Echoes from the Caverns

Hi Everyone! Here is the news of the week!

* Armors of Courage and Love (Full Sets)

* Scottie’s Yuletide Objects of 2017 (cont)

* Winter 2017 and R46 Telethon Items (cont)

* Movember Bundle Additions

* Community Wellness with the Meretz Fitness App

* Release 48 Major Artifact Changes Reminder

* UO 20th Postmortem at GDC 2018 + Care & Feeding of Wild Fansites Video

* Portalarium at SXSW 2018

* Free Trial Test – Nov. 1-15

* Cyber Monday Crown Bonus Continues

* Russian Version Launch Sale Week 2: Homes & Basements

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Event: Bare Knuckle Brawl

* Extra Life – Virtue vs Chaos – Results!

* WANTED! The Hispaniola Treasure Map Hunt

* Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Support: Shadow’s Kiss Vampire MMO

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another chapter in this great story by Ulf Berht, entitled

Virtue’s Forge

Background music by Smartsound

Chapter 11, “The Climb”

Cook pointed toward distant sand-colored hills. “This is as close to the Sequanna Colossus as we dare venture. The place is infested with well-armed bandits ready to split any one they can catch.”

“Why there?” asked Merlin.

“There have been whispers of ruins lost to the shifting sands, buried treasure, and Obsidian secrets. Lurking behind every boulder are unnaturally huge corpions whose ancestors, some say, carried Obsidian warriors into battle. A very dangerous place, to be sure.”

Kaia packed away her navigation equipment and showed her map to Merlin, Abrams, and Cook. “This is our current position, far off any marked trail. We must go here,” she said, pointing to another spot on the map. “We must be into the Northern Barrens before sunset tomorrow. Get some water into your bellies, gents, then we must get underway. Remember, voices low and no fires tonight.”

The long walk, much of it in silence, provided Merlin with ample time to reflect upon his situation.

People see what they expect to see and believe what they have been told to believe, he thought. They see miracles in the mundane and fail to see the miraculous. Are we truly seeking to rescue Ulf, to save him from a gruesome fate at the hands of an old enemy, or are we just playing along until an opportunity arises to enact secret agendas? Sunstones, as described by Kaia, must be incredibly powerful. The mere presence of one in this world has put in motion plans and events beyond my understanding. Ulf is here because of one. I am here because of one. Ancient enemies vie for one, and enigmatic adventurers seek to meddle in the outcome. Without a doubt, my return to Avalon rests with my acquisition of this stone. I loved Nianne but she betrayed me, and now she is free to manipulate King Arthur for her own ends. Once it is in her hands, will Kaia part with it? I must have that stone at all costs and return to Avalon before the witch corrupts the young king.

“Three Palms Oasis,” Cook announced, pointing to a miserable cluster of palms and struggling green shrubs. “Our rendezvous. There is plenty of water, but we must dig for it.”

“Excellent,” said Kaia. “There is plenty of time to get to the top before sunset. We can rest for an hour before Cook and I begin the climb. Merlin, you may join or wait with Abrams, as you wish.”

“Climb? Climb what,” asked a bewildered Merlin.

“Why, that tiny pile of stone over there,” she said with a grin.

Merlin took a glance at the nearby towering mesa. “We scurried through this inhospitable place for two days, hurrying to recover my friend, and now you will take time for a climb? What madness is this?”

“It will be time well spent. Atop yon rock we have a friend who will give us an accurate accounting of the comings and goings from Desolis. We will come to know whether Ulf is indeed held inside or is still in transit. Besides, if what Cook tells me is true, there is a panoramic view second to none in all Novia. You may wait here with Abrams. We will be back tomorrow before noon and continue our quest. The choice is yours, but I must have this intelligence.”

“I will join you, if only to keep abreast the truth. I fear there is much more afoot than the comfort of one man.”

“You are not a simple man, Merlin but while you are at risk for capture, there is much I cannot reveal. The simple truth is that Outlanders operating outside of the Oracle’s ken and in the hands of the Obsidian Cabal present an intolerable risk.”

“Aspirations of acquiring the Sunstone do not influence your actions then?” challenged Merlin.

“The Sunstone is Ulf’s. I have no plan to own it,” said Kaia looking straight into Merlin’s eyes.

“Enough chatter.

Hi Everyone! Here is the news of the week!

* New Low-level Mines

* Truth, Love, and Courage Armor

* Scottie’s Yuletide Objects of 2017

* Winter 2017 and R46 Telethon Items

* R47 Postmortem Telethon Results

* Movember: Moustache of the Avatar

* UO 20th Postmortem at GDC 2018

* Portalarium at SXSW 2018

* Free Trial Test – Nov. 1-15

* Cyber Monday Crown Bonus Continues

* Russian Version Launch Sale Week 1: Wearables and Property Deeds

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Halloween Contest Winners!

* Extra Life Charity Livestreams This Saturday, Nov. 4!

* WANTED! The Hispaniola Treasure Map Hunt

* Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Support: Wasteland 3

Hi Everyone! Asclepius is Back! Here is the news of the week! Hope you are enjoying Release 47!

* Play Release 47 Now!

* The Making of the Oracle Temple [SPOILERS!]

* Release 48 Major Artifact Changes

* More Make a Difference and Fall Item Screenshots

* Make a Difference Expansions

* R47 Postmortem Telethon – Nov. 3

* Portalarium at SXSW 2018

* Nightmares of New Britannia – Halloween Contest Ends Next Week

* Introducing Kory “Kor” Kirk – Portalarium’s New Web Developer!

* Free Trial Test – This Nov. 1-15

* Cyber Monday Crown Bonus Continues

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Community Livestream – The Oracle Temple

* Extra Life Schedule and Livestreamers Needed – Nov. 4

* Think Pink 24 Hour Stream-A-Thon Results

* R47 Welcome Quest in Moonglade – Oct. 28

* EVL Presents: 2017 Halloween Fashion Show – Oct. 29

* Mynwent Haunted House Dance Party – Oct. 31

* Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Support: Torment: Tides of Numera

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a further chapter in this great story by Ulf Berht, entitled

Virtue’s Forge

Background music by Smartsound

Chapter 10, “Epitaph”

“I am told you are awake. Welcome to the Epitaph, Outlander. I see you are not too badly damaged. Satyrs are not known for their gentleness. You may call me Lord Talon. I am the Grand Imperator of the Obsidian Empire. I am a direct descendant of the great General Karcheck and destined to rule all Novia.”

Ulf, too weak to say anything, struggled to piece together the world.

“Your life was in immediate peril, assassins were closing in, and I needed you here without delay. The trip would have been exceedingly uncomfortable had you not been drugged. No time…no time at all for food and whatnot. Damned meddlers. Meddlers always getting in my way.”

Talon turned to his attendants and pointed at Ulf. “I want him tidied up and ready to talk this evening. Yes, for supper, suitable clothes….suitable clothes and not stinking of satyr.” With that, Talon strode out and Ulf faded back into oblivion.

Several hours later, Ulf was awakened by three aged attendants, one carrying a large bowl of stew and water, another with clothes, and the third with bandages and various unguents and ointments.

“A hot bath awaits, sire, through that door. After which we are told to attend to any injuries you may have and to help you dress. Talon will also expect us to trim your hair and beard. We can tell you nothing, so do not ask.”

“Then get on with it. I will wash and dress myself.”

No longer starving and somewhat refreshed, Ulf could begin to take stock of the situation. He was in a windowless room with worn tapestries hanging over stone walls, presumably a forlorn attempt to bring some cheer to the drabness. The door opened with a creak of ancient hinges, but no bars or lock blocked the way into a long corridor dimly lit by glowing crystals. Ulf stepped out, hoping for some obvious escape route.

“Don’t wander too far,” a leather clad fighter said while passing by, seemingly on some errand. “It’s a maze in here and there are many unpleasant surprises lurking in darkened hallways.”

One of the aged attendants materialized beside Ulf. “Please don’t wander or they will make me into spider food. Let me show you around a bit. You can get more food in the dining hall,” he said, pointing down the hall behind them. “lt would give me great pleasure to take you to the library. Talon will send for you. Trust me, you cannot get out of here without his permission.”

“I have been drugged, kidnapped, and made a prisoner in a dismal dungeon, and you think I am looking for a library?”

“Apologies, Sire. Please take no offense, but Lord Talon has amassed a considerable collection of rare editions, some of which may be of interest to you, perhaps even vital,” the attendant whispered to Ulf. Then he hurried off down the orange lit corridor. Several open doors between massive stone columns revealed additional well appointed rooms.

The attendant stopped partway down the corridor. He looked back to see if Ulf followed, and waited until Ulf caught up with him. Stone dragons’ heads, lit by yellow crystals, lined the wall. The old man pointed left down some stairs. “Do not go down this corridor without an escort. The satyr guards will not treat you well. This hallway leads to the old Chamber of Souls that Talon calls his council chambers and it is strictly out of bounds. Not that there is a Council any more. It also leads to places you don’t want to go, places no one returns from.”

In the dim light, Ulf could just make out a hallway guarded by two very large and very pale horse-like creatures standing on two legs.

“Are they satyrs?” Ulf asked. “The ones that carried me here?”

Hi Everyone! Again Asclepius is still on Vacation so here I am hoping you will bear with me! Great news week! Hopefully you feel the spooky in this one! Here is the news of the week!

* SotAMap Now Under Official Development

* R47 Postmortem Telethon – Nov. 3

* R46 Postmortem Missed Questions

* SotA Con Austin 2017 Recap

* Nightmares of New Britannia – Halloween Contest Extended!

* Cyber Monday Crown Bonus Continues

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Event: Shooter Jennings Meet n’ Greet

* Extra Life Schedule and Livestreamers Needed – Nov. 4

* Mynwent Haunted House

* Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Support: Brightlocker CrowdEquity Campaign

Hi Everyone! Asclepius is still on Vacation so I will doing this alone, oh my oh my. Here is the news of the week!

* More Make a Difference, R45 Telethon, Halloween, and SeedInvest Item Screenshots

* R46 Postmortem Telethon Results

* SotA Con Austin 2017 This Weekend

* Nightmares of New Britannia – A Spooky Halloween Contest

* Cyber Monday Crown Bonus Continues

* Community Livestream: North Quel Way First Looks

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Event: Think Pink – Organized Chaos Grand Capture Fair

* Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Support: Underworld Ascendant

Hi Everyone! Asclepius is on Vacation so I will doing this alone, oh my oh my. Here is the news of the week!

* Making of North Midmaer Way and North Quel Way

* Updates to New Content Threads: More SeedInvest Items, Bierkrugs and New Fall Items

* R46 Postmortem Telethon Next Week

* Nightmares of New Britannia – A Spooky Halloween Contest

* Cyber Monday Crown Bonus Continues

* Weekend Flash Sale: Weapons

* SotA Con Austin 2017 Next Week

* Richard Garriott’s Interview and Panel at IgroMir Expo

* Livestream: Celebrating Release 46

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Spotlight: Veritas Sanctuary Player Owned Town

* Event: R46 Welcome Quest in FinDupre

* Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Support: Brightlocker CrowdEquity Campaign

(Insert music track # 1 – “Horror Game Menu” by Eric Matyas)

Due to mature subject matter, parental discretion is advised…

The New Britannia Theater Troupe

Presents

Hungry Eyes in the Darkness

Directed and produced by Asclepius

Written by Gabriel Nightshadow with additional writing by Amber Raine and Jakdaw Foxlauden

Director of Public Relations and Music Supervisor: Amber Raine

Sound Effects Supervisors: Asclepius and Gabriel Nightshadow

Technical Consultant: Stile Teckel

VOICE CAST

Amber Raine as Lady Constance Dane

Lady Addy as Miranda Zul and Darla

Asclepius as Parsniferous Dar, Malakir, Captain Klump, and Himself

Apollox Evanheart as Colonel Jeremiah Dane

Dinsoo as Prince Tomar Ren and Kaitoth # 1

Stryker Sparhawk as Lieutenant William Long and Thurlo Mak

Jakdaw Foxlauden as King Targon Ren and Okimaru

Elgarion De’Kahli as General Elias Thorne, Joran Tyrell, and Fight Announcer

Margaritte McLean as Anna, Peri, and Adria

Solstar as Boson Trelor, Lieutenant Burke, and Kaitoth Guard

Cordelayne Valkyris as Councilor Dar, Major Kincaid, and Time Traveler

Selene Noctua as Lily and Councilor Hurad

Audacity as Marla and Kaitoth # 2

Brazzen as Amara and Chariya

Womby as Councilor Angelus Corvus

Woftam as Ser Dragonwolf and General Ruko

Brian Manown as Council Leader Tremaine and Nystal Timelord

With

Lord Baldrith as the Narrator, Captain Cantrell, Max, and Himself

Gabriel Nightshadow as Bearcub

And

SPECIAL GUEST

Richard Garriott as the Prisoner

***********************************************************************************

(Insert music track # 2 – “Death Is Just Another Path” by Otto Halmen)

NARRATOR

“As the shards rained down from the skies and decimated the land, the people quickly grabbed what few precious belongings they could and fled into the underground caverns. With both Lord British and the Avatar missing and presumed dead, it was up to the remaining members of the Great Council to lead the survivors through this dark time.

Three months into their underground exile, the situation had grown desperate, as the survivors had nearly exhausted their small supply of food and fresh water. The Great Council sent several hunting expeditions deeper into the caverns to replenish their depleted stock, but none of them returned. All that was heard were distant screams…and then silence…”

The great historian Theodric, from The History of New Britannia, Vol. 1

**************************************************************************************

NARRATOR

PART I: DESPERATE TIMES

It is evening in the sprawling, underground tent city of Brittany. Most families are sitting down to dinner, but not so for the less fortunate…

MARLA (pleading)

Please, Duke Corvus, all I ask for is a bit of bread and water for my starving children…

NARRATOR

The young woman stands before the rather corpulent, middle aged, gray haired noble who was reclining on some red velvet pillows in his opulent tent. On a nearby table is a wide assortment of freshly prepared meats, cheeses, breads, fruits and wines. A young, buxom, scantily clad blond woman is feeding the Duke pieces of smoked bacon. The young mother’s gaunt young son and daughter cling to her with what little strength they still have.

Duke Corvus looks at the pleading, young woman with disdain.

ANGELUS CORVUS

You should have been better prepared for these hard times… I only have enough food and water to provide for myself and my servants. I have nothing to give you!

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

Game Development 

* Play Release 46 Now! 3:35

* The Making of Blackblade Foothills, North Midmaer Way, & North Quel Way 18:45

News Announcements

* Q4 2017 Schedule Update 25:50

* R46 Postmortem Telethon 42:22

* Cyber Monday Crown Bonus 46:50

* R45 Raffle Winners Announced 50:57

* SotA Con Austin 2017 Schedule 51:40

*

Community Updates

* Upcoming Events Calendar 53:40

* Play: Hungry Eyes in The Darkness 54:40

* Event: Veritas Sanctuary R46 Welcome Events 58:14

* Resources: Players Helping Players 1:01:40

* Recommended Project to Support: Numenera 2: Discovery and Destiny 1:01:07