Echoes from the Caverns

In silence sweet,

we tread our feet,

in sands on shores of time.

Seeing past the rhythmic beat,

and truly touching those we meet,

is why our only weapon is our rhyme.

But as it’s said, (or so I’ve read,)

words are dozens by the dime.

I’ll stand with you, tho, you’re just a remnant;

The crumbling remains of a memory I live in.

Once towering proud ‘bove the city of Vengeance,

with vigilance,

now laid low in repentance.

I know not what use may have held here within you,

But now, you’re my home.

That I’ve found on my own

And ghosts of battles once faught, discontinued

Are remnants in blue,

An otherworldly hue,

That illuminate memories unbelonging to you.

The memory is mine that intermingles with yours,

One of a world far beyond Novian shores.

And we will gaze ‘pon the stars, to know what we can,

And I’ll stand with you, tho, I’m just remnant.

The Idle tree stood alone

A mighty tower of cold brown stone.

From this solitude I have strayed

to cast my great unending gaze.

I’ve come un-hidden to ensure

a needle, some bark, flung from this fir.

I loathe the killers of the plants

who slash and burn with wicked chants.

A misanthrope I may be

a dreamer of when plants are free.

In spell weaving I shall make

a morbid plan for all plant’s sakes.

A repellent of some such

a tutelage ooze warm to the touch.

A curse to those who dare to strike.

They shall pay the ultimate price.

And in the end I shall flee

fluttering in my insanity.

drip.

drip.

drip.

The noise rouses me from my slumber. I open my eyes briefly, spying the shafts of light from the shattered moon cascading in through my window. Still too early… I drift off again, my mind’s eye wandering.

drip

droop

drip.

I roll over, covering my head with my pillow, drowning out the nagging drips.

Ahhhh…. better.

Silence.

I smile to myself, thinking about the barmaid who bought me a drink tonight. I hope she’s there next time.

Sleep comes again, slowly pulling me, spiralling…. welco–

Drip.

My eyes snap open, seemingly of their own accord. That infernal well! Every night, every single night, I can hear it. More times than I can count, I’ve asked him to fix the drip, but he just rolls his eyes. And laughs to himself. Even now, as I lay here in the dark, I can hear his whispers. His condescension. His denials.

I rub my face, exhausted, and taste copper. Looking down at my hand, I can see the red lines in my palm, glinting in the moonlight. At least, I assume they’re red. It’s hard to tell, the moon is so bright, almost blinding. I have to shield my eyes as I walk across the grass.

Vaguely, I realize I’m outside. But why wouldn’t I be?

Drip.

I turn quickly and see it, the darkness bubbling up inside me. The well just stands there in the grass, mocking me, as if its leaky bucket and coarse rope somehow make it better. The rope feels… strong. I like the way it feels when the fibers push into my palm. It makes me feel… alive.

I’m testing it now, judging it. Daring it to be as strong as it thinks it is. Looking closely, I can see the fibers forcing their way into his flesh. The supple and tender neck veins bulge excitedly as I push downward. Its fascinating, really, watching the skin expand and contract with the pulse. Slower, slower… just like falling asleep. So peaceful.

Back outside, I consider the leaky bucket, now lying harmlessly on the grass. Despite myself, I am impressed. I kneel down, gently placing the rope inside the bucket. You were right, I think. You ARE better.

I sigh in relaxation, pulling the covers up to my chin. I cannot help but smile as I think about the bucket and the rope, and how well they did. I feel proud. And I am tired… so tired.

I can feel sleep coming at last. Still smiling, I begin to fall…

Drip.

drip.

drip.

drip.

The noise rouses me from my slumber. I open my eyes briefly, spying the shafts of light from the shattered moon cascading in through my window. Still too early… I drift off again, my mind’s eye wandering.

drip

droop

drip.

I roll over, covering my head with my pillow, drowning out the nagging drips.

Ahhhh…. better.

Silence.

I smile to myself, thinking about the barmaid who bought me a drink tonight. I hope she’s there next time.

Sleep comes again, slowly pulling me, spiralling…. welco–

Drip.

My eyes snap open, seemingly of their own accord. That infernal well! Every night, every single night, I can hear it. More times than I can count, I’ve asked him to fix the drip, but he just rolls his eyes. And laughs to himself. Even now, as I lay here in the dark, I can hear his whispers. His condescension. His denials.

I rub my face, exhausted, and taste copper. Looking down at my hand, I can see the red lines in my palm, glinting in the moonlight. At least, I assume they’re red. It’s hard to tell, the moon is so bright, almost blinding. I have to shield my eyes as I walk across the grass.

Vaguely, I realize I’m outside. But why wouldn’t I be?

Drip.

I turn quickly and see it, the darkness bubbling up inside me. The well just stands there in the grass, mocking me, as if its leaky bucket and coarse rope somehow make it better. The rope feels… strong. I like the way it feels when the fibers push into my palm. It makes me feel… alive.

I’m testing it now, judging it. Daring it to be as strong as it thinks it is. Looking closely, I can see the fibers forcing their way into his flesh. The supple and tender neck veins bulge excitedly as I push downward. Its fascinating, really, watching the skin expand and contract with the pulse. Slower, slower… just like falling asleep. So peaceful.

Back outside, I consider the leaky bucket, now lying harmlessly on the grass. Despite myself, I am impressed. I kneel down, gently placing the rope inside the bucket. You were right, I think. You ARE better.

I sigh in relaxation, pulling the covers up to my chin. I cannot help but smile as I think about the bucket and the rope, and how well they did. I feel proud. And I am tired… so tired.

I can feel sleep coming at last. Still smiling, I begin to fall…

Drip.

Hello Everyone! Hope you are Enjoying Release 53!

Game Development

* Play Release 53 Now!

* R52 Livestream Obsidian Items

News Announcements

* Double XP for Week 1 of Release 53!

* R53 Livestream – May 4, 2018 (Spring Themed!)

* Crown Items Added to Add On Store

* Store Credits Exchange to Gold Crowns: May 7th

* R53 QA Testing Incentive, QA Stress Test and Lot Deed Winners

* NPC Submission Requests: Central Brittany

* Portalarium is Hiring: Web Developer

Hello Everyone! Hope you are enjoying the game!

Game Development

* Heraldry Items (cont.)

* Decoration Loot

* The Making of Penmawr Island (cont.)

* The Making of Tenebris Harbor (cont.)

News Announcements

* Release 53 on the QA Server

* Stress Test on QA Server Mon Apr 23 = Double XP if Successful!

* Store Credits Exchange to Gold Crowns: May 7th

* R53 Dance Party Apr 27: Double Feature 2-4 & 6-8 PM CDT

* Stream with Us! New Livestreamer Program & Calendar

* Lot Deed Monthly Raffle Returns

* Portalarium is Hiring: Web Developer

* Free Trial: Choose Any Path

* Weekend Flash Sale: Starry Eyes

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* Screenshot Contest – Winners Announced!

* Spotlight: Aelasar’s Forest – Player Town

* Livestream: The Sounds of Music

* Event: Diamond Fields Bunny Hunt – Weekends Through R52

* Did You Know: Shroud of the Avatar has Tailoring and Carpentry Skills?

* Recommended Project to Support: Denis Loubet Patreon

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Hello Everyone! Hope you are enjoying the game!

Game Development

* Worn Armor

* Monthly Livestream: R51 Rewards: Darkstarr Themed (cont.)

* The Making of Eastmarch (cont.)

* The Making of Penmawr Island (cont.)

* The Making of Tenebris Harbor (cont.)

News Announcements

* Monthly Livestream: Release 52 Missed Questions & YouTube

* Store Credits Exchange to Gold Crowns: May 7th

* Launch Promotion: Full Add On Store for Rest of April

* Stream with Us! New Livestreamer Program & Calendar

* Lot Deed Monthly Raffle Returns

* NPC Submission Requests: Brittany Wharfs and Northwood

* Portalarium is Hiring: Web Developer

* Free Trial: Choose Any Path

* Weekend Flash Sale: Elven Armor & More!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* Spotlight: Ordinis Mortis – Player Town

* Event: EVL’s ‘The Gauntlet’ Returns

* Screenshot Contest – Final Weekend!

* Did You Know: Shroud of the Avatar has a Complete Book System!

* Recommended Project to Support: SOTACON 2018

* Resources: Players Helping Players

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

Black Rose Chronicles

Background music by Smartsound

 

After what seemed like hours she opened her eyes and looked about at the strange surroundings. At first she thought it was just a dream. Seeing all that she had before it was obvious to her that it was not a dream. More so a nightmare. Leaning up on her elbows to survey the area again she saw a hooded figure standing off a ways. A hand raised from the figure beckoning for her to approach. Standing slowly she realized that she was not actually walking. But floating barely off the ground. Strange that she should be doing so and when she looked down at the ground she saw nothing but a smoky image of feet.

What was going on? This is not right. Am I Dead?

The hooded figure took a step forward and reached out a pale hand.

“Fear not Avatar. You are not dead. You are merely in a different state of being for a time. Once

I explain you will materialize as you were before and you will then be able to continue on your journey.”

Looking at the hooded figure again she realize that it was a woman. Small in stature. Pale with bright eyes. She could not tell the color as they changed like a kaleidoscope. Swirling and swirling. It was almost mesmerizing. She reached out to the figure and took her hand. Feeling a warmth in that hand that she had never felt before. Or at least had no memory of it. It was comforting and soothing toher soul. Soul. What about the body. Her body was gone. Shaking her head, she felt as if she were going to drift back to the darkness again.

“Hold tight Avatar. Do not slip away from me. I have much to tell you. Much to explain why you are here. Do not falter or fear me. I am not here to harm you but to guide you.”

Again the warmth filled her again and she calmed. Patiently waiting for the woman to tell her what was happening to her. Maybe she knows what happened to her crew as well. She stood before the woman and looked again into those eyes.

“You have been brought here from your world Avatar to help rid our lands of the evil that has besieged us. We alone are not able to defeat such powers. So, we have brought forth others from other worlds and lands to help aide us in our task. If we lose this fight we might very well lose all that we know and love.”

Looking at the woman she tried to find her voice. But no words came from her lips. She was mute and unable to ask any questions. The woman smiled and nodded. “You can ask questions of me. But use your mind. Do not try to speak. I will understand all that you ask “

Struggling she tried to open her mind and form her words there. Easier said than done. She was so used to muttering things to herself. Try again she reached into her mind to find the words. Finally. There. Yes. I can speak to her.

“Where am I? Where is my ship and crew? Why have I been brought here?” Strangely looking at the woman. “Who are you?”

Smiling softly again the woman leaned forward. “You are in Novia. The New Britania. Your ship is but lost I am afraid. But your people are within the realm of Novia. Each one has passed by here just as you have. As I said before. You were brought here to help aide us. The prophecy speaks of an Avatar that will come from another land and time and help us defeat the great Evil.”

Waving her hands up in the air she smiles again and an aura surrounds her.

“I am Arabella. Your guide.”

Looking at the Lady Arabella she swayed a bit. Thinking this cannot be happening. But here she stands in a strange new world and decides to listen to what this woman tells her. It is here she will learn her new found destiny.

“We have been taught to expect one from another world.

Hello, this is Stile Teckel here with a new piece I had the pleasure to read and then Ascelipus stepped up and made it sound good :).

Impressions of New Britannia, Written by TG Community Manager Cerus, Read by Stile Teckel

This is the opening Poem written to announce the contest you can find here.

https://www.shroudoftheavatar.com/forum/index.php?threads/impressions-of-new-britannia-launch-screenshot-contest.116038/

I hope I did not roll to poorly on my Bardic skills, and you enjoy!

Text:

Can you smell the thriving forests?

Can you taste the salty seas?

Can you sense the blazing deserts?

And the struggling fights for peace?

Can you hear the festive music

In the Taverns of PaxLair?

And the smell of burning cities

When the cabalists appear?

Hear the battlecries of Satyrs

As they come to take your soul

Feel the moments of pure glory

As the gustball hits its goal

Praise the beauty of each flower

Praise the crows above your head

Praise the sweet and too, the sour

Praise every tear that has been shed

Live the New Britannian moments

Praise the light, and too, the dark

For our hopes grow in the darkness

And stars are born from little sparks​