Echoes from the Caverns

Hello Everyone! Hope you are enjoying the game!

Game Development

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

* The Making of Eastmarch

* The Making of Penmawr Island

* The Making of Tenebris Harbor

News Announcements

* Monthly Livestream: Release 52 Results

* Stream with Us! New Livestreamer Program & Calendar

* 2-Week Double XP Launch Spree Ends This Wednesday

* 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: Vikings!

* Download Meretz: Get a Free Meretz Cloak & Other SotA Loot

* Weekend Flash Sale: Emotes!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* Spotlight: Insulam de Nocte – Player Town

* Events: SotA Gustball Tournament and EVL’s The Gauntlet

* Screenshot Contest: Impressions of New Britannia

* Community Livestream: Exploring Quel Shardfall

* SOTACON 2018 Convention Announced! Oct. 11-13, 2018

* Recommended Project to Support: Midboss

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Hello Everyone! Welcome to Launch! Hope you are enjoying the game!

Game Development

* Launch is Here!

* The Making of Quel Shardfall

* Heraldry Items (cont.)

* The Wood & Stone Inn (craftable)

* Monthly Livestream: R51 Rewards: Darkstarr Themed!

* Don’t Fear the Reaper: Use the Cowbell!

* Spring 2018 Items (cont.)

News Announcements

* Q2 2018 Schedule Update

* 2-Week Double XP Launch Spree!

* Monthly Livestream: Release 52 – April 6, 2018 (NEW DATE)

* Lot Deed Monthly Raffle Returns!

* R52 QA Testing Incentive Winners

* GDC ’18 Ultima Online 20 Year Postmortem

* NPC Submission Requests: Brittany Wharfs and Northwood

* The Ambassadors Program: How You Can Help

* Free Trial: Choose Any Path!

* Weekend Flash Sale: Emotes!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* Events: Launch Parties and a Welcome Quest

* Screenshot Contest: Impressions of New Britannia

* The Avatar’s Puzzle Box – A Week of Puzzling Contests

* Community Livestream: Northwood and a Quest

* SOTACON 2018 Convention Announced! Oct. 11-13, 2018

* Recommended Project to Support: The Saga of Lucimia MMORPG

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Hello Everyone! Here is the news of the week!

Game Development

* The Making of Northwood (cont.)

* The Making of South Boundless Forest (cont.)

* The Making of Blood River Forest (cont.)

* The Companions of Truth, Love, and Courage (cont.)

News Announcements

* Co-op and World Launch Videos

* Launch Event Photos

* MassivelyOP Celebrates with Portalarium the Launch

* Release 52 on the QA Server with Special Rares!

* The Ambassadors Program: How You Can Help

* Free Trial: Choose Any Path!

* Weekend Flash Sale: Pets!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* Event: Release 52 Dance Party – March 30, 5-8pm CT

* Charity: AERIE Fund – Ripple Effect Streamathon

* Spotlight: S Mart Factorium – Player Owned Town

* SOTACON 2018 Convention Announced! Oct. 11-13, 2018

* Greyhaven’s Complete Regions Guide to Novia

* Recommended Project to Support: REEF

* Resources: Players Helping Players

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

Black Rose Chronicles

Background music by Smartsound

Chapter 1

The skies grew dark as the ship headed into rough seas. Salt spray grew in intensity

and the sails furled and flapped with every gust. Even for a seasoned crew it was obvious

they were a bit more tense than usual. There seemed to be a strange form of energy in the

wind and on the sea.

The captain manned the wheel as usual with Jack at her side. He noticed that the captain

was having a rough time holding the ship steady. But the waves were growing stronger every

minute. The clouds were growing darker making the midday sky look almost that of midnight.

Nary a soul on board said a word but continued to do their jobs. None would balk at the Captain

because of bad weather. If the Captain stayed strong so would they.

Huge waves washed over the deck and one particular one reached high enough to splash

at Jack and the Captain. Shaking off the water Jack reached to take the wheel.

“My Lady….pray let me take the helm. These waters are rougher than usual. None of which

we have seen in a long time.”

Giving Jack a terse look she shrugged him away. Chin up she watched the horizon that was

slowly disappearing in the darkest clouds she had ever seen. She knew Jack was right. The days

of gentle trade winds had come to pass as had the sun. She felt deep in her gut that this was not

right and they were definitely heading into trouble.

As time passed the crashing waves had gained strength and she was starting to waiver her hold

on the wheel. Again Jack bade her to let him have the wheel. Aching muscles and fatigue won out

and she stepped aside once he got hold of the spokes of the wheel. She remained at his side though.

There was no way she was going to leave the deck. She would never let the crew see how worried

she was.

Pulling her compass out of her pocket she held it out. The pointer was going crazy. Spinning

in one direction then the other. This made no sense. She herself plotted this course as she had

done so many times. They all knew this route blindfolded. But this weather was just too strange.

One of the crew yelled down from the crow’s nest but it was hard to hear him over the wailing wind that was blowing. All she could do was look in the direction he was pointing. And there it was. A huge spinning vortex just at the sea horizon. This was something she had only heard about from other sailors and captains. Usually over many pints at local seaport pubs. She never thought she would ever be witness to it herself.

Immediately she grabbed the wheel from Jack and started trying to turn the ship around away from the blue glowing entity. There was no way she was gonna let that thing swallow her ship and crew. The wheel seemed to have a mind of its own though. No matter how hard she and Jack tried the ship was heading straight for the vortex. She called out commands for the crew to man the sails, but they fell on deaf ears. No one could hear her commands. Many, however, jumped to action. Seasoned sailors were good at predicting what the captain would command and this crew was one of the best.

Try as they might the sails were not cooperating with the crew. Just like the wheel. Almost as if the vortex was commanding the ship instead of her. Gripping the wheel harder she tried her best to steer the ship away but there was nothing for it. The Black Rose was no longer under her control and there was nothing she could do about it.

As if by magic or whatever the ship steered straight at the vortex and the all the crew an...

Hello Everyone! Here is the news of the week!

Game Development

* The Making of South Boundless Forest

* The Observatory Home

* Vendor Variations & Improvements (cont.)

* The Companions of Truth, Love, and Courage (cont.)

* Making of Northwood (cont.)

* Making of Blood River Forest (cont.)

* AERIE Fund Live with Water.org and Starr “Darkstarr” Long

News Announcements

* Release 52 on the QA Server

* SXSW Booth Photos!

* Win a Game Key with Loot to Shroud of the Avatar!

* NPC Submission Request: Graff Island

* The Ambassadors Program: How You Can Help

* Free Trial: Choose Any Path!

* Weekend Flash Sale: Vendors, Signs, Numbers & Letters!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* OTACON 2018 Convention Announced! Oct. 11-13, 2018

* Charity: AERIE Fund – Community Cause – Ripple Effect

* Event: Sheamus McGuinness’s BARE KNUCKLE BRAWL

* Did You Know: Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Bug Reporters?

* Recommended Project to Support: Denis Loubet Patreon

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with the final instalment of this great story from Elgarion, entitled

The Tavern Respite

Background music by Smartsound

Chapter 6, “Briar’s Cafe “

Elgarion De’Kahli hobbled his way up the well trodden cobblestone road, entering the prosperous town of Owl’s Head. Supported by walking stick, weighted by a somewhat cumbersome leather sack of books, the old man pressed forward as if this journey had become one of routine. With keen eyes intent upon the bridge ahead, leading into the town proper, Elgarion stopped a moment to take notice of a quaint yet elegant cafe along the right side of his path. “Briar’s Cafe…” he mumbled to himself as the thinly man considered his options. With feet sore from travel and a shoulder aching from the slung sack, Elgarion decided he would take a pleasant and unexpected break before retiring at Fire Lotus Tavern. This eve, he would sit a while and enjoy something new.

Pleased by the gracious attentiveness of the host, Elgarion was guided to a table of his choosing by the bar, slightly elevated from the rest. The scent of spiced mutton stew caused his parched mouth to find water yet again and spawned a grumble in his belly. Chuckling to himself and before even taking to seat, the elderly man, with a kind smile, stated to the host, “It would seem my body has decided for me, my friend. Please… might I have some of the fine mutton stew that lured me from the streets with its fine savory aroma? Also, a mug of ale… something local, please.” Nodding, the host scurried away without taking anything to paper. Elgarion then placed the sack down onto a bench and began to remove several books, scrolls and parchments, spreading them out before him, yet leaving ample room for a mug and a bowl. Once he felt his dinner was well planned by a carefully arranged assortment of reading materials, the decrepit yet devout follower of Artenius lowered himself down onto the bench with occasional winces of pain from road wearing muscles ranting him for rest.

As Elgarion waited patiently for the mutton and ale, an elegantly bound menu caught his eye resting at the table’s center. He took up the menu with delight, planning what might satiate him upon his next visit to Briar’s Cafe. As his gaze drifted across each page, the old man smiled more and more. In good time, the host dutifully returned with mug, dripping with froth, and bowl steaming with spiced allure, and Elgarion’s eyes widened with ravenous anticipation. “Good man, thank you so much for being so quick and generous. It is not uncommon for one such as I to be delayed service, placed in a corner far from view for other patrons, or simply turned away. And alas, you’ve done me such a kindness. The finest table. Expedient service. And from what I can detect, the most delicious of foods.” The host paused a moment at this comment, bewildered slightly and only bowed and backed away with a gracious smile.

Elgarion, equally bewildered, looked upon his own visage with obvious disappointment. Once… a lord of men, a cortier of kings, a prize for ladies, now a withered husk, frail and bent. White beard scraggly and uncombed. Wisps of hair flaying in the breeze, remnants of what might have been beautiful in his youth. Dusty earthen-toned robes with frayed edges and torn seams, both crying for a sympathetic tailor. Sandals and toes caked with the dried mud of the Kings Road. Nothing about him was pleasant to behold. Elgarion sighed to himself and whispered with some attempt to raise his own spirits, “I have found my home… soon I might appear as though I have one…” Elgarion chuckled a moment at himself, to cover the shame in his appearance behind a guise of humor. To interrupt the old man’s mumblings, having overheard what just transpired,

Greetings Fellow Avatars! On my own today as Lord Baldrith has called in sick. Get better soon!

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

Game Development

* The Companions of Truth, Love, and Courage

* Making of Northwood

* Making of Blood River Forest

* R50 Postmortem Rewards: Mardi Gras!

News Announcements

* R51 Postmortem YouTube Video & Missed Questions

* Journey Onward by Richard Garriott

* Win a Game Key with Loot to Shroud of the Avatar!

* NPC Submission Request: Graff Island

* URGENT: Confirm Your Physical Rewards Shipping Address!

* The Ambassadors Program: How You Can Help

* AERIE Fund Live with Water.org and Starr “Darkstarr” Long

* Free Trial: Choose Any Path!

* Weekend Flash Sale: Weapons & Armor

* Upcoming Events Calendar

 

Community Updates

* Charity: AERIE Fund – Community Cause – Ripple Effect

* Event: Vyrin & Womby’s Grand Opening in Soryn Field

* Getting Started Video: The Leather Chest Armor of Love

* Recommended Project to Support: BatMUD

* Resources: Players Helping Players

 

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another instalment of this great story from Elgarion, entitled

The Tavern Respite

Background music by Smartsound

 

Chapter 5, “The Outlander”

Elgarion hobbled on aching feet up the steep staircase at Bear Tavern, a faint smile upon his weary face. The week had been long with sun, wind and road beating upon him, but again it ended on a pleasant note–amongst the patrons of Bear Tavern, the townsfolk of PaxLair and travelers from beyond its borders. Tonight, he would not write in his journal, save one singular passage.

There was much discussion this evening about Outlanders and Avatars. Having been emboldened by drink, I made suggestion that they were one in the same. Others were in agreement. This is of considerable relief to me. If this be true, then I rejoined the world at a time in which the Avatars have, in fact, returned. Relief… should another emotion instead burden my spirit? Some blame The Fall upon the Avatars. That answer is not clear; even after my considerable research I find too many conflicting texts. Relief… my people… still trapped within The Void, possibly by fault of those whom I now befriend. Avatars. And I feel relief in their return.

Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps those who agreed with me are also mistaken. Maybe the Avatars are still something of our distant past, never to resurface. All I know, is I am no Outlander. I am of this land and no other. As are my people. And regardless of possible errors of their ancestors, I trust in my new friends, that their offers of aid are genuine. And I trust, if in fact the Avatars have returned, they know not what they did.

Again, Balec treated us as royalty, ensuring we enjoyed our evening. My dearest of friends Blake Blackstone the Dwarf and Stryker Sparhawk from White Hart again took refuge here this eve. Luka, the kind bartender from the Order of the Drunken Elder’s Tavern accompanied us in good spirit. Tolly, a new acquaintance of mine took great interest in our talk of Outlanders and Avatars. Such an odd surname he has. Gabriel Nightshadow happened by, a man which I had not seen for some weeks. It was good to see him again, and I learned something new of him. He openly claims to be of a time forgotten, but the circumstances for his claim seem entirely foreign to my own. I dare not speak as openly as he of my calamity. I fear most would think me insane. Adnor Sundragon sat next to my friend Stryker and provided him good company. Grimace? Another new acquaintance. He also spoke much of The Fall. Grimace. A surname perhaps? A nickname… I am not certain. Interesting, nonetheless. There were others, many of whom I cannot recount. Jack Frost be one, a man who I see often. I shall make better accounting of those in attendance in the future, for these notes might prove valuable, but I truly thank them for their camaraderie this evening. Our spirits were high, and our steins repeatedly empty yet filled again.

Elgarion paused a moment and stretched his aching back. Thinking just to rest his eyes, he let his head sink into his folded arms while sitting at the desk. One minute became two. Then ten. Perhaps another paragraph would have come if sleep did not overtake him. The candle slowly burnt away. The quill in his hand dried, as did eventually his ink well. The darkness took him again, and Elgarion De’Kahli returned to his people. A familiar yet haunting poem echoed in his unconscious mind as his spirit flittered about The Void in hopeless confusion.

Blackness.

Darker than moonless night.

All light escaped my sight.

Time waned, relentless pain.

Why… why? My futile wanderings… in vain.

Whispers teased from the gloom,

I begged for sight.

But nothing came,

Save the night.

Hello Everyone! Here is the news of the week!

Game Development

* Spring 2018 Items (cont.)

News Announcements

* Release 51 Postmortem Telethon Results

* Win a Game Key with Loot to Shroud of the Avatar!

* Dev+ Asset Pack Program Take 2: Cabalists, Boars, Norgard Outfits

* NPC Submission Request: Graff Island

* URGENT: Confirm Your Physical Rewards Shipping Address!

* Community Livestream: Playing Release 51

* AERIE Fund Live with Water.org and Starr “Darkstarr” Long

* Free Trial: Choose Any Path!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* The Magnificent Trophy Rooms Contest Winners

* Event: AERIE Fund – Community Cause – Ripple Effect

* Community Spotlight: The Library of Spiritual Knowledge

* The Return of Tech Talks!

* Did You Know: Shroud has a Virtuous Quest System

* Recommended Project to Support: Underworld Ascendant

* Resources: Players Helping Players

Hello Everyone! Here is the news of the week! Hope you are enjoying Release 51!

Game Development

* Play Release 51 Now!

* The Making of South Midmaer Way (cont.)

* Spring 2018 Items

News Announcements

* SXSW Latest News: Booth Details and Book Signing!

* NPC Submission Request: Graff Island

* R51 QA Testing Incentive Winners

* URGENT: Confirm Your Physical Rewards Shipping Address!

* Release 51 Postmortem Telethon

* Community Livestream: DJing & Questing

* Free Trial: Choose Any Path!

* Job Opening: Executive Assistant

* Upcoming Events Calendar

Community Updates

* The Magnificent Trophy Rooms Contest Final Weekend!

* Event: R51 Welcome Quest in New Haven

* Getting Started Video: Movement, Skills, & Combat Tutorial

* Recommended Project to Support: Crowfall

* Resources: Players Helping Players