaired and opened to the business of his regime. The courtroom, the furnishings and most importantly his new office was crafted with the most expertise that could be gathered in such a pastoral society. Within his sub-conscience, however he knew that even this effort by the craftsman was sub-par to his standards and his decadence could never come to full fruition in this world.

He sighed heavily as he brooded over that very fact and got up from his newly crafted oak desk and across the room past a hundred new and expensive pieces of furniture. Then when passing his bookshelf, he slipped a small black covered tome underneath his cloaked arm and reached the steps that would lead him to the bottom floor where the artisans were holding a ritualistic celebration of their creation. He took a deep breath and insured that his clothing was in perfect order as he placed his foot on the first rung of the stair steps.

"Here! Here to the man who pays the bills for this fine work!" Victor the head carpenter shouted as the obviously despondent guest of honor made his first appearance at this party.

Travis, Victor's youngest son handed Treadeau Du'rome the Mayor of Caina a glass of wine and he took it with the same dejection as he came down the stairs. He then strode quickly to the seat that was at the head of the Tribunal, the seat's wood was charred black with fire but the velvet lining and stuffing had been replaced making this the anachronistic remnant of William the Paladin's days as an arsonist. The Mayor decided to keep it there as a reminder to himself and the rest of Caina to the atrocity that the mainlanders were willing to commit against his people.

At last, a smile crossed his face after he had a seat and took the wine into his mouth swirling it about to savor the taste. They may be peasant craftsmen the Mayor mused but they do at least have proficient taste in vintage wine. Victor took his apparent change in demeanor as a superb sign and with the help of his son and another of his workers he climbed to the top of one of the lawyer's desks and immediately became the center of attention at the dozen or men at this festivity.

The Mayor smiled on patiently and calmly while discreetly taking the small black book entitled "Art and Man: A Study in Mediums" underneath his arm and into his lap while the carpenter began to toast the Mayor...

"Now when I heard that Caina was looking for the best craftsmen around to renovate their Tribunal I will tell you honestly that I had no intentions of getting myself or my boys involved since all the horror stories we here about this frozen land." a smile spread across his face and the carpenter began to blush.

"Yet when you came to Yew and personally asked my men to do it I still had my reservations but when you gave the hefty down payment that all changed." A roar of laughter erupted from the crowd and they held their glasses in the air.

"Nevertheless after being here nearly a week with working with you I have found yourself and your city to be nothing but most hospitable and most of all most profitable! I and the boys would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your graciousness and kindness while we have stayed here."

The old carpenter dragged on and on with his most profuse thanking and
Treadeau sat there staring at the man smiling and nodding his head in
agreement on occasion. In spite of the gratitude that was being expressed he was reading the book out of the corner of his eyes:

"Man and his art work are inseparable, the techniques used by an artist express so much about an individual and his feelings on the subject of the piece. However, the true test of a painter is one that can combine man and the medium of his choice." The Mayor let out a beaming smiling at this moment and the crowd thought it was directed towards them but he quickly turned half his attention to the book in his lap. "Dried blood can be made to make vibrant shades of red. The whites of the eyes can be used to make the purest form of white. There is even an arcane ritual discussed in more detail later in this book that will explain to you how to create shades of color in accordance to the subject's hair."

The Mayor dropped the book to the ground as the speech ended and stood up to the rapturous applause of peasants, "Victor, your men have done a fine job thus far however there is one last job that I wish for you to do to finish the work on the Tribunal."

He muttered the words "Vas Ort Grav" and watched the lightning glow then start to flow from his fingertips to his targets. He guided the lightning to his targets with such precision so that he would not disturb the valuable parts of their miserable and insignifcant hides. After the lightning had struck and burned each person, there were groans and wretched cries but it was all stifled by the laughter of the Mayor as he was upstairs gathering the instruments of operation...

"This is as happy as I have been in a millennium!" Treadeau declared with perverse glee as he made it to his last corpse. He started carefully displacing each of Victor's eyes and nonchalantly sitting them into a bowl then he began to shear his hair and putting it in another sack. Finally, reaching the end of the macabre ritual he slit the old man's wrist and throat and began filling a large oval bowl with his liquid essence that moments ago pumped in his veins...

"Victor good man, we shall make exceptional art together." He kissed the old man on the cheek and let his lifeless body slide to the floor with a hollow crash. In an ironic way the true hollowness of the room resided in the empty eye sockets of the old carpenter staring at the Mayor while he whistled taking load after load of his art supplies to his newly constructed patio studio...

"Brilliant artwork!" he stated with a chuckle as he picked up a paintbrush, "Brilliant artwork for the Tribunal!" as he began to make the broad strokes that would make the base coat for the first of the paintings to hang on the walls.

Election for Mayor of Yew

Hello all,

It is time for a new election! That's right, after a long year in office, my term as Mayor of Yew has come to an end....

That means, a new Mayor will be elected. And the election is fast approaching!

The election will be held this coming Sunday, February 25th from 3pm-6pm EST, and the next day, Monday, February 26th from 9pm-midnight EST. If there is enough interest, and concern that these dates and times to not allow for everybody to vote, a third day will be added.

Voting will take place in the Yew Town Council Hall in Trammel (west of the Abbey and the Mill). Ballots will be handed out and collected by myself, and members of the Yew Militia.

So, get out and vote! Mark your calendar! And help select who will be the next Mayor of Yew!

Thank you, and see you at the polls!
Thrawn, Mayor of Yew

Yew Town Council

Folks. We publish all the stories the volunteers send to us, as long as they are with in bounds. It's rare for an event not to be posted with in a few days. The longest time is usually a week, and that is only if we are extremely busy doing other things that take higher priority.

As for Lake Superior. There are less volunteers there than before. We are actually trying to balance out the shards with less help at this time.

Hail and well met all,

The the Order of Virtue’s Temple beyond (webpage) hath over the past month gone through several improvements and updates. Crowning the work we have added a Test of Virtue based on the Test featured in the Original Ultima IV - Quest of the Avatar. It hath been expanded, however, so that one will be able to choose both a path of Virtue and a path of vice, thus reflecting even better the dilemmas, which the people of Britannia are often faced with.

The impatient may go directly to the Test of Virtue here: http://www.templeofvirtue.uoguilds.com/vt0.html

Others may approach the Temple’s main entrance finding the Test of Virtue once inside: http://www.templeofvirtue.uoguilds.com

Enter in Peace and find your path.

-Brother Selwyn, Abbot of Virtue

Yep, you read it right. This week ImaNewbie reveals a shocking revelation about the "Reality TV" Show, Survivor. Unbeknownst to the millions of viewers who tuned in every week, there was actually a seventeenth contestant and a "lost episode" that never aired. Head on over to my site and read all about it.

Added Thursday, February 22, 2001:
- ImaNewbie Episode #135 - Survivor - the Lost Episode

ImaNewbie does Britannia
www.imanewbie.com

later...Tryon

Lately it seems that action in the faction arena has seemed to slow down to a near dead stop. There are a few reasons for this one of the main reasons being the Above.net server which has been jammed with traffic over the last week. Because of this many with a high speed connection (Dsl, Cable, T1, T3 or the like) lags extreamly bad, gets kicked very often or both. For more information on the above.net server status please check out general information above or go Here for more info.

The True Brits are holding strong for almost 3 weeks now still controling all of felluca.

Minax forces have almost seemed to dissapear in the last week mounting no major offenses, the soldiers of minax seem to have lost their will to fight.

The shadow lords while not the power house they once were are still holding strong as the main rivials of TB but lack the pure numbers to recapture any towns.

Council of Mages have rarely been seen after most of their soldiers joined TB several weeks ago, the remaining forces are either plotting their next move or have been nearly decimated.

*A messager stumbles in after a long journey and bows* 

Greetings Sirs!
*Rolls out the parchment and Clears throat*

Hail and well met all. I invite ye to witness the Knighting of Tarscarian Scout this evening, the 23rd, at 8 pm GMT. It is held at Aldameir Tower in Trammel and location can be found in our tome. 

All is welcome to this glorious Ceremony and I hope it will go well since this is our first event we hold. 

Signed Lord Beril of Aldameir

*Messager looks down and then bows to all and leaves through the door*

The UO Merchant Alliance would like to welcome Ralcor as our new Baja Shard Liaison. As a liaison, Ralcor will moderate the Baja shard forum, as well as write reviews of shops on the Baja shard.

Would you like your Baja shop reviewed on the UOMA web site? Approved
shops are eligible for a free web forum on our site, as well as submission to our new Searchable Product Database. The product database helps shoppers find your shop - and more shoppers means more gold for you!

Visit UO Merchant Alliance and welcome Ralcor to UOMA!

Thanks,
Kitiara

Seeking Stories of Luck

Some call it a lady - some call it far worse. It can shine down on you, save you from certain death, or forsake you completely. When it's good, you may find yourself leaning back, feet propped atop the smoldering corpse of a dragon, polishing your new sword of vanquishing. When it's bad, you're apt to find yourself stranded on Ice Island, wearing only a fancy shirt and short kilt against the freezing snow, and not a reagent or rune to your name. What is it? Luck. And without it, sometimes all the skill in the world won't make a difference.

We want to hear your stories of luck. Has luck pulled you out of a dangerous situation? Has luck brought about a chance meeting - good or bad? No matter how luck has changed your life in Britannia, we'd like to hear your story - and perhaps share it with the UO community.

Send an email to [email protected] by Friday, March 2nd and tell us a tale of luck in Britannia. Please be sure your story falls between 500-1000 words. Be sure to include the words "Luck" in your subject line. Please provide a name and phone number for verification of the story. Submissions to "UO-Profiles" become the property of OSI and may be used for special events, promotions, and/or advertising. All submissions must be made by the original author and are subject to verification.

Follow this thread at UO Boards.

As some of you may be aware, we've been awaiting news regarding the rumor that Vampires stalk the land of Legends. This morning, I received a message which seems to validate those rumors. Read on and judge for yourselves.

Hail and well met. I Maximus have returned from the depths of darkness to return, in what is now just a shell of my former self. The Lands of Legends are no longer safe for those of flesh, and more importantly.........Blood.

And now, I publically announce that I have sired a new branch of the "Family," the Vampire Clan. I am now looking for those with the same gifts as have been bestowed upon me. The guild will be in the safe realm of trammel until my fledgling vampires can take their place in the realm where blood flows like honey. My telepathic powers are rusty so please contact me via pigeon (icq) # 57985115 or via mail at Redvalic22. Praise Minax!

The Clan also needs experienced Immortals to help with night to night guild events and organization of meals.

Maximus the Immortal

Cyn

I just received this announcement from the Lady Terra of Willowport. Read on for details of her most generous offer to the people of Sosaria.

Come one, come all.

I, Terra Roscommon of the free city of Willowport, invite all members of Britannia to meet me this Saturday at 3 PM to 4 PM eastern, at the West bank in Britain, to get your cloth dyed true black and your leather dyed any color you wish.

These services will be provided free of charge, by your friends in Willowport.

Yes, you heard right FREE!!!! So come early and bring all the cloth and leather you can carry! Hope to see you there.

Cyn

It had been a long day of work for my sisters and myself; hunting for hides, collecting reagents and the like but a family has to eat. We were sitting in deep conversation about nothing when I received and urgent pigeon from my boss, one Pelle Svanslos, Reporter at Large. The town criers, were calling out that Minax's forces where at the shrines and that Dupre was seeking adventurers to meet him at his camp along the road west of Trinsic. I immediately took off prepared for battle with only my trusty quill and ink, and a few scrolls.

I recalled to Trinsic and managed a suit of armor out of my bank box, an old sword and buckler as well as a few extra reagents; then raced off to meet Pelle at Dupre's camp. When I arrived, Pelle greeted me with the foul wind of stale liquor and introduced me to Snake. I was just in time as Dupre laid out the details of the assistance he needed. As outlined by Pelle, our group headed to the Minoc mines where we encountered Gregory Zhan, who lead us on a chase after the mad mage Devarus and then back to the mine; I shall pickup from inside the darkness of the blackrock elemental's lare.

I was among the crowd pushing into the mine after Pelle opened the door, once inside I too noticed the unsettling silence. I tried to cast In Lor to light my way but found out quickly that a magical barrier was surrounding the mine and no spells would work. I pushed my way back outside to cast the spell but alas once back inside it lost its effect. Then it happened; the mine began to spawn elementals of earth, dull copper and then the blackrock elemental. The beast was strong; it laid waste to several hearty warriors before I reached it. Being a woman of heart before mind and having just stumbled over the body of my boss Pelle, I grabbed my sword and had at the beast….only to die rather quickly. Thank goodness for Dora another fellow at arms whom whipped out a fresh bandage and brought me back to life. I collected my belongings from my corpse only to hear over the din in the mine, "who got the black rock". Yes the blockrock elemental had fallen.

Unsure of what to do next, several of us ran out of the mine and recalled back to Dupre's camp to let him know the blackrock elemental had been slain. It seems I am a little slow on the reagents as when I arrived the camp was deserted, Dupre had already been summoned to Minoc. I arrived back in Minoc myself and got to speak to Dupre directly. He had gone into the mine and gathered the blackrock needed to forge a new bell of courage, and given the substance to Nystul to do so. Dupre told me what was needed now was to clean the forces of Minax away from the Shrine of Spirituality and await the arrival of Nystul who would cleanse the shrine of Minax's corruption.

The forces of Minax were thick at the shrine, with the casting of arch protection the adventurers took to eliminating them from the area. After the battle I took a long look at the shrine, it was sad the condition the shrine was in with the death vortex holding dominion over it. However there was an excitement in the air as all awaited Nystul with the understanding that finally the shrines would be clean and would again give back life to the unwary traveler, as well as giving the repentant the freedom to gain karma again.

There was a bustle of activity at the foot of the stairs leading up to the shrine, and through the crowd Nystul climbed the steps and took position on the shrine. All fell silent as we heard the ringing of the bell of courage and with a wave of his arms the death vortex disappeared, and with each ringing of the bell another part of the corruption of the Shrine of Spirituality was washed away.

This morning after a friendly breakfast with my sisters, I walked to the Shrine of Spirituality to see again the glimmer of the white marble in the morning sun. I climbed the steps and called out the mantra OHM, OHM, OHM and was transported up to the shrine, there was no sign of Minax's corruption. I pulled out my book of shrine runes and visited the other shrines of the land to see that thanks to Nystul, Dupre and the adventurers who participated Felucca's shrines were clean.

Your humble servant,
Raeven Aurora

This afternoon, I received a most unusual missive form Corposant. For those of you who may not be familiar with him, Corposant is a devoted follower of the Firstborn, leader of the Clones.

It seems the Clones are embarking on the much anticipated "cleansing" ceremony, which will take place in the bowels of Despise Dungeon. Read on, for further information.

Hear ye, citizens of Britannia!

I am Corposant, leader of the Believers. I serve the Firstborn and follow his path of virtue. His ways will lead the people into a new era of peace.

I invite you all to join the Clones as we explore the path of Compassion together, through overcoming the Despise that may lie within our own hearts.

If you would travel with us, meet the Clone Second at the entrance to the dungeon Despise (Trammel facet) this Saturday at 6pm PST. Come prepared to battle the evils that inhabit the dungeon Despise....and with your hearts and minds open to the ways of Compassion. We shall travel through the depths of the dungeon, and to the shrine itself to partake in a ceremony of cleansing.

Until then, walk in the light of Virtue, my friends.

Corposant
Guildmaster, Followers of the Firstborn (F^F)

Until next we meet, safe journeys to you, one and all.

Cyn the Eternal Cynic

If you need to get in touch with me please feel free to drop me a line. I would be more than happy to read your questions and comments.

                                                 PELLE SVANSLOS
                                      Would you help me? Please help me?

What do you want? Why are you here? The Mine is closed, I tell you! Closed!

Devarus warned me, but I thought him mad. What harm could a rock do?
What did I care of his rantings about magic?

Devarus feared the blackrock, and the elemental formed of it even more! If it escaped what horrors it could cause!

I saw only riches...only the promise of enough gold to keep us all rich until our dying days! Such a rare find!

What we found was alive, animate! It rose up against my men, and even Devarus could do nothing to stop it!

The doors are sealed! Though the creature disrupts magic in its lair, it cannot escape to cause havoc in the world.

Enjoy !

Our story today comes from the city of Britain and the crossroads that lie to the west of town. Over the last few days there have been a series of spider attacks in the area. Folk passing by have seen the arachnids spewing from the trees in the area. There is currently no known reason for the sudden surge spiders.

Today, however, the crossroads were not plagued by spiders, but rather by what seemed to be a million mongbats and some headless. When I arrived on the scene there were only a few mongbats scattered over the area. This did not last long, though. After the initial assault, mongbats were sighted flying overhead and streaming down to the ground.

On the glorious morrow of the 24th of February, the GhostRiders of Wind [GOW] cordially invite all friends and relations to attend the loving union of Guildmaster Raven and bride Angelica at the Skara Brae Jollier Fairgrounds. The wedding ceremony doth commence on the hour of 12 NOON CST (1 PM EST) and promptness, as always, is greatly appreciated. Please note that all are most welcome, the presence of our friends and allies in the CMG and GH especially requested.

Respectfully,

Raven

The UO Merchant Alliance would like to welcome Mystra as our new Great Lakes Shard Liaison. As a liaison, Mystra will moderate the GL shard forum, as well as write reviews of shops on the Great Lakes shard.

Would you like your Great Lakes shop reviewed on the UOMA web site? Approved shops are eligible for a free web forum on our site, as well as submission to our new Searchable Product Database. The product database helps shoppers find your shop - and more shoppers means more gold for you!

Visit www.uomerchantalliance.com today and welcome Mystra to UOMA!

Thanks,

Kitiara
Webmaster

Sprawled out on the marble table, dozens of forms and documents lay scattered in front of me. I sign another one, allowing for political asylum to someone who stole a grapefruit, and is now to be executed in Britain. Sigh. Justice taken to the extreme. Whatever happened to compassion, I wonder. Are not all virtues equally important? I sign another paper when I hear a barely audible scratch on the wooden door.

Putting the papers aside for the moment, I walk over to the door, and open it.

Aleric collapses into the office, his green robe covered in blood. A large gash runs down the back of his leg, so deep that bone is exposed, his left arm is scortched black, and in his battered right hand, he holds a book.

"ALERIC!" I yell in shock, and kneel down next to him.

"Redlow.. " he tries to say, clutching at my sleeve, ".. demon.. hor.. many.. th.."

The rest of story can be found here: Wind Government

In an attempt to hold off the increasing numbers of Daemon and Liche hordes in Wind, we will be hosting a "Wind Sweep". This consists of a very fast run through Wind's dungeon corridors and ending in the central park, slaughtering anything that may dare attack us. Come prepared to fight Daemons, liches, dragons, drakes, air elementals, gargoyles, and even Krakens (yes, Wind has Krakens). Should our vengeance not be satiated by just one run, we will regroup and sweep Wind as many times as neccessary. Those interested in this hunt, please be at the entrance to Wind at 7 PM CST on Friday the 23rd.

-Redlowwinski, Governor of Wind

New UOMA Representative on Pacific!

The UO Merchant Alliance would like to welcome Gyvalor as our new Pacific Shard Liaison. As a liaison, Gyvalor will moderate the Pacific shard forum, as well as write reviews of shops on the Pacific shard. Also, a hearty welcome to Malac, our new Pacific writer!

Would you like your Pacific shop reviewed on the UOMA web site? Approved shops are eligible for a free web forum on our site, as well as submission to our new Searchable Product Database. The product database helps shoppers find your shop - and more shoppers means more gold for you!

Visit the Merchant Alliance today and welcome Gyvalor & Malac to UOMA!

• The Pact of Zeranon: The latest intallment in this ongoing serial story.
• Clue Corner
• Crossword: Based on Ultima Online MOB's.
• and more!

The OWX features articles, essays, advice columns, and more all written from an "in-character" gamer's perspective. Newly expanded to cover all MMOGs, the Otherworld Express brings you up-to-date news and commentary each week. Check out the latest issue today!

Wedding of Tronage and Aviendha

February 26th, 2001
9:00 p.m. Eastern
Nujel'm Palace, Felucca

More information can be found here: http://www.tronage.org/wedding.html

Purple Guardians of Honor Festival for Hera

On Saturday, February 24th, please join the Purple Guardians of Honor (PGoH) as they provide tribute to Hera, the Goddess of Earth and Beasts, by hosting a day of grand contests and feats to honor the newest members of their Legion, the Heran Cohort.

Events open to the public include the Opening Ceremony, Poetry Contest, Vendor Romp, Team Player vs. Player Tournament, Scavenger Hunt, Run Across Britannia, Slay the Dragon and additional Games with prizes. The festival begins at noon Eastern, and concludes that evening.

A complete itinerary of the festival events can be found at: http://www.pgoh.org/uo/boards/announcements/?read=13

Thank you.

Siun Loresdottar
Legate of Morale
Purple Guardians of Honor

New UOMA Representative on Cats

The UO Merchant Alliance would like to welcome Zuse as our new Catskills Shard Liaison. As a liaison, Zuse will moderate the Catskills shard forum,as well as write reviews of shops on the shard. Zuse has been a part of UOMA as a writer and representative, and we're glad to announce his promotion to Liaison.

Would you like your Catskills shop reviewed on the UOMA web site? Approved shops are eligible for a free web forum on our site, as well as submission to our new Searchable Product Database. The product database helps shoppers find your shop—and more shoppers means more gold for you!

Visit Merchant Alliance today and welcome Zuse to Cats!

Thanks.

Kitiara
Webmaster
[email protected]

Well all I can say is WOW! The time it had to have taken to put this house together is beyond me, very nice decor - even the colors had a pattern. The Rune library is one of the most extensive I have ever seen; every nook and cranny I could think of and even some I wouldn't think about but very helpful.

Greetings, I'd like to introduce myself to this community, as I haven't made a public announcement regarding UO and our connectivity in years. I hope I have the time to make that fact change going forward.

I'm the Sr. Manager of Network Infrastructure for EA.com. I manage all our network infrastructure as well as datacenter decisions for EA.com domestically and internationally. Since UO is a very vital part of EA.com, a lot of the decisions I make day to day are guided by what is best for UO and it’s player community. Also, since EA.com is looking to expand its PSW (persistent state world) offerings, I also make decisions based on what is best for all new PSW's to come, as well as our current games at www.ea.com.

Let me give you some background. I’ve been involved in building UO’s network presence from the very beginning. I was involved in building network connectivity when UO was within the networks of Epoch, Digex, Smartnap, GlobalCenter, IXC, Exodus, and now Above.net. The international datacenters and ISP’s as well, but I won’t go into more details on them here. You can point the blame for “who choose Above.net” to me. I’m fine with that. In a minute I’ll give you more information as to why Above.net was chosen in the first place.

I have also been intimately involved in every single move we’ve ever made with a UO shard. It’s perhaps the most difficult process I ever have to deal with. It’s extremely complex, not too mention nerve racking and stressful. Making the decision itself is the most painful part of it all. It’s not easy. I wish I could give you details on how circumstances exactly come about that requires us to move a shard, but there are so many I wouldn’t know where to start. But I can assure you of this. We have never made a decision to move a shard, including the recent moves of Great Lakes and Lake Superior, without taking into consideration how the move was going to affect our gamers. And the number one factor I take into consideration when devising our strategy on where the best place is to put a shard is this: How is the shard going to look for 90-95% of the players? The one, clear, unquestionable fact about online gaming I’ve learned from building and managing UO connectivity for over 3 years now is this: regardless of what we do, regardless of how much money we spend, regardless of what ISP we choose, we can not make everyone’s ping times sub-100ms with no packet loss. It’s a very painful fact; one I wish I could change. But I can’t. I don’t control that much of the Internet. As a matter of fact, no one does. But what I DO have and can present to you, is path we’ve been working on for years to try and decrease the percentage of those we can please from 5-10%, down to maybe just 1-2%. More on this in a minute.

Let’s talk a little about Above.net. Let’s start by looking at the list of ISP’s we’ve had in the US alone since we released UO in September of 1997. With every single one of them, we had complaints. Maybe the current players who are complaining about Above.net didn’t complain when a shard was with EPOCH, or when a shard was with Globalcenter, but we had complaints. Maybe those who complained when we were with EPOCH or with Globalcenter aren’t complaining now? I don’t know exactly how the statistics break down, but one thing I do know, is that for 3 years we’ve gotten traceroutes to the same shards, from hundreds of people, pointing out problems with connectivity. Yes, lots of them. A lot of times they look the same, which makes it easier for us to diagnose a problem as being with a particular ISP, sometimes our own, or with a particular exchange/peering point between our provider and your provider. When we move a shard, usually we get a whole new set of complaints and traceroutes, but the total numbers don’t necessarily go up. This leads me to believe, like I stated before, that it’s impossible to please everyone and there will always be a subset of our gamers that feel they aren’t connecting to us fast enough, or clean enough, to play our games.

What does this have to do with why we choose Above.net? Here’s a quick rundown on what’s important in choosing an ISP for UO. It’s not the same for choosing an ISP to deliver, say, just web traffic.
· The ISP must have LOT’s of peering. Check out www.above.net for numbers on their peering sessions. The more peering session an ISP has, the far fewer transit providers our traffic has to cross to get to the end user. For example, if Above.net has peering with X ISP, then my traffic goes from Above.net to X ISP to you who subscribe to this ISP. If Above.net doesn’t have peering with the provider, then my traffic goes Above.net to transit provider to X ISP to you. One more player in the middle. One more place to have problems.
· The ISP must provide me with graphs showing their capacity and peering information. Check out www.above.net/traffic. I don’t know of any other ISP in the world that provides this much information about its backbone to its customers, let alone to the public! It takes a lot of guts for an ISP to open itself up like this to scrutiny from the public, as well as it’s competitors. You would be surprise to know the number of ISP’s that either can’t provide me with this information, or simply refuse.
· The ISP must have a relaxed peering policy. Above.net has an extensive peering list. I actually refer to them as, and pardon my expression, a “peering whore”. They’ll peer with anyone. Building an online gaming presence requires the ability to get our bits to as many end users as possible. Not just those on Sprints backbone, or UUNet’s. I have customers that come from every ISP in the world, as most of you can attest. I strive to please as many as I can, and the only way to do that is to have lots of paths to different ISP’s. · The ISP must have big, fat pipes, and be able to get new big, fat pipes as the need arises. Above.net is owned by MFN, which owns lots of fiber in metro areas, and trades those strands for long-haul links. This puts Above.net in a very powerful position to grow their pipes as the need arises.
· Other criteria, like stringent SLA’s (Service Level Agreements) that guarantee me they will do everything possible to fix problems, address issues, etc.; a good service department to handle my needs and requests; and a good engineering team to help deal with the complexities of routing on the internet.

Lots of ISP’s call me for our business. We could have chosen anyone to do our hosting and be our ISP. We felt most comfortable with Above.net for all of the above reasons and others, and one more, very significant one. Since MFN owns Above.net, and MFN owns lots of fiber, I’m free to utilize this fiber to build a very important part of our infrastructure. It’s been our strategy for sometime now to build an infrastructure that isn’t reliant on any one ISP. It’s not because we lack confidence in Above.net’s ability to deliver our packets in the best possible way, but because we realize that regardless of which ISP we chose, no one is perfect and our needs and requirements to address the issues of as many of our gamers as possible may not be fulfilled by just one ISP. I’m not sure how familiar you are with PAIX, but it’s a very popular neutral site on the Internet that gives companies a common place to meet, cross-connect, and peer networks. For more information on PAIX, go here: http://www.paix.net/company_info/index.htm

EA.com has routers at PAIX, both on the east coast and west coast. It is our long term to goal to peer with as many people as would want to peer with us (we currently have over 30 peers), and buy more transit from Tier 1’s like Sprint, C&W, etc., over time as the we can. This would allow us to send traffic destined to these networks directly to the provider themselves, and not be so dependant on what or how our primary ISP wants to do it. I’m hesitant to give too much information as getting all this built takes a lot of resources and (unfortunately) time, and we’re a ways off from truly realizing the potential of controlling our own peering and routing, but as it becomes more of a reality, I truly hope you the gamer will see improved connectivity into our network.

I know there are current issues with peering between Above.net and ATT, Sprint, and a few other backbones. I deal with these issues on an almost daily basis, just like I have for years now, and not just with Above.net. Peering capacity is an issue every Tier 1 deals with on some level. I’m happy to say that I had a long call with the Director of Backbone Engineering for Above.net, and contrary to rumors on these boards, they and ATT are very close to increasing their capacity with one another. Neither side blames the other for having problems increasing capacity, and both sides have worked out a solution to the problem. Above.net has even given me the go ahead to publicly state here that this increase in peering capacity with ATT will happen within 1-2 weeks. For those of you on ATT’s backbone, look to have improvements very soon.

I know it’s been difficult adjusting to the GL and LS move. I know we’ve probably lost some very dedicated players of UO. That’s very difficult for us to deal with as we truly enjoy the community we’ve built and want to keep all our players. Please remember that we do take into consideration the gamer when making ISP choices, when moving shards (which I hope won’t happen again…), and when building our infrastructure.

I do lurk on these boards quite a bit. This is my first post, but I hope I can do more in the coming months to address your concerns, answer some of your questions, and give you news as to how we’re growing to better your connection to us.

Regards,

Ruben Cortez
Sr. Manager of Network Infrastructure
EA.com Online Operations

Evening all!

UDL will be hosting another shard wide tourney rules/regulations are listed below at the link.

Rules Link at Undeadlords.net

UDL GAUNTLET CHALLENGE ---- SATURDAY MARCH 3RD, 10PM EST

Once again, the Lords of your existence and reapers of your souls shall hold a tourney like only they can. UDL is known to consistently host the finest death laiden contests in all of Sosaria.

The best PvP'ers and in Ultima Online will be there.... will you? Special Guests and Events: Zophar, Myrkul's Jester Zophar will be on hand to entertain guests starting at 9:30 p.m. CST.

Soul Collectors Broadcasting Network (SCBN) Unable to make the event? Grab some fried mortal hearts and baked entrails and get confortable. This event will be taped live for rebroadcast on the Soul Collectors Broadcasting Network. Movies will be available shortly after the live event ends at this web site.

Time and Place: This will be a two part tournament, that will be held on March 3rd at 10pm EST in the Wrong dueling arena on Seige Perlious.

The Tournament Mechanics : This will be a 2 on 2 tournament with a twist. Your team must consists of either Mages or Warriors, no mage warrior combination will be allowed. Warriors are allowed to have magery but they must have minimum of 85 dexterity and no greater intelligence than 40 to be considered a warrior.

The Matches, Qualifying: All the Warrior teams will be bracketed off and fight to determine the top two Warrior teams. All the Mage teams will be bracketed off and fight to determine the top two Mage teams as well.

The Matches, Final Round: With the final 4 teams (two from the mage side and two from the warriors) We will hold round robin style matches to determine the winner.

Prizes:

Grand Prize 30% of the entry fees + the 15% from final round. Runner Up 10% of the entry + the 15% from final round. Each Team in the Finals 15% of the entry fees. Anything Else Nothing

Registration Information: Entrance Fee 20,000 gold per team, payable by check to the judges at the time of the tournament. Contact Lector, ICQ 21385263

Entry Deadline February 24th, 8pm EST. You will be set into brackets on the night of the tournament through a random draw performed by Lector.

Tourney Rules: · No looting. · No magic armor/weapons. · No magic wands/staffs/items/clothing. · No pets/summons/energy vortex. · No hiding/stealth. · No horses, llamas, or other mounts. · No casting of spells or drinking of potions prior to the start of the fight. This means you cannot even start to cast a spell before the beginning. · If you lose connection during the fight, tough cookies. No rematches. · Anything else you can fit in your bag is legal.

Thank you for the help! Lector ~Lich Lord~

New UOMA Representative on LS!

The UO Merchant Alliance would like to welcome John Henry as our new Lake Superior Shard Liaison. As a liaison, John Henry will moderate the LS shard forum, as well as write reviews of shops on the Lake Superior shard.

Would you like your LS shop reviewed on the UOMA web site? Approved shops are eligible for a free web forum on our site, as well as submission to our new Searchable Product Database. The product database helps shoppers find your shop - and more shoppers means more gold for you!

Visit http://www.uomerchantalliance.com today and welcome John Henry to UOMA!

Thanks,
Kitiara
Webmaster
[email protected]

GOLDEN KNIGHTS #59 - Friday, Feb 23 "Quick Draw"
Hosted by Talon, Guardian Knight, KoA

"Quick Draw" - 1 v. 1 warrior event

DATE: Friday, Feb 23, 2001 @ 8 PM CST
TIME: Registration takes place from 7:30 - 8:00 PM CST. The event begins @ 8:10 PM CST.
WHERE: The event takes place in the Alliance Village. The coordinates are 136*24'S 27*12'E

ENTRY FEE: 600g

PRIZES:

• 10,000 gold plus verite armour set to winner
• Verite chain set and magic weapon to 2^nd place

DESCRIPTION:

This tournament will be a 1 vs 1 warrior event. You are to sign in NAKED and with an EMPTY backpack, except for a spellbook and/or runebooks. Two bags of assorted equipment and supplies, including weapons of every class, potions, bandages, and armour, will be placed in the middle of the ring. Its up to you to "Quick Draw" a bag and get equipped. Time starts running as soon as the bags are placed on the ground.

RULES:

• You must be naked and come with an empty pack - your pack will be snooped before the match begins.
• No equipment, armour. weapons, etc. other than that contained in your bag are permitted.
• No pets or mounts are allowed.
• Hiding IS NOT allowed.
• Spellcasting is not allowed.
• Barding is not allowed
• No looting of any kind!
• Any attempt to exploit the event or the rules to win will result in immediate disqualification.
• All bags and equipment and unused potions etc. are to be returned to the GK committee immediately following your match. If you defeat your opponent, you will be provided with a new bag

REMINDERS TO SPECTATORS:

• No faction fighting in the village during the Golden Knights event.
• Please do not equip bows around the ring. Spells or potions may hit you that will cause you to attack back.
• Please try to stable or feed your mount prior to the event. Wild mounts are a problem.
• No casting, sparring, or fighting right around the ring. If you wish to do this go to another location in the village.
• No spectators in the arena after the event begins. -- The Golden Knights event is a seer sponsored event for Lake Superior. Grief players may be removed and/or jailed, banned, etc. The consequences for severe disruption are solely the decision of the representatives for Origin Systems.
• Have a great time! Cheering for your friends is encouraged

*A note to the valiant warriors of Sonoma*

I wish to thank all who have helped In my quest to stop the lich called Soulstealer from finding the Armor of Vecna. We have much more work ahead of us and I believe that our efforts will not be in vain. I will be requiring the aid of all those able to help this coming Friday to help find the reagent needed to decode the map that will lead us to the Barovian Malace used in making the cursed armor. I will be at the Lyceaum in Feluccia facet at 7pm pst on Friday night (Feb. 23) waiting for your help again.

Signed,
Firan Zal'Honan

Greetings from the Tendai Events Committee,

On Saturday, March 3rd, 2001 at 6:30pm PST, Luna Ehmaz will be holding the third, and final Old Britannian lesson in the player-run town of Tendai. The event will last one half-hour. Those of you who attended the last meeting will receive prizes upon the correction of your completed workbooks. The prize this week for completed workbooks is 6 silver coins. Also, the topic of Dialogue books (the final assignment) will be discussed at the meeting. Currently, the prizes for the Final Dialogue assignment are:

1st place: 50k, an MIB, and a choice of weapon of power.

2nd and 3rd place: 35k, and fishing net.

All other entrees of 25 pages will be awarded 5k.

So be sure to attend this one, at least and you can purchase previous course books and workbooks for those of you who missed the first few meetings.

Important Note: This event is on the Sonoma shard in the player-run town of Tendai on the Trammel Facet. If you have any questions ICQ me (Lord Eleonardo): 12271832. Or if you just need a gate to the town on the day, please meet in Britain, East Bank on March 3rd, 2001 at 6:20pm PST. (10 minutes before)

Thanks! Hope to see you there! Don’t hesitate to ICQ me (Lord Eleonardo): 12271832 if you have any questions.

I just received this missive from the good folk at UO Merchant Alliance. It appears that Legends now has an Alliance representative. Read on, for details on how you can list your shop or business with the U.O.M.M.

The UO Merchant Alliance would like to welcome Jesua as our new AOL Legends Shard Liaison. As a liaison, Jesua will moderate the Legends shard forum, as well as write reviews of shops on the Legends shard.

Would you like your AOL Legends shop reviewed on the UOMA web site? Approved shops are eligible for a free web forum on our site, as well as submission to our new Searchable Product Database. The product database helps shoppers find your shop - and more shoppers means more gold for you!

Visit http://www.uomerchantalliance.com today and welcome Jesua to UOMA!

Thanks,
Kitiara
Webmaster
[email protected]

Cyn

We factioneers over at www.truebritannians.com are holding a writing contest
for all those involved with the faction system. Awards for funniest story
will be:

1st Place - 1000 Silver
2nd Place - 750 Silver
3rd Place - 500 Silver

Please spread the word! Thanks a lot guys.

-Tarrif Goodwin

Thank ye Tarrif.

My eyes opened slowly to see the grinning face of my brother hanging
over me. "Talus, you scared the light from me, what time is it?" I
blustered "Why are you waking me at this hour? Go away I need to
sleep!" He laughed and stripped the covers off me, the cold captured me
freezing me to my very bones. "Get up old man I have another tale for
you! To your pen, to your pen this is a good one my dear brother!" I
curled up in as much of knot and I could trying to keep the cold out. My
bleary eyes tried to focus on him. "Well your are not pouring blood on
my bedroom floor, I am not sure if that is a good sign or a bad one." I
muttered. His large hand reached done and grabbed mine and pulled me.
I slid out of the bed as easy if he was pulling a sack of flour. I
found my footing and made my way of to my writing table. I sat and
muttered some words of power and the candles on my desk snapped to
life. I took out a pen and scroll and looked to him. Ok tell me you
tale brother.

Here is the tale as told be by Talus La Farge:

I arrived at the Adventure's guild in Minoc to find a few of my friends
sitting at the meeting table eating. They were all eerily quite and I
knew something was afoot.
I made my way to the message board not wanting to break the silence of
the room.
I saw Garett sitting there he looked up at me with a smirk on his face.
"Hail friends, anything new?" "We are waiting on Grant to return. He
told us that he needed to talk to one of his guards then he would come
back and tell us what is happening."
I settled at the table and grabbed some food and waited with rest.
After a short while Grant came in the door. "Come with me lads I have
something to tell ye about."
We all got up and followed Grant to his desk. "Has anyone heard of the
tree of knowledge?" We all looked at each other, confused. I spoke up
thinking it was the same tree that had appeared in the graveyard in
cove, bringing reapers with it and laying waste to all that were there,
but thank the gods I was wrong.
Grant told us a story about a lad that was conducting experiments on the
telescope at Moonglow. He said the lad had spotted a very odd site, a
site that had not been seen on this facet. It was a very odd tree, it
was a tree that spoke and was very wise. This tree was called the tree
of knowledge. Grant then told us that maybe if we found this tree, it
might be able to give some light on the mystery surrounding gypsies. A
gate was summoned and the band of friends was off. When we arrived at
the telescope all seemed normal. Then we heard this sound. "What is
that?" I asked. Then this large tree appeared and said "Who dares
awaken the tree of knowledge." I stepped forward and said "Oh great tree
we are here seeking your help." The tree paused a second and said "I do
not know you. How do I know that you are trustworthy. I will only help
those are know humility and honesty."
Sezx Marquie spoke up "What do we need to do to prove ourselves oh great
tree."
The tree spoke again, "Each of you must bring me something that show
your humility, by this I will judge each of you. When you have these
items return to this spot and knock three times and I will return."
With that the tree vanished. Seeker turned to me and said " Well now
what. What do we have that show our humility." I stood there pondering
totally confused as what to do. Old Navy spoke up, "Maybe we need to
check the shrine of humility. There we may find some answers." A blue
gate shimmered to life in front of us. Seeker, Navy, Sezx and I all
made our way though the gate to The Nation Guild's Tower. Once there We
went into the tower and went upstairs the massive rune library held
there. After a quick search we found the book that held the rune to
the shrine. Another gate shimmered to life and we went in. When I was
able to see again the shrine was before me. We all stepped out into the
open and saw nothing out of the ordinary. "Well", Navy said "maybe this
was not the right choice." Another gate sprang up and we all started to
move into it.
As I started to step into the gate I saw something out of the corner of
my eye. A shepherd crook had appeared on the ground, then some scrolls
appeared on the ground a little further away. I stepped halfway through
the gate and yelled out "Guys there is something happening. return
here." Navy and Seeker strode back to the gate both with very confused
looks on there faces then more items appeared. "See!" I said as I
pointed to a lute that appeared on the ground next to Seeker. The
familiar ring of magic sounded as Sezx appeared. "What is happening?"
He asked as he urged his mount toward me. "Things are appearing, I
think these are the items that represent humility." I picked up the
shepherd crook and handed it to him. "Let us return and explain why we
think these represent humility."

When we returned to the spot next to the telescope we found that one of
our mates was waiting on us there. We told him about what we had found
and he said that he was going to use armor to show his humility. We
knocked three times and the giant tree appeared before us. "Have you
brought the items I requested?" it asked.
"We have great tree." I replied. "One step forward and give me your
item and tell me why it represents humility." Each if us in turn
stepped forward and presented our items. Shadow gave his armor, Sezx
gave his shepherds crook, Seeker presented his
death robe. Each of explained why our item represented humility and
were passed by the tree.
"Now that I know each of you understand humility and honesty I know I
can trust you to help me. I am man that had been cursed to live through
out eternity as a tree. I cannot find any peace and I ask you to help
me. Please help me to find a cure to this curse." The tree said and he
seemed to start to wilt a bit. "Tell us how tree, tell us what to do
and it shall be done." I said. The tree started to wilt a little more.
"My time on this facet grows to an end but I can give you these clues
before my power fades. What is a mass of land that is not attached to
this land where wealth people live?" "Nujel'm!" someone shouted from
behind me. "Good" said the tree, "Where are the dead kept?" "That's
easy." I said, "A cemetery." "You now have your clues and I must leave
before my power that keeps me here fades." then the tree vanished again.
Not a word was hardly spoken and other than words of power to summon a
travel gate. When we arrived in Nujel'm we sped to the cemetery. When I
stepped through the gate I noticed a man run by his name was Omar. I
called out and he stopped and turned and look at me. I knew by the look
on his face he was not happy that I had disturbed him. The look in the
mans eyes told me that he was quite insane. We all gather around him and
explained our plight. "I am a maker of potions." he said, then he went
of on some mad tirade about cats and hats and making hats from cats. It
took a moment for us to make him focus again. But this time when we
explained why we were here he told us that he could help us and gave us
a list of ingredients, some dead wood, fertile dirt and soul of a dead
man. I looked at Seeker and grinned. "The last one will be easy." I
thought. "For payment I want a potion of deadly poison!" the crazed man
said then he started his crazy babbling again. He started to move off
but he paused and look at us. "Behind the bath in Bucks Den, there
these await you! go go go go go" he said the turned and walked off
babbling out hats and cats again. The blue glow of a gate caught my
attention as Navy muttered the words of power to summon one.
After I passed the gate we sped to the bath. As we rounded the corner I
saw what was waiting on us. Hell hounds appeared all around me. I
barely had time to get my axe to my hands before they were on me. I
fell into the contraction of battle and the oh so familiar feel of the
handle settled in my hands. I swung at the beasts I felt the battle
lust feel me. I lost total sight of my comrades as my axe render the
flesh of the beasts. I shook myself as I knew I could not lose sight of
them I knew that I need to stay close to them as I would need to be
healed and I would have to heal them. I swung again and then heard the
roar of an earth elemental, then I heard the growl of reapers. My
comrades waded into them their steel flashing in the sunlight as they
hacked away at there foes. One by one we fell the beasts making an easy
job of it. When I thought we were near the end, hell spewed more of the
beasts forth. Again the battle raged, I heard the cry of a comrade as he
fell, hell hounds we all over him, we ran to him but were to late to
save him. Words of power were muttered and steel flashed, the beasts
that had fallen our friend were dispatched. More words of power were
spake and he was brought from the spirit world back to ours. I turned
as I felt the bite of a hell hound on my shoulder. The pain was intense,
I focused my strength and swung the axe. Then I heard Navy speak more
words of power and the pain vanished. My comrades fell in next to me and
helped me dispatch the beast. We turned to face the next creature that
was trying to stop us from removing the curse from the tree. Behind me I
heard Sezx say "I have what we need lets us retreat." We turned and ran
for town Navy had made it there before us and had a gate open and
waiting on us. I never stopped I ran through the gate and kept running
until I was back at the graveyard. Omar was there still but when we
opened the gate we saw the graveyard was full of cats. The crazy man
was dancing around among them singing his crazy cat and hat song. We
made our way to him and dropped all the items he requested. He stopped
and looked. "Good good good. now I need to travel to the spirit world
to create the potion. Who of you will be the soul to join me. I looked
at Seeker and grinned know that he is a frequent visitor of the spirit
world and was very comfortable visiting there. Seeker stepped forward,
"I will join you." he said. "Good Good Good, take the poison and drink
drink drink!" Omar cried as he danced around. Omar spoke some words of
power that I had never heard before and lighting flashed then he
exploded. Seeker took the potion and drank it. He look at me and tried
to grin. His eyes widened as he fell to his knees, his hand grasp at
his throat he gasped one time and was gone. We waited for a bit and the
two spirits appeared we could see one was casting spells. Omar returned
from the spirit world and handed the potion to Sezx. He then spake more
words and Seeker returned as well. We tried to thank him but he went
off on a crazed tirade about the cats and hats again.

When we arrived at the spot where we saw the tree we summoned it again.
The tree appeared very weak, barley able to hold it grasp to our
reality. "The cure, do you have it?" It asked in a very weak voice.
Sezx stepped forward "Aye great tree we have it for you." "On my bark,
pour it." gasped the tree "Please pour it on my bark." Sezx ran to the
tree and poured the potion out on it's bark. At first there was nothing
then the tree shuddered then stiffened. There was a bright flash and a
shower of blue and golden sparks. In the place of the tree stood a
man. He look around confused, he memory seemed to be scrambled. He
looked at us "Where am I, what has happened?" "You were cursed and we
cured you" Shadow told the man. "I was cursed? I remember being trapped
and not being able to move." he stammered, then he remember it. "My
name is Alexander and I am in your debt friends, is there anything I can
do to repay you?" I stepped up to him "If you can tell us what is
happening the gypsies that would be repayment enough!" He look at me
and smiled, "That I can help you with my mother was a gypsy and she gave
me the gift of future sight. Maybe I can use this to help you with you
request." He focused his thoughts and he seemed to send his mind else
where. After a short while he spoke, his voice was monotone and deeper
than before, "I see a woman being held captive, she is the daughter of
the gypsy chieftain. She is been held by an evil mage with the treat of
murder if the gypsies do not do his bidding. I also see the gypsy
chieftain in hiding, hiding from the authorities. I see a man in a
purple cloak who holds the clues to his location." "Can you see where
the woman is being held?" I asked. "Nay my friend, there is powerful
magic there that hides her location. I can barely see who and what she
is." Alexander replied. The he seemed to shake his head and look
directly at me. "I am sorry young one that is all I can tell you. Now I
must go to my peace I have waited long and I am ready." We all knew
what he was talking about. One by one we thanked him and bowed in honor
of all that he had done. He spoke words of power and lightning struck
him. As he fell to the ground I saw a broad smile on his face and he I
knew that he had indeed found his peace.

I had almost finished writing a bit when I heard what sounded like the
snort of a dragon. At first I thought my pet Rip had gotten out and had
his head stuck though my window wanting his breakfast as he as done a
few times before, but I soon realized it was my dear brother piled up,
armor and all, in my warm bed snoring. I shook my head and laughed,
never will I let him know how dear of a sight that is to me and how much
I enjoy scribing his tales.

Istaliun
Mage of the Nation Guild.

Thank ye Istaliun.

*Several pages dressed in crimson and white of the Kingdom of Stormhaven are seen crossing the Britain West Bridge into the great city. They disperse in different directions at the crossroads near the bank each off to a posting or herald’s position within the town. After one of them tacks a parchment up on the bank’s posting board you attempt to squeeze in through the crowd to read it.*

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS SHALL

BE SPONSERING THIS MONTH THE

GRAND OPENING OF THE

T*D RUNE LIBRARY IN STORMHAVEN!

OWNED BY LORD ALLANON.

THE OPENING AND EVENT DAY WILL BE SUNDAY, FEB. 25 AT 7PM EST.

IN TRAMMEL ON THE ATLANTIC SHARD.

THIS MONTHS TOURNAMENT SHALL BE A JOUST!

GRAND PRIZE IS $25,000 GOLD TO THE CHAMPION!

IT SHALL BEGIN AT 7PM EASTERN AT THE

T*D RUNE LIBRARY IN STORMHAVEN.

(Coordinates 28.23S & 14.14’E Trammel)

CONTENTANTS MAY SIGN UP THE DAY OF THE EVENT

FOR A FEE OF $3,000. GOLD. CONTESTANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO JOIN THE TOURNAMENT STONE TO COMPETE.

FOR RULES OF THE TOURNAMENT, MAP TO T*D RUNE LIBRARY AND OTHER INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE STORMHAVEN SKYPAGE http://www.geocities.com/sfirestorm/stormhaven.html

Or the TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS skypage
http://www.geocities.com/sfirestorm/sgtournament.html

LADY LIPSTICK, QUEEN OF STORMHAVEN

PRINCE TALON OF STORMHAVEN

LORD ALLANON, T*D, SHS, OWNER OF T*D RUNE LIBRARY

Evil luck to all in the tournament.

NOTE: This quest picks up on Thursday night, at 10 PM CST. Any and all are requested to join in the hunt for Evie, for the battle is fierce and dangerous, and time runs short...Meet at the Serpents' Hold tavern on the docks in the Felucca facet. Come prepared.

Found this scroll from Lord Tristan as I returned home:

Don't play in Trammel? Tired of trying to find a good vendor mall?
We've got the answer for you.

Lord Tristan is pleased to announce that the Minoc Vendor Mall (formerly the Minoc Vendor Emporium) in Felucca is under new ownership!  Located at the Minoc bridge on the Vesper-Minoc road, the MVM promises to be your one stop shop for all your adventuring needs! With an estimated grand  opening of March 10th, 2001 we need your help!  The shop features a complete treasure rune library with a full Grandmaster Treasure Hunter available for hire, a public black dye tub, and a public leather dye tub (if you're old enough to use it).

We still have vendor spots available. There is no charge other than keeping them stocked.  We are still in need of a Carpenter, Bowyer, Rares, Deadly Poisoner, Fisherman, and Bulk Reagent vendors.

Got an idea for another type of vendor? We'd love to hear it.  You can get a hold of us at [email protected].

Lord Tristan
MVM Proprietor

Who ya gonna vote for? The contestant who will win, of course: the Stratics sponsored Michelle Yeoh.

She was kicking butt overseas long before teaming up with James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies, and now she's bringing both worlds together in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. She was even asked to play the villain in the upcoming Matrix sequels but turned down the role in order to work with her own new production company.

So, vote for Michelle Yeoh, win a few prizes, and support Stratics as we face off against other UGO affiliates. Vote today! Thank you!

For more information on the Evie adventure and her naked mage captors, please refer to the articles WHEN SHRUBBERY ATTACKS (Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2001, 5:24 PM EST), GOT SEEDS? (Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2001, 4:08 PM EST), THE NUDE MAGE CULT STRIKES AGAIN! (Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2001, 7:45 PM EST) and NEW FACES "SPROUTING" UP (posted on Sunday, February 11, 2001, 2:07 PM EST).

It was Tuesday, and after lots of time and preparation the first Chess Tournament in Dragon Town was about to start! One moment. A Chess Tournament? Yes, a chess tournament! Something completely different and unexpected so to speak. At around 7pm the tavern started to get crowded and the tournament was opened by Shivan Dragon, one of the Dragon Clan Core members and a member since the first hour.
Right from the word go, all started to play with a fighting spirit normally saved for sword-play and you could really hear how hard they all tried *g*
I am not quite sure if all knew the rules and tactics of this really complex game but, as ever, being part of it is everything! *g*

Of course, the bar was open throughout the event for the spectators and participants alike and the ale was drunk very quickly indeed (that the winner only won because he did drink a whole keg of ale all alone is only a rumor). Fortunately plenty of reserve kegs were at hand.
A wonderful surprise was saved for the end. The fiance, Shickedim, of my long friend Bibbi Blocksberg found the courage to, on bended knee, finally ask her if she would marry him. A very joyful and nice end to this evening.Of course, she said yes so the next party with free drink and food is already foreseeable *g*

A very special thanks again to the organiser, Shivan Dragon, for the nice and joyful event! Do you want to know more about the Dragon Clan or its events? Just pay a visit to Dragon Clan or send us a scroll.

*Safe travels*
Calimerion

Automatic refreshing of houses on Lake Superior, Europa, and Drachenfels shards will be disabled February 21st. All houses on these three shards will be uncondemned and refreshed automatically one last time, just before the automatic refreshing is disabled. Houses that were condemned will still show as condemned until the shard's next maintenance cycle. Players will need to refresh their houses regularly and often on these shards, to keep the houses from decaying.

This will uncondemn all houses on those shards, and then the auto-refresh will be removed. Some players have asked me whether someone that placed a house during the auto-refresh will be able to keep their houses that they own before they tried to place, instead of those houses condemning. Yes, they will. Unfortunately there is not a way to seperate out those factors. However, remember that very few players would have been able to place a house during this time. Houses were not falling during this time, and there were very little if any spaces available. Note to every house owner on these shards: You will need to refresh your houses from this point on, so please return to the habit of refreshing your house.

This Monday evening, when we gathered at the Spiritwood Tavern to leave fer the town of Deepwater to meet Rilla Takhista, a strange man, wearing blue robes approached me. He stepped out of the shadows, glancing around carefully while he inquired if I was Pad O'Lion. He explained, that the Elder Myrath had sent him to Spiritwood with a certain book. A book, he said, which will have to be protected at all cost, as the secrets within were dangerous and evil.

While I talked to the stranger Rilla followed by Dianora, the new mayoress of Deepwater, and a couple of guards arrived at the Tavern. Glancing at Rilla, I noticed her glowing dagger, and thus never meant anything good. The stranger seemed very frightened and constantly examined his surroundings as if he had fear of beeing followed. He told us, that he'd been followed by creatures, but luckily could evade them during his travels to Spiritwood. After handing me the book, he had spoken about, I carefully opened the ancient manuscript and read over the first page. Guessing it significance I stood silent for a moment, considering what to do. Suddenly some unrest grew in the crowd and when I looked around, I noticed a woman, but nay an ordinary woman. She was very pale, pale as death itself! "A book? Have ye find the book my mistresss wantsss?", she asked, addressing me. "Erm, book? What book?", I replied shrugging with confusion. Without doubt this woman was one of the necromancers looking fer the book called "Domain", a book we knew they were searching, but nay what it was or contained ... the book I now held behind my back! Feeling quite uncomfortable in this situation I slipped the book to Gui Zarith with the order to bring it to safety. Now I could freely negotiate with that dark necromancer and mayhaps find out more about their goals.

The Necromancer though, first friendly inquiring about the book, but then getting more and more restless, seemed to be desperate, desperate to claim that book for her mistress Lynn. As the people around, I sensed her raising anger and the warriors readying their weapons. Then they appeared, undead creatures pouring out of the woods, zombies, skeletons and even those spell hurling reddish skeletons. Soon the whole area was engaged in combat with those creatures of darkness, while the Necromancer too cast her evil spells against our forces.

Although it been a fierce battle that raged down at the tavern that evening, our losses weren't were considerably low compared to the necromancer's ... who lost his cursed unlife.

Now, that there was peace again in town we decided to go to the Spiritwood Library and have a look at that book I received from that blue robed stranger earlier. When the small crowd had gathered at the Library I started to read from that mysterious book, which seemed to be a fragment of the book called "Domain" by Sage Xirion Madrak:

I have learned of a great power. A power that can be used to cause great pain and to gain an even greater power. Only those skilled in the forbidden crafts will be able to put these powers to use. I found it important that this information would not fall into the wrong hands. I hope that the secret within this riddle remains hidden. I have split this book, the book "Domain", into seven pieces. I locked the seventh piece away at a dark place... This is one piece of six. Guard it well, for if it is used by the forces of darkness ... it may bring us all to fall. This is a piece of that riddle:

If ye wonder why I did nay write down that riddle contained in the book, ye will have to understand, that it is far too dangerous to spread the word of that evil contained within these pages. For now the book is hidden until it is decided what to do with it. If it shall be destroyed or kept in a secret place ...

Watch out for those necromancers though, there are six parts left ... they seem desperate to claim that evil power. Take heed!

Regards
Pad O'Lion

This article, found here, relates the events of Day 1 of the Evie kidnapping, later parts to follow very soon. (Sorry for being behind on this article, I've been busy lately.)

We were close to the dungeon entrance as we logged in on the 8:th day. We didn't have to ride for long until we were standing in front of an entrance buiding similar to the entrance to Dungeon Hythloth in Britannia. We hid to check on our backpacks and to set up spells as we witnessed a funny scenario. A fellow came running around with a Brigand chasing him. The guy disappeared to the North before we could assist and heal him. Although, the Brigands are some of the easiest foes to defeat, they seemed to do more damage now than before. (pic 213-214)

Auto Refresh has been switched off on Drachenfels, Europa and LS today
21st February. Pre UOR multiple house accounts still have condemned
houses. The houses on multiple house accounts became condemned on Dec
1st 2000. This was not due to any fault of the account holder. A GM was
paged and GM Zweistein on Drachenfels informed me that OSI are aware of
the problem. This needs fixing fast before any get to the IDOC stage.

Kevin Cowdell

Hail to thee !

The Erethian University will collect books on Friday 23 !

You are a writer, an explorer, a poet or a scholar, and you
have books you want to share with your fellow Britannians.
Then COME to our books gathering !
We will be waiting for you !
You can also send books to [email protected]
If you don't know how to go to Ravenmoor, or want to know
more then check our skypage at :
http://ravenmoor.ng22.com/

We hope to see you on Friday 23 at 8:00 PM GMT !
Gates will be provided from the Britain Bank surroundings.

Tyrghen [UT] of Ravenmoor.

I have a fair few books, maybe ill bring them along!
 

My name is Kahn Anthias. The story of my fate is not for the weak of heart. Long ago I was a member of Lord British’s famed Mystic Council. I was the fifth Elder in a circle of nine. My sons where Adamodious and Lucanis, they where highly respected guards in Lord British’s Virtue Guards. But all of that is no more, fore twenty-five years ago I was slain in fear and ignorance.

The Dragons had been stopped and the peace in the lands was keeping my brethren and I hard at work. We had learned of a legendary art called Necromancy, but never totally understood its power. This art could mean peace for all of Sosaria, fore with the right and noble intentions it could be used to bring good instead of the evil it has been so closely related with.

While searching through the remains of one of Mondain’s laboratories a local warrior came across several scrolls. The young master had no use for these scrolls for he could not understand the ancient text. So he sold them to a well known Mage in Magincia. The scrolls soon found there way into Britain and into our hands.

They told of how the dead could return to the lands as something that was called a Liche, if the right incarnations where chanted before their death. But the scrolls that transcribe these words where old and torn. No one had ever seen or heard of such a creature as a Liche and it was widely believed that they did not exist. But these scroll where to much proof to there existence. The secrets these Liches could tell would help us to end famine, poverty and maybe even war.

Night after night we attempted to decipher what all was written within the scrolls soon days, weeks, and even months had passed.

Rumors began to spread throughout the kingdom of our work with them, but we pushed forward to unlock the knowledge they held. Soon we where so wrapped up in our work that we drifted away from Lord British. At times we missed meetings that he had set up to discuss the future of the lands and this may have been our gravest mistake.

Many began to fear us for they began to think that we ourselves could bring forth their demise. But this was not so, we were careful and only the nine elders ever saw the scrolls to ensure the knowledge wouldn't fall into the wrong hands.

Soon rumors of Lord British's lack of in trust with the Council were whispered to all that would listen. We knew he feared the dark art of Necromancy and attempted to press upon him that we would bring no harm to the lands, but his fear of Mondian seemed to drive him into hatred of the “Black Art”.

Late one eve Liva had been sewing on a few silk doublets for my son Adamodious. Liva was one of Adamodious’s chambermaids and the closest thing I had to a daughter. She overheard a conversation between him and Lucanis that threatened the entire existence of the Mystic Council and mayhap our own lives. She rushed to my chamber soon after they had said their good-byes and told me of what she had overheard.

I knew that this was my one and only warning from my sons fore they had swore to keep the secrets of the guard and they where men of honor.

I traveled to the hidden city of Magic, Wind. To begin preparations for our eventual hiding. Fore when or if it came down to it the Mystic Council had planned to hide within the caverns that surrounded Wind. After making the preparations I sent word for my two sons to gather supplies and hide them within the caverns. No one would suspect two guards of obtaining mass amounts of supplies for this was a normal occurrence. But a normal man would be looked at as if he where up to something for doing these deeds.

As I retired to my chamber for a night’s slumber I had no idea that this would be the last time I graced the halls of the castle among the living. As I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep I dreamt of a world without the cruelty that had been plaguing our world for so many years.

Then I was awoken by a terrible feeling, a scarf was being wrapped around my neck. As my eyes open I knew that this was to be my death and there was no way to stop these men. Somehow the man strangling me lost his grip on one piece of the scarf.

I had a choice at this time to cast a spell to kill these men or to cast a spell to save me and my brethren. I done what any noble virtues man would do and casted the spell to save me and my brothers. As I began to chant the words that the scrolls has contained he had obtained his grip on the scarf once again, ending me in mid chant. I knew that this was not good who knows what repercussion could be happen with the spell only being half casted. Then I felt all the life that remained in my body was gone.

But the powers of the chant had already began to take place. Me and my brothers where invisible to the living for a short time and in this time I used it to carve the word Lich into my headboard as a warning of our return to those that had betrayed us.

We traveled to the Caverns of Wind where we would end the last part of our transformation As I came back into the world I felt all of my memories leave my mind as if they where being stripped from my soul. I had no idea whom or what I was anymore and I only saw my fellow Liches being slain by men of “honor” wielding powerful silver weapons. So began the war between the Lich and man.

But in this time something struck me at a surprise for when a man came to attack me another young soul had came out of the shadows and slain him as if in my protection. The man wore a bloodstained scarf and had a familiar presence to him as if I had known him my entire life. He took the sword of silver from the mans cold, dead hand and told me to never worry about this sword again, fore it would be melted down by his own hands.

At that moment another one of my brothers had walked toward us, there was pain in his eyes, a poison had been slipped into his body and he fell before ever getting the chance to say whom his killer was. As I look toward the young man expecting him to take what little gold my brother had kept on him. I saw a tear stroll down his check, as if he was truly sorry for our kind’s deaths. And as I asked the man what his name was he told me he was once know as Adamodious Anthias but was now known simply as Adam Ant.

This was when I began to remember things of the past and I stretch out my arms and welcomed my son home. And thus began the Guardians of the Undead Lords.

Beta Third Dawn Patching

Due to an issue with an East Coast patch server, some Ultima Online: Third Dawn customers may have received an incomplete patch 44 for the Third Dawn client. In the event that you received this incomplete patch and are now unable to complete a patch, you will need to reinstall Ultima Online: Third Dawn. Please note that all Third Dawn files must be deleted from your computer: this may require manually deleting the Third Dawn folder in some cases. If you have both Renaissance and Third Dawn installed on your computer, you will not need to reinstall Renaissance. We apologize for this inconvenience.

This patch error will not affect customers who have not installed Ultima Online: Third Dawn or who successfully patched Third Dawn patch 44.

After many months in the making, we think it's finally time to open her up!
This Wednesday we will hold the grand opening of SAA Gameroom & Pub;
To celebrate this joyous event we've talked with some of our closest allies and friends to bring some special games and contest to you:

Tomorrow night, at 8PM under the central skies, join us for a bardic circle hosted by Iolo the bard, with a polymorph contest hosted by The Town of Phoenix Rising. Ofcourse the pub will be open the remainder of the night, so stop by and grab an ale..
Other contests & games will be announced tomorrow, but you'll just have to come see for yourself :)
The pub will be open every Wednesday, same time.. if all goes well, we will open it up on a nightly basis.

Details:
Wed the 21st, 8PM CST.
N/E of Britain, Trammel.
31o 12'N, 52o 10'E.
(Runes available at Elwynns rune library, Drunken Lizard pub, and the Temple of Balance)

-Cheebatoke

Quest Masters event sponsored by Liquid Pleasure's Tavern in the Village of Virtue.

This weeks quest is on Wednesday February 22st, 2001 starts at 8pm pst
Place of gathering is the large brick building in Storm Haven Trammel, (93*20'N/171*0'W) East of the desert, North East of Britain.

And please please, if you are in a guild I strongly urge you to all declare war on my guild, *Quest Masters* if you wish to fully be involved with all the activities. For your safety and any questions that might arise. Fear not, all actors will be immediately removed from my stone following the evenings events. Blood Stone will always be the only one on the stone during the week. If you are not in a guild and wish to play along with us, I am sure finding one will not be to hard. But if you don't please contact me at Liquid Pleasure's Tavern in VoV and I will make arrangements for anyone to find a stone.

Blood Stone

Will there be a battle, a puzzle to solve or treasure to be found, join the group in Storm Haven Wed. night and find out.
Your humble servant,
Raeven Aurora

When: Thursday the 22nd of February at 20 CET (19 GTM)
From: Britain at Wayfarer's Inn (Trammel)
To: Sea Serpent's Tavern of Cove (Trammel)

The Trade Caravan of Cove will be transporting some supplies for the Sea
Serpent's Tooth Tavern, the journey will begin at 20 (CET) at Wayfarer's
Inn at Britain. Because the road to Cove might be dangerous, any
volunteers who wish to escort the caravan are welcomed. Also the so
called Dark Alliance should be noted as a possible troublemaker, because
it has already slain few merchants.

The Caravan should arrive to Cove about 21.00 (CET) and from there on
the tavern night at the Sea Serpent's Tooth continues, so if you will
not make the caravan, do come to the tavern.

Videric Gaveston
The Trade Caravan of Cove - http://caravan.lemming.org/
Village of Cove - http://cove.lemming.org/

Them Dark Alliance again...be sure to watch yer backs!

The Moonglow Town Council, after extensive reconstruction and rank purges, has re-emerged on the face of Sosaria and is seeking dedicated, skilled, and loyal citizens of Moonglow and her outer realms to join the cause of Honesty and Light against the darkness. Moonglow has undergone some vast changes in the past few years, politically and militarily. Our city has been battled over for several moons now by the warring factions, and we seek to bring back its stability in the Sosarian arena. For this reason, MTC [Moonglow Town Council] will be recruiting and training all those whom would pick up a sword in the name of Truth, and for our glorious cause. All those interested may find out more about the Moonglow Town Council at its webtome.

All those interested in joining the forces of the city of Moonglow are asked to contact either Mayor GreyPawn via pigeon [ICQ] at 33211468, or the Captain of the Militia, Lord Richard at 39396097.

Sincerely,
Your Humble Servant,
GreyPawn, Sage of Honesty, HoA
Mayor of Moonglow
2nd Seat, Council of Mages

All are welcome to join us in our celebration of Love and commitment to one another. The wedding will be on Saturday, February 24th in Felucca at the Trinsic Waterfalls. It will begin at 9pm eastern with a reception to follow at the Serpants Cross Tavern in Yew. Should it be needed, runes and gates will be provided from the Hungry Halfling Tavern in Rivendell near Britain.

Molly and Ragnar Teach

Yet another wedding announcement has been issued and is tentatively set for this coming Sunday the 24th, at 7 p.m. CST.

Lord Merlin Da Elf recently announced his engagement to the lovely Lady Carpentria and the couple are busy making plans for the upcoming ceremony. The wedding is scheduled for the Star Room, but Merlin advises that the plan may change due to guest attendance or other factors. He promises to keep us updated and will issue invitations once plans for the affair are settled.

Congratulations to the happy couple.

Cyn

Second Dark Slayer Defeats Champion of Edinburgh

Jake, Champion of Edinburgh, was defeated last even in a close fought battle with the second Dark Slayer sent by Scaramandine the Elder. Following the battle, the spirit of the ancient warrior, Martel Nevarre appeared to counsel Jake on his defeat offering advice on how our remaining champions might defeat the Dark Slayers yet to come.

After this defeat, Scaramandine the Elder did send wave upon wave of monsters against our poor village. Warriors of the Wrong valley fought valiantly along with our many allies to defend the town, facing first brigands, orcs and orc mages, then reapers and corpsers and finally wave upon wave of the undead ranging from bone magi to liches. These evil one were finally thrown back. At the end, Scaramandine the Elder appeared upon the patio of the Whispering Pines Tavern to taunt the brave defenders of Edinburgh. We fear more attacks will follow in the week to come until our next champion faces the third Dark Slayer.

Niamb Goldenhair
Village Council of Edinburgh

Earlier it was determined that the identity of Io was Scaramandine the Elder, but only after he was released from the Orb of Soul Seeking.

Hail citizens of Britannia !

You have a guild, a good decorated house, a story about a fierce battle? You specialy made a site for all this?

Now, let your site be known to all the peoples of Britannia!

UO Exchange has just opened its doors.

Don't hesitate and pay us a visit at http://www.hawkfield.com

Greetings go towards you ....

The Hawkfield Family

Hail Sosarian,

Onslaught here, from Lake Superior. I would like to organize a little get together for the Montreal Region Players. Before I set a date and a place, I wanted to inquire as to how many people actually would be interested in attending this event. I have absolutely no clue how many we are. Could you all send me a short e-mail with your Name, Character name and City with UO in the subject. Optionally, your age would help me determine the best ambiance, but this is strictly optional. After I receive responses, I will analyze the best location for us to have this meeting and post it here in the following week. Quebec and Ottawa players are very welcome to respond as well.

Sent comments to: [email protected]

I appreciate the help and hope to hear from many of you.

Onslaught a.k.a. Patrick :)

We are experiencing some issues with the UO Boards, and MyUO. We are working to resolve the problem. As soon as more information becomes available, it will get posted here to the FYI section. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

As a side note to this, we will be taking a look at the visuals of the board
and the appearance soon. We want to make sure everything else is doing ok
first, such as being able to access the boards. :)

Melantus

Online Community Coordinator

Ultima Online

 

The Dark Alliance strikes again! I was in the fair city of scholars and mages, Moonglow, to buy some reagents. As I walked toward my favorite shop, Moonglow's Finest Alchemy, I immediatly noticed something weird about the structure. The entrance was flanked by two huge dark flags. On them, the symbol of the Dark Alliance, and these words written down : ' Dark Alliance Ambassy'. A shiver ran down my spine. What Frabagor and his evil minions want to achieve with this new move, I can only guess, but it doesn't bode well. And now I'll have to buy my reagents in another shop....

 

Dalamar, Mage of the Custodes Fati.

 

Mmmm. They'll' never get passed me! *Swings his sword in the air*

The latest news from BNN:

Well, dear readers, the challenge on March 1st is going to be very different this time! I have this right from the dragon’s mouth! This month Al’Tyr will be running things, and he has an event filled with danger, thrills, chills, and general mayhem. It seems that players will be registering as teams of five, and given a color to use during the competition. The dragons seem to be most fond of the City of Honor, and their events often have some connection with it - and this is no exception! 

The event itself will be fraught with danger and puzzles that must be gotten past. Unlike former events, this one will focus on combat along the way. The last step will be into the lair itself and the five teams of five that make it to the endpoint will have a chance to answer the riddles. The sashes this month will be engraved Master of Sword and Word for the winning team of five. NO team that is not complete may enter the lair. A variety of talents should be incorporated into each team, for who knows what challenges you will have to face. 

For new readers, the Trammel Dragon appears once a month upon the first, and poses riddles to all citizens of Britannia who have proved themselves worthy through prior tests and trials. This month the trials will focus on combat and battle skills. Teams MUST register in advance for the event. 

If you wish to take up Al’Tyr’s challenge, teams may come to register for the event in the city of Trinsic at the Keg and Anchor tavern on the 26th of March from 8:30 to 11:30 GMT.

Bethsainda Ariaachas

A new website has opened dedicated to UO Commerce. The site was founded based on the principal that many players would rather spend time playing the game rather than cluttering up the bank trying to sell an item for an hour or longer. SHARDMART allows players of all ages to list and sell their items hassle free. The site is currently active for the Atlantic shard and is only awaiting sellers on other shards for those pages to be active as well. SHARDMART came into being on Sunday February 18, 2001. Please help us make SHARDMART an asset to all and a boon to UO commerce!

http://www.shardmart.com

Austin UO Player's Luncheon, March 10

The next Austin UO Player's Luncheon will be held at 1pm on Saturday, March 10, Upstairs at Opal Divine's Freehouse on 6th Street in Austin Texas. For more details, please visit the Austin UO Player's Lunch Website at http://www.sss.org/uolunch

If you plan to attend the lunch, please reply to this email or send one to [email protected] . This will help me to get a headcount, and if you send me an email with your character name and shard, I will make you a cool, studly nametag. All of those who don't email me get to fill in the 'Hello, My Name is...' with a Sharpee.

As always, I look forward to seeing you there!
Heather

• Events This Week - Drop by #camelothoc this Thursday, February 22nd, at 6pm CST for another Camelot House of Commons chat with the game's designers!
• Underground Open - It's Round 2 for the UGO Underground Open. Be sure to check it out and cast your vote for Michelle Yeoh, star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and official Stratics mascot.
• Stratics Central - Like The Sims? Then check out our exclusive interview with Sims creator Will Wright. And don't forget to read Stratics Central's latest editorial on Dungeon creation.
• Stage 1 Stratics - Dawn Stratics has posted some guest articles. Read them to see what you think, then comment in the forums.
• Anarchy Online Stratics - Discover more about the lands of Rubi-ka this week as AOS brings you more screenshots and the "Diary of a Killer", straight from the third phase of beta testing.
• Asheron's Call Stratics - Turbinr have released a movie of Bael'Zharon, the Hopeslayer, and his recent visit to Dereth. AC Stratics has it available for your viewing (or downloading) pleasure.
• Atriarch Stratics - Serafina has been gracious enough to bestow upon the community another Story Month event. This time, she asks that you compile the story one sentence at a time. You can participate on the Atriarch Stratics Dev Board, along with other community boards. Be weird, have fun!
• Camelot Stratics - Visit the Camelot House of Commons developer chat this Thursday at 6pm CST in #camelothoc.
• EverQuest Stratics - Visited our forums lately? Drop by the Westwood Tavern for a nice mug of ale. Or check out the race or class forums to chat about your favorite characters.
• JumpGate Stratics - Couldn't make it to the JumpGate House of Commons chat last Thursday. Then be sure to read the logs.
• Neocron Stratics - Reakktor released 3 new pre-beta screenshots! Be sure to drop by NCS and drool.
• Neverwinter Stratics - Our Dungeon Master Strategy area has two new additions: Creating Living NPCs and The Road Not Taken. The Players area has a new section called "Wisdom of Sages," where you will find articles and advice from experienced users of skills and arts to help those apprenticing in those areas.
• Origin Stratics - The Origin Stratics Interview Team recently got together with Ahriman, the Minister of Fiction. Luckily, he was in a chatty mood and had lots to offer, including a screenshot to illustrate two of the character archetypes that will be available. If you are interested in the lore of UWO:Origin, then Ahriman's Interview will be a must read for you.
• Shadowbane Stratics - The Colored Concept Art Contest has come to a close! Check out Shadowbane Stratics for a complete listing of all entries.
• Ultima Online Stratics - Come have a look at our Stories and Secrets section where we present you all kinds of Quest and Lore related information. From the Britannia News Network archives to the Seer FAQ, there's more than enough for you to enjoy!
• WWII Online Stratics - World War II Online Stratics brings you the latest news on World War II Online, with a brand new story, and posts from WW2 Online's PR Manager.

At 9pm EST on Monday Feb. 19th, at the Corwyn Towne Hall, there will be a meeting concerning the next CCoV Olympics. All parties interested in assisting with organization, planning and running of events are encouraged to attend.

This meeting is not scheduled to last more than 2 hrs.

All towns (Felucca and Trammel) are also encouraged to send a representative.

If you are useing a Voodoo 3 and you see a great deal of lag, here is something you can try. I use a Voodoo 3 2000 and it helped me.

1. Get the latest voodoo 3 drivers (1.07 or 1.03) which can be found here @ http://www.voodoofiles.com

2. Once the drivers are installed go to the 3Dfx icon that has been added to your system tray (next to the clock on the task bar) and right click it, set the color depth to 16 bpp

3. double left click the icon to pull up the 3Dfx advanced features window.

4. Click the + Next to the Direct3D Option to expand the menu

5. Click the + next to the Level of Detail Bias

6. click the number that has appear under the level of detail bias, a slider will appear.

7. Move the Slider all the way towards best performance.

8. Click Okay

Good luck,
Cutter

3 vs. 3 Sponsored by Jade
Friday, February 23rd, 2001, @ (9 PM PST, 10 PM MST, 11 PM Central, Midnight EST)
NO ENTRY FEE, 1st place 60K gps, 2nd place 30K gps, 3rd place15Kgps.

Here are the rules:

• No charged magic items, clothing, or jewelry. No magic armor and weapons allowed.
• No pre-poisoned weapons. They may be poisoned during the battle.
• No use of summoning spells, offensive field spells, blade spirits, energy vortex, recall nor gate.
• No Stealing is allowed during battle.
• The only pre-casting allowed (casting done before the match countdown) is Magic Trap, Reactive Armor, and Magic Reflection.

Disclaimers:

• All contestants are subject to snooping by Grimoire Staff to ensure everyone is participating fairly.
• The Event Coordinator's decision on all matches is final and will not be disputed during the event.
• Anyone who disrupts the flow of the event for any reason will be banned until after the event.
• In the event that a contestant loses connection during the event, the Event Coordinator will make a decision as
• to the possibility of a rematch. That decision stands and may not be disputed. Any disputes will be handled after the event.
• A connection loss during combat events where the roof is sealed off, will result in an automatic forfeit.
• The Event Coordinator reserves the right to adjust these rules at any time without notice.

To avoid confusion, registration will start at 8:00 PM PST, and end at 9:00 PM PST. No late entries. Tournament will start at 9:10 PM PST.

We must have a minimum of 4 teams to start this event!

This event takes place in the Grande Grimoire Battle Arena. Once you have entered the Grande Grimoire Battle Arena, all Contestants are bound by the Rules of the Battle Arena. Failure to follow these rules may result in your death or banishment from the Arena.Grimoire Tournament Rules

Contestants and Spectators must observe and obey all the Village Laws. Failure to do so can end in your death or banishment from the village.Grimoire Village Rules

For calendar of events, rules, maps and community message board, please visit: Village of Grimoire
------------------
Signed in Blood
Dyastro Farkas (Mayor of Grimoire, Keeper of GuL Secrets)

Your humble servant
Raeven Aurora

 

TWISTER LOTTERY - the finest lottery in Britannia!

 

Congratulations to Elad who wins our Lottery this week. You win 166K gold, a Mib, a glacial staff, a vanq bow, a big fish, a xmas bell,

an ostard, and 5 tickets for the next lottery. Please find us and collect your prizes soon.

 

Also Congratulations to Yang and Gandalf Grey. Yang wins a MiB and Shadow Full Plate Armour set. Gandalf Grey wins a Bronze Heavy Archer Suit and 5 tickets.

 

 

New Winning Ways with our New Lottery Rules.

 

We have made it even more exciting and easier to play the Twister Lottery by introducing new rules and the greatest prizes ever seen!

 

Want a villa? Cannot afford one? Win it on the Twister Lottery!

Perhaps a small house takes your fancy? Play the lottery and win one!

If you already own a house win one for a friend or lover!

 

Other super prizes include vanquishing, silver, power, and force weapons, glacial staffs, message in bottles (SoS Bottles), GM armour sets, rare "Big Fish", Xmas Bells and many other prizes.

 

How to Win?

Its simple. Players choose their numbers from 1-49 and each number they choose costs 500 gold. You can choose a maximum of ten numbers.

Every week 6 numbers are drawn. If your numbers match any of these 6 then you have already started winning!

Match more numbers and the greater your prizes!  If you match all 6 numbers you have won the villa!

We then draw an additional number. The player who matches this number wins the jackpot prize money and prizes!

 

Players who are interested in buying lottery tickets or would like more information please check our website first for the prize details then speak to one of our sellers or find us at the Twister Keep.

 

Our main seller is Rachel Boltmaker : Happy Smith of the Twister Academy (Ta) She is found every night at the north smithy in Britain from 8-9pm (GMT)

 

 

Please check our website first for all the prizes on offer and how to play.

 

our website address is:  www.twister-lottery.co.uk 

 

You are all invited to take part and win!

remember.... it could be you!....

 

Saturday 24th February 2001

 

Sextant Co-ordinates for Twister Keep : 91°8'N 63°8'E  'over the water from minoc'

 

Best of Luck

 

Aiela Topura

 

Oooh, ive always wanted a Villa!

I was in Deceit last night 2/18/01 at around 8-8:30 pm. When you walk in the entrance, in the first room on the left there is a brazier there. Someone double clicked on it and summoned a dragon. Big red, can't hurt it no matter what. There were four of us. One mage, three warriors, we didn't scratch it.

If anyone has more information on these Summoning Braziers, or if they know of any others, please send your info to [email protected].

By Quill McMartin:

Two new features have been added to the regularly scheduled events in and around the realm. A revised overview is provided here for our reader’s convenience.

NEW! Storyteller Sunday:

Join friends and special guests at the Jollier Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoons to hear original tales spun by some of the finest bards, authors and poets of the realm. Each week will feature a different theme. The bar will be open, providing cheese, a variety of fruits and a full selection libations.

The Pilgrimage:

Lady Shannon continues to host a weekly pilgrimage to one of the shrines. Not for glory, not for gain, these voyages are a time for friends to gather together in peace, to enjoy the beauty of the lands and to waylay anything that tries to stop them.

Treasure Hunting:

Now a bona fide tradition, Marlo’s treasure hunts have gained great popularity. Open to everyone, the group gathers at the Jollier fairgrounds. Marlo provides the maps. After the hunt, the treasure is divided among the participants. In consideration of safety and fairness, it is kindly requested that large pets not accompany their owners on these outings.

NEW! Tour d’ Realm:

Join your humble narrator (that would be me, Quill McMartin) in traveling the realm, discovering exciting new places or revisiting the old favorites. Proprietors of privately owned establishments and city leaders may wish to have their venues added to the roster. To do so, merely arrive on one of the tour nights and provide a rune to your pub, shop or town. This is an excellent opportunity for citizens to travel together and build their rune libraries or meet new friends.

Storyteller Sunday schedule:

Event time: 4 pm, CST

Feb. 18th	Stories of True Love
Feb. 25th	Stories of Heroes and Legends
March 4th	Stories of Mystery and Horror
March 11th	Stories of Courageous Pets and Animals
March 18th	Stories of the Sea

Pilgrimage Schedule

Feb. 19th	Paladin’s Library at Trinsic to Honor
Feb. 26th	Magincia Temple to Humility
March 5th	Empath Abbey at Yew to Justice
March 12th	Bank of Minoc to Sacrifice
March 19th	The Shattered Skull in Skara Brae to Spirituality
March 26th	Jhelom’s Brothers in Arms to Valor

Currently, the houses on Lake Superior, Drachenfels, and Europa are being refreshed automatically. On February 21st (local server time) we are planning on turning off the auto-refresh system. Right before the system is deactivated, all houses will be refreshed one last time and all condemned houses will be uncondemed. Once the system is deactivated, all houses will need to be refreshed at regular intervals (approximately at least once every 9 days) to avoid decay.

After a brief period of peace at Wispwood, the inhabitants were beset upon by large red winged beasts that smelled of brimstone and treacle, that walked upon two cloven hooves wielding swords of death. These dark deamons cleaved many a virtuous defender but in the end the minions of hell were thwarted.

This was only an appetizer: last night the good people of Wispwood were served the main course by General Relias.

The General is a fiendish green monster carrying a huge round shield and large and wicked green blade. The evil skeleton led bone knights and skeletal knights in an attempt to get an artifact from the defenders.

The people of Wispwood were not about to give away the artifact, the same artifact they worked so hard to preserve from the likes of Na-Krul. There was more carnage. Wispwood calls, but who will answer?

Valentine's Day has come and gone, but it seems Cupid is still on the job. Earlier this evening, I received notice that the fair Akara and Kaz Sadique are now officially engaged and are making wedding preparations. No date has been set for the event, but Akara promises to keep us informed of the couple's plans. The Stratics News Team sends its' congratulations to the happy couple. And Kaz...Ith'unk and I humbly offer our services to "guard" the mead, at the wedding.

Cyn,
Supreme Exalted Guardian of Mead and Other Fine Spirits

Hi. I've finally gotten rid of some FTP problems and updated by site.

Two new toons up.

http://zeromus.uoboard.net

-Zeromus

It was so quiet you could hear the rustling of the leaves. Warriors were gathered all around waiting for the rest of their comrades to arrive. Some of them were praying. I couldn't blame them, I was also scared out of my mind. Some or all of us would not live to see tomorrrow. Soon we were going to face the drow...

For background information on the Drow saga, search for the string 'Homecoming' in the Searchable News Archive at the top right corner of the Stratics newspage.

In the late evening of Saturday, a friend called for all heroes of our clan with an urgent message. "Come quick to our tavern, we have to go to Yew and defeat a strong Army of Orcs!". Seer Viconius had paid a visit to the Dragon Clan Tavern and warned us that an orc army was preparing to invade Yew and that Jeremiah was in great danger.

As further Dragons started to arrive at the Tavern, one of our brave members went ahead to scout the area and gave us great tactical orders. The orcs had been gathering around the crossroads, east of the cemetery, and it was not long before the rest of the Dragons and friends arrived to head off the invasion. The army was vast and consisted of all kinds of orcs and ettins and they seemed to be working under the orders of an Ogre Lord.

The battle was fought long and hard as the orcs seemed endless in numbers but, with help from friends, we were able to defeat them and save Jeremiah! As a special thanks, the town cryers shouted our name in towns all over the land. Little is still known of the reason for the invasion, or why Jeremiah was a target in the attack.

For more information about this and other events, please visit Dragon Clan or send us a scroll,
Calimerion

About a year ago, I was looking for a cool birthday-present for my brother, with whom I usually play Ultima Online. So I decided to build the house he owned at that time for "real". Have a look at the following link:

http://www.enya.ch/uo/uo.html, then select News.

This site has been up quite a while, but due to lack of time I didn't keep it up-to-date or even announce it to the public. But now I think you might have a look, since I read the story from Callisto's table-top-rpg, which this house might fit in. If anyone is interested in further realisation of other houses, let me know.

Greetings from Switzerland

Astro von Togh

Hail Traveller !

The Ace High Casino is opening on Tuesday 20 at 8:00 PM GMT.

Gates will be provided as usual from the Main Britain Bank surroundings
between 8:00 and 8:30 PM GMT.
If you still don't know where is Ravenmoor, then check our site :
http://ravenmoor.ng22.com/
All games are open and waiting for you.
Once again, I remind you to please read the Games Rules.

We are waiting for you !

Tyrghen [UT] of Ravenmoor.

*Does his casino winning dance as he walks of*

Hail Traveller !

The Drunken Guard Tavern is opening on Thursday 22 at 8:00 PM GMT.
We invite you to take part in the Summoner of the Day Event.

Gates will be provided as usual from the Main Britain Bank surroundings
between 8:00 and 8:30 PM GMT.
If you still don't know where is Ravenmoor, then check our site :

http://ravenmoor.ng22.com/
Please read the event Rules on our site.

We are waiting for you !

Tyrghen [UT] of Ravenmoor.

Thanks for that, best of luck.

This e'en, the night of Sunday, February the 18th, any and all noble hearts interested in escorting the gardener Evie Vandergellen in her quest to the Hidden Valley to root out seeds of the legendary Death Willow should report to her laboratory in the western weavings of the labyrinthine Hedge Maze (TRAMMEL) prompty before 8 PM CST, at which hour the group will depart.

All in attendance should come prepared for the worst. If you've been keeping up on your news, you'll know that the mysterious naked mage cult has been hot on the heels of Britannia's favorite green thumb, Evie, since she started delving deeper and digging harder into the dirty roots of the Death Willow legend. Who are these mages and their mysteriously clad leader Stephan? And where does their interest in the tree stem from?

Evie recruited first for this mission at the River's End town meeting on Saturday night. Her words have been logged (courtesy of Phoenix Rising librarian Abbot Lucas Eventide) and posted here.

Traveler's warning from the Stratics Hunter's Guide:
The Death Willow: "Tons of Evil Mages, and a very large "Death Willow" which I saw for myself cast Fireball, Lighitng, Energy Bolt, and Meator Shower. But one thing, I think no one else saw, was when the Death Willow died, a Ghost Res'd with the name "Death Willow The Immortal" and scream'd "This will not be the last you've seen of me! I shall Rip all thine eyes out. And Feed them to my hounds, till next we Meet." It is likely that the Death Willow was later reincarnated as the Doom Tree.

For more information on Evie, The Death Willow, and the Nude Mage Cult, please refer to the articles THE NUDE MAGE CULT STRIKES AGAIN! (Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2001, 7:45 PM EST) and NEW FACES "SPROUTING" UP (posted on Sunday, February 11, 2001, 2:07 PM EST).

I had an encounter last night that I would like to share with you. I decided to pay a visit to the hedge maze just east of Skara Brae. I was at the pen [in the center of the maze] studying the animals when a blue spider appeared on the roof of the building behind me. I recognized that it was a phase spider. The spider teleported to the ground outside the pen and started walking towards the maze. I have never seen nor heard of such a spider so I decided to follow. It led me on a zigzag path through the maze, finally reaching a small structure decorated with spiders. At this place it stopped. As I approached it, giant spiders began to appear and attack me. So, I retreated behind the hedge and dealt with these spiders.

At first all I could get from it was “Ssstk X'sss assstsx.” I could not understand anything it was trying to say. It then walked back into the spider temple and disappeared, leaving piles of gold and a treasure map.

He had been studying their habits. He also told us that the spider temple is the only spot that the spider can travel between facets and to do that, it must drop all it is carrying. After we were told this, we decided that the spider had traveled to Felucca. Jake than asked if we wished to go after it. We agree. Jake spoke the words “Vas Teh Por” and a purple gate opened for us to go through.

It tried to tell us something, “Z frd Lch.” It then teleported to the ground and seemed to wait for us to follow. So we did. Upon catching up to the spider, a lich appeared and began attacking it. We helped it kill this lich though it did not need much help. It then said, “Lich Tak Z” and started leading us once more through the maze. We followed it to another building within the Hedge Maze. This place was swarming with liches. The spider then walked up to us and said, “Yewwwss Tak Lich” meaning that it wanted us to kill the liches.

The phase spider thanks its new friends for assisting it
[Picture credit: Factol Pentar of the Cavaliers]

My friends arrived asking it if we could help it more. It told us no. I noticed it kept saying “Z” and asked if Z was its name. It told us, “Yesss,” seeming happy we could understand it now. It then told us, “Sank Yews Frnd,” walked into the temple and has not been seen since. I later met up with Jake again at the Lyceaum and told him what I learned. I plan on checking the spider temple often hoping to see my newfound friend again.

Succession seems to be the order of the day. Yet another group has renounced fealty to Lord British. Anarchy, rebellion...some decry this trend as a portent of a darker future for Sosaria. Others claim these rebels are heralds of a new age of independence. Read on, and decide for yourselves, gentle readers.

It is I, Mystic, now Lord of all the Guardians. I bring news from the latest meeting of the Council of Guardians. It has come to our attention that the many towns and cities of our fair lands have been seceding from the control of Lord British. The King has turned from a caring, strong, courageous person we all knew and loved, into a taxing, power-hungry tyrant.

For this reason, the Guardians have come to an unanimous decision: the Guardians are to no longer help the king, his armies, or anyone who works for him, directly or indirectly. The power should belong to the people, and that is what shall happen soon. We shall free this land from Lord British's tyranny. Avoid the propaganda that he has so cleverly used to control his influence over all of us. It is time to break free. The Revolution starts now!

Cyn the Confuzzeled

As reported earlier, The Factions Wars are reaching a zenith and communiques continue to pour in from the front. Rumors and reports of dissension among several of the faction groups continue to circulate, as this latest missive will attest. Instability allegedly reigns supreme on the battlefield. For one perspective on this issue, read on.

Hail. This is Xavier Rhoads. I am here to address the True Britannians as well as all the other readers. I have left TB for they have lost their honor. I will be joining the Minax faction and will be seeking out TB's with a vengeful bloodthirsty passion. My reason for this vengeance is this....

A lot of my W K D warriors were tired of dying due to the ignorance of most of the TB's. So we decided we would no longer fight at the castle but patrol the city only. Well, Rockem did not like this too much and tried to defend the other TB's saying they were not that bad, as warriors.

I reply'd telling him that without W K D and G N R they could not hold the castle if attacked. Rockem thought that they could so I made him a bet that I would arrange an attack from other factions and that they would be slaughtered by the enemy without GNR and WKD for 10k. Rockem agreed and things were then set in motion.

I then talked to the W K D and G N R around and told them about the bet, attack was about to happen and to not help defend the castle and to get out but, that if they decided to stay that was there decision. But of course many did stay for they well knew that the TB's could not stop the attack. G N R also came to their aid. Now just to explain why I would not help defend and did not want the others was to show their leader and the others that they are not as good as they think they are and should spend more time training on how to fight. And maybe they would see that they should listen to us veterans such as me and Clark Grizwald when we instruct them on what to do and what not to do.

But the TB's did hold off the attack with the aid of W K D and G N R and a traitorous Minax named Gul Dukat who blocked the doors to the stronghold which caused the attacking Minax to take murder counts for they would have to kill him to clear the door way. Not very honorable as you can see. Which is why I decided to leave the TB's. While I had many reports of W K D cursing my name and other TB's doing the same because I would not help them defend the castle.

They curse me for standing by my agreement many of us made to not defend the castle??? They are hypocrites I say. I stood by my guildmates and defended them from others who would curse them and this is how they repay me for that? For this all the ex-W K D I see will have my vengeance and lust for bloodletting vented on them 10 fold.

Now I get reports from my brother that all of the TB faction has used me as a scapegoat for this incident so that their leader shall bear no guilt in it. Your leader agreed to it, but you do not curse his name, only mine. Well, curse me and blame me all you want. I have my honor where yours has left you.

I make it my mission to bring down the True Britannians.
PRAISE MINAX!

Cyn

To do this, you first need to run UOTrace, an OSI provided utility that can be obtained here.

Once you have UOTrace installed and running, poll your primary shard at LEAST 75-100 times, in order to get a good average. Please do not just do one ping and use that number for your poll response.

In addition, please make sure you are not doing other network accesses while you are polling, such as playing UO, running Napster, Web browsing, etc.

Once you have your average ping time and packet loss numbers, hop on over to our Periodic Poll and let us know your results.

Please be fair and only post valid numbers, for the ahard and time you normally play.

We will post the results of the poll here in a week or so.

It was another quiet night at the (OSS) Silver Serpent Academy that we recently built in Harmony Village. I was quietly sipping a glass of water on the roof, when I heard Lord Grey Wolfe yell from the lower level of an attack! I immediately dropped my mug and ran to the side of the building to peer over the edge...Upon inspecting the grounds, several air elementals and earth elementals were coming out of Harmony Woods, which is a good 50 feet from the Academy itself. I have never ran down stone stairs in heavy armor so fast as I did this eve. I pulled out my sword and rushed the first air elemental that I saw. Several others of the Order arrived just in time as more elementals came out of the woods. I could not believe my eyes by the numbers and waves of elementals that were coming. We were completely outnumbered. We encumbered a few losses of some warriors but still held our ground until more backup came from our cries.

Several warriors from The Shadow Council (TSC) and also the Vanguards of Virtue (VoV), along with the help of some in the Harmony Guard itself fought a good 45 minutes to hold off waves and waves of fire, earth and air elementals. For what reason this attack occured is unknown at this time. The attack spread throughout Harmony from the northern Mountains near the Academy, to the Boars Head Tavern on the southern end of town near the road. The forces of evil were held off long enough to keep any further casualties from occuring.

After the final wave near the Academy was vanquished, several of us gathered around to see if anyone knew what this was about. There was no sign of any evil commander leading this attack..tis still a mystery. If anyone has any clues to why this has happened, please directly notify the Duchess of Harmony, Lady Blue Kendrick or any of her Guard.

After speaking with the Commander of the Knights in Harmony, Daryth Silver and his Lieutenant Soltari Lancer, they both wanted to thank all of the great warriors and mages that came to assist defend their town. It was greatly appreciated.

Tristan Kendrick
Seneschal of the Order
Order of the Silver Serpent (OSS)

48th Assembly of the 5th High Council

Date: Monday, February 19th, 2001
Time: 10PM EDT/9PM CDT
Location: Magincia Parliament Building, Trammel Facet.

Agenda:

• Ratification of new High Council Charter.
• Opinion regarding True Britannian Inquiry to be Issued.
• Comments on Lord Dupre, Geoffery and Nystul and the Bell of Courage.
• Announcement from Lord Arlanni regarding Chaos Lecture and Ball.
• Announcement from Lord Buzz Aldridge regarding the Council of Honesty.
• Announcement from Lord Benito Gundar regarding the Council of Britain.
• Announcement from High Justicar Jonn Goodthorne concerning an upcoming Trial.
• Other Items to be announced at the meeting.

Lady Geneveve Orseau, 8th Seat, The High Council of Britannia

Tha ground were bein' covered with bodies o' both us an' them... Though i's fear we wer makin' more. Still, tha fighters continued on an' tha mages... Bards playing ther songs an' helpin' when they's could. Some o them daemons wer hard headed though, nay wishin' ta attack ther own. While others wer attackin' them an' holdin' um off another group picked up ther fallen weapons, turnin' ther sights ta Damocus himself. They's wer attackin' with all they's could, magic words fillin' tha coverin' tha sounds o' steal hittin' tha daemons flesh.

Tha attack on Damocus begin ta do damage finally, ya could see it in his eyes, though 'twas still a long fight ahead. He wer as powerful as Iryn had said an' would nay be one o' ta bodies upon tha ground fer awhile. With a shake o' his hand more of his daemon slaves wer brought forth distractin' us as he fled through a hall passage. Our forces slip yet again as some battled tha new spawn an' others continued after tha leader o' it all.

I noticed that if you have purple armor or clothes on overnight (when server backs up) they turn to normal upon logging in the next day. This has happened to me and might be useful for people with purple items that they dont wish to destroy.

I am pleased to announce the Sonoma Festival of fun. This will be a player town event, giving everyone on Sonoma the chance to get out to these towns and take part in the events taking place there.
The towns are as follows:

Avalon ... Ahoy mate! grab your eye patches and come take part in the Avalon Pirate race. Refreshments and food at the Avalon Tower.

Caendryl ... Who wants to be a Millionaire ! Well 64K but Regis is rummoured to be attending : )

Dark Tower ... A Murder Mystery to solve.

Gologatha ... Scavenger hunt

Ironwood ... The Legendary Ironwood Joust

Oasis ... PvP Tournament

YMCA ... an evening with a variety of entertainment with refreshments and food for all.

Starting at 6:00 pm PST permanent gates will be put up near the West bank of Britain. There will be a gate to each town so travel to the events is quite painless. These towns and establishments have alot of history and stories about how they made their mark on Sonoma. You won't want to miss this so grab all you friends and please come and support the Sonoma festival of fun.

Date: February 24, 2001

Start time: 6:00pm PST

End time: 9:00pm PST

Gate(s) location: Between the Guard tower and the large bridge just south of the West bank of Britain. The town cryers will also be giving directions.

And so without further ado I, Darkwing of Avalon, invite everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of fun, at the Sonoma Festival of Fun...

Cheers,

Darkwing, Queen's Hand, G-A Prince, IoA

Stonekeep Church Mass

Sunday at 2pm GMT, Stonekeep church will honor its clerics by way of  the Mass.

For the past few weeks we have been learning about the creation of the world, and last week there was a introduction to the virtues. We will continue this religious teaching of the virtues this week with the first virtue: Honesty.

Our church leaders will preach the word and we shall have some readings from the ancient texts and then we will have mass.

So if you would like to come and praise the Higher Being comes to Stonekeep Church every Sunday  at 2pm GMT.

Stonekeep can be found in the Trammel Facet, south of Yew Cemetery at Yew Crossroads. More information is at www.stonekeeptown.co.uk

 

*Kneels down and starts to pray*

Now, for the record, you are Selayna Silverleaf?
I am, yes.

And you were a Councilor of Yew, correct?
Correct. One could say that I still am, since I never resigned.

Now, I understand you were unseated by a mini-coup, is that right?
Not precisely, it was a bit larger than that. The Great Council worked closely with the dissidents to do it. It’s a matter of record that Lady Panama of Trinsic said she planned to replace us and have the mages of Moonglow hold new elections. Her hope was to have “more cooperative” councilors. The representative from Britain agreed. This was heard on a communication crystal some time before the coup.

During a Great Council meeting?
After. I wasn’t aware of the crystal. After the meeting, I came back to Yew. A fellow had planted it. It was quite…illuminating.

Why do you suspect Lady Panama felt that you weren’t cooperative?
Because I wasn’t. I had a very different vision for Yew than she and hers did.

In what manner?
Trinsic wanted Yew to wage a war with the drow. Bluntly, they wanted a war where Yew bore the brunt of the losses.

Was this explicitly known?
Pretty much. I doubt the part about “Yew taking all the losses was,” but that’s my belief. They also wanted power over Yew and her people.

Okay, now what of that conversation that was brought forward to the Great Council, what was the story behind that?
It was out of context.

So, nothing more than idle jesting?
Mostly.

Alright, what are your thoughts on Yew’s government, do you approve of the new elections?
No. No elected body will work. Not for Yew.

So Yew should have a dictatorship?
No, the city is made up of guilds. They should run it. Any government they aren’t a part of is doomed to fail. We were planning on resigning in favor of that sort of government, actually.

So, a representative government consisting of the guilds?
Yes, with a representative for unguilded individuals elected every so often.

And of the mayor? How would he be selected?
It could be a rotating position or the guilds could appoint one.

So, you think whatever government that comes out of the new elections is doomed to fail?
Yes, the last three did. They will never represent the people. Elections are won by politics. Bluntly, they are more or less a farce.

You were criticized, I think even before the Great Council, of running the council by yourself. How do you respond to those claims?
I’d have been a lot more effective if that were really true. I was the most active member. That’s another problem with it.

Well, my thoughts on when I heard that there would only be 5 or so councilors that that was too few. Do you agree?
It depends on your goal. A smaller council works better. It’s more efficient.

Well, if my goal was full representation, would that work?
No, neither would any number. Elections only represent the largest, most powerful and active group. That’s who wins. It’s not a system that lends itself to good representation.

How about if we randomly select councilors, would that work?
A little better, but my belief is that Yew needs to have a government based on the guilds. Otherwise, the people and government will be at odds and Yew will remain in anarchy.

So, every guild would have representation?
There was a minimum size requirement, but that was the basic idea. It’s a factionalized city doesn’t want a strong government.

But those not meeting the guild size, they would not be represented?
I suppose not. There was going to be a representative for them that they choose from among themselves.

Alright.
I won’t claim it’s perfect. I do believe that it is Yew’s only realistic hope for any real peace.

Now, hmm, any final thoughts before we conclude?
A few. My goal, and I believe the goal of most of the council was to try and bring some peace to a city in anarchy. When we were elected, Yew was occupied by Serpent knights and Trinsic’s army. Getting them out was a priority. Once we managed that, we worked on a law code. It’s not perfect by any means, but we’re the only city that can hand you a copy of our laws…or we could when the council was in power.

That was really it…getting hostile outsiders out of Yew and bringing some law…well that and giving Yew back to Yew. We also wanted it to be a city of relative tolerance…that last part…it hurt us a lot…it wasn’t well supported. And our opponents used it against us. I have a pretty good idea who will replace us. You’re going to get people driven by hatred like Paul Atreides and Judas. People will like it for a time, but they’ll get tired of the constant bloodshed and the fact that their leaders do nothing but destroy. And they’ll probably throw them out, just like they did every one who came before.

Hmm, what are your thoughts on Lord British and Yew, is there a common ground there?
Lord British hasn’t been seen in a very long time. The city was in utter chaos and he didn’t even issue a proclamation. A Britannian year of anarchy. Those who claim to act in his name are some of the worst scum I’ve ever met. There is a very old saying: The only thing more evil than an evil man whose vile deeds are known to all is an evil man ho hides his wickedness under a façade of good so to shield himself from the consequences of his actions. That’s my view of most of the “Great Council.” The Serpent knights are worse. They tortured a woman for having bad taste in bed partners. Not only does the woman claim it, but there are two separate accounts that corroborate it. She was held without trial and tortured.

Indeed? By whom?
Perhaps there is a way to mend the rift, but most of Britannia is run by darkness, not light.

The evening began in Dupre’s Camp, located north of Trinsic, Felucca, after town criers summoned the citizenry to assemble there and await Iolo. Shortly, Iolo appeared and informed us that Lord Dupre and Geoffrey were searching for components to recreate the Bell of Courage. Iolo was sent to help them find the component “Wyrm’s Gold” and that a mage in Jhelom might have some information.

Iolo informs adventurers at Dupre's camp to seek out a mage named Driden in the city of Jhelom

“First, what is the color of Compassion?”

“What symbol would represent the Three Principles of Truth, Love and Courage combined?”

And finally,

“A riddle. A thing, used too often will drive one mad when near it too long. Its name, if spoken, sounds like great treasure.”

After a while, the party solved the riddle and was told to journey to Fire Island. Since the only significant landmark on Fire Island (other than Hythloth) was the Fire Temple, adventurers headed straight to that location. There, they were shocked to encounter many ancient wyrms of magnificent colors, as well as the usual assortment of dragons and daemons. The wyrms slain, the temple itself was breached. Inside, adventurers faced a powerful mage by the name of Mergil. Once adventurers were able to focus on him after clearing some of the drakes and daemons, he fell to the warriors’ blades.

In the center of the temple interior was a dais, and on a pedestal in the center was a white lute. Some of the adventurers attributed it to Xyli, though not much is known of the person. A few attempted to play it, with no success. Finally, someone hit upon the idea to bring Iolo forward and have him play it, given that he is a bard of some repute. A gate was summoned, and Iolo entered.

Iolo and Samail exchange words inside the Fire Temple. Xtli's lute rests on a pedestal nearby

A short while after several adventurers arrived at the shrine, monsters sprung up from the ground. Lich lords, daemons, bone knights and mummies tormented the adventurers briefly. Once they were defeated, the mage Nystul appeared on the platform in the center of the Shrine. As he began to perform the ritual to cleanse the shrine, ratmen suddenly surrounded him. While some were looking for signs of Malabelle, Nystul quickly dispatched the ratmen with a meteor swarm. Nystul then resumed the ritual.

After several waves of his arms and the expense of much magic, Nystul stripped away the evil architecture of Minax and restored the shrine. The same was repeated at the other seven shrines. The shrines had been corrupted for nearly a year.

Nystul conducts the magic required to purify the shrine of Sacrifice

Approximately the same time as Iolo was assembling adventurers at Dupre’s camp, massive attacks occurred throughout the evening in several Trammel cities. The attacks began in Yew with terathans, after the criers alerted the citizens that ophidians were assembling to attack the city. There were several waves of ophidians until several tamers arrived to control the situation.

Finally word reached Yew that Minoc was being attacked by elementals. Here again, the city was plagued by a series of attacks until reports came in that several cities were under attack, including Moonglow. Inside the city, a massive swirling gate was located near the town’s hedge maze. Here is the account of Goku of the Ninth Circle, a witness:

I was mesmerized by the gate. I could hear the distant sound of other people approaching, but I did not turn to see who they were... or what they had with them. My llama, Freddy, began to kick a rock a little... I held fast on his back and calmed him with a peach, his favorite food. Just as he was done eating and I had disposed of the core, a gigantic demon emerged from the gate, its roar echoed throughout the town. I decided to answer its howl as I began to shout out an incantation... “Corp Por”

A sudden surge of evil waves came out of the gate, nearly knocking me over. Then emerged the largest, eldest, and most powerful demons this world has seen, 3 red balrons with the strength and power of 5 balrons each! Several dragons and white wyrms were sicced on each. These were no pushover though, I chanted the incantation of an energy bolt, and aimed it at the foul demon, which later learned was name "Slayer of the Innocent" It hit! but barely even disturbed the beast. A dragon fell! The beast was only a quarter way down. The battle raged as I gave minor backup with my spells. When the beast was almost felled, another dragon went down. It finally succumbed to the massive beatings of the dragons and white wyrms.

Ultimately, the monsters were little match to the dragon-herding tamers, who proved to be extremely effective in quelling the attacks—much to the chagrin of other warriors and mages, who likewise wished to prove their mettle against the attacking beasts.

Thanks go to Deminatza, Fang Whitestone, Gorion, IzzytheFool, Kim of Moonglow, Goku, Lord Madmartagan, Okami and others who helped contribute to this report.

Addenda:
We have received a report that Delucia was attacked by lava elementals, fire elementals, efreets, hell hounds, and lava serpents during that night.

Additionally, it is not certain that Iolo actually "stole" a scale off the wrym per se, but that he may have simply scraped the gold from one of the wrym's scales as he was talking to it.

On Tuesday, the 20th at 9:00 PM CST, the City-State of Wind will be holding its first public meeting at Wind's bank. The evening will begin with the State of Wind address, which the Governor is required to give at least once during his or her term, followed by the discussion of certain members of Britannia's hostility towards us among other topics. As we are trying to make peace with Britannia, I urge all citizens and council members of Wind to be present, and welcome any from Britannia as well.

-Redlowwinski,
Governor of Wind

As reported earlier, the faction wars are indeed seething with a new found intensity. And, it seems a few participants have taken exception to the earlier address issued by TB leader, Rockem Sockem.

Dear True Britannians:

There is no room left for your mindless banter and boasts in a land filled with hypocrisy, tyrannical sovereignty, and your perverse code of virtues. I have seen you corrupt generation upon generation with your fabricated sense of ethics and the fervid contagion of your materialistic ideals.

The Dread Knights and all councils of Minax contain some of the most talented warriors, archers, mages, and craftsmen to ever rise from the depths of Sosaria. However, with all Minax graces us in ability, we lack in organization and number to face the hordes of your empty faith. Though a union was formed amidst three factions to face you and raid your castle walls, it was shaky at best and inner turmoil weakened our advances from their very beginnings. In the end, we stood no competition to your defenses, simply because we were grossly outnumbered.

What Minax lacks is simple, a voice. Through a constant upheaval of our governing system, there is no steady hand to guide our forces, no leader to strengthen our morale or act as a voice of reason. However, through the undying effort of our cause, we grow stronger everyday... Soon, a leader will rise to the audacious challenge set forth by the parchment you have sent fluttering across the bloodstained streets of Britain. And I for one, intend to answer it.

As our weary troops lay down to rest this eve, visions of Britannians writhing in defeat fill our heads and lift our hopes of tomorrow. Your fallen will decorate the winding cobblestone of our fair city, skewed upon pikes for all to see. Pestilence and anarchy will rain upon the towns of Britannia and in the aftermath, your names... your cause... will simply be dust in the wake of our scourge.

Amadeo Disante
Fist of Minax

Cyn

Announcing a Mith Sword Circle event: 1vs1 tourney
Sponsored by: Order of the Sacred Rose (OSR)

When: Sunday February 25, 2001
Where: At the Mages Tower, City of Mith (Felucca location at 39o 48' S 40o 17' E).
Teleporter to Mith in Trinsic's (NW) Counselor's Guild (95o 21' S 33o 45' E)
Time: 10:00 AM Pacific, 12:00 noon Central, 1:00 PM Eastern. Entry closed promptly 5 minutes past start time.
Featuring: NO ENTRY FEE, 1st place 75K gps, 2nd place 50K gps, and 3rd place 25K gps.

Here are the rules:

• No magic enchanted items, clothing, jewelry, weapons or armour allowed.
• The use of Chaos/Order shields is not permitted.
• If you have the poisoning skill you may poison weapons during the battle but not before
• No use of summoning spells for escape or area damage spells.
• No Stealing is allowed during battle.
• The Spell Des Mani (Weaken) is not allowed, nor can you cast Bless on an opponent.
• No pets.(i.e.: Dragons, Nightmares, Drakes)
• No Looting.!!! Looting will NOT be allowed!!! Punishable by death.
• No drinking of potions before the match begins.
• No Outside assistance. No leaving the Sword Circle area once event begins.
• No Stepping outside the fighting circle. Doing so will mean you have forfeit the fight.
• To prevent lag, we ask that everyone hides during the fights that they are not involved in.

Disclaimers:

-A match will not be repeated because one or both of the contestants experienced lag or a server disconnect. The decision whether or not to fight, is left up to the individual contestant.
-The event Coordinator may cancel the event if shard instability is ongoing. All decisions made by the Event Coordinator are final.
-Any disputes will be handled after the event
-OSR staff reserve the right to inspect participants to ensure a fair match.
-Any contestant or spectator disrupting the event will be removed from the event area.
-Should unforseen circumstances arise, the event coordinator has the right to adjust the rules as he/she sees fit.

Gabe, Guardian OSR

Your humble servant
Raeven Aurora

The Lands of Ilshenar

Ilshenar is a third facet in the world of Britannia. Ilshenar will have different conditions from the facets of Felucca and Trammel. Player interactions on Ilshenar will be just like Trammel with the following exceptions:

1) Players who are within “murder” status will be able to travel to Ilshenar under the following guidelines:

• Murderers will be able to go to Ilshenar once per month. If a player’s murder status wears off, and then they return to a murderer state, the “once per month” guideline will still be in place. Once the trip to Ilshenar is taken while in murderer status, the count starts and the player may not again enter Ilshenar until they are either not a murderer, or until a month has passed.
• If a murderer has taken the effects of stat loss, they will not be able to gain skills while in Ilshenar until the reduced skills are returned to their pre-stat loss numbers. For example:
  • Player A loses 20% of their skills to stat loss.
  • Player A will not be able to gain any skills in Ilshenar until this 20% that has been lost has been regained.
  • Player A will be able to gain skills in Ilshenar once this percentage lost to stat loss has been restored.
• Murder counts will not decay in Ilshenar.
• Stat loss and murder counters are still in effect, with the same time durations per murder. These have not changed in any way.
• Other players cannot attack murderers in Ilshenar.

2) Traveling to and within Ilshenar. Players visiting Ilshenar will not be able to cast gate or recall within the Ilshenar lands. Travel will behave in the following manners:

• There will be no recall or player created gating within Ilshenar.
• Travel to and from Ilshenar will be via public moongates. The gates within Ilshenar will be scattered around those lands, and will connect to public moongates located within Trammel and Felucca.
• There will be a moongate located on the Buc’s Den island for murderers to be able to use to get to Ilshenar.
• Players will be able to use a menu system on the public moongates to select destination, including which facet.

3) Siege Perilous will not have an Ilshenar facet.

Note that in order to travel to Ilshenar, you will need to be using the Third Dawn client. Regular clients (2D) will not be able to travel to Ilshenar.

On Sunday 2/18 from 5-10 pm EST the Knights of Sosaria will be holding a rune drive for the Drunken Dragon rune library and tavern in Trammel. Already home to over 1400 runes, a new section of the library is being created for player run stores. Do you own a store? Wish you had more traffic? Think you have the best store inthe realm and want to show it off?? Then stop on by between the hours of 7 to 10 pm with a rune to your store and we'll happily include it in our collection. Or you can journey to the Moonglow bank during those hours where a person will be taking donations. The library is located at 77x52 S, 33x7 E or you can view the location by journeying to http://knightsofsosaria.tripod.com/ and clicking on the Drunken Dragon link.

Thank ye Lord Breti. Evil luck with your rune drive.

Greetings,

Last week the Britain City Council announced their Whispering Day Poetry Contest. After receiving many entries, select council members voted on their favorites. The votes were tallied, and three winners were chosen.

A fourth superb entry, was chosen for Honorable Mention. Each of the four winning entries received a Whispering Day Gift Bag. The gift bag Consisted of full exceptional, marked male and female leather armor sets dyed red. Additionally they included a bottle of champagne and two pink flutes.

The Winners are as Follows:

• Honorable Mention - Jander Starym
• 3rd Place - Thrawn
• 2nd Place - Maeve
• 1st Place - Annunzio

The winning entries can be read in their entirety on the Britain City Council Website News. We thank all of you who entered, and wish to see continued interest in our future events.

Auren Therion
Mayor of Britain

Thank ye Auren.

Tonight the Kingdom of Evermoore was under attack by dark forces. First there was a wave of three Lich Lords and backing them up was a Balron called Collector of Souls. Kamorra and Tanya where the first ones on the scene and rallied the troops of Evermoore Elite Guard who where battling the Stormreaver Orcs. Seeing a greater threat they stopped battling and joined forces to fight back the evil horde. As our forces arrived so did theirs. Six more Lich Lords and Lord of the Abyss!! We managed to fight back until we finally vanquished them and over the next few hours a few more Lich Lord where sent back to hell. We decided to check the jungles for more Lich Lords, to find the Honor shrine was cleansed of the Evils vortex that had lived in it for the past months.

Tanya
Arch Duchess of Evermoore

Ah.. a pity. We had grown so accustomed to the tainted shrines.

Currently, the houses on Lake Superior, Drachenfels, and Europa are being refreshed automatically. On February 21st (local server time) we are planning on turning off the auto-refresh system. Right before the system is deactivated, all houses will be refreshed one last time and all condemned houses will be uncondemed. Once the system is deactivated, all houses will need to be refreshed at regular intervals (approximately at least once every 9 days) to avoid decay.

Sunday at 6:15 P.M. in the Eastern Sky we shall hold a meeting at the Havenwood Royal Hall. This meeting will deal with the corruption of the Shrines and the collecting of reagents by the KCH in preparation for the purification. If all materials have been gathered we hope to perform the ceremonies that night to purify the shrines. The ceremony shall be performed by Sage Lucian Delfornie whom has carried out extensive research involving the corruption of the shrines. So long as Maelstrom has not already sent forth his minions to hinder us the meeting and ceremony should proceed perfectly and the land soon be freed of the plague, so...we may turn ourselves to ridding ourselves of Nox Maelstrom.

Prince Nathiar deMonte'
Commander of the Northern Havenwood Armies

This is what we know; an old man appeared in our town a couple of days ago. He spoke in a language unknown to even the most learned scholars of Oasis. Duncan, the mayor of Oasis, took this old man in and tended to his wounds. On a walk around our town they came to the Shrine of Compassion. Looking into the waters that surround our shrine, Duncan saw a most gruesome site. The old man cast a reflection that was not his own. His reflection was that of a Balron. As you might guess Duncan was taken back by this site and grew even more concerned of what the old man's presence meant for our town. On Saturday at 8:00 under the eastern sky many people from other towns and kingdoms journeyed to Oasis to lend aid in our time of need. After some time of conversation and investigation a breakthrough occurred. The old man mustered all of his being and began to scribble in his journal. From his writings we determined that Duncan's observation at the shrine was actually that of the Balron that possessed this old man. We also were able to figure out this man's name, Skratte. Skratte told us that in order to for us to communicate with him we needed to obtain the Sword of a Balron. We gathered our forces and departed for the Dungeon Hythloth to the Lair of the Balron. This journey proved to be quite difficult but the adventurers proved solid and accomplished their goal. After obtaining the sword we returned to the Stumble Inn tavern in Oasis to speak with Skratte. He was now very nervous and feared reprisal from the Balrons. Skratte spoke of a plot by an evil mage to turn the people of Britiania against each other in an attempt to eradicate the lands of it inhabitants. He managed to tell us of a lab that the mage worked from located on a beach on the Isle of Fire. He also spoke of a crazy old man that wandered between the beach and Daemon temple. At this time a horrible man by the name of Creed with the title of "Collector of Souls" ran throug! h the door of our tavern and made quick work of Skratte silencing him forever. Our brave stable master Keldon attempted to stop Creed from leaving and was met with much resistance. Though Keldon fought bravely he too lost his life and fell off of his mount onto the floor of the tavern. By the time that Keldon returned to us from the Shrine he was acting quite odd. He was dressed in dark colors and spoke out against Duncan and the town. Before we had a chance to act Keldon attacked Duncan. Though Duncan was able to get away we have not yet been able to halt Keldon's attacks. It is our belief that our beloved shrine is now under the control of the the evil mage.

So once again the Town of Oasis calls upon all who wish to lend aid to meet at the Stumble Inn in Oasis this coming Saturday the 17th at 8:00 under the Eastern sky to journey with us to the Isle of Fire in search of the lab.

Duncan Maclead, Mayor of Oasis

As Lord Talimor was abed with the plague, Archmage Steven Valorstone and Lord Argyn of the Royal Army had me speak. I responded by informing the meeting participants of my results of speaking with Loremaster Foster of Havenwood. It appears the plague is linked to both each of the shrines and all of the eight primary reagents. Evidence was shown due to the fact of plague victims experiancing symptoms related to the reagents... and the shrines have been shown to of been polluted by Maelstrom...as those ressurected at Compassion have shown to exhibit Hate, and likewise with the other shrines. Researching tomes with Foster, I discovered an incantation with which we can rid ourselves of the plague, while banishing Nox Maelstrom using certain techniques *coughs* will result in complete purification of the shrines and plague victims, and banishing him will free us of him

Lucian Delfornie
Sage of the Heartwood
Currently of Havenwood

On Friday Night just this past week. Nox Malestrom has not only hit Havenwood but he has made a stop at the village of Mythndale as well. And now two of Mythndales's citizens are infected. Including our beloved Crystal Rose. A mage came by and helped with healing Mythndales Victims. Still no cure has been found but he is searching, and for that we greatly thank this wondrous mage. Sadly Nox also threatened to stop by another small village named Nidaros. I know little about this village but I have met some of its citizens and they do not deserve to be infected by Nox's plague. This man is destroying lives of many people and must be stopped. Be very careful around Nox Malestrom because he is a very dangerous individual... All of us must try to stop this mad man before he does it to someone else.

Good Luck to all,
HADES (Citizen and Bartender, Mythndale Village)

PaxLair, Felucca, Chesapeake)

The PaxLair Council has selected a new mayor for PaxLair; the new mayor replaces former Mayor Winfield who retired on Jan 19, 2001 at the city's third anniversary. The new mayor's identity remains undisclosed until the ceremony in PaxLair:

- Saturday, February 17 at 9PM by the eastern sky

- atop the Mage/Order Tower in PaxLair, Felucca, Chesapeake.

At the Council's request, Old Man Winfield will preside over the Ceremony. The Ceremony should include the presence of many citizens, knights, adventurers, diplomats, and Britannians. The Ceremony will include a brief statement by Old Man Winfield, a formal induction of the new mayor, and then a speech by the new mayor. There will be ample time after the ceremony for people to approach the new mayor and start their diplomatic processes anew.

The Council decided to not announce the name of the new mayor out of respect for a request from The Gatekeeper, a spirit who sometimes roams through PaxLair. The Gatekeeper asked to take the mayor-select on a brief pilgrimage to lands unknown and asked that the mayor-select not be announced until the ceremony. As usual, The Gatekeeper's reasonings are unknown to us.

PaxLair Web Site: http://www.chessienet.com/paxlair/

As a citizen of Ocllo and a long time merchant of the Ocllo Rares Shop, I take offense at the story you ran just a few short days ago concerning the Army of Thieves. The Army of Thieves is a shadow of what they were in the past. Barely six 'cowards' strong, their number and skill has dwindled greatly. As founder of the Ocllo Rares Shop, I personally defend and ban thieves from the shop daily. Because of this, the Army of Thieves cannot claim any kind of victory as they have had no impact on business. Infact, the 'Business Sector' in Ocllo has never been more busy since Trammel was discovered. I want to make it clear to all my thousands of customer (22,000 and counting) who visit the Ocllo Rares Shop that it is indeed 'Business as Usual". They should not be deterred by this tiny band of unskilled thieves and the media's slant on their power. I hope you decide to run this story as I believe all parties should be represented in your publication.

Thank Thee,
Gideanna of Ocllo Ocllo Rares Shop (6 steps from the Ocllo Bank)

Shadowcove Kingdom: The Queen's Journal Found: Lady Morgaine's jounral was found in the castle Friday night after Winfield ceremony. It seems she held a dark secret from all for quite some time. She appeared to be acting very strangely that eve. She was found drinking a red potion out of a flask Her jounral read as follows:

Day 719 I can feel it, I am getting close to discovering mine cure, And I have been able to keep this from my people for so long now. Will I be able to keep such a secret till this horrid infestation Seifer plagued me with is gone? How dare he say he be my father and claim such things with such a evidence as to make a mockery of me. The caitiff and the clan shall pay for what they have done. I just prey the kingdom does not find out about this. I am growing weeker I feel it. And these blasted vials will not keep my hunger for long. I must seek out what I once was. The witches of cove should know a cure for me from this illness. Or perhaps the stones....

Shadowcove Kingdom: Of fangs in the castle. The good people of the kingdom were beset by the presence of not one but two fiends of undeath recently at Shadowcove Castle. Lord Uziel and Supernova Gem, both members of the Caitiff, brazenly entered our fair structure and bandied words with the nobility and the Queen herself. Many a fair and foul word were uttered by all present and either though vampiric means or by the power of their words convinced our fair queen to accompany them back to their den in the lands of Felucia. This Uziel made mention of a prophesy and hinted at the connection our good monarch may have to it and to them. By means unknown to this teller of tales the queen was freed and has since returned to our fair kingdom. It is this humble pundit's opinion that these beings named caitiff need to be watched very closely especially when the matter concerns our Monarch!

Shadowcove Kingdom: Fire... The prophecy begins. Fire… burning down her face as she walked into the inky black night of her existence. She delved into the dark corners now burning into her mind like a blazing sword. She looked slowly down to what were now her stark white hands, peering at the remains of the blood of the Dark Father. Her steel blue eyes looking past what appeared to be in front of her, then glancing back across her shoulder to the relic that laid within her drab dark chamber. Placed her thin frail hand upon the relic. She whispered softly “William and Lirreka.” The ankh now glowing in her hands, the same symbol of compassion itself, she closed her eyes fully taking in the visions of the night before. Fire… burning once again in her mind. Slowly the ghastly visions of the night before resurfaced. The man clad in red and sheer black garments walking into the musty candlelit tavern. Then she called forth the memories of two nights before from the depths of the black corner in her mind. Tupac standing before her speaking with soft gentleness. “You are mine child Morgaine, I have been with you since the beginning my daughter. Your steward companion since you first walked upon the lands of Sosaria. I went not far from your side, but dared not speak the truths of my bond to you till the prophecy fully awakened.” Fire… ignited completely in the obscure depths of her mind. Again her mind wandered to the night before. The man clad in red covering his features by the shadows of his hooded black cape. As the man walked proudly to the stool before her he lifted up the shadow cape revealing to all in the tavern his true identity. She knew this man as Uziel, the Dark Father of the Caitiff. As the man came to her side once again, the folks of the kingdom moved back in sheer fear. Her visions clutched to the moment his hand came to her lips. She wrenched with pain as his life went into her as one. He raised his head in sheer delight and said to her, “Only the beginning of the prophecy has been fulfilled this night my childe, drink my blood and we walk together in the night. Know you all that this is only the beginning of what is to come to fulfill the prophecy. I shall return in the Felucca moon wanes in the night, and we together Morgaine and I shall finish what was started this night.” Fire… burns within her once complete soul. All the Dark Father’s memories and thoughts came together that night. She began to wail as she saw him lurking in the depths of shadows of her life. He was there since her birth always observing her joys and sorrows of her life. As she herself watches as the twins babes are taken from her after their delivery so long ago in the Realm of Ember. Tears rolls down her checks as the true identity of the lost children are vivid from his thoughts. She awakened her mind and glared at the relic beside her and cried out. “Damn you Uziel for withholding the truths from me.” Fire… burned down her face again as she walked into the inky black night. Her mind collapsed as the thoughts of her life are revealed to her. She slumbered a long, dark sleep of fitful horrors.

Shadowcove Kingdom: The Embrace Yestereve at Shadowcove this teller of tales arrived to find Morgaine in a dire state. She was in the midst of suffering the pangs of a dark hunger. The embrace delivered by the odious Uziel the night before had started working its fell transformation. The Queen of Shadowcove and the woman I now knew as my mother was well beyond the solace of all treatment save the infusion of blood. M'lord Wind, in an act of considerable selflessness, offered his own blood to sate the Queen's need. Morgaine, my mother needed her children to help bolster her weakening will and I felt it was time to reveal what I knew to be true. That M'lord Havoc was in truth my brother and her son. It was not the way I would have liked to do it but time was not my ally. The revelation did have its desired effect. Morgaine, mother, was gladened by the news. Later, one Xarth arrived and along with our most august Calabraxis told what was known about the Kindred and their foul and wretched society. The Caitiff led by Uziel meant to awaken their accursed progenitor, Caine. The insanity of it was nearly too much for this simple soul to comprehend. Xarth finally revealed that a man named Gunther in the remnants of the CoV may have more information that could help us all. M'lord Wind chose this dangerous mission and is currently seeking out this man. I believe I speak for the whole of Shadowcove when I say we wish him a safe, speedy and fruitful journey.

Shadowcove Kingdom: As Darkness Falls One eve ago, calamity struck the Kingdom of Shadowcove. Our Beloved Queen and my mother, Morgaine was fully embraced by the foul and twisted caitiff, Uziel. A greater injustice yet was the betrayal of the one called Xarth, who came among us in the guise of friendship and claimed to know a means of helping Morgaine. We sought to protect the Queen on a journey through the lost lands towards a goal known only to Xarth. Though it was a desperate gambit the Queen trusted him and bayed us to trust him as well. A long and twisted road it was, much like the soul of the one that spun this trap, Xarth. Far too late did this humble pundit realize the goal was an old cairn of stones that was once a gateway from Britannia. I curse my slow-wittedness for not catching the one slip Xarth made in the meeting the night before. His goodbye to me that eve was the one clue I should have picked up. But I was too addle-pated to catch his error until far too late. "Dar- Good eve to you" were his words to me. He almost said, 'Dark Eve to you' which is how the imfamous Uziel bids goodbye's. Spirits curse me for not realizing that slip for what it was. In the stone circle hidden was Uziel who seized our queen's travel-wearied mind. With her life held in his hand and a sword to her throat he forced the stalwarts of the kingdom to stay their wrathful might. The queen yelled out as Uziel wracked her mind and soul with overwealming pain. We all stood powerless and watched as he commited such foulities to her. We backed away from them in sorrow as he and his toady the wretched Xarth took our queen away. Lost for a means to free her, we of the kingdom returned to the castle to plan our next move. Before we could even begin, the black and twisted Uziel, his toady Xarth and our fully embraced Queen appeared and tormented us with their self-claimed superiority. There was little we could do. We bandied words with them but Uziel knew we could do little to enforce our desires. In his overweening hubris he claimed that he himself was the creator of truth. Those words angered me as they did the good and just nobles of the kingdom. However they caused another reaction in me as well. My blood grew heated and in my mind voices, that always seemed to have been there as a murmur, welled up and hissed at this vampyr's words. I do not understand what happened for the rest of the eve is lost to me. I cannot recall anything after that point. I awoke in my bedchamber back in Brightmantle hall with no clue how I arrived there. I first suspected that Uziel might have touched my mind. In truth I fear much worse then he is at work here.

Greetings there! We wish to welcome all people in the land to Stonekeep Market. This Saturday at 8pm GMT. Its a chance for anyone from anywhere in the world to come together and trade wares. Peasants from around will also be selling livestock and a friendly game of darts may also be going on in the Tavern. The bar is always open at the 'Crossbow' in Stonekeep.

Anyone can trade anything! From tools to Magic weapons. Set up a table and sell your produce!  So come along and you might just find what you are looking for at Stonekeep

You can find Stonekeep in Trammel at the Yew Crossroads just below the cemetery. More information on Stonekeep including maps can be found at www.stonekeeptown.co.uk 

Sounds Fun! Thanks for the note.

House Auto-refresh Update - Feb 16 2001 2:01PM

Currently, the houses on Lake Superior, Drachenfels, and Europa are being refreshed automatically. On February 21st (local server time) we are planning on turning off the auto-refresh system. Right before the system is deactivated, all houses will be refreshed one last time and all condemned houses will be uncondemed.
Once the system is deactivated, all houses will need to be refreshed at regular intervals (approximately at least once every 9 days) to avoid decay.

• The Gypsy Village is a nice roleplaying player-run town located next to the Shrine of Spirituality, on the road between Britain and Trinsic.
• The Merchants Tower is a nice building belonging to the Merchants on Tour. Located near Wrong, it provides a rune library, a workshop and a tavern for the socializers among us.

Another Auction in Deepwater. Thank ye Ryndir fer the invitation:

Deepwater Auction

This Sunday, the 18th, at 9pm CET (8pm gmt), Deepwater will host a Auction, at the towers of Magiks. Witch is located just east of the Owls eyes, just follow the row of houses till you locate the tower, it cant be missed.

You don't need gold with you, a vendor will be placed where you buy the items you bid on from. Sort of Secure trading, and a rune to the town will be found too, so you don't need to walk with your newly bought item.

What will be sold? Most things, from armour to weapons, from just small pillows to paintings.

Also it do not cost anything to get the items sold right now, but might change in when other auctions will be held.

So remember on Sunday, the 18th's, Deepwater will host a auction, at Deepwater tower. Around 9pm cet (8pm cet).

Ryndir - Event Cordinator

We received this report from Daimyo Menju Katsuteru. Thank ye Menju:

To whoever may read this...

Today I witnessed horrors beyond my sole comprehension. Oh the blackness that hath appeared before me... the darkness is in the wind! I fear the long night may be here... upon us... oh if it is then it is a plague upon us all!

It was but early this eve that I sat in my study and wrote in my journal. When I hear the rush of wind that follows a recall. Moments later, Taisho Zelich. My loyal friend. Charged into the room, blood was spattered across his ceremonial armour. His sword looked worn and stained. He panted heavily. "Demons!" He Gasped "What? Where!?" I said sharply as I jumped to my feet. "Brit...Britain" He struggled to speak. Then collapsed to the floor. I placed him in a chair and tended to his wounds. He regained consciousness. I immediately questioned him as to what had happened. "Demons attacked Britain. Many of them! Collectors of Souls were amongst them!"

I knew that this was no hoax. And we immediately returned to the city to find blood across the streets and bones in fly covered piles. Death hung in the air. Moments later I received word via a communication crystal that Despise was being attacked by Demons. And we both rushed to the scene.

What we saw next was horrific. We entered the valley to find the bodies of many thrown across the grass and a horde of demonic creatures was locked in brutal combat with many brave warriors. And before we could further assess the situation, the foul beasts were upon us. Our blades hacked at their crimson flesh and our armour was scorched by their burning breath. And soon piles of their bodies littered the field. We saw also the bodies of demons... many demons. And many brave adventurers had lost their lives too. Both myself and Zelich felt battered. We quickly bound our wounds and began searching the corpses of the hellish fiends we had faced: Hellcats, Fire elementals and Demons. But worse was to come...

Only a few minutes later I saw a great red platform engulfed by fire rise from the trodden earth. People crowded around it. There was a great burst of flame and the void did open. And out stepped the Harvester of Souls accompanied by more of his minions. A great bronze creature with eyes that cut through your soul as its foul blade cut through your armour. Evil flowed forth and all knew that death would fill the air this day... The Horror. Many did fall. Including Zelich. Dragons and Demons fought one another and the battle swung in all directions. Many times defeat seemed inevitable. But the brave heroes rallied and struck back making the foul beasts pay for every inch of ground with blood. 

Hours later... heroes had fallen; their beaten bodies lay, littered across the field. Blood had stained the ground red, and death had made the lake crimson. And in the eyes of the dead there was a horror of unspeakable natures. As though darkness had swallowed them up whole. Those that still stood tasted the bitter ashes of a hollow victory. The demons would return through the hellish constructs. And they would have to fight again. But for now they could enjoy respite, and their hollow victory. But the question remains: Who do the daemons serve? Has Minax launched an assault on Trammel now? As she did Fellucca? Will our peaceful land face the same fate? Or does a darker power manipulate them?

In either scenario I fear for the safety of our cities and our lives. For when the void opens up to us and unleashes its minions... who can feel safe? Today I saw too much horror, too much death for anyone to see. But I believe that those who fought in the great battles in the old lands of Felucca know all to well that these powers will not relent. I think we must commend those who fought for their bravery and steadfastness in their duty. 

We must draw a line against the night... at any cost. We can ill afford another Felucca, another Trinsic. Who is the enemy? I believe we shall soon see his warped visage...

Daimyo Menju Katsuteru,
The Honourable House Katsuteru [C*K]

This morning, I recieved this message from Rockem Sockem, leader of the True Britannians. Rockem has asked that I pass this along to the members of the TB, as an expression of his heartfelt pride and gratitude for their efforts. Read on.

To all True Brits,

Hail to thee. It is I, Rockem Sockem, the Commander of the True Britannians faction on AOL Legends. We have been attacked by all three factions, as they try in vein to break our lines. Three mighty factions against our one, but you all held strong in the face of adversity. I was ever so proud of the zeal and tenacity you all showed while under massive attacks from the combined hordes of the Minax, CoM, Shadowlord alliance. We were told we "couldnt hold out", and we would break. However the contrary was on the horizon.

Standing in the sigil room of our mighty Lord British to see all 8 sigils after 3 massive attacks, put a tremendous smile on my face. Saddened still for the losses we suffered, our friends who fell returned from the dead to enjoy our splendid victory. No names needed to be singled out. Every last one of you know how proud I am, and as you should be as well. With more and more warriors and mages discovering the true power of our forces, our ranks are flush.

I just wanted to let all of you know (like I do everyday) what a phenomanal job each of you has done. So until the hordes strike our stronghold again, be safe, and hold firm your beliefs and faith in your brothers and sisters of britannia.

Semper Fi,
Rockem Sockem

Until next we meet, safe journeys to you, one and all.

Cyn

On Sunday, the Fishing Council of Britannia will be auctioning rare items, weapons of power or vanquishing, and armor of invulnerability or fortification. We will accept and sell your items for free, if you submit them at 3:30 EST Sunday at the FCB Trammel tower. They must be properly prepared! Please read the rules and location information here.

Some of the fine items we will be selling include: blue easter eggs, a full set of valorite platemail, a durable accurate war mace of vanquishing, SOS bottles, a durable chain legs of invulnerability, thick scattered hay and a durable accurate viking sword of vanquishing. More items arriving constantly!

Gates will be provided from the Britain Main main bank.

The auction is at 4:00 p.m. EST/3:00 p.m. CST.


Gem

During the passed week a player who wishes to remain nameless had organized what I believe to be the largest single group effort on any shard to date. This player understanding that OSI did not have time to devote to the creation of Valentines Day presents this year, took it upon himself to make sure that as many players as possible received a gift for Valentines Day. Dozens upon dozens of players aided in the creation and distribution of red grand master tailored leather, and studded leather armor suits, which included jester hats, and footwear. In the end the countless hours of work produced between 5-6000 suits distributed around Britannia. Let us take a moment to thank the many players that gathered materials, tailored and assembled the items, and the "Cupids" that delivered these gifts throughout the land.

Thank You All, you know who you are, and you are the people that make this game great!

Happy Valentines Days!
- Anonymous

From the Office of the High Justicar, High Court of Britannia:  

The Village of Spiritwood vs. The City of Trinsic  

Where: Lower courtroom of the Court of Truth in Yew, Felucca Facet
When: Wednesday, February 21st, 8:00 PM CST  

The trial shall commence at Eight in the evening, Wednesday, February 21st. Habalantar Driss will serve as prosecution for the trial, with DLW Copperhead acting as defense. Presiding Justices shall be announced at the opening of the court. Once again, the crimes are as follows:  

• The illegal quartering of troops
• Endangering the welfare and safety of the citizens of Spiritwood  

~Jonn Goodthorne~
High Justicar
The High Court of Britannia

If ye are interested in learning more about the goings on regarding this issue, please read the High Council's message board.

The problems are causing many people to experience lag. This lag may be due to the extended ping times and dropped packets caused by the above.net/att.net problems.

OSI claims that above.net and att.net are aware of the problems, and new circuits are being put in place. However, it may be months till all the upgrades are in place.

If you wish more information on this, or other connectivity problems, please see the Connectivity Board. The specific article that discusses this issue can be found here. Note, you must have a My UO account to view the message boards.

If you would like to view YOUR network connection, you can downlaod a tool, provided by OSI, called UOTrace. UOTrace can trace the route used to get to a specific server. You can then poll that route to see what sort or ping times and packet loss you are experiencing. You can either e-mail problem traces to [email protected], or post them on the above mentioned connectivity board.

Information on downloading and using UOTrace can be obtained here.

Greetings fellow Britannians!

I am writing this to inform everyone that the United Blacksmiths of Britannia will be having its third anniversary this coming Friday, February 16th. That's right, a merchant's guild that has lasted for three years!

In the time honored tradition set forth by our founder Excalibur Bane, we will be holding a ceremony for any and all to attend the night of the 16th on the Atlantic Shard, Felucca Facet starting at 7pm EST. It will be held at our guildhall which is located inside the Britain guard zone at the Britain Blacksmith's Guildhall. Located just a short ways southwest of the West Bank.

Food, drink and as much armor and weapons (among other things) will be provided. Most free, some...of course for sale!

It will be a great night for the smithing community, as smiths from all the shards will converge on Atlantic for a night of celebration in the largest smithing center in the lands.

A list of events to come will be posted as they are finalized. Currently proposed events consist of Elemental Digging, Mining Rallies, Smithing Contests, Smithing Trivia and Obscure Info, Demonstrations on different styles of Armor Combinations. (Full Explanations of the events on our website.)

Local Chapters will be holding their own celebrations before/after attending the main one on Atlantic. Please attend both if you are able.

Ysane
Guildmaster
United Blacksmiths of Britannia
Grandmaster Smith - Siege Perilous Chapter
[email protected]
www.ubb.org

I found this scroll from Blackheath sitting on my door step tonight.

Are you sitting on Treasure Maps in your bank?

Looking for someone to dig them up for you?

THB is hosting another open hunt day. Bring your maps and we will match you up with a t-hunter. There will be treasure hunters capable of all levels in attendance. Our treasure hunting guides are experienced and courteous professionals who would love to take you and your friends out on an adventure. Bring your maps and come prepared to fight monsters.

When: Sunday, February 18th at 1:00 p.m. Central time

Where: Trinsic, Trammel side, at the Meeting Hall next to the two-story bank. (we will dig Felucca maps also)

Blackheath of THB

The following inflamatory scroll arrived from Dwight Fry, Representative of the People of The Independent Province of Avernia:

To the absentee "King" Lord British and all the people of Britannia I bid greetings:

As the histories of man have shown, there comes a point in every civilization where people who toil under the yoke of oppression, corruption and all manner of evil must rise up and break the chains of the corrupt oppressor. We, the citizens of Avernia have reached that point.

For far too long the people of Britannia have survived under constant threat of attack by human and monster alike. The commoners struggle to earn enough gold to put a few stale bits of bread on the table at night, and sleep with their sword ready lest a hungry ogre or a bloodthirsty clan of orc come calling. Town guards are loathe to leave city boundaries under any circumstance and rarely venture from their stone fortresses to aid travelers in distress. For too long, the power elite of Britannia, drunken from ale and made fat by the fruits of peasant labor, have looked on with indifference at the plight of the common man. We, the citizens of Avernia will abide this no longer.

Let it be known that from this day forward, the people of the province of Avernia no longer recognize the legitimacy of the Britannian crown or the laws and virtues which it claims. Further, let it be known that from this day forward, Avernia shall be an independent and sovereign province. Governed as such and defended as such until the end of time.

Praise Minax!

Lord Sammael sent us the following brief note:

I'd like to announce my engagement to the Lady Dalolah!

Praise Minax!

The Respected Nicholas of Britain sent me a yummy pigeon with the following note:

I write to you again, but this time not about the clones, but with interest in these so called Vampires. I cannot tell you about my past or my present but I can tell you that these vampires have been a thorn in my neck for at least a millennia or more. Yes, last we talked I explained to you that I was new to this land but as I said I cannot explain my past. If you have any information about these so called Vampires it would be appreciated if you could send one of those pigeons my way. If you have not yet received any word on these vampires could you please atleast tell me the exact area they where seen in and if they happened to be wearing any sign of the color purple?

Praise Minax!

Here's a breaking report from Weigraf Folles, White Knight of the Zodiac Braves:

Ossu'.

I come with great news. The True Brittanians are in control of 6 towns, and currently hold 2 of the remaining sigils. I would just like everyone to understand that, thanks to the great help of Clark W Grizwold, Acid and Purple Rain, and many others, the True Brittanians have reformed to a great power. Although we are occasionally attacked by swarms of Minax troops, we don't suffer as many losses as we used to. I just want to make it clear we are reformed and now a better group than we had been a month ago we will soon control all towns.

Praise Minax!

www.freegamecam.com  is very excited to announce that we have entered public beta. Now anyone that wants to broadcast UO live can do so. Do you have an even that you want to broadcast so that people who can not attend in game can watch you? Are you someone that just likes to show off? Are you a PK and want to broadcast your kills to the world? There are so many things that can be done with the FreeGameCam.

The program is very easy to use. It supports much more then just UO and also has other features such as an automatic screen capture program.

Come on over to www.freegamecam.com and check it out. You can just watch others or you can show off and broadcast to the world. Come join us in the fun. We are having a blast!

Markee Dragon
www.shatteredcrystal.com
www.freegamecam.com

Tonight, at 7:00 PM CST (Thursday, February 15th) is the Britannian Affairs Committee meeting at Lord British's castle. Immediately after, we will be organizing the trap for Damocus (the daemon) which will be put into action at 10:00 PM CST tonight. Everyone who wants to be part of this event, which may be the end of the quest centered around Iryn, please come to the BAC meeting for further details (especially all the bards out there). Any and all are encouraged to attend - and bring their friends!

POST-BAC MEETING UPDATE: At one of the rowdiest BAC meetings since its inception, it was decided that the "Secret Room" of the Wrong dungeon would be the location for tonight's trap. Iryn will lure the daemon to the room where everyone, including 4 master bards, will be waiting ready to trap him in the room using magic-fused instruments of power. Warriors and mages are also needed, as dire battle is anticipated. Either be at Wrong before 10:00 PM CST or meet for gates at Lord British's castle in Britain for a gate directly to the room at 9:30 PM CST. If in doubt, just meet at 9:30 at the castle and things will be made clear. Tonight, Britannia will be freed!

For more information on Damocus and Iryn, see the articles DAEMON WATCH (posted on Thursday, February 15, 2001, 6:04 AM EST), THREE WEDDINGS AND AN APOCALYPSE (posted on Sunday, February 11, 2001, 6:51 PM EST), and IN FAVOR OF THE DEFENDANT (posted on Tuesday, February 6, 2001, 10:14 PM EST).

Hail!
LOK is sponsoring a 1 vs. 1 tournament Saturday, February 17th, 2001.
Registration for contestants begins at 8 pm CST and ends at 9 pm CST.
There is an entry fee of 1k Gold, but the prizes are spectacular!
Gates and/or runes will be provided from Britain's West Bank and Moonglow 30 minutes before registration begins.
The tournament begins at 9:05 pm CST.
The LOK tower is located North of Minoc near the farthest north cave.
This being in Trammel you will need to guild to our dueling stone.

LOK Rules

• No magic items, clothing, jewelry, armor, or weapons are allowed.
• No poisoned weapons, or poisoning of weapons during battle allowed.
• No summoning, field, blade spirits, or energy vortex spells allowed.
• There are only four spells that may be cast before the match begins: Magic Trap, Reactive Armor, Magic Reflection, and Protection.
• No stealing during battle or looting allowed.
• No mounts or pets allowed. ( Please stable your animals before fighting begins)

Please hide during the battles.
All spectators must stay behind tables during battles.
All contestants must be present when fighting begins.
Failure to comply with the above rules will result in banishment and forfeit of your entry fee.

Prizes Sponsored by LOK Guild

• First Place will receive 100,000 gold
• Second Place will receive 50,000 gold
• Third Place will receive 15,000 gold

Safe and Happy Travels,
Friday *Second Fiddle of LOK*

Your humble servant,
Raeven Aurora

I noticed there was no information on the group who went to the dungeon of Shame.

Lord Breti gated us to the dungeon and we gathered our force. We moved into the the upper floor and met little resistence from the
lizardmen. The few lizard men that we found were quickly dispatched. We roamed around the floor and found few more lizardmen so we went to the lower level. We battled a few ettins then made our way upstairs once more. This time the lizardmen had regrouped in force but we fought hard and had little
trouble vanquishing our foes. We moved around and and ran smack dab into the lizardmen's camp. A fierce battle ensued as the scores of lizardmen came to the cry of their kin. We fought hard and suffered a large amount of damage but none of our company fell. The battleground quickly became littered with the bodies
of lizardmen and less of the kin came to aid of the attacking group. The last few lizardmen broke and ran and we took that time to rest and heal. We then tracked down the last few kin and sent them to the afterlife. After this we were gated to the Halfling were we par took in food and drink. A somber mood hung over the victory celebration because of the fact that the tribesmen were not found. We continue to stand ready when they are found to fight for the cause of good and free these oppressed friends.

Wulfgar
Squire, Knights of Sosaria

Thank ye, Wulfgar.

Last eve, Lady Luna, Drake, and I all were sitting in the Minoc adventurer’s hall having a drink. While talking of the previous foray into the brigand camp near Britain in Felucca, Sgt. Grant Feist arrived.

"Hail all. I have new rumors of the brigand camp." He said.

Luna, knowing that Grant’s rumors lead to quests, drew closer. "Say on," she said, "tell us of these rumors."

Grant took the time to grab a bottle of wine from the table and sat at his desk. Then he began, "Do ye remember the trip you all took to the brigand camp two nights ago?"

"Aye, I do," says Drake, "I remember quite fondly all of my ‘oOoOoing’"

"Well," Grant continued, "I have news that there is a big commotion there again."

"Oh? What stirs them to action?" I said.

"A supplies drop of some sorts. Perhaps of necromancing reagents. I do not know."

"Hmm...." Drake murmured.

Grant then said, "From Laird we learned that he was somehow using and controlling the gypsies; that was all we learned from that last trip. Perhaps now, if you would return to the brigand camp, we could learn beyond this. Would you do this? It would be very dangerous."

At one time we all gave consent, "Aye!"

"Well then, if you think you are up to it. I think this time, you should not try to hide, but instead infiltrate as one of their own. Should you dress as one of them, maybe you can get the information we seek." Luna, hearing that we would get to play dress up was quite excited at hearing that. We told Grant that we would leave immediately and he bid us good luck.

We adjourned to Luna’s house where our party was joined by Amber Goldenrod and Tribonious. After a short period of gathering out brigand attire, we set out to the camp. Amber gated us to just outside of the city Britain, close to the brigand camp. We dropped our stones and journeyed to the dead facet. As soon as we arrived, a frantic Joan of Arc ran to us. "Help! Help!" while running around like a crazed woman. We knew that the goings on at the camp must have begun.

"I shall go in first. Then Drake will follow. Then Tribonious," said I, "Luna and you, Amber, must remain out here should we need to be healed if things go awry."

As I approached the camp, I hear, "Halt! Are you a member of the camp?" To which I replied I was. The man who spoke, by the name of Lord Amodea, was the leader of the camp. "Quickly, execute the gypsies. They must not learn of our plans."

He stepped off a few paces to converse with a man by the name of Calvin. "So Calvin, when can you have my new gypsies?"

Calvin replied, "Soon, M’Lord." Amodea grinned and laughed, clapping Calvin on the back, "Wonderful!" Amodea set to slaying the gypsies, while also defending his camp from those who would have him dead.

"Fools!" he exclaimed as he cast a spell to dissuade his attackers. Strong as he was, he was
unable to hold them back. The brave adventurers made their way past the gates, beating Amodea and his brigands. Calvin, stranded near the gates, was felled. Amodea seeing this unleashed a large wave of attacks. He had barely finished his spell before he started his next one. Then he paused, gasping for breath, to stare at the arrow protruding from his chest. Amodea was dead. Cheers went up from the adventurers and groans from the brigands.

I realized then I had not seen my companions since I had entered the camp. I doffed my brigand clothing and left the camp. Stumbling down the road, tired and bloody, I ran into Drake.

"Wow. You look terrible."

"Gee . . . thanks, lets find the others and go home."

"You learn anything?"

"Yeah," I said disgustedly, "the supplies, they were slaves, gypsies....can
we go home now?"

"Yeah, Luna, Amber, and Trib are this way." Drake said.

"Lets go then. . .I feel sick. . ."

So we made our way back to Trammel Minoc, where we all sought the local
tavern and a strong drink, then a long rest.

Garett of Trinsic

Thank ye, Garett.

There has been a recent rage of creatures assailing the town of Trammel Minoc. From the attack of the orcs earlier this week, to this the most ill-fated and dastardly act of evilness.

While wandering through the wood, between the southern portion of our mining city and the bowels of the dungeon known as Covetus, I was replenishing my supply of arrows, much as I normally due after a long day of fighting in our realm. Having amassed a large collection of logs from the various species of trees, and crafting them into the much needed arrow shafts to grace my quiver, I started my quest to obtain the feathers needed to complete my fletching. As I began hunting the elusive birds, it was much to my chagrin that I found an "evil" aligned chicken.

I should add at this point, I believed there was another adventurer in the wood, as I found multiple cows, hind, and bears that had been slain. It was not until I found this "chicken" that it made sense.

The chicken was extremely LARGE and RED. It spit fire as if from a forge. Ye see, the chicken was in fact a Red Dragon that had been tamed, renamed, and released, just outside our ville. Having fallen to the creature, I was graced with the services of Francine, the wandering healer, to seek retribution for the misgivings of this vile act. Having knowledge of the creature, I sought to rally whoever would stand and face the creature. Most could not, or would not believe this tale, that was, until I attempted to lure the creature inside the city limits seeking assistance from the fine Minocian Guards.

Indeed the creature was slain, but at what cost. How many of our citizens fell victim to this dastardly deed. How many of our woodsman now fear tracking a lowly chicken, only to find it not so. Unfortunately, I can not support this claim of dastardly deed with a photo. I was preoccupied in saving not only myself, but my fellow Minocians.

I make this report to you as a warning that all is not as it may seem or appear....

I am Theolan

Thank ye, Theolan. And be wary of those fowl beasts. *chuckles wryly*

Deepwater held its first House Ruling in many months last night. The meeting was hosted by Belladona who kindly let the citizens use her tower for this event, she has also let the citizens know that they can call upon use of the tower in future, if needed. Dianora, the lady that runs the Tavern got up and told the assembled people why it is that she wanted to become Mayor of the small town. She said that the town had once again returned to life after having been quiet for many months, and it was time the town had a Government that the citizens could look to for anything they might need.

One other citizen, a fellow called Caine also spoke to the multitude about why he wanted to become mayor. He was worried about a woman taking the mantle of office. It is quite possible some other citizens were worried about this too, but they were convinced by the strength of Dianora's speech that she is the right woman for the job.

After the two speeches, Alexandra asked the citizens to stand by one of two trees on the roof of the Tower of Magics in order to express their votes. The citizens voted overwhelmingly with their feet for Dianora. Caine received one vote. Alexandra then declared that the new Mayoress of Deepwater was Dianora, and as a formality he asked Jearom the Captain of the Guards if he recognised her as so. Jearom of course did. Dianora then thanked everyone for their support and her first official act was to name Bronco as Vice-mayor.

There was a buzz throughout the whole meeting, and the citizens did seem to be very excited by the whole event. The Orcs did try to assault the tower in which the House of Ruling was head, but the Mayor was whisked away to safety whilst the guards and some citizens dealt with the foul beasts. I doubt this is the last time the Orcs will cause trouble for Mayoress Dianora's new Government.

Good Luck Dianora with the new post, best of luck from the Stratics team!

Defeat. Utter defeat. The Dark Tower penetrated by the light of the virtuous, felled and beaten by the bloody blasphemous swords and spells of the heretics who dared disturb the ritual of invocation. Na-Krul, begotten by panic, lustfully enchanted his words of power as he attempted the stealing of Gabriella’s soul, tribute to the Guardian, and promise that once again an order would be restored to the blind and beguiled realm of Sosaria. Frantically, the Tower was defended as the very ripple through time escalated as Na-Krul attempted the penetration of the ethereal void. Clearly, he invoked upon the voice, invoked upon the very existence of reality as the gates of imbalance spewed forth the putrid vomit of chaos from the mouth of a sickened dimension. The solemn dead woods surrounding the Dark Tower, transformed by the ritual, metamorphisized into a gateway from hell as daemon and daemon emerged, manifested by the dank and evil hatred consuming the souls of the innocent surrounding.

Count HeRog, the charming and eloquent vampire, companion to Na-Krul and bearer of the badge of enlightenment, defended the Tower doors as the ritual of invocation molested the very hearth of the Tower; shaking its foundations with the primal fear of apocalypse. One by one they fell as the ancient and sorcerous immortal attempted the savior of his dark and deadly companions, but they were too many. The battle was too great, the Dark Tower was too weak. Na-Krul’s concentration was too disturbed. The invocation raged out of control as the last dark heroic defender fell, and as the Tower was finally besieged the screams of Na-Krul could be heard…

“Your soul shall be mine wench!”

And so peace was finally reclaimed as Na-Krul lay slain upon the Great Pentacle of the Dark Tower. Slain by the hand of Gabriella as the self-righteous invaders struck the brittle daemon with their mortal implementations of steel. The ritual had weakened him, disorientated his sorcerous potential, and now he laid defeated upon his own tool of total Armageddon.

Gabriella was finally safe, her wits recovered. A voice from the past was her reconciliation, but also, a voice from the past was Na-Krul’s heart wrenched motivation. The Dark Tower laid dormant for now, resting and rejuvenating as Na-Krul sunk back into the darkness; scarred by the writhing defeat and failure to his lord. He would never hunt Gabriella again, such was his pact, and now, the war-torn residents of Siege Perilous may rest knowing that the Dark Tower has been defeated…

For now…

Wispwood shall burn this Thursday upon 8 p.m. pacific.

The Dark Tower

It seems that Minax managed to break the Bell of Courage during her conquest of Sosaria, and thus had been able to corrupt the shrines - making healing impossible, and settling even more of an air of helplessness over Britannia. In long studies he had managed to find a way to restore the bell of courage, though. One of the neccessary components was blackrock - a rare magical substance not to be found in Britannia any more.

A circle of mages was reputed to be in the possession of that substance, though, their presence removed from mortal spying eyes by a powerful spell. That veil could only be pierced during a certain phase of the moons - when both shone in such a way as to dispell the shadow hiding their presence. Not only that protected them, but also an impenetrable fortress wall and doors sealed with magic. A single key was available that was held by a daemon named Goruuk - a fierce enemy of the circle of mages. Goruuk had taken his lair in the dungeon of destard, surrounding himself with creatures of fire and hell in an attempt to guard the key.

Many fine warriors set out to retrieve the artifact and after defeating the minions of Goruuk they tried to talk the foul beast into giving up. Sadly - or maybe as was to be expected - the beast accused Nystul of treachery, told the assembled warriors he had no key, and that he wished to be leaft alone... his lies did not save him though - he was beaten by the assembled warriors.

The key, returned to Nystul, proved to be just the piece needed. The mage meanwhile had discovered the location of the mages hideout and sent ahead Lord Geoffrey. An assault on the mages was planned. Lord Dupre carried the key to the coast of Minoc. Once enough strong warriors had assembled they stormed the front doors only to be greeted by wave upon wave of undead, summoned by the mages within.

Once most of the walking dead had been defeated Lord Dupre managed to convince the mages to give up their attack and asked for the much needed blackmore - prematurely, I might add. The mages had been about to leave this world, preparing a mighty spell for their departure, and were worried about defeating the Dimensional Guardian. They would normally have been able to defeat it, but weakened from summoning undead they would have been no match for the beast.
In exchange for the blackrock they asked for guarding during their ritual incantation - and promptly lost control over the dimensional guardian. It appeared as a demon of blackness, veined with the light of stars, and once it broke free proceeded to attack mages and the assembled warriors alike. Lord Dupre was wounded in the battle, but managed to save his life with a magical amulet. Once the Guardian was defeated the obelisk centered in their structure was broken open and a gate appeared to take the mages out of this world... once it disappeared a vein of blackrock could be seen beneath. The cheering crowd drowned part of the words from Lord Dupre and Geoffrey, but apparently enough blackrock was recovered and the news given out that Nystul awaited this reagent at the Shrine of Spirituality.

Once at the shrine, the mage and his friend Shamino used the recovered fragments of the bell to cleanse the shrine of the evil influence of Minax. Gradually the black rock covering the shrine was driven back, and replaced by the famous white marble. The toxic area around the shrine was removed, the vortex of death dispelled....

After a hard day of fighting all the shrines of Britannia had been restored to their former use and splendor. A fine Valentines Gift indeed.
Yours.. Jafar McFinnan

While working on a fix for the purple item bug we implemented logging to track those who were using the bug. We then investigated the accounts in question.

1. Only those that USED the bug were banned. And even then, they only got banned if they did it many times and/or had prior marks on their account.
2. Those who only did it a few times and had no prior marks were given a final warning...they were not banned.
3. We did not ban anyone simply for having the items who did not use the bug. However, these items are still considered illegal and those who have them should get rid of them.
4. The total number of individuals banned was under 200.

This bug was not harmless. It disrupted the faction system since those stealing the sigil were doing so to exploit to make the purple items rather than take over towns and generated support calls from players witnessing the exploiters. Not to mention the fact that using bugs is against the ToS of Ultima Online.

-Calandryll
Manager of Community Services

Hopes that the mystical vigil defending the Trammel facet would somehow impede the wicked uberdaemon Damocus' entry from Felucca (where it was loosed in Thurisaz Monastery) into Trammel were frighteningly dispelled on the afternoon of Monday, Febrary 12th. In an unanticipated siege on the Skara Braen Fairgrounds, courageous warriors, spell-hurling mages, and innocent passers-by were thrown into the savagery of a kill-or-be-killed battle against an incessant deluge of stone gargoyles, daemons, hellhounds, and even the Deathimus Rex behind the mayhem, Damocus himself. After battling off the hordes in wave after wave, the crop dust finally settled on the Jollier Fairgrounds, the noble heroes and defenders of Britannia standing bruised and battered, but above their fallen adversaries, Damocus' minions of destruction.

What next, Damocus? *shakes her fist with passionate fervor* An attack on the King's capitol itself?

Daemon Watch Tip #1: Magic use within a certain proximity of the big red guy seems strangely prohibited. It is advisable that mages
attempting to throw spells at Damocus' troops, while in his presence, lure their targets away from the center of the pack to remove themselves from Damocus' debilitating aura.

For more information on Damocus and his origin, please refer to the article THREE WEDDINGS AND AN APOCALYPSE posted by Nadia on Sunday, February 11, 2001, at 6:51 PM EST.

When Night...

When Night spreads her starry wings,
Frightened souls of human beings,
Take comfort from flimsy flames
They don't know, the way we do,
How to kiss this Dark ablaze,
And transmute Gloom into Glow,
Such, my love, that Sun will rise
Like pale shadow, to our eyes.

-Gerard, dedicated to Leucos Lycos

However, in an unexpected turn of events, several of the party guests were detained by Commander of the True Britannian forces Nero of Tenebrae and his troops under suspicions of theft (specifically the robbery of a hefty sum of money from the First Bank of Britain several days past). After much prodding and questioning, it was finally revealed that the only accused truly guilty was the man Tyrin Vonslan, a poor British farmer who had resorted to theft only as a means to feed his starving family. Popular word attributes the man's wretched state to royal taxation, although the man's accounts and financial statements will likely be reviewed in his upcoming trial. For the present, he remains in Nero's custody in the prison at the Court of Truth in Yew. Due to complications in the questioning process, Nero was also forced to arrest one Basil Stag Hare, a man of villainous repute for the actions he has taken with the Cult of the Black Dragon (B-D), and subsequently his guildmate XTerra, recent divorcee of dark prophet Mordain, and one of the recipients of the evening's much-coveted Best Dancer awards. Although unsuccessful assaults on the Prison have been made by Caelum Mortuus citizens in attempts to rescue the prisoners, Nero and the Order of the Silver Serpent seem determined to enforce the arrests and to see that trials are held before a just court for the crimes committed.

To learn more of the impact of the evening's arrests, please refer to Lisa Valorite's article INDEPENDENCE DECLARED, posted Wednesday, February 14, 2001, at 9:35 AM EST.

Congratulations to our winners of the first Valentine Contest at the Destiny Library of Knowledge. We were surprised by many entrants from all over and the creativity each and every one of them showed, including one creative couple who entered separately and no doubt will find their plans quite complimentary without them realizing it!

Second runner up: Ithilwyn
First runner up: Afro Thunder Grand winner: Skye

In addition to three carefully crafted prizes, the Library of Knowledge will help each of our winners make their Valentines Dreams come true. Please contact [email protected] to make further arrangements in carrying out your Valentine plans and to also pick up your prizes. Each of our entries will be placed on display one week from Valentine's Day (to not ruin any surprises), and be available all year round to inspire and delight the romantics at heart.

Special Valentine wishes go out to all our entrants and we leave you all with this fine quote we located that sums up the spirit of this contest: "It is nice to feel the atmosphere of love round you once in a while, and nobody out of tune."

We couldn't possibly agree more. Happy Valentine's Day from the Library of Knowledge!

Sabine and Chino, Destiny Librarians

The Shrines have been cleansed!

On this most glorious day, the Shrines of Felucca have been cleansed and many believe that Minax must be losing her hold on Britannia! On this night, Lord Dupre called out to the knights of the realm for assistance in finding a special ingredient that would create a new Bell of Courage. That special ingredient was blackrock a known substance of untold power and quite deadly if in the wrong hands! This blackrock was discovered in ore form in a hidden cave. Unfortunately a fierce dragon had taken residence in this cave and because of this, it was sealed by three powerful mages. Dupre knew the location of the first mage.

We found the sorcerer Melx in Jhelom who spoke of this cave. It was sealed by a word of power uttered by the three mages and each mage knew one third of that word. Giving us the first part of the word, ‘Belt’ Melx directed us to the other mages.

The second mage alas had already passed on from this life but his grave hinted at the second part of the word. It was found off the Northern Jhelom Island and stated “A man's shadow may cast over many things in these lands.. except this.” or the answer: Himself. This uttered the second part of the word of power ‘Onim’.

The third wizard was found wandering the Isle of Fire. He was in a quite mad state and was accompanied by a rather angry daemon. In an attempt to slay the party that followed him, inquiring about the cavee and the word, he was slain. On his body lay a book that spoke briefly about him and the clue we needed ‘Ira’. When placed together, the word ‘Beltonimira’ granted passage into that fierce cave.

Taking this information back to Dupre at his camp outside Trinsic, we quickly made our way to the entrance of the cave in the far southern peninsula near the Cape of Heroes. A fierce battle ensured between the Britannians and a regiment of charred elementals that surrounded a shadow dragon. The dragon was slain and the blackrock given to Lord Dupre.

From there we were instructed to go to the Spirituality Shrine as something was amiss. Another great battle occurred as an onslaught of daemons and liches guarded the shrine with great ferocity. The Britannians battled together and slew the beasts but at great cost. Soon after the shrine began to change. The people uttered the mantra ‘om’ to the Shrine of Spirituality and it gradually became cleansed.

Lord Dupre appeared, thanked us all, and stated that soon all shrines will be returned to their original pristine shape. Because of the wonderful heroes such as Princess Sasha and her group from the Town of Twilight (CTK), Lady Flying Chick, The Order of the Silver Serpent (OSS), Lord Aragorn of the Companions of the Avatar group, Belgarion, samer, Rioting Tim and many others too numerous to count the Shines of Felucca have once again clean and pure and most importantly out of the hands of the vile witch Minax.

Lord Grey Wolfe, Marshall of the Order of the Silver Serpent (OSS)

KoA Golden Knights Tournament #58   - hosted by Elizabeth, KoA Elder Oracle
"The Vortex"

DATE: Friday, Feb 16, 2001 @ 8 PM CST
TIME: Registration takes place from 7:30 - 8:00 PM CST. The event begins @ 8:10 PM CST.
WHERE: The event takes place in the Alliance Village. The coordinates are 136*24'S   27*12'E  (http://www.allianceknights.com/village.html)
ENTRY FEE: 600gp per person

1st place: 10,000 gp to the winner

DESCRIPTION: This tournament will be a 1 vs Energy Vortex

RULES:

• No magic items, no magic weapons, no magic armor. If anything is seen on you saying "a magic ..." you may be disqualified.  
• No pets or mounts are allowed.  
• Hiding IS NOT allowed. The Invisibility spell is NOT ALLOWED.  
• No Barding, No taming  
• No summoning spells, no field spells, NO DISPELL SPELL  
• Pre-casting and Pre-drinking are allowed.  
• All potions are allowed  
• No looting of any kind!  
• Any attempt to exploit the event or the rules to win will result in immediate disqualification.  
• Fight to the death - of either the EV or the combatant - best time wins
• No faction fighting in the village during the Golden Knights event.
• Please do not equip bows around the ring. Spells or potions may hit you that will cause you to attack back.  
• Please try to stable or feed your mount prior to the event. Wild mounts are a problem.  
• No casting, sparring, or fighting right around the ring. If you wish to do this go to another location in the village.  
• No spectators in the arena after the event begins.  
• The Golden Knights event is a seer sponsored event for Lake Superior. Grief players may  be removed and/or jailed, banned, etc. The consequences for severe disruption are solely the decision of the representatives for Origin Systems.  
• Have a great time! Cheering for your friends is encouraged

Fellow Citizens of Britannia-

On Thursday February 15th The Brotherhood of Valor is honored to present the marriage between Tiberius of Yew and Vega.

Tiberius has become well known across the land for his teachings of the Virtues as well as his extended arm of charity. Vega, a Praetorian Guard and founding member of the Brotherhood of Valor, can be easily recognized for her compassion for others and her courage on the battlefield.

Please join us in bringing these two wonderful people together. The wedding will be held at The Nujel’m Palace, in Trammel at 7:30 CST. A reception and Valentines Day celebration will be held at the Alliance of Virtue Tavern immediately following the service. We do ask that you please leave your mounts in the stable for pets are not allowed in the AoV Tavern. We will be offering prizes at the reception for three separate contests:

1. Britannia's Cutest Couple.
2. Britannia's Best Dressed (Male and Female)
3. Best Valentines Day original poem. (Must be submitted in a book to Midian during the reception)

So come one, come all come dressed for a ball!

Safe travels and I hope to see you there,

Midian

Hail Friends of the Temple! This letter is to inform you that the Tiberian Temples of Virtue now have a regular bulletin (website) and it is officially open for business!

www.geocities.com/tiberian_temple

• Users are encouraged to check out "Announcements and pics" for future announcements, including Temple quests and events.
• The Tiberian Temple is not a guild! We strive to further the causes of virtue regardless of guild, class, or creed. In this capacity we also hope to become a forum, or a sort of "United Nations" for good guilds. If you are a guildmaster of a good-loving guild, please let us know if you would like to become a "friend of the Temple" and we may list your guild as such with a link (note: although we welcome all friends, your guild must have a website in order to be approved and listed officially).
• Noble and disciplined adventurers may wish to check out "Tiberian Knighthood" if they are interested in becoming ordained as a Tiberian Knight (open to people of any good guild or no guild at all, provided they meet the stringent requirements).
• The Temple's main teaching, "Tiberius' Primary Virtues" (or Elementum Vitualis in the ancient tongue) may be read on the site but for the several other books of wisdom, or to get your own copies (in-game) please visit a Temple.

And most of all, please feel free to tell others - especially announce to those in your guilds!

Sincerely,
Lucius, Head Philosopher of the Temple

Ladies, the first “Bachelor Night” sponsored by the Clan of the Twilight Knights is fast approaching. Mark your calendars, gather your gold, and join us on February 15th at 7:00pm. We will meet at the Twilight Township around the Clan house...coordinates are 116*43'N 104*29'E, gates will be provided from there to the location of the auction, gates will be given around 6:45(CST). The highest bidder will enjoy an evening with one of our fine bachelors, so come join us for great time.

WhP - Witch Huntin' Paladins is hosting it's first ever Lottery.

Guildmaster - Sirius Blackmane quotes "The WhP Lottery will be fantastic with 100gp tickets and a grand prize that grows up to 100k".

Info that was given

For tickets you must

A) ICQ - Sirius at 105058951
B) Have 100gp handy for every ticket you want
C) Meet Sirius to give him the 100gp

Drawings will be every 2-4 weeks...undecided so far. They will be held at the guild Headquarters west of Britain. Just follow Sirius! No WhP Members may join the lottery.
The grand prize grows with every ticket bought...so get your friends involved...

Charles H. Smith
~Baja boy~

Factions Members on Trammel
Yes it’s true.. Faction members on Trammel.. Lots of them all over the place. I was disgusted. I had not gone to Trammel in months. There really is no reason unless you need to buy something special. Which I needed to do last weekend so that I could surprise the girl friend with furniture, some add-ons and other rare household items for the new homestead. I ventured to that safe shopping Mecca that is Trammel. I heard rumors about faction’s members on Trammel but I must say I was disgusted.. The cowards.. ??

I saw tons of Minax, TB, SL, even some CoM all hanging on Trammel. Names I had never seen before.. which.. is pretty strange since I have been at war since factions started… (everyday except maybe 3-4 total days..) I mean we are at WAR..!! Not to mention that is a tremendous amount of fun.

So.. Why are you people over living on Trammel if you are in factions..? Are you cowards? Afraid of dying? Don’t know any groups to hang out with? Don’t know how to fight? Not good enough? Why are you over there? There is no end of the people who have tried to join True Britannia’s the last two weeks but can’t because the Faction Stone is full. Yet.. there have not been very many people helping out.

Why are you over there?.. In case you did not know it we are at war!! (Minax, TB, SL, CoM) and we need your help well except maybe Minax not sure they want help.. but ask them!! If you need help, want to join some good fighters.. read the pages here in this Journal to find out the good guilds and join up with them. If you don’t have stuff don’t worry most guilds have tons of ways of putting new factions members to work. Want to learn how to fight there is no end of the people that will teach you. If your really not going to come help us and/or be committed…. (Minax, TB, SL, CoM) stop telling lies.. and resign from factions…

Update: Minax holds Sigils Captures Towns
The weekend before last Minax held most of Sigils for about a week. Their dictated members worked long shifts against repeated attacks from TB and the newly reinforced Shadowlords. Among the leaders were the two masters of LoD Galen and GoreChild.

Shadowlords Rule the Shard!!
After weeks of each faction taking turns stealing sigils from each other and Minax holding a short reign it has finally happened a faction has begun to dominate once again. The Shadowlords reinforced by G D have become the Faction to beat. Lead by archangel “a murder of the M&D guild”, the Shadowlords have come very tough. Archangel is the longest running faction leader to date. He has been the leader of the Shadowlords since factions begin. Congratulations!

True Britannia recruiting Tamers
The True Britannia’s are recruiting Tamers for the Faction. If you can tame a dragon, we want to talk to you. Email Durham.

What a difference a week makes.
What happened? For weeks the TB were almost not existent.. then for one week there was more TB than any faction had ever fielded.. then boom.. TB becomes fairly small the next week. Strange….

Durham Stargazer
UO Journal

I had the opportunity to sit down one on one with Ivan Magnes LoD’s Minister of Propaganda. I can’t disclose the location but lets just say Ivan is an extremely rich fellow. He also was very intelligent, confident, professional, and had the Classic LoD air of bravado. He projected that special unique aura of power that is a trademark of LoD Members. I was extremely impressed with what I learned about LoD. No question was left unanswered by Ivan. He started the interview.

Ivan Magnes: Were not evil were just misunderstood

Durham Stargazer: Misunderstood how?

Ivan Magnes: Well everyone seems to think were just youngsters (under 18) getting our kicks, most of LoD are committed professional members who are dictated to the Guild. (i.e. professionals or university students) we just have a bad image because.. “We win using any means necessary.”

Which sometimes makes us look really evil, people say we are bad because we rez kill. We rez kill for tactical reasons, (Ivan laughs at this point) Well I rez kill because I like it. But we have a policy that its better to have a dead enemy than a live one and fresh rezed people don’t have to rez. They just do it and come running at us so it makes us look mean when we kill them but were doing it for more than just fun. Keeping them dead and in sprit loss keeps them out of our hair.

We have ALOT of enemies, now that we kicked GD out of Minax

Durham Stargazer: Humm are you concerned about how rest of the shard views you? As a evil win by all means necessary guild..?

Ivan Magnes: Not really all the important people know how good we are! Err.. skillful! Though they’re in the minority most of the shard despises us. Of course we sort of like that. But the trouble with that hatred is they take it out on us unjustifiably. Reporting members of LoD for false infractions of the rules at the drop of hat. You know our whole guild got banned 6 months ago.

At this point we discussed the recent “Real Life” legal action where LoD took the High Wizards and Guardian Mages (OSI) to court. LoD was banned and then sued successful to get their (accounts) back. Ivan related how even today his guild suffers tremendous harassment just because they are LoD. Being the most successful, feared and evil guild has its drawbacks. But. After listening to the examples Ivan cited it sounds like some people are abusing the ability to contact a Guardian Mage to complain about LoD unjustifiably. If that can happen to them it can happen to anybody. Remember War is very violent and LoD are very good at making War. If you can’t take the heat I “hear” Trammel offers safe sanctuary for those that wish the peaceful life just remember to turn in your faction robes.

The Interview continues

Ivan Magnes: That’s what bothers us about our reputation.

Durham Stargazer: What do you think of the other factions?

Ivan Magnes: Out of the TB's the only good guilds in it are GI, RIP, AFE, and FRP. LoD has no respect for anyone else in factions. Just those guilds we have no respect for anyone in the Shadowlords or Minax. We view fellow Minax as cannon fodder. The only real challenge we’ve gotten from the recent faction wars is from your group of guilds when you were in CoM and now in TB

But our problem now is that we lack the numerical strength of the other factions on a good night we can get 10 to 15 LoD. But since we’ve pretty much alienated our other Minax allies by telling them what we think of them.

Take tonight (last Monday night) I was in the SL stronghold and was looking at their numbers. They had a large group inside. We have 6 LoD playing so we don’t even try to take the sigils tonight.

But when we do get everyone on watch out (He laughs evilly at this point)

Durham Stargazer: When LoD held the fort the other night I was thinking of writing about it because you guys did it just right. You stopped holding the rim as much and concentrated on the holding the front doors which is the key to all the Strongholds.

Ivan Magnes: Our fort can be defended by 6 mages, indefinitely. Uh well until we run out of supplies. The front doors are critical. That’s why it’s so easy to defend the Shadowlords Stronghold. They have like 6 doors...

Durham Stargazer: A comment about mercenaries (blues).

Ivan Magnes: Well that actually bothers me the most. We hate them but we use them.

Durham Stargazer: You have a few but.. But not like G D.

Ivan Magnes: We don’t have them to the extent that other groups do. That was one of my major problems with G D they kept using Mercenaries. We were getting sick at their extensive use of mercenaries.

Durham Stargazer: Well you have seen what G D does,

Ivan Magnes: Yes with the blocking See our major stumbling block right now is mercenaries. The SL is dead without them and they know they know it.

As of the editing of the Interview Mercenaries (blues) have been eliminated from Faction Strongholds.

Durham Stargazer: What's your role in LoD as the minister of propaganda for LoD?

Ivan Magnes: I do updates www.lod4life.com. Tell stories that make us look good and our enemies look bad. As well I try to keep my group informed with updates to our shard etc. Like explaining how the physics of combat are changing so that warriors (dexers) are more powerful than mages. (editor note: interviewer and interviewee comments were deleted as they contained multiple short declarative expletives).

Ivan Magnes: Did you know it was 2 members of LoD who made up the word dex monkey.

Durham Stargazer: Interesting!

Ivan Magnes: Stretch and Ivan Terror made it up about G D around the summer of 98.

He then related how Stretch and Ivan Terror had come up with the name. I was very amused and suggest if you’re interested that you ask Ivan yourself.

Durham Stargazer: Who runs LoD? The Lords or is there somebody else?

Ivan Magnes: We have Masters who act like the president Gorechild and Galen are our masters. They make executive decisions but they are elected by the lords and the Lord's vote on most policy. We are a pretty good example of an evil democracy.

Durham Stargazer: How does one become a Member of LoD?

Ivan Magnes: You need to get sponsored first by a Lord or a Master depending on who it is that is sponsoring you. They will each have their own individual standards. Some lords sponsor anyone. Some don’t sponsor anyone at all. Once you get sponsored you duel. First 1 on 1. Then 2 on 2. Then 3 on 3. If you pass the duels, you’re made an initiate. And that’s where I think the big misunderstanding takes place. See in LoD an initiate is not seen as a member of LoD. An initiate is just there so he can be observed in a group situation if as an initiate you fight well you get promoted to disciple. Not until you are a disciple are you in LoD. You get sponsored then as an initiate you either earn it or get kicked out.

Ivan Magnes: The initiate phase is the main phase.

Durham Stargazer: The key to that is?

Ivan Magnes: Getting along with people LoD is a tight group. Were all friends so if you don’t get along with the group you wont be staying as well if you do things like run off and die all the time you’ll probably be kicked. If you get along we are like family.

Durham Stargazer: How does one become a Lord? And what does that mean in LoD

Ivan Magnes: You have to be a member of LoD for a certain about of time and are a good contributor to the guild and get elected by the other lords. A lord in LoD is a voting member. We vote on policy, we lead the lower members in battle and provide support to the guild. We have a written set of bylaws.

Durham Stargazer: Do you have a court?

Ivan Magnes: Sort of, if someone is bad the LoD get together and determine what needs to be done be that demotion, pay a fine, kicked out, humiliated etc. It’s more like common law than a written code though we have some written rules. They just state that a vote is take by the lords to handle this and that situation. The situations are left to the discretion of the Lords.

Durham Stargazer: Can you give me an example of how a policy was arrived at by the Lords?

Ivan Magnes: I can give a good example, just the other week we held a meeting to discuss what we were going to do about our faction wars. It was pretty small so we had to decide to stay in Minax and kill everyone. But accept the possibility that our small size would mean we can’t win the sigils all time or we could choose to leave and go to anther faction and make use of fodder we discussed this issue and decided that based on LoD’s history of fighting everyone and not cooperating with anyone it was in the best interests of the guild to stay in Minax. That’s a good example of the sort of policy that the Lords work on.

Durham Stargazer: Do you have an common law that all members know? For example something that a member cannot do.

Ivan Magnes: Members can’t do a couple things

1) Can’t join enemy guilds, even to infiltrate them
2) Can’t give away access to their communication system.
3) Can’t blue heal enemies of the guild

The last rule is sort of outdated

Durham Stargazer: Who is your oldest current member that is currently playing in factions?

Ivan Magnes: hmm, that’s a good one we have a lot of 42-month veterans, but LoD veterans. I would have to say Galen or Gorechild. Yes Gorechild is probably one of the oldest. Vlad comes out once in a while and he’s really old around much

Durham Stargazer: Who is the current leader of Minax? Ivan Magnes: Every leader of Minax is always LoD! Oddly enough.

Durham Stargazer: I know strange….

Ivan Magnes: We all vote for the same guy, see if the guy we say doesn’t win, I get really mad and kill our initiates. Its like an election in Russia all the candidates on the ballot, are in LoD usually.

Ivan Magnes: I think Sauron is the leader now, so I think Gord is going to be the next leader. If a master is on the list he wins.

Editor Note: This proved to be true Gord is now the current leader of Minax.

Durham Stargazer: Your most Revered Member.

Ivan Magnes: I would have to say Borric.

Durham Stargazer: The most feared?

Ivan Magnes: Borric or Obidiah Kahn both no longer with us…..

Durham Stargazer: Okay for all time.

Ivan Magnes: I’d say that Borric/Lyam was the most feared guy in all of LoD.

Durham Stargazer: How about currently in factions?

Ivan Magnes: Smiles at this point and then breaks out into laughter.

Ivan Magnes: That’s an easy one, Gobbles our white Wyrm.

I broke out into laughter at this point, having suffered a quick death our force at the hands of gobbles and 12 LoD’s while trying to leave the Shadowlords Stronghold with several Sigils.

Ivan Magnes: Dragons are like tanks, but seriously I’d have to say our most feared member is probably Gord/Merc.

Durham Stargazer: What are LoD’s long-term goals?

Ivan Magnes: Right now our goals are to succeed on creating a gate to a different prime material plane called Shadowbane and escaping to it. We have gone to all the other current prime material planes of known existence but Britannia is by far the best that we can find at this point.

Durham Stargazer: What are LoD’s short-term goals?

Ivan Magnes: Our short-term goals are always the same.

Ivan Magnes: Kill everyone we see.

At this point we had a general discussion about Trammelians, how life has changed, the old days mining in Minoc and getting killed by the Elf’s, Bob the pker, the true times of darkness when neared the edge of town and were then swarmed on by murders (reds). And other fun memories.

Durham Stargazer
UO Journal

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Dupre knocked on Nystul's door. It opened a few moments later and Nystul, still looking worse for wear, greeted the two men.

"You have the books?” Nystul walked to his desk.

Dupre grinned and pulled two books from his pack, setting them before the weary mage.

"Was there any trouble retrieving them?" Nystul asked.

Geoffrey chimed in, "A small bit, Nystul. We dealt with it appropriately."

Nystul grimaced, "How many did you kill?"

Dupre grinned again, "None."

"Though there will be two guards who will be in need of some rest...well at least once they regain consciousness.” Geoffrey beamed.

Nystul let out a sigh of relief. "This faction business is bloody work, but I am glad to see you two have kept your wits about you. I loath having to kill anyone, though I realize we do not always have that luxury. I thank you both for retrieving the books. Leave me now to find the information that I seek."

"Nystul are you feeling well?” Dupre looked concerned.

"Aye, friend. I am still a bit weary from my encounter with that fiend," Nystul frowned. "Now both of you go about your regular business. I know you have more leads to follow in your search for Tyball, Dupre. Now both of you be gone.”

Dupre looked to Geoffrey. With a nod, they turned and left Nystul to his books.

---

Geoffrey and Dupre walked together in silence. A short distance into the main courtyard of the castle, Geoffrey turned quickly on his heel, bringing his companion to a halt.

"Dupre, I fear for Nystul", Geoffrey said.

"Aye, I do as well. I have never seen Nystul so shaken. ‘Tis my hope that re-creating the bell will return some confidence to him.” Dupre explained.

"Indeed. I would hope so. Cleansing the shrines is vital to regaining our hold on Felucca and rooting out that witch."

Dupre turned and began walking again. "I must admit I am concerned that she knew where to find the bell, and even more concerned that she could destroy it."

"Well, from what I have been told, the bell, candle, and book are magical - but all the same they are still physical objects. I suppose that makes them vulnerable to such destruction."

"I suppose. Well, I am off my friend. Farewell,” Dupre intoned, and, with a tired wave to his companion, he headed off towards the main gate.

Geoffrey responded with his own "Farewell" before turning to walk back into the castle proper.

"Geoffrey", Dupre called back, "Keep an eye on him."

"Indeed, friend, indeed."

---

Dupre and Geoffrey joined Nystul in his room the next day. Though still weary, Nystul beamed, glowing with pride. He had found the information that he was looking for.

"I have compiled a list of components to recreate the bell. My only fear is finding some of these components.” Nystul sat down and pushed a scroll across the table to Dupre.

Dupre and Geoffrey both read the scroll over.

"Nystul? These are rare components to say the least.” Dupre frowned.

"Yes milords", Nystul grinned, "I have the utmost faith that both of you will be able to find them all for me in short time."

Dupre and Geoffrey looked at each other and both gave a low groan.

"Now gentlemen, you are two of the finest men in this land. I am quite sure you can enlist plenty of good men and women from the various townships of our realm to help you find these objects. One word of caution: the other groups out there will be apt to try to stop you. I am sure Anon is furious that we have the Book of Truth and the books you two 'borrowed' for me. Minax destroyed the bell, so I’ve no doubt she would do everything in her power to stop you from finding these components.

“Finally", Nystul paused. "Finally, Revlo and those shadow worshipers. I am not sure if he is even human any more. I just know he is powerful. I fear perhaps even more powerful than I. Please, both of you, be cautious."

"Nystul, you were not prepared for him. Do not doubt your ability.” Geoffrey said.

"Aye", Dupre added, "I would sooner have you at my back than any other mage in this land, Nystul."

"Kind words, friends, but I am a practical man.” Nystul spoke softly, "Now both of you go and bring me those components. Quickly. We must cleanse the shrines. They have been left corrupted too long. Shamino is on his way here this very day to do his part, once we have all the items we need. We have the Candle and the Book, but we need that Bell remade. Every day the shrines remain corrupted will make cleansing them that much more difficult. So make haste, my friends."

Geoffrey and Dupre nodded, grabbed the scroll and were off.

Nystul eased back into his chair.

"Take care friends. Take care."

Nystul opened his eyes and found he was in his chamber. Slowly he sat up, fighting the stiffness that still coursed through his body.

"Rest, my friend", Dupre smiled.

"What has happened...how did I get here?” Nystul asked, still in a daze.

"We found you, possibly just in time old friend", came a voice, as Geoffrey leaned forward to offered the weary mage some warm ale.

"Aye. Nystul, I had a horrible dream that harm was to come to you. We came to seek you out, but you had already gone. We followed you into the woods and saw your Facet Gate wink out just as we reached the clearing. Geoffrey ran back to town to fetch a Moonstone so that we could follow. By the time we arrived you were on your knees with, well, what appeared to be some sort of wraith hovering over you. Geoffrey approached to attack it and it simply knocked him back,” Dupre recounted.

"Aye, no magic words! Nothing, I was simply pushed back onto the ground. Then Dupre set upon it. For some reason I did not like him very much at all. It let out a sound I wish to never hear again…and then vanished.” Geoffrey added, his voice quieting to a whisper.

Dupre looked concerned, "Aye, I do not understand it myself, but the 'thing' seemed to have a distaste for me."

Geoffrey laughed, "Perhaps it caught scent of your breath, milord."

Dupre grinned and looked to Nystul.

"What was it, Nystul?", Dupre asked.

"Not what, but who." Nystul said sipping the ale.

"That was a person?” Geoffrey inquired, perfectly amazed.

"Yes, it was Revlo. The one who builds his cult of worshiping "Shadowlords", in growing numbers every day,” Nystul sighed, "I thought them mere phantoms of this man’s mind, but now I am not so certain. He could move like a breeze, faster than I could blink. He spoke in ’voices’ and his touch paralyzed me and seemed to tap my very life. He is in touch with something that is evil unlike I have ever known."

"Why did you head off by yourself?” Geoffrey asked.

"I simply needed to retrieve two books from the Lycaeum. I thought it would be an easy jaunt,” Nystul replied, carefully lying back down.

"Well, you tell us which books and we will retrieve them for you. In the meantime you need to rest.” Dupre said gently.

"Aye, rest I will", Nystul wrote on a scroll, "Bring these two books to me. I should be able to divine the items needed to create a new Bell from them."

Nystul slept.

---

"Dupre, this worries me. Nystul is the most powerful mage I know. Yet this Revlo was able to bring him to his knees with hardly a touch."

"Aye Geoffrey. Yet I wonder why it fled at seeing me?"

"Again friend, I think it must be your breath.” Geoffrey smiled.

"Mayhap friend", Dupre chuckled, "Now lets us go get these books"

"Aye", Geoffrey agreed - and they were off.

Nystul woke with the dawn. He gathered up his spell book and tied his reagent bag to his belt. He headed quickly down the stairs and into the open courtyard of the castle. In the dim morning light he was off and out of the city limits in a matter of minutes. Reaching a clearing in the woods he pulled forth a Moonstone and watched as it settled into the fertile soil. Then the flash of light, and the Facet Gate opened. Nystul hurried through, leaving the safety of Trammel behind.

---

Dupre hurried to Nystul's chamber. He knocked heavily upon the door.

"Nystul!” he shouted.

When no reply came after several attempts, Dupre turned and headed off, searching the halls for any sign of life.

"Have you seen Nystul this morning?” he asked expectantly of the first person he encountered.

"Aye, milord. He left the castle just a few moments ago."

Dupre looked concerned. "Did he say where he was going?"

"Nay, milord. I did not speak to him, I simply saw him leave. I have just come from watch upon the wall. I saw him heading into the woods past the graveyard."

"Thank you", Dupre said and bolted down the stairs into the courtyard where Geoffrey awaited him.

"He is not up there, is he?” Geoffrey said not looking very surprised.

Dupre groaned, "Nay."

Geoffrey grabbed his shoulder. "Your dreams could just be dreams Dupre."

"Yes they could, but there was something more to this one. I know he is in danger.” Dupre said. "Let us at least try to follow him."

Geoffrey nodded and they head off together in search of their friend.

---

Nystul stepped through the gate. A stiff wind blew upon the ground. He was still not accustomed to the look and feel of Felucca. The land had been scarred. Nystul felt a small touch of sadness. He began to dig through his pack, pulling forth a rune book.

The Lycaeum was a short trip from where he had a place marked. The knowledge he sought would surely be kept there. The books had not been moved from Felucca. This had been quite a bone of contention among the Council of Mages. Until it was settled, the books remained on Felucca in possession of the militant mages that presently held the city for their faction.

"Kal Ort...” Nystul lost his concentration. Some one was here with him. He could sense it.

"Greetings Nystul", a voice said behind him.

Turning around slowly, Nystul saw a strange-looking figure. He was wearing an odd gray deer mask and carrying a staff of peculiar design. He held an aura of darkness around him that gave Nystul a chill. The light was still dim and it took Nystul a moment to make out a face inside the deer mask.

"You!" he said in a tone thick with venom.

"Ahh, you remember", the man replied.

"You ruined one of our last chances for peace with the mages.” Nystul growled, clenching his spellbook until the action produced a dull ache in his hand.

"Nay Nystul. It was your deceit and pride that caused that rift. I simply told them the truth. You don't like truth, do you Nystul?” the stranger hissed.

"There was good reason for not telling them everything.” Nystul sighed, "Anon means well but he and his mages are often ones for discussing everything. Some knowledge should not be discussed so. It is very dangerous."

"Ha! Again, but 'you' are worthy of such knowledge?" the voice asked, half snickering.

"Worthy?!” Nystul said. "I cannot say. Fated to bear the knowledge I possess? Without a doubt. That is what I believe. Now please be gone! I have important business to attend to."

The man laughed, "What if I choose not to leave, Nystul? Then what?"

"I do not wish to harm you Revlo", Nystul gritted his teeth, "or whatever you call yourself these days. Prophet? Maybe."

Revlo laughed again, "I am a vessel, Nystul. A vessel for power that even you cannot comprehend."

"Your magic does not scare me!” Nystul challenged.

Revlo laughed. Then with a whisper he stood behind Nystul with a hand on his shoulder.

Nystul turned quickly to face him and again Revlo was behind him.

Nystul stood still, "How can this be?"

Revlo spoke again, this time as a chorus of voices, "We have told you, Nystul. We are more than you can imagine. We are the darkness in your dreams and the shadows that make up your darkest fears. We are dread."

A bitter cold crept from where Revlo's hand held Nystul's shoulder. Despite himself, Nystul began to shiver. As each press of a finger sent a chill to the depth of his heart, the mage felt a sinister fear unlike any he had ever known.

"Nystul, now you will know our terror" the voices said.

Nystul dropped to his knees as the cold swept over him and the dim light faded from view.

In his lab, Nystul sat. Buried deep in a leather-bound tome that had the appearance of timelessness. He picked the book up and slowly closed it, as if taking care not to injure it. The book had a mild blue gleam to it as if it was charged with some magical power. Some might say that it was. The Book of Truth, rarely seen, let alone read by anyone, had been brought to Nystul earlier that day. It normally rested in the Lycaeum, though no one could see it unless they knew just “how” to look, for it is kept out of phase with the normal world.

Nystul gave in to a smile, thinking of the look upon Anon’s face when he found that Mariah had simply walked into the Lycaeum, lifted the book from its dais, and walked out. Anon would be furious. Nystul continued to smile. Anon’s anger might be tempered when Nystul finished his mission but, all the same, he would be even more angered by not being involved. Nystul, though at odds with his old friend, could not bring himself to hate the man.

"Some day", he thought, "we will put things right."

Nystul was not an old man by any stretch of the imagination, but he was no longer as young as he once was. Though a more powerful mage than he was in his younger days, each spell now seemed to sap more life from him. He tapped his foot with impatience. He had all but one item that he needed to complete his goal. The last piece of the puzzle should be in the hands of Lord Dupre and Lord Geoffrey.

Nystul looked across the room to where the candle sat. The Candle of Love gave off a soft and comforting yellow light. The candle had been kept secreted in Empath Abbey until the troubles with the Followers of Armageddon began.

“Julia”, Nystul thought, and sighed.

“Some day”, he said, “another will arrive to take your place, but never shall you be forgotten, dear friend”.

Nystul put the book down next to the candle. Where the yellow glow of the candle met the blue gleam of the book, a clear line of green flickered into existence.

Nystul thought, “Justice”, and smiled.

These objects were the physical representations of two of the Three Principles. The third would be in his hands as soon as his friends returned from Serpent’s Hold with the Bell of Courage. The bell required both Geoffrey and Dupre to retrieve. Only Dupre knew its exact location and only Geoffrey could remove it from the dais upon which it lay. Nystul thought of what he was planning to do again.

"This is important,” he thought, redoubling his resolve.

Dupre appeared in the doorway, looking grim.

"Dupre! You have brought the bell?" Nystul asked hopefully.

"Nay", Dupre spat.

"Nor shall we have that honor, Nystul", Geoffrey said as he stepped past Dupre and into the small room's dim light.

"Nay? What has happened friends?” Nystul asked, looking confused.

"Shattered", Dupre exhaled and slammed his scabbard hard on the floor.

"Shattered?! But how? No one knew where it was!”

"We found this, left in front of the dais", Geoffrey tossed a bound cluster of raven feathers to the floor.

"That witch! How could Minax have known where the bell was hidden?"

"If only I knew.” Dupre sighed and sat down on a small stool.

Nystul looked crushed for a moment. Then his eyes flickered with life.

"Well that is something we may think upon later Dupre. For now we must find a way to make a new bell.” Nystul walked to his bookshelves.

"Make a new bell?” Geoffrey asked.

"Yes. That one must have been forged some how. It didn't just magically appear out of thin air.” Nystul said, gesturing wildly in the air with his hands. "All three of them were made by men’s hands, with the use of magic and power drawn straight from the Virtues themselves. The principles of Truth, Love and Courage outdate most everything in this world."

Dupre looked up, "Then what must we do?”

Nystul smiled, "Get some rest! You both look as if you have not slept in days."

"Indeed, we have not."

"Both of you get some rest then. I will send some one for you if I make any progress." Nystul smiled and pointed to the door.

The men nodded and left.

Nystul slumped down in his chair and sighed heavily.

"That wretched witch" he mumbled.

His resolve seemed to fade a little now that Dupre and Geoffrey had left the chamber. He looked about. The hour was growing late and he knew he needed to travel first thing in the morning. He stood up and put the book he held back in place and headed off to his bedchamber. Tomorrow would not be a good day. Traveling to Moonglow on Felucca could only mean trouble.

By: Blake the Bard

After closing its doors to flee the onslaught of Minax, the Adventurers Guild has moved to Minoc, Trammel, and is bustling with activity once more.

Owned and operated by Deckard Marner, the Adventurers Guild Hall is a place where brave would-be-heroes can come seeking fame and adventure, and those seeking heroes can find them as well.

"I was a grand soldier and adventurer in my day, lad... before I got m' bad leg." Deckard told me in an interview. "I wish I could do it again. That's why I founded the hall."

Located in central Minoc, on the Trammel facet, the Adventurers Guild has a full-time town crier on staff. Current jobs can be found on the bulletin board inside. Some folks stay around the hall waiting for work, and they also have many stories to tell and rumors to share.

From the time I spent there, it appeared that most activity occurs there late in the evening, but there were always people coming in looking for escorts, or to put an advertisement up on the bulletin board.

"All are welcome, as long as they don't break m' one rule..." Deckard told me. "Don't make a nuisance of yerself. That kind o' drivel only scares off people in need."

"Come by... sit a spell, put yer feet up. Even if you aren't the adventuring type, or if nothing is going on, there are still good people t' find 'ere."

By: Blake the Bard

A week long search for a missing child has been called off. The girl has not been found, and is presumed dead.

Requests for help were first posted at the Adventurers Guild in Minoc. Hundreds of volunteers spent hours daily searching the wilderness for Cymbelline, the daughter of a local merchant.

After a week, the town guards have decided that the chances of her surviving in the wilderness are very slim, and search has been called off.

All of Minoc mourns for the lost child.

Hail good citizens of Britannia!

On Tuesday night, the Coalition of Might met for it's weekly gathering in Trinsic. The noble heroes were informed by Decimus, the Coalition's great and wise leader, that the scoundrel Andrew, responsible for seizing control of the wolves of Britannia and slaying farmers east of Skara Brae, was trapped in Dungeon Shame by the packs of wolves he once controlled.

Decimus spoke to the Great Wolf about this situation and was informed that the packs were out for blood. Upon entering the mighty dungeon, the heroes were met with packs of dire wolves and other creatures out for Andrew. In the heat of a battle with a pack of dire wolves and a wandering earth elemental, Andrew's weapon shattered in his hands, leaving him defenseless against the dangers of Shame.

After a long, bloody, and tiring chase, the warriors pinned down Andrew, who was forced to submit, weary from days on end without food or water. The man made a bold request for some food of any kind, explaining that he could not escape the dungeon to even gather any nearby fruit or plants due to the packs and that he had been forced to eat the dirt off the dungeon floor.

Upon capturing the criminal and safely escorting him back to Trinsic, Andrew was imprisoned on Paladin's Isle, the most secure prison in all of Britannia. Anyone willing to see the captured criminal may make a visit to his cell, he may be up and around, passing time until his inevitable trial for his crimes. Special thanks to Decimus for giving the Coalition the information needed to apprehend this villain so that justice may be done.

The Coalition of Might meets every Tuesday night at 9 PM PST in the Coalition of Might District of Eastern Trinsic in Trammel. Any citizens who wish to join in on the Coalition's activities may join in the gatherings.

Farewell good citizens, and safe travels.

-Snake

Greetings Brothers and Sisters.

I'm Ophiel the Druid, I have lived in this land all my life. And have seen many things. Good and Bad. But A few days ago I did see something that ill remember for the rest of my days. A man that did not follow virtue, In fact has been a enemy of OGD's and anyone who followed Virtue's for years. This man I speak of is the One who bought the Temple of the Gold One In Dragons Bay after it fell. He asked to keep his name silent so I will keep my word. He said "at one time I wanted to see OGD suffer and asked a very High price for the return of the Temple". This has had us all in a panic. "how will we get such a some?" etc. well the months have passed A few have donated what they could to buy back and rebuild the Temple. It was a valiant effort, but funds where few.

Untill a Great Lady made a statement. " I'll Donate 1 million Gold to start a temple fund!" These great words came from a long time friend to all, Heather of CMG. Her words started a fire inside many of us. With the help of a few Good friends and members of OGD. we came up with three million Gold. I contacted This Man and told him of the fund. He agreed to meet with me. when we meet I did sense something, when I looked into his eyes, I did not see the evil man I did see before. but something had changed in this man. I could feel his good breaking through his dark soul. He bowed his head and said "I have wronged the followers of Virtue. And living on blessed ground made me see the light.I have seen the pain In the heart of so many, since the Temple hasfallen. I was selfish. But to be honest I love this House". Then he said. "Good Druid I'll take the 3 Million Gold as a deposit. and turn over the deed to you this day. So you may begin to rebuild the Ancient Temple". I could not believe my ears.. And he lowered the price to less that half. And he is a man of his word for I gave him the 3 million in advance. And he was taken by this act of faith. I told him. I trusted him. and I do. And we now have our Temple back Once again! We have not told Jaana about this want it to be a secret till her birthday next week (Most likely the opening night). she and Saimanius have been in mourning since the temples fall. So I'm Honored to say The TEMPLE OF THE GOLD ONE. HALL OF VIRTUES. Will once again be open. We will soon tell thee of its opening day. for we have much to do before this can happen. Again I wish to thank you all for thy add in our time of need.

But I do ask. to support events and quests held by the Temple for we still owe 4 million gold. And to rebuild faith as we do the temple. May Virtue be with you.

Hail the Gold One.
Long live the Dragon knights!
Ophiel the Druid (TGO)

Looking For Something To Do?

While virtually all of my previous comments from the team have been about Community Relations, I am also responsible for the Event Programming team here at OSI. Hopefully many of you have seen the recent event announcement and accompanying event calendar. I’ve seen a lot of questions from players asking what the motive is behind these events, as they are a bit different than what we have done previously, and I figured this would make an excellent opportunity to talk about events in UO.

Before my time here at OSI, as a player, I experienced three “events” that I was aware of. I say “that I was aware of” because often, players are involved in an event and don’t even realize it. The recent change assigning purple names to volunteers has helped this somewhat, as players are now more easily able to discern whether that mongbat is part of something special or not.. I recall all three of those events with great fondness and each one gave me a sense of accomplishment and made Ultima Online feel more alive. Even though, for the most part, I was fighting the same AI controlled monsters I always fought, the fact that killing these monsters had a purpose beyond skill and loot made the battles more exciting.

While everyone wants to create vast, dynamic fiction (what I refer to as a scenario) that touches and changes the game-world, the basic building blocks of a scenario, the event, are easily over-looked. Running this schedule of events allows us to not only create some fun and exciting things for players to do outside of their usual gaming experience, but at the same time, keeps things simple so we can gather the information we need to run even better events in the future. It’s much easier to gather information from single events, (looking at what worked and what didn’t work, how events affect those not involved and/or not expecting it, etc.) than it would be if the events were all tied together in one over-arching story. Of course, some of the events we are running now do have stories behind them.

So what’s next? Well a lot of that depends on how these events go and what we (and you) learn. Hopefully in the coming months I’ll write more event related comments from the team as we move towards the next evolution of events. In the meantime, I hope all of you get a chance to participate in these events and look forward to your feedback on the message board we have set up.

-Calandryll
Manager of Community Services

Hail to thee !

We invite all mages to take part in the Summoner of the Day Event.
It is Thursday 15 at 8:00 PM GMT in Ravenmoor.

The rules are simple, first, you need to pay a 200 gp fee.
Second, each mage takes its turn, the Organiser summon an animal,
and the first mage have to summon until he get the same animal.
Then the Organiser summon a second animal, the second mage summon
until he has the same animal and so on ...
You can give up, but then you lose.
To know who wins, we count the number of animals you summoned before
you got the right one. There is no time limit.
If two mages or more are equal, we go for a second run between them.

Gates will be provided from the Britain Bank between 8:00 PM GMT and
8:30 PM GMT.

We hope to see you all there !

Tyrghen [UT] of Ravenmoor.
http://ravenmoor.ng22.com/

Sounds Fun! Maybe you will see my mage there *Grins*

Greetings All ,

Mystic's Vendor Shop Lottery starts today, something we hope will become a weekly event to reward our customers and friends. All prizes will be donated by the owners and we will keep it up as long as there is interest. So stop on by and visit our Felucca Minoc Shop today, along the road leading to the gypsy camp and buy a key from Horace. Lottery details as well as shop locations can be found at ...... mystra.websitegalaxy.com

Good Luck to all who Participate ;)

This weeks prizes include .. 100,000gp, Full Set of GM Valorite Plate Set, Xmas Tree Necklace Ornament, A Green Bell, A Silver katana of Force, 100 ressurection Scrolls and a Heavy Xbow of Power. A picture of them can be seen here.

Thanks ,
Mystra

In the wake of the arrest of Tyrin Vonslan for stealing in order to feed his family, and the successive arrests of Basil Stag Hare and XTerra of Caelum Mortuus, several members of the community voiced their outrage against Britannia's Government.

In the Manor of the Sisters of Enchantment, a speech was given by Redlowwinski regarding the state of the land, and injustices being done. He then lay down a scroll and a quill, and asked any who support what the document said to sign their names:

~DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE~

The author and affiliates of this document, being of sound state of mind and body, do hereby declare their independence from Britannia. WE hereby also sever any ties, oaths, or loyalties we held with our former liege, Lord British. We do so declare this independence..."
Continued Here

The next night, several of the signers of the Declaration took the next step by beginning to form the City-State of Wind. As this is written, the meeting hall in Wind is being setup, and an Embassy is being constructed in Britannia. Six founders met in private the same night and drafted the Wind Constitution, ratified it, and Wind was born.

Their constitution, Declaration of Independence, as well as other information can be found here: http://www.redlow.net/wind

~Populus Ventuslis Concilium~

The Dark Tower halted and Na-Krul’s ritual stopped; the tides of battle now turn on the darkness as a ray of light penetrates the thick cloak of treachery…

Thunder booms over the Shire as a cascade of rain betroths them to the safety of their shelters, the thick clouds looming above. Darkness once again presides as the surpassing clouds of thunder once again choke the light…

Two malevolent eyes watching, waiting…

Eight crows cry upon the eve two nights from now. Prepare. (Thursday, February 15th, at 8 p.m. pacific gather at Wispwood shire and witness the tides of fate.)

Blood shall stain the earth once more…

The Dark Tower

Greetings!

In honor of our guild's 3rd anniversary we will be holding a free repair/item giveaway event. This event will be held in the Britain Blacksmith Guildhall in Trammel. The event will be this coming Friday the 16th of February. It will begin at 7:00pm EST and last till 8:00pm EST. We will then all move to the Atlantic shard to participate in the guildwide events there.

So if you are in need of a skilled, honest, smith to repair your war torn equipment. Or if you can never seem to find that GM Axe on any vendors. Then stop on by. (Please note that items to be given away are subject to availability and each person will be restricted to a reasonable number of items.)

So come and help us celebrate the birth of one of the oldest multi-shard guilds in UO! We look forward to seeing you there!

Theros Ironfeld
UBB Shardmaster of Chesapeake

More information regarding the cult is elusive, this owing to the fact that for the large part, the cultists are not much in the way of conversationalists, preferring to greet travelers with a Flamestrike before a Hail. Stephan seems to be the exception, who although rude and discourteous by Britannian standards, speaks the tongue at the very least. Also interestingly enough, while representative of the cult, Stephan did cover himself, leading to implications that he is either their leader or holds some special role in their society, or perhaps that the exposing of the body is no more than a war ritual.

Similar mage attacks have occurred recently at both the Skara Brae Fairgrounds and at the Britain Crossroads.

T'was an exciting evening for Edinburgh and the Justice Alliance last even.

Duncan, Mayor of Edinburgh, defeats the first Dark Slayer

In an exciting close fought battle, our mayor Duncan fought to the death against a Dark Slayer. The battle took place at a secret location in Felucca. These Dark Slayers are the personal body guard of Io, the reincarnation of Scaramandine the Elder released in the shattering of the Orb of Soul Seeking. Io has challenged Edinburgh to send forth seven champions to meet in mortal, hand-to-hand combat against his Dark Slayers at the Shrines in Felucca. Each champion that defeats a Slayer will earn a one week reprieve for our village from the depredations of Io's minions. If all seven champions succeed in defeating their challenger, Io has promised to call off all attacks against the Village of Edinburgh.

Six Champions Selected to Challenge the Dark Slayers of Io.

Members of the Justice Alliance met at the Shrine of Justice last even in a Tournment of Champions. Based on the outcome of the tournament, six champions were selected to face the Dark Slayers of Io in the days to come. In the weeks ahead, these heroes will lay their lives on the line, in mortal combat, to save the town of Edinburgh. If all defeat the Slayers of Io, he has promised to spar the town from further attacks. Those selected to face the Dark Slayers are: Aasham, Ashton, Jack, Jake, Jakob Chulainn and Tauros. We of Edinburgh salute these brave heroes who risk all in the cause of Justice.

Four of the Seven Edinburgh Champions pose outside of the Whispering Pines Tavern in Edinburgh
[Picture Credit: XMackenzie of the Defenders of Justice]

Thank you,
Niamb Goldenhair
Village Council of Edinburgh

Events Schedule Update

The event schedule has been modified to accommodate prime playing time for players on all affected shards. Events will begin at approximately 7:00 PM local server time on US shards, excluding Lake Superior, Siege Perilous, and Great Lakes. Events on these three shards will begin at 7:00 PM CST. European shard events will begin at 8:00 PM local server time, and Japanese events will begin at approximately 11:00 PM local server time.

Players can cut multiple bandages at once using the following manner:

• Players place an amount of cloth in their backpack. The cloth must be in a player's backpack to be cut into bandages.
• When scissors are used on the stack, it will be cut into a stack of bandages equaling the amount of cloth that was in the stack being cut.

Bandages will weight equal to that amount of cloth. For example, one bandage will weigh exactly the same as one cloth and likewise one thousand bandages will weigh the same as one thousand cloth.

All pre-existing bandages will be "grandfathered" with these weight changes, so that they equal a 1 to 1 weight ratio compared to cloth.

Sunday starting around 5 p.m. people started to gather around the Empath Abbey. There were Shadow Rangers, Keepers of Justice, the Knights of Yew, Order of the Silver Serpent, and Britons. All had come to defend the town of Yew. All were aware of what was going to happen. An invasion by the pirates that plague Britannia's waterways.

Around 7 p.m. people started to get anxious. They had been waiting all day. The Presence of the Phantom Menace did not offer a feeling of calm. Then there is word:

"Pirates to the Northwest."

The invasion had begun. Shortly after 7:30, pirates started appearing in Yew. All in attendance flocked to the reported site to see it is true, pirates have invaded Yew.

The Pirates were quickly overtaken as re-enforcements were gated in on top of the winery. The pirates were outnumbered. Everyone seemed fine at the conclusion of battle. The Pirates losses were nothing short of total. The ones defending Yew minimal losses. All in all Yew was safe yet again due to the courage of it's citizens.

Comments from Sage

It has been awhile since my last comments from the team, so I thought I would address what is going on right now, and hopefully answer some questions for everyone. Many of these topics came from my mail.

Spawn Rate - Whoa, this thing is changing faster than Mr. Williams and Mr. Sears in A Tuna Christmas. What gives? Put simply, we are adjusting the spawn rates so they will be more in line with player expectations, but not overwhelming. (i.e. I just killed the Harrower and he grew back, before I could take his treasure.) We want to find a good balance between accomplishment and excitement. Everyone is going to have a different perspective on what is appropriate for spawn, as not everyone has reached Grandmaster Monster-Cuisinart, nor is everyone fighting with plastic sporks. The new spawner mechanism allows us to have far more control over our spawn, and we are carefully watching for good spots as well as bad spots. Daniel “Fiery Ice” Buckler did a fantastic job with the new spawner, and I am sure we will start seeing the benefits very soon.

Karma Locking - I’m pretty sure I wanted a standard, but you sold me an automatic. Why is Karma Locking automatic? Well, there are all sorts of reasons, but the most telling is that committing an act that would reduce your karma is a bad thing. There need to be repercussions for your actions, and simply going out and killing evil to get rid of your bad karma isn’t likely to make you a good person again. What we are looking at is changing the lock to go off only when you visibly attain “rude” status, rather than going negative in karma. So far my mailbox has been filled with people who really enjoy the system and are glad we are using the shrines.

Third Dawn Monsters - Did that thing just summon a skeleton? One of our goals for introducing new monsters is to give them more personality than Professor Higgins eked out of Eliza Doolittle. Not every monster should react the same in a given situation, nor should every creature be evil. Situational danger is going to require people to change their tactics a little; similar to fighting the “mostly harmless” Valorite Elemental.

The entire team is busy preparing the next update for the game, and working on Third Dawn. I am very excited about what is going in to Ultima Online in the near future. The team has been working themselves to the bone, and I feel that payoff is right around the corner.

Sage
Lead Designer

With the Green Snake Tribe in danger of being exterminated, the cry went around the realm for brave adventurers to aide the besieged tribesmen and reclaim their home. At the appointed hour of 5:00, the noble forces of light began to arrive at the meeting point arranged by Ughdar, the chieftain of the tribe.

The light bringers were greeted by Ughdar and two tribesmen who had managed to escape, Gib’gukari and Gurbik. All three were similarly clad in green leather and tribal masks and rode on the backs of ostards. They looked ready for war. Members of the Yew Militia, Knights of Sosaria, Stormguards of Stormhaven, and many others were present, willing and able to help the tribesmen.

After allowing 15 minutes or so for the people to arrive, Ughdar laid out the plan of action. It was believed that the lizard men called the dungeon of Despise their home. One group of warriors, led by the tribeswoman Gib’gukari would head to Despise and engage the lizard men there. The other group, led by Ughdar, would walk to the swamps south of Destard and clear out the lizard and rat men there. While there, they would attempt to locate any survivors of the attack who were still in the village.

Bretti of KOS gated the diversion force to the Hungry Halfling. The group then made their way to Despise to occupy the lizard men there and keep reinforcements from being sent.

Ughdar and the others made their way to the swamps south of Destard. Along the way, several of the liberation party were lost in the jungles, due to their dense foliage and Ughdar’s fast mount. When trying to find their way, the lost warriors were beset by two hooligans who’s names aren’t important enough to be repeated. The hooligans managed to take down two of the lost warriors, but as they were trying to get away, Ughdar and the rest of his group showed up. They managed to kill one of the hooligans and drive the other one off.

The group entered the swamps and were immediately engaged by a lone lizard man. The lizard man was not prepared for the numbers that Ughdar had brought with him. The group quickly overwhelmed and killed the sentry and proceeded deeper into the swamp. As they headed towards the village, the numbers of lizard and rat men increased. However, they were taken care of fairly easily.

Soon the group encountered larger mixed groups of lizard men, rat men, tamed alligators, a few trained giant serpents, and some corpsers.The fighting was fierce and tense! Blades and war hammers rang out as they met the weapons of the lizard and rat men. Spells of poison and explosion rocked the lines of the enemies. Luckily, the valiant liberation force managed to persevere.

Finally, after some fierce fighting, the liberators noticed that the lizard men were no longer fighting with the same frenzy as before. The few remaining rat men had all ready escaped, and soon the lizard men turned and fled as well. There was only a little mopping up of stragglers and enraged animals before the entire village was free of occupation by the invading forces.

However, full victory was not gained. Despite driving the invaders out of the village, the full invading force wasn’t there. Neither were the Green Snake Tribesmen who had been captured. It is believed that the missing Green Snake Tribesmen were relocated and taken away to an unknown location.

However, this realization didn’t dampen the mood of the victors. They retired to the Hungry Halfling tavern in Rivendell and met up with the distraction force. Ughdar thanked them all and accepted at least one bottle of congratulatory ale (probably more). He gave a brief speech letting them know that he would keep searching for his missing tribesmen and that if he ever needed help again, he’d know where to come.

Thanks to everyone who attended, the men and women of the Knights of Sosaria, Yew Militia, Stormguards of Stormhaven, Hawk, Slim, Hehe, and all the others that attended who’s names were missed or forgot. Your service that day won’t be missed or forgotten, however.

Evil luck in finding the lost tribesmen.

We have an action packed show for you with Designer, Tom "Evocare" Chilton of Origin Systems.

In this interview Evocare and Fear talk about Factions past, present, and future. Come visit our Factions website at http://www.uofactions.com/ and listen to the latest information on the faction system.

Enjoy!

-Fear
www.battlevortex.com

As a Cleric for the Guardians of Lore, I have seen many things, and healed
many people. One person who receives much of my wisdom and healing is my
guildmaster, the sometimes admirable, sometimes honorable Garrett Granth.
M'lord has gotten us into many a fix, and often, he gets us out of them as
well. However, this time it was he who was in the fix, and his friend
Annunzio happened to be attending an important meeting, leaving me to see
what could be done....

As I hear it, m'lord was poisoned by a mongbat of sorts, perhaps some sort
of imp, near the Shrine of Honesty in the new lands of Illshenar. He
immediately drank a curing potion and slew the annoying beast, but was
ill-effected by the mongbat's venom. He passed out and was only brought
back safely due to the fortunate passing-by of his old friend, the monk Liu
Tzu.

Liu Tzu is a healer almost of my capabilities, and together we brought
m'lord Granth out of his slumber. When he awoke, he immediately attacked
me, screaming that I was a mongbat. I was horrified! I have not been a
mongbat in years, not since that spell.... Well, never mind, that's another
story. After he had slain me, Liu Tzu knocked him unconscious and we fled.

"Something must be done!" I remarked.
"Indeed." Liu Tzu said. "We'll have to find a new friend. Come on, I hear
there's a new guild forming down the road..."
"No!" I said, horrified again. "I cannot believe you'd do such a thing!
And besides, they are a lot of ninnies.."
Liu Tzu sighed. "I believe I saw a book regarding the mongbat's venom in
the library. You might want to read it. I myself am off to brew a vat of
ale."

So the monk left, leaving me to read the book in the dimly lit library.
Above me I heard Garrett mumbling to himself. Now normally when m'lord
talks to himself, I think nothing of it, but this time he was mumbling
things I would never hear from him! Things like "I really should stop
drinking." and "I wonder if I should settle down with a nice girl." I was
shocked! Usually m'lord argues with himself or invisible people about what
type of ale he should be drinking!

"This is awful!" I thought. Then, came the shocker. Above me he said
"Vendor, buy me a box at the first bank of recdu recsu, because they have
good guards."

I passed out.

When I awoke, m'lord was gone. I headed to Minoc, home of the new guild..
err, I mean, I headed to Minoc to look for Garrett.

I arrived at the New World Order hall, home of many valiant defenders of the
virtue, goodness, and all those wonderful things.

"You must help me!" I exclaimed as a crowd gathered round. "M'lord Garrett
Granth is in a dreadful state! He is quite ill!"

I told them of the problem, and of the cure I had found in the book.

"What?!" They all exclaimed. "That... that's impossible!" they cried out.
"That's insane!" "You want us to do what?" "Where is my ale?" And all
manners of other objections filled the room.

"Please!" I cried. "I fear m'lord may go and do something awful, like join
the town guard or settle down as a responsible citizen of the realm!" And a
collective shudder filled the crowd.

"We will do this, then." said Naydra of the Lords of Endeavor. "Could you
repeat this so that all might know what must be done?"

"Aye..." I said, reading from the tome. "First thou must make a pie from
the flesh of a mongbat, and feed it to the afflicted with an ale. Secondly,
thou must slay a lizardman using only trained rabbits, and make a leather
tunic from the hides. If the afflicted puts on this tunic after finishing
the mongbat pie, he shall be cured!"

And so a young man by the name of Cassan Wilde went out to procure the meat
for a mongbat pie, while Naydra, Quin'Donath, Morrigan de Danu and myself
headed to Delucia to procure a few rabbits. From Minoc, we headed to
Dungeon Despise, where we set the rabbits, perhaps 10 of them, upon a
lizardman by the name of Lastha.

The power of the horde was fierce indeed as they nibbled at Lastha with
sharp teeth and claws! They tore into the beast, fur and scales flying this
way and that, a blur of ears and claws. Lastha howled in pain and the other
lizardmen responded, but we struck them down, I with my war hammer, Morrigan
with his axe, and the mages with powerful magics of destruction.
Eventually, the rabbits backed Lastha into a corner, his doom was sealed as
the jack rabbit burrowed into his stomach, and the beast fell. The
bloodthirsty rabbits came back to us, and we departed with the hides.

When we arrived back in Minoc, a mage named Elyas took the hides to a nearby
tailor, who crafted them into a fine tunic. The chef Cid Highwind brought
me a mongbat pie, commenting on the insane difficulty of making such a pie
from the flesh of a mongbat. I took and ale and handed it to Naydra, then
went out to find Garrett, who, the last I saw, had been climbing a tree,
talking to himself about how nice it would be to eat a whole robin...

I skillfully threw my war hammer at the branch m'lord sat on, then ran into
the New World Order building when he chased me. I ducked under the nearby
desk and watched as Garrett ran howling into the building, with a few robin
feathers hanging from his mouth.

"I can't get this sash off!" he exclaimed. "This bloody sash! It is
soaked in the blood of that foul mongbat!"

"Now, sit down.." Naydra said. "We've got a bit of food for you."

"Very well then!" Garrett said. "A bit of food indeed! For a defender of
squirrels must be strong and forthright!"

She gave him the mongbat pie, which he ate. "Would ye like a bit of ale,
sir?" She asked. "

"I do not drink!" Garrett exclaimed. I nearly fainted at such a statement!
Usually m'lord is as full of ale as an orc!

"Well, could you just taste it for me, m'lord?" She said. "A favor for
me?"

"Why anything for a lady!" Garrett said, enthusiastically sipping the ale
instead of his usual hard chug. But as the ale went down, he began to
change, drinking harder as the ale drained. When he finished the bottle, he
looked down at the sash. "What... what is this?" he asked, pulling at it.
"I feel strange..."

Naydra began to reason with him again. "Why.. it's a bloody sash, it
appears to be attached to your armor... Perhaps if you removed the armor
and replaced it with something softer... I have this fine gift for you, a
leather tunic."

Garrett took the tunic into his hands. "Why, this is outstanding! The most
supple lizardskin I've ever seen! It must have been gathered by a true
master!"

"Rabbits, actually..." Cid remarked. "Built by the blood of countless
rabbits..."

"Incredible!" he said, tearing the sash from his body, and throwing it to
the floor. "I feel like a new man! Thank you, thank you all, thank you for
your help!" And with that he left, to go and rest. I myself snuck out
behind him, listening to the angry grumbles of villagers angry that the
local drunkard had been returned to his former inebriated state.

Gonick,
Cleric
Guardians of Lore

A most interesting tale indeed. Thank ye cleric.

I had heard the news but only that morning. Ughdar and his Green Snake Tribe were in deep trouble. Having met Ughdar on my travels, I felt obliged to assist him in his dilemma. Unfortunately for us, my brother Barnitz would not be able to accompany me this evening, as he was on his own quest to find his precious regents.

The note I had received, told me to meet in the northmost guard tower in the great walled city of Trinsic. Being anxious to give my friend a hand, I arrived in Trinsic very early. Looking over the city, told me nothing of what was yet to come; I checked the bulletin board at the bank, scoured the shops for some of their finer wares, and headed to the guard tower to await this coming journey. I wasn't the first to arrive on the scene, small group had gathered around the large table situated in the middle of the room. After exchanging pleasantries, I sat down at the table to deliberate over that's nights adventure.

It was nearing the time for us to meet Ughdar, and he was not to be found. Additionally, our small group of experienced adventures had maintained a steady enrollment of 5 peoples. Thinking the worst, we sent a scout, on his lightning fast steed, to scour the other corners of the city to see what, if anything was going on.

Several moments he arrived, out of breath, to inform us that something urgent was happening, that we were needed in another guard tower, and we needed to make post haste. Arising from the table, we rushed over the the other guard tower to see Ughdar, flanked on both his sides by his remaining guardsmen, and a large crowd of both veteran, elite, and beginner adventurers; some of whom looked a few years older than a freshly spawning kraken.

After informing this rag tag group of the situation, Ughdar divided us into 2 groups. One of us was to head to despise to stem the flow of new ratmen and lizardmen into the swamps; the other group was to follow him into the swamps, across the forests, and to his village, where we would clear out the invading forces.

Throughout all of this, a mysterious persona, kept "popping up" right out of nowhere. Hehe was his name, and hiding was his game. Every couple of seconds he would vanish into thin air, only to reappear in a different location. I would have to watch this trickster, as he may be one of the brotherhood of thieves. I would have to see.

After one of the more adept magic casters opened a blue gate to the caves of despise, Ughdar started leading the rest of us on a parade through the city and out into the forest surrounding Trinsic.

"How much further?" someone asked.

"A vury lung wey. Jest souf of da big lizurd cave" Ughdar replied.

And with that, Ughdar, mounted on his strange ostard, along with all the other mounted warriors took off into the distance. It was hard tracking them through the dense forest, several times I had lost sight of the leader and had to forage the ground for his tracks. Luckily, my training in the forest the week before paid off, and I was able to find some people, standing around, gathered, looking confused, and definitely lost. For as slow as Ughdar talks, he sure rides a fast mount. After regrouping several times, and realizing that the "big lizard" cave referred to the lair of dragons, that hideous place known as Destard, we finally caught up with Ughdar, sitting there, drinking his booze, drunk off his horse.

"Were are everybudy?" Ughdar asked.

"Someone got jumped by a murderous rogue awhile south" someone replied.

"We wait tu menutis. Den wee gu" Said Ughdar.

So there we sat. There Hehe hid and popped back up again and again and again. For 2 minutes we waited. For 2 minutes Hehe hid and surprised. Hid and surprised. Hid and surprised. Two minutes came. And two minutes went.

"If we wait here long enough" I said, "we wont have to fight any of them. They'll all be dead of old age"

"Wee gu nuw" said Ughdar. "Da veelage is jest a bit souf of heer. Wee need tu make eet tu the sentar huut"

So off we went in search of his village. No sooner had we set off, than an evil villain attacked and killed one of our group. Unluckily for him, there were 10 of us and only one of him. We finished him of in 10.2 seconds flat. After pulling our fallen comrades spirit back into his body, and binding up all his wounds, another evil clansman, all dressed in gray and wearing a strange mask appeared out of no where and started to attack Ughdar. Then he stopped. Just as sudden as he started he stopped. We were all confused. Was this new stranger a friend, or a foe. Was this some unusual Green Snake Tribe Indoctrination Ceremony or an Unjustified attack on an innocent life? Who was to know? As soon as Ughdar informed us that this gentleman was indeed the leader of an evil tribe, probably responsible for sending the ratmen, the man rushed off into the distance, not to be seen again.

With all that adventure already, who could ask for anything more. We arrived at the village and found it overran with lizardmen, ratmen, alligators, corpsers, mongbats, and giant serpents (mostly lizardmen).

"This looks tough" someone said

Tough? This was a walk in the park. I broke out my trusty lute and charmed all the monsters to attack each other. In about 15 minutes we had cleared the entire village of all the invading forces. The problem was, that this village had been populated with members of the Green Snake Tribe, and now it was littered with corpses of dead lizardmen. Something was definitely fishy. Ughdar informed us that he would have to look for clues as to where his tribesmen were - and perhaps the location of the mysterious stranger who attacked Ughdar suddenly before. With all the business taken care of, all of headed back to Rivendale tavern to drown away our minor scrapes and bruises.

This definitely won't be the last of this adventure, I think, I have a feeling Ughdar will be needing our help sooner than later.

Kame Sama of The Atlantic Shard

Thank ye Kame Sama.

The candles on my writing desk flickered wildly as the door to my study
crashed opened. I was startled so that the scroll I was inscribing was
totally destroyed. I looked to see what form of beast was upon me. This
beast was my elder sibling Talus LaFarge. He stood there in the door
way beaten and bloody but smiling. "Get to your pen and a scroll I have
a tale for ya. And dont look at me like I am mad ettin.", he laughed.
"Where have you been, what in the name of king happend to you?", I
queried. "I see the pen, now get the parchment and then I will tell all
that I know " I opened my writing desk and grabbed a blank scroll
knowing that if I did not he would blather on and never tell me.
Here is the story as it was relayed to me by Talus:

I walked in to the warrior's hall in Minoc to see if there was anything
new to be learned about fate of the child or the orc attacks on the
city. As I entered the door my eyes fell on the strangest sight I had
ever seen. There stood an orc in the hall.
"got me papers umie" it asked. "Papers, what papers." I said as I walked
closer to him. The orc looked at me and scowled,"You know what papers."
Totally confused I stared at him. The orc turned and made his way
towards the door. I followed him to see if I can get some more
information from him. The orc wandered into the woods and vanished. I
returned to the hall to try and make sense of what he was talking about.

As I was sitting there eating a bit of ribs and cheese pondering what
the orc was talking about when Garret and Lady Luna came in. "Garret",
I said "there was an orc here. He was looking for some papers."
Garret turned to me,"Papers? We found some papers on two necromancers we
killed outside the chaos shrine. I wonder if that is the ones he
wanted." "Maybe" I replyed. Garret thought for a bit and said,"Let me
copy this incase he comes back."Garret then busied himself copying the
papers. A little bit later to the north we saw the orc again, he was
coming toward the building but he stopped in a wooded area and waited.
Cesspool and I went out to see what he wanted. As he and I got close to
him he asked,"You got papers?"

"Maybe." I replyed "if you have information." "Me give you shinies if
you give me papers." he said. I moved alittle closer "No all I want is
information, information about a missing little girl." The orc paused a
moment,"A umie girl?" "yes." I replyed. "Orcs know nothing about missing
umie girl.Orcs no have her. Me want papers." "I know who has them, wait
here." I said as I turned and moved toward the hall. As I opened the
door Garret met me. "Does he want the papers still?" "Aye he does." I
said. Then the whole building emptyed and went with us back to where
the orc stood. Garret approched the orc and said "I have the papers you
want." The orc turned to him " let me look." Garret showed the papers to
him."What is this, a farewell to arms. These not right papers." Oh wrong
one." garret said then he gave the orc another book. "This be one, where
is other paper." there was a short pause as Garret handed the another
book to the orc. "Let me make sure they are real." the orc said. He
then uttered some words of power and recalled to an unknown location.

The group nervously waited to see if the orc would indeed return. then
to our left the orc reappeared. He walked back to the group. We could
tell by the scowl on his face he was not happy. He walked up to garret
and said"You try to trick me, these not original papers. Me not trust
you anymore. Me get brothers and club you to guts." With that the orc
turned and left. We followed him for a bit but he lead us nowhere and
vanished.

As word of the event spread troops gathered at the hall. We all talked
about what had happened and wondered if the orcs were going to attack
again. As we waited a town guard scout named Tobias stumbled in, "The
pain." he shouted. Garret seeing that Tobias was posioned cast cure to
help him. Then the Tobias exploded before our eyes. We all stood there
our mouths open, staring at the body in shock. Word was sent to Sgt
Fiest who was out on patrol. Moments later Sgt Fiest came in to see
what had happened. we all explained to him what had transpired. He was
visble shaken by the death of the scout.

I turned to Sgt Fiest, "Where was he scouting Sgt Fiest?" "That is
private bussiness of the guard lad and I cannot tell you, but if you
adventures want to help us I have a task for you." we all focused our
attention on him. "If you want to avenge poor Tobias then I will tell
you this. Go to the Brigand camp north Britian. Be stealthy and listen
to what they have to say. Then bring any information you have back to
me."

In a matter of moments we all were off to the task. When we arrived at
the camp we knew we were on the wrong facet. Stones were dropped and we
moved to Felucca.

Once there we saw the stealth had been broken. At first all was quiet
and the brigands ran from us. Then as if out of the mist they game, and
by the gods they came. Lead by one called Laird, evil mages set upon us.
We tried to regroup and fend them off, but for everyone that we fell two
more took their place. Words of power were muttered that summoned air,
fire and water elementals. My breathen fell around me. Next to my Cara
my guild mate and I took to guarding the others back. We fought the
mages and healed each other as fast as we could. Then a guild mate named
Baphy was felled by Laird.

We fought even harder to get to our mate to try to help him but we could
not move forward or back as we were set
upon by the mages and elementals. As the citizens of the area heard the
battle they came in force. Into the battle they waded sharing their
steel with ours but we all were still over run by the fiends. Cara and I
fought out way to the forest and made retreat to our guild tower west of
Minoc. We came upon a plan to rescue our comrades and went at it. Cara
and Seeker went and got his pet, a dragon. Back they went to the camp to
try and turn the flow. Laird was still there laying waste to anything
that he could. When Seeker and Cara arrived they found Baphy had been
brought back to life and was back in the battle with Laird again. Seeker
got his pet close but it was felled before he could set it upon Laird.

Seeker moved toward Laird to engage him, but Laird was at peace. Laird
started talking to him, Laird was mumbing things, some were clear and
some not. He did hear Laird speak of controlling the Gypsys. Then
Laird set upon him and Baphy again. Fizban, who had arrived at some
time, set his great white lizard on Laird. As the dragon attacked they
saw that Laird was growing weaker. More words of power were spoke and
steel flashed in hopes of felling the evil that stood before them. For
some reason Baphy became the focus of the evil arch mage and was struck
down. Seeing this the others laid in on Laird harder. Laird then
shouted" I am losing power." then was dead. They had acheived a hard
fought victory and started in on the task of finishing off the others
and healing the woundered and bringing back the dead. After all this I
made way back to the hall in Minoc to tell Sgt Fiest what had happened.
He and I were talking when Fizban, Seeker, Baphy and some more comrades
arrived.they told him of the battle and had the head of the slain Laird
as proof. Baphy spoke up and said that when he was dead when Laird was
slain and that he saw Laird's soul escape.

Twas then that I heard a crash as Talus dropped to his kness. I saw that
he was standing in a puddle of blood. I spake words of power and healed
him, then I set him to bed to rest.

With Baphy seeing Lairds soul escape I think this is not over yet, not
over yet by far. So becareful you traveling the forests and township of
Minoc there is more foul affairs in store of us all here.

I am sure there are details that have been missed, for this I am sorry.
I will try to keep record of the events unfolding before us as best as I
can.

Istaliun
Mage of the Nation Guild

Thank ye Istaliun.

Once again Sea Serpents Tooth Tavern welcomes ye to a warm Tavern night on Thursday the 15th of February at 21.00 (CET) (20.00 GTM). We invite all the story tellers of Britannia to tell stories and have few mugs of Reynard Gaveston's ale as well. This time I shall be telling the tale of the monster that is told to sleep at the bottom of Lock Lake here on the Trammel side of Cove. Come and hear the story, and perhaps tell one of your own!

As ye know we are located near Trammel side Cove, the map to the tavern can be found at http://cove.lemming.org/

-Videric Gaveston

Valentine’s day is a day set aside for lovers, both young and old. This Wednesday, February 14th, 2001 at 7pm PST the city of Liberalis has a grand party planned to celebrate this most sacred of emotions. Bring your lover or spouse, or come prepared to trip into love.

7:30pm is the start of the poetry competition. If you have a poem about love lost or found then please come and enter. The winner of this contest receives a whispering rose and a picnic lunch to share with the love of their life.

After the poetry contest we plan to have a costume competition, the winner of this contest receives a check worth 5,000 gold pieces.

The dancing and music will continue well into the night.

Free buffet dinner at 8pm.

Your Lady,
CopperZerO

Last night, after diggin' up some treasures with the famous seadog Long John Silver we gathered  to visit Rilla at her weekly appearance in the town of Deepwater. Unfortunately we were a little late and thus missed Rilla, but we arrived in time to hear Misha Andune tell of her nightmare she had a few nights ago, which she thinks is connected to the current events regarding the Dark Alliance:

I was in my house, near the fire place. When I looked into the fire and then a little bit up, saw with great surprise a head of a dragon looking at me in a warning glance. Before my surprise diminished, with fear I became aware that all my surroundings including my house, the land it is became void in a mere second. It was dark, totally dark, till I heard the disgusting rattles and hisses of snakes around me. I became aware that my eyes were closed, and with fear I opened them, just to see millions and millions of snakes: all disgusting, greasy, fearsome , vile and ferocious looking at me with red eyes, showing their forking tongues and poisonous teeth. It was soon that I got rid of the initial fear and then I realized the snakes were surrounding something. I dared to take a few steps forward under their threatening looks and hisses. They were threatening me not to come near. Just as I came near I saw what the snakes were trying to surround. It was a "twelve". It seems funny now but at the moment when I saw this it made perfect sense. And also there was a moon behind them, shining over the snakes. As I came nearer I felt a cold touch to my ankles and a pain over my ankle. Thus I opened my eyes in fear and understood it all was a dream, or... Was it just a dream?

Hope this makes sense, what I am raving about. I cannot quite collect my feelings and my fears on the subject as of the moment but still I wanted to share this with you, good people of Britania, thinking that with collective knowledge, adding to the one I gave, we can see, and overcome evil more easily.

After talking to Rilla and Brother Michael Misha became aware of the fact that it was Al'Tyr who had sent me the dream. We believe Al'Tyr to be connected to Al'Cedra, although that is nay fer sure yet.

While people still stood in awe listening to Misha's story, suddenly the Deepwater Towncrier started to shout: "Moonglow under attack at the western gate!". The gathered people acted quickly and soon a portal was opened into the heart of the City of Moonglow. Immediately the warriors, drawing their weapon, charged towards the western gate of the town, where they were met by a huge force of orcs flooding in through the gate. What followed was one of the fiercest battles I came across after the attacks on Trinsic a year ago and a many brave Brtanians felt to the orcish horde. When we thought the last orc be slain we heard a well known warcry sounding from the eastern parts of the town. It was the warcry of another orcish clan we know all to well ... the Severed Heads. Speeding our horses into that direction, the survivors of the battle at the gate were met with a large band of orcs, supported by some brigands known as the Crimson Rogues and a horde of undead consisting of the Liberi Fatali and the Dark Followers of Tizumat and amidst of 'em Frabagor the Orc himself.

Cut off from the remaining forces Balrog, Beneviste and myself fought our way through the wild hord, but soon we found out, that we could nay win this battle, so we decided to retreat and wait fer a better opportunity to make 'em pay for their evil deeds. Later, as told by Nicolas, Dean of the Unseen of the Spiritwood University, the Dark Alliance managed to capture the treasurer of Moonglow, dragging that poor man off to the Orc Fort.

Now it seems Frabagor plans become apparent. Using the treaty with Deepwater and Spiritwood as excuse he now forges the Dark Alliance to unleash the powers of destruction onto our world once more. Sharpen yer swords brave warriors and ready yer spells mages of Sosaria, the evil is amidst us and the skies are darkening already for the Dark Alliance is on the march.

Keep the Faith,
Pad O'Lion

Greetings,
Something of the following might interest you :

1. Drachenfels Valentines Day Raffle : A great raffle with total prizes worth 180'000 gp. Win a whispering rose or one of many other valuable prizeson Tuesday the 13th February, 9pm CET (8pm GMT, 3pm EST) at the MoT Trammel Shop just outside Trinsic.
   More informations here.
2. Drachenfels : We have an undercover-reporter in the current Zalindera-quest. The first pictures are available here.
3. Worldwide : Our rares section has improved and we integrated many new items. More to come soon !

Take care.
Raknar,
Merchants on Tour

We received this report from Michael, Chancellor of the new founded Spiritwood University:

Greetings dear friends all,

It is with great pleasure that I now have the privilege of reporting to you all that last night's opening of the Spiritwood University was a splendid success!

When I arrived at the new Trammel campus tower, it was to be welcomed by a sight sure to warm me old heart, for the place was literally alive with  activity. New applicants gathered round eagerly, old friends offered their assistance, and kind strangers of all sorts came to offer their aid to this momentous endeavour. I welcomed them all as best I could before rushing across town to see how the preparations for the Newcomer's Craft Fair were getting on. To my astonishment, the streets were already alive with busy activity of the excited onlookers and customers both. I could see that many were keen to learn more of the sponsors behind the event, and this Place of Learning that people's lips were abuzz with the news of, so I hurried back to the University Tower and prepared to officially welcome all. 

The main hall was standing room only as I took my place beside my fellow Deans of Study and gazed out at the sea of expectant young faces. To all, we gave a hearty welcome and an invitation to become part of our very first class of scholars, an invitation that met with warm approval. Soon, there was a long queue stretching from the door of the office out into the main chamber as the young, hungry for knowledge, lined up to get on the list. Each I greeted in turn and we spoke briefly about their area of interest, before I gathered their contact details with a promise that one of my learned colleagues would shortly be in touch to set their education in motion. The list grew long and I humbly thank all for their patients. 

We had many worthy guests this eve, too many to list all, but a special thank you goes to Rilla, the Gypsy Mystic who came to wish us luck before weaving her magical enchantments to set up a portal from Fair to University, thus helping to guide young scholars across the town from end to end. Also to RSC Antarion and the others for helping guide the new arrivals to us directly from Haven town, so that they might take full advantage of the free services on offer from the Grand Master artisans gathered for the Fair. And finally, a warm thank you to Elder Myrath who came to bestow special blessings upon this endeavour and even offering, (after much cajoling it has to be said) to honour us by teaching a course at our institution sometime in the not too distant future! I would add that the Green Robed Elder also did speak of new troubles brewing in the lands and of a rising unrest that was under close study. When asked if he would share his researches with us, he kindly agreed and handed over a book detailing the mysteries of the place called Deceit. This tome now resides in our University and shall no doubt be closely scrutinised by our scholars…..

In closing, may I add that we were all so pleased by the results of this eventful evening that we have decided to attempt to stage similar Fairs on a much more regular basis. I look forward now to setting out on the joint voyage of discovery with all of our new students and sharing with them the wonders of this realm.

And to all who missed last nights festivities and still wish to be involved, do not hesitate to come along or drop us a line, we are here for all of you. 

Come join us as we walk the path of enlightenment.

Sacre Benedictus

Brother Michael,
Humble monk of the Virtues and First Chancellor
Spiritwood University

And from Aranlindale we received this about the Newcomers Fair:

At the same time nay far away, the Town of Spiritwood held it's second Newcomer's Fair, where young adventurers from all over the lands were welcomed and advised by the greatest crafters of the realm. Upon arriving from Heaven the newcomers were offered armour, weaponry of the finest quality or magical equipment fer the aspiring students of magic and of course good advice from the experienced crafters and adventurers. 

After being outfitted some of them walked over to the University to subscribe to some courses to be held there in the near future. 

As this event was a great success, the town of Spiritwood considers organizing such an event once a month in order to aid our young adventurers in their future travels and quests.

Aranlindale
Barkeep of the Spiritwood Tavern

Evening all!

UDL will be hosting another shard wide tourney rules/regulations are listed below at the link.

Rules Link at Undeadlords.net

UDL GAUNTLET CHALLENGE ---- SATURDAY MARCH 3RD, 10PM EST

Once again, the Lords of your existence and reapers of your souls shall hold a tourney like only they can. UDL is known to consistently host the finest death laiden contests in all of Sosaria.

The best PvP'ers and in Ultima Online will be there.... will you? Special Guests and Events:
Zophar, Myrkul's Jester
Zophar will be on hand to entertain guests starting at 9:30 p.m. CST.

Soul Collectors Broadcasting Network (SCBN)
Unable to make the event? Grab some fried mortal hearts and baked entrails and get confortable. This event will be taped live for rebroadcast on the Soul Collectors Broadcasting Network. Movies will be available shortly after the live event ends at this web site.

Time and Place:
This will be a two part tournament, that will be held on March 3rd at 10pm EST in the Wrong dueling arena on Seige Perlious.

The Tournament Mechanics :
This will be a 2 on 2 tournament with a twist. Your team must consists of either Mages or Warriors, no mage warrior combination will be allowed. Warriors are allowed to have magery but they must have minimum of 85 dexterity and no greater intelligence than 40 to be considered a warrior.

The Matches, Qualifying:
All the Warrior teams will be bracketed off and fight to determine the top two Warrior teams. All the Mage teams will be bracketed off and fight to determine the top two Mage teams as well.

The Matches, Final Round:
With the final 4 teams (two from the mage side and two from the warriors) We will hold round robin style matches to determine the winner.

Prizes:

Grand Prize 30% of the entry fees + the 15% from final round. Runner Up 10% of the entry + the 15% from final round. Each Team in the Finals 15% of the entry fees. Anything Else Nothing

Registration Information:
Entrance Fee 20,000 gold per team, payable by check to the judges at the time of the tournament.
Contact Lector, ICQ 21385263

Entry Deadline February 24th, 8pm EST.
You will be set into brackets on the night of the tournament through a random draw performed by Lector.

Tourney Rules:
· No looting.
· No magic armor/weapons.
· No magic wands/staffs/items/clothing.
· No pets/summons/energy vortex.
· No hiding/stealth.
· No horses, llamas, or other mounts.
· No casting of spells or drinking of potions prior to the start of the fight. This means you cannot even start to cast a spell before the beginning.
· If you lose connection during the fight, tough cookies. No rematches.
· Anything else you can fit in your bag is legal.

Thank you for the help!
Lector
~Lich Lord~

Hello all!

First I just want to let you know that I have posted a review of my last expedition. It can be found on my guild website: http://home.neo.rr.com/knightsofthestar . We really had a good time, and slayed an incredible number of blood elementals, poison elementals, and made some good amounts of gold!

Also, the next expedition has been posted on the Expedition section of my site. It will be on Wednesday, February 14 2001 at 10 pm EST. It has not yet beed decided which Facet it will be on. If you would like to participate, please email me for directions, [email protected]

The Stars watch over you!
Gronkagin, Knight Lord of the Knights of the Star

And now fer the latest news from BNN:

Bethsainda Ariaachas Feb 11 2001 11:47PM

Dear readers, I fear that the news I have to bring you this time is dire indeed! I was with a caravan of trade merchants journeying from Yew to Britain, and suddenly in our midst appeared a fearsome and odd skinned orc. He spoke the human language fluently and said his name was Frabagor. He gave me the document you read in this article, and then, to emphasize his demands, slaughtered two of the caravan merchants before my very eyes! 

He assured me that the same fate awaited me if I did not make sure that this document reached my readers. Truly, the creature’s threat is not the reason that I convey this information to you, the good citizens of Britannia. Instead I deliver this news as my duty to the realm – most especially when the very safety of the populace is at stake. I fear we are all in for a dark time indeed. 

Here is the document he gave me, word for word: 

Under the tutelage of Frabagor, the orcs attempted, without success, to create a treaty with the humans. Within a few weeks time, both the towns of Deepwater and Spiritwood allowed an orc to be murdered within the confines of their borders, after stating that they would defend and protect the innocent orcs who came there to study human habits and learn. The orc lil’wuns were brutally slain at the hands as others stood by and watched. 

As a result of these incidents and others, we hereby issue this Dark Alliance Manifesto, inviting all in the land to join us in establishing true order within our homeland. A meeting is planned for Sunday night, the 25th of February in the town of Nohkmahr upon the roof of the tower. All who wish to stand up against the forces of oppression and the weak rule of the so-called “good” of this land, join us and swear your allegiance! 

The following Orcish Alliance, now titled Dark Alliance, Manifesto is hereby put into effect: 

Whereas the various races and people, maligned and misunderstood, have been the victim of treachery and of murder of the herein mentioned good people of this land… 

Whereas the strong of this world, of all races and of all creeds are the true people of and by nature suited to rule and maintain order… 

Whereas the aforementioned good people of this world have taken it upon themselves to brand us and show no respect for our rights and traditions… 

Whereas the breaking of treaties is just one more insult added to the many we have had to endure… 

Whereas the very ones who speak of and say they wish peace, attack us when we seek it, and kill us who only sought to better ourselves and enlighten ourselves… 

WE, the self-proclaimed Dark Alliance, do hereby state that we, as rightful rulers and being of superior might, shall no longer be victims of a system we did not create, and that is not fair to us and others of our ilk. We shall from this day forward take our rightful place in the world, no longer to be ruled over or dictated to by the weak, the sniveling, the cowardly, the irresolute, the self-righteous or self-styled leaders and rulers of this land. With the coming of the mighty Daregard shall we set forth our terms to all who live in this land, who shall give respect and tribute to us, or shall perish in the wind of our swords severing their lives from them if they do not comply. 

The orc fort will be our headquarters and no violation of it by the aforementioned good folk of the land will be tolerated. Guards will be posted and measures taken to ensure our safety if need be. 

BE WARNED, a new era is indeed coming. 

That is it dear readers. Time to batten down the hatches, lock the doors, and get out the crossbows. Rough seas ahead!

Indeed dark times seem to lay ahead. Now Frabagor's intentions are clear. By abusing the treaty he arranged with Deepwater and Spiritwood, his plans are to unleash the hordes of darkness in our lands. Be weary, dear readers, dark times lay ahead and evil once again stalks our lands.

Walk in the light, and the virtues with ya.
Pad O'Lion

UO-Factions has a neat little tool that will be of great use to any factions player. The tool is called Uo-Factions ICQalerts. This tool will enable registered factions players to search and locate other factions players through their ICQ numbers. The search tool lets you choose a shard and a faction and will display all the players registered in our database with those criteria including their online status. This would obviously be very useful to search for people while planning raids, defenses and the like. As this system relys on people coming in and registering, we encourage everyone that has a factions player to join up. Currently the database is empty so nobody should expect any great finds, but keep checking back as people continue to sign up, and check back often. Comments are welcome.

The sun beat down on the dessert island of Nujel’m.    I had arranged to be “picked up” here and was patiently waiting when a small blue sparkle ripped open into a full moon gate.  With great caution I stepped into it, teleported to the tavern of the Good Guys (GGs) guild in Trammel.  This would be the beginning of a very memorable evening, I was certain of it.

For the full story, please follow the link.

if you have a suggestion for a GM or a guild that you think would be a good subject for an interview, please leave a scroll on my door step

~Barth VanDorn

The Dark Tower has been causing too much mischief of late and now is your chance to fight back:

This Tuesday, upon the crow’s call of eight, Na-Krul of the Dark Tower shall be attempting the ritual of invocation upon the great pentacle of the Dark Tower! If he succeeds the possible fate of the realm resides in his hands. He shall be able to command the vast orcish armies using the powers of Lady Gabriella! They must be stopped, at all costs…

Journey to the Dark Tower this Tuesday, February 13th, at 8 p.m. pacific and battle the tides of darkness attempting the apocalypse of our lands! The Dark Tower is located northeast of the Vesper-Britain crossroads at 97o 7’N 55o 41’E. Please stop them, I beseech you!

A wandering healer

There is some dirty work afoot:

Ailieve screamed in rage as Gabriella shivered with fear. The dark, dead woods surrounded them. The haunting wails pierced their ears as they were brutally shoved away from the shining blue aura that was emitted from the magical gate that had transported them from Wispwood. Just a few moments ago, she was safe. She was warm; she was protected within the halls of the Shire tower. Her friends and knights alike surrounding her with their reassuring guidance. Just moments ago, they had fought off the seemingly indestructible entity that had forced its way into the Tower as Gabriella hid. She could feel its evil radiation, its ambitious hunger for her arcane ability. She could feel his thoughts as she could Na-Krul’s. Ailieve was not the only one cursed by the corruptous daemon that hungered for the souls of his unsuspecting victims…

Na-Krul’s, the treacherous and deceptive beast, no better than the doppelganger, was the one who had brought her to this place moments after the battle had ended with the invading daemons. The ones from the Dark Tower had forced entrance into the chambers where Gabriella was being held. There, and after the refusal to hand Gabriella over, the vampiric horde, led by Count HeRog himself, guided the assassination of her protectors. One by one the cold cobblestone floor accepted the mutilated husks of the Shire Knights; their warm, vibrant blood now re-circulating through the age-old veins of the vampires; splattering across those of the Dark Tower as they hungrily quested for more flesh in sacrifice to their objective. Without pause, HeRog then chanted the ancient words of transportation, their now captive Gabriella ushered through the magical gate to the lands of the Dark Tower as those who wished to save her followed in anticipation of what was to lie beyond the awe-inspiring magical portal of mystery…

Na-Krul’s shoved Gabriella back as he leapt through the gate, removing himself from the line of danger as the angered bloodthirsty Shire Knights plunged through behind him. A Battle erupted, and once again the tears of fear plummeted from the weary eyes of Gabriella as the Lady Ailieve protected and comforted her from the evil grasps of the Dark Tower. Knight against Knight, evil against good; the irresistible craving hunger of the vampires lashing out at all of those around them. The battle raged on for moments, hours…but the forces of the Dark Tower and the vampires of Count HeRog were to strong. Gabriella had resisted Na-Krul’s temptations but she could not resist the cold steel of his companions for long. On and on, the impatient daemon attempted to pierce into her soul. His companions, those of the Dark Tower, looming closer and closer as he became more flustered in his attempts to corrupt her…

Gabriella laid bloodied; wounded by the lustful spear of the decrepit drow she once trusted. Malaggar had wounded her, striking her to the ground at the wishes of Na-Krul’s. Ailieve was horrified as Gabriella laid bleeding to death, her life dwindling at each moment in time as the vampire, Storm, removed her jewelry and handed it to the daemon Na-Krul’s. His laughs of victory, his tauntings of death whirled around in the thick putrid air emitted from the evil dead woods surrounding them. Na-Krul’s was gone, and those of the Dark Tower scattered. The Shire had arrived to rescue Ailieve and her fallen friend, but they were too late…

Those of the Dark Tower had vanished. The Dark Tower itself, housing only the wicked taunts that lurked in the shadows evading those whom searched for them. The heartbroken clerics and healers arrived only to restore the chaos as Gabriella was revived. Her powers were uncontrollable. Orc after orc manifested, and once more, battle rang free in the chaotic realms of Siege Perilous as the bewildered blood of innocents stained the earth…

-The Dark Tower