You are here

CoE answers (or not), Much on PK (PvP) and the Conclave, dark Paladins

 ______________________
/ Issue 126 - May 2008 \______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

   Ask CoE Responses                                    Help CRY2 to CRY4
   Interview with Matanza            - Vortok           Help CRY5 to CRY14
   Paycheck to Paycheck              - Vortok           Help CRY15 to CRY18
   Howling at the Moon               - Linda            Help CRY19 to CRY23
   Unholy Rantings                   - Beleth           Help CRY24 to CRY26
   Tales from a Traveling Bard       - Kadgeon          Help CRY27 to CRY29
   Ideas                             - Galandril        Help CRY30 to CRY31
   Whimpers in the Dark              - Kadgeon          Help CRY32

   Guild News
     Guild of Clerics                - Indira           Help CRY33 to CRY34
     Guild of Vampires               - Taye             Help CRY35
     Guild of Paladins               - Brakkor          Help CRY36
     Guild of Fathomers              - Vachu            Help CRY37

   Nation News
     Quendi                          - Annale           Help CRY38
     Khazad                          - Stoneheft        Help CRY39
     Hobbit                          - Kadgeon          Help CRY40 to CRY41
     Pixie                           - Vermicio         Help CRY42
     Uruk'hai                        - Klaatu           Help CRY43 
     Tyrrhenu                        - Farlina          Help CRY44   

   Council News
     IOQC                            - Fiebin           Help CRY45 to CRY46

   Quest News
     April CoD Quest Results         - Fiebin           Help CRY47
     May CoD Quest                   - Fiebin           Help CRY48
     Peaceful PK Tournament          - Fiebin           Help CRY49 to CRY51
     A Bored Cow and Bulgroth        - Vache            Help CRY52 to CRY53

   Fun and Games
     Room of the Month                                  Help CRY54
     Top 5 rejected Nations Olypmic Events - Vache      Help CRY55

   Funny Logs 
     Sniplets                                           Help CRY56
     GoM guildtalk                   - Malkatov         Help CRY57
     2 characters per Ip                                Help CRY58                          

   Announcements and Advertisements
     2008 Nation Olympics           - Romani & Shadrack Help CRY59
     Order of Arcanes               - Nariel            Help CRY60
     Cry of Despair                                     Help CRY61
     Ask COE                                            Help CRY62
     Wanted - DEAD                                      Help CRY63
     10th Annual Awards - Results   - Falennt           Help CRY64 to CRY70

   Desk of the Hobbit                                   Help CRY71
   A Note from Linda                                    Help CRY72
                                                                      Page: 001
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ___________________
/ Ask CoE Responses \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

1) The Barren Peaks of Tahjliera is a complex, intriguing and deadly area.
However, many explorers have claimed that it's incomplete and that many of the
programs are broken or impossible to discover. Could you please clarify the
state of the area? Is the area being, or planned to be re-ported in like
Otherlands?
 
Reply:
Unless I am mistaken, it has been publicly stated that there are issues with
Barren Peaks.  We do plan to rectify this, but there is no timeline
in place.  An announcement will be made when progress is made.
 
2) The Tower of Despair has a captivating storyline and seemingly many
secrets, of which, perhaps the biggest is the location of Orcus. Is Orcus
actually still in existence, and if so, he is waiting to be discovered by a
group of mortal adventurers without the assistance of an immortal?
 
Reply:
If you find Orcus, feel free to ask him.  If you can't find him, he doesn't
exist.

Continued...                                                          Page: 002
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Ask CoE Responses \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

3) Louis le Fif the black monk was once accidently invoked by an immortal
and a mortal managed to trigger some of his programs. Is it actually possible
for a mortal to access the black monk in his cell?
 
Reply:
Is that the real Louis le Fif in a cell somewhere?  Was it the real Louis le
Fif that was accidentally created?  Was there only one Black Monk?  Was
the real Black Monk captured?  Who captured the one that was caught?
Isn't it rude to answer questions with questions?
 
4) Which high level immortal's plaything is called Demonspawn?
 
Reply:
Honestly, we truly have no idea what you are referring to.

Continued...                                                          Page: 003
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Ask CoE Responses \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

5) Many formulas for attacks and spells are concealed from the mortal player,
why? Is there a possibility of releasing the formulas to mortals?
 
Reply:
There are no plans on releasing specific spell formulas.  It's long been our
position that it is crucial to the game to not lay bare all the bones of the
mechanics of the game.  For those with the time and inclination to study
their skills and spells, it is quite often possible to determine the limits
of said abilities.  For those willing to find an edge, I say they have
earned it.

Note: Questions are from a variety of sources. If you would like to ask CoE
a question, then you can either mudmail it to Fiebin, Falennt or Linda, or
alternatively send Fiebin a tell.



(End)                                                                 Page: 004
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Matanza emerges from a cloud of noxious vapor.
Vortok licks Matanza.
Matanza beams brightly.  Why is that? (Don't ask, don't tell!)

Players near you in Town Hall:
| Vortok         (Excordis)              | The Editor's Office
| Vermicio       (Feralis)               | Circle of Nations
| Matanza        (Creator)               | The Editor's Office

Vortok: Welcome to the CoD office, sir!
 
Matanza: It's been a long time since I was here, it's different. I was a
member of CoD twice, still have my pen. Wasn't there a blood fountain too?

Vortok nods in agreement to Matanza.

Continued...                                                          Page: 005
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Vortok: They removed some of our rooms and the southern exit when they
redid Town Hall. The up room with the spring and blood fountain is now east of
the Daily News and it's also the silent room. They also removed our southern
exit to DH[].
 
Vortok: So do you have 15-20 minutes to talk about PKC and the current
state of PK?
Matanza nods solemnly.
 
Vortok: Thanks, our readers will apprecaite %w(I know I can't spell)
it ;) they'd also appreciate me being able to spell.
Vortok shrugs
 
Matanza: Lois Lane couldn't spell.
 
Vortok: How long have you been overseeing the Pkill Conclave?
 
Matanza: Oh hell I don't know.  Shortly after I hit 53 I think.  I'm going
to say pretty close to a year? I did the Mortal Head thing too, years ago, 
alongside Brendan, we were co-heads.
 
Vortok: Are you comfortable with the current council structure?

Continued...                                                          Page: 006
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Matanza: There have been a few people concerned that Catarrh and Excordis have
more PKC members than the other clans, but I think PKC is in a place where we
don't need to worry about clans tilting votes in their favor. So yes, I'm happy
with it. We rebuilt the PKC before you rejoined and cut down about half of the
members (I think you got kicked actually), and I think it's working out much
better now. 

Vortok: yeah, I've seen PKC membership go up and down from 1 to 2 members per
clan depending on the vision of the current Mortal/Immortal Heads.
 
Matanza: With PK's activity in a constant state of flux sometimes it's good
to have a bunch of members, but then it dies down and you've got every active
pkiller on the council which is kind of lame.
 
Mirabeau twiddles Matanza's ears.
 
Matanza says, 'ooOOooOOooOOoo.'
 
You go mmMMmmMMmmMMmm.
You tell Mirabeau 'hands off!'
Mirabeau starts fondling Matanza, maybe they should get a room!

Continued...                                                          Page: 007
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Mirabeau gives you a giant multicoloured lollipop.
 
Vortok: How effective/efficient would you consider the current PKC on a scale
from (1-10), with 10 being where you'd like to see the council in its final
state?
 
Matanza: Depends on what day you ask me, really.  Some days when certain
members who will remain unmentioned *cough* have big pissing fights with each
other on wartalk it makes the council look bad. But when we're all getting
along and discussing proposals and posting good notes I'd say the council
reaches about a 7 in my books. In a perfect world everyone would post a reason
why they vote the way they do (excluding Yes) and in a perfect world people
would post their notes perfectly constructed every time so I didn't have to do
much rewording when I post to CoE.
 
Vortok: What do you think the councils greatest strengths are in its current
state?
 
Matanza: A range of playing experience I think is one of our biggest assets.
We've got a few people who have been here forever, a few midrange people, and
now Vesper who I believe is somewhat new in comparison to the rest of the
council. Everyone brings their own experience to the table, different eras of
kill to pull from when thinking about our current era. We've gotten to a point
where we don't need to wait 2 months to see everyone's votes anymore either.

Continued...                                                          Page: 008
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Usually within 2 weeks everyone's voted on the notes that are posted, which is
probably about the perfect amount of time. I think that by removing most of the
dead weight we've created a council that has the potential to bring great
changes to pkill, and that will become our greatest strength.
 
Vortok: What do you think the councils greatest weaknesses are in its current
state?
 
Matanza: As I mentioned before, we still don't have perfect communication. We
need to get everyone on the council to the same point. If you vote no, you
explain your reason.  Sometimes 6 people will vote yes and one person will vote
no. Maybe that one person's reason is something that will change the entire
proposal. If they don't say anything, we don't know why they voted no and it
gets passed. There have been improvements in this field recently, though there
is still room for more. Also the council description has had extra spaces for
as long as I can remember. That's a huge weakness.

Pkill Conclave
Head:     Matanza
Members:  9
Description:
The Pkill Conclave is a council made up of mortal and immortal members of
the deadly community.

Continued...                                                          Page: 009
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

 Vortok rolls on the floor laughing hysterically.
  
Vortok: yeah, that totally destroys the council and there's no one online
with the command power to fix it!
  
Vortok: Several PKC Heads have come and gone, some have done more than
others. What would you like to accomplish while you're in this position before
moving on?
  
Matanza: It's important to say before I answer that question that the only
way I'll be moving on is if another deadly Imms to replace me. PKC Head should
be a pkiller and should be someone who still pkills. 
Vortok seems to agree.
 
Matanza: As far as my goals with the council, it's really hard to come up
with specific goals because it's basically a mortal-run council. I don't vote
on notes, I'm just the liaison to CoE in that regard. One thing that I'd love
to see the council accomplish is to make more classes viable in pkill. The Path
of Murder has helped mages a lot, the recent Paladin changes have given them a
huge boost, and we're now trying to find ways to make Barbarians viable rather
than just gankers. 

Continued...                                                          Page: 010
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Vortok: <3 Barbs
 
Matanza: 10 years ago you had a choice between Thief, Vampire or Warrior. Now
you can be Thief, Warrior, Vampire, Ranger, Paladin, Fathomer, Bladesinger, and
almost Barbarian/Mage. Nephs are pretty close too really, but they can't
compete with Mage damage.
 
Vortok: What has been the councils largest project/discussion lately, and how
do you feel about it?
 
Matanza: I'm actually looking forward to this Capture the Flag type idea
Menta came up with.  I don't know if I'd rank it as the "largest", but it's
definitely my favorite of all our current proposals. Calling it Capture the
Flag is just because that's the game it most closely resembles.  The idea is a
flag would spawn in Grimoire every day (sort of like the Deck of Many things)
and deadlies would have to go retrieve it. It will be guarded by a large mob
with high hp who will announce to everyone that soandso is trying to take the
flag. Once the guardian is dead, the flag is picked up by the person and needs
to be walked back to their HQ. Once they get to their HQ they plant it at
recall and then have to guard from invaders. Invaders can take the flag and put
it in their own HQ. At a set time of night the flag despawns and the daily
winner is announced. This repeats every day for the entire week, and at the end
of the week the clan with the most victories gets a prize.

Continued...                                                          Page: 011
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Vortok: Ah ok, sounds fun.
 
Matanza: The idea for prizes was a mob who gives a +dr/+hp spellup and/or
sells demonskins/dragonskin potions or other little knickknacks for the
following week. It's still pending CoE approval but I can build it myself so
I'm hoping they pass it.'
Matanza shakes his fist at the heavens!
 
Vortok: How do you feel about the future of pkill on this MUD, and why?
 
Matanza: I've always believed that the future of pkill relies on the future
of the MUD as a whole.  I think if the MUD prospers, pkill will prosper. 
Regardless of what we put into our pkill system, there will be people who want
to play it. The best thing we can do is ensure that we don't scare away people
who are already playing, and that we make it easy on new players without making
it a free ride. Having lots of classes to choose from is good because it means
if a new player makes a brand new character, there's a good chance he can pkill
on that character. 10 years ago most new players were told their mage or
paladin or ranger was no good for pkill and they had to level a thief to
actually be able to fight. As for the future, I think that if we can maintain a
healthy population we should continue to grow.

Continued...                                                          Page: 012
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Vortok: Finally, would you like to say any closing words to our readers?
 
Matanza: Besides "make a deadly"?
Vortok seems to get a laugh from something saying, "heh heh heh".
 
Matanza: Make a deadly Paladin, that should be. They're awesome.
 
Vortok: You're trying to get people killed! lol
 
Matanza: Well, you have to gear a Paladin properly to survive, DR is a bad
idea.
 
Vortok: Well, Matanza, thank you for the time, our readers and staff
appreciate the input. You can read all about our conversation in this months
issue of Cry :)
 
You shake Matanza's hand.
 
Matanza: vote for me for best female immortal, there's still time.
Matanza utters the words, 'qpaioz gzn'.
Matanza cries out as her gender is changed.

Continued...                                                          Page: 013
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Interview with Matanza - Vortok \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Vortok:  Already did, and I actually voted for Kali.
Matanza utters the words, 'qpaioz gzn'.
A chill runs through Vortok as her gender changes.

Matanza parries Vortok's attack.
Vortok's slice nicks Matanza.
Vortok's slice cuts Matanza.
 
Matanza booms, 'PEACE!'
Vortok sits down.
Matanza sticks her tongue out.  How juvenile of her!
 
Vortok frowns.
Matanza disappears into a swirl of hellfire.
Vortok wartalks 'Bastard!'

'Vortok misses PKNEWS 36                             [CoD]'
 She is a female level 50 Gith Vampire, 4855 years of age.
 
======= THE END ======

(End)                                                                 Page: 014
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 _______________________________________
/ Paycheck to Paycheck - Vortok/Fatanza \_____________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

It's hard to imagine that it's been 6 years now for me in PKill. Wow,
time sure does fly. I started back in early 2002, about 3 years after
I began playing RoD. 
 
Since then a lot has changed. The Shattering was probably one of the
largest change, bringing about changes in how deadlies can pursue
each other with astral/mistwalk, and learning our way around. Adren
was added to remove the famous "fleecalling". Grimoire and the pkill
areas from Eclipse brought about changes in gear, and who can forget
the addition and removal of the option, then forced pkill tagging of
equipment.
 
Clans have changed from Los, Trem, etc to Daemonite, Phoenix, Merida,
and Illuminate. Then comes Surreptus, Nominus Umbra, Vodikem, and the
likes, and finally the current clans as they are today.

Classes have seen some major changes. The removal of lizarmen, the
addition of the pkill hated Barbarians, the introduction of Fathomers
(who were originally coded as pirates), and the introduction of the
paths system, making it more useful to have more than one type of
mage depending on the use. We've seen alignment based slists for
clerics, forcing most pk clerics to go devout, removal of skills like
poison from vamps, and also the addition of many cool features such

Continued...                                                          Page: 015
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _______________________________________
/ Paycheck to Paycheck - Vortok/Fatanza \_____________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

as cleave (rangers), Merc (rangers), enfeeble (vamps), and the path
of Murder that was recently added for the mage class. Warriors went
from 20 to 22 dex, making them much more useful, and the addition of
Bladesingers dramatically reduced the number of thieves roaming
around.

PKC was reactivated during this time, and has had several leaders
since then, one of the most memorable for me, Brendan. Wartalk became
a deadly only channel (viewing), and multi-playing was put to a
screeching halt with the coded logon checks for deadlies. PKillers
got their own news posting forum, assists got their own list, and
clan donations were mad noloot by other clans.
 
We've seen player changes as well. Older members, such as Stoker,
Steve, Jordan, Ben, and Brendan have gone away. Some pop in every
now and again, but not for long. Others like MorbolMatt, Marcus,
CChad, and Cmike still make their appearances on a somewhat regular
basis. A lot of younger players have grown up, some have quit, and
some are still here. Some of the fresh blood have gotten their feet
wet enough to start being a bit cocky, and of course we have to smack
them down a bit.

Continued...                                                          Page: 016
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _______________________________________
/ Paycheck to Paycheck - Vortok/Fatanza \_____________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

As for me, I think I still suck at pkill, and probably always will.
I've found that pkill is like living paycheck to paycheck, where one
week you find yourself ahead, the next week you die a few times and
have nothing to your name, and then manage to work your way back up
the chain again until the next downfall. This is one aspect of pkill
that has pretty much remained a constant for me, even through all of
the changes mentioned above. I think most people that are primarily
pkill only would agree. It's a constant rollercoaster of up and down.

One minute buff, the next minute weak; effort rewarded and wasted;
friends gained and lost. So, what is it about this that stagnant
lifestyle that keeps me around? I've often asked myself this question
and even left RoD for a few months last year. All in all, I think
the life of a deadly, is an honest life. There's rarely any doubt as
to who your friends are, in fact it's typically painfully obvious
when someone doesn't like you. Wartalk, while not always pleasant, is
usually straight forward, and not monitored as much as some of the
peaceful channels, so you're not always forced to feel like a 5th
grade student being watched by the teacher. 

Finally, I think it's the uncertainty of knowing how long you'll be in 
your comfort zone, and how much effort it's going to take to build 
yourself back up to where you were. It's a constant struggle, and usually
the large players change based on how well they've done. It makes me 
appreciate my success a little bit more than my previous peaceful life 
that lacked some of the risk.

Continued...                                                          Page: 017
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _______________________________________
/ Paycheck to Paycheck - Vortok/Fatanza \_____________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

In real life, the comfort of having a stable job, and money to fall
back on is priceless... in pkill, where my life is like living from
paycheck to paycheck, I would probably not want to have it any other
way.
  
Vortok/Fatanza, PKill Conclave since 2004.

(End)                                                                 Page: 018
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________________
/ Howling at the Moon - Linda \_______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

    I slowly opened my eyes to the painfully bright light of a new dawn. As
I sat up, I nearly fainted in pain. The hair on the back of my head was caked
with dirt and blood. I could not remember what happened, or even who I was.
Near where I had fallen was a small brook. Looking over the edge I took a good
look at myself. I had white-blonde hair that hung down my back in a long
braid. I had a short goatee which seemed wrong somehow. I had bright green
eyes that seemed to work well with my hair and light tan. My clothing looked
battered and covered with blood. This brought my thoughts back to the reason
I crawled to the brook. I cleaned the gash as well as I could.
        I heard a noise from one of the bushes as I stood up. "Linda.." I
froze for a moment and then slowly turned around. "Linda..." As I turned
around, a large grey...no, not grey, it was more silver. A large silver wolf
moved from behind the trees. I started moving slowly backwards towards the
small brook to turn and run. As I did, the wolf spoke! "Do not be afraid, it
was I who saved you." I stopped and looked at the wolf. His eyes glinted with
a hint of knowledge and wisdom that only comes from age.
        "Who am I?" I asked.
        He looked at me and with a voice filled with anger and sadness said
"I do not know. The two older ones of your kind are dead, but the female
called you Linda." He bared his teeth and growled, "but the one that did this
did not live much longer.  I will lead you to a pack of your kind."
        "Will I ever see you again?" I asked.
        He replied, "My time in this land is close to coming to an end, but if
you truly need me, I will be there," and then he faded back into the forest.

Continued...                                                          Page: 019
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________________
/ Howling at the Moon - Linda \_______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

        I learned what I could from anyone I could about how to fight, the
forest, and the animals within the forest. I now know who I am. 
        I am Linda Silverwolf.

        I watched the old silver wolf slowly fade into the forest, and I
suddenly found myself alone. Glancing over my shoulder, I received my first
view of real civilization that I could remember. The sun slowly rose over
the walls where a lone guard was inspecting those walking into the city.
Timidly I walked toward the gate.
        Stopping me, the guard spoke. "Excuse me. What is your business in
Darkhaven?"
        "My companions and I were attacked back in the woods," I stammered
uncertainly.
        He handed me a leather bladder filled with a liquid and said, "Here.
Have a sip. I will be just a moment." He pulled me into the shade, pushed me
onto a bench, and walked toward the gate. After a few moments he returned and
said, "I have sent for a healer. She will be here momentarily. So, what is
your name?"
        Looking back towards the forest, I replied, "The one that helped
called me Linda."
        He raised an eyebrow inquisitively, "You sound unsure. Who was it
that came to your aid?"
        "I never got his name." It didn't seem right to speak of the wolf...
At least not yet.

Continued...                                                          Page: 020
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________________
/ Howling at the Moon - Linda \_______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

        Fortunately, a woman chose that moment to approach the guard. She
wore her long grey hair straight and her faded yellow skin created a
disturbing contrast with her black eyes.
        "My name is Charity. Let me have a look at you" She placed a hand on
each side of my face and raised my chin so that I looked straight into her
eyes. She softly uttered the word, "PZAR". Immediately I felt much better,
even though I still could not recall anything before that morning.
        "Thank you, Charity." Finally able to think, I finally realized I did
not have a clue as to where I was. "May I ask where I am?"
        Glancing quickly at Charity the guard spoke cautiously, "This is
New Darkhaven, home of the great Duke Luther."
        I sat for a moment trying to remember anything I could... Darkhaven,
Duke Luther, the lands around me. This seemed to be a fruitless act. My past
was a blank. I slowly stood. Reaching down to my waist pouch, I tried to
determine if I had anything in which to repay their kindness. I found my sack
was empty. A long cut along the side told me the attackers must have taken
more than just my memory. Patting my belt, I felt a small bulge. Reaching
inside a small slit, I pulled out a shiny gold coin. Unsure of what to do,
I shakily held it out. "This is all I seem to have left."
        The guard chuckled, "Put that away. The Duke frowns on us taking money
while doing our jobs. Besides from the looks of things, you will need it."
        Placing a small hand on my shoulder, Charity spoke softly, "Where
were you planning on staying, Linda?"

Continued...                                                          Page: 021
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________________
/ Howling at the Moon - Linda \_______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

        Not knowing how to respond, I just crumpled back onto the bench,
dropping my face into my hands. "I don't even know who or where I am, let
alone anything about where I am to stay."
        A calculating look came over her face. "You had a very nasty head
wound. However, I am slightly surprised that the healing did not even
partially restore your memory. Lets get you settled somewhere. After you have
had a chance to rest, we can work on finding out who you are, where you were
going, and everything else you wish to know."
        She led me down what appeared to be a main road, not surprising since
it led in from the gate. She called the road "Horizon" and I could see a
large fountain in the distance. Approximately halfway to it, Charity guided
me to a building to the right. There was a sign naming it "The Sleeping
Dragon Inn". I stopped as this fact dawned on me.
        "I c..c..can read the sign," I remarked amazed.
        "This is good. Not only can you speak common, you can read it as
well.  I know the owner of this establishment. Let's get you settled in so
you can rest."
        We entered the inn.  Charity went over to the innkeeper. She spoke to
him for a few moments and then pressed a small pouch into his large hand. He
looked towards me and nodded.

Continued...                                                          Page: 022
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________________
/ Howling at the Moon - Linda \_______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

        Coming back, she handed me a room key. "Here you go. You have the
room at the end of the hall to the left." Smiling, she continued, "I will
stop by in the morning. Not too early though." She said, "You need your
rest." She spoke with the innkeeper again, "Will you see that she has some
meat, cheese, and bread for supper?" She turned and walked towards me.
"Bring her a bowl of hot broth and some fresh fruit as well, just in case
her appetite has not returned," she added over her shoulder as she led me
to the room.

Part 2 in the June issue of the Cry of Despair.

(End)                                                                 Page: 023
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 __________________________
/ Unholy Rantings - Beleth \__________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                   
Greetings once again,
 
My rant for this month comes from the very heart of evil, and deals with
matters of faith...
 
The rant centres around Paladin and their inability, currently, to be of any
worth once they have accepted the path of darkness and turned away from the
light...
 
This is the problem it seems, they turn away from the light and are deemed to
have failed as a Paladin.
 
No doubt they would be ostracised, like most who assume the shadow form, from
areas and organisations deemed to be sanctified by the blessing of a devout
and holy god. I however do not assume they will use the same tactics once they
realise that all is not fair and just, and certainly I know it to be true that
powers can be gained from using dark magic, and tactics that might be
described as...lets say...less honourable.
 
I am not as learned as some who might frequent these realms, with their book
bought knowledge, mages and clerics for example, but I am wise in what I have
seen. I have seen warriors of ill repute, and clerics who gain powers from
their dark faith.

Continued...                                                          Page: 024
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 __________________________
/ Unholy Rantings - Beleth \__________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                    
No doubt there are variances of both, and thus a crusader for darkness might
exist in the same way as a crusader for light.
 
Perhaps it requires a little gentle persuasion, from the other dark gods, to
tell Vl'aresch of the deeds of the dark knights that follow them. He may then
allow them access to his succour.
 
Here is the part that will make the devout Paladins blood boil, but what do I
care for their feelings, they seek to suppress history...Solomon in all his
wisdom and his definition of lesser and greater keys of manifest, was able to
bring forth both angels and demons. It seems they are inextricably linked, and
it's true, an army of light would have no enemy if there were not an army of
darkness...
 
It also seems that the Paladin is blind to all currently, choosing only to
accept their own crusade for light as a source of power. They deal death and
seek to destroy darkness, and they call it justice. They ignore that the
founder of their faith, the man Solomon, knew and wrote extensively on the
aspect of darkness too, and that to cause death and destruction might not be
deemed very...charitable...

Continued...                                                          Page: 025
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 __________________________
/ Unholy Rantings - Beleth \__________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
Perhaps there are those Paladin who have seen darkness in action, or have
enough wit to think outside of the obvious brainwashing that has been
ministered.
                   
Perhaps they might gain power from darkness in the same way that a evil Cleric
is able to be affected by the succour of a dark god.
 
In any case, this obvious denial of the existence of darkness in all is futile
...
 
Beleth.

(End)                                                                 Page: 026
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _______________________________________
/ Tales from a Traveling Bard - Kadgeon \_____________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                   
Hello all! My name is Lucas, Lucas Faringdon and I am a traveling bard! It
will be my pleasure to report to you my findings of certain cities and towns
of the Realms! I think that the first place I shall start is the well known
and ever popular DarkHaven! This growing city has a lot to offer to that up
and coming adventurer! Let me start my tale of DarkHaven with the Academy. Now,
if you really and truly want to be a great adventurer, this is where you need
to begin your journey. The Academy is home to two of the finest teachers in
all of Realms, but I warn you the first meeting is always a bit of a shock.
They're what most of us like to call...spirits, so do try not to stare overly
much they tend to get a little cranky about that. While you are here be sure
to enjoy the wonderful food offered to the students there, and for the
children of the night out there they also have accommodations for you.
          Moving on now to The Young Adventurer's Necessities. This is a small
store close to the Academy that carries a few basics a young adventurer would
need...hence the name of the store. to the disdain of many a male around
DarkHaven Deren, the owner of The Young Adventurer's Necessities, attracts all
sorts of business from the female residents of DarkHaven. 
           DarkHaven is also home to all the Guilds of the Realms, the Guild
of Vampires, Guild of Rangers, Guild of Mages, Guild of Fathomers, Guild of
Thieves, Guild of Warriors, Guild of Clerics, Guild of Druids, Guild of
Nephandi, Guild of Augurers, and the Guild of Paladins. It is encouraged that
new adventurers find and join the guild of their chosen path to learn from the
older, and more seasoned. 

Continued...                                                          Page: 027
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _______________________________________
/ Tales from a Traveling Bard - Kadgeon \_____________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                   
       Do you wish to get married? Have a problem with a neighbor and can't 
seem to solve it on your own? Perhaps you need an engraver? Or maybe you
would just like to take a moment's respite at the Fallen Drake Cafe. Whatever
your need is you can find it at the Town Hall! The Honourable Judge Kendra
will be more than happy to solve any problems you may have when it comes to
the law of DarkHaven. Mayor Mul is more than happy to give you a marriage
license, for a fee of course (He also has a very pessimistic view of marriage,
makes you wonder who left him at the altar! Or maybe who he's married to). The
Mayor's secretary, Doris will be more than happy to help you find whatever it
is you may need. There is a cafe, an apothecary, and even a mail facility
right there! 
       Not sure what's going on with your Nation?! That's ok too! There's
boards that you can read to catch up on the news of your Nation without
returning home! But if you need to return home for something simply go to
Tagetarle's ghost (Please try not to be too bothered by the ghost part, and be
prepared to feel a little nauseated after he has taken you back home) and tell
him the secret code to send you on your way. 
        In need of spiritual help? Or healing perhaps? Or maybe you need a
couple of pieces of armor that you cannot find or afford. Then head to the
Notre Dame de Sioux, here you can find donations for armor or all manner of
things. Also the priestess Sonoria is here constantly keeping vigil over the
sick or wounded at The Altar to Thoric. In the Hall of the Prophets, there are
those who can help you choose which Deity is right for you. 

Continued...                                                          Page: 028
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _______________________________________
/ Tales from a Traveling Bard - Kadgeon \_____________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                   
       Market Street! This is the place to be! Whether you need potions,
scrolls, jewelry, notes or quills, various magickal items. It's all here! There
is even another mail facility here. You can find a butcher, a baker, a farmer,
a blacksmith to repair your armor, and even a place to buy weapons! There is
also a pawnshop if you're interested! 
       Need an animal companion while you travel? DarkHaven boasts one of the
best pet shops in the Realms! Need a tailor? DarkHaven has one of those too!
Map to help you find your way? Bodschek the limner can help you! Want a safe
place to keep your money? The Bank of New DarkHaven is one of the best.  Also,
be sure to check out the Auction House, there is always something good to be
found there. Want a nice place to stay for the night, and a decent meal to
fill your belly? Head on over to the Sleeping Dragon Inn, and the Grim Smile
they'll have you set up in no time.  
       Now, that's all I have for you for now but I think it should be enough
to make sure that when you visit here you won't be completely clueless! Until
next time then!

(End)                                                                 Page: 029
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ___________________
/ Ideas - Galandril \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                   
I've been thinking about the idea of a "quest propagater" in RoD recently.
Alot of games you have a handful of mobs in a key part of the game, where
you can go to activate quests. With the new addition of Trade Route areas,
as I will be reviewing later on in this Cry, they open up the interesting
possibility of doing something similar in Darkhaven, with little additional
effort. As I'm sure you know, a large number of areas in the game right now
are very self-contained.

My proposal is that we can tie in these new trade route areas to mobs
in Darkhaven, who can give out quests (once per char) for completion, with
the reward of exp, or a decent item (as we have been seeing in newer areas,
eg Ezard's Fields, or Temple of the Moon, Town Hall).
 
Examples -
Duke Luther could request a character go to White Pine Camp and acquire
15 stacks of pine wood, to help rejuvenate the armory of the Darkhaven
soldiers.
 
Grillek could request you get 12 chickens from New Hope Farm so that he
can serve the population of Darkhaven, and as a reward, you get a decent
butcher's knife.

Continued...                                                          Page: 030
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ___________________
/ Ideas - Galandril \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                   
For potential upcoming areas, we could have, say, a brewary for Zelah on
the NTR, and it's under attack by bandits - Zelah requires the help of some
level 20s to end the siege and restore his potion supply.
 
I would like to see Darkhaven become a bit more of a "centralized" quest hub
especially on the non-avatar levels. I do like the trend in the game now where
there is so much more to do at non-av then just grind your way up to level 50.
 
It could also be quite a nice way for quests to be brought in, at av level,
on older or non-trade route areas, such as requiring them to collect a variety
of items (that would not exist normally) in order to get a fairly decent
reward. On a previous MUD where I was a builder, I did use this idea of
invoking quest-related items and mobs only when questing (much like the
Edo bane hides now), and having a centralized quest hub.
 
It'd be a great addition to the game, and I really hope that this is brought
in, it'd be great for Duke Luther to play more than an aesthetic role in this
game, and show some personality through it.

(End)                                                                 Page: 031
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/



 _____________________________________________________________
/ Whimpers in the Dark- Diary of the Captive Virgin - Kadgeon \_______________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                   
**Written in a hurried, and slightly slanting script as if the person who had
written it wrote without a light**
 
 I'm no longer sure what day it is, or even how long I have been here. Here in
this dark, dank, and musty dungeon. There are no windows, I think this is
because some of the older ones may wish to feed during the day. I have a few
comforts here, I do not really lack for anything, except the warmth of the
sunlight on my face, or the smell of fresh spring flowers. Sometimes I wonder
if they will keep me here forever, or if they will bring me a companion. I
have asked them for the latter several times, in fact I have begged them
because sometimes the silence just eats at my sanity until I feel I will break
. 
       On certain days I am lucky, because I have a guard who will sit and
talk with me for a little while. He is gentle, and sweet. I believe him to be
one of the youngest in this place, for he is not tainted with the bitterness
of age as the rest of them are. When I ask of news of the outside world he
speaks of everything with such passion, and I think that maybe before he was
turned he was an artist of sorts. 
 
 
 ...I hear them coming, laughing and carousing as if nothing was out of the
ordinary, as if I were not a human being they were sucking the life out of. I
don't know how much longer I can stand this. Maybe one day soon my favored
guard will unknowingly help me escape. 

(End)                                                                 Page: 032
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 _______________________________      
/ Guild News - Guild of Clerics \_____________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
                              Greetings Realms!
 
April has been a nice and quiet month within the halls of our guild but May
promises to get a bit more active. GoC is proud to host this months IGQC!
If you are a cleric and would love to receive glory by participating in a
fun quest, you should come join our ranks! Each month another guild hosts one
of these events and it presents the chance to not only gain mentioned glory but
also the chance to mingle with other classes of the realms. It's exciting!
 
If you would like to join the Guild of Clerics , just jot down the following:
 
Requirements: Level 15+
Directions:   NW, 2W, 2N, E from [] 
Webpage:      perdaea.com/dirtycarrot.html
 
Once you read the guide (retrieved in "The Clock Chamber" by saying "guide",
you can contact anyone with "CoC or CoC-T" in their title or a leader to 
request an interview! 
 
We hope you have a joyous May, please feel free to come by or send us a tell
if you have any questions, concerns or just would like to chat!

                               Fantastic News!
  We would like to announce that Torianne has been selected to represent
 our guild as Second! She has been a vital part amongst us and will do great
   as a leader! Please join us in congratulating her in her new endeavors!

Continued...                                                          Page: 033
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _______________________________      
/ Guild News - Guild of Clerics \_____________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
Once you read the guide (retrieved in "The Clock Chamber" by saying "guide",
you can contact anyone with "CoC or CoC-T" in their title or a leader to 
request an interview! 
 
We hope you have a joyous May, please feel free to come by or send us a tell
if you have any questions, concerns or just would like to chat!

                               Fantastic News!

  We would like to announce that Torianne has been selected to represent
 our guild as Second! She has been a vital part amongst us and will do great
   as a leader! Please join us in congratulating her in her new endeavors!
 
Regards, Haviland (Guild Master), Indira (First) & Torianne (Second)

(End)                                                                 Page: 034
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ________________________________
/ Guild News - Guild of Vampires \____________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

With a new month starting GoV will be turning over a new leaf so to speak. We
have three fresh leaders since our latest election in April. Congratz to
Orugan on becoming Guild Second and Minhiriath moving to GM, and Obsidianna
moving up to take Guild First. Also on an out of game level, congratz to one
of our members, Kimmy on the birth of her bouncing baby boy! Both Kimmy and
her son are doing great.
 
Earlier last month we had a mini guild quest hosted by our very own Tsern, and
we would like to thank him for keeping all of us entertained and rewarding the
participants with totally awesome prizes!
 
On another note! Do you have a vamp?! Looking for a place called home? Wanna
meet new, and more often than not crazy people?! Well let me tell you, GoV is
the place to be! Also if you don't have a vamp make one! Level it to level 15
and then you can apply with the rest of 'em! Come join us, and fight for the
Grand Tag Master Lollipop(tm), or any number of other random things we do!
 
That is all for this month folks, thanks for tuning in and be sure to keep an
eye out for us next month! Until next time!

(From Taye)

(End)                                                                 Page: 035
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ________________________________
/ Guild News - Guild of Paladins \____________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

The Guild would like to welcome our newest pledges-
Anasurimbor, Gauthir and Ralamir. GoP is also 
currently accepting applications to the guild.

If you're a level 15 or above paladin please post
an application on our barracks noteboard. It is
located 4N, 3W, 2N,W, N from DH[]. 

(From Brakkor)

(End)                                                                 Page: 036
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ________________________________
/ Guild News - Guild of Fathomer \____________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Yarr!

With the turning of the calender, the Groggy albatross gains new leadership
and the ability to sail to different ports. Thanks to Stoneheft for the
code and Mainwarric for the idea. The albatross can now move from port
to port given time and a leader to steer it. Brahms and Cameryn have
been voted in as second and first respectively; Mainwarric stepping
down as a result of a disagreement with the captain. 

GoF also hosted this months IGQ, with the infamous ninja lord 'Pink mask'
having been vanguished by the guilds with Pillo getting the kb (who says 
rangers are useless?).

Anyway,

Vache/u :P

(End)                                                                 Page: 037
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ______________________
/ Nation News - Quendi \______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Spring had completely taken over the Island - the trees shimmered green with
their new leaves, gentle fragrances filled the air as the springtime flowers
were in full bloom, and the peaceful song of birds hums serenly throughout the
Island.  All in all, Arborlon positively teemed with life.
 
The citizens of Arborlon had also emerged to fully embrace the beauty of
Spring. The shops bristled with activity as Elves went about their business
pruning gardens, planting trees, and helping the Island to shed its winter
coat.
 
Murmurs of excitment pass between the Elves as the Sheelala festival quickly
approaches.  The only thing that seems to be missing from the Island is the
flocks of butterflies which normally fill the trees with color.  But, Melima
has said that they will arrive in time for the blooming of the Elenor.
 
Tari Annale requests that any Elves wishing to aid in the Sheelala festival
contact her.  She also extends a warm welcome to other Nations wishing to come
visit the fair Island of Irrybis during this time of Peace.
 
Elen sila lumenn omentilmo.

(From Annale)

(End)                                                                 Page: 038
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________
/ Nation News - Khazad \______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Labour shortages are becoming obvious as their adverse effects are seen
across more aspects of dwarven life. Homeland security is shaken, guards
can't explain how the reach was sabotaged this month. My thanks go out to
Togra and Alinaryth for finding the escaped livestock, milking the pigs
and saving the day. Eqmibit has been spoken to.

It seems work has ceased, north of Edel. Labour and planning disagreements
are fueled by dwarven and gnomish tension, even in the city where such things
haven't existed for centuries. The stress seems to be felt in all corners
of the widespread nation.


(End)                                                                 Page: 039
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ______________________
/ Nation News - Hobbit \______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

**A small excerpt from the Hobbit Thain's journal**

With the coming of the Spring Season everyone has been hard at work these past
few weeks, and everyone will remain hard at work until the Harvest is ready.
It has been my pleasure to jump in and work alongside my people while the
elders of our Nation sit on their porches and talk about the old days. I can
smell the smoke from their pipes all the way out in the fields sometimes, and
it is the little things like this that make me smile. With everything that has
happened in the past it helps ease my worrying about my people to see them so
happy right now. Soon we will be having our Spring Festivities, hopefully we
can juggle this and the Olympics coming up. Perhaps I will invite our new
allies the Uruk'hai, I hear their chieftain has a fondness for our white
pudding! 

Continued...                                                          Page: 040
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________
/ Nation News - Hobbit \______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

                                   ATTENTION

It is with great pleasure that the Hobbits invite everyone to a Grand Spring 
Festival, with lots of food, games, and other entertainment! All Nations are
invited! Also their will be contests of all sorts! Do you think your Nation
has the best foods?! Bring them and we shall see! Or how about the best toys?!
There will also be an art exhibition! Wine tasting! If you have ideas for 
anything send a letter to our Thain and she will arrange it! There will also 
be a temporary daycare so that the smaller children can be watched while 
even the busiest of parents can go and enjoy themselves! 

The date and time? Those will be posted on the Nations board for all to see
in two days time! So keep an eye out and make plans to attend!

(End)                                                                 Page: 041
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________
/ Nation News - Pixie \_______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

The Doom Pixie King has issued the following statement:
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA... I'm going to kill them all."

Oloe, the new Press Secretary of the Doom Pixie King has 
issued the following follow-up statement:
"Vermicio would like to extend his warmest regards to
all the esteemed Nations of the Realms. He thanks those
leaders who have approached him with good tidings and
hopes for long and mutually beneficial relationships with
all of them. He would like to formally thank the previous
administration of the Pixie Nation for making the
transition as easy as it has been so far and thanks them
for all their hard work in making this one of the most
functional and benevolent Nations of all time. To all
those of the Realms who are curious about his policy and
plans regarding future race relations and the internal 
workings of the Pixie Nation he asks that they come to
him as soon and as often as they would like, his door
will always be open. Have a pleasant day, goodbye."
 
The PNN has issue the following statement:
"And today liberty dies. How do I turn the safety off?"

(End)                                                                 Page: 042
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ________________________
/ Nation News - Uruk'hai \____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

From the Opallinoc News Bureau:

Dateline Opallinoc: Raj gets a job.
Raj, the Uruk'hai Battlemaster, has been hired as a personal bodyguard to the
thain of the Hobbits, Kadgeon. Apparently the salary of a Battlemaster is a
bit on the lean side. Raj was heard to comment, "Cheap so and so with that
merit review system. How does he expect me to afford heals?". Klaatu, the
Benevolent, chieftain of the Uruk'hai, said, "Not much of body to guard"
Graffitti has appeared around Opallinoc proclaiming - Klaatu, the Cheapo -
 
Dateline Realms of Despair: April's Fools
A news item was posted claiming a change to the IP limit.  As bizarre as this
seemed and the news being posted early on April 1st, many actually believed
it to be true. The ranting and cries of despair on the various channels was
very entertaining. Great prank Kinux!
 
Dateline Opallinoc: New leader for Pixies
An announcement from Reomyr Village has proclaimed that Vermicio, brother of
Kosaim, has acceded to the throne of the Pixie Nation. Klaatu, the Benevolent,
chieftain of the Uruk'hai. was saddened to see his long time comrade in arms
step aside. The Uruk'hai hereby formally acknowledge Vermicio as leader of the
Pixie Nation. We give you a hearty welcome and hope for the continuation of
trade, treaties and alliances.

(From Klaatu)

(End)                                                                 Page: 043
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ________________________
/ Nation News - Tyrrhenu \____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

The normally sleepy little Vale of Nidaros was all abuzz with activity. 
Planting season was well underway.  The fields were plowed and each citizen
was hard at work distributing seeds or pressing them into the soil.  Some
carried pales of water, careful
 
All of these preparations would see to the Vales food supplies in the fall and
each citizen took that very seriously.  
 
In addition to the planting, the Vale was undergoing its spring cleaning.  The
houses, the fountains, the mage school, everything.  Soon the tiny village
would sparkling clean and preparing for its spring festival only a few short
weeks away.

(From Farlina)

(End)                                                                 Page: 044
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________
/ Council News - IOQC \_______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

The April IOQ was hosted by Baali, which set a very high standard of quality
for the other Orders of the IOQC. 

The quest consisted of considerable mkill, item finding and puzzle solving; 
making it an extremely challenging quest for the most seasoned questers. The
quest was to capture, and not slay, the four different species of dragon which
had escaped from its owner. There were multiple dragons of the same species
located in four different areas, for which clues were given to. 

However, in order to capture the dragons, each team had to retrieve at least
1 lasso to capture each dragon. These lassos were spread randomly in Blasted
Lands and the Great Eastern Desert. Teams therefore had to race each other
to collect the most accessible lassos. 

In addition, teams also had to obtain a special anklet item for each member of
the team to protect them from the dragons. This required teams to kill a
certain mobile AFTER saying the appropriate trigger words. Teams then had to
locate a dragon and weaken it until it was almost dying before capturing the
dragon. 

Continued...                                                          Page: 045
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________
/ Council News - IOQC \_______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

To make matters more frustrating and testing, the capture rate was
only around 30%. One dragon was particularly difficult to capture- the
thorned dragon- as it auto killed a combatant randomly, therefore requiring
that person to relocate the dragon and CR etc.

The Order of MaidenStone, Ringbearers and Baali (As they were the hosts) did 
not participate in the IOQ. The official ranking of the other Orders are as
follows:

Winners: Ascendere, capturing all 4 dragons in around 2 hours.
2nd Place: Dragonslayers, capturing all 4 dragons in around 3.5 hours.
3rd Place: Inconnu, capturing 3 dragons in around 3 hours.
4th Place: Arcanes, capturing 1 or fewer dragon(s).

Ascendere is scheduled to host the forthcoming IOQ. 

All IOQC Representatives have also been updated on the IOQC helpfile.

+ Fiebin +

(End)                                                                 Page: 046
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________________________
/ Quest News - April CoD Quest Results \______________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

First, the second place winner of the March dragon hunt quest was Pillo and 
not Pollo. The glory prize was accidently given to Pollo, but this has since
been rectified! Congratulations Pillo!

The April quest was to submit a list of named demons of Realms. It was much
more difficult to determine whether the mob was a demon or not, but after
adjudication, the winner is ... Vukodlak! with a list of 35 demons, and
second place goes to Redbeard with a list of 31. Bern also came close to tie
for second place, but fell slightly short. 

There list of accepted demons from Vukodlak is as follows:

Khiurn'hai  Gr'staka   Dogerif     Amon        Ezraken   Myri'ga 
Delphium    Sauron     Asaujar     Kalanox     Yoknyx    Zexlorn
Anyali      Narkin     Terror      Orcus       Chlith    Ral 
Olsen       Ishtahk    RakShasa    Satan       Natasha   Gravoc
Dae'Clya    Kathakali  Naleriathek Mayeseriath Faust     Mael  
Haakai      N'chete    Mak'kor     Vl'aresch   LaChte

Demons which Redbeard identified which Vukodlak did not:

Malsangre   Jajmyla    McManus     Blackmote   Balzhur   Hurag
Raryan      Agradia    Gwyn ap Knudd

Falennt will contact you to award you with your glory prize.
 
(End)                                                                 Page: 047
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ____________________________
/ Quest News - May CoD Quest \________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

The Cry of Despair  May quest is to design a May Flower which _may_ be added 
to the game as an actual item. What you have to do is to send a mudmail with 
the required details to Falennt, Linda and Fiebin. 
Please Title notes "May Quest: (yourname)"

Required details-
Name of the item: (E.g. the pungent orchid of lust)
Long description of the item: (what you see when it is dropped in a room)
Description of the Item: (what you see when you type look/examine item)
Keywords:
Misc: (perhaps you would like it to have a random program)

A panel of judges will determine the winner. The winner will also win some
glory, and the first runner up may win a lesser amount of glory. A maximum of
2 submissions per real life player. Submissions must be sent by the 23rd of
May to be considered. 
 
(End)                                                                 Page: 048
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 _____________________________________________
/ Quest News- Peaceful PK Tournament - Fiebin \_______________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Gonnil hosted a peaceful PK tournament in April. The rules were simple; teams
of 2, team mates must be of a different class, 140 dr limit, slist, 100 heals 
and mana potions, a bunch of true sights and sanctuary potions, and only the 
garb worn could be used. It was definitely a tension filled event where teams 
had pre-determined alliances.

There were 2 initial rounds and the winner from each round would fight in the
final.

1st Battle:                               2nd Battle: 
Varla Wismar (Ascendere)                  Chaggog Zeigler (Inconnu)
Aleq Sunter (Dragonslayers)               Slypher Jilet (Ascendere)
Ubamakaji Melissa (Inconnu)               Vachu Leyton
Cirzicus Bulpin

In the 1st Battle, the order of elimination was: Sunter, Aleq, Bulpin, 
Cirzicus, Ubamakaji, Melissa. Ubamakaji was bashed and subsequently killed.
Ascendere won the 1st Battle!

In the 2nd Battle, the order of elimination was: Vachu, Leyton, Jilet
Slypher. Vachu died from Jilet's circle. I believe Jilet ran out of heals
before either of the Inconnu.
Inconnu won the 2nd Battle!

Continued...                                                          Page: 049
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________________________________
/ Quest News- Peaceful PK Tournament - Fiebin \_______________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

This led to a very exciting FINAL where the honor of each Order was at
stake. Chaggog, Zeigler (Inconnu) vs Varla, Wismar (Ascendere).

From my perspective, it appeared that Inconnu had more brawn, but Ascendere
appeared to be more strategic as they had acquired the One Ring of Power
especially for the deathmatch.

Object 'the One Ring of Power' is infused with your magic...
It is a level 50 armor, weight 5.
Locations it can be worn: finger
Special properties: glow evil metal
This armor has a gold value of 0.
Armor class is 50 of 50.
Affects damage roll by 8.
Affects hit roll by 8.
Affects hp by 100.
Affects mana by 100.
Affects strength by 3.
Affects intelligence by 2.
Affects dexterity by 2.
Affects charisma by 4.
Affects luck by 2.
Affects immune by charm
Affects immune by sleep
Affects resistant:fire by 20%.
Affects resistant:nonmagic by 10%.
Affects susceptible:drain by 10%.
Affects affected_by by invisible
Casts spell 'true sight'

Continued...                                                          Page: 050
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _____________________________________________
/ Quest News- Peaceful PK Tournament - Fiebin \_______________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

The finalists made some last minute changes to their equipment in preparation
for the Final Test. Inconnu donned Ice Girths, which they had previously
omitted to use whilst Varla removed the One Ring of Power during the interval
in order to minimise the negative effect of the Ring on his mental state.

The Final commenced, and it was a fierce battle. After sometime, Wismar was
eliminated, leaving Varla to defeat the Inconnu alone...

Varla was defeated shortly afterwards, and Inconnu were Victorious!

This quick interview with Wismar captures the intensity of the tournament:
Q: How did you die?
Wismar says 'Just a lot of failed flees at the wrong time :3'
Wismar says 'bashed, Chaggog saw it, so he attacked me :3'
Wismar says 'I tried to flee 5 times before the round came'
Wismar says 'And 3 more wimpy flees'
Wismar says 'But it didn't work :P'

This was a fun event despite being very brief for myself personally. I would
like to see many more events such as this in the future, though Immortals
must endeavor to promote circumstances which reduces the influence of more
powerful equipment and artificial alliances. For example, the venue could be
hidden with items of power which would trump those found in the game normally.
Or by limiting heals to 10 and hiding heals in the arena, or by having 1 vs 1.

+ Fiebin +

(End)                                                                 Page: 051
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 __________________________________
/ A Bored Cow and Bulgroth - Vache \__________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                    
Greetings,

On Tuesday April 8th, Bulgroth and myself were bored, so we hosted a little
game of tag. 10 players showed up, 1 of which had to leave unfortuantely,
Gauther was the first eliminated. I was not involved, but gauther nominated
me to be tagged so Bulgroth transed me in :P. Later in the game Vermpire
logged on and wanted to play so we let him in as well. The final 3 players
were Tabecian, Vermpire, and Tornio. Tabecian came third. Tornio and Vermpire
ran around and swapped the yellow flag 8 times, a very good match, with
Vermpire coming out as the eventual Winner :). From time to time I will offer
up more gold prizes for little quests like beetle bash, tag, pirate ctf, or
even trivia, if i find i'm bored and an immortal available to host.

Sincerest regards,

Vache, the Cow!

Continued...                                                          Page: 052
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 __________________________________
/ A Bored Cow and Bulgroth - Vache \__________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
                   
Hello again my prettys,

Once again I decided to be my generous self, and supplied the prizes for one
of Bulgroths beetle bashes. 7 people showed up and Sally beat 3 of us.
Zhetakhas came in first with a score of 173, impressive. Next was Gorlandroks
with 120 and rounding out the top 3 was Clara with 109. Coming dead last of
course was myself! (hint dont use a fathomer for beetle bashing).

Thanks all for the squishy mayhem, more prizes and little mini-quests to
come in the future, possibly even prizes other then gold.

Vache, the afformentioned Cow.

(End)                                                                 Page: 053
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ___________________
/ Room of the Month \_________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Prison of the Damned
Shadows coalesce in shifting blobs throughout this boundless realm, dark shapes
roiling and twisting through myriad stunted and tortured formations. A great
tier of darkness rises in a spiraling pillar, its surface mottled with faces of
tortured dead presented in bas relief upon its surface, frozen in time and
agony. At the pinnacle a looming throne perches, taloned feet dug deep in the
coagulated mass. The impression of presence focuses on the throne, large enough
for a single occupant to lounge. All around, shadows move through animated slow
motion and it becomes apparent that this whole realm is, or once was, living.
Inquisitive faces composed of varying grades of shadow take a moment from their
inflicted tortures to note the presence of mortal flesh, the citizens of the
undead realm recognising the living.
Exits: northeast
Gwyn ap Knudd, Lord of the Dead, fixes you with his smouldering gaze.
Gwyn ap Knudd is shrouded in flowing shadow and light.
 
(End)                                                                 Page: 054
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 _______________________________________________
/ Top 5 rejected Nations Olypmic Events - Vache \_____________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

                    Top 5 rejected Nations Olypmic Events

5. Halfling Feet Shaving

4. Bow and Arrows with real Human targets

3. Dwarf Tossing

2. Gnome Bowling, with real gnomes and REALLY big rocks

              and the number one rejected Nations Olympics Event.....

1. Pixie Darts, dipped in tar and feathered pixies as darts!

(End)                                                                 Page: 055
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 _______________________
/ Funny Logs - Sniplets \_____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Caia says 'the line 'I'm confused' comes out of my mouth more often than 
'hello''

From a conversation on "Realms Slogans and Advertising"...
 
Stoneheft> Bxxbies bxxbies bxxbies!!!If you like dis pair, you're gonna love
Despair.  Visit RoD!!!   [xx = censored]
 
(End)                                                                 Page: 056
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ____________________________
/ Funny Logs - GoM Guildtalk \________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Not sure if its really all that funny.. but yeah :) It was at the time :P

You guildtalk 'o-sh** bar?'
Sunya guildtalks 'the handle above your head in the car..'
You guildtalk 'oh'
You guildtalk 'i hang shirts off mine in the back'
You guildtalk 'when i need to change into business-ey type clothes'
Sunya guildtalks 'heh - good idea'
Tehol guildtalks 'you dress in your car?'
You guildtalk 'Yup.. I put on the cruise control'
Sunya guildtalks 'lol'
Sunya guildtalks 'didn't know it worked like that.. ;)'
Tehol guildtalks 'Huh. well, I've always found it more helpful to keep my
clothing in a closet. :)'
You guildtalk 'Yes Tehol, I live in my car..'
You guildtalk 'And I'm leeching off someone's wifi right now'
Sunya guildtalks 'what???'
You guildtalk ':P'
Giemir guildtalks 'heh'
You guildtalk 'Hahaha'
Sunya guildtalks 'oh - shush!'
 
(End)                                                                 Page: 057
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _________________________________
/ Funny Logs - 2 characters per IP\___________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

(737)  Kinux        04/01/08     Multiplay Change

News 737
  
Should you get the message: "You may not log more than 2 characters per IP
address." Worry not, this is working as intended.
   
As part of a number of recent upgrades to the game, we have chosen to limit
the number of characters accessing the game to 2 per ip address. While this
change has been debated over the past few years, we have come to believe that
it will greatly increase the efficiency with which our server runs and will
make tracking stolen equipment much easier. While we recognize that this
change may inconvenience some, we hope the benefits we've listed will out
-weigh any disadvantages. This change will only affect peaceful play.
   
The helpfiles will be updated soon to reflect this change. We thank you for
your understanding and hope you enjoy this exciting new change.

- You got us good, Kinux xD
 
(End)                                                                 Page: 058
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________
/ 2008 Nation Olympics \______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

 
        /|,
       )  (,              The 2008 Nation Olympics
      ( (  )              
_______\__/_______        Coming late spring/summer.
`--.._      _..--'       
      `\  /'              All Nation RP'ers are
        ||                welcome to attend.
        ||  
        ||
 
Nation Leaders will need to check out the NL board for more information. Each
nation is responsible for submitting an Olympic Event.
 
When it gets closer to the events sign up sheets will be posted on your
hometown boards.
 
Romani & Shadrack

(End)                                                                 Page: 059
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ________________________________
/ Order of Arcanes Advertisement \____________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

 
       ,+:,              
     ,.+.,#,             
    ,++,,:@*:.,          
   :+., *+,,,,:.      The Order of Arcanes is still recruiting!
  .+:,,** .:::..:,       Speak to an Arcane Scout or Leader for
 .##. +: ..,+*...+.,     more information.
,::. :*, :+.:#,:. ...,   
.::,::  ,:,:::.:.   ,:., 
::..+    .:,.::,      ,..  
:,.*.     ,,.+:.:::::::+#  Visit the Order Website at:
..,.+.::+++++::..,,,,,, +  http://www.orderofarcanes.org/
 ,,.*:,,,               +  
   ,:+                  +
    .:+,                +
    ,.++,.....:::::.::::+
     ,,:+::*++:::::...,,,    (We have cherry pie.)
 
 
(Lol, you know you like it?)

(End)                                                                 Page: 060
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________________
/ Cry of Despair Advertisement \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Get paid for anything which gets published. Simply mudmail your article or
contribution to Fiebin, Falennt or Linda, or on the Cry of Despair board on the
Fourth Floor of the Town Hall.

You can also send ideas and suggestions to the same place. Send complaints to
Judge Kendra.

(End)                                                                 Page: 061
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 _____________________
/ Ask COE Announcement\_______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

THE CRY OF DESPAIR IS PROUD TO BRING BACK
 
           ###     ######  ##    ##     ######   #######  ########
          ## ##   ##    ## ##   ##     ##    ## ##     ## ##
         ##   ##  ##       ##  ##      ##       ##     ## ##
        ##     ##  ######  #####       ##       ##     ## ######
        #########       ## ##  ##      ##       ##     ## ##
        ##     ## ##    ## ##   ##     ##    ## ##     ## ##
        ##     ##  ######  ##    ##     ######   #######  ########
 
  If you had a chance to ask the Council of Elders something about
  gameplay, what would you ask?
 
  Do you want to know when we are going to have pasta somewhere?
 
  Do you want to know why thief mobs only keep a percentage of what
  they steal?
 
  Or do you want to know something else?!  If so, mudmail Fiebin with
  your questions today!

(From Falennt)

(End)                                                                 Page: 062
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 _______________
/ WANTED - Dead \_____________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

   _________________________________________
0=(_________________________________________)=0
   |                     ___  __  _        /
   |    |   |  /\  |\  |  |  |   | \      |     
   |    | x | :__: | \ |  |  |-  |  ;     |     The CoD Staff
   |    |/ \| |  | |  \|  |  |__ |_/      |     invites any deadly
   |                                      |     to post a bounty on
   |    /""""""""""""""""""""""""""\      |     another deadly. 
   |    |     :   ,''"((") |       |      |     
   |    |     |  /         |       |      |     You set the bounty 
   |    |     ,-: .*"    "*;       |      |     and the number of  
   |    |     ;    (o)  (o)|       |      |     bounties you are 
   |    |     `-.      ,   |       |      |     prepared to pay and 
   |    |       :     ___  '       |      |     Linda, Falennt and    
   |    |       |`.    -  /        |      |     Fiebin can collect the   
   |    |     _.:  `-.__.'         |      |     skived skin of your  
   |    | ,-"'"  `-.__.-''*-._     |      |     target from bounty  
   |    .-------Dead---------------.      |     hunters. You may also 
   |    _   __              _   _         |     share your reasons 
   |   | \ |   |   |   /\  | \ | \        |     for wanting the target 
   |   |_/ |-  | x |  :__: |_/ |  ;       |     dead.
   |   | \ |__ |/ \|  |  | | \ |_/        |     The cost of this
   |______________________________________|     service is 1 million 
0=(________________________________________)=0  gold coins. The Cry of 
                                                Despair may also award
                                                successful bounty hunters
                                                with additional gold!
(Thank you Romani for the Ascii art)
 
(End)                                                                 Page: 063
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ______________________________
/ 10th Annual Awards - Falennt \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Here are the results everyone's waiting for. There were tons of ties for many 
categories but we managed to find some tie-breakers in the end. Kadgeon has
helped to tally the votes.
 
Congratulations to all winners of the categories!
 
1. Best Male Immortal 
Kinux, Kali, Conran
 
2. Best Female Immortal
Destre, Ceirana, Romani
 
3. Best Male Roleplayer
Karzak, Conran, Gawen
 
4. Best Female Roleplayer
Kadgeon, Babui, Gliowien
 
5. Best RoD Couple
Petrograd & Babui, Siporta & Linda, Cyril & Vache
 
6. Best Male Player
Valky, Petrograd, Meldrew, several ties.

Continued...                                                          Page: 064
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________________
/ 10th Annual Awards - Falennt \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

7. Best Female Player
Foxarius, Hermoyne, Norelle, several ties
 
8. Best Guild
Tie between Guild of Rangers & Guild of Clerics
 
9. Best Clan
Catarrh
 
10. Best Band (New Category!)
Tie between Band of the Wolf & Band of the Fox
 
11. Best Order
Ascendere
 
12. Best Nation
Gith
 
13. Best Area
Nevermore, Valley of Crucifixion, Shattered Temple of Nae'trelle

Continued...                                                          Page: 065
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________________
/ 10th Annual Awards - Falennt \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

14. Best Food Item
A warm apple buttermilk custard pie
 
15. Best Drink Item
Mystical Spring
 
16. Best "Treasure" Item
Mystic Eye of Foresight
 
17. Best Clothing Item (New Category!)
Shroud of Darkness
 
18. Best Dressed
Ghostridah
 
19. Best Rename
the Dramabomb (Nariel)
 
20. Best Social
nod, grin, hum
 
21. Best "New Change" to the Realms
Hide Change, A'enari

Continued...                                                          Page: 066
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 ______________________________
/ 10th Annual Awards - Falennt \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

22. Worst "New Change" to the Realms
Link Dead Trance
 
23. Player(s) everyone dream of pkilling.
Vache, Zoura, Gallant
 
24. Player(s) most likely to pkill the above.
Everyone, Nariel, Lathir
 
25. Most Charismatic Deadly
Mack, Todzuallen, Zaki
 
26. Most Charismatic Peaceful
Foxarius, Korith, Nariel
 
27. Craziest Player
Nariel, Vachu, Korith
 
28. Most Dedicated Leader
Foxarius, Aleq, Graet
 
29. Best Runner
Meldrew, Foxarius, Arlo

Continued...                                                          Page: 067
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________________
/ 10th Annual Awards - Falennt \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

30. Best Explorer
Valky, Petrograd, Zio
 
31. Best Questor
Valky, Petrograd, Meldrew
 
32. Most Eligible Bachelor
Meldrew, Valky, Gonnil
 
33. Most Eligible Bachelorette
Foxarius, Romani, Akael
 
34. Funniest Player
Korith, Gonnil, Stoneheft
 
35. Sickening Goodness (the biggest Goodie Two-Shoes)
Akael, Mirabeau, Zordon
 
36. Most Likely to be Balzhured 
Vache, Cyril, Kox
 
37. Most Unique Rename
the Banhammer (Moothark)

Continued...                                                          Page: 068
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________________
/ 10th Annual Awards - Falennt \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

39. Ugliest Player Name
Nocturne, Zethrilixith, Ghostrida
 
40. Nicest Player Name
Merry, Daniel, Isabella
 
41. Most Interesting Help File
Help me, Bassamrequests, help no
 
42. Most Interesting Room
Disco World, Horizon, A Gathering of Friends
 
43. Most Likely To End Up With QWERTY On Their Forehead
Lathir, Tori, Havi
 
44. Most Frightening Immortal
Kali, Kinux, Edmond
 
45. Most Frightening Player
Zalenaem, Valky, Chyort

Continued...                                                          Page: 069
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/

 ______________________________
/ 10th Annual Awards - Falennt \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

46. Most Likely to Get Lost outside DarkHaven (New Category!)
Gallant, Merkess, Rolgar
 
47. Most Likely to Get Lost Inside DarkHaven (New Category!)
Gallant, Cyril, Merkess
 
48. Most Likely to DT
Valky, Chyort, Qualor
 
49. Most Likely Next to Imm
Qualorn, Foxarius, Indira
 
50. Most Annoying Bot (New Category!)
Makamlex, Llamvak, Gastoniv
 
51. Best Service Bot (New Category!)
Nelkum, Merry, Threndolotto
 
52. Player's who would most likely be in jail for a computer crime 
(New Category!)
Kloey, Vach, Artem

(End)                                                                 Page: 070
_______________________________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________/


 _____________________________
/ Desk of the Hobbit - Fiebin \_______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Another GIANT issue. It appears that the Cry of Despair has managed to
retain writers. The staff roster now includes Kadgeon, Vache, Beleth, 
Galandril and Vortok. Klaatu, Indira, Annale, Stoneheft and Romani are also 
frequent contributors. Thank you to all of you, even though it has meant MANY
more of my hours are spent editing!!! 

The Ask CoE column has also been somewhat of a success, with some concrete
answers. CoE- Your responses are appreciated.

+ Fiebin R'aw +

(End)