Echoes from the Caverns

Hello everyone! Here is the news of the week:

 

* City Kobolds and Kobold Chests

* Patterns: Gear and Decoration Reshaping

* The Making of Upper Fortus

* The Making of Rhun Ruins

* The Crawl to K’rul

* R38 Postmortem Recap

* Origin PC Steam Key Bundle

* Alienware Steam Key Giveaway: Lowered to Level 4

* R38 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice

* Boss Battle of the Avatar – Screenshot Contest

* Community Livestream – Exploring Blood Bay

* Community Spotlight: Saint Haley – Player Owned Town

* Doug’s (IronMaiden) Chemo Relief Fund [Update: Telethon with Dev Crafted Gear Auction]

* Upcoming Events

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with the next instalment of this wonderful story from Andartianna. It is entitled

Harvest of the Shattered Moon

Background music by Smartsound

 

Chapter 3, “Parting, Path, and Pass.”

Zazeriz said farewell to Snip-snip and headed east past the Sawtooth Thicket and the South Quell woods. After two day’s travel, Zazeriz stopped for a night in Honor Hold. The hold was pleasant enough, but regardless of how good or bad the location was, Zazeriz had violent dreams. An evil undead something or other terrorized Zazeriz in her sleep.

Zazeriz had many bad dreams over the millennia, but lately they had been the same thing. Years ago she had been drawn into the Tower of the Shuttered Eye. Whatever evil force condemned all the souls that entered there was wrathful at Zazeriz for managing to escape. The talisman could not be a coincidence. The dark forces of the tower were trying to get Zazeriz to return; but before she jumped back into the tower, she wanted to make sure that Boniface had indeed been kidnapped to draw her there. Perhaps this was not a sinister plan, but a conflict between merchants which could be solved with money.

Zazeriz was not invincible. She often seemed that way because her life attunement was very high and her skill at healing unmatched. She had no great love of the art of damaging things, having patched up so many sick and injured patients over the years. She did, however, enjoy travelling and exploring. Being immortal had the benefit of allowing voyages endlessly. Zazeriz also had no lack of gold, which made her travels more enjoyable.

Zazeriz dashed across Brightbone Pass, bypassing the annoying skeletal mages and archers that lurked the passes. She had spent many hours healing in Brightbone Pass. Many of her companions over the years sought the rich yields of metals and herbs in the pass. They had all survived, thanks to Zazeriz’ healing abilities. With Brightbone Pass behind her, Zazeriz quickly made her way through the West Perennial Trail. There were many little towns on the road to Ardoris, but none that Zazeriz had time to stop in.

Chapter 4, “Ask, Answer, and Advice.”

Within a half day, Zazeriz made the outskirts of Ardoris. As she entered the city, lines of wagons waited to carry people out to the various towns nearby. She quickly crossed the large bridge that marked the entrance to Ardoris. She glanced at the various fishermen below the bridge. Zazeriz went to the town cryer, checking in when she entered the city. She asked him where Ardoris Imports was located, and he indicated that it was along the docks. Zazeriz asked the town cryer if he happened to know the owner’s name. He said she was called Simone Von Eglinger.

Zazeriz went to the docks nearby and staked out a place to watch Ardoris Imports for a while. The guard barracks being close by made it harder to endlessly watch the shop. Zazeriz kept switching her location and then finally decided to go to the Tavern of the South Wind. Zazeriz paid Draulius, the tavernkeep, to rent out his rooms upstairs. What Zazeriz actually wanted was access to the balcony above the Ardoris Imports. From this vantage point, Zazeriz could keep watch on all the comings and goings into the shop.

After six hours of watching Ardoris Imports, Zazeriz came to the conclusion that Simone Von Eglinger did not run a very good business. No customers came anywhere near her store throughout the entire day. She was sure it was time to confront Simone Von Eglinger and ask her about her involvement in the disappearance of Boniface. Zazeriz walked into the back door and found no one present in the main shop. However, upon entering, Zazeriz could hear someone crying upstairs. Zazeriz followed the sound of the cries and found the second floor empty except for supplies for the shop. On the third floor,

Hello everyone! Here is the news of the week:

 

* The Making of Upper Fortus

* The Making of Rhun Ruins

* The Making of K’rul

* In the News: Richard Garriott: the man, the myth, the mischief

* R38 Postmortem on Feb. 7th at 3pm CT

* Boss Battle of the Avatar Screenshot Contest

* Origin PC Steam Key Bundle

* Alienware Steam Key Giveaway

* R38 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice

* Community Livestream – A Crafting Hub for Developers

* Doug’s (IronMaiden) Chemo Relief Fund [Update: Telethon with Dev Crafted Gear Auction]

* New Stuff: Pristine Gothic Mansion Water Home and Water Decorations

* Upcoming Events

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone! Hope you are enjoying R38!! Here is the news of the week:

 

* Play Release 38 Now!

* Release 38 Addendum

* The Making of K’rul

* Perennial Coast Improvements (Solania Polish)

* Wealthy Merchant Outfit

* Valentine’s 2017 Gift Boxes and Card

* R37 Lot Deed Raffle Winners

* R38 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice

* Community Livestream – Exploring Canyon Siege

* Doug’s (IronMaiden) Chemo Relief Fund

* New Stuff: Pirate Ships, Dragon Pets, Shogun Bundles, and more…

* Upcoming Events

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with the first instalment of a wonderful story from Andartianna. It is entitled

Harvest of the Shattered Moon

Background music by Smartsound

Chapter 1, “Beer, Banter, and, Bonfires”

Here upon this hellish fury, death and darkness, hatreds worry. He the demon of the night, evil desires, wicked frights. Tearing apart a human chest devouring its tasteful flesh. Rejoicing in its wicked deed and loving what it is like to feed.

Zazeriz thumped her head hard on the bed’s headboard waking herself up from a nightmare. So hard in fact she could hear the footsteps of Boniface coming to her room. A delicate knock rapped on the door to the room and a beautiful alto voice came through the wall.

“Is everything alright in there?” Boniface asked.

“I am alright my friend. I see that it is almost 5 am and time to start working on the current batch of beer. I will dress and meet you downstairs in a moment.” Zazeriz said through a slight yawn.

“Are you still having the nightmares about that place far away?” Boniface asked.

“I am indeed as always. It is no matter. The dreams will likely haunt me for eternity in one lifetime or another. Do not worry. I will come out shortly and you can help me forget in the work.” Zazeriz replied.

Boniface trilled and Zazeriz could hear her footsteps walking down the stairs. Zazeriz began changing into a pair of her traveling clothes. Today she would wear a dark blue clothing set. It was one of her favorites when working with Boniface. Zazeriz had managed to imbue it with a Shield of Air, which was very helpful in repelling the water and other materials used to make beer. There were no mirrors in Boniface’s rooms above the Bilge and Barnacle Tavern, so Zazeriz reached into her pouch and took out a travel mirror she had with her. She looked at her reflection. The mirror showed the same face that had always looked back at her: dark hair, skin, and bright green eyes. Zazeriz never aged, which was a gift from her home planet.

Zazeriz put the small mirror back into her pouch and headed down into the tavern where Boniface was waiting. The tavern was usually a very lively place at night, but at just before 5am it was empty save for Boniface who was seated at the long table in the center of the tavern. Zazeriz moved to take a seat across from Boniface. The table was filled with various herbs and supplies needed to make beer as well as some food Boniface had placed before them to eat for breakfast. Hot steam was rising from the porridge set out in front of Zazeriz.

Zazeriz began to eat the porridge. She found that, while it was warm, it was rather tasteless for her liking so she reached into her pouch for a health potion and poured its contents into the bowl.

“You always like your porridge so sweet. I don’t know how you can eat it that way.” Boniface said.

“Well it’s not as if my teeth will rot out, so I can have it as sweet as I desire.” Zazeriz said.

“Indeed you are blessed with an incredible rate of rejuvenation. Speaking of which, have you saved your focus to cast Soothing Rain all day?” Boniface asked.

“Saving? You jest Boniface. You know I can cast the spell all day when I am not defending.” Zazeriz said.

“Very good. If you are done eating we can go around the back and start working.” Boniface said.

“Yes, I think I have had my fill. Let us get to work.” Zazeriz said.

Zazeriz followed Boniface around the back of the tavern. In the early sunlight, the visibility was still low so Boniface had set up her brewing vat near the lamp post behind the tavern. Boniface’s beer was renowned across the world. She had spent many years perfecting her beer’s quality and taste. The secret ingredient that made her beer better than anyone else’s was the reason Zazeriz traveled to Etceter each year. Boniface used the water from Zazeriz casting Soothing Rain to ...

Hello everyone! Asclepius is off this week for some precious family time. I’ll do my best not ramble

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

The Blessing

Background music by Smartsound

 

David was understandably nervous. Not so much because he was most likely going to die (he had accepted that), but because the desires of his entire region now rested on his shoulders. A series of gruelling clashes had determined that he was the greatest warrior in the entire Perennial Coast. Now the time had come to test his mettle against combatants from all the other regions in New Britannia.

The contestants slowly made their way into the cave that led to the Marshalling Room. Evenly spaced around the edge of the room were a number of cage doors. Although firmly shut, that did not prevent the blood curdling sound of deep throated snarls and growls escaping from the cages and echoing throughout the chamber. In the centre of the room were two platforms. If two combatants could each simultaneously hold one of the platforms for ten seconds then they would both be transported to the Supplicant Room. At that point the cage doors would all open, and those left behind would be torn to shreds by immensely powerful beasts.

Once inside the Marshalling Room each contestant sought a position that they hoped might give them some advantage. A loud thump signalled the closing of the entrance door, and simultaneously David felt the tickle of rushing air as he instinctively twisted to one side to avoid an arrow. Glancing towards the source of the projectile he saw an archer impaled on a halberd. Fierce hand to hand battles had broken out at each of the two platforms, and it was clear that no contestant was going to be able to hold either of the platforms until most were either dead or incapacitated.

Taking advantage of the confusion, David cast an invisibility spell and stood behind a large tank in plate armour who was too busy casting heals on himself to notice David.

Finally the number of uninjured fighters had dwindled to five, which quickly became four as the tank suddenly body slammed the occupant of the nearest platform and took his place. The other platform was held by a mage who was using chain lightning to hold back challengers. Still invisible, David quietly stepped behind the tank and slit his throat, at the same time propping him up so that he seemed alive. Now there were three able combatants, but the mage had run out of reagents. The one uninjured survivor who had not managed to secure a platform saw his chance and threw himself at the mage, decapitating him with a well placed swing of his two handed sword.

As the swordsman stepped on the platform he turned and glared at the tank for ten long seconds, after which the cage doors burst open and scores of hungry beasts rushed towards the dead and dying. David was spared seeing the result as both he and the swordsman were transported to opposite ends of the Supplicant Room.

“Brave warriors, you have been found worthy, but know that only one can receive my blessing, and that I require in return a human life. One of you must die.”

The message from the deity was clear. Still invisible, David let the dead tank crumple to the floor.

“Aha!” cried the swordsman. “You see that? I claim your blessing, as is my right!”

“I fear you are mistaken.” replied the deity, as the swordsman felt David’s blade plunge into his back.

Finally, with the invisibility spell wearing off, David spoke up. “It appears I am the only survivor. I therefore, on behalf of the Perennial Coast, claim what is rightfully ours.”

The deity chuckled as she replied “Indeed you are. With a wave of this spoon I hereby grant you the right to select next week’s play list for Avatars Radio.”

“Woohoo!” replied David. “No more Disco and Country and Western.”

“You’re welcome!

Hello everyone! Here is the news of the week:

 

* New NPC Conversation Window

* The Making of Brookside

* Important Update to Keys and Locks in Release 38

* Richard Garriott Explore Create book signing at Austin Book People

* Spring Telethon of the Avatar 2017 (and Expirations)

* Origin PC Steam Key Promotion

* New Shogun Bundles and Expiring Item Sales

* Doug’s (IronMaiden) Chemo Relief Fund

* Upcoming Events

* Community Spotlight: Chateau du Lys

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone! Happy New Year!:

 

* The Making of the Canyon Siege Encounter

* The Making of Brookside

* Perennial Coast Improvements (cont)

* Xenos Polish

* The Making of Blood Bay

* Pre-order Richard Garriott’s memoir Explore/Create to receive $20 off Shroud of the Avatar

* MMOGames: Shroud Wins Best Crowdfunded Online Game of 2016

* MMORPG: Shroud nominated for The Most Wanted MMO of 2017

* New Shogun Bundles

* Upcoming Events

* Community Spotlight: Styx – Player Owned Town

* Community Holiday Party at Portalarium!

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with the thrilling conclusion of this story from Olthadir, entitled

The Darkness in the Forest

Background music by Smartsound

Chapter 2, “The Darkness”

It was a joke, a jibe, meant to lighten the atmosphere and the tension my companions felt. There was a short, silent chuckle. I was a scholar and not a warrior. The did not truly expect I would speak to them. I once mentioned that we should try to speak to the kobolds that jealously guard the ore my allies often mine in the Elysium Mines. Perhaps the kobolds would prefer to create a trade agreement instead of being slaughtered and slaughtering humans. The laugh from that time was heartfelt, strong and stinging.

My companions’ nervous laugh here in the woods was soft, half-hearted. I looked into the sky at the same time the bespectacled kobold did. We saw the stars themselves had given up trying to communicate their desire for us to run and were beginning to melt in the sky. The sky seemed to be a viscous liquid and the very stars making trails in them as they slowly slid off the sky.

No one spoke. The kobold and I were mesmerized and confused by what we saw above. The others, were caught by what they saw on earth.

I have no doubt that it was a creation or abomination of the Obsidians, or perhaps it predated them, or perhaps even it created them: being the very thing that gave power to the Obsidian Eye. It wasn’t black, black is tangible. We could make things black. This was darker, deeper, more cold than any black that you could imagine. It drained the light from the dripping, sliding stars, made the torches the kobolds had set alight seem like small dying embers. It even drained the light from our very souls.

I saw it out of the corner of my eye, slithering and flowing up from the uncovered idol. It had a form, but was formless, flowing as much as simply being there. It was like a mass of slithering snakes, or a vertical pool of nothingness. I wanted to see it, I wanted to look deep within it, I wanted to use my sight and will to make meaning of it, but I was so utterly afraid that I turned away. Out of the corner of my eye I saw my friends move, being dragged towards it as if pulled by their bellies.

There were screams. Those I will never forget. I still hear them. In the wind as it blows around me here in Ardoris. I hear it in the canals, in the trees, in the grass and in the creak of the houses. The screams were like the screams we hear in our dreams, the screams from ages past that have had their volume lost as they travel countless ages to our sleeping ears. All that is left of these screams is the tremor that tenses our skin and chills us from within.

The kobold workers were all gone. I then looked at the thing, enveloped in my own fear and wishing to escape. It looked as it I was peering in a pond as I lay on the shore, but I was standing. Its edges moved like the oceans tide lapping at the shore. It slowly grew, filling the clearing with its unfathomable darkness. I watched in speechless horror as companions were slowly dragged into it, sending an unnerving black-on-black ripple to it’s undefined edge as they passed the surface. Timeless screams were filling the clearing and my mind.

The learned kobold, the only other living thing in the clearing began screaming, fanatically. It must have been its native tongue or I simply had no ear for terrestrial words. I did not know what she said. I only heard the soundless screams that came out of time.

Something hit me hard in the chest. I was hit by the kobold as she ran past, demanding that I run, “Runz Human! To stay iz worst than def!”

I don’t remember running. Perhaps I didn’t run. I awoke to a cool rain and sunlight. I was laying on my back at the end of a long rain. I was soaked. The final raindrops fell as I awoke,