Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday:

FoF: Fond Farewells
Jeremy Dalberg
30 Nov 2007 21:08:41
"Why is the weapon special Frenzied Whirlwind so much worse than regular Whirlwind? Is it bugged?"

It's not bugged - it's doing exactly what it's supposed to do, which is 3-5 Physical damage, twice (which goes up against Physical resist, which is why people are only seeing 1-2 damage.) However, for the mana cost, that seemed... slightly silly, so Wilki gave it a substantial boost (to 20-50 for two ticks) which should make it actually useful. (You should see this change in the next publish, usual caveats about QA applying.)

"Why was the Bag of Sending nerfed?"

The short answer is, to curb inflation. The longer answer involves some metaphors, so bear with me a moment.

UO's economy was designed on the "faucet/sink" model. Imagine a faucet that pours gold into the world. Now imagine various drains - "gold sinks" - that the gold flows away into. The goal of the system is for the level of gold in the world to remain approximately even, and that's done by adjusting the rate of the flow in and the size of the drains out.

In UO, the "faucets" are the various NPCs that give players gold - monsters you can loot, escorts or quests that give gold as a reward, etc. The drains are any NPC or system that takes gold away from players - the insurance system is a big one, as are player vendor fees. (Player-to-player trades are NOT sinks - moving the gold around within the world doesn't change the overall amount of money in it.)

The Bags of Sending were increasing the rate of flow of gold from monster loot - that faucet was pretty much cranked as wide as it would go. This has been overwhelming the drains and increasing the amount of money in the world, which lowers the actual value of gold - this is what economists mean by "inflation." Changing the Bags of Sending to make farming for gold less profitable will slow down that flow and hopefully slow down the rate of inflation - which will raise prices in the short run but lower them substantially in the long run, as the drains pull money out of the world and the actual value of gold goes up.

Now, MMO economics are far from an exact science, and the system will no doubt require further tweaking, but this is a step in the right direction.

"Why did you slow down the spawn rate in Felucca?"

First of all, let me apologize for not putting this in the patch notes - it was one of the ones that slipped by us. We actually didn't change the spawn rates themselves - what we did is fix a bug that was causing champ spawns to accelerate the spawn on the entire subserver. This was causing spawns that were much (up to 8x!) faster than intended, in any area that had a champ spawn.

"What's the current state of the Magincia invasion?"

The invasion is building to a final peak - the rifts that were once moongates will begin to throw off huge bursts of power, and finally the incredibly powerful beings commanding the invading forces will appear. The defenders will have one last shot to defeat them and save the city, and it won't be easy. The final battle will begin in the next 24 hours, and you'll only have two days to achieve victory, or else Magincia will be lost. Sharpen your swords, repair your armor, and gather your wits, because the last battle for Magincia is upon us!

"I hear some of my favorite devs aren't moving - what's going on?"

I'm going to miss CatHat something awful, myself - and I'm just as broken up that we're losing Wilki too. But I'm consoled by the fact that I still have TheGrimmOmen and Leurocian to keep me company, and the Master of Disaster hasn't run out of things to blow up yet. We're losing some great people, no doubt about it - but we're keeping some great ones, too, and I have every confidence that UO will come out of this move stronger and better than before.

What does this mean for you, in practical terms? A couple of things:

The next six weeks or so are going to be fairly slow, patch-wise. This is less for personnel reasons than because we have to back up, box up, and ship all the computers involved with making a patch clear across the country. We have quite a few lovely quality-of-life changes in the can, but you may or may not see them until January.

This does NOT mean you won't be getting your holiday gifts! Expect those to be given out between December 15th and January 15th.

We will be hiring - if you're interested in getting into the games industry, or if you're in it and want to be involved in UO, keep an eye our for job postings. I'll keep y'all updated when I have more specific details.

Other names of devs you might recognize who are staying on the project - SupreemEA the Master of Code and Prince of UI, Mesanna the Infinitely Wise, Stormwind the Ancient and Undying, and Serado, Lord of the Bugs.

The Five on Friday will be a little different for a while - see the next post for details.

The Five on Friday is going to be mutated for a while - here's the scoop:

Since the developers who help me research all y'all's questions are moving across the country over the next several weeks, the Five on Friday is going to change a bit. Some weeks I may do questions like always, some weeks it may be new documents added to the website, or historical tidbits that I've dug up, or whatever I can come up with to keep y'all entertained and informed. Suggestions for things you'd like to see that do NOT require someone to go digging through the game code are more than welcome at the usual place.

The FoF should return to its regular pattern mid-January-ish.

It's been a long, frantic week, but the end still came too fast. Ave atque vale, my departing friends. Don't be strangers now, y'hear?

Jeremy

This new chapter has appeared on uoherald.com

BNN: Magincia Still Not Safe, Mages Warn
Jeremy Dalberg
30 Nov 2007 19:54:37

The battle for Magincia seems to have reached a stalemate. Most of the city is shattered, and looting has been regrettably prevalent, but the stalwart defenders of the city continue to push back the invading hordes.

However, all is not well, say the leading researchers of the Mage Council.

"The moongates have been warped into a form they were never intended to hold. The etheric disturbance is tremendous, and we fear that it will get worse before it gets better," warns the Mage Council's spokesman.

The Royal Guard has ordered all nonessential personnel off of the island, and is maintaining a minimal force to secure the city.

"Daemons - even big daemons - my men can handle," says Sir Brendan of the Royal Guard, officer in charge of Magincia's defenses. "But once the mages start talking 'unstable planar rift' this and 'etheric resonance crisis' that, I get my people out of the area before they get blown clear off the map."

Bringing you the latest from Magincia, this is Sherry the Mouse, reporting.

On Friday November 30th at 8pm Eastern time the Patrons of the Royal Zoo will be hosting an event to help new or struggling tamers practice the arts involved in obtaining and nurturing pets. All tamers seeking help or just camaraderie are encouraged to come to the Royal Zoo to exchange ideas and support each other. Runes to useful locations will be available as well as items to help fledgling tamers.

Veteran tamers are encouraged to attend as well to share your experience with those new to taming. We hope to make this a regular event as we strive to spread awareness of our Zoo. Catskills has the best Zoo in all of UO and a special birthday party is being organized for our crane that turns two years old in early December.

Please note that is event is open to everyone. If we tackle some of the more aggressive creatures, mages & bards will be particularly welcome! Anyone wishing to learn more about how to tame, donate to the zoo, or just spend time with fellow citizens is welcome!

Tonight was the kick off auction for MOA with its new look and attendance was good.
Lady Silverbrook donated the trivia give-aways for the evening in honor of all the people who have been defending Magincia from the evil on going Invasion.



Lady Silverbrook was not the only esteemed person in the house. Lady FiFi LaForge, Jack Sparrow, Zephyrus, Lady AstarianJewel,Martyna Z'Muir, and Lady Mother Nature were a few well known faces seen in the crowd. Evolution, SK and WR guilds showed in numbers.

I have known many Barbies in the realm including my favorite, Ghetto Barbie of Legends. Chaotic Barbie was in rare form at MOA tonight and spouted several extremely funny comments about the Pratt sculpture, which I cannot repeat here.

On the subject of Pratt, he was working the auction block tonight with Dearg and Melian in supporting roles and doing a great job.



Pratt made a comment during the auction he would like a large rubble tree ... or better yet that I should buy one and store it at the auction house. Everyone knows poor tamers cannot afford such things, lol.

Pratt darlin .... thank you !!!! One of your patrons overheard you and I acquired a large rubble tree right after the auction. You can borrow it anytime you want.



It was fun being at the auction as it has been some time since I last attended. Many great items, most at good prices went on the block. Rowen of REA sat next to me and I had no problem seeing, even thru the glare of his neon hair. He is one colorful guy.



There is another auction tomorrow evening so if you missed tonight you have another chance this week. Be sure to check out all the floors with new decor.

It is fun to see how the previously owned items have been reworked and replaced. It warmed my heart to see my old friend Lord Fortubo's sash locked down on the floor. He passed away in real life some time ago and was a MOA member before his passing.

Jingle, Jangle, Jumble, Jump!

Erickson Yates here! I am already finished with my first night of research in Felluca! I decided that for my first foray into the world of an Atlantic Reporter, I would go straight to the top. I decided to search out the man who sees over the Very Important Players! That is right, Big Angry Josher himself. I spent a little time with Josher, tossing him a few questions so that those of us not in the know could learn about about how the men and women on the dark side live.

At first, I tried to track the man down...well I found him, but this is what I saw before I could ask him anything!

After that, I got him to not kill me again! He agreed to get a few of his mates together and have a little stand up interview with me. It was a pretty good time...until the ending!

Erickson Yates: I have a few questions for you. Nothing overly hard or trying because I know you are a very busy man with all the killing that needs to be done and all.

First question:
When did you take over as the head man for Very Important Players!? Last I heard it had been Goose, but I am a bit out of the fray at the moment sadly.

Big Angry Josher:
I took over as GM within the last two weeks. Goose has always been a very influential figure in the guild, however; not often the GM. His calling abilities are unparralleled. Laqautus Handed the GM position to me as he has become busy with life.

Erickson Yates:
On an average day, how many "noobz" do you kill usually? Does it outnumber your deaths?

Big Angry Josher:
To put it quaintly, my insurance never goes down, it only grows... Sure sometimes you die a few times and lose some cash, the kills definately out weight the deaths.

Erickson Yates:
Lets face it, VIP! is the most hated of all the Felluca guilds. What do you guys think of that reputation?

Big Angry Josher:
Well, I think that being hated is a little absurd.This is a game.. Yes it's true, we do win the majority of fights and in anything that is competitive, pvp in this case, your opponent isn't going to be happy about losing. We have good team work and generally very good individual skills. That is a winning combination in my book.

Erickson Yates:
For those like three noobz who aren't in the know, what is it VIP does? Are you a champ guild? Zerg guild? Or do you just flat out own everything and everyone?

Big Angry Josher:
Our guild has no specific charter per say. Members may be pvming at the invasion, doing doom, fighting peerless, defending/raiding champ spawns, pvping at the gate, dueling, etc.. We have a lot of fun pvping, that is a big portion of what we do; however, everyone in the guild has their specific activities that they enjoy. We try to help each other out in any way possible. In the end we DO come together as a team in pvp, because it's the most intense and satisfying activity for most of us that the game has to offer. The only thing comparable to pvp in fun is "Lurging".

Erickson Yates:
LNR, DEI, HOT, 1vs1, and all the other Felluca guilds seem to be constantly at war with you. Any of them that give you a real good run for your money?

Big Angry Josher:
Generally, unless we're greatly outnumbered the answer is no. Greatly outnumbered being defined as 3-1 odds. With a 10 solid players and good team work you can accomplish a lot.
I appreciate the fights that the Atlantic shard gives us. It is by far the most active and entertaining shard to play at this point in time.

Erickson Yates:
Most of the time I see VIP rocking those shiney yellow robes. Is that a guild color? Or how does that all work out?

Big Angry Josher:
You must be talking about the "Europa Gold" robes. The answer is... They used to be guild uniform. We nixed the uniform requirement months ago. If anyone wears them it is simply their preference to do so.

Erickson Yates:
I hear a lot of crazy rumors about VIP. Some people claim that you all carry beepers on you to know when to raid a spawn. Any rumors you want to debunk now? That way anyone that is new isn't influenced by the rumors!

Big Angry Josher:
Well.... It's pretty expensive paying the bills for all those beepers, but hey. If it helps us win, we gotta do it....... (that was a joke)

In all seriousness, rumors about beepers are a bit outlandish. It's a game, each of us plays when we can.

We do send mass icq's when we have a big raid coming up. Sometimes not everyone is in vent.

Erickson Yates:
What is with the Big Angry? There are a few of you with that. Any special meaning? I know my friend Tessa REALLY wants to know.

Big Angry Josher:
It's Tessa's lucky day. I'm not sure who started the "Big Angry" thing. I just asked in ventrillo and I was told it was Twang who started the trend. Just a funny thing to change your name to I guess.

Erickson Yates:
Can you name your best pvp'ers? Or is it such a solid unit, that everyone pulls their own weight?

Big Angry Josher:
Just like any team there are strengths and weaknesses in each player. Marius as the warlord helps a lot. Other than that I would suggest to anyone that wants to find out, fight us and develop an opinion. =)

Erickson Yates:
Anything you want to add? Anything people should know?

Big Angry Josher:
We're all ridiculously handsome/beautiful in real life.

Erickson Yates:
Awesome! Sir, I appreciate your time and letting me interupt you during your play time. Enjoy your evening. Also, Tessa says thanks for answering her question.

Ha, he, hi, ho, hu! It was a pretty crazy interview. I spent the whole time expecting to die! There they were, sitting there watching me ask these questions to their big boss man.

I thought I was going to make it out alive...I thought WRONG!

OOooOOOooOOoooOOooOOOoooOOO! (This is Erickson Yates, signing off!)

Howdy, Hey, Hi, and Ugh! I am Erickson Yates! They call me the Mad Jester. Today I was added to the long list of great reporters here on the Atlantic Shard of the Sosarian world!

I bet you are all wondering, "Why would they need another reporter?" Well, folks, it is simple. I get the task of traveling around the Felluca facet of our great shard! I am out there to watch, mark, and report what goes on in a place that few are willing to go! It will be great! I promise! Obviously, if you have an event you would like covered, you can email the Atlantic Reporting Team. If you event is in Felluca, then you might just see me there! Unsure what I look like? Pretty simple! I am this guy right below!

Well, folks, that is it for now! See you on the dark side!

Posted to uoherald.com:

TC1 Has Been Updated
Jeremy Dalberg
28 Nov 2007 17:38:40

Fixed a possible chat-related crash

Fixed an issue with Doom bosses not spawning/dying correctly

Posted to uoherald.com:

TC1 Has Been Updated
Jeremy Dalberg
28 Nov 2007 17:38:40

Fixed a possible chat-related crash

Fixed an issue with Doom bosses not spawning/dying correctly

It is that time of year that holiday decor starts to festoon even the most uninspired designers plot, even if it is hang up a single stocking or a standard Christmas Tree, pre decorated lights and all.

Then there are those like Pratt and Melian of the oldest working auction house that do a complete tear down. That is right folks, MOA Auction House has a compltely new design with the auction room no longer on the first floor ! Shocking I know but true.

Last night Mielikki of SotN, DJ Scorp, Melian and myself were booted out as Pratt put the final touches on the plot design. Done... it was Melian's turn ... with decoraters tool in hand she worked late into the night. I know this first hand as I was adding a little winter/Xmas decor to the roof. Here is a sneak preview though I am sure the gang still has a few finishing touches to add.



While waiting for Pratt to finish up Mielikki invited me to her house as she is always re working it and has been a decorating fool, like myself, for years.





Mielikki looks forward to the Christmas Tree deeds to be activated like so many others. Don't the powers that be know a huge % of people like to decorate for the holidays the day after Thanksgiving, in the realm and real life ? Mielikki had some great design ideas and I promised to return when she has her entire place decorated for the season. I always do a holiday decor article each year and this should be a great submission.

On the subject of design I ran into old friend Zephyrus of Sosarian Mages in Luna on one of my trips getting plants for the MOA rooftop. Zephyrus is also working on decorating his house and I made a quick visit to check out the job in progress. Zeph proudly showed some of his rubble which he made very clear to me, getting it and defending the city from the Invasion is harder for mages than most.



It was one large rubble that he was most proud and he lead me to his roof. A tree of all trees stood before me and one that would look most perfect in my new Eygptian Temple design.



After a look about and nice chat I returned to MOA releasing and locking down, lol. My eyes were getting very heavy and slumber was calling. Melian was still decorating as I bid my farewell.

To see the new look at MOA just stop by anytime as it is a public place. Auctions resume this week and gates are provided before and during the event at most major banks or go to www.uo-moa.net to learn more.

The library at the auction house has a really nice feature using rubble in the most clever way. Here is a teaser.

Posted to uoherald.com:

All Shards to bePublished
Jeremy Dalberg
27 Nov 2007 18:39:56 EST

All shards were published with the following during this morning's maintenance

Fixed issue with ingots in Salvage Bags disappearing when items are smelted

Doom Creature Point System - Reduced the number of points each doom boss rewards.

Taking a moongate to New Haven should now teleport the player character to the new Moongate location

Fixed issues with power scrolls dropping via Protection

Tweaked champ spawn difficulty downward

Tweaked swoop difficulty downward

Posted to uoherald.com:

Additional Server Publish Notes
Jeremy Dalberg
27 Nov 2007 11:44:34

There were a number of changes that didn't get listed on last night's server publish - all the notes below the cut are in addition to the previously posted notes:

Upgraded loot for legacy and Samurai Empire high end monster loot, to more closely match Mondain’s Legacy monster loot. This affects mostly boss monsters, but has some impact on other high end monsters as well.

Solen powder quest now rewards 4-5 powder.

Bags of sending now use 1 charge per 10 stones of weight, rounded up. (15 stones would use 2 charges, for example)

Significantly buffed up the Felucca champ spawn bosses

Increased the chance to get better power scrolls from champ spawn bosses

Increased the chance to get better items as loot from champ spawn bosses

Lowered Dread Spider difficulty

Lowered Dread Spider loot to match new difficulty

Swoop has been buffed

Faction stone now checks to make sure that a character is 30 days or older before allowing them to join a faction. Existing characters that are less than 30 days old are forced to quit factions when they log on

"Young" characters and characters less than 30 days old can no longer use faction stones or faction recruiting stones

Players can no longer invite a character less than 30 days old to a faction guild

Fixed a bug with the Tsuki Wolf that was preventing it from dropping the correct loot

KNOWN ISSUES:

The chance to get a powerscroll from protection is less than it should be

Champ bosses are regenerating HP too fast

Champ boss resists are a bit too high in some cases

Champ boss HP is a bit too high in some cases

Swoop is quite a bit more powerful than intended

Jeremy Dalberg 26 Nov 2007 17:29:57 EST

All servers will be published with the following during their next available maintenance:

• Added the Salvage Bag:
  • The Salvage Bag is the core of the enhanced recycling system. Players store items in the bag like any other container, but when a recycle command occurs, they target the bag to handle all the items at once.
  • Layout:
    • a blue leather bag labeled "A Salvage Bag"
    • Available on Provisioners for a nominal (~1000gp) fee
  • Details:
    • Use the context menu on the bag to select "Salvage Ingots", "Salvage Cloth", or "Salvage All"
      • All items of the appropriate type in the bag (metal for smelting, cloth for scissoring) are recycled into their resources
      • The player gets a message containing number of items successfully recycled
• Killing bosses in Doom will increase your chances of getting an artifact drop:
  • Each player character participating against a gauntlet boss or the Dark Father will accumulate artifact reward points.
  • The more artifact reward points a player character accumulates, the more likely an artifact will spawn in his/her backpack.
  • Player characters who score higher on the Top Attacker list will earn more points. However, everyone in the Top Attackers list that stays the entire duration of the combat (even if slain) will still earn points.
• Moved the New Haven moongate closer to town
• Fixed bug that caused 2d chat name selection window to pop up when logging in/crossing server lines
• Fixed bug that caused karma loss before selecting a target when begging
• Begging will now reduce your karma less if you fail
• Resist Spells will now allow you to reduce some damage from Blood Oath ((resist spellsx10)/20 + 10=percentage of damage resisted)
• NPCs should cast Blood Oath less often
• The KR client should perform more smoothly in high-latency situations

All Servers to be Published
Jeremy Dalberg
26 Nov 2007 17:29:57 EST

All servers will be published with the following during their next available maintenance:

 Added the Salvage Bag: 

•  The Salvage Bag is the core of the enhanced recycling system. Players store items in the bag like any other container, but when a recycle command occurs, they target the bag to handle all the items at once.

• Layout:
  
  
  
  • a blue leather bag labeled "A Salvage Bag"
    
  • Available on Provisioners for a nominal (~1000gp) fee
      
• Details:
  
  
  
  • Use the context menu on the bag to select "Salvage Ingots", "Salvage Cloth", or "Salvage All"
    
    
    • All items of the appropriate type in the bag (metal for smelting, cloth for scissoring) are recycled into their resources
      
    • The player gets a message containing number of items successfully recycled
    
    

Killing bosses in Doom will increase your chances of getting an artifact drop:

• Killing bosses in Doom will increase your chances of getting an artifact drop:
  
• Each player character participating against a gauntlet boss or the Dark Father will accumulate artifact reward points.
  
• The more artifact reward points a player character accumulates, the more likely an artifact will spawn in his/her backpack.
  
• Player characters who score higher on the Top Attacker list will earn more points. However, everyone in the Top Attackers list that stays the entire duration of the combat (even if slain) will still earn points.

 

Moved the New Haven moongate closer to town

Fixed bug that caused 2d chat name selection window to pop up when logging in/crossing server lines

Fixed bug that caused karma loss before selecting a target when begging

Begging will now reduce your karma less if you fail

Resist Spells will now allow you to reduce some damage from Blood Oath ((resist spellsx10)/20 + 10=percentage of damage resisted)

NPCs should cast Blood Oath less often

The KR client should perform more smoothly in high-latency situations

Last saturday evening one of the oldest community of Drachenfels was able to celebrate it's 9 years anniversary! The guild of the Miliz der Templer des Baphomet (MTB) had invited the citziens to commemorate their jubilee with a tournament at the harbour of Trinsic. As it was well organised, several guests had joined the party in the beautiful city. The tournament was opened on time at the seventh hour, after the guild had prepared a gateservice from the west britain bank.

MTB members greeting the guests Die MTB Mitglieder begrüssen die Gäste

Everyone could join the tournament Spontan kann am Turneir teilgenommen werden

Numerous fighters who registered in advance were not able to join the battles, but because of the very sympathetic advertisment of the MTB members some other combatants could be found, and the fights soon began. The objective was to push your opponent out of his or her saddle, without delivering fatal wounds. The encounters however were grimly fought and some of the fighters had bruises and stains all over their body.

At the end of the numerous battles the victourious combatants were established. It was Maresius, Faroll and An'Taris. Because the MTB had honoured their participating guests, they deferred to Faroll and An'Taris. They received one of the treasured cups which were provided with the official seal of the tournament. After the award ceremony the next tribute to the MTB members followed: Fjealda, the grandmaster of the guild, honoured their long lasting members. Following this ceremony, people gathered to chat about the evening and the fabulous tournament, past times and events. It was an evening to remember - probably in a year, when the 10th anniversary arrives, it will dwarf this tournament. Happy Birthday, MTB!

The first of three rounds begins... Die erste von drei Runde beginnt...

...with a draw - both fighters falling from the horses! ...mit einem Unentschieden - beide Kämpfer sind vom Pferd gefallen!

Am vergangenen Samstagabend konnte eine der ältesten Gemeinschafen auf Drachenfels ihr 9. Jahres-Jubiläum feiern! Die Gilde der Miliz der Templer des Baphomet (MTB) luden die Bevölkerung ein, am Hafen in Trinsic zu einem erinnerungswürdigen Turnier zusammenzukommen. Dies gelang den Organisatoren auch bestens, zahlreiche Gäste fanden den Weg in die schöne Meeresstadt. Das Turnier begann sehr pünktlich zur siebten Abendstunde, nachdem die Gilde von der westlichen Britain Bank einen Gateservice bereitgestellt hatte.

Awards ceremony at the end Die Preisverleihung am Ende

These two warriors were the winners (1st and 2nd) Diese beiden belegten den ersten und zweiten Platz

Zahlreiche Kämpfer, die sich bereits im Voraus angemeldet hatten, blieben dem Turnier jedoch fern. Trotzdem konnten - dank der überaus sympathischen Art der MTB Mitglieder - weitere Turnierteilnehmer gefunden werden, so dass die Kämpfe auch schon bald begannen. Ziel war es, den jeweils gegnerischen Kämpfer aus dem Sattel zu fegen, ohne dass unbedingt tödliche Wunden die Folge waren. Die Begegnungen waren trotzdem alles andere als zimperlich, und manche der Recken trugen viele blaue Flecken und auch blutende Verletzungen davon.

Grandmaster Fjealda honours the long lasting members Grossmeisterin Fjealda ehrt die langjährigen Mitglieder

The squad from the MTB which organised the anniversary Die Truppe der MTB die den Jubiläumsabend veranstaltete

Am Ende der schlussendlich zahlreichen Runden standen die siegreichen Kämpfer fest, es waren dies Maresius, Faroll und An'Taris. Da die MTB jedoch den Gästen den Vortritt gewährte, erhielten dementsprechend Faroll und An'Taris die begehrten Pokale, die mit dem einzigartigen Siegel des Turniers versehen waren. Nach der Siegerehrung folgte dann noch die Ehrung von Fjealda an die Adresse der MTB Mitglieder, die dank jahrelanger Treue ihrer Gemeinschaft gegenüber ausgezeichnet wurden. Im Anschluss setzte man sich dann noch zusammen und plauderte über das gelungene Turnier, vergangene Zeiten und Anlässe. Ein sehr erinnerungswürdiger Abend, der vielleicht schon in einem Jahr durch den kommenden runden Geburtstag übertroffen werden kann. Happy Birthday, MTB!

Farwell, auf bald!
~ Medea

The winterly friday afternoon was pretty sunny and dry as I rode on my loyal polar bear throughout the streets to Trinsic. Today I was going to meet Fjealda, grandmaster of the time-honoured guild of the Miliz des Tempel des Baphomet. Their community had announced tomorrow's festivities because of their ninth anniversary, which I was very interested in and wanted like to know more about. As I arrived in Trinsic, the blond Lady already waited for me. Shortly after that we travelled by moongate to the near southern woods of Trinsic. On the edge of the jungle was the location of the small castle of their order.

We entered the well guarded building and made our way through the very nicely decorated house, up to the balcony. The view into the jungle was just wonderful. Fjealda began to talk about her and her guild. «My ancestor came to Sosaria a long time ago, this must be about nine years now but she left again soon. I came to the land three years later.» The guild itself originally split off from another group, the Ordo Templi Militaris, called OTM, off which later templar groups were formed into the MTB. «The official date is the 20th of december but we will celebrate our ninth anniversary with the citizens of Drachenfels tomorrow.» Although the MTB is a small guild, they always were a constant throughout the years on Drachenfels. Fjealda was very happy about this: «We do honour the past times, but we also like to celebrate the new ones.»

Besides all duties MTB had to face in the town of Trinsic, the guildmembers have different interests. «I myself like to hunt with my bow, especially dragons - they are honorable opponents», the grandmaster smirked. «Of course I care very much for the town itself because I knew it for such a long time.» However, the nearby Magincia was also a task to protect for the members of the Miliz des Tempel des Baphomet. «Especially in times like these with a war around the corner we know what people expect from us.» She laughed as she loooked down from the balony into the small entrance hall: «That's why it looks somewhat cluttered here, the war leaves it's marks.»

Fjealda stood up and suggested that I follow her. The library, through which we reached the balcony, was crammed with writings, books and ancient scrolls. She unerringly paved her way through the shelfs and in the bright candlelight pointed to some thick, red bound books. «I also actually write an encyclopedia, named the 'Magica Britannica'. It was lost some years ago, but now the first six new volumes are finished - bilingual.» She walked on for a few meters. «And here, we have more books about my family and me.» Lost in thought she stroked the bindings and showed me a comfy corner for writers and readers, where we continued our discussion. «What I like most is the freedom to do whatever I like to do», she said, smiling. With a wide gesture she included the whole building. «To own is nice, but to have a community is better.» Those were very wise words, and to listen to them in the silence of the library was a stunning experience.

Biography of Fjealda
Name: Fjealda, MTB
Profession: Elder Mage
Arrival in Sosaria: 1998
Favourite place: with the dragons
Occupation: magery, fighthing, writing
Favourite character: Mage
What do you prefer...
Summer or Winter? Winter
Black or White? Black
Loud or Faint? Faint
Poor or rich? Poor

*

Der winterliche Freitag-Nachmittag war relativ sonnig und vorallem trocken, als ich den Weg nach Trinsic unter die Pfoten meines treuen Eisbären nahm. Heute würde ich mich mit Fjealda, der Grossmeisterin der altehrwürdigen Gilde der Miliz des Tempel des Baphomets treffen. Im Hinblick auf die morgigen Festlichkeiten zum neunjährigen Jubiläum wollte ich gern ein wenig hinter die Kulissen dieser Gemeinschaft sowie deren Mitglieder sehen. In Trinsic angekommen, wartete die blonde Grossmeisterin bereits auf mich. Kurz darauf gelangten wir mittels Mondtor in die südlichen Wälder von Trinsic, wo am Rande des Dschungels die Ordensburg der MTB lag.

Wir betraten das gut bewachte Gebäude, setzten uns auf den Balkon wo man eine herrliche Aussicht in den Dschungel geniessen konnte, und Fjealda begann von sich und der Gilde zu erzählen. «Meine Ahnin kam vor etlichen Jahren nach Sosaria, das müssten mittlerweile so an die neun Jahre sein. Sie verliess das Land aber bald darauf wieder, ich kam dann vier Jahre später hierher.» Die Gilde selbst entstand ursprünglich aus einer anderen Gemeinschaft: Der Ordo Templi Militaris, der OTM, schloss sich mit weiteren Templervereinigungen zusammen, nach dem Erscheinen von Drachenfels wurde dann die MTB gegründet. «Das offizielle Datum ist der 20. Dezember, aber wir feiern nun bereits morgen mit der Bevölkerung von Drachenfels das Neunjährige.» Obwohl die MTB eine relativ kleine Gilde ist, war sie doch über all die Jahre eine stetige Konstante, was die lokalen Gemeinschaften betraf. Darüber war auch Fjealda glücklich: «Wir denken gerne an die vergangenen Zeiten, feiern aber auch sehr gerne die neuen.»

Nebst den Aufgaben, die die MTB in der Stadt Trinsic wahrnimmt, haben die Gildenmitglieder selbst viele verschiedene Interessen. «Ich selbst jage gerne mit dem Bogen, zum Beispiel bei den Drachen, die ich als ehrenwerte Gegner schätzen gelernt habe», meinte die Grossmeisterin und schmunzelte. «Natürlich liegt mir die Stadt selbst hier auch sehr am Herzen, denn ich kenne sie schon so lange.» Das nahegelegene Magincia wussten die Mitglieder der Miliz des Tempel des Baphomets aber auch zu beschützen. «Gerade in Kriegszeiten wie diesen wissen wir sehr wohl, was von uns erwartet wird.» Sie lachte, als sie vom Balkon in den kleinen Eingangshof hinunterschaute: «Drum schaut es hier auch ziemlich unaufgeräumt aus, der Krieg in Magincia hinterlässt seine Spuren.»

Fjealda erhob sich dann und deutete mir, ihr zu folgen. Die Bibliothek, durch die wir auf den Balkon gelangten, war vollgestopft mit Schriften, Büchern und alten Rollen. Sie suchte sich zielsicher den Weg durch die Regale und zeigte im hellen Kerzenschein auf dicke, rot eingebundene Bücher. «Ich schreibe aber auch gerade an einer Enzyklopädie. Das ist die 'Magica Britannica'. Sie ging leider schon einmal verloren, aber die ersten sechs Bände, zweisprachig, sind nun neu fertiggestellt.» Sie schritt ein paar Meter weiter: «Dann gibts es hier noch weitere Bände, von meiner Familie und mir geschrieben.» Gedankenverloren strich sie über die Einbände und deutete auf eine gemütliche Leseecke, wo wir unser Gespräch fortsetzten. «Am meisten mag ich die Freiheit, zu tun, was man gerade mag», meinte sie schmunzelnd und umfasste mit einer ausschweifenden Handbewegung das ganze Gebäude. «Besitz ist schön, aber Gemeinschaft, das ist noch schöner.» Welch wahre Worte, die in der Stille der Bibliothek umso mehr ihre Wirkung entfalteten.

Steckbrief von Fjealda
Name: Fjealda, MTB
Beruf: Magierin
Ankunft in Sosaria: 1998
Lieblingsort: bei den Drachen
Lieblingsbeschäftigung: Magie, kämpfen, schreiben
Lieblingscharakter: Magier
Was magst du lieber...
Sommer oder Winter? Sommer
Schwarz oder Weiss? Schwarz
Laut oder Leise? Leise
Arm oder Reich? Arm

Farewell, auf bald!
~ Medea

Last week I requested death shots/screenshots from the on going Invasion for the Obituary Column and you came through.
I am pleased to announce the "Obituary Centerfold" is the headliner today after her one month absence from the column.





Princess Amara " Obit Centerfold " dies for her public!


Amos Moses


Artemis


Ayla


Bow Man


Bow Man again




Diamond




June in flames








Joe






Micah


Poulan Husqvarna

"Accounts Payable"

*tokka-tokka-tak, tokka-tak..*

The Bursar closed his eyes, sighed heavily, and allowed a whispered prayer to escape his lips.

He turned his attention once again to the strewn reams of parchment threatening to bury his desk. Once, during his tenure as a bright junior accountant, he may have relished such a task. Now that the dream had soured, he was weary of it all.

Back in those heady days of wild accounting, he had recklessly applied himself to an exciting new idea known as “insurance”. Indeed, had he not spearheaded the application of that service to the Merchants’ guild? It was an initiative he was beginning to sorely regret.

It was no easy task selling the idea of property reimbursement to them. They already paid a premium for the Realm’s finest privateer navy to fend off piracy. There was little chance of fiscal misfortune save, perhaps, for an act of the gods. But what was happening to Magincia was the work of something far more sinister. He shook his head, trying to dislodge the memory of daemons stalking the streets...

“Sir?”, ventured a youth who had cautiously peeked around the door.
“Hobbs isn’t it? Come in.”, the Bursar motioned.
“There have been.. developments..”
“Well? Out with it, lad.”
“It seems there are looters at work in Magincia.”
“I’m aware of that. They’re our folk.”
“Sir?”
“Privateers, they’re in the employ of the Merchants. They’re salvaging what they can of the city.”
Hobbs nodded vigorously, then frowned. “Why aren’t they..”
“Fighting the invaders?”, the Bursar cut him off. “According to our strategists, attacking the daemons seems to provoke a destructive, explosive reaction. At the rate the ‘Guard are hacking away at them, there’ll be nothing left of the city within a week. Our only recourse is to try and recover what we can before it’s too late.”
“Ahh..”, began Hobbs, “so you’re saving the city by..”
“Removing its treasures from harm’s way, yes.”, finished the Bursar. “For their trouble, the privateers will be allowed to keep their pick of the recovered material. Better that a few choice articles end up in private collections than lost forever.”

The lad nodded, excused himself, and left the Bursar to his insurance claims processing. The Bursar absently examined his pudgy, calloused fingers for a moment before applying them to his adding machine. Someone would be held accountable for all this mess, and he rather suspected it was him.

*tokka-tak, tokka-tokka-tak-tak..*

-------------------
Legend of The Syndicate - Holiday Discount & Charity Donation
-------------------------

For the holiday season, through December 31st, Avari Press is offering a 25% discount on Legend of The Syndicate when ordered through their site. The code to ask for the discount is "wow" which is entered upon checkout. As an added bonus, Avari is donating a portion of all the proceeds to Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a charitable organization that helps underprivileged kids. And, should you order $25 or more, shipping is free as well. You can see all the details and pick up a copy here: http://www.avaripress.com/books-authors/legend-of-the-syndicate/ - If you prefer its also for sale on Amazon and many other sites.

What is Legend of The Syndicate? Critically acclaimed, with large numbers of copies sold, Legend is many things. First, it is a history of online gaming from about 1996 until nearly 2007. Second, it is a guide to how to create and maintain a successful online gaming guild with very low turnover and little to no drama that can last a decade or more. Third, it is a collection of entertaining fantasy stories that aid in telling the history in a fun and exciting way.

Reviewed by Stratics and other major gaming news sites, Legend has been given very high marks as a "must have" for all guildmasters or aspiring guildmasters or anyone who wants to know more about how online gaming got to where it is today.

You can pick up your copy today at a holiday discount and help charity at the same time. Check out Avari's site for more details.

-Dragons-
-Sean-

This afternoon after stuffing myself with white meat, cranberries and apple pie I headed to Vesper, my birthplace, to do a little banking.

At the bank I was asked by a tailor what Magincia looks like. I said they should go there and check it out, maybe even get a little rubble. My statememt seemed to shock this humble tailor, I could tell by the look on his face. He then informed me all his characters are crafters and he would never entertain the thought of going there or witness first hand any type of Invasion.

I was away on holiday when this Invasion began so I too was curious a few days ago and made a visit and gathered some decor rubble.
Todays exchange made be think of the handful of players I know personally that only have crafters and I am sure there are many more.
For them and everyone I made a trip to Magincia after my banking to snap a few photos of what the City of Pride has become.


The Family Jewels


Healer of Magincia


Fishermans Guild


Bakers Dozen


Magincia's Magicka


Merchants Guild


Great Horns Tavern

Posted to uoherald.com:

KR Client vers. 2.48.0.7
Jeremy Dalberg
21 Nov 2007 17:02:49

At 3:15PM PST (11:15PM GMT) on Tuesday, November 20, the Kingdom Reborn client will be updated to version 2.48.0.7. Notes after the jump:

Fixed problem with client loading in fullscreen mode

Fixed issue with no sounds playing

Fixed issue with legacy container art not displaying for Armoires

Fixed spelling of "Holiday Stocking" legacy container

Vanna love,

It feels good to be missed !
I shopped my red head off while in Egypt and I found the perfect gift for you! Tall , dark, handsome, amazing skin and in a turban. I am sorry to say he did not fit in my luggage, lol.
Instead I have these five postcards ( below ) for you, taken by yours truly.

My all gray outfits with accents of red worked out well on this trip. At the last minute I did add a few orange and pink seperates to mix it up.

See you monday night at Ice Castle.

Until then ta ta and HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

Fondly, Lady Lava

As winter quickly approaches, I look out at Magincia from the roof of Lady Silverbrook’s estate and wonder what will become of the island city. Magincia no longer looks like the carefully carved miniature locked inside its representative from the collectible Snowy Scenes snow globe series. In fact, Magincia resembles a desolate wasteland more and more each day.

Over fifty percent of the city’s buildings have been razed to the ground since the daemon invasion began, or as some people are calling it, divine retribution for the sin of Pride. However, the daemons are not entirely to blame. Granted, the strangely named ‘Light Daemons’ are directly linked to the destruction, it is some of the ‘defenders’ of Magincia that actually should be held responsible.

Many of the so-called ‘defenders’ are luring the light daemons into Magincian buildings and manipulating the daemon into unleashing magical explosions that decimate the area. Why you might ask? For souvenirs! Yes, the Britannian citizenry has taken leave of their senses and patriotic duty so they may cart away packfulls of singed and broken building materials, house wares, and even local flora as well. These items had become like a drug to sum individuals, an irrational craving.

I had been waiting a short while on the rooftop to interview Lady Silverbrook about the state of Magincia, for she was at the site of the Library surveying the damage. When she joined me, I asked her about the demonic invasion and the toll it was having. "As with any war, it pains one the most when it strikes close to home. Magincia has been my home for many years, as well as a place I have conducted both business and events for the community. The constant raging war is right outside my window, so-to-speak. I've been spending most of my time upon the Isle, both protecting others and defending what remains of the city from the onslaught of undead and demons."

When asked about the demise of the Magincia Library & Museum, the largest repository of Seer artifacts on the shard, she smiled strangely at me and said the "Rumors of its demise were... exaggerated." She then pointed to the southeast behind me, when I turned, I was dumbstruck. The Library’s walls stood once again, unblemished. The roof of the tent out front flapped slightly from a gentle tradewind. I managed stutter out the question of how this managed to occur in the last few minutes, but she would only smile serenely and shrug her shoulders. Apparently, there was great magic at work.

Getting back to the interview, I asked her of the apparent greed that the so-called defenders were exhibiting. A hard look came into her eyes. "In all fairness, it is something which I am torn by. When the attacks began, Magincia knew there would be destruction. They knew that the streets paved with gems, and the sandstone with its gold lining would be accosted. There were areas attacked early on that received extensive damage. We knew that is was a possibility.

"What I did not expect, were those people that willingly took daemons into areas, that could and should have been salvageable, to allow those parts of the city to be decimated. It tears at me, the shouts and taunts that some said, to not kill the beasts and drive them further to the outreaches of the city to claim their treasures. I heard some state that 'no one came to Magincia anyways'. I find that disillusioning. While I understand wanting mementos of the fair city, it wounds me to watch the rampant destruction, merely for the sake of a few people’s own material needs. They are not simply collecting this 'rubble'... They are taking away precious memories from others, as well as destroying a cornerstone of Britannia. It is with heavy heart that I must admit to myself that some of those adventurers that came to Magincia are truly and possibly more dangerous to the future of the Isle than the daemons they fight. I have faith, in the end, those that used this war for their own base ends will receive their just rewards... still, it is difficult to comprehend why one would so callously be motivated by their own greed."

That sentiment had been echoed by the High Council the night before, brought to the floor by the Minister of Virtue, Lord DaKaren. The result of their discussion led to the pledge from the Britannian Armed Forces to send troops into the city to fight the daemon hordes. Lady Silverbrook was pleased by the news, and wished to thank them and the other groups she witnessed actually fighting the Light Daemons.

I asked what she saw in the future for Magincia, and if she thought the Crown would have the city rebuilt. Once again, the serene smile, yet with a far-off look in her eyes. "I foresee the time will come, that this will be over. I have faith that we shall persevere from these dark days. Do I have hope for a New Magincia? Of course. I think we shall see a day when we will truly go from a city known for its Pride, to one that has been touched by Humility. I hope that day comes... sooner than later, of course... but we all are tested, in our own ways. We simply must learn and grow stronger from that which attempts to usurp us."

Before I left, she wished to add a personal message to the citizens, "To those who have honestly and willfully attempted to preserve and fight for Magincia's liberation, I give my thanks. What you attempt to do is no small feat, given the forces that ensnare the Isle. I am indebted to those who honestly sacrificed their own safety selflessly... the odds are indeed, at this time, overwhelming.

"To them I say: Be well, and be safe."

Before I headed back to my Library, I dashed to the restored Magincia Library and Museum, to see if it was truly returned. The sandstone was real, the furnishings were repaired. Debris still littered the ground floor and surrounding environs, but all mattered was as it had been before the invasion. I turned to leave, only to sigh with despair as a group of ‘defenders’ lured a light daemon into the southern wing. I giggled from my hiding spot when the daemon’s power exploded harmlessly against the now impervious Library. "Let them waste their time here, for it buys the rest of the city precious time..." I heard in my mind, Lady Silverbrook was in peak form today...

ord Ash, with destruction reigning around him, diligently went about his business of using the rubble he found to build something amidst burning buildings, Demons of all kinds, and general chaos. It was impressive that someone thought of creating something good in Magincia.

Later, on returning to the building site with pieces found for use on the building, no building was found. On asking Lord Ash what had happened, the answer was, “they came and took all the pieces, so I found these….” What Lord Ash built with next were the plants.

It is certain that all who have been to Magincia know what was found on returning to the site of creation rather than destruction later that evening.

In the midst of all we have seen of players this week, Lord Ash symbolizes the best of Sosaria and brings hope for this shard.

The Nujel'm Palace, referred to as "Nujelum" by the bride and many in the realm, was the setting for last nights wedding.
This blissful event in the City of Pleasure was the union of Destiny and Morgan.

As I had the honor of marrying these two lovely people I arrived early to get myself situated. As I approached the Palace a medium shade purple carpet lay under my feet. Entering the Palace I soon noticed it too was accented with purple decor for this event.



As the bridal party dressed I spoke with the bride to be and Maid of Honor, Chia Pet. I have not seen a bride in years wearing a short skirt so I was pleasantly surprised with Destiny's outfit accented with a cloak/cape to add that dash of formal for the special occasion.



Guests started arriving and excitement was in the air.









The Groom arrived with the Best Man, THE CHOSEN ONE. It was time to get the show on the road.



Of course it was the bride and groom standing side by side that made the Palace light up.









It was the first kiss after pronounced "man and wife" that really got the guests ( and the newlyweds ) emotional and the fireworks started.



BEST WISHES,GOOD HEALTH AND LONG LIFE TO DESTINY AND MORGAN

Posted to uoherald.com:

Black Screen In KR?
Jeremy Dalberg
20 Nov 2007 21:20:20

If your KR client is set to start in full screen, you may see a completely black screen with an error about a software renderer. We're working on the fix for this, but in the meantime, use the following workaround to get into windowed mode:

Go into "My Documents", "EA Games", "Ultima Online", "User Data" and open the usersettings.xml file in a text editor.

In the first line under "Graphics", change fullscreen="true" to fullscreen="false", then save the file.

That should get you going until we can patch out a fix. (Also, the no sound issue? That'll get fixed shortly as well!)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 20, 2007

CALL TO ARMS -- MAGINCIA, CHESAPEAKE!!

Every Hour, Every Day

Until the Enemy is Driven Out of Existence!

Many people arrived. Governor Winfield of the PaxLair Statehood welcomed everyone and gave a speech.

Governor Winfield's Speech

Governor Winfield said:

Last week the Magincia buildings were intact and fortresses were built. We had supply lines and first aid stations. We had teams and strategies. Today, as you've seen by walking to this Parliament Building, Magincia is completely in ruins. Scholars and historians will certainly debate in days and months ahead about why Magincia fell to ruin right before our eyes.

One common observation so far is this... that some people willfully and purposefully led the enemy into Magincia buildings to see those buildings destroyed. In my opinion, these people were not defenders of Magincia. They were destroyers and aided the enemy. I call these people "Rubblers"... because they sought only to take bits and pieces of Magincia home with them for their own personal gain, fortune, or status. Whether you like or dislike the Rubblers is your own personal choice.

However, to pick up a piece of Rubble is not bad though. It is our history. It will be needed in museums to tell others what has happened in Magincia, so others may learn.

However, now as the Rubblers are running out of Rubble to carry away, I still believe we have a job to do in this city. I do not know how long Magincia will be invaded. But for as long as it is, we have a duty to fight the enemy.

Therefore tonight, I request and issue a continuing Call to Arms against the Enemy to push them back to the Moongate, starting with the furthest points within the city. If we do this, we may gain the shard-wide reputation of fighting the enemy when all seems to be lost. That we, Chesapeake, beat all the enemy back in sequence and let the Berserkers come upon us to meet their own deaths! Buildings maybe lost here, but the Spirit of Chesapeake is not!

Who is with me? Who will fight all enemies in this city? Who will beat back that which destroyed our Magincia?

[... more Statehood meeting business ...]

We thank everyone for coming tonight. Defend Magincia!! Dragonspeed to you all!! Meeting is adjourned.

The meeting ended with a rally of defending forces inspired by Nevyn, the Guild Leader of the Royal Britannian Guard (RBG).

Posted to uoherald.com:

2D Client vers. 6.0.5.0
Jeremy Dalberg
20 Nov 2007 18:13:42

At 3:15PM PST (11:15PM GMT) on Tuesday, November 20, the 2D client will be updated to version 6.0.5.0. Notes after the jump:

Added decoration in many areas, including the Doom Gauntlet and Serpent's Hold

Updated clilocs

Posted to uoherald.com:

KR Client vers. 2.48.0.3
Jeremy Dalberg
20 Nov 2007 18:13:22

At 3:15PM PST (11:15PM GMT) on Tuesday, November 20, the Kingdom Reborn client will be updated to version 2.48.0.3. Notes after the jump:

New Features:

Legacy Art Mode - enable this in Options: User Settings: Graphics, then restart the client to enable

Fully Moddable UI

Substantial number of client optimizations - should run much smoother now

Improved the guild UI

Added legacy container art - enable this in Options: User Settings: Graphics (no restart needed for this one)

Fixed a number of windows that weren't updating properly, including party window, pet window, draggable health bars, and more

The item properties "blessed" "blessed for playername" and "insured for playername" are

now colored blue for increased visibility

Macros" and "Actions" are two separate items on the main menu

Improved the layout of the veteran rewards window

Improved the animal lore window

Polished spellbook window

Polished char creation window

Improved npc vendor window

Empty slots on the paperdoll now have a tooltip telling you what goes in it

Removed the "add by ID" option in the friends list (since there's no way to find an ID, it was not usable)

Improved the art and functionality of the party window

Added a line to specify what the target is in the tooltip for a hotbar slot

Chat Improvements:

The default chat config now only has one tab with all chat in it

Added a "reset chat to default" option in settings

Added /r or /reply command to automatically reply to the last person to send you a /tell

tell now requires a comma after the player name (it will also handle multi-word names)

Shift-left clicking on a line of chat will copy it to the clipboard

Party, guild, alliance and faction messages will not show as overhead text

The chat context menus now has a color selection option for text color, overhead chat color, and chat window background color

Map Improvements:

added a settings:interface item to reset map icons to default

added 40 new icons for waypoints

waypoint icons on the map will show sextant coordinates when you mouse over them

UI Improvements and Fixes:

You can now target a player or creature by clicking the name over their head

Added a user settings option to use the mouse wheel for targeting - can choose target friendly or target enemy

Added stat hotbar icons - you can drag off icons from the stats window to your hotbar, where it will display the number of your stat. (mouseover the icon for the name of the stat)

Health, mana, and stamina stat icons will change when their value is under 10 - the weight icon will glow when you approach your weight limit

Added dual monitor support - the kr window can now be stretched across two monitors

Static objects (trees, etc) will now display their name when you click on them

If you have your bandages in your hotbar, a timer will count down when you use them, telling you how long it will be until the bandage is applied

Fixed a few bugs with tree foliage not fading correctly

When you drag a stack of items, the number of items will automatically be selected

skill icons in your hotbar will now show your skill points in their tooltip

Made toggle UI, screenshot, toggle circle of transparency, reload ui all configurable keybindings

Turn off hotbar page flipping if legacy chat is enabled (use shift 0-9 to change hotbars in legacy mode)

Players can now target items on ther hotbars, provided the item is in their backpack or equiped

Added a default targeting for spells, different spells now have a different default target instead of defaulting always to current target

Many macros can now be interrupted by the ESC key

General Fixes and Improvements:

Added decoration in many areas, including the doom gauntlet and serpent's hold

Shortened the hiryu's tail

Made giant beetle's beak shorter

Made ostards' tails shorter

Tweaked and added a number of creature graphics and animations

The skills available in Character Creation now match 2d

Items behind other items should be easier to select in freeform view

Tweaked appearance of trees to make them blend with the background less

Posted to uoherald.com:

2D Client vers. 6.0.5.0
Jeremy Dalberg
20 Nov 2007 18:13:42

At 3:15PM PST (11:15PM GMT) on Tuesday, November 20, the 2D client will be updated to version 6.0.5.0. Notes after the jump:

Added decoration in many areas, including the Doom Gauntlet and Serpent's Hold

Updated clilocs

Posted to uoherald.com:

KR Client vers. 2.48.0.3
Jeremy Dalberg
20 Nov 2007 18:13:22

At 3:15PM PST (11:15PM GMT) on Tuesday, November 20, the Kingdom Reborn client will be updated to version 2.48.0.3. Notes after the jump:

New Features:

Legacy Art Mode - enable this in Options: User Settings: Graphics, then restart the client to enable

Fully Moddable UI

Substantial number of client optimizations - should run much smoother now

Improved the guild UI

Added legacy container art - enable this in Options: User Settings: Graphics (no restart needed for this one)

Fixed a number of windows that weren't updating properly, including party window, pet window, draggable health bars, and more

The item properties "blessed" "blessed for playername" and "insured for playername" are

now colored blue for increased visibility

Macros" and "Actions" are two separate items on the main menu

Improved the layout of the veteran rewards window

Improved the animal lore window

Polished spellbook window

Polished char creation window

Improved npc vendor window

Empty slots on the paperdoll now have a tooltip telling you what goes in it

Removed the "add by ID" option in the friends list (since there's no way to find an ID, it was not usable)

Improved the art and functionality of the party window

Added a line to specify what the target is in the tooltip for a hotbar slot

Chat Improvements:

The default chat config now only has one tab with all chat in it

Added a "reset chat to default" option in settings

Added /r or /reply command to automatically reply to the last person to send you a /tell

tell now requires a comma after the player name (it will also handle multi-word names)

Shift-left clicking on a line of chat will copy it to the clipboard

Party, guild, alliance and faction messages will not show as overhead text

The chat context menus now has a color selection option for text color, overhead chat color, and chat window background color

Map Improvements:

added a settings:interface item to reset map icons to default

added 40 new icons for waypoints

waypoint icons on the map will show sextant coordinates when you mouse over them

UI Improvements and Fixes:

You can now target a player or creature by clicking the name over their head

Added a user settings option to use the mouse wheel for targeting - can choose target friendly or target enemy

Added stat hotbar icons - you can drag off icons from the stats window to your hotbar, where it will display the number of your stat. (mouseover the icon for the name of the stat)

Health, mana, and stamina stat icons will change when their value is under 10 - the weight icon will glow when you approach your weight limit

Added dual monitor support - the kr window can now be stretched across two monitors

Static objects (trees, etc) will now display their name when you click on them

If you have your bandages in your hotbar, a timer will count down when you use them, telling you how long it will be until the bandage is applied

Fixed a few bugs with tree foliage not fading correctly

When you drag a stack of items, the number of items will automatically be selected

skill icons in your hotbar will now show your skill points in their tooltip

Made toggle UI, screenshot, toggle circle of transparency, reload ui all configurable keybindings

Turn off hotbar page flipping if legacy chat is enabled (use shift 0-9 to change hotbars in legacy mode)

Players can now target items on ther hotbars, provided the item is in their backpack or equiped

Added a default targeting for spells, different spells now have a different default target instead of defaulting always to current target

Many macros can now be interrupted by the ESC key

General Fixes and Improvements:

Added decoration in many areas, including the doom gauntlet and serpent's hold

Shortened the hiryu's tail

Made giant beetle's beak shorter

Made ostards' tails shorter

Tweaked and added a number of creature graphics and animations

The skills available in Character Creation now match 2d

Items behind other items should be easier to select in freeform view

Tweaked appearance of trees to make them blend with the background less

We have received this from our friends at UOForums:

UOForums Interviews Crystal Rose, from Whispering Rose Radio!

Crystal Rose took some time out to answer questions submitted by our staff and posters alike.

Many thanks Crystal for a great interview

1) Are you the same Crystal Rose that was part of the Chesapeake community for so many years early in the game?
Answer: No, I have never played Chesapeake, although I do travel around a lot from shard to shard with Deal or No Deal UO Style as Vana Mana Rose *winks*.

2) What has been UO's staying power for you?
Answer: The people most of all. I have experienced many happy times within the walls of UO over the last 7 years. Some unhappy times as well but the good over rules the bad by far.

3) What shard do you play if not Chesapeake?
Answer: I have always played the Pacific Shard.

4) Do you remember the UO meetup at the Park Avenue Country Club in NYC circa 1999, hosted by Ian Stormbringer?
Answer: I didn’t attend that one but the 2 I have attended this year (Seattle and Orange California) were a blast! It’s a lot of fun meeting players in person. As well as the people I have contact with in forums.

5) What inspired you to be part of "Whispering Rose Radio"?
Answer: Sandman and I used to be with a different internet radio station that didn’t work out so well for either of us so we kicked off WRR last June. We had a great crew lined up from the very beginning which made it fairly easy to get it off of the ground.

More of the interview can be read at - UOForums Interviews Crystal Rose, from Whispering Rose Radio!

Posted to uoherald.com:

TC1 Has Been Updated
Jeremy Dalberg
19 Nov 2007 19:06:16

UPDATED 11/20: Updated with correct instructions on using the Salvage Bag

TC1 has been updated with the following:

Added the Salvage Bag:

The Salvage Bag is the core of the enhanced recycling system. Players store items in the bag like any other container, but when a recycle command occurs, they target the bag to handle all the items at once.

Layout:

a blue leather bag labeled "A Salvage Bag"

Available on Provisioners for a nominal (~1000gp) fee

Details:

2D/KR: Player clicks the bag after obtaining targeting cursor from Smelt (Blacksmith Menu) or using Scissors

All items of the appropriate type in the bag (metal for smelting, cloth for scissoring) are recycled into their resources

Use the context menu on the bag to select "Salvage Ingots", "Salvage Cloth", or "Salvage All"

The player gets a message containing number of items successfully recycled

Killing bosses in Doom will increase your chances of getting an artifact drop:

Each player character participating against a gauntlet boss or the Dark Father will accumulate artifact reward points.

The more artifact reward points a player character accumulates, the more likely an artifact will spawn in his/her backpack.

Player characters who score higher on the Top Attacker list will earn more points. However, everyone in the Top Attackers list that stays the entire duration of the combat (even if slain) will still earn points.

Moved the New Haven moongate closer to town

Fixed bug that caused 2d chat name selection window to pop up when logging in/crossing server lines

Fixed bug that caused karma loss before selecting a target when begging

Begging will now reduce your karma less if you fail

Resist Spells will now allow you to reduce some damage from Blood Oath (resist spells/20 + 10=percentage of damage resisted)

NPCs should cast Blood Oath less often

* Photo by Lady Lava / Egypt 2007 *

It appears the face of Luna will be changing again soon.
To the distress of most ( not all ) the city of Luna changed looks this past year with what some call the crystalization virus or plague.

I myself own several plots in the city and have watched the changes since the birth, rebirth and rebirth again of Luna. Not only have the structures changed over time so has the mood, as with most cities and villages. Rhen of Rhen and Company put it this way, " I remember the old days of Luna when all the owners seemed to know each other even if it was just a little." Those days are long gone it seems. No more ULTIMA, no more Jade, and no more Purple.
Even Kuan has stopped is monthly design changes of his 18 x 18 Luna plot, which were some of the most creative on Great Lakes and I believe his true calling in game.

In an earlier post this week I mentioned my absence and return as I was in Egypt for two weeks. Inspired by what I saw along the Nile River I decided to redo one of my Luna plots into an Egyptian like Temple. Easier said than done all you designers out there.



In my moments of frustration and elation I was asked into party by another Luna resident, Wild Thyme. To be honest while designing or decorating I do not like to be interupted or stop but I always do and this time I was glad I did.



It did not take me long to find out why Wild Thyme's blonde hair was spiked and standing on end. It appears she lost her account by means I will not mention here. She informed me that she was able to get her account back but the house had been transfered and wondered if I could help or advise in anyway.

Wild Thyme owned one of the oldest unchanged structures in Luna and a landmark for many. The old Jamba Juice structure loved by many.



After giving Wild Thyme a sympathic shoulder and several possible routes of action I decided to check things out for myself. Indeed the ownership had changed but it was the other house signs that shocked me more. Rhen and Company was selling his plots !

I went looking for Rhen himself and found him. To my dismay he was afk. I kept turning to have a word with him but no luck.



January the Rhen & Company Auction House closed due to declining interest. I had always enjoyed that auction house and on several occasions decorated it for Rhen. Rhen is not big on decorating himself and he is the first to admit it.

Today I received and email from Rhen filling me in on the updates.
Right now three people in REN have ownership of five houses in Luna.
Between those three people they have eleven accounts open. They have decided to scale back on UO accounts to free up time and money to try many of the new games coming out over the next year (and some that are out now). The three would like to get down to two UO accounts each.

They do not plan to leave the game altogether!

Rhen has been playing UO for ten years and it saddens him because he sees a decline in player base and a different mood in Luna.
He has been a much loved and regular fixture on Great Lakes.
For those that may not know, it is a lot of work keeping a large vendor shop stocked and well visited.

It makes me and I am sure everyone else happy to know Rhen is not totally leaving us. It will however be interesting to see how the city look changes with those very desirable high traffic properties sold and redesigned. Another rebirth !

To contact Rhen or learn more about Rhen & Co. go to www.rhenco.net

Morgan and Destiny would like to announce and invite everyone to thier wedding which will take place in Nujelum Palace.
Destiny's Maid of Honor will be Chia Pet and the Best Man will be THE CHOSEN ONE. Lady Lava will tie the knot for the couple.

Date: November 20th
Time:830pm est

Please share with us the inspiration for the name Elora Evalla.
I like the movie Willow, always have, and the little baby with the beautiful red hair is Elora Dannen. I Just loved the way it sounded. So I took Elora and created a last name to go with it. Because she's an elf, I wanted to give her an elvin last name, and I wanted to alliterate the E. Elora Evalla, just sounded good to me!

You are well known on Catskills as a creative plot designer and decor master. Describe the very first plot you designed and how long ago was it ?
The very first? Wow that's a hard one. But if I am remembering correctly, I converted a small house ( just 7x7 tiles! ) into a designable plot and built my first house. It took me forever because I wanted it to look pretty, but space was WAY limited!

Last month you held a "Building Beautiful Homes" seminar which I attended. Is this the first one you conducted and will there be more?
It is the second one that I have conducted, previously I did a seminar on building roof tops. I am already considering doing a second build a beautiful house one because there is so much that I just didn't have time to cover!

I truly enjoyed the seminar. Do you ever travel to other shards to see what designers in other lands are up to?
Oh yes! Some of the best houses that I have built have been based off other peoples ideas. I don't only live on Catskills, a lot of my more beautiful creations can be found on Sonoma. My mother also builds amazing houses, and I frequently steal ideas from her!



Elora has the title " Lady ". How and when did she get that title?
She is a monster killing machine! She also LOOSES the title of Lady, daily. *laughs* Mostly deamons, or dragons, or elementals, or ....well you get the idea.

What is your one most prized possession/item in the realm ?
That is hard to say, I do have a set of silverware that I got at server birth that i'm very fond of, it's all stuck together so it sits SO nicely on the table. But I wouldn't say tha was my most prized possesion. The item that I would cry if I lost is a "Christmas Card" written in a little brown book, from my Brother. It's from '97, the only year he played.

What is your most prized possession in real life?
Yikes! All these hard questions. I'd have to say my Kitty Cat. I love my Froot Loop!

What is your favorite color in game?
Blue, definatly blue, and there are some great hues in the game.

What is your favorite color in real life?
My mom calls it 'Sad Blue' but I don't think it's sad! It just has a greyish undertone to it! I swear!

Which location in the realm do you think is most beautiful?
Ilshenar takes the cake for me. There are places that I just think, Wow, someone had a lot of fun making this, and it's really beautiful! Like the waterfall that is coming out of the mountain, and the amazing lava job at the Chaos shrine.

Name the one place you have been in real life that you think is most beautiful.
Hanging Lake, Colorado. It's pretty spectacular and because you have to hike up a ways to get there, it makes it that much more beautiful.

What do you admire most in a friend?
The ability to listen and just be there with you. Sometimes when you're feeling down, and you need some comfort and you don't want to talk about it, just having a friend there with you, whose willing to just be, makes all the difference in the world.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
In real life? I'm pretty happy with what God gave me, but sometimes I have a really crummy attitude, but that of course, is something I *Can* change!
In Elora, nothing. She's got all the quirks and passion and guts that I imagined for her!

Who is your favorite hero in fiction ?
Golly, This is a hard question because I teach reading and I read SO many books and like SO many of the hero's in them. I really like Jessie from Will Hobb's "Downriver" because she really has to dig deep to figure out that maybe she actually WAS doing the wrong thing, and she really comes through for her friends at the end.

What is your motto?
Making Britannia Beautiful, One House at a Time!


Elora , thank you for taking the time to be a guest today. It was a true pleasure meeting you.

ot looking too good at this point for Origin to save Magincia. The tailor shop is now gone and there is a gaping hole in the defense of the city. By courier we were given a map and help on how to push back the spawn to the moongate. But too late for that now. There is no moongate. There exists now a large rift.

All day yesterday and late into the night while others fought in strategy sections 5 and 6, some were successful at clearing section 4, killing Light Demons before they powered up and dealing with some back spawn. This was done in the midst of calls for Magincia to burn and to wait, let the demons power up thereby creating more rubble! Early today some brave troopers gathered for a concerted effort to try and push the spawn back according to the strategy of the sages. But others were intent on dragging light demons into buildings to create more rubble or artie hunting for their 30th Staff of Pyros.

Will Magincia be saved? Or are the Originians helping to destroy this once fair city of the mages?

To see how the other shards of the crystal are faring, visit an ethereal plane of discussion.

(Note: Please refer to Part I of this story, kindly posted for me by Zynia on 11/5/07)

James Lawford was born in the Valorian Isles city of Jhelom 28 years ago. He was a slight lad, and didn’t fit the usual mold of a warrior-to-be; due to this, James was tormented by his peers. His parents, mercenaries by trade, were slain in battle with the Juka, leaving ten-year-old James an orphan. Unfortunately, this did not ease his persecution.

At the age of twelve, James fell in with a local band of pickpockets and deftly learned to ply their trade. After James spent a few years on the streets, the Jhelom Guard cracked down on his gang. With most of his compatriots in jail or worse, James slipped through the moongate, desperate to survive. He soon found himself in a new city, Britain, a place where his reputation was, as yet, unsullied. Within days, however, the Royal Guard had him marked as a thief, and expelled from the city.

Now an outcast, James wandered the northern roads as a brigand. After several years, James heard of Newcastle, the city which had sprung up around the castle of the Royal Knights of Redemption. He journeyed there, towards the unsuspecting town.

This history, unknown to most Newcastle residents, might seem scandalous. For they know him as a mild-mannered farmer who moved there to work the rich farmland, and join a community based on the Virtues. They accepted his story, and welcomed him into their community. Even as the citizens grew on him, James lusted after the city’s treasury, awaiting his chance.

Several months ago, James declared his candidacy for Mayor of Newcastle. Running unopposed, James’ election was a sure bet. Or it was, until he met Nosfentor, Shadowlord and leader of the Crimson Order...

This brings us to the present. After the fall of Castle British, James’ attitudes changed. He sat in the gallery during the High Council meetings and openly scoffed at the running of the Kingdom. Brandishing a dagger, he flippantly told the Chancellor that she should surrender to the Crimson Order, as defeat was inevitable. He continued to mock the Grand Marshal and the Britannian Armed Forces throughout the meeting, and was eventually forced to leave...as a spirit.

At the next High Council meeting, James was disruptive. Again, he espoused the rhetoric of surrender. This time, however, other Newcastle citizens were there to attempt to restrain his behavior. He became combative and actually slapped Prafectus Oona of the Royal Knight of Redemption across the face. Once more he was forced to leave the Council Hall, this time retaining his corporeal form.

After searching for him for days, I located him skulking about the Newcastle Post Office. When I questioned him about his loyalties to the city, and to the Crown, he merely laughed.

I asked him of his bid for the office of Mayor, in light of his recent political leanings, and he gave me a most disturbing reply, “The citizens of Newcastle are like sheep. If it weren’t for the wolves, the Knights, to keep them in order they'd scatter in this direction anyways...” I questioned his likening the residents to sheep, and he said, “Aye, nice fatted sheep!”

When asked why the sudden change of allegiance, he smiled and quipped, “’Tis better at the right hand of the devil, then to stand in her path.” He went on, in a conspiratorial tone, that he stood to profit from the war by selling supplies and artifacts. Tokunese artifacts. He claimed this profit would, “Benefit my people immeasurably,” When asked who ‘his people’ are, his only response was to tap a tattoo in his right forearm, a black fist outlined in red. With that, he winked and melded into the shadows.

Currently, James is in protective custody after his most recent disruption of the last High Council meeting. As before, he said Britannia should surrender to the Crimson Order or prepare to die. Chancellor Willa urged the Newcastle Councilor to have James taken to a healer, fearing that his mind may have been warped during his visit to Cove.

Is James Lawford a traitor? A spy? Or is he just the latest casualty of Nosfentor’s unrelenting desire to see Britannia in ruins?

Martyna Z'muir, LofS

ell they are doing it again. They are making a Holiday House for the Shard and this time it is for Thanksgiving! Take the time to stop by the SE corner of the Luna Mall and see the unique vendor house that CCC has placed for the holidays.

And in a gesture of thanks, on the night before Thanksgiving and during the day, periodically there will be free stuff on the vendors!

Happy Thanksgiving Origin, if traveling, travel safe, if with family enjoy, if playing UO stop by the Thanksgiving House.

Magincia Invasion: A City Goes IDOC! Welcome again to our special news series on the Magincia Invasion. Keeping you abreast of Oceania's own invasion and defense efforts. Magincia has certainly taken a beating thanks to the demonic hordes now plagueing its citizens and visitors alike. It is the stuff of nightmares and it doesn't look like Magincia will be safe anytime soon.

When the dark shroud of this invasion fell over Magincia, we thought we knew what we were in for. For although we watched in horror as the daemons marched through the forests and town, and we did our best to fend them off, we truly could not have imagined the destruction that followed. The daemon corpses and a broken Moongate were the least of our worries.

Magincia's Forests turned to cindering rubble.

The once-flourishing Tailor Shop in Magincia.

But how are the daemons doing this? There are several answers to that. The daemons' presence alone is enough to corrupt the moongate and the foliage, turning it to a charred mass. The buildings, however, are being destroyed primarily by the Light Daemons.

Watch for particularly strong Light Daemons, and you will notice odd things happen as you are fighting them. Occasionally a smattering of white energy will be created by the daemon, which will then be followed by a devastating explosion, turning buildings to rubble! Sometimes these daemons will create a wall of white fire, which can also damage parts of buildings and plants beyond repair.

What is being done to prevent the destruction of Magincia? While citizens have tried barricades, forts, archers and even cannons, adventurers come from all over Oceania to fight off the invading forces.

It seemed to buy some time, but the barricades are now all but destroyed, and it would appear the only real defence is Offence. These daemons need to be slain and forced to retreat to the void from which they came!

The end of this nightmare is surely near, but Will it end when we force the daemons to retreat, or will it end when there is simply nothing of Magincia left to destroy?

Stay tuned for the final Magincia Invasion instalment: Rewarding our Efforts!

UO Oceania News Reporter

The Oceania Cup: A Jockey's Tale

The Oceania Cup, hosted by PoC, was held today at 12:30pm. Thanks to Amathist, PoC and the other helpers for this event! I allowed my tamer, Taelyn, to attend. Here is her story...

Taelyn was enjoying a beverage in the mining town of Minoc when a large banner on the Tavern wall caught her eye.

The Oceania Cup! She had a fine steed, Faction Silver, who could surely lead her to victory in this prestigious race. Her eyes narrowed as she read the rest of the banner. It was in Malas. Taelyn remembered all too well the last time she rode Faction Silver in Malas.

Still, the race was too weeks away, and perhaps with some training, Faction could overcome his irrational fear of skittering hoppers. Taelyn went to Minoc stable first thing the following morning, and prepared him for training.

Though reluctant, Faction Silver was obedient and he trained with Taelyn every morning for the next two weeks. He gave Hoppers a wide berth, but this wasn't so bad, as he also ran very fast whenever he saw one, and Taelyn was sure her horse would be the fastest because of it.

The day of the race arrived and Taelyn went to Umbra and met with the other Jockeys (Mikla, on Chester and Constable Fox, on Magistrate). There were meant to be five horses but Alement and George appeared to have been scratched. Taelyn was given racing silks of pink and white, and she waited on the start line with the others.

Saphire gave the word and Faction Silver was quick off the mark. He was quickly overtaken by Magistrate, however, and Chester was not far behind. Taelyn handed her book to Talon at the first checkpoint, and Constable Fox sped off on Magistrate as Mikla and Chester arrived.

As Talon signed Taelyn's book, Taelyn blinked away the raindrops that had begun to fall on her lashes, and she wondered whether Faction Silver would cope in the wet weather. She needn't have worried, however, as Faction took her to Nakita (the next checkpoint) quickly, and even leapt the barrel hurdle with ease.

It was the final leg, and as Taelyn had her book signed by Sigmond Fryed, she craned her neck to look ahead and behind for signs of the others. She saw no-one, and didn't waste time wondering, as she spurred Faction Silver on. Soon she reached the finish line, and saw Constable Fox was already dismounted and tending to Magistrate.

Saphire was at the finish, along with Sir Seth Cromwel, Talon, and very soon, Mikla and Chester, taking third place. Nakita and Sigmond Fryed left their checkpoints and joined the others at the finish line. Saphire awarded prizes, advising that all had raced well. Taelyn agreed, especially given Chester was not on his home soil, and the jokeys all accepted their prizes gratefully.

In the bustle of everyone leaving, however, Taelyn shot Constable Fox a beady look, wondering if using a police-issue mount, which was obviously trained for high speed chases, was really fair.

UO Oceania News Reporter

Greetings, citizens of Britannia! I, Martyna Z'muir, would like to formally introduce myself to you, the faithful Stratics readers. You may have seen some of my articles in the past, posted by the other fine reporters of Great Lakes. Now, however, I am a Great Lakes Reporter myself. A happy day indeed!

As with my previous articles, I will mainly focus on the events of our great lands. More specifically, I will cover the sometimes rocky, but always entertaining, world roleplay. From the High Council’s struggle with the Crimson Order, to the mysterious and wily thief known as ‘M’ and beyond, I will endeavor to be there!

If you have information you would like to impart to aid in my article investigations, or something you believe other citizens should be aware of, please contact me! I may be found at most events, just look for the red-haired elven lass with the blood-red gnarled staff, Truth's Blood. I may also be found at the Library of Sosaria, the three story sandstone building directly south of the Yew moongate in Trammel.

Remember that you, the peoples of Great Lakes, are what make our shard special. And the events and stories add to our shared culture and rich history.

Walk with Virtue,
Martyna Z'muir, LofS

November 16, 2007

"What’s the deal with Crushing Blow? It seems to not always add damage."
Crushing Blow is a 150% damage modifier (the same DI modifier most things use, code-wise.) What's probably happening, if you don't see a difference, is that you're running up against the 300% cap (fifth question down.)

"When a monster loots you, how is that loot handled? Does it just become regular loot, distributed via normal loot rules?"
No, actually, that loot is separate. When the critter that's looted you dies, the looted items are placed on your instance of the corpse - and even if you wouldn't normally get an instanced corpse for it, one is created for you to hold those items. That corpse will remain available to you (and only you) until the corpse decays entirely.

"I'm a Legendary Smith - why do I lose durability points so often when I try to repair things?"
"Because there's a pretty high base chance to lose a point of durability" seems to be the simple answer. The formula is as follows:

Chance to lose Durability = ((40 + Max Durability) - Current Durability) - (repairSkill / 100) (where repair skill is Test Center-style, i.e. GM = 1000, not 100.0)

Example: Blacksmithing of 1100 (110.0), 50 current and max durability, yields a 29% chance that max durability will be reduced by 1. If an item has taken more than 71 points of damage, the chance for it to lose a point of durability reaches 100% even for a Legendary smith. So there's a definite choice to be made - do you repair early and often, and risk failure, or late and seldom, and guarantee it?

"I bought the 20% Storage Increase, but my vendor slots didn't go up by 20%. What's the deal?"
So, despite what the KB says, it's NOT a 20% increase to your vendor slots. Your vendor slots are derived from your total storage (by an incredibly arcane formula) so increasing your total storage will make your vendor slots go up, but it's not as simple as just adding 20% (or 40%, if you have both ML and the new bonus.)

There's no terribly useful way to find your new vendor slot amount (short of just buying the bonus and trying it) so I'll get a new chart put together and added to the vendor page/kb in the relatively near future.

"We STILL aren't seeing any rubble in Magincia!"
Oh, you will :) Here's an update from the Master of Disaster himself:

• The invasion is switching to its near-final (but not quite done) phase where Light and Void daemons gain their full powers from the corrupted moongate
• Destruction can averted by killing Light Daemons before they reach buildings
• Destroyed areas come with an initial set of "rubble", and, for a short time thereafter, will occasionally spawn duplicate pieces of "rubble" for collectors
• Items marked as "debris" cannot be picked up or removed by players
• The top few attackers on Light and Void daemons now have an exceptionally high chance of receiving their related rare artifacts (Staff of Pyros, etc) directly into their packs

• CatHat tweaked the tree colors to make them stand out more ("Everything is a big green blur!" has been a common complaint.)
• Added mouse-wheel targeting
• Added a bandage countdown
• You can select chat colors now, both overhead and in-window, and pick the background color (a long with several other chat improvements)

That's not to mention all the performance improvements, the fully-moddable UI, Legacy Art Modes



Legacy Container Art



and tons of tweaks, bug fixes, and improvements.

"I don't play KR - do *I* get anything?"
Oh, perhaps we can come up with something... hmm, how's this?

The Salvage Bag:

The Salvage Bag is the core of the enhanced recycling system. Players store items in the bag like any other container, but when a recycle command occurs, they target the bag to handle all the items at once.

Layout:

• a blue leather bag labeled "A Salvage Bag"
• Available on Provisioners for a nominal (~1000gp) fee

• 2D/KR: Player clicks the bag after obtaining targeting cursor from Smelt (Blacksmith Menu) or using Scissors
  • All items of the appropriate type in the bag (metal for smelting, cloth for scissoring) are recycled into their resources
  • The player gets a message containing number of items successfully recycled

Fansite News

UOForums interviews Crystal Rose, from Whispering Rose Radio!

"Crystal Rose took some time out to answer questions submitted by our staff and posters alike. Many thanks Crystal for a great interview - check out the full interview here! "

Next week is Thanksgiving, so there will not be a Five on Friday. Instead, we hope to have juicy patch notes by midweek!

- Jeremy

Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday:

FoF: Feast then Famine
Jeremy Dalberg
09 Nov 2007 21:07:00

In this week's Five on Friday, find out the deal behind repairing items, get an event update, and check out some goodies from the upcoming publish!

Read the whole article Here

n Saturday November 17 (Third Saturday of the month). Come share some laughs and enjoy stories, poems, history, anecdotes and jokes after a long day of fighting, shopping, peerless or discovery.

This is a great way for all players new and old, Origin and across the shards to come together, drink, eat and be merry.

The tavern also hosts a wrestling pit, dice pit and dart boards for additional drunken recreation following the stories.

The Road to Hope Tavern is located in the player town of Icelyn at 97 deg 50 min North and 14 deg 37 min East. (Just south of the Icelyn Rune Library). In the past we have had some extraordinary storytellers from across the shards and from Origin. Come and experience something special.

Jeremy Dalberg 14 Nov 2007 16:39:16

There is some weirdness with tree canopies, doubled objects, and other items in Magincia at the moment. Draconi's working on it, and has this to say:

"Just so everyone knows, something did go horribly wrong.”

I won't insult any ones intelligence by claiming it's too complex to explain, but wow, the factors involved in this kind of bug appearing are incredibly... unlikely. So, yeah, apparently the server decided to pull a fast one on us, and coincidentally, it's one of the same things that was once responsible for server rares :P

Anyways, we have a manual fix for it, and will be implementing it shortly. Since LS has done the honors, we'll test there first.

Your progress thus far has not been lost, nor will you be forced to start from scratch again. Each shard will have their individuality restored without a revert."

Posted to uoherald.com:

Oddness In Magincia, FYI
Jeremy Dalberg
14 Nov 2007 16:39:16

There is some weirdness with tree canopies, doubled objects, and other items in Magincia at the moment. Draconi's working on it, and has this to say:

"Just so everyone knows, something did go horribly wrong.

I won't insult anyones' intelligence by claiming it's too complex to explain, but wow, the factors involved in this kind of bug appearing are incredibly... unlikely. So, yeah, apparently the server decided to pull a fast one on us, and coincidentally, it's one of the same things that was once responsible for server rares :P

Anyways, we have a manual fix for it, and will be implementing it shortly. Since LS has done the honors, we'll test there first.

Your progress thus far has not been lost, nor will you be forced to start from scratch again. Each shard will have their individuality restored without a revert."

November 14, 2007

The many worlds, called shards, of Ultima Online were once one single world before the shattering of the Gem of Immortality. Even when it lay broken and was thought destroyed, it still bound the very fabric of Britannia's existence to its many pieces. Thus, as the original Britannia moved on in the sea of history, so went the shards in their own currents.

It should then be unsurprising that the history of one world differs so greatly from another, such as in the case of the great city of Magincia:

"Somewhere, out beyond civilization, is also reputed to lie the ruins of the legendary town of Magincia, which the gods destroyed for the insufferable pride of those that dwelt there. All of the magnificent marble palaces and gardens were devastated, and the rich, haughty inhabitants reduced to haunting spirits."

- The History of Britannia, as told by Kyle the Younger (Ultima IV)

Kyle would never come to write this sort of history for the city we know today. Magincia continued on in its prosperity, eventually attracting many of the greatest minds and talents in the realm to work at the hands of the isle's affluent patrons. Even the Council of Mages, comprised of many a scholar from Moonglow, chose there instead to establish themselves. Truly, Magincia is the pride and jewel of the outlying isles.

It is true that all the shards are unique, with their own peoples and customs, wars and explorations, rulers and heroes. It is also true that many of the shards have strayed from the original Britannia, avoiding some disasters, while facing new ones.

Yet... history cannot be denied. It may be diverted, delayed - even altered to a degree - but never denied. Shadows have begun moving in an undercurrent as vast as the ethereal void itself, a darkness that once set upon a Britannia many of us have never known.

And so, the weight of time is about to come crashing down upon this blissfully unaware city. They will be see the threat, surely, and be confident it is minor. They will most certainly deny any offers of help, at first, and throw themselves into the fray. As the hordes advance and help lingers, history will attempt to reassert itself.

Yes, Magincia will burn.

Will you try to stop it?

--

Britannia News Network Coverage

• BNN: A Minor Inconvenience
• BNN: Magincia Repels Invasion!
• BNN: Daemons Decimate Magincia Defenses!
• BNN: Military reinforces Maginicia! Invasion strengthens!
• BNN: Daemons Attack Northern Quarter

Magincia: Changes, Warnings, and Resources:

• The Magincia moongate has been corrupted. Travel to the island is currently impossible by magical means
  • Warning: The moongate is judged to be highly unstable, and volunteers are urged to keep their distance. Also, beware of bringing hazardous or highly magical materials too near.
• A ferry has been arranged between the Trinsic and Magincia docks; independent ship captains are also encouraged to transport supplies and volunteers to the island
  • WARNING: The extreme use of fire fields in and around the island has made the shores extremely hazardous to ships. Unattended ships WILL sink quickly. Captains are urged to remain with their ships, or to dry-dock them immediately.
• The docks have been barricaded against the assault, and medical assistance and bank access is available.
• The docks are also protected by a pair of cannoneers who will fire at any invader who makes it past the barricades
• Much of the island's vegetation is being charred by the daemon's fire.
• The Royal Architects report that the structural integrity of many buildings in the city is at risk: much of the city is made from marble, which may crack and shatter under extremely high heat.
• A priest of Mondain has been sighted in the woods northeast of the city
• The island of Magincia has been deemed extremely hazardous, and the Mage Council has managed to create a powerful spell to pull our Young citizens to safety. (Young players will be teleported to Trinsic)

Invading Forces:

• The invasion seems to be coming from the moongate. A rough estimate of the attack patterns:
  
  • The most effective counterattack seems to be following the above pattern in reverse order - first driving invaders away from the docks, then out of the city itself, then clearing the northern part of the forest, then finally assaulting the moongate.
• New monsters, comprised of daemons with extraordinary powers, are leading the invasion alongside with other powerful monsters such as Dark Fathers.
  • Light Daemon: A glowing daemon that moves extremely slowly, but attacks with blazes of fire and light. Any object in the location where it steps is instantly destroyed.
  • Void Daemon: A dark monster that has several special moves, including the ability to pull players and animals into a black hole, which does extreme damage and teleports them to a random location in the world.
  • Daemon Berserker: The same twisted magic that created Ophidian Berserkers has created these unthinking hulks. They attack anything but other Daemon Berserkers, viciously destroying their own allies and players alike.
• Reports indicate that the invaders occasionally carry new and powerful weapons. Some of the items recovered thus far include the following:
  • Staff of Pyros: A rare chance of laying down a line of fire in the direction the wielder is facing, while attacking something. Carried occasionally by Light Daemons
  • Vorpal Blade:
    • A rare chance of instantly killing an NPC mobile
    • An extremely rare chance of duplicating the black hole attack of the Void Daemons, affecting NPC mobiles
    • Carried occasionally by Void Daemons
  • Berserker's Scythe: A determined chance of black rock infecting the wielder's target. Found on slain Berserkers
  • Cursed Doom Artifacts: Many of the more powerful invading daemons carry cursed versions of Doom artifacts. (Being cursed, they can't be insured and will drop to your corpse if you die. However, they are substantially more common than the uncursed versions.)
  • Ancient Weapons: Berserker Daemons are extraordinarily powerful, and can only be defeated by artifacts of equal might - ordinary attacks only do 5% of their normal damage. The invading armies may carry weapons that can defeat them - Power, Vanquishing, and even Mystic weapons. These throwbacks to ancient magic have the following properties:
  • "The Power, Vanquishing, and Mystic weapons cut directly through the Berserker's magical shielding to deal a certain percentage of the damage you would've done normally to it. Power does the least percentage, and Mystics do the highest. The damage numbers you see when dealing damage to Berserkers is the 5% mentioned above, and doesn't include the extra damage the magical weapon has included as well. " - Draconi
• Daemon's Blood has been reported to appear in pools around the moongate as daemon corpses decay. While many volunteers are gathering this raw form of the potent reagent, caution is advised.

Plans For Defense:

• The Royal Guard is arranging the delivery of more cannon to aid the defenders. Trained cannoneers are few; however, the Guard is confident they can find volunteers willing to learn their use.
• The Mage Council's researches indicate that the moongate is extremely unstable, and its condition could worsen. The effects of an unstable moongate are impossible to predict, but could be dire. The Council will continue to investigate.

Pumpkins and Jack o' Lanterns

• Spawn in pumpkin patches throughout the world
• Once picked up they become "PlayerName's Pumpkin"
  • 1:2 chance of becoming an exploding Jack o' Lantern
  • Very rare chance of becoming a powerful Jack o' Lantern that lays down flames everywhere

Trick or Treating

• Players can say "Trick or Treat" and will then be able to target an NPC to beg from.
  • Treats:
    • Candy red apple
    • Brightly colored rock candies
    • Black licorice
    • A plate of Mr. Plain's Cookies
    • Pumpkin Pizza
    • Creepy Cake
    • Harvest Wine
    • Murky Milk
• Tricks:
  • Bloody Mess
  • Splatter
  • Evil Twin
  • Random polymorph
  • Cacophony

--

* photo by Lady Lava, Karnak Temple, Egypt 2007 *

I have been missing the past two weeks traveling the Nile River from one end to the other. Yes, the Nile River in Egypt.

As a Great Lakes Reporter for years the readers know when I travel I often check into Stratics to give updates or reply on the boards or post off topic adventures while on holiday. This was done with zest two years ago while in Italy. This year I also became a Catskills Reporter so the readers there may not be familiar with this.
This trip to Egypt was so action packed I was not able to do it this vacation.

For most of us real life mirrors the realm and vice versa and this trip was no exception. Often I would see things in this very exotic location that made me think of UO and the most reoccurring one was the Ankh.


Shrine of Makoto

Our shrines are in the form of an Ankh, spells, house signs and statues are others to name a few that use this symbol.


Shrine of Wisdom

The ankh is one of the most familiar of Egyptian hieroglyphs. It resembles the Christian cross, with a loop above the transverse bar. Theories on its origins are numerous and varied; ranging from sexual symbolism to the common sandal strap. Like the Knot of Isis, which it resembles, it is most likely depicts some kind of elaborate bow. Detailed representations of the ankh show that the lower section is actually comprised of two parts - the ends of the bow. Early examples of the ankh actually show the ends separated.


* Photo by Lady Lava, Luxor temple, Egypt 2007 *

Originally, the ankh may have been a knot with some specific religious or mythical significance.

While the origins of the ankh may be obscure, the meaning is certainly clear - "life". It is with this basic connotation that the sign is carried in the hands of many Egyptian deities.
The ankh was popular throughout Egyptian history and due to its cruciform shape remained so into the Coptic period. It entered Christian iconography as the crux ansata, the handled or "eyed" cross.

The ankh was everywhere I went from the Kom-Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, The Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel Temples, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, to The Egyptian Museum in Cairo.


Chamber of Virtue

This trip was planned quickly, in three weeks time. It is not everyday that a gal has a new guy in her life and he sweeps her off her feet and takes her to Egypt, lol. It was not all play however. I write for a local newspaper and took notes for a feature article and of course I was looking for UO related images as we went along. The ankh was not the only image/word that crossed my path on this holiday….Felucca.


* Photo by Lady Lava, Felucca boat on the Nile 2007 *

Felucca however took on a different meaning in this land of pyramids, pharaohs and sphinx’s. It is a sailed boat and we took one for a three hour ride on the Nile, most romantic and exciting.
It is always fun to go on holiday but nice to return to ones own bed and home and I am glad to be back and back in the realm. I have several articles/posts ready for this upcoming weekend. The Obituary Column for Great Lakes and a riveting interview on Catskills.

There is no place like home!


Aphrodite of Catskills displays an ankh on her roof

credit : definition of ankh by April McDevitt

* photo by Lady Lava, Karnak Temple, Egypt 2007 *

I have been missing the past two weeks traveling the Nile River from one end to the other. Yes, the Nile River in Egypt.

As a Great Lakes Reporter for years the readers know when I travel I often check into Stratics to give updates or reply on the boards or post off topic adventures while on holiday. This was done with zest two years ago while in Italy. This year I also became a Catskills Reporter so the readers there may not be familiar with this.
This trip to Egypt was so action packed I was not able to do it this vacation.

For most of us real life mirrors the realm and vice versa and this trip was no exception. Often I would see things in this very exotic location that made me think of UO and the most reoccurring one was the Ankh.


Shrine of Makoto

Our shrines are in the form of an Ankh, spells, house signs and statues are others to name a few that use this symbol.


Shrine of Wisdom

The ankh is one of the most familiar of Egyptian hieroglyphs. It resembles the Christian cross, with a loop above the transverse bar. Theories on its origins are numerous and varied; ranging from sexual symbolism to the common sandal strap. Like the Knot of Isis, which it resembles, it is most likely depicts some kind of elaborate bow. Detailed representations of the ankh show that the lower section is actually comprised of two parts - the ends of the bow. Early examples of the ankh actually show the ends separated.


* Photo by Lady Lava, Luxor temple, Egypt 2007 *

Originally, the ankh may have been a knot with some specific religious or mythical significance.

While the origins of the ankh may be obscure, the meaning is certainly clear - "life". It is with this basic connotation that the sign is carried in the hands of many Egyptian deities.
The ankh was popular throughout Egyptian history and due to its cruciform shape remained so into the Coptic period. It entered Christian iconography as the crux ansata, the handled or "eyed" cross.

The ankh was everywhere I went from the Kom-Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, The Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel Temples, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, to The Egyptian Museum in Cairo.


Chamber of Virtue

This trip was planned quickly, in three weeks time. It is not everyday that a gal has a new guy in her life and he sweeps her off her feet and takes her to Egypt, lol. It was not all play however. I write for a local newspaper and took notes for a feature article and of course I was looking for UO related images as we went along. The ankh was not the only image/word that crossed my path on this holiday….Felucca.


* Photo by Lady Lava, Felucca boat on the Nile 2007 *

Felucca however took on a different meaning in this land of pyramids, pharaohs and sphinx’s. It is a sailed boat and we took one for a three hour ride on the Nile, most romantic and exciting.
It is always fun to go on holiday but nice to return to ones own bed and home and I am glad to be back and back in the realm. I have several articles/posts ready for this upcoming weekend. The Obituary Column for Great Lakes and a riveting interview on Catskills.

There is no place like home!


Aphrodite of Catskills displays an ankh on her roof

credit : definition of ankh by April McDevitt

Posted to uoherald.com:

Halloween Event Guide Updated
Jeremy Dalberg
13 Nov 2007 16:22:29

Check it out! for all of your Magincia-related needs!

Resistance arises in Maginica

In the last few days it was nearly impossible to not hear about the news from Magincia. We were flooded with information about the invasion, and on the past weekend, there was a lot of news about the selfless missions by the citizens of Sosaria. Of course I had to take a look myself, therefore I decided to set off for Trinsic. At the harbour where the ferry to Magincia lies everything seemed to be normal. The fishermen were selling their precious goods from the sea, the port authority checked this in their own thoughtful way, and the pedestrians hurried around. The only remarkable thing where the men and women, who looked very determined, walked towards the ferry, paid their passage and afterwards quietly looked for a seat.

Barricades everywhere in the city of Magincia Barrikaden prägen das Stadtbild von Magincia

Soldiers Khalil and Loren are responsible for harbour security Die Soldaten Khalil und Loren sorgen für Sicherheit am Hafen

They were among the people who jumped off the boat first, as it landed on the shores of Magincia. They drove their mounts quickly towards the northern part of the city. As I stepped on the wooden planks in the harbour the first thing I noticed was a ghastly quietness. A small provisional bank opend a few days before, because the one in town was no longer operable - the monsters had devasteted the building. Nearby, two medics, Ellen and Trudy, had opened up their small corner. «We have to resurrect lots of people, warriors, mages, tamers», so they told me. «But we also have to care for nasty flesh wounds from the daemon bites.» I shuddered and went to the two soldiers who prospected the city with an observant eye. «We have confidence in our training», said Khalil to me. «But we also have our precious Berta's here. And they are doing their job also very fine.» He patted the giant cannon which stood near him and his colleague, Loren. Both smiled their intuitive soldier-smirk, so that I left them alone and went deeper into town.

Daemon massacre at the corrupted Magincia moongate Dämonenmassaker am korrumpierten Magincia Mondtor

Some Daemon treasures are to be found in the western woods In den westlichen Wäldern können Dämonen Schätze gefunden werden

I had to conquer the first barricades a few steps later. These looked like they were professionally built, other ones were probably built by the fleeing citizens of Magincia. The noise of battle swelled with every step now. Sometimes, there was burning rubble and charred plants. As I came up to the bakery I espied a monster which bustled throughout the streets. A short moment later a group of warriors dashed past me, clearly tracing the monster. Seconds later I turned around the corner and what I saw took my breath away.

The people are standing up against the Berserkers Die Menschen leistn den Berserkern Widerstand

Berserkers and other monsters are carrying treasures too In Berserker Leichen können ebenfalls Schätze gefunden werden

Dozens of monsters were fighting seemingly endless battles against men and elves. Daemons, Arcane and Bone Daemons, Imps, Hellcats but also Dark Fathers and Berserkers rushed and ravaged around this once so proud town. There was nearly nothing left of it. The buildings had taken damage from the monsters, bricks and walls were in pieces. The plants and well-groomed flower gardens were mostly destroyed, burned and black. Everywhere fierce smoke climbed into ones nose, which had been summoned by the malicious monsters. I hastily rode back towards the new harbour-bank, got my armor and joined the brave men and elves. The battle lasted for hours and the killed and injured people were numerous. However, the expression on most faces was: The dirty rotten horde of monsters should not get away so easily!

*

Der Widerstand schlägt in Magincia zurück

In den letzten Tagen wurde man mit Neuigkeiten über die Invasion in Magincia geradezu überhäuft. Auch über das vergangene Wochenende wurde wieder von zahlreichen selbstlosen Einsätzen der Einwohner Sosaria's bekannt. Natürlich wollte ich mir selbst ein Bild davon machen, und nahm deshalb den weiten Weg nach Trinsic in Kauf. Im Hafen, wo die Fähre nach Magincia übersetzte, schien alles seinen gewohnten Gang zu gehen. Fischer handelten ihr kostbares Meeresgut, die Hafenbehörde kontrollierte in gewohnt bedächtiger Manier, und die Passanten eilten in alle Richtungen umher. Auffallend hoch war jedoch der Anteil der entschlossen dreinblickenden Männer und Frauen, die zielstrebig auf die Fähre zugingen, ihre Passage bezahlten und sich meist still und konzentriert einen Platz suchten.

Sometimes, a little chat and a break from the war was possible Zeitweilig gab es sogar kurze Kampfpausen

With all means, the invasion has been delayed Mit allen Mitteln wird im nahen Wald die Invasion aufgehalten

Kaum war man in Magincia angekommen, waren diese Fahrgäste auch wieder als Erste von Bord: Sie trieben ihre Reittiere meist sehr schnell in die nördliche Richtung der Stadt. Im Hafen der Stadt des Stolzes fiel mir als erstes die gespenstische Ruhe auf. Eine kleine, provisorisch eingerichtete Bank hatte erst vor Kurzem den Dienst derjenigen in der Stadt übernommen - diese wird momentan von zahlreichen Monstern heimgesucht. Zwei Sanitäter, Ellen und Trudy, hatten gleich oberhalb der Hafentreppen ihre kleine Heilecke eingerichtet. «Wir müssen oft tapfere Kämpfer, Magier und Zähmer wiederbeleben», wie sie mir sagten. «Wobei die grossen Fleischwunden die von Dämonenbissen herrühren ebenfalls einen guten Teil der Kundschaft ausmachen.» Leicht schaudernd ging ich weiter und begrüsste die zwei Soldaten, de gleich daneben mit wachsamem Auge den wichtigen Anlaufpunkt im Hafen sicherten. «Wir vertrauen auf unsere gute Ausbildung», meinte der eine, Khalil, zu mir. «Wobei die guten alten Berta's ihre Sache hier ebenfalls sehr gut machen.» Dabei tätschelte er zufrieden die riesige Kanone, die neben ihm und seinem Kollegen Loren stand. Beide grinsten ihr wissendes Soldatenlachen, so dass ich sie nicht länger aufhalten wollte und mich tiefer in die Stadt begab.

Fighting in town to protect the once proud city Heftige Stadtkämpfe, um die einst stolze Stadt zu beschützen

But some damage is already done Aber der Schaden ist nicht wieder gutzumachen

Die ersten Barrikaden musste ich schon wenige Schritte später überwinden. Die einen professionell vom Militär errichtet, die anderen eher spontan, wohl von der flüchtenden Bevölkerung noch aufgebaut. Der Kampfeslärm schwoll nun mit jedem Schritt an, und hie und da konnte man brennende Trümmer und Pflanzen ausmachen. Auf Höhe der Bäckerei erspähte ich erste Monster, die hektisch durch die sonst fast leergefegten Gassen eilten. Kurz darauf preschte eine Gruppe Krieger vorbei, die offensichtlich dem Ungetüm auf der Spur war. Als ich um die Ecke bog und einen Blick auf die Wiesenfläche zwischen dem Inn und dem Tic-Toc Shop warf, verschlug es mir schier den Atem.

Mysterious beasts, corrupted by blackrock Mysteriöse Bestien, schattengleich und blackrock-verseucht

The moongate itself reacts heavily to blackrock Das Mondtor reagiert heftig auf Blackrock

Dutzende von Monstern lieferten sich endlos scheinende Kämpfe mit den wehrhaften Menschen und Elfen. Dämonen, Arkan- und Knochendämonen, Imps, Höllenkatzen, aber auch Dark Fathers und Berserker stürmten hasserfüllt umher und wüteten in der einst so stolzen Stadt. Davon war jetzt aber nicht mehr viel zu erkennen. Die Häuser hatten teilweise schon ziemliche Schäden davongetragen, Ziegel und Wände waren beschädigt. Die Pflanzen und die einst so sorgfältig gehegten Blumenbeete waren grösstenteils zerstört, verbrannt und schwarz. Überall stieg einem der bissige Rauch des ewigen Feuers in die Nase, den die Monster mit ihrem bösartigen Zauber verbreiteten. Ich ritt eilends zurück zur neuen Hafen-Bank, rüstete mich für einen längeren Kampf aus und schloss mich den tapferen Menschen und Elfen an. Der Kampf dauerte Stunden, und die getöteten und verletzten Seelen waren zahlreich. Dennoch erblickte man in so manchem Gesicht einen fest entschlossenen Ausdruck: So einfach sollte diese ungewaschene Monsterhorde nicht davonkommen!

Farewell, auf bald!
~ Medea

Stay tuned for more reports on the battle for Magincia!

Here are a few snippets from your favourite forum in October, which we've already read but for some reason seem all the more amusing in the re-quoting! As always, these quotes have been copied as is, with no editing (unless otherwise stated), so typos prevail! Have fun! UO Oceania News Reporter

---

"I'm Oceania's answer to a question nobody asked.."
Fink, and I think it works just as well without context.

"*goes off to enjoy real life*"
Amathist in response to theunstablesloth.

"Anyway Arrrrrrrrr ye all have a nice day."
Longbow S/A, having joined the Pirates of Cove.

"haha i tipped a cow :P"
baldra discovers one of UO's simple pleasures.

"Guri, where are you? "
Mezzac seeks out Oceania's premium plant vendor.

"Well Done The Pommies... Maybe see you at the next world cup......if you make it."
Jack LR comes from Europa to exact his revenge on Farscape.

"just chuck it in a chest and 5 years later when you open it you get a nice surprise"
Farscape clearly thinks home decor is overrated.

"I am all for these brothers and children laws.....someone really should pass it"
Amathist, after Eleanora suggested there should be laws against brothers with five children under twelve.

"I hereby nominate Far as the forums resident Curmudgeon. All in favour... "
Sid Vacuous in response to Farscape's rant on the younger generations.

"A bunny rabbit showed up at my inlaws last night and a couple of witches at our place later on."
Katlene after Halloween evening.

"i DEMAND RECOGNITION!!! =P"
dum3886 after his picture was in "Three on Thursday" and I referred to him as "someone".

"*Rummages in her handbag and pulls out her portable oxyacetaline torch*"
Samaira tries a little flaming.

"I've been guard whacked by grog."
Stumpyeob after Katlene posted pic of "Grog the Bard".

"My poor little miner was sprinting and screeching all around that cave (even though I havent had a good screeching in years,, but thats besides the point)."
Sweet Pickles, on Blackrock Elementals.

"They are like lonely little puppies with no balls to play with."
Katlene, perhaps not choosing words carefully enough.

"Spose that means we have to start calling lollies candy now "
Lihan on Halloween and Trick or Treating.

"I've just logged in and beaten up some mongbats to remind myself how to do it - now I can go die in Magincia!"
Teeshy, after being away too long!

"I actually never had a carebear... But i did have a pair of cabbage patch dolls i use to use as nun-chucks on my brother LOL he fears them to this day LOL "
Amathist reminisces.

"I know its not a funny situation, but I had to laugh when I saw Arnie talking about evacuating people, "get down! get back to the chopperrrrr" hehe sorry I just can't take him seriously as a governor :P"
Sneaky Que, on the California bush fires.

"I think I have made them all so far........ Cool...... Sorta.......Maybe............"
Stumpyeob on quotes of the month.

Please join us on Monday, November 12, 2007, for a House of Commons with the developers of The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar at 5:00 PM Pacific / 8:00 PM Eastern in the #StraticsHoC channel on Stratics IRC.

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

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

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

During the chat, we'll be discussing general topics with the developers, and general chat will be in our IRC channel #lotro before, during, and after the House of Commons.

We hope to see you there!

November 9, 2007

"How do I find my corpse when it's buried under a horde of daemons?"
This has come up a bunch in the past week, and I am reminded that not all of the tricks to this sort of thing are obvious. So, I present Finding That Which Is Hidden, vol. XVI, Corpses:

In the 2D client:

• First of all, the whole process is made vastly easier if you're in a guild. If you're not, but can afford it, consider creating a guild solely for this purpose.
• Go into Options, then Macros, and make a new macro for "All Names
  
• Go to the area where your corpse should lie, and start hitting your All Names macro. Your corpse name will be blue if unguilded, green if guilded. (Unless you died in a heap of your guildmates, this is why being guilded makes it easier - most corpse names will be blue or gray, and green stands out.) (Also note this is super handy if you need to loot a corpse behind a wall and can't be bothered to turn on Circle of Transparency.)
• Double click on your corpse name to loot it.
  
• If your corpse has decayed to bones, this trick won't work. You'll have to use Object Handles (Ctrl-Shift) and hunt through them. This is not ideal, so try to get back to your corpse quickly. If you're having trouble getting the right handles to pop up, try moving half a screen or so away from where you think your corpse is.
  

In the KR client:

• Open the World Map (by clicking on the little box at the top of the mini map.)
  
• Click Map Options, and make sure that Corpse has an way point icon set on the World Map, the mini map, and in-game.
  
• Use the icons to navigate to the spot where your corpse lies. If you have the in-game way point set, there will be a particle effect over your actual corpse.
  
• In options, set the Object Handles filter to "Corpses Only." Then hit Ctrl-Shift. This will pop up object handles ONLY for corpses.
  
• As in 2D, the process is harder when your corpse has decayed - it doesn't count as a corpse anymore for purposes of the object handles filter. You'll have to set it to a general filter and poke through all of the handles.

Followup on last week’s question on Large Iron Smith BODs
So, as I suspected, people promptly produced convincing amounts of data that suggested there was, in fact, a bug. Wilki went over the code again with an even finer-tooth comb and... well, let's just say that parentheses can be important.

Wilki went ahead and fixed the bug. Now, the rewards for Iron LBODs aren't top-end (although Prospector's Hammers and Gargoyle Pickaxes can be handy when mining for colored ore,) but making sure they actually spawn in something approximating the correct numbers is important to the balance of the system as a whole. (Getting many, many more colored larges than colored smalls to fill them? Not helpful for anyone, really.)

Equipment Damage, Self Repair, and You:
We posted the "short version" of how Self Repair works a few weeks ago , and it brought up some more questions. On doing some research, we found out that there was an error in our initial answer (although the actual answer to the question is fundamentally correct.) So, in the interests of clarity, here's a much longer explanation of equipment damage and Self Repair:

First off, weapons:

• When you hit something, the weapon has a 5% chance to take a point of damage.
  • If you parry with a weapon (no shield equipped), there is a 5% chance it will take a point of damage.
  • If you parry against a mace weapon, your weapon has a 75% chance to take that point of damage.

Next, armor:

• You get hit (by any source - weapon, spell, whatever) and you roll to see which bit of armor is affected, out of the following armor slots:
  • head
  • neck
  • chest
  • back (cape, quiver)
  • dress (sash, etc - the over-chest slot)
  • arms
  • hands
  • skirt (kilt, apron, etc - the over-legs slot)
  • legs
• If there's no item in that slot, or the item isn't one that has durability points, nothing happens
• If there is a damageable item in the slot, there's a second roll to see if it takes damage
  • Normally, it's a 20% chance
  • If you got hit with a mace weapon, it's a 75% chance.

Last, shields:

• If you successfully parry a blow, your shield has a 20% chance to take a point of damage.
• Unless, as above, you've parried a mace - then it's a 75% chance.

Self Repair:

• When an item takes damage, as determined by the above logic, the SR property adds durability equal to its intensity (so SR 1 would add one point, SR 5 would add 5 points.)
• It then sets a timer, and SR doesn't go off again on that item for 60 seconds, even if the item gets damaged again. (This was the bit that was wrong in our prior answer - it's per minute, not per second.)

So, our prior answer about equipment not tending to get damaged faster than SR 5 can handle it is still more or less true (except in specific cases, like standing in pools of acid or walls of fire.) Hopefully the detailed explanation will help everyone judge when to favor SR over other properties on their gear.

"Why does Begging only reduce Karma some of the time? And why does it reduce it even before I pick who I'm going to beg from?"
Begging only reduces your Karma to a certain point - if you are at the second "positive" tier or above, Begging will lower your Karma. (See http://guide.uo.com/combat_5.html " target="_blank"> here for the Fame/Karma chart.) So using Begging will lower you from "Kind" to "Fair", but if you're "Fair" or lower, it won't affect you at all.

As for the second part of the question, that's actually a bug, and Draconi fixed it, as well as adding the nuance that a failed attempt lowers your Karma less than a successful attempt.

"What's the deal with the special weapons dropping off of event monsters?"
There are a couple of event-specific or otherwise interesting items dropping off of various critters in this event. Here's a quick rundown:

Cursed Doom Artifacts: Many of the more powerful invading daemons carry cursed versions of Doom artifacts. (Being cursed, they can't be insured and will drop to your corpse if you die. However, they are substantially more common than the uncursed versions.)

Daemon Weapons: Light Daemons, Void Daemons, and Berserker Daemons all have a small chance to drop their signature weapons, the Staff of Pyros, the Vorpal Blade, and the Berserker's Scythe. Check out the Halloween Event Page for details.

Ancient Weapons: Berserker Daemons are extraordinarily powerful, and can only be defeated by artifacts of equal might - ordinary attacks only do 5% of their normal damage. The invading armies may carry weapons that can defeat them - Power, Vanquishing, and even Mystic weapons. These throwbacks to ancient magic have the following properties:

"The Power, Vanquishing, and Mystic weapons cut directly through the Berserker’s magical shielding to deal a certain percentage of the damage you would’ve done normally to it. Power does the least percentage, and Mystics do the highest. The damage numbers you see when dealing damage to Berserkers is the 5% mentioned above, and doesn't include the extra damage the magical weapon has included as well. " - Draconi

To the barricades!

- Jeremy

Jeremy Dalberg 09 Nov 2007 20:42:54

"The northern quarter of Magincia was flanked today by daemons pouring from the corrupted moongate west of the city. Valiant citizens and militiamen alike are resisting the relentless hordes at the city’s borders, forcing the harried denizens of darkness to seek less direct routes into the city.

Defenses established alongside the docks and western part of the city have held firm so far, and officials hope to improve them over the coming days. The BNN has learned that Lord Francesco of the Royal Treasury is currently petitioning every city in the realm for relief aid and donations.

Meanwhile, mystery surrounds the Magincia moongate – our latest reports from the front lines indicate that the magical portal has undergone significant changes overnight. Its violent shimmering has certainly coincided with an overall increase in the invaders’ vigor and ferocity, but we stress that a direct relationship has yet to be established.

The Royal Guard has warned volunteers to stay away from the moongate itself, as they cannot predict what might happen in its currently unstable state. They especially warn to keep magical artifacts and hazardous materials safely out of harm’s way." -- Sherry the Mouse

Jeremy Dalberg 08 Nov 2007 16:54:50

"Early this morning military vessels anchored off the coast of Magincia, sending desperately needed troops and supplies ashore. The ships, under the authority of Commander Falcon, were dispatched by order of the Royal Council, in response to the unceasing incursion of daemons into the city."

Read the rest of this report here! Also, check out this critical situation update below:

• Difficulty balancer enabled . Spawn will initially be weak, but will become harder the faster its defeated. This is the same system used with the Grim Reaper.
• Guard zone removed completely from Magincia . Factions should still operate correctly, with extensions for traps/guards further into the forest.
• Barriers and defensive lines established . Wooden walls and debris should better control enemy flow towards the dock.
• Soldiers with cannons guarding the docks . These are not the player usable cannons: these will only destroy incoming monsters (no corpses).
• Healers available at the docks .
• Red healer available northeast of the city in the woods.
• Banker available on the docks near the ferry

Posted to uoherald.com's Five on Friday:

FoF: Finding Fatalities
Jeremy Dalberg
09 Nov 2007 21:07:00

In this week's Five on Friday, get some tips on digging your corpse out of a heap of daemons, find out the whole story on equipment damage, and more

Read the whole article Here

This new chapter has appeared on uoherald.com

BNN: Daemons Attack Northern Quarter
Jeremy Dalberg
09 Nov 2007 20:42:54

"The northern quarter of Magincia was flanked today by daemons pouring from the corrupted moongate west of the city. Valiant citizens and militiamen alike are resisting the relentless hordes at the city’s borders, forcing the harried denizens of darkness to seek less direct routes into the city.

Defenses established alongside the docks and western part of the city have held firm so far, and officials hope to improve them over the coming days. The BNN has learned that Lord Francesco of the Royal Treasury is currently petitioning every city in the realm for relief aid and donations.

Meanwhile, mystery surrounds the Magincia moongate – our latest reports from the front lines indicate that the magical portal has undergone significant changes overnight. Its violent shimmering has certainly coincided with an overall increase in the invaders’ vigor and ferocity, but we stress that a direct relationship has yet to be established.

The Royal Guard has warned volunteers to stay away from the moongate itself, as they cannot predict what might happen in its currently unstable state. They especially warn to keep magical artifacts and hazardous materials safely out of harm’s way." -- Sherry the Mouse

A report from Magincia,

The fighting in Magincia continues to escalate dramatically. The beautiful, proud island city which but a week ago was the thriving, luxurious home to many of the kingdom's most prestigious (if pretentious) mages has been deserted. Residents and visitors alike were at first skeptical of the reports their own mayor had been made aware of concerning a gathering army of daemons deep within the jungle surrounding Magincia's moongate, but then quickly fled the city en masse by any means available, magical or conventional, when the daemon force began its attack upon the city itself. Magincia's own city guards failing, many knights, mercenaries and opportunists began to arrive from the ferry established between the island and the city of Trinsic.

Those arriving to help defend the city quickly realized there was more to this threat than the daemons alone. There seems to be a design behind the invasion. The daemon army appeared as if overnight, boasting a mixture of not only the average hellspawn but also of daemons of pure light, crazed berserk balron monstrosities and even shapes of pure Void in daemon form. Magincia's moongate itself has been corrupted and now shimmers lifelessly, its magical properties seemingly drained or changed in
some way.

But the explanations are secondary, as the city's destruction is the immediate threat. The fighting seemed to have reached a balance for a few brief days, and not much of the spawn had made its way into the
city itself. The outlying jungle had begun to burn, but the city was maintained. The smoke reaching into the sky was high nd dark enough to be seen from the Britannian mainland, but the polished sandstone buildings and granite roads of Magincia were protected. However, I am deeply troubled to report that this balance was merely a lull, perhaps a test of strength by whatever is behind this attack. Yesterday the daemon force suddenly grew in size as more & more began to appear, dwarfing the defenders' numbers.

Magincia has now entered into the crucial hours of this battle, as evidenced by the last-ditch barricades erected in this morning's early hours.

Magincia's bank, arguably its most important resource, stood its ground when even the city's healer guild had fled, hoping for an end to the danger. However, even the bankers have now fled, leaving a lone representative on the docks near the ferry.

The focus has changed from defending the entire city, to now defending our only quick means of reaching it. Cannon, relief healers and a handful of former Order and Chaos guard veterans have been sent to Magincia to defend the docks. Rumor has circulated that the city may be sacrificed under artillery barrage should there be no other means left to defeat the daemon army, the howls of which can be heard throughout the deserted city.


From Magincia,
Lord Terrance Drith

Posted to uoherald.com:

East Coast Shard Issues
Jeremy Dalberg
08 Nov 2007 19:02:09

It appears that the shards located on the East Coast are having issues. We're investigating, and will post as we get news.

UPDATE 4:26PM PST: Looks like everything's back up. We'll keep an eye on things, but it looks like it was a temporary issue.

This new chapter has appeared on uoherald.com's BNN news site:

BNN: Military reinforces Maginicia! Invasion strengthens!
Jeremy Dalberg
08 Nov 2007 16:54:50

"Early this morning military vessels anchored off the coast of Magincia, sending desperately needed troops and supplies ashore. The ships, under the authority of Commander Falcon, were dispatched by order of the Royal Council, in response to the unceasing incursion of daemons into the city."

Read the rest of this report Here! Also, check out this critical situation update below:

Difficulty balancer enabled. Spawn will initially be weak, but will become harder the faster its defeated. This is the same system used with the Grim Reaper.

Guard zone removed completely from Magincia. Factions should still operate correctly, with extensions for traps/guards further into the forest.

Barriers and defensive lines established. Wooden walls and debris should better control enemy flow towards the dock.

Soldiers with cannons guarding the docks. These are not the player usable cannons: these will only destroy incoming monsters (no corpses).

Healers available at the docks.

Red healer available northeast of the city in the woods.

Banker available on the docks near the ferry

Sorry this is so late guys!

[Tabby Kapak kindly found a bit out about this new Postal Service on offer to UO Players and I present here for you more details]

Can you please explain how this new postal service will work?

There are several aspects of the service.

1) Public Address Register/Character and Shop Search Engine. We provide an address book on our web page [http://post.uosites.com]. The following details are
currently covered:
    * Name of the character
    * Assigned standard address, district, coordinates (can be kept private)
    * House owner
    * Contact information (ICQ, email, web page, can be kept private)
    * Play style information (role player, power gamer, a.s.o.)

The database will be restructured in the next days and the play style profile will be significantly extended. Users will be allowed to log in and change their data on their own. Vendors may enter details about their shops. A search function will of course be added, but for now pressing F3 does the search for you. This database can be used for role playing or just for finding players, that share your style of game play. You can also contact players, when you only know their character's name or search for certain goods.
The number of registered players is crucial to this function. I intend to contact the game developers in hope for their assistance.

2) Public Village Register
We will try to get all player run villages enlisted.

3) Letter Boxes and Standard Addresses
We sell letter boxes, made out of an Elven Podium and a Wooden Chest.
The standard model is coloured yellow, but we offer customized letter boxes.
There are several uses of these letter boxes:
    * Friends can leave stuff for you, while you are not at home.
    * If you decide to set "access to anyone", the post man can leave letters.
    * The letter box has the standard address engraved, which will help strangers
    to get oriented. It will also enforce the awareness, that our world has
    regions and and that there are villages.

4) Role play letter delivery:
The Ostard Express is a postal company, so we deliver letters, packets and flowers. We also offer transportation of heavy load, for matters
of moving to another house, for example. If the customer pays the extra fee, we can also have the convoy guarded. But I seriously doubt, that any players
are going to hand over their precious rares to our employees for transportation.

How many players will be involved?

We are a small, but growing enterprise. The staff consists of two couriers and one recruit. We are choosing guild members carefully, as we need trustworthy
employees. When we have enough members, we will think about opening a post office next to the bank of Britain with certain office hours (Maybe one hour every evening). The number of registered customers is climbing constantly, but only a hand full of them request our services occasionally.

Will you cover all facets or is it just based in Trammel?

The address book covers all shards and every facet, that allows house placing. Mail to be delivered to Felucca or other dangerous regions cost an extra hazard fee.

When do you think you will have this working by?

The Public Register is already up and running. Currently I put relatively much time and energy into improving the register's functions and interface. The user login
related functions should be available at least this year.

How do players who want to use this service contact you?

They can use the register or apply for registration in our virtual office at http://post.uosites.com which is open Monday to Friday, at the usual office hours.

Is this going to be a role-played service or will it cover all aspects of UO communication?

Yes.

Can you please send me a screenshot of your post office and co-ordinates please as well?

Of course. This will cost you 200 gold pieces, if you are living in Trammel. The Ostard Express rented a room in the Astronomic Institute, which is west
of the mountains between Britain and Skara Brae, on Trammel.

The Post Office, Coordinates (33°S|19°W)

Please can you give me any further information that you think is relevant?

The web page contains a special map archive, with maps showing player villages, region names, region codes, and more. I tried to name the regions in a way,
that most people would agree on the names. Our goal is to get the idea of having addresses in Britannia accepted by the majority of inhabitants.
But as I started the project only a month ago, some names may need to be changed. If anybody wants to contribute to this, they are very welcome to do so.
The prize list could also be changed, if we see the necessity for rising the fees, because the the rewards for guild members delivering mail might need to be
balanced.

Please note - other Postal Services may be available within Ultima Online and no money has exchanged hands in the production of this article. And remember Postal Services may go down as well as up!
 

Posted to uoherald.com:

KR Client vers. 2.47.1.10
Jeremy Dalberg
06 Nov 2007 16:52:36 EST

At 2:00PM PST on November 6, 2007, the KR Client will be updated to vers. 2.47.1.10. Notes after the jump:

Fixed a bug with moving and looting heavy items from containers and backpacks

Posted to uoherald.com:

All Shards Published
Jeremy Dalberg
06 Nov 2007 16:50:25 EST

All shards were published with the following during this morning's maintenance (except for the Japanese shards, which will be published during their next maintenance:)

Monsters will spawn stronger/weaker according to how quickly the invasion is handled (similar to last year's Halloween spawn - see Question 3 .

Players can now resign chain quests that have them delivering items.

Plants are now affected by the fire as well

Invading imps will be red instead of green

Due to their overwhelming deadliness, removed the hostile invading rabbits. Hellcats will spawn instead

Removed misplaced tile of foliage near the moongate

Jeremy Dalberg 06 Nov 2007 16:52:36 EST

At 2:00PM PST on November 6, 2007, the KR Client will be updated to vers. 2.47.1.10. Notes after the jump:

• Fixed a bug with moving and looting heavy items from containers and backpacks

Jeremy Dalberg 06 Nov 2007 16:50:25 EST

ll shards will be published with the following during their next regular maintenance:

• Monsters will spawn stronger/weaker according to how quickly the invasion is handled (similar to last year's Halloween spawn – see question 3.
• Players can now resign chain quests that have them delivering items.
• Greater delay between fire attacks by the invading monsters
• Fixed an issue that could cause too many monsters to spawn
• Plants are now affected by the fire as well
• Invading imps will be red instead of green
• Due to their overwhelming deadliness, removed the hostile invading rabbits. Hellcats will spawn instead
• Removed misplaced tile of foliage near the moongate

The Patrons of the Royal Zoo are going to attempt a new event to help support the Zoo on Friday November 9th at 7pm Eastern time. With the support of numerous Bards and Mages, tamers will be harvesting drakes and dragons for the zoo on a level we hope that has never been seen before.


Mizz Giggles will be mustering the participants at 7pm at the zoo. Bards will be area peacing so that an army of tamers can pick up drakes and dragons to take back to the zoo in an expeditious fashion. Mages will be on hand to keep gates open to and from the zoo on a constant basis to aid in the effort. If you have a powerful bard or perhaps a mage that can reliably keep gates open feel free to join us. Mizz Giggles does not frequent these boards so if you wish to contact her please use her AIM:(SDaisyRain) which you can do through ICQ.


If the turnout is large enough and there are enough tamers that cannot tame the fierce beasts, some mages may be sent to help gate packs of wolves and polar bears back to the zoo.


As long as the Magincia Militia keeps the 'invasion' in check, we hope to see concerned citizens help in our efforts to re-gain our silver steed.

[I have been closely following the exploits of the Guild of Beggars – a new role playing guild based on our shard – with keen excitement. They have a real unique flavour and this is something which has been created by one of their members that I think is most worthy of a news article]

Xorartep, Undead Mumbler of the Guild of Beggars 

Xorartep came into being as the result of a failed experiment by a novice Necromancer of Umbra. Trying to create life from death he instead succeeded only in creating undeath.
The Necromancer, in fear of his blunder being found out by his teacher, threw Xorartep out of the laboratory and into the street. Surviving on scraps and dim memories of her previous life Xorartep tried to make a living from her beloved music by singing for her supper.
Sadly the dulcet tones she heard with her memories and now imperfect hearing didn't quite match the sounds emitted by her undead throat. Where she heard 'canary' her new audience heard 'bull moose'.
At one such 'concert' in the local inn she was heard by Le Pear, who took her under his wing. She's still determined to earn her crust, if she can, and will sing her ditties at the slightest excuse, but she has come to the realisation that where before death they paid her to sing, now they will pay her to stop singing.

Xorartep's Song book

These two tragic songs actually have a happy ending.

Poor Jack's ghost, drawn by his true love of Nell, drifts over the ocean back to Magincia, where the ghosts of Nell and their child rise to meet him.

The three of them are now haunting happily ever after in a ruin just south of Trinsic.