July 2001

Are you tired of opening 6 or 7 doors in a row when there should be only one? Are you wondering why theres a Giant line of castle windows in the middle of the ocean? Find it odd that a Treasure chest spawns in the only doorway to that ever dangerous lich room?

Well, Let's do something about it! We here at the Herald are declaring August to be Great Lakes Map Bugs Month! Whats that mean exactly? Well, the next time you get stuck in the missing hunk of the Trinsic Bridge, report it! Thats right, we're collecting Map Error reports! Maybe we can finally get these things quashed if we work together.

All you need to do is go to our Message Board and post your particular Map error! Alternatively, you can send an E-mail to nick@ds180.net. Either way, make sure that you include the Facet of the Map error, as well as enough information that OSI can find the error, too.

Dont get mad about that hut sticking out of the ocean, blocking your way.. get even!

Nero arrives at Sandlewood Tavern late in the evening, accompanied by a small group of cadets of the military academy of Serpent's Hold, and several allies from the Royal Knights of Redemption, and the Highland Guard, with whom he fought side-by-side with this evening.

The entire party has come to celebrate the previous two night's victory over the drow of Bregan D'Aerthe, who for the past few weeks have been terrorizing the streets of Serpent's Hold as they rampage throughout the city, claiming they are now in control of the beautiful island fortress which the Order of the Silver Serpent has called home for several hundred years.

The previous two night's victories have not been without cost, however. Several times the general's troops were routed and defeated by the skilled and fearsome warriors that make up the drow army... their thirst for blood seems sometimes unquenchable as they gleefully strike down civilian and soldier alike, no doubt taking pleasure in the screams of agony let out by their victims, which are soon choked out as blood fills the throats of their prey.

Indeed the war has grown fierce, and news had spread to all the facets of Britannia that the battle for Serpent's Hold was a bloody and gruesome affair. Though even that did not prepare General Nero for what occured last eve - The Cult of the Black Dragon, a long time enemy to the Order of the Silver Serpent and it's allies, sent Lady Noleeens, the tavernkeeper of the Sandlewood Box tavern, as an emissary to Serpent's Hold to persuade General Nero to come to a secluded meeting in the Dungeon of Deceit. Nero suspected foul-play, but his trust in the honorable Lady Noleeens and the company of two of his finest cadets, Cadet Judah and Cadet Drax, would assure the old knight that everything would be fine. Upon entering the moongate created by Lady Noleeens, Nero immidiately recognized the stench of the Dungeon Deceit... the halls festering with the rotting flesh of the walking undead. The creatures were quickly returned to the underworld, and the four proceeded ahead, with the armor-clad warriors following behind the Lady Noleeens, who led them to the chambers where the cult awaited their arrival.

The iron doors protecting the conference room from the undead opened, and in walked the four... greeted by the cult followers Venom, Andrew Bishop, and El Gringo. Before him was a large stone table with dry blood still visible on it's surface, and across the table sat El Gringo, smuggly grinned as the group entered. El Gringo bid them all welcome and to take a seat... Nero relucantly dispelled his etherial steed, and before taking a seat at the table, instructed the two cadets behind him to hold their weapons at the ready incase his earlier suspicions were correct.

Wishing to be in this pit of evil no longer than was necessary, Nero told El Gringo to tell him why he had been summoned here. The cult knight motioned towards a book which sat upon the table infront of him, telling the old knight to read a proposal which the Cult had prepared upon hearing of the bloody carnage taking place in Serpent's Hold. Nero quickly read through the document, barely believing what he saw. Here, the cult... a sworn enemy of the Order, was proposing an alliance against the drow. Nero could not fathom why the cult believed he would accept an agreement which would go against everything the Order stood for. Nay this would not happen, unless Lord British himself commanded it to be so. The Cult warned that the order would not win this war - that the drow fighters were greater in number and in prowess.

Nero could only wonder what plans the cult had in mind... those who follow Chaos to the extreme the cult does do not act out of principle alone, but also out of convenience. Practical as having more fighters against the drow would be, Nero rejected the proposal for an alliance with the cult, and prepared to leave the dungeon of Deceit. He told the cult followers that if they wished to kill the drow, that was their own war to wage... indeed it may even be a chance for the Cult to try to redeem themselves for their past and current crimes, but an alliance was not possible. The three warriors of virtue left the dungeon, returning to the comfortable surroundings of the jungle near Serpent's Hold. Here they would await the next day's battle, which they would fight and win with sheer determination and courage. It could not be allowed to occur otherwise.

Hail Britannia!

I just thought I would take a moment to update you on our present status with the Trinsic Merchants Fair.

1. Participation - Many people have agreed to participate in the Fair as a merchant or as entertainment.. but we can always use more help! All you need to do is attend the Fair and provide your particular service. You can find the best place for your service on the map below.

2. Merchandise - What do we have for sale? Here is an updated list of confirmed goods and services:

• Free craftable goods when you provide the materials!
  
• Free Special and Leather Dying when you provide the Cloth or Leather!
  
• Free Armor and Weapons Repair!
  
• Furniture and House additions
  
• Tinkered goods and Lockable containers
  
• Rares and Semi-Rares
  
• Magic Weapons and Armor, including Orc and Savage items
  
• Raw Materials, including: Reagents, Wood, Ingots, Scrolls, Potion Kegs, Trammel/Felucca Stones, etc.
  

In addition to this merchandise, the Trinsic Merchants Fair is an excellent place to recruit for your guild! You can be sure that several of our most prominent groups will be there, should you be looking to join a guild.

4. Where do I go to Buy or Sell?


Refer to this map for key locations in Trinsic.

A. Trinsic Docks - A sure place to find fishermen and fishermans goods. This will also be the main place for guilds to recruit new members, though they may also attempt to recruit in the Merchants Square.

B. Merchants Square - This is the main focus of the fair.. if you want to Buy or Sell goods, this is the place to do it. This is also the place to view performances by some of Britannias finest bards.

C. The Adventurer's Clothing - Trinsic's Sole Tailoring shop is a convienient place to get cloth for one of our crafters to refine into clothing or bedsheets.

D. The Bank of Britannia, Trinsic Branch - If you are buying or selling a large quantity of heavy resources, such as ingots or wood, you may require the services of Trinsics South Bank.

E. The Trinsic Royal Bank - A more secluded bank, and more trusted by Trinsic Citizens. An excellent place to cash or recieve bankers Checks for large purchases.

F. The Shining Path Armoury - One of two Armories in Trinsic, but the only one to feature a forge and anvil. If you're looking for free repairs or blacksmithed goods, this is the place to be.

As always, to make your visit to the Trinsic Fair more enjoyable, please be cautious during your transactions.

The Merchants Fair Begins on Wednesday, August 1 at 7 PM Central Time, and runs until 9 PM Central time.

I hope to see you all there!
Marquis Alazraham
Speaker, Britannian Affairs Committee

Hail to you Britannia!

The Britannian Affairs Committee and the Trinsic Senate would like to invite you to join us at the Trinsic Merchants Fair. The Fair wil be held on Wednesday, August 1, and will begin at 7 PM Central time. It will be throughout the city on the Trammel facet.

But we need your help!

In order for the fair to work, we need vendors. The goal is to turn Trinsic's sandstone streets into a bustling bazaar.. and you can't have a bazaar without merchants! So, come along Blacksmiths, Tailors, Tinkers and Carpenters! Even those of you in factions, come attend! Feluccans are most definately welcome!

Among other things, the fair will provide:

• Free armor repair
  
• Free leather dying (you provide the leather)
  
• Free craftables when you provide the materials
  

Greetings again!

The Herald's Community Calendar is up and running again, this time with a sharper new look! Additionally, the calendar should now be "bug free", Its a great way to let people know about events you're holding.

Hail everyone!

If you are one of the vast numbers of players using stratics IRC for discussion, and you've been unable to connect as of late, I have a solution for you. Previously, Stratics used these servers:

• dhp.stratics.com
  
• compu.stratics.com
  
• frws.stratics.com
  
• intworks.stratics.com
  

A report from Branwen:

It is an unfortunate trend that has befallen our world as of late. Nay, I speak not of the orc/savage saga and subsequent goods that have flooded the collectors' market. I make reference to a greater problem which has developed slowly since our single-faceted days.

Throughout the land, prices of common goods continue to soar while buying seems to be slowing. Some say it is due to the "buy and re-sell for more" philosophy adopted by the housing and rares merchants, which has subsequently devalued our currency due and caused rapid inflation. Others feel that the steadily-increasing numbers of wealthy citizens created a demand for high-priced items that cannot be met.

Whatever the cause, price gouging is a serious problem to our society. Methinks that when a person can price a full keg of the deadliest of poisons for 40,000 gold pieces and consistently make sales, something is terribly wrong. What of the young, idealistic warrior who cannot afford a proper suit of armor because the price of ingots has doubled? What of the alchemist who cannot afford boards to fashion his kegs? What can we do to curb this ever-alarming trend?

"I once thought me low prices wuz an asset," says tinker Zillah Llawcae of Trinsic. "Now da dealers come by me shop ev'ry day and buy everythin' I got an' sell it for double in west Brit. I see 'em all da time. What'd stop me from goin' to Brit m'self an making da extry gold, you might be askin'? Well, once these dealers has filled me old customers' orders an' gone ta der homes, I am left with none to sell ta but other merchants again!"

Hola everyone!

I've been doing some redesign on the Herald to give it a sharper look, so if you any errors on the page, please let me know in the Forum.

Also, if you happen to know all the CSS form attributes, please post on the forum, I cant find the buggers anywhere!

In a dark room somewhere in the deep Jungles of Trinsic a messenger arrives with a package. Confused, the young man opens the package to find a crystal that projects an image, an intense older man, swarthy of complexion and graying at the temples. His raimants are the battered plate armor and midnight blue cloak of a Holy Cross Defender. Across his waist is tied a faded white sash.


He draws forth a glittering Katana, its tsuba midnight blue with golden orchid blooms, and speaks. "My former Squire Ryu. You have dishonored your guild, your House and your Knight. You are the second Squire to visit this dishonor upon me by walking away from your oath! As I did for itaP I now do for you oh misguided one." He thrusts the blade point first into a floor you cannot see, and in one swift movement snaps the blade in twain


The young man winces at this sight, but the image continues.


Your sword is broken, Squire. As it was forged by my hand so it can only be reforged by my hand and only upon your return to me. Your dishonor does not excuse you from your oath and from this point on you are an oathbreaker. Either return to me or suffer the consequences. All agents of House Starfire are commanded to seek you out. If you will not return to me willingly you will be taken by force. I am not as forgiving as my brethren, not after the betrayals I have suffered. If you cannot be brought to me, then your head will. If you have any honor left, you will seek me out, if you have no honor you will be destroyed."


*Draws his own well-worn blade*


"Bear witness, I swear these words upon my blade. Be well, citizens of Britannia
The young man winces at this sight. But the image continues.




And so the young man returns to the tower that he has visited so many times before, the well worn edifice that has stood on the shores west of Minoc, since before most can remember. Standing on the roof, he sends a pigeon out into the night sky. The young man waits there for what seems like an eternity, only longer. Finally a pigeon returns and shortly after the knight in the image earlier appears.


"You displease me greatly, young one." The knight says. "If you decide to return to our ranks, you will have to face a suitable punishment. I will not have insult slingers in my ranks." The young man nods agreeingly. What he did was both dishonorable and childish, but he also knows what he believes in. "You will be stripped of all rank withing my house....no the guild in general, for I have removed house sponsorship with you. You will have to prove your worth as an adept and a sqire once more. You will recieve any punishment that Lord Athelstan decides upon you, But I don't think it will be anything worse than what I have done."


"And he will keep out of the war I assume?" asks a younger, yet still well worn knight from the back of the room. The young man nods.


The Older knight speaks again, "He is now known as Ryu of the Broken Blade." THe Young man can nothing mut slump his head in pain at those words, but deep down, he knew he deserved it.


And so the great circle continues, Morning to dusk, dusk to morning. What has been made, can be unmade, what has been done, can be undone. And the adventures of a young man continue on.

Another from Mystery:

Called to Answer

Standing in the halls of the KOB at its Stone of Loyalty, seeing all the names of those that have lived and died KOB, something began to become clear within the young man’s mind. Two Knights he had already taken, one was left. But what about these others? Though the original
three deserved the justice that was to be handed out, what of these others. Hadn’t they too been a part. They might not have actually had a hand in it, but surely they were just as responsible. After all, are they not brothers and sisters in arms as well as deeds? He continued to read the names, seeing the faces of each betrayer. Three would not be enough he knew. More would have to be sacrificed before justice was done. The complete destruction of the knights was all he could see. For it was the Knights who commanded in KOB, it was the
Knights that approved or disapproved of actions. The Knights council in its entirety must be called to justice! "No", he whispered, "three will not bring my honor back. All must be called to answer."
Returning home he sat heavily within his chair, knowing that what must be done was for the good of the Guild. This did not weight lightly upon his shoulders but he saw no way out but to cleanse the entire Council for the evil he saw growing, lurking just underneath.

Elsewhere (at the very same moment)................ Deep within the earth, down hallways long forgot to the age of legends, stands a door. Gradually a thin blue light begins to caress its outline, growing stronger with every passing second. Mice scurry away as if being chased by something unseen. At first the sound is unrecognizable, but as the light grows, so does the sound. Its unmistakable. The laughter is filled with malice, echoing down the hall, knowing soon, it shall be free once again.

The Trap is set

Sweat pouring down this tan arms, muscles rippling as he sharpened the blade on the grinding stone, "This will do fine, very fine indeed." The kyrsses blade glimmered in the sun, so sharp and
deadly. "Thank you for letting me use your shop." he told the jhelom shopkeeper. It was then that A man walked in the door. "Seems the Knights are gathering at the Tower. Word is you've been spotted about the lands." "So they are coming for me? They know who I am?" the lad replied. "No, they are just going on guard. They know you watch the Tower, so they are laying a trap for you." Gathering up his new weapons, the young man left his informer to prepare for battle. First he decided, he would stealth about the tower area and see what he could see. Summoning magic to create a doorway to a safe location close to the tower, he approached the Tower. Only one Knight, Hettar did he spy, and he was on foot. Springing into action, spells flew at the Hettar. He was ready though, the magic the assassin
summoned did little to harm him. It was when the blade came out that he could see shock within Hettar’s face. Here was a tactic the Knight was unprepared for nor expecting. Barring down on Hettar with a combination of sword and sorcery. Hettar stood his ground but was on the defensive, no time for a counter attack. For a short while Hettar was able to withstand the onslaught, but the assassins furry was to fast, to strong to stand against. He died defending the Tower.
Returning to the Tower to once again to view the list of names on the stone. The lad ran into a Knight that he had previously taken a soul from. Knowing that Sir Matthew could not kill him as long as he held his soul, He continued with his task. Surprisingly Sir Matthew attacked. Easily causing the death of this Sir Matthew, the lad was shocked to see a ranger, Beowolf, appear. Realizing that this must have been the trap laid for him the young man flew into action. Beowolf held up well for a very short time. But had to retreat due to the powers that the assassin weaved upon him. Around the castle he ran, losing the assassin somewhere in the chase. Returning to the corpse of Sir Matthew to mark his victim, Beowolf again sprang out of
nowhere. The assault on the assassin was staggering. Beowolf wielded a bow and warhammer with great proficiency. But not enough to take the lad out of the game. It was then that another KOB Warrior, Malis, showed up. Another archer wielding a heavy crossbow. This was too much for the assassin. The assault he was enduring, gave no chance for him to get out. It was all or nothing. Beowolf, hurt badly, was about to go down, when a well placed shot from Malis stopped the assassin’s spell in mid cast. This gave Malis the time he needed to heal Beowolf. In the confusion that followed the lad made his escape from the tower. Once again the assassin slipped through the fingers of the brave members of KOB..... Or so he thought.

Stroll into the mist of Evil

As Mystic Rose followed the lad from a distance, her mind whirled with thoughts of her fallen brothers. “This plan has to work” she thought out loud. Sirus has yet to return from what Rose felt was a foolish trip to speak to Dublin. No one had expected the assassin to attack again so soon. As her mind drifted to thoughts of her husband alone at the Temple of the Black Dragon, Rose lost sight of the lad. Digging her heels into the sides of her faithful steed, she picked up her pace. Rose soon found the lad’s trail. He made a brief stop in the City of Trinsic, receiving the aid of a healer. The lad then headed north east of the city. To Rose’s horror she watched as he entered the Temple of the Cult of the Black Dragon. It was all beginning to make more sense now. By killing the knights one by one, only strengthens the Black Ones hold on our lands..
Rose sat for a moment thinking to herself “How does one approach a temple of evil?” The Bold approach, she decides. Rose strides up to the door where she is greeted by 2 murdering cult members. One, Azure, she did not recognize, But standing on the stairs was the familiar face of Kandalor, whom she remembered from her days at the Sandlewood Tavern. “Mystic Rose so nice to see you. What brings you to our doorstep M’lady?” asks Kandalor with a slight chuckle in his voice. Steadying her voice Rose replies “ I’ve a matter I need to discuss with you in private.” “I hear through Andrew Bishop you’ve settled down and gotten married.” Kandalor grins. “There was never a thing that needed to be settled down about me, But yes I was married. Now are you going to continue to be rude or are you going to invite me in to discuss matters?” “After you of course M’lady.” Kandalor says as he steps to open the door .Chuckling to himself
at the boldness of this poet he remembers fondly from long ago.
A sense of uneasiness overwhelms Rose as she enters the Temple. “ Well Rose, I never thought I’d ever see you within these walls.” remarks Kandalor “There are alot of things in life we never
expect to see.” retorted Rose. Chuckling Kandalor asks “So what is this matter that you need to discuss?” Toying with the ring on her finger, trying to steel her nerves. Rose replies “ As you’ve heard an assassin has been attempting to kill my brothers and sisters of KOB, he has succeeded 3 times now. He made another attempt today, fortunately we were ready. It is now known he seeks comfort in the arms of your Cult.” “ And how do you come to believe this?” Kandalor
chuckles. “He was followed here, and watched as he freely walked through your doors. I’ve come to ask that you turn him over to KOB, so that we may deal with him.” A laugh erupts from Kandalor, as well as the 3 other cultist that entered the room unseen. “ And what makes you think if he were here we would just hand him over for your form of Justice?” Chuckled Kandalor. Seizing up the situation, Rose replies “ I ask one more time Kandalor, turn him over to us or we will be forced to take him.” Kandalor grins and says “ He’ll never be turned over for your brand of justice.” mounting her horse Rose turns and replies as she cast a spell of recall “Then I hope you live through your decision!” The erupting laughter of the cultist echoed in her ears as the spell took her safely back to the KOB tower.

The Pain of Failure

Hurt, weak, and tired, the young lad made his way slowly back to the hidden passage behind the stairs. Down dark hallways, past sounds of things scurrying away from as his feet traveled further on. He began to see the bluish light gleaming from between the cracks of the door. He knew it would not be pleased.
As the door opened to allow him entrance, the wave of light that hit him did not bring the peace of mind as it had always done. "You have failed me" it spoke to him. Pain raked over his already bruised body. Pain so great it dropped him to the cold stone floor. Light seemed to explode within his mind. "You must not fail me again." it said. More pain. "I allowed you to return to me for you are not done. You have yet to bring me all the souls of the Knights. Bring them to me! If
you fall to a Knight, it is your soul I shall keep."
After what seemed an eternity the pain stopped. "Y-yes master." he whimpered. The voice no longer talked to him peacefully. It was icy now, cold as the floor he lay on. It told him what he must do and where he must go. Fear gripped him from what it said. He did not wish to go there but knew that to disobey would bring more pain. He knew he would do as he was told.

This just in from Gem:

Avast me hearties--'tis time once agin!
Another Fishing Council of Britannia (FCB) Trammel auction will be held Sunday at 7 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. CST. We will auction your items for free if you submit BEFORE the auction and follow the rules. We will be available 30 minutes before for submissions. Please stable your pets to make for a calmer atmosphere. Some of Britannia's best bargains are found at FCB auctions. This week's items include blue easter eggs, a set of 12 gargoyle pickaxes and many vanquishing, power, invulnerability and fortification items. (And more arriving daily!)

A full list of items for sale (we add as they are submitted) can be found in the book on the roof of the tower. Please read the rules carefully to avoid problems and make for a fun time for all.
Auction rules, map and directions can be found at:
http://www.thefcb.com/greatlakes/auction.htm

From Mystery:

A Knight's Journey part II

"Yes, I figured that out all by myself. Dublin, someone is hunting down each of the more seasoned members of the guild and killing them. No one lives to see him and forensics is giving us no clues as to who the assailant is." Sirus looked over Dublin's shoulder while lying in the cot. Eowen simply stood just outside the doorway as a vampire would in hopes of being invited in so that she may consume her prey. In truth had Dublin not been a women, one that Eowen had a high
and rare respect for, she would have tossed caution to the wind and sought out Sirus's swift destruction.

"I'm running out of options.", continued Sirus. "You need my help.", retorted Dublin. Sirus pointed a finger, his jaw opening to deliver his rebuttal but just as quickly retracted. "Yes, I need your help. I think this is a bit above my area of expertise." Eowen started sipping tea from a crude looking mug as they continued talking. "So your assassin does not take anything from his kills, not an item, or even a body part? He could have a personal vendetta with the
entire guild, but he's selective to weed out your more seasoned veterans. Either he is being paid or he on a crusade. In either case he has to be keeping records of where your guild mates
live, when they come and go, what skills they use. He's also warning his victims before striking. Such things are a part of his own code of honor. If I were you, I would suggest you keep watch on his next target and where he frequents. If a familiar face is hanging about then that's your man. Finally, if he is using a KOB guild house then search for anything that may be his personal
note."

Sirus already felt better. It was a rare thing that his former student was bright in her wisdom and understanding of things. As Dublin handed Sirus the rest of his belongings he gave Dublin
that special look that caused a twinkle in his eye. With a nod Dublin softly spoke, "Go ahead, I won't tell." Sirus softly chanted a low level spell that Dublin was all too familiar with. She
closed her eyes and lowered her head pitching her ear long enough to hear the cup next to Eowen give a little nudge from it's place. With that Sirus bid Dublin farewell. "You know, it would be good to see you at Forums." Dublin nodded and noticed Eowen take another sip.

Chanting words of power Sirus found himself transported outside the temple doors. With a touch to his erethal statue, his mount formed beside him. He mounted and rode off toward the direction of Trinsic. Eowen joined Dublin. "You know I was hoping you would let me play with him a bit before letting him go." Eowen swirled the tea in her cup and finished her drink. Dublin purposely avoided eye contact with her and stared out the window. "Oh, I think you'll get your chance soon enough. Word from on high is that we are at the brink of war with KOB. Such is the direction of the Black One." Both of them smiled at the thought, except Eowen's teeth were stained a deep
black from the scribes ink Sirus conjured into her cup. Sirus slowed his pace just a bit and laughed to himself as he heard Eowen's scream.

more from Mystery:

A Knight’s Journey

Normally Sirus Falden could walk into just about any hostile territory just long enough to size up a situation. After many years and many walks of life, he could tell when a certain stranger loitering at the Britain moongate was more than just a homeless man, or when an "honest" merchant attempted to sell him a wonderful weapon for more gold than the weapon would ever earn, or when an opportunist kept an ever watchful eye upon an over confident adventurer.
"This trip would be no different." Sirus kept telling himself. It was apparent that his air of confidence was not even fooling himself. He knew full well that he was giving himself away. His palms were cold and the bad feeling he had washed down to his very core. What didn't help the most was that it seemed that no one was around. He didn't feel like he was being watched and that worried him. After a few moments of scanning the area yet again, Sirus dismounted. He watched his erethal mount vanish and felt his pack take the weight of the miniature materialize within his pack.
"The only way to catch is an assassin, is to consult with one." Sirus thought a moment and gave the temple doors a good pounding. Sirus humored himself. "How does one properly announce his arrival at a temple of evil cultists?" His own answer was the bold approach. "Show them no fear and I may stay alive long enough to make a quick escape." As much as he hated to, Sirus slipped off his wedding band from Rose and placed it within a small recess of his
spellbook. It was small enough to be carried with the book, as it was bound to his soul in case something went terribly wrong. A moment longer and his finger would have another ring upon it. This one was yet another piece of insurance.
The door to the Temple of the Black One opened and the figure that emerged was unfamiliar to him. Sirus could not detect the radiating evil he so commonly expected from dull witted thieves and brigands. No he was different. The man before him stood eye to eye in height and perhaps a few years younger than Sirus. This man was calm and serious. Sirus could not tell exactly how much weight he carried amongst the cultists but knew better than to make a premature judgement.
"My name is Sirus Falden of the Knights of Britannia. I've come seeking an audience with Dublin." The figure's eyes widened a moment and responded in kind, "Yes, I've heard of you. Last time you graced us with your presence, you rode your steed in here, disgraced our order, and stole property that did not belong to you." Sirus countered, "That property was my guildmaster. It was a personal matter. I believe I would not be standing here today had Kandalor
not allowed it." The figure looked behind him as if to exchange a look. "Why would Dublin wish to see you?" "I seek answers from her, as a friend, and from trainer to student. Surely you could
understand that?" The figure motioned him in. "You will follow me, deviate from me, and you will not leave here alive."
Sirus nodded and proceeded into the temple. This would be the first time Sirus would be able to take a long look inside the structure. This was not the hideout of thieves and
murderers that he thought it was. The interior was as majestic as it was clean. Sirus had always associated the dark arts with filth and disorder. The many doors that lead to long corridors opened quietly, the few rooms he could glance into were neat and orderly. Some rooms were even well lit and almost made no distinction between those rooms and areas of the KOB guild tower.
Sirus continued to follow. "I don't think I heard your name." "El Gringo", was his only response. As El Gringo swiftly rounded a corner he vanished. Causally Sirus judged the direction
that he must have continued on and took a few steps to the next intersection. Immediately Sirus felt shock and then pain under his nose. Slowly opening his mouth, the last thing he thought he
saw was two of his teeth fall to the carpet shortly before he blacked out and met the floor himself.
Eowen sheathed her katana, removed the ringmail glove and tried to shake the minor surge of pain from her fist. El Gringo stepped forward, beginning to chant a minor healing spell when she retracted her hand. "No. This feels much too good to dismiss so quickly.” Eowen nursing her hand looked upon the fallen knight and smiled. "That was for the last time you came here. And this is for Raticker." Eowen swiftly plunged her foot into his side. El Gringo
exchanged a glance at Eowen. "A personal matter?" Eowen simply nodded and walked off. El Gringo motioned William forward. "Put him in a cell. Oh...and tell Dublin she has a visitor."
Sirus woke up feeling a worldly curse but quickly remembered where he was, or at least where he thought he was. Opening he eyes slowly he could make out a women talking to a figure in front of her. The figure pointed at Sirus and she turned to approach him. Sirus was about to speak, but when the words left him he heard himself whistle. Dublin reached into a basin and handed Sirus his teeth. "I was able to stop the bleeding, and you have a broken rib. You won't feel it. I suggest you heal yourself." With that Dublin handed Sirus his pouch of regents. Sirus chanting words of power with a slight whistle almost made Dublin break out in a smile, but she
did not falter. Sirus indulged in casting the create food spell. Out of thin air an apple appeared in his hands. Examining it carefully he took a bite and was relived that he felt no pain. "Yes Sirus, Eowen sends you her regards."

This comes to us from someone calling themselves "Mystery":

So it Begins

Sneaking into the clearing, watching the iron doors of the KOB Stronghold, the young lass waits for his target. Slowly over time he sees a few Knights enter and leave, but mainly the towerstands empty and deserted. Where have all the knights gone? What happened to its members? Pondering these questions she spies his target. A young kober, not even a warrior yet. As the target turns to enter the abandoned fortress, he strikes! Fast as the wind, silent as the night he summons powers from the depths of the abyss to rain down on this poor lad, slaying him even before he has time to wonder who is attacking him. Then with a flash he’s gone. Back at his lodging, safe within its confines, he goes to a stone in the floor. Prying it up he removes an old leather bound book. Opening he searches for the name. Page by page until finally he sees it. "Ah, one down two to go" he whispers as he crosses out one name within the tome. Replacing the book he settles the stone back into its place. Lightly tapping it with his foot to make sure it is not discovered. Resuppling goods from a local vendor, totally unprepared to face any possible target, up popped a KoB. This was neither Knight nor squire, but a keeper of KOB. Unknowing who this individual was our young lass decided to see if he could pass as a KoB himself. Sure enough, by throwing out a few names he fooled the man. After some small talk, the keeper turned to answer a question from a passing stranger, the young assassin made his move. With lightening speed magic flew from his hands. Death seemed for certain. But this man had other ideas. Calling on the powers himself, he conjured healing powers. It looked like the plan was about to backfire. Maybe this would be the end of the young lass. Calling more magic he began to get the edge onthe Keeper. Still this man defended and did not fall. Dismounting the lass used his last resource. Dra!, he screamed, kill! As his trusty mount engaged the Keeper, the young assassin regained hismagic powers. With a final blast the keeper fell silent as he tried to make good his escape. Wiping the sweat from his brow, the lass remounted and galloped away. When he returned home he went to the hidden tome. Searching throughout its pages he could not find the name of this individual. Worried, he went through the book a second time. Still no name was to be found for the Keeper. What had he done, he killed a man without just cause. No good would come of this!Returning the book into its compartment and securing the stone he began to pace the floor nervously. Unsure of what to do he prayed.

From Gem:

Do the sea’s mysteries call you but you know little of her ways? The Fishing Council of Britannia is most pleased to announce we have the answer to a would-be sailor’s prayers. Thanks to the generosity of Moff Tarkin, we have a new reference guide in our ever-growing Library. Just visit www.thefcb.com and you’ll leave your dreary land-bound life forever.

Another article from BNN:

Jogug kicked a stone and watched as it skittered across the floor and hit the cave wall. He hated this place. No humies to bash, never enough food, and the cave reeked, even by orc standards. He mumbled some irate complaints to the other orcs in the room, although most of them were too busy with complaints of their own to listen.

The cave had been carved out (actually, blown out) by the orc bombers and reinforced by the orc choppers. In truth, it was well built (again, by orc standards), but many of the orcs had grown weary of it. Orcs cared little for the beauty of the outdoors, but Jogug missed the warmth of the sun and the openness of his home near Cove. Jogug wasn't exactly the bravest of orcs, but he had had enough of this hiding. And so had his lord, Sorgulg.

Jogug quieted his mumbling as Sorgulg raised his voice.

"NO!" the orc lord shouted. "No more hiding!"

This was followed by more shouting from the orc mage Opathu. Jogug could not hear the words exactly, but he could tell the mage disagreed with Sorgulg, preferring the safety of the cave. Jogug thought the sentiment typical of the mages. He didn't trust any orc that didn't bash things with an ax, although he did want to get his hands on some of those bottles the orc bombers kept. He liked the noises they made.

"NO! We go without you den. Take back home. You hide like mongbat if yub want to," Sorgulg retorted, his temper quickly rising.

Jogug knew his lord and the mage well enough to know what would happen next, and was not surprised in the least when he heard Opathu yelp, no doubt dodging an attack from Sorgulg. Jogug would have smiled at the thought, and in fact was about to, when he heard the orc mage yell for help.

The ground shook a bit. Jogug suddenly realized what was coming, and his smile quickly faded into a frown. Gathering what courage he had (which wasn't much), Jogug prepared for a fight. The ground shook again, this time much more forcefully, as a hulking brute of an orc entered the room. Easily twice Jogug's mass, with muscles bulging, the large orc immediately went to enter the room where Sorgulg and the mage were arguing. Jogug, trembling despite his attempts to hide his fear, stood to intercept the brute.

The huge orc smiled a wicked grin as it picked Jogug completely off the ground and threw him headlong into another group of orcs. The brutes had a habit of throwing any orcs who got in their way, since it not only made them feel powerful, but watching the smaller orcs grapple with whatever creature they had been thrown onto was really great fun. The brute was just getting ready to hurl another hapless orc when Sorgulg stormed out, boldly striding right past the imposing orc.

Jogug quickly followed Sorgulg as they left the cave, wanting nothing more to do with the hulking orc or those that wished to stay in the cave. He liked the idea of clomping more painted humies and more importantly, he wanted his home back.

"No more hiding," he thought, echoing his Lord's words and looking nervously back at the cave as another orc yelped and was thrown from the dark cavern.

It was time to clomp!


* * * *


Duncan gathered the men and women of Cove into the Inn and waited for them all to settle down. The people were tired and weary from the fighting and it took him a while to secure their attention. Duncan was happy for the time to compose himself and gather his thoughts, since he knew the proposal he was about to give them would not be a popular one. Finally the room quieted and all eyes and ears went to Duncan.

The young Paladin, who had only months ago just begun his questing, was suddenly acutely aware of all the faces watching him. How had he become the leader of this desperate group? He cleared his throat and began speaking, cautiously at first.

"My friends, for weeks we have defended our town against these orc raids, hoping we could weather this terrible storm. Now these savages threaten our homes as well. It is time we took the fight to them and ended this nonsense before all of Cove is destroyed. Neither the orcs nor the savages seem willing or able to end this themselves... so it is now up to us."

The Paladin paused for a moment, watching the faces of the townsfolk for any sign of reaction. He saw their eyes still focused on him, and continued his speech. Conviction began to creep into his voice as he realized that they were actually listening.

"The time has come for us to leave the relative safety of our homes and take this fight to the orc fort! With these," the paladin held up a mask of orcish kin, "we can rid our land of the savages and put things back the way they were."

At this point, one of the elders of the town jumped from his seat, glaring at the paladin. "Help the orcs? Are you mad!? We've endured their attacks for generations; we'd be better off helping these savages! They're at least human... maybe we can reason with them!"

Duncan had expected this. He knew the deep-rooted hatred the residents of Cove held towards the orcs. But he also knew there would be no negotiations with the savages. The savages were intelligent, cunning, crafty, and were better equipped than the orcs. He had also heard rumors of savages mounted on huge, unfamiliar beasts and powerful savage spellcasters capable of raining lighting down on their enemies from the skies. That, coupled with their terrifying prowess against the most powerful of beasts made the orcs seem to be the lesser of two evils. Before Duncan could respond, the elder spoke again.

"We have already made up our minds, Paladin. We will use their own war paint to blend in with these savages. They'll never know who we are, and we can destroy the orcs once and for all." With that, the elder left the room, and at least half the gathered people followed behind him.

Duncan watched them leave and wondered if this moment would mean the difference between living with the savages or the orcs. Not a happy prospect either way, but he knew he had to do what he could to see that they were not left to the hands of the savages. Turning back to the remaining townsfolk, Duncan began to lay out his plans, and handed out orc masks to those who would fight with the orcs. Those without masks would remain to defend the town.

The time had come to drive the intruders out for good.

This from Dusty:

Before I begin, I'd like to introduce myself. I am part of the Great Lakes Player Seer Organization with Nero and Tristam. When the seers were de-robed, Pacrat thought of the idea of having a cross-shard player seer organization. I do not know what is going on on other shard but on GL we're planning our first event.

On July 14, we will be holding a fair at the skara brae fair grounds. The events will be held by some of the RP guilds on the Great Lakes shard. It is our hope that by doing this, we can bring new members into the RPing community. The schedule is as follows:

3:00 - Magery Contest (Hosted by TPR)
4:00 - Maze Race (Hosted by TPR)
5:00 - Archery Contest (Hosted by OSS)
6:00 - Slime Summoning Contest (Noble Houses of Britannia)
7:00 - Jousting Event (Hosted by RKB)
9:00 - The Good Fight: A Tale of the Battle Between Larcalin and Basil
10:00 - Beauty Pageant(Hosted by S-E)

All times are in CST. The Good Fight will be held by B-D, but I ran out of room on the schedule.

There will also be other things going on that are not on the schedule because they will be going on all day. The Sandlewood Box is bartending. It will open and close whenever Nol decides it does. The S-E will be holding an enchanted Item sale, this is something that you will have to RP in.

I hope to see you there.
Dusty