Echoes from the Caverns

Greetings Fellow Avatars! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:

Game Development

* Play Release 57 Now!

* Release 54 Livestream Items (cont.)

News Announcements

* Collector’s Boxes Shipping & Arriving!

* Shroud at Gamescom

* Release 56 Stretch Goals: Final Results

* Community Livestream (Aug 24): Player Made Dungeons

* Release 57 Livestream: Dungeon Themed

* Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program: Titles Announced

* Weekend Flash Sale: Water Items

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* Community Event: shawn’s “Sell and/or buy all the things” Challenge!!!

* Community Event: **Royal Warrant** Avatars Radio – Traditional Release 57 Dance Party

* Meretz: Win a Topiary Town Dragon Statue

* Meretz: Win a Pair of SOTACON 2018 Tickets!

* Project to Support: SotA: New Beginnings Comic No. 2

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Assorted rabble and show and tell

 

Video here:

Greetings Fellow Avatars! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:

Game Development

* Dyeable Decorations (starting in R57!)

* Release 55 Livestream Items

* Release 54 Livestream Items (cont.)

News Announcements

* Last Day for Release 56 Stretch Goals

* Release 57 on QA Server

* Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program

* Cosmos Double XP Weekends

* Weekend Flash Sale: Weapons & Armor

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* Community Event: shawn’s “Sell and/or buy all the things” Challenge!!!

* Community Event: Bear Tavern Brawl Aug 25

* Meretz: Win a Topiary Town Dragon Statue

* Meretz: Win a Pair of SOTACON 2018 Tickets!

* Project to Support: Tortoise & Hare Creations Patreon

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Stile’s Show and Tell

And video here:

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with the seventh chapter of a wonderful story from Belladonna Rose, entitled

Black Rose Chronicles

Background music by Smartsound

He motioned for Emily to come over and whispered to her. The lady turned and gave Bella a smile and headed to the stairs. After a few minutes the girl came to the edge of the staircase and called out to Bella.

“Lady Belladonna your bed is ready. Please follow me.” And away she was gone. Belladonna went up the steps one at a time. Fatigue was about to win her over. Once she got to the top she saw a curtained off area and several beds..a couple occupied. As she walked towards Emily her heart jumped to her throat. How was she supposed to tell this girl such horrible news?

Walking up to Emily she lay a hand on the girl’s shoulder. Looking up into Belladonna’s face Emily knew somehow this was not going to be good news. A tear slid gently down her face and she hung her head.

“I am so sorry dear.” Pulling the sword out from under her cloak she presented it gently to Emily.

Taking the sword from Bella she hugged it tightly to herself. Walked over to a chest hidden in the corner. Unlocking it she opened the lid and gently placed the sword inside. After locking it safely away she stood. Brushed off her dirty apron and wiped her eyes.

“Yes indeed. It is sad. But he knew what he was doing. He knew the risks and we both agreed that it was for the best of the world that he go and help those other poor souls. Do not feel sorry for me My Lady. I will be fine.” Emily smiled softly and turned away heading back down stairs.

Belladonna sat on the edge of the cot and hung her head in fatigue. These poor souls have no clue what is going on out there. Yet they keep up the fight and dig in to survive. Truly admiring these people, she decided now…that she had to do what she could to help. No matter what the Oracle or Lady Arabella says she would stand her ground and fight..

Shedding her dirty clothing she slipped quietly into the small hip tub and washed. The water was tepid, but she did not care. It was water, clean and felt good against her weary body. Wrapping herself in a makeshift towel she sat on the cot again, pulled the blanket back and lay down. Sleep….this is what she needed.

Somewhere a rooster crowed. Tiny cracks in the chinking of the wall let in the smallest bits of light and from the sounds below she knew it must be morning. Rolling over she looked about the room. No one was in sight. She stood with the blanket wrapped around her to stave off the cold. Peering around the room more she noticed now how rather clean it was. She had seen worse. She reached for her clothes that had magically appeared at the foot of the cot. Not what she was wearing. Maybe there had been a mistake.

Stepping to the edge of the staircase she leaned down and got Emily’s attention. The young girl smiled and came half way up the stairs. Without Bella even asking Emily informed her that the Lady Arabella had brought her a change of clothing and that her other belongings were in a pack next to the bed. She also told Bella that she would have her some food as soon as she came down stairs.

Shocked a bit she crept back and put on the clothing. A worn but fine cotton shirt. So soft to the touch. Leather tunic, pants and a fine pair of boots with matching gloves. All worn but well cared for items. She wandered to herself they belonged to and then quickly decided not to. More than likely some poor soul that did not survive Solace Bridge. Taking stock of her belongings she grabbed the pack and sword and headed down below.

There at the long trestle table seated a few local folk and one lady patted the seat next to her. She slid onto the bench and looked about. Worn, tired yet friendly faces met her gaze. A few introduced themselves and she did the same in return.

Greetings Fellow Avatars! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:

News Announcements

* Release 54 Livestream Items

* Player Made Dungeons Sneak Peek

News Announcements

* Release 56 Stretch Goals Update

* Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program

* Cosmos Double XP Weekends

* Weekend Flash Sale: Emotes & Fireworks

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* Community Event: shawn’s “Sell and/or buy all the things” Challenge!!!

* Community Event: Bear Tavern Brawl Aug 25

* Meretz: Win a Topiary Town Dragon Statue

* Meretz: Win a Pair of SOTACON 2018 Tickets!

* Project to Support: Crowfall

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Stile’s Show and Tell

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with the sixth chapter of a wonderful story from Belladonna Rose, entitled

Black Rose Chronicles

Background music by Smartsound

 

Turning and leaving the tent Bella noticed that Stanley was standing at the edge of the road. She walked up next to him and touched his shoulder slightly. Knowing somehow that things weighed heavy on his mind and heart. Such a task for such a young man. But for some reason she felt he was capable.

“Ahh Avatar. You startled me. I have been reading through Edvard’s book. Tis a wonder that man survived at all. He is a strange one for certain…Now as to you. I think food and rest are instore for you. And I will see about getting you fitted for your journey. Not too fancy mind you. We have not much to offer here. There are merchants in and about town though that are fairly reasonable for their wares.”

“Captain. What of these swords. What should I do with them. And I have this note as well from one of the fallen guards.” She showed the swords to him and the note. Her shook his head and swore under his breath. Apparently, he knew who the sword belonged to. And told her to look for Emily. Either in the camp or the Inn. She would have to break the news to her alone. He needed to write a dispatch for Commander Cugel and find a courier. As for the note she held it would have to be delivered to Celestis. The woman, Zorabeth resides there. Walking away he headed towards the town. Bella followed a few steps behind him.

The path into Soltown was a solemn walk. Stanley made an even-tempered walk towards the entrance. Knowing what he had to do Bella did not regret that part. Asking for help was not always an easy task for anyone. Especially one who was in charge of so much. She looked about at the homes along the road. Some fancy some plain. And many had their hawkers out selling wares to would be travelers. Having only a few coin in her pocket she though best to just hold on to it for now. She would assess what Captain Stanley finds for her and go from there. As she approached the gateway into town she noticed a man waving to her. She walked up and introduced herself.

“Hello good sir. Might you tell me where the inn and tavern are?”

“Aye Outlander. Tis up the road to the left. Nice little place for some rest. Not fancy mind you but it’s better than nothing. I am Merrick the town crier. I can tell you just about anything to do with this town.”

Frowning at the man she just did not understand why everyone kept calling her Outlander. It was beginning to get a bit annoying actually. And she had only been of this world for two days. Maybe it was obvious she was not from here. Looking down at her attire that very well might be the case.

“Thank you for now. Just need the inn for now. I am in need of a bath, food and sleep. Neither which comes first matters to me right now.”

The man looked her up and down and smiled. “Indeed, M’lady. No offense but you look a bit worse for wear. I have seen a lot lately though with all the attacks and such. Dismal times it is. Poor folk from Solace Bridge finding their way here after the attack. I heár tell Blood River and Highvale are in the same situation. Mad times for sure.”

Looking at the man she could see fear and sadness in his eyes. Something terrible indeed has been happening here. Shaking her head, she smiled at him weakly and turned towards the inn. A few people walked about aimlessly. Guards walked about with that lordly manner like they were better than the rest. She thought to herself the faster she got out of here the better. Her temperament would not last long with the likes of some of these people.

In front of the inn sat the hooded woman. Arabella. What was she doing here? How did she get here so fast? Shrugging Bella walked up to her. “Hail Mistress Arabella.

Greetings Fellow Avatars! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:

News Announcements

Player Made Dungeon Update

* Release 56 Livestream YouTube & Stretch Goal Tracking Change

* Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program

* Cosmos Double XP Weekends

* Weekend Flash Sale: Everything Elven

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* The Grand Duke Event

* The Grand Duke Event Sale Final Day!

* Meretz: Win a Topiary Town Dragon Statue

* Meretz: Win a Pair of SOTACON 2018 Tickets!

* Project to Support:Underworld Ascendant

* Resources: Players Helping Players

And the video is here:

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with the fifth chapter of a wonderful story from Belladonna Rose, entitled

Black Rose Chronicles

Background music by Smartsound

 

Chapter 5

Waving with a small smile Edvard then turned and walked back up to the bridge. Standing in the middle he watched as the boat made its way down river and as the sun became hidden behind the mountain. Strange sounds started up again throughout the forested area. Soon the creatures would be on the prowl again.

Charlotte curled up as close to Bella as she could. It was hard to row the craft with the child nestled against her so closely but she did her best. Edvard did not lie about the dangers of the darkness. She could hear the moans and screams coming from the river banks. Rustling bushes and brush as things seemed to make their way out into the dark. This alone made her want to row faster but she was beginning to falter in her strength. She was so tired. Much had happened to her this day. No time to rest. Must get to Soltown. Where is Soltown? Exhausted she kept rowing praying with every stroke that she did not fall asleep or worse.

Hours in the darkness eventually became less as the sun began to creep up through the trees. She had been at sea so long that she forgot how long it took for the sun to rise. Having not been on land much of late she needed to get her bearings again for life on land. The river began to narrow putting the banks much closer to the boat. This worried her a bit…but the noises from the forest became less and less with the rising sun.

Up ahead she saw the faint light of torches. Light that will soon be extinguished once the sun was out. And there …..a dock. This must be the place. Please let this be the place. A man in strange armor stood at the end of the dock. Turning his head he saw the boat and waved them forward. As if she was not doing that already. Bumping along the edge of the dock the man reached down and gained hold pulling them up closer. He pulled the tether from inside the boat and tied it to a post.

Reaching down he put his hand out to help her onto the docks. She waved him off and hoisted the child up to him. “Take her please. We have just come from Solace Bridge. Edvard bade me to bring here here to her mother. I am Belladonna Rose, the Avatar.” Blinking she was not sure if this was how she was supposed to introduce herself or not. No one said otherwise how she was to do so. No matter. Titles were not that important save one. And seems that one is long lost.

“By the stars. It is true. Another Outlander has come to help. Thank the stars. I am Captain Stanley and this is Soltown. I am in charge here til Commander Cugel says otherwise.”

Bella pulled herself up on the docks and tried her best to stand tall. Fatigue was winning over for sure now and apparently the Captain saw this. “Lets get this wee one to her mother. I know her well enough. She is across the road in the refugee camp. Abigail will be happy to see her and will want to thank you personally.”

Bella honestly could care less about thanks right now. All she wanted was hot food and sleep. Hopefully this woman will take pity on her and give that much. Smiling softly she followed Stanley across the road to the camp. Looking about she saw several tents and people milling about a roaring fire. Many children scampered about playing at being guards. From the looks of things they got away from Solace Bridge with barely the clothes on their backs. Which she knew how that felt. That was all she had.

The refugees saw Stanley and ran to him….huddling around him like vultures. He pushed his way past them to the far tent. A tall woman came to the entrance of the tent and gasped as Stanley approached. Handing the child to her she hugged the girl tightly. Crying out to the skies she turned away with the child. Many of the others cheered and applauded.

Greetings Fellow Avatars! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:

Game Development

* Shooter Jennings Album Release Party Recap

News Announcements

* Release 56 Livestream Goals Updated

* Stretch Goal Tracking Changes

* Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program

* Cosmos Double XP Weekends

* Weekend Flash Sale: Cosmos Themed

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* The Grand Duke Event

* The Grand Duke Event Sale

* Amber and GoldenWing Wedding

* Welcome Quest Release 56

* Win a Pair of SOTACON 2018 Tickets!

* Project to Support: REEF

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Greetings Fellow Avatars! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:

Game Development

* Play Release 56 Now!

* Global Visual Improvements

News Announcements

* Release 56 Livestream – August 3, 2018 (Cosmos Themed)

* Release 56 Dance Party

* Release 55 Livestream Part 2 Final Results & YouTube

* Shooter Jennings “Shooter” Album Release Party!

* Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program

* Lord British Birthday Double XP Weekends

* Weekend Flash Sale: Music Sale

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* The Grand Duke Event

* The Grand Duke Event Sale

* Welcome Quest Release 56

* Win a Pair of SOTACON 2018 Tickets!

* Project to Support: Avatars Radio

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Weekly Comment on the State of the Game

Greetings Fellow Avatars! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:

Game Development

* The Reworking of Solace Bridge

* The Making of The Obsidian Trials (cont.)

* R53 Livestream Sky Navy Themed Items (cont.)

News Announcements

* Release 55 Livestream Part 2 Update

* Episode 2 Early Access & Player Owned Towns

* Episode 2 Stretch-Goal Store: Barn Two-Story Village Home

* Release 56 on QA Server

* Shooter Jennings “Shooter” Album Release Party!

* Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program

* Lord British Birthday Double XP Weekends

* Weekend Flash Sale: Lot Deeds and Homes

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* The Grand Duke Event

* Welcome Quest Release 56

* Win a Pair of SOTACON 2018 Tickets!

* Project to Support: Descent: Underground

* Resources: Players Helping Players

We are also live on video! The YouTube link is here – working better this week