Echoes from the Caverns

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a great story from Elgarion, entitled

Trapped Between Bone and a Dark Place

A Memoir shared by Elbyon, The Ranger of Kahli

Background music by Smartsound

With the skeletons of Ravensmoor closing in upon me, I had no choice. Kahli. Certainly the rumors of peril arising from this land could not be so true, and most assuredly, could not compare to my impending doom by skeletal hand. Holding my panicked breath as if plunging into frigid waters, I ducked into the darkened canyon, descending through twists and turns akin to a maze. Even the undead dared not to follow. What have I done?

But ahead, a glimmer of light brought me hope. Approaching, there be three disheveled merchants, forlorn, all but emaciated, and with only a paltry amount of supplies for trade. An odd hum permeated the night air, deep, nearly imperceptible. I could feel the emanation within my lungs, inflicting somewhat labored breath. The source of this mind numbing vibration, I was uncertain nor did I afford much attention to its point of origin. For before me, stood three greater oddities. Survivors of the perils of Kahli.

“Traveler! Come, quickly, to the light of our fire! The night here… it becomes too dark. Do not become lost in that madness ahead.” A short pause of thoughtfulness provoked a question, “Are, are they gone? The walking bones? Can we finally leave?” implored the raggedy banker, long since away from her comforts and riches.

The second merchant mumbled despairingly, “No. Our traveler friend here has refreshed the guard. Bringing more undead to the canyon’s entrance. We are still trapped. Trapped between most certain death and most certain madness. This gateway between two wicked worlds is our home. But, I apologize… come by the fire and warm yourself. Do not venture further until the light of day, if you even dare to do so at the sun’s rise.”

As I was contemplating acceptance and after an uncomfortably long pause, “I cannot bear this much longer,” the third merchant whimpered, adorned more in filth than clothing. I gazed sadly upon the meager amount of wares strewn about his feet, magical in nature, components so dry a mere breeze would bring them to dust. “Aye… it has been too long. Months. A year? The vermin here are all that sustain us. At the brightest light of noon, one of us only then will dare to fetch water ahead, but the drawer of the shortest straw returns quickly. The ruins of Old Kahli are ghostly. Ghastly. The dragon’s bones emanate strongly with Artenius’ Sorrow.”

The three merchants then resumed sitting positions by the fire, returning to their nightly routine of hushed whispers and roasted rabbit. “At least our visitor brings fresh stories if not fresh rations? What is your tale, oh traveler? Might you sing words of enheartening legend for our beleaguered souls?”

Smiling softly, I attempted to dismiss worry and accepted their kind invitation of refuge, albeit foreboding. As my tale began, the legend of Kahli grew. For my words became a part of Kahli’s story, echoing softly in the canyon and into the distant peaks. With a centuries long hunger for new song and rhyme, Kahli devoured my tale as it might, one day, my being.

In time, could Kahli be as it was so many centuries ago? Alive and splendid with art and beauty? Could my tale be the first of many new tales to grace this land? Or is this canyon my new home? These merchants, my new brethren? Am I now trapped between worlds, never to see the light again except on my day to fetch the water? I think not. Tomorrow, I will journey forth, and make claim to my courage and perhaps even to these lands. I will face the dangers ahead, surefooted, strong of mind, arrow nocked! I shall not linger and wither away as these fools! Tomorrow, the mysteries of Kahli shall be revealed to me! A ranger, trapped within a mere canyon, indeed!

Hello Avatars! Lord Baldrith was attacked by a power outage this week, so I’m here alone again! Here is the news of the week – I hope you are enjoying R44.

If you want to find specific items in the podcast, the times are listed next to the headings.

* The Latest Game Progress

* Etceter Polish (cont.) 7:30

* New Norgard Garments (cont.) 20:00

* Making of South Paladis Scenes: Middle Downs and South Broken Road 22:25

* News Announcements

* Travian Games Partnership 27:50

* Portalarium is Hiring: Sound Designer 39:00

* R44 Postmortem Mini-Telethon Aug 7! 41:30

* Free Trial Test #5: Aug 9 – 30th 46:25

* DragonCon Schedule: More Panels Announced! 47:25

* PAX Dev Schedule Update: Starr’s Crowdfunding Panel 50:10

* Shroud In the News: Ideate TV, VentureBeat 51:15

* Weekend Flash Sale: Elven, Clockwork, and More! 57:25

* SeedInvest: Minimum Exceeded! Last Chance to Invest! 54:30

* Community Updates

* Upcoming Events Calendar 58:25

* ‘Welcome to New Britannia’ Community Trailer Contest 1:00:00

* Livestream: Celebrating Release 44 1:02:05

* Events: RPOTA’s August Writing Contest and Mad Hatter’s LAN Party 1:03:05

* Resources: Players Helping Players 1:06:10

* Recommended Project to Support: Out of the Woods 1:06:45

Hi Everyone! Hope you are enjoying Release 44!! Here is the news of the week!

* Play Release 44 Now!

* Dragon Polish

* Making of Grannus Colossus (cont.)

* Dev+ Asset Pack Program Reinstated

* R44 Postmortem Mini-Telethon Aug 7!

* R43 Raffle Winners

* Free Trial Test #5: Aug 9 – 30

* DragonCon Gaming Schedule Announced

* Shroud at PAX Dev Next Month – Starr’s Crowdfunding Panel

* Shroud In the News: The Gaming Gang, Austin Chronicle

* Origin PC’s July Bundle Promo – Free Copy of Shroud!

* SeedInvest: Time is Running Short to Join Portalarium!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Welcome to New Britannia’ Community Trailer Contest

* Community Livestream: A New Look to Aerie and Vertas Scenes

* ommunity Events: Rift’s End Festival and R44 Welcome Quest

* Community Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Support: VISITOR in Blackwood Grove

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a further instalment of this wonderful story from Elgarion, entitled

The Tavern Respite

Background music “Tavern Song” by Ome the Bard

Chapter 4, “The Doomsayers”

The merchant’s wagon stopped in front of Bear Tavern, letting its passenger, Elgarion De’Kahli, climb down onto the dirt road. Elgarion looked to the drover with a kind smile and stated, “Thank you, sir. Your kindness is immeasurable. I hope to repay you o–” Elgarion was interrupted by the crack of the drover’s whip above the heads of the draft horses, which were quick to lumber forward at their master’s command. “Eh, if ye weren’t so withered, I’d a dropped you at the gates. Best ye not wander so far, old man. Next ye meet someone less hospitable.”

Elgarion watched in dismay as the wagon bounced away at a surprising pace; the wood and metal seemed to jostle rudely to him. As he turned to the tavern, soreness overcame the sorcerer. So many miles upon the road from Ardoris, and he felt all of them in his aching arse. Slinging the sack of books he had gathered upon this week’s journey over his shoulder, the survivor of Kahli hobbled up the staircase and into the main common room to Bear Tavern. The room was warm, and already prepared for the upcoming eve’s patrons. A fire crackled to his right, which garnered the interest of his weary and chilled bones. Plopping the books onto the floor at a corner, Elgarion approached the hearth.

To his pleasant surprise, there by the fire, Stryker Sparhawk had already began to savor his evening with a fine ale. Having only escaped the limbo of the Void some several weeks prior, Elgarion initially distrusted most he had met. That is… until finding refuge in PaxLair. Stryker was one of the first to offer friendship to Elgarion, and the old man took the gesture willingly. So many years he spent trapped in incoherent misery. His mind craved interaction and answers, and as time passed, Elgarion began to realize Stryker also was searching for something. Smiling, Elgarion, dust covered and exhausted from his venture, sat upon a pillow beside his friend.

Balec joined the two almost as soon as Elgarion had arrived, and the festivities of recounting the tales of this week’s journeys commenced. The proprietor jibed on occasion, teasing Elgarion for his soreness when the groaning sorcerer complained of bumpy roads and potholes. Of note, this day, Balec Fares deCani sat amongst them. Not as their proprietor, but as a companion. Elgarion had even fetched the man a beer, to show a kindness and appreciation for the service Balec had always been so dutiful to provide.

As the evening waned, more arrived. Most were familiar to Elgarion, and he was happy to have their company yet again. Others were new to him, such as a man that goes by the name of Night Fury. Kind. A good heart, Elgarion had thought. High borne, surely, for his dress and manner were exemplary. Another, by the name of Thurisaz Sheol was polite in greeting, a good listener, and well attentive to the conversations of others. Again, Kazyn Phoenixfyre had taken refuge from the cold night air for an ale before retiring. Kazyn brings with him a presence to the room. I suspect highly, that this individual is well respected by many. An elf… one that seems to have bested the hardships which weigh heavily upon others of his race. And just as the fire was diminishing, two others arrived last minute to offer good tidings. Jack Knyfe and Ravicus Domdred. Neither took time for ale nor hardly a word. Just to see them stop in, showed there to be a comfort in routine common to all.

Near an hour they spoke of the news of the land, then one by one, each went about their way. Some to their homes. Some to their steeds to journey into the night. And one,

Hi Everyone! Finally got my vacationing self back here! Here is the News of the week!

* New Norgard Garments

* Etceter Polish

* Vertas Polish

* Making of Hallowed Plains (cont.)

* Making of Grannus Colossus (cont.)

* Free Trial 4 Ends July 26!

* Portalarium Joins Forces w/NEVERDIE – Ethereum-Based NEVERDIE & Teleport Gaming Tokens

* Explore/Create Panel at Comic-Con San Diego Saturday

* Shroud at PAX Dev Next Month – Starr’s Crowdfunding Panel

* Shroud In the News: Interviews and Livestream with Starr Long

* Origin PC’s July Bundle Promo – Free Copy of Shroud!

* Weekend Flash Sale: Comic-Con San Diego Cosplay Wearables Sale

* SeedInvest: Time is Running Short to Join Portalarium!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Welcome to New Britannia’ Community Trailer Contest

* Community Livestream: Hallowed Plains and Grannus Colossus

* Community Spotlight: Shadow’s Rest – Player Owned Town

* Community Events: Kahli Writing Contest and Treasure Hunt

* Community Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Support: Denis Loubet Patreon

Hello everyone, Lord Baldrith is still on vacation so by myself again this week.

Here is the news of the week:

* Aerie Scene Polish

* Making of Hallowed Plains

* Making of Grannus Colossus

* ‘Welcome to New Britannia’ Community Trailer Contest

* Shroud at Comic-Con San Diego Next Week – Panel Times & Locations

* Shroud at PAX Dev Next Month – Starr’s Crowdfunding Panel

* Photos From Last Week’s RTX Event

* Lord British’s Birthday Bash Telethon: YouTube Version and Missed Questions Answered

* Shroud In the News: VentureBeat, KXAN, Fox7, MMORPG

* Free Trial 4 Continues Through July 26!

* Origin PC’s Steam Key Giveaway – 3 Days Left!

* Weekend Flash Sale: RTX ‘Returning Home’ Part 2 Home Decorations Sale

* Make Your SeedInvest Reservation Official!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Community Event: July’s RPOTA Monthly $155 Writing Contest

* Community Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Support: The Bard’s Tale IV

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius,with a further instalment of this wonderful story from Elgarion, entitled

The Tavern Respite

Background music “Tavern Song” by Ome the Bard

Chapter 3, “The Two Companions”

After a long week of arduous travel and an amazing evening of adventure, Elgarion returned to his chambers above the common room of Bear Tavern, kindly offered to him by Balec, the absent proprietor. The note Balec had left him was thoughtful, and Elgarion made certain the basket was well utilized for the ale he and his friends had imbibed that eve. The mere notion that Balec would have the forethought to think of him, caused Elgarion to ponder and to become certain. The old sorcerer made a mental note–if Balec had his best interests in mind, this refugee from Kahli would pay in kind. Somehow, and soon, Elgarion would reward Balec for his generosity and commitment to fine service. Setttling himself, Elgarion sat at his desk, and began to write in his journal, recounting the lessons and peculiarities of the day’s happenings.

When I had returned to Bear Tavern that evening, already inside was a man with whom I had become recently familiar, Stryker Sparhawk. Stryker was engaged in dance with a charming female, whose lithe movements caused me some embarrassment Her unseemly motions were befuddling to me, and alas, (as any gentleman would) I averted my eyes and sat upon a stool at the ornamental oaken bar, instead admiring the wooden creation likely crafted by the careful hand of a fine artisan. She departed, her name I do not recall. But then Stryker and I accounted of our week’s journeys in stride, as if meeting every seven days had become the norm.

Shortly after, another arrived. Blake Blackstone, the dwarf. He strode in and quickly sat to my left. It was good to be amongst friends. We drank the fine brew of Bear Tavern, leaving coppers and gold in the basket as Balec had instructed, and told tales, most of which, I now struggle to remember.

Balec had made mention that recording the conversations of his patrons had left some… rather uncomfortable. So now I attempt to record well after our encounters and am likely to forget much of what transpired. All for the sake of propriety.

Blake Blackstone mentioned a man whom I must most definitely seek. A historian, of sorts. A rare profession, and rarer yet to find one bearing talent for that calling. I hope to make his acquaintance. Enderandrew. A most unusual name. And also one, unforgettable. Certainly he must know of the populaces still in this world which might have existed from before The Fall. He most certainly, can help this lost soul.

Again, the Doomsayers. The Outlanders. Stryker and Blake both spoke with worry. Neither had encountered a Doomsayer, but I did learn, that Outlanders… many of the very people I have met, to include Blake and Stryker, consider themselves as such. They even stated I was one. Certainly, I played along, but why do they believe this? It seems the Outlanders are common and apparently accepted. The peoples of this world are so different from before. I have much to learn. And as Stryker and Blake suggest, I must seek an elf by the name of Bowen. For he holds the key to these Doomsayers. If I were mistaken to be an Outlander by friends, would these Doomsayers make similar assumption? My explorations might become unnecessarily… challenging, if so.

As if our topics had not delved into enough gloom, I broached the subject of The Undead. Upon my first meet with these fine folk, they had expressed much concern over the Undead which plagued the wilds. Now, they made mention of a Spirit Speaker which enticed an apparition to speak. “Malice” was the word it had said. I assumed it was a place, and Stryker thought specifically, a dungeon. Catacombs are home to many of the unliving. Perhaps our next encounter,

Greetings avatars! On my own again this week; Lord Baldrith should be back next week to join me (yay!)

Here is the news of the week:

* New Elves & Elven Outfits

* Boreas: The Titan of Truth

* Jaanaford Scene Polish

* Shroud at RTX 2017 This Weekend!

* SeedInvest Updates: New Perks, New Perk Levels, Perk Images

* Lord British’s Birthday Bash Telethon Results

* Summer Telethon 2017 Missed Questions Answered

* Free Trial 4 Now Live!

* Shroud In the News: Spanish AIAS Honorary Award, GameReactor, The DeanBeat

* Weekend Flash Sale: RTX “Returning Home” Sale

* Comic-Con Panels with Richard Garriott and Starr Long

* Rock Me Avatarus Contest Winners Announced

* Community Livestream: Exploring Release 43

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Community Event: Isla de Muerta Opening Day + Birthday Bash!

* Community Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Back: SotA Con Austin!

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius,with a further instalment of this wonderful story from Elgarion, entitled

The Tavern Respite

Background music “Tavern Song” by Ome the Bard

 

Chapter 2 – Return to Bear Tavern

Elgarion shuffled his way down the darkened hall to his chambers above the common room of Bear Tavern, an establishment which twice now has brought him the comfort of a fine ale and friendly folk. The door opened with a squeal, which comforted him to know unannounced guests would likely be heard. Setting his sack of books and scrolls upon the desk, he quickly cast aside his boots and sat with intent upon the desk’s chair, pulling out his journal again with quill and ink.

Balec had just warned him that some of the patrons were not taking kindly to Elgarion’s scrivenings, consisting of their names, their stories and even sketches of their personages. “Bah… how indeed will I remember all that is said? Though, the man does make a point.” He stated to the air in the room. Certainly a proprietor of such an establishment had learned, through the years, what his patrons prefer. Elgarion decided to rethink how he would document the happenings of Bear Tavern, or in the least, try his best not to offend those most secretive. Recollecting the past nights discussions, the venerable sorcerer spent another hour before succumbing to sleep, recounting this evening’s tales and news of lands abroad.

They spoke of the horrors of starvation after The Fall, and the drunkard even spoke as if he was there, during that time. Could these merely have been the imaginations brought on by ale? Many spoke of these stories, however. The dwarf, called Blake by those present, said there was a place, The Bluffs, which harbors deep caverns beneath. Caverns which housed the starving masses after the cataclysm. I suspect, strongly, that if these catacombs are littered with the dead of those lost during the Fall, likely, their most precious belongings were lost within. Diaries accounting of these horrid times are likely to be found. Perhaps even survivors from Kahli hid within the labyrinth. I must find these tunnels, for amongst the remains of the fallen, the fate of Kahli might be revealed.

Again, the drunkard spoke… almost in riddles. A grimoire of ancient origin. If I can speak to this man away from prying ear and watchful eye, perhaps he will reveal more about the nature of this text. I will introduce myself to him next we meet. And perhaps, I can get a few words from him before he loses his wit from drink.

The one called Kazyn Phoenixfyre… he has knowledge of an ancient city which bears a name most familiar. Could it be that Trinsic existed before the Fall? Could I know this city? If he holds texts which detail the origins of such a place, surely there could be mention of Kahli. And only… I can only dream this to be true, but if Kazyn knows the location of Trinsic, and I can learn of Kahli’s relative position from it? At last I might have found a way to Kahli. If I am so lucky. The history of Trinsic must run deep. A tale of Tel’Anor Arator, The Phoenix Egg, seemingly speaks much of its greatness. A city which apparently took its insignia from that same runic symbol. I will certainly pick the brain of this Kazyn, a man seeming most receptive to conversations of times forgotten.

And again, the dwarf spoke. Daedalus. Weeping Seven. Cryptic words for a confused soul, such as I. Next we meet, when words become sparse and uncomfortable silence ensues, be assured, I will ask questions of these. The answers I seek could lie in any tale or news from abroad. I must not discount any possibilities.

The lady. They called her Amber. She overheard the ramblings of my weary lips from a weary mind. I perhaps embarrassed myself with such bold blatherings of my quest for knowledge. But alas,

Greetings Avatars!  On my own today, as Lord Baldrith is on vacation. Hope you are enjoying R43!

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

* Play Release 43 Now!

* Q3 2017 Schedule Update

* Free Trial 4 Starts Monday!

* Shroud at RTX 2017 Next Friday!

* Alienware Arena Steam Key Giveaway

* Shroud In the News: Antwand Pearman, MMORPG, Massively OP Podcast

* Weekend Flash Sale: Lord British Birthday Party Supplies!

* Pre-Telethon Flash Sales: The Lord British Collection

* Lord British’s Birthday Bash Telethon Next Thursday!

* R43 Lot Deed Raffle Prize Winners

* New Store Content

* Movember Make a Difference Items

* Comic-Con Panels with Richard Garriott and Starr Long

* Community Contest: Rock Me Avatarus! – Party Showcase Contest

* Community Livestream: Questing in Bloodriver Outskirts

* Make Your SeedInvest Reservation Official!

* Upcoming Events Calendar

* Community Events: R43 Welcome Quest Festival and Putt Putt Golf Charity Drive

* Community Resources: Players Helping Players

* Recommended Project to Back: MidBoss