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Writing effective emotes; Loril gets run over. Again.



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/ Issue 132 - December 2008  \________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

 Departments:
   Newbie Tips                           - Irina      CRY2-CRY4

Nation News
   Roleplaying With Fire
                    Special Report       - Alessio    CRY5-CRY9
   Guild News
     Guild of Clerics                    - Indira     CRY10-CRY11    

   Order News
     Order of Sanctus Irae               - Alessio    CRY12-CRY14

   Nation News
     Pixie                               - Vermicio   CRY15-CRY18
     Uruk'hai                            - Klaatu     CRY19-cry21
     Khazad                              - Stoneheft  CRY22
     Quendi                              - Annale     CRY23
     Voice of the Rukhas                 - Vokith     CRY24-CRY26

   TS News                               - Akael      CRY27     

   Quest News
   November CoD Quest Results            - Falennt    CRY28       
   December CoD Quest                    - Falennt    CRY29   

   Fun and Games
     Funnies                             - Romani     CRY30
     How to Tell You RoD Too Much?       - Galandril  CRY31
     Rising Prices                       - Futhark    CRY32
     Loril Gets Run Over by a Lowbie     - Romani and Stoneheft CRY33
     Silly Titles                        - Romani     CRY34
     Christmas Imm Mayhem                - Akael      CRY35

    Announcements and Advertisements 
    9th Realms of Despair Awards        - Romani      CRY36-CRY44
    2008 Annual Website Contest Results - Romani      CRY45
    Elf Nation Quest                    - Creemore    CRY46

    Cry of Despair                                    CRY47

    Ask COE                                           CRY48
    Wanted - DEAD                                     CRY49  
    Letter from the Editor                            CRY50
    A Note from Linda                                 CRY51
    From Falennt's Inkwell                            CRY52


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/ Newbie Tips - Irina \_______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\


As an old player, I like to try and help newer players get established in the
game, as I've discussed in a previous article I have written for the Cry of
Despair. From my perspectives and opinions... Well. Here we go.

1) I assume you'll have a char on the way to avatar, or already a couple
   avatars, by the time you read this. But, let's start with class suggestions.
   In my experience, I've found that... A paladin, a warrior, a thief, a
   fathomer, a mage, and a cleric will cover the vast majority of my needs.
   Sometimes you get more specialized needs (e.g. immob mages, nephs, rangers,
   etc), but this is about getting you into a nice healthy position to enjoy a
   large portion of the game.
2) I'd suggest joining a reasonably active, or several, guilds. From what I've
   seen, a lot of the guilds at the moment are in half decent shape. Instead of
   necessarily trying to join the guild immediate to your first character, look
   around a bit, go for a guild where you think you'd be at home. I'm sure you
   can ask some guild members for interviews to help you see how you'd fit in. 
3) There are nice sets of entry level mobs which you can work towards running,
   with mobs like Justice being a fairly comfortable and solo-able financial
   resource (particularly if you have a paladin!)
Continued...
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/  Newbie Tips 2     \________________________________________________________
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   Alternatively, you can try to match market demands as there will always be
   'low-end' equipment that people will want to purchase - just watch auction
   for 24 hours to understand what I mean!
4) I strongly suggest trying to meet some people with your own sort of
   inclinations with the game, as well as similar positions in RoD-maturity.
   One of the easiest ways to get 'wealthy' (if that is your aim) in this game
   is to get a bunch of friends together, learn to run together, explore
   together, and so on, so forth. After all - in many ways - that's all an
   order is!
5) Leveling jobs! There is always a demand for levelers, and it's fairly good
   pay. Yes, it is extremely tedious work unless you are talented at it, but
   you'll be able to pick up vast quantities of gold for leveling jobs - much
   faster than golding for equipment.
6) Questing! If you have the patience, you can quest your way to decent
   equipment and characters. A glorified item with a +1 dr addition can
   potentially fetch the item's base value + 5 or so sets (provided the item
   that has been gloried isn't junk!). Make sure you are operating within the
   glory trading laws though!
7) The key, really, is participation! If you level, run with friends, and quest
   you'll undoubtedly find the game enjoyable, the most important part is to

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/ Newbie Tips 3      \________________________________________________________
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Find a place where you feel at home at - activity will naturally flow from here.
  
  Fundamentally, don't give up if the first couple of times don't work too
   well either - it may take several attempts for you to find your home.
  -- Me!
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/ RP With Fire - Alessio \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Roleplaying With Fire Special Report: Writing Effective Emotes - Alessio 

                  |/========================================\|
                  |        WRITING  EFFECTIVE  EMOTES        |
                  | A "Roleplaying With Fire" Special Report |
                  |\========================================/| 

                     "Genius might be the ability to say a
                       profound thing in a simple way."
                              --Charles Bukowsky

  It should be understood that the cornerstone of roleplay is, and always
will be a cast of strong, well-developed characters. However, without the
necessary tools, the characters will never be able to interact.
  Within the Realms of Despair roleplaying community, there are four
commonly used commands in the execution of a roleplay 'scene':
      1) The 'say' command, used primarily for dialogue.
      2) Socials, which are used (albeit rarely) for limited character
         interaction.
      3) Emotes, used to depict character interaction with greater freedom
         and detail.
      4) Oemotes, used to depict character and environmental action in
         detail.
  This special edition of Roleplaying With Fire will aim to explain the
fundamental concepts of the latter two commands, emote and oemote, as well 

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/ RP With Fire 2     \________________________________________________________
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as the identification of common pitfalls associated with these commands.
                               Part I: The Basics
  At first glance, there seems to be little difference between the emote
and oemote commands. What difference does exist, seems superficial at best.
  Do not be misled, however. If you were to ask any experienced Realms
roleplayer which commands make their craft easiest, I am almost certain
that the bulk of them would identify one of the two about which this
article discusses.
  While the emote is a powerful command for all roleplayers due to its
customizable nature, it suffers one fundamental weakness: all text which
is displayed using this command succeeds the executing user's name.
  This weakness was addressed with the introduction of the single most
powerful tool that a Realms roleplayer is given: the oemote.
  The oemote, like the emote, is highly customizable. This makes it a prime
choice for descriptive writing. But, given that it does not display the
character's name as a portion of the main body of text, it is also favored
by many in capturing environmental actions, and for setting scenes.
  In the following sections, I endeavor to explain proper use of these two
tools in a standard roleplay situation.
                        Part II: Proper Use of the Emote
  While the emote certainly can be used in the same manner as the 'say'
command, it is generally not worth your time to use the emote solely for 

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/ RP With Fire 3     \________________________________________________________
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dialogue alone.
  Practical applications of the emote are as follows:
      a) When your intended action does not exist as a coded social;
      b) When your wish is to convey tone in character speech, or to
         add character action to dialogue for emphasis.
      c) When you want to break character dialogue with action.
         At times, actions really do speak louder than words.
  Given the greater degree of customization that an emote provides for
both character interaction (over pre-designed socials) and dialogue,
it seems obvious that the emote is the preferable choice.
  However, it should be noted that, at times, too much detail can be
counterproductive to the aims of the scene. At times, a simple, verbal
response is all that is needed. At other times, an action predefined by
a social command does the trick.
  As a general rule of thumb, emotes should only be used when this is
not the case, or when socialsays are growing repetitive.
  In roleplay, it is important to be descriptive, but it is equally
important to avoid being wordy. As any professional writer will tell
you: it never hurts to be concise, unless you're paid by the word!
                       Part III: Proper Use of the Oemote
  The oemote can be used in literally any conceivable manner, as far as
roleplay is concerned. However, here are a few examples of situations in
which the oemote is superior to its fellow commands: 

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/ RP With Fire 4     \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

      1) Setting the scene. Due to its completely customizable nature,
         the oemote is second to none for writing descriptive text that
         focuses on any subject but the Player Characters (ex.: NPCs or
         scenery)
      2) For interaction between the executing character and the environment.
      3) Simply to mix things up. RP can grow repetitive and boring if your
         every action begins with your name.
  The oemote is unquestionably the most powerful command afforded to
a roleplayer. This is because descriptive text is vital to roleplay, and
the descriptive ability of the oemote is unparalleled.
  The same general philosophies which apply to use of the emote, apply to
the oemote as well. Be concise, but not if you compromise the quality of
your descriptive text.
  When writing an oemote, remember that the whole point of the command is
that it is -not- an emote. You should never begin an oemote with the name
of your character. Instead, consider describing the reaction of the
character's environment, or a specific NPC (or group of NPCs). Here's
a specific example:
         "The assembled crowd gasped as Dimitri produced his rapier.
          "Outta my way!" he barked, shoving his way through."
  Starting an oemote off with environmental response can be useful as a
method of changing the pace of the scene, while also adding descriptive
flare to the roleplay. Try it yourself! 

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/ RP With Fire 5     \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

       Part IV: Common Mistakes
  In my experience, there are three common mistakes which are made
by all roleplayers at some point, while using the emote and oemote
commands:
      1) Run-on Sentences
         Nothing is more difficult to follow than an emote/oemote that
         seems endless. Proper grammar is a must when using these commands.
      2) Messy/Unclear Dialogue or Though Separation
         Always differentiate between action, thought and speech by using the
         appropriate punctuation: quotations (" and ") are used for speech,
         and thought is generally enclosed in any of a variety of marks
         (including '-thought-' and 'thought')
      3) Emote/Oemote Too Long
         Nothing is wrong with a buffer buster, but try to avoid busting two
         or three buffers in one go. Not only is it difficult to follow in a
         spammy window, it can be annoying to some roleplayers. Keep in mind
         the words of Charles Bukowski (quoted earlier in this article) and
         the point I continue to stress: be concise.
                                       
                                   Conclusion
  In this article, I have attempted to explain the basics of emote and
oemote, to list their common uses, and to identify the three most frequent
mistakes that are made by roleplayers in the use of the commands.
  There has been an underlying theme of the entire piece, and this is that. 

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 ___________________________
/ Guild of Clerics - Indira \_________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Greetings Realms!

I am very delighted to see that we have quite a few Novices in our guild and
more are always welcome!!
I hope to start a few trivia's and quests in the near future to make it even
more fun to join us "Dirty Carrots"!!!
On another note, we hope you enjoy your cozy warm autumn nights with a hot cup
cup of cocoa or coffee, while enjoying Realms of Despair! It'll only get colder
outside which can only mean one thing...MORE time spend with your RoD friends!
Have a wonderful time and as always, let us know if you have any questions and
we'd be happy to answer!

Cheers, Indira! 

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/ Guild of Clerics 2 \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

 Join us!

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 December, please feel free to come by or send us a
tell if you have any questions, concerns or just would like to chat!
Regards, Haviland (Guild Master), Indira (First) Torianne (Second) 

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 ________________________
/ Sanctus Irae - Alessio \____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

  As the ice and snow of winter settles in over the City of Lions, the
streets grow progressively silent and vacant.
  The gypsy caravans and wandering merchants have all but abandoned
the city after an unprofitable year, while many of the trading and
fishing vessels which arrived in Irae's fabled port have set sail
for warmer climes.
  Rumors of the death of the young Alessio di Rossetti are abound
as the Marquis remains missing after having been abducted from his
Villa several weeks ago. The new Trademeister, Jurevicus Galilee,
could not be reached for comment.
  In the city's darkest quarters, its citizens whisper of a growing
darkness, and several pale figures clad in dark robes have been
spotted stalking her alleyways.
  The city is pleased to announce the union of its former healer,
Cadence MacGovern, to the keeper of the Visions of Clarity, Elias
de Rocheforte. May their days be ever blissful.
  In preparation for the hard season ahead, Jurevicus has ordered
the release of the foodstuffs and lumber reserves, to be distributed
evenly by a council appointed by him, to the citizens of Irae. While
parties sympathetic to the cause of the nobility are more content than
ever, political dissidents and the poverty-stricken continue to suffer.
  The Arms Master of Irae, Karzak Stoneblood, has disappeared, leaving
the Iraenian Military and Guard leaderless and in disarray. This
confusion has emboldened bandits, both within Irae's walls 

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/ Sanctus Irae 2     \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

And they have set themselves upon the populace of Irae and its
surrounding hamlets, plundering homes and businesses and
assaulting women in their homes.
  In response, a vigilante organization labeled 'the Crimson
Hand' has established itself as an arm of the law, with
members taking great joy in dismembering those brigands who
they confront, leaving bloody corpses to be discovered by
young children and those few guard patrols which still
operate.
  In spite of these hard times, the city continues to seek
trade relationships with the nations of the Realms, and has
openly requested the presence of a diplomat from each of
the fourteen nations in the court of the Marquis.
  What trials, tribulations, and opportunities unfold for
the people of Irae? Only time can tell... 

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/ Sanctus Irae 3     \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

__/\__                                 The Order of Sanctus Irae
\_\/_/                                 Membership and Leaders
/_/\_\                                 wish to extend their wishes
  \/                                   to the Realms of Despair community
Have a safe,                                                  _\/\/_
happy, healthy                                               _\_\/_/_
Holiday Season!                                               /_/\_\
                                                               /\/\
                                See you in 2009! 

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 __________________________
/ Pixie News - Vermicio  \__________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

This note was found taped to the back of Thoric last Tuesday. He has verified
it's authenticity to the CoD and has presented it thusly:
Far too long the winged majesty of the Pixie Nation has fluttered on
in obscurity and humiliation. We do resolve herein that through conquest
and terror these realms shall know our might and tremble rightly before it.
The glorious Pixie Nation does hereby declare war on the following
nations and peoples. We apologize to those civilian populations which
will be affected by the actions precipitated by these declarations.
Praise Vermicio, the Doom Pixie King.
1. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Kadgeon of the
Hobbit peoples for offenses against the personal acquisition of a proper
mate and vessel of earthly satisfaction for the person of the King. The
seers and judges of the king do thus present the evening of the Day of
the Magus, 29th of the Month of the Apple Barrels when Kadgeon did
knowingly refuse an intimate advance made by his gloriousness, the King.
You shall all be cleansed of your sin, none shall survive. So it is Declared
and so it shall be. 

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/ Pixie News 2       \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

2. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Annale of the
Quendi peoples for the blatant and insufferable offense of failing to submit
preemptively to the rule and law of the glorious Pixie Nation and its divine
intention and bestowals. You shall all be cleansed of your sin, none shall
survive. So it is Declared and so it shall be.
3. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Stoneheft of the
Khazad peoples for failing to bestow his immortal blessings upon the great and
most glorious Pixie Nation and for wearing ugly boots. You shall all be
cleansed of your sin, none shall survive. So it is Declared and so it shall be.
4. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Klaatu of the
Vruk'hai peoples for the collective abuse of the word "Pwn". You shall all
be cleansed of your sin, none shall survive. So it is Declared and so it shall
be.
5. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Vokith of the
Rukhas'dul peoples for wearing purple socks with brown boots in the
glorious and most esteemed court of the Pixie Nation during a visit, as
the seers and judges of the glorious Pixie Nation have confirmed,
on the Day of Severe Lacerations, 17th of the Month of Prickly Beltbuckles. You
shall all be cleansed of your sin, none shall survive. So it is Declared and
so it shall be. 

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/ Pixie News 3       \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

6. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Leala of the Olog'hai
peoples for being to tall. You shall all be cleansed of your sin, none shall
survive. So it is Declared and so it shall be.
7. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Stela of the Elohai
peoples for the egregious offenses against decency and humility that were
perpetrated on the Day of Yellow Snow, 19th of the Month of Eye Gouging.
They are so severe and terrible that they will not be mentioned here for the
sake of decency. You shall all be cleansed of your sin, none shall survive. So
it is Declared and so it shall be.
8. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Anshuna of the
Gralthai peoples for being yellow and ugly and kinda mushy in the face,
generally. You shall all be cleansed of your sin, none shall survive. So
it is Declared and so it shall be.
9. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Alzeria of the
Ilythiiri peoples, Ashandra of the Aerandir peoples, and Dazamo of the
O'kwyl peoples for having a tea party and not inviting his majesty, King
Vermicio the Doom Pixie King, as the seers of judges of the most holy court
of the Pixie Nation can attest to, on the Day of Happy Beaver Cake, 8th of
the Month of Perpetual Candles. You shall all be cleansed of your sin, none
shall survive. So it is Declared and so it shall be. 

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/ Pixie News 4       \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

10. We, the glorious Pixie Nation do hereby declare war on Farlina of
the Tyrrhenu peoples for being so tiny without having wings. You
shall all be cleansed of your sin, none shall survive. So it is
Declared and so it shall be.
And so it is done. Let is be known to all the peoples of the Realm
that should they depose their erstwhile leaders and accept the divine
providence of his Majesty, King Vermicio, the Doom Pixie King, you
shall not only be spared the horror of his inevitable conquest of
your lands, but taken into his sweet embrace and held to his bosom as
that of a newborn child, hungry for the delectable juices of his
teat. And ye, you shall be satisfied.
Signed by the Seven Seers and Fourteen Judges of the Royal Court of his
Majesty, King Vermicio the Doom Pixie King. So it is declared and so
shall it be.

Sealed with the Holy Mark of the Doom Pixie King, Vermicio.
May his reign see the dawn of heaven on earth. Amen. 

                                                                     Page: 18

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/ Uruk'hai News - Klaatu \____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

From the Opallinoc News Bureau: 
Dateline Mount Krozloy: Kragash is dead
The Uruk'hai garrison near Mt. Krozloy, that guards the W.M. D., has sent a
number dispatches to Opallinoc. The reports indicated sounds of battle from
within Mt. Krozloy itself. Zontar was sent to get a closer look. His reports of
grey, tan and green orc bodies lying in the streets were surprising. The final
report was of hearing chants of "Kragash is dead. Long live the High Chieftain!
Klaatu, the Benevolent, had mixed feelings about the death of his long time foe
and proclaimed one day of mourning for the passing of a great, fearsome warrior
Dateline Opallinoc: Winter Solstice Fest

Meeka's swill is brewing, incredible edibles have been gathered and Hakupa has
a new supply of wound dressings.
Let the Solstice Fest commence !
You know when.
You know where.
So be there !!! 
Dateline Darhaven : Holiday Gifts
The Uruk'hai merchants and Inahir traders are taking orders for holiday gifts.
Some of this years selection are toy monkeys, toy boats, rubber balls and a
few musical instruments and rare teddy bear puppets (extreme short supply).
Get your orders in now. 

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/ Uruk'hai News 2        \____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

News Flash - Sounds of Battle on Blood Sea
Repots from outpost along the Blood Sea, near the Isle of Irrybis, 
have come. Sounds of battle and cries of death have been heard. 
Sighting of massive swarms of Pixie flying over head have been 
received. More news to follow as reports come in.

News Flash - Tari Annale comes to Opallinoc
The elven Tari, Annale arrived at Opallinoc seeking a meeting with Klaatu. 
Taken aback by the first ever Elf to visit, Klaatu was interested in why. 
Annale told of the Pixie attack and her being bride to be of Vermicio. More 
she said of Pixie declaring war Realms wide and asked what Klaatu what he 
would do. Klaatu told of his neutrality stance in the past. Annale asked 
what it would take to side with Vermicio and the Pixie / Elven forces. 
Replying Klaatu said he wanted the Dunhill Pixie colony as payment. Annale 
would not agree without consulting Vermicio personally. A messenger was 
sent with Klaatu's demand. After some time of waiting and avoiding Annale's 
attempts at seduction, Vermicio himself appeared at Opallinoc's gates. 
Much discussion and shouting took place between the two leaders. The 
Northern Plains was at stake for the Uruk'hai. Finally an agreement was 
reached where the Uruk'hai and their Protectorate of the Inahir would 
ally with the Pixies. A large payment of treasure and other goods was 
agreed to. As a gesture of good faith Vermicio made an offer of Dunhill 
to the ogres when the war was won. 

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/ Uruk'hai News 3        \____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

From the Opallinoc News Bureau:
News Flash - Sounds of Battle on Blood Sea
Repots from outpost along the Blood Sea, near the Isle of Irrybis, have come.
Sounds of battle and cries of death have been heard. Sighting of massive swarms
of Pixies flying over head have been received. More to follow as reports come.

News Flash - Tari Annale comes to Opallinoc
The elven Tari, Annale arrived at Opallinoce seeking a meeting with Klaatu.
Taken aback by the first ever Elf to visit, Klaatu was interested in why.
Annale told of the Pixie attack and her being bride to be of Vermicio. More
she said of Pixie declaring war Realms wide and asked what Klaatu what he
would do. Klaatu told of his neutrality stance in the past.
Annale asked what would it take to side with Vermicio and the Pixie / Elven
forces. Replying Klaatu said he wanted the Dunhill Pixie colony as payment.
Annale would not agree without consulting Vermicio personally. A messenger was
sent with Klaatu's demand. After some time of waiting and avoiding Annale's
attempts at seduction, Vermicio himself appeared at Opallinoc's gates.
Much discussion and shouting took place between the two leaders. The Northern
Plains was at stake for the Uruk'hai. Finally an agreement was reached where
the Uruk'hai and their Protectorate of the Inahir would ally with the Pixies.
A large payment of treasure and other goods was agreed to. As a gesture of
good faith Vermicio made an offer of Dunhill to the ogres when the war was won. 

                                                                     Page: 21

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/ Khazad News - Stoneheft  \__________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

I have to believe that the rumours about the pixie nation's rise are worse
than merely true. I met with Vermicio, at his request, to learn of his
intentions to dominate the other nations... All of the other nations.
Using nothing more than his natural Pixie charm (as far as I could tell)
the Doom Pixie King spoke of the importance of our people's surrender.
I listened with only the slightest feelings of objection.
The pixies are a naturally charismatic, beautiful people. It is not easy
to defy the seemingly truthful words that they share with you while you
are in their presence.
Annale arrived, on behalf of her elves, but could not offer me any help
in resisting the offer to support the pixie nation in this evil vein that
they have dug in to. It seems that she has already succumbed to this pixie
charm and I can't be certain at this time whether it may be too late for
her nation. The elves are too closely related to the duergar, they probably
can't withstand the lusts of evil under any mild charms.
If nothing else, Khazad, heed this as a warning. Something evil is afoot
and it is not easy to understand. I do not know for sure that I am fully
free of the strange charm that seemed to misguide me as I spoke with their
king.

Be slow to trust those who you do not know, if you can. 
Stoneheft Gemstone 

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 ______________________
/ Quendi News - Annale \_______________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
Vanya Yenearsira!

Pleasant Yeartide!  The Elves wish to say Merry Festivus to all other nations
and welcome visitors to our fair Island.  Come share a glass of Elverquisst
and sit around the warm fireplace at the Fox and Fiddle!
First Snow Fall Arrives Early Upon the Isle

While the crisp cool days of Autumn seem only to have just arrived upon
Irrybis, pristine white flakes of snow now dust the boughs of trees.  The
early snow fall brings with it soft whispering winds, lulling the Island into
a peaceful winter slumber.

No News is Good News

After the many strange occurrences upon the Isle, the Elves welcome the brief
quiet and respite.  No new developments have arisen, although the phenomena
are still being investigated. 

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/ Voice of the Rukhas - Vokith  \_____________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

       ____   ____    .__                       _____
       \   \ /   /___ |__| ____  ____     _____/ ____\
        \   Y   /  _ \|  |/ ___\/ __ \   /  _ \   __\
         \     (  <_> )  \  \__\  ___/  (  <_> )  |  
         \___/ \____/|__|\___  >___  >  \____/|__|  
                              \/    \/               
                      __  .__           
                    _/  |_|  |__   ____ 
                    \   __\  |  \_/ __ \
                     |  | |   Y  \  ___/
                     |__| |___|  /\___  >
                               \/     \/
        __________       __   .__                  
        \______   \__ __|  | _|  |__ _____    ______
         |       _/  |  \  |/ /  |  \\__  \  /  ___/
         |    |   \  |  /    
                \/           \/    \/     \/     \/
====================================================================
||First Week         ---------------           Month of Liberation||
==================================================================== 

                                                                     Page: 24

25

 _______________________
/ Voice of the Rukhas 2 \_____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
====================================================================
|                Freedom Secured at End of Blade:                  |
|                    Kragash Bonehewer Slain                       |
|                                                                  |
|  The tyrannical Kragash Bonehewer was overthrown a week ago by   |
|former exile of the Rukhas'Dul, Vokith Drah'zi.                   |
|  In a speech to the people of Krozloy, Vokith had this to say:   |
|                                                                  |
|        "Rukhas of Krozloy! No longer will we fear the            |
|         savagery of Bonehewer the Brutal, for he is              |
|         dead! Once more, we can embrace our brothers,            |
|         whatever color their flesh, without fear of              |
|           reprisal from a maniacal tyrant and his                |
|         overzealous goons! It is a new age for our               |
|         people, the Sons and Daughters of Grishnakh!             |
|          Join me! Pledge your allegiance to the old              |
|         ways, and be pardoned for your sins! Join me,            |
|        and together, we will build a better tomorrow!"           |
|                                                                  |
|  When asked the meaning of his speech, top-level Revolutionaries |
|could not comment. Meanwhile, former General Threnkth (who has    |
|been promoted to the position of War Chieftain within the newfound|
|Nation of Krozloy) had this to say: "We of Krozloy have always    |
|been a resilient people. The winter is coming, and it will help us| 
|to wash away the blood and agony of yesterday. We must now work   |
|toward a better future. Vokith Drah'zi is our best option. I would|
|implore all of my brethren to follow his lead, and do as he does."|
|==================================================================| 

                                                                     Page: 25

26

 ____________________
/ Voice of the Rukhas 3 \_____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

|==================================================================|
|                   'Path to Equality' Announced                   |
|                                                                  |
| In a controversial speech this past Monday, newly declared High  |
|Chieftain Vokith Drah'zi unveiled his plan for ethnic recovery.   |
| Tentatively named the 'Path to Equality', the document reputedly |
|was carved into the chamber walls of the High Council, that they  |
|may never forget it.                                              |
| A brief excerpt:                                                 |
|   "No tanskin shall fear violence at the hands of his green      |
|    or grey brothers, for we all are united and we all adhere     |
|    to one God and one Path: Grishnakh, and his path to truth     |
|    and honor. We solemnly pledge to remember the butchery of     |
|    Bonehewer the Brutal, and to never repeat it, lest Death      |
|    be delivered upon us who fail to do so."                      |
|                                                                  |
| The text, said to be one of faith as well as politic, was signed |
|by all members of the serving High Council.                       |
|==================================================================|
|               Pixie Skirmish Brigade Encountered:                |
|                   Two Rukhas Soldiers Killed                     |
|                                                                  |
| On a regular patrol around the perimeter of Krozloy, three Rukhas|
|regulars encountered a skirmish group of Pixies and, upon their   |
|failure to identify themselves, engaged them in combat.           |
| The battle lasted only a few short moments, with losses sustained|
|on both sides. Though the precise number of Pixie losses are      |
|presently unknown, we can claim with certainty that two of the    |
|three soldiers of Krozloy were slain in battle.                   |
| Vokith Drah'zi had called an emergency meeting with his High     |
|Council immediately after hearing of the news, and has since      |
|dispatched an envoy to King Vermicio of the Pixie Nation to learn |
|of his intent.                                                    |
|===============================END================================| 

                                                                     Page: 26

27

 _____________________________
/ The Symposium News - Akael  \_______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

TS news from November 2008
Passed by TS
- Make all pipe commands useable on a pipe item in the hold wearloc.
Passed by Liaisons
- Changes to Reveal
- Mail to Friends
- Multiple Mail Duplication
- Ranger Snare Modification
Failed by Liaisons
- Reciprocate
- Nephandi Astral Spell
- New Command - Arrange
- Modification of Ranger Track
- Visage of Immortality (Cleric Spell)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         For older TS news, visit http://ts.silverwolf-den.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See also: Help TS, Help TSinfo 

                                                                     Page: 27

28

 ______________________________________
/ November COD Quest Results - Falennt \______________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\


November COD Quest Results - Falennt 

                                                                     Page: 28

29

 ______________________________
/ December COD Quest - Falennt \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

December COD Quest - Falennt 

For this month's quest, find as many mobs as you can which has the word 'white' in their names or descriptions. Have fun searching! 

Don't forget to mudmail your answers to Falennt and Linda! (See HELP MUDMAIL)

                                                                     Page: 29

30

 ____________________
/ COD Funny Pages    \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Funnies 

How to amuse a geek 

Siporta says 'Top 10 ways to amuse a geek'
Siporta says '1. Make a list of the top 10 ways to amuse a geek.'
Siporta says '10. Use binary. ' 

Rooputation! 
Roo says 'oh hell, been on for 6 mins and i was slayed and poisoned..glad to
see my rep is still here' 

Funny Quote of the Month 
Sylletta chats 'I think my sons first words will be either Lord Seth must die
or POP! POP! POP!' 

Submit your funnies each month by mudmail to Falennt and Linda.

                                                                     Page: 30

31

 ___________________________________________
/ How to Tell You RoD Too Much? - Galandril \_________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

             How to tell you play RoD too much!

1) You use 'nod' in msn conversations and people wonder wtf you mean

2) You have accidentally written 'say  (message)' on MSN.

3) You wish you could use 'locate object' in real life.

4) You wish you could use finditem in real life.

5) You dream/have dreamt in text.

6) In said dream you popped a rare item you really want!

7) You have a list of rare items you really want

8) You've waken up in a cold sweat after dreaming you DT'd.

9) You're convinced if you die you come back to life

10) You want to cast fireball on the person who cut you off on the freeway

11) You wonder why you can't teleport to your next location 

                                                                     Page: 31

32

 _________________________
/ Rising Prices - Futhark \___________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Everyone complains about the price of gas per gallon.

Well think of it this way.
Diet Snapple 16 oz. for $1.29 = $10.32 per gallon
Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz for $1.19 = $9.52 per gallon
Gatorade 20 oz for $1.59 = $10.17 per gallon
Ocean Spray 16 oz for $1.25 = $10.00 per gallon
Quart of Milk 16 oz for $1.59 = $6.32 per gallon
Evian (water) 9 oz for $1.49 = $21.19 per gallon
STP Brake Fluid 12 oz for $3.15 = $33.60 per gallon
Vicks Nyquil 6 oz for $8.35 = $178.13 per gallon
Pepto Bismol 4 oz for $3.85 = $123.20 per gallon
Whiteout 7 oz for $1.39 = $254.17 per gallon
Scope 1.5 oz for $0.99 = $84.84 per gallon
You get the idea..........So next time your at the pump be glad your car doesn't run on Nyquil or Scope. 

* Originally posted in the CRY on 07/18/99

                                                                     Page: 32

33

 ________________________________
/ Loril got run over by a newbie \____________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Loril got run over by a newbie - Romani and Stoneheft 

CHORUS: Loril got run over by a newbie logging out from mudding Christmas
eve. You can say there's no such thing as Thoric, But as for me and Stoneheft,
we believe. 

-*-She'd been drinkin' too much egg nog, And we'd begged her not to go. But
she'd left her medication, So she stumbled out the door into the snow. When
we found her Christmas mornin', At the scene of the attack. There were tiny
footprints on her forehead, And incriminatin' newbie marks on her back.

(CHORUS)
 
-*-Now were all so proud of Stoneheft, He's been takin' this so well. See him
in there watchin' football, Drinkin' Guinness and playin' cards with cousin
It (Yeroc).
-*-It's not Christmas without Loril. All the imm's dressed in black. And we
just can't help but wonder: Should we open up her gifts or send them back?

(CHORUS)
 
-*-Now the goose is on the table and the pudding made of fig. And a blue and
silver candle, That would just have matched the hair in Loril's wig.
-*-I've warned all my friends and neighbours. Better watch out for yourselves.
"We should never give a license, to a man who creates a world to play with
elves." 

(CHORUS)

                                                                     Page: 33

34

 _______________________
/ Silly Titles - Romani \_____________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
Snorg the Tribal Whiner howls like Wolfman Jack is hovering here.

Khori the Asinine.

Glubose the Half-wit. 

Jose Jalapeno guides you through Chaos.  [Pandamonium] (Ringbearers)

Ajnin the backwards ninjA. 

Vache Coeur-Vrai is a made-cow in the pixie mafia. {Elghinn D'aron} 

                                                                     Page: 34

35

 ______________________________
/ Christmas Imm Mayhem - Akael \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
  

Odessyus: I wonder if unicorn would taste good.

Akael: There's something very evil about killing unicorns :(

A unicorn arrives from a puff of smoke.

In a coil of swirling colours, Edmond descends on a unicorn in a flash,
driving his wooden leg through their body.

A unicorn hits the ground ... DEAD.

Romani gasps in astonishment.

Odessyus laughs.

Romani strips the skin from the corpse of a unicorn.

Romani gives the skin of the corpse of a unicorn to Odessyus.

Odessyus eats the skin of the corpse of a unicorn.

Odessyus says 'It was a little raw, but tasty'

Odessyus says 'Nothing like giraffe though.'

Romani wonders 'tastes like chicken?'

Odessyus says 'Lemon-pepper unicorn's probably alright' 
 
Poor Akael's response :

Akael says 'I don't kill unicorns. Much.' 

                                                                     Page: 35

36

 ______________________________
/ 9th Realms of Despair Awards \______________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
Over the past few years, the Herald Assembly and Cry of Despair have brought
you a little sunshine known as the RoD Awards. In it's nineth year, we have
dozens of categories for you to vote for all your friends, or maybe even the
people who you feel deserve these awards.
The votes will be collected by Romani via MUDmail, by the 15th of
December. To vote, please set out your MUDmails in the following fashion:

    To: Romani
    Subject: RoD Awards Votes
    Category 1: (Player1), (Player2), (Player3)
    Category 2: (Object1), (Object2), (Object3)

And so forth. Only three nominations per category will be accepted, and the
order in which you vote will be considered the preference of choices.
If there are any questions, please direct them to me (Romani) via tells or
MUDmail. 

                                                                     Page: 36

37

 _______________
/ RoD Awards 2  \_____________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Rules to Voting:

* You may only have one voting sheet per real-life player. If it
  is known that you have used more than one character to vote,
  all of that players votes are nulled.
* You do not have to vote in every category, you can vote in
  whichever categories you wish.
* Entries handed in after the 1st of January are not valid.
* Keep your nominations within reason.
The categories will be listed on the following pages. Remember, you do not
have to vote in all categories, but please remember to write on your voting
note which categories you are voting in. 

                                                                     Page: 37

38

 ____________________
/ RoD Awards 3  \_____________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

1. Best Male Immortal
Which male Immortal works the hardest for the MUD?

2. Best Female Immortal
Which female immortal have you felt have done their best?

3. Best Male Roleplayer
Who's the most natural male roleplayer?

4. Best Female Roleplayer
Who's the greatest drama queen we have?

5. Best RoD Couple
Who are the cutest couple to hit the scene?

6. Best "New change" to Realms
Over the past few months, what's the best change that has happened?

7. Worst "New change" to Realms
And which recent change has made you cringe?

8. Best Guild
Which Guild has been the greatest in all aspects of the game? 

                                                                     Page: 38

39

 ____________________
/ RoD Awards 4  \_____________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
9. Best Order
Which Order has proven itself worthy?

10. Best Clan
Which Clan has the most feared reputation?

11. Best Area
Which area always has you on the edge of your seat?

12. Best Nation
Many nations are springing to life. Which is the liveliest?

13. Best Food Item
Which food can you almost taste in your mouth?

14. Best Drink Item
Which drink quenches your thirst the best?

15. Best "Treasure" Item
Which is the most prized treasure of the land? 

                                                                     Page: 39

40

 ____________________
/ RoD Awards 5  \_____________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

16. Most Likely to DT
Which player always gets themselves into sticky situations? 

17. Best Dressed
Which player just leaves you in awe when they enter the room?

18. Most Likely to be Balzhured
The one award you DON'T want the pleasure of winning.

19. Best Object Rename
Which player has the greatest item rename, in your opinion?
(When voting for this category, please be sure to list the rename beside the
nominee's name).

20. Best Social
Which social do you find a use for in EVERY situation?

21. Best Male Player
Which male player has inspired you? 

                                                                     Page: 40

41

 ____________________
/ RoD Awards 6  \_____________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

22. Best Female Player
Which female player leaves you with a good impression about herself?

23. Most likely to get illegally PKilled
It happens, we know it does. Who do you think would deserve this award more
than anything?

24. Most likely to be the one to illegally PKill them
People and their short tempers. Who would be the one to snap and attack?

25. Most charismatic deadly
Which deadly stands out above all others with their outstanding personality?
Be it bad or good.

26. Most charismatic peaceful
Which peaceful comes to mind when you think of most charismatic?

27. Most interesting help file
Out of the hundreds of help files, which one still makes you laugh, cry or
scream when you think of it? 

                                                                     Page: 41

42

 ____________________
/ RoD Awards 7  \_____________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

28. Most interesting room
Some rooms come to mind when you want to hang out or just idle. Which one do
you prefer?

29. Best Runner
Who comes to mind when you have an itch to go on a run?

30. Best explorer
Who is the first one to have directions and EQ to the new areas?
Someone that you trust to guide you to safety.

31. Next-to-Imm
This player has contributed a lot to the Realms community in the last year and
if another person was to Imm, this person should be that Imm.

32. Most eligible Bachelor
What gentleman invades your dreams at night, ladies... and some men as well? 

33. Most eligible bachelorette
Which graceful bachelorette invades your daydreams, men... and some ladies as
well? 

                                                                     Page: 42

43

 ____________________
/ RoD Awards 8  \_____________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
34. Funniest person
Who makes your sides hurt and your lips sore from laughing so much?

35. Ugliest Player Name
Whose name just reeks of unoriginality and ugliness?

36. Nicest Player Name
Who has the most original, best looking name?

37. Best Vocalist
What player sings the most off key on the music channel?

38. Channel Soloist
What player talks to themselves on public channels the most?

39. Most Dedicated Leader
Which leader shows the most exceptional skills when dealing with their
organisation? (They may be a Guild, Order, Clan, or Council Leader)

40. Best Quest of 2008
Which quest gave you so much thrill and suspense last year?
(Please be sure to list the name of the Immortal who ran the quest)

                                                                     Page: 43

44

 ____________________
/ RoD Awards 9  \_____________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
41. Most Frequent to X-Chan
Who always lets the most awkward sentences slip onto the wrong channels?

42. Most Likely To End Up With QWERTY On Their Forehead
Who's idle so much that you swear they fall asleep at the desk?

43. Living Bot
Which player seems to be at the keyboard 24/7?

44. Most Frightening Immortal
Who strikes fear into your heart whenever they log?

45. Most Frightening Player
Which player intimidates you everytime you see them?
Remember to vote wisely and have fun! The winners of each category will be
published in next month's Cry of Despair. 

                                                                     Page: 44

45

 ___________________________________________
/ Annual Website Contest Results - Romani \___________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

2008 Annual Website Contest Results - Romani

Congratulations to the entries in the 2008 Website Contest. The top three
winners are as follows:

First place: Inconnu (http://www.inconnu.org)
Second place: Guild of Warriors (http://www.guildofwarriors.org)
Third place: Maleficae (http://maleficae.awardspace.com/)

Congratulations to these organizations and their website administrators!

The next year contest will start in October so start working on it now.

Romani, Head of the Herald Assembly 

                                                                     Page: 45

46

 _______________________________
/ Elven Nation Quest - Creemore \_____________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\

Elf Nation Quest - Creemore
 
The Elf Nation will be holding a quest open to all the Elves. We will be meeting on The Island of Irrybis, at 1230pm est Dec 28th.  

Quest will begin at 1pm est.
Hope to see many elves out to enjoy the fun.
Creemore Springs 

                                                                     Page: 46

47

 ____________________
/ CRY Writers Wanted \________________________________________________________
|_____________________________________________________________________________\
 
 _____ _______     __         __   _____                        _     
/ ____|  __ \ \   / /        / _| |  __ \                      (_)    
| |    | |__) \ \_/ /    ___ | |_  | |  | | ___  ___ _ __   __ _ _ _ __
| |    |  _  / \   /    / _ \|  _| | |  | |/ _ \/ __| '_ \ / _` | | '__|
| |____| | \ \  | |    | (_) | |   | |__| |  __/\__ \ |_) | (_| | | |  
\_____|_|  \_\ |_|     \___/|_|   |_____/ \___||___/ .__/ \__,_|_|_|  
                                                     | |                  

 _       _             _    _                __          
(_)     | |           | |  (_)              / _|         
 _ ___  | | ___   ___ | | ___ _ __   __ _  | |_ ___  _ __
| / __| | |/ _ \ / _ \| |/ / | '_ \ / _` | |  _/ _ \| '__|
| \__ \ | | (_) | (_) |