June 2010

Royal Academy of Virtue: Justice Study Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 29, 2010 at 7:12 PM CDT Next Wednesday 7 July at 8:00 PM by the central skies, the Royal Academy of Virtue will host the second in its seminars on the Virtues, this time by studying the Virtue of Justice.  A basic textbook on the subject of Justice will be provided, and there will be open discussion from all participants about what this particular Virtue means, how it fits in to the framework of the other Virtues, and what it means to each participant. Participants from all walks of life are welcome to participate in the seminar, which will be held at the Counselors Guild in downtown Yew, just east of Yew's town center.  Refreshments will be provided, and we look forward to a lively discussion! Like our previous study on Compassion, this will be a two-part seminar, with the second part culminating on Wednesday 21 July at 8:00 PM.  We will meet at the same Counselors Guild for a recap, and then venture into the Dungeon Wrong for a tour of some of its points of interest while discussing the Anti-Virtue that the Dungeon Wrong represents [Discuss This Article]

Colors, Colors, Colors! Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 29, 2010 at 4:02 PM CDT Originally posted June 29th, 2010 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: Beginning at 8 p.m. CDT, Thursday, July 1st, go to the Colored Canvas in Vesper. There’s someone there who’s out of place. Maybe you can help him with his colorful mid-life crisis? This quest can be done at any time from its start until the end of the weekend [Discuss This Article]

Meeting with Queen Dawn Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 29, 2010 at 3:53 PM CDT Originally posted June 29th, 2010 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site:  Queen Dawn requests that all interested citizens meet with her in her throne room at 7 p.m. CDT on Thursday, July 1st. Note from Martyna: This may have something to do with the gaping hole in the northwest corner of the throne room which potentially leads to Lord British's fabled Vault. Being prepared for battle may be a wise precatuion. [Discuss This Article]

Beach Party! Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 23, 2010 at 1:57 PM CDT Originally posted June 23rd, 2010 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: The weather is beautiful. Let’s go to the beach! We can fish and have a barbecue! We’ll ignore all those reports of monsters slithering out of the water and eating sunbathers. Wear your cutest beach outfit*! *In which you still have some hope of not taking a “sandnap”. For the weigh-in, please bring your largest fish, caught during or prior to this event (it must not be mounted), to the weigh-in. If it does not win, you may have it back. If you’re a chef, please bring a cooking tool. There will be a gate from the Counselors’ Hall. [Discuss This Article]

Festival of Masks Fiction 4 Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 23, 2010 at 1:54 PM CDT Originally posted June 22nd, 2010 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: Nayefa Jaskinor endured the Festival of Masks in alert silence. When it was over, she returned to her room. She found a square pine box on her dressing table. With trembling hands, she opened it and once again saw her son’s face. softly down the stairs ~ trembling ~ past the reflecting pool ~ climb through small window ~ terrified ~ shipwright’s shop? ~ run to dock ~ suspiciously unattended small ship – heart pounding ~ no matter, SAIL – safe! Rasesar Wej has won The Game of the Festival of Masks. Nayefa Jaskinor returned to her husband and daughter with a square pine box. The family has gone into hiding again. At 12:01 a.m. on June 20th, the sultan of Nujel’m was beheaded by the island’s guillotine. The new sultan has declared the death a suicide. He also reminds the inquisitive that Nujel’m is a sovereign island. A sovereign island with a working guillotine. The Eye of Dahsk is no longer on display in the throne room. Some say it has gone missing again. Now we take off our masks, wrap our dolls in finest silk, and put them in the cedar chest for a time. A year, twelve years? The Game endures. [Discuss This Article]

In the Shadow of Virtue: Good Neighbors Submitted by UO_Herald on June 22, 2010 at 3:50 PM CDT Originally posted 22 Jun 2010 16:21:27 by James Nichols on the UO Herald: In the Shadow of Virtue: Good Neighbors Today was the first Ter Mur/Britannia summit since the completion of the Stygian Abyss outposts and Queen Zhah was saddened that she already had bad news to share.  She studied the soft, non-distinct face of her guest trying to decide how to proceed.  Humans are very hard to read, she thought.  Queen Dawn was sitting across from her and staring into the reflection pool, watching the fish swim.  The beauty of this indoor palace garden was blurred in Zhah’s mind by her melancholy.  It was at once a meticulously preserved artifact of the once-great Gargoyle Empire and a constant reminder of everything they had lost.  My people have lost so much, have paid such a high price. I wonder if we will ever have good news again. To read the full article on the forums, click HERE.

Festival of Masks Fiction 3 Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 19, 2010 at 7:22 PM CDT Originally posted June 19th, 2010 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: Nayefa woke up in a soft bed in a large marble bedroom. She lay still for a few moments, listening. The door opened and a servant put a tea tray on the dressing table. “Good morning, Lady Jaskinor.” The servant stared at her with open curiosity before leaving. A servant led Nayefa downstairs. The royal court reclined on pillows by the reflecting pool. A woman with a necklace of stars and moons glided forward and grasped Nayefa’s arm a good bit more tightly than onlookers could see. The astrologer steered her towards the central pillow as a warmly smiling man in robes of silken samite stood up. The sultan clasped Nayefa’s hands and said, “dear lady, I have granted a full and free pardon to Aleyh Jaskinor and any of his descendants who were involved in the… unfortunate incident. Come, be my guest for the Festival of Masks as The Game takes place once more.” The astrologer said, sotto voce, “though of course Lady Jaskinor shall not take part in The Game.” “Ah no,” the sultan’s smile dimmed but he quickly added, “she shall sit with me and enjoy the music.” Nayefa smiled gently, folded her hands in her lap, bowed her head, and was silent. The music was beautiful. The whispers of the courtiers behind her were also interesting. Nayefa refrained from glancing at the astrologer. She did not even let her hands clench. Nayefa returned to her bedroom where servants helped her dress in a beautiful gown and offered her a choice of masks. She looked from the deer and bear masks, which would muffle her ears, to the tribal masks, which would narrow her vision, to the handheld mask costumes that would impede her movements. She thought of the astrologer and declined all of the masks. [Discuss This Article]

Festival of Masks Fiction 2 Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 18, 2010 at 9:56 PM CDT Originally posted June 18th, 2010 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: Nayefa had cautiously avoided taking the first two ships that departed for Nujel’m, but the delay set her back. Dusk had fallen on the evening of the 18th when she stepped onto Nujel’m dock. Nayefa tried to find the palace but got lost. The streets were empty and dark. She eventually found herself in front of the dock again. A hand covered Nayefa’s mouth. The thief ripped the ruby from the hidden pocket in the hem of her dress.  He gently pushed her away and ran down the street, the gem triumphantly held up in one hand like a trophy. He turned the corner and she heard a scream. Nayefa walked hesitantly around the corner. In front of a darkened tavern, she saw the headless body of the thief. She looked in vain for the ruby. Nayefa went a few steps closer to the tavern, trying to see by the light of the street lamps. She heard a footstep behind her. That’s when she saw the head, its features contorted in its death scream. It was her son, Omar. She fainted, falling backwards into a pair of waiting arms. [Discuss This Article]

Festival of Masks Fiction Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 17, 2010 at 5:34 PM CDT Originally posted June 16th, 2010 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: A large ruby glowed on the inn table. The four Jaskinors stared at it. “On the last day of her life, my mother entrusted me with the Eye of Dahsk,” said Sufri Jaskinor. “I shall be the one to present it to the sultan.” “Songs on the subject agree,” his daughter Layla replied as she quietly strummed her harp, “that a wicked vizier and a beautiful concubine stole it when they ran away together.” “No!” Sufri exclaimed. “Our ancestor hid the Eye at the request of his sultan, who feared assassination.” “Who cares?” Omar ran a finger along an edge of the gem and whistled. “Let’s sell it.” “No matter why we have it,” Layla said, smacking her brother’s hand away from the stone, “it must be returned. It is my responsibility, as the eldest, to undertake this journey.” Omar made a rude noise. “We need the money!” The three argued long into the night At daybreak, Nayefa Jaskinor slipped out of the Wayfarer’s Inn with the gem and headed towards the docks. [Discuss This Article]

Festival of Masks Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 16, 2010 at 12:00 AM CDT Originally posted June 16th, 2010 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: In many worlds, the Eye of Dahsk went missing 144 Britannian years ago. In some realities it was recovered. In others it was not. On the shard of the greatest lake, it remained hidden. The Jaskinor family passed the gem down from father to daughter, mother to son, for seven generations. Always, it brought its curse. Disaster in deep red. Fire, debt, murder, and worse. “The Eye of Dahsk will return to you this year, your majesty” the astrologer said, “during the Festival of Masks.” “Then I shall order the Festival to be held on the traditional date.” “No, your majesty. One who holds the Eye on that day will die. Might I suggest the 19th?” “So if I host the festival on the 19th I won’t die that day?” “I didn’t say that.” The Sultan of Nujel’m invites all to his island for the Festival of Masks on Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 p.m. CDT. This will be a lighthearted street party with food, drinks, and shameless thievery. Please wear a mask and pretend not to recognize anyone else who is wearing a mask. “The Game” will be played. The goal is to figure out who has the Eye of Dahsk, steal it, and return it to a grateful sultan. To steal the Eye of Dahsk, your character must be a member of the Thieves’ Guild. To join you need 60+ stealing. Also, the character must be at least 48 hours (in-game time) old. Find a thief guildmaster and say his/her name and ‘join’ (e.g. “Mary join”). Cove and Moonglow, on either facet, are good places to look for a thief guildmaster, because they’re relatively small. You can recall or sail to Nujel’m. Also, gates will be available from a few steps southwest of the Felucca Brit. and Minoc moongates. These moongates will go directly into Nujel’m, a guard zone. Reward – The name of the first to return the Eye of Dahsk to the sultan will be displayed on a suitable plaque at the Award Hall. Thanks to EM Autolycus for researching and reviving this wonderful Sosarian tradition. [Discuss This Article]

Jaskinor Family Rescued Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 13, 2010 at 4:43 AM CDT A weary youth dressed in ill-fitting armor was found wandering dazed on the outskirts of Britain, babbling about a family hiding in the Yew orc fort. He was brought before Commander Christine Keel of the Royal Britannian Guard who managed to extract the particulars of his story. The youth explained that he worked for the Jaskinor family who was currently holed up in the Yew orc fort in Felucca. They had been hunted by brigands seeking to steal an unknown treasure from the family patriarch, Sufri Jaskinor. Commander Keel sent a contingent of Volunteer Royal Guards to rescue the besieged Jaskinors and deliver them into safe hands. The V.R.G. found Sufri and three members of his family Omar, Layla and Nayefa huddled in the small tower at the rear of the structure. The family's few bodyguards had managed to run out the orcs and now patrolled outside the fort. Groups of brigands lurked in the forest around the fort, ultimately daring to engage the body guards and take pot shots at the V.R.G. A reliable source said the attackers were being encouraged by a large black daemon, the description of whom resembled the current general of the Hythloth Conclave: Nether. Eventually the brigands breached the fort's walls and brought the battle to the V.R.G. The fight resembled the typical faction warfare which rages through Feluccan city streets. Field spells filled the courtyard, while the combatants attacked anyone they didn't recognize. Fortunately, Commander Keel managed to escort all four family members through the chaos to safety. Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria [Discuss This Article]

Capture the Fort Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 8, 2010 at 6:16 PM CDT Originally posted June 8th, 2010 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: Sufri Jaskinor has not known a moment’s peace since he inherited the treasure. He, his wife, and what remains of their household are now fleeing for their lives. Forced off the road by brigands, they huddle in an old fort and hope to live through the night. Their few remaining bodyguards pace the perimeter. The youngest guard is sent to seek help. The trusting youth begs assistance from all he meets. Many set off for the fort, some with compassion in their hearts, some with greed and cruelty twisting their souls. (Felucca) Capture the Fort, Saturday June 12th, 8 p.m. CDT If the fort defenders can keep at least one member of the Jaskinor group alive for a set period of time, they win. If the attackers manage to kill all the npcs, they win. There will be few, if any monsters. There will be one healer in the fort, for as long as she lives. Gates to both the attacker and defender locations will appear near the Brit and Buc’s moongates. Updates and changes: I’m dropping the registration requirement and thus also dropping the Award Hall recognition. On Saturday, the gates will go up at 8 p.m. CDT. The event will end at 8:30 p.m. CDT or when the entire Jaskinor group dies, whichever comes first. [Discuss This Article]

Gypsy Genocide Looming? Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on June 4, 2010 at 11:04 PM CDT A people revered as peaceful merchants and craftsmen, the nomadic gypsy clans have tragically come under siege by treasure-seeking adventurers across our kingdom. The jaunty encampments which dot the woodlands just outside the major cities have become bloody scenes of senseless carnage. To investigate this tragedy I headed just east of Trinsic to Barrier Isle, a locale known to be frequented by traveling gypsies. Sadly, I was unprepared for what I encountered... Two blue tents stood near the eastern shore, more than a dozen human bodies lay nearby. The remains showed evidence of both magic and physical assault, a callous disregard for life. The camp's livestock had also been slaughtered, and every chest and crate torn open. Venturing into one of the tents, I heard a quiet sobbing emanating from a closed barrel. Daring to open it, I found a terrified young girl clutching a threadbare rag doll. She began to scream that she "Didn't have one!" and "Why won't you believe us?" It took nearly twenty minutes before I could convince her I was there to help, and that I didn't covet any of her belongings. Eventually, the girl, Mischa, told me how her clan had been murdered. Several men had rushed in on horseback at about midday and began harassing the elders about 'artifacts and relics.' These men became angry when told that the clan didn't possess such things and started attacking the gypsies. Mischa's mother managed to conceal her in a trash barrel before succumbing to the marauders, there she hid in torment- listening as her family fell and the camp was ransacked. I left the girl in the safe hands of the Trinsic sheriff, and continued my investigation. Fortunately, I didn't have to go far as I happened upon two men near the Keg & Anchor talking loudly about "moonstone bracelets fetching high prices in Luna" and that they were "kept hidden by the dirty tent-people." I bit my tongue and sought out someone who would know more about gypsy antiquities. According to one antiques dealer, who wished to remain anonymous, gypsy tinkers crafted the bracelets using the moonstones which once allowed travel between Felucca and Trammel, after the stones fell out of favor. He said that the inset stones will glow the color of the facet on which the wearer is located, but the bracelet performs no other feat. He had heard similar tragic tales like that of the clan near Trinsic from traders all over Britannia, of heartless ruffians murdering peaceful gypsies in their avaricious quest for the latest trendy bauble. Seeking to inform those in authority, I found Chancellor DaKaren and Justicar Fl'Gith of the High Council of Britannia at the Civic Center in Compassion Grove and related to them looming genocide. Both men were shocked by the wonton butchery happening across the land agreed that this issue would be brought before the full Council this coming Monday. "This is something I would have expected perpetrated by Casca or the bigoted Brotherhood of Valor, not the Virtuous Citizens of Britannia... Its appalling!" said a disappointed Chancellor. "Tis inhumane t' murder these kind, wanderin' souls simply t' rob them o' th' few trinkets they 'ave left t' call their own." the Justicar said disdainfully. If you see someone harassing the gypsies, remind them of the Virtuous Path. If you see these bracelets for sale, consider where they probably came from and the methods used in their acquisition...is one worth the life of your fellow Britannian? Lady Martyna Z'muir, Library of Sosaria [Discuss This Article]