Echoes from the Caverns

Hello everyone! Here is the news of the week!

* Port Graff Revisited

* Summer Telethon of the Avatar Part 2

* Land Rush Update

* Password Change Request

* Static Player Owned Town Policy Statement

* 15% Bonus and 10 Day Countdown to Summer 2016 Expiration Event, Part 2

* Upcoming Events

* Dawn of New Britannia Community Trailer Contest

* Grand Opening of Vyrin & Womby’s Bookstores

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* World Builder/Level Designer Job Opening

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a wonderful story from Zader. It is entitled

The Void’s Edge

Background music by Smartsound

 

As he slipped out of the inn room, Minxx and Luna were still intertwined and fast asleep. Making his way out onto the docks, the cool morning breeze was welcome on his face, as was the comforting smell of salt in the air. The sound of gulls and a light breeze were broken by the creak of aged wood. “Ah, the old familiar sound”, Zared mused as he stepped aboard.

Maylin was a Large Dragon Ship; she had seen her fair share of time at sea but was a worthy vessel none the less. Zared had made this trip a hundred times, but fortune favors the prepared…so her hold was fully stocked for the 3 day journey from Moonglow. “Tillerman, we have a schedule to keep!” Zared barked, momentarily dwelling on the importance of his upcoming meeting. Sails were set and Maylin made her way West.

A lifetime of exploration and adventure on the high seas accustomed Zared to the role of Ship’s Captain, but it wasn’t always glamorous. Today was like many uneventful days at sea; calm and quiet with the sound of the occasionally dispatched Water Elemental. Two sea serpents provided much needed entertainment. As night closed in around him, Zared masterfully checked his sextant. “We’re still on track”, he whispered to himself as the lights of Nujel’m appeared in the distance.

As dawn broke, Nujel’m transitioned from a speck on the horizon, into nothingness. As if on cue, Zared noticed a twinkling light in the water ahead; as the moments went on, the strobing light increased in size and intensity. Curiosity drove him further forward until the light explosively expanded into a giant dark orb with the sound of a thousand moongates opening in unison. The massive void, as dark as night, now stood directly in their path. Realizing the danger, Zared shouts “Hard to Port!” and braces himself against the mast as the ship lurches in response to the tillerman’s violent course change. In a heartbeat, Maylin is skimming along the surface of the void, her crew fighting to steer as they slip into the edge. Darkness. Then light as they slip back out of the void and away. In a matter of seconds, the void dissipates as if it were never there.

As Zared regains his composure, it becomes apparent that powerful magics are at work. Looking around in awe, he blinks multiple times to be sure what he’s seeing.

Once antiquated woven wool sails were now silken black and iridescently billowing as if stuck between this world and another. The creaky oaken woodwork now resembled a marriage of the darkest Yew and Bloodwood. Old metalwork now gleamed with shadow instead of light, putting to shame the highest quality Shadow Iron. As Zared made his way to the stern of the ship, his eyes were met with a ghastly horror. Where his tillerman once stood, a wraith had taken his place. It was clear; Maylin was no more. This new ship was born in the Void’s Edge, and as such, she would be forever known.

Zared thought to himself, “We still have a schedule to keep” and with a glance over his shoulder and an evil grin, Zared commanded, “Tortured Helmswraith, set a course for Britain!”

Hello everyone! Here is the news of the week!

* Estgard Remake

* Juggling Bottles

* Land Rush Update

* Dawn of New Britannia Community Trailer Contest

* Star Citizen Cross Promotion

* Alienware Indie Contest

* Add On Store Updates

* 15% Bonus and 17 Day Countdown to Summer 2016 Expiration Event, Part 2

* The Sword of Midras SotA Novel for Hardcover, Kindle, Nook and Audiobook

* Upcoming Events

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* ONBE Shipments and Backer Shipping Addresses

* World Builder/Level Designer Job Opening

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a wonderful piece from Baron Drocis Fondorlatos, entitled

The Baron’s Story

Background music by Smartsound

 

Rift

I, Sir Jeffrey of Resolute, being of sound mind and able body bequeath all my worldly possessions including lands, titles, and all that which is customary to Drocis the Devious.

That is how the letter began. I was given a fortune in fictional medieval nonsense by a mentally ill Don Quixote-like stranger that I’d once played Dungeons and Dragons with over twenty years ago. I had apparently made an impression, or at least my character had.

I’d developed a persona of an evil mage known as Drocis the Devious. A villain who earned his name after making several strategic and indirect manipulations of the other player characters to achieve his own goals. He was a fun character to play because even though the other players knew never to trust him, he still always came out ahead in the end. A fact that infuriated most everyone that came into contact with him.

The letter listed out hundreds of items, many of them were very mundane sounding (artisan fishing pole) while others sounded cryptic and weird. I was now the proud owner of a tax free keep deed, over 900 bank slots, and 90 obsidian crowns? Oh, and something called a noble’s magical discourse orb. I expected there might be a 1970’s era disco ball arriving in a follow-up package to complete the joke sometime in the near future.

Then I noticed at the bottom of the envelope was a small dagger that looked like a letter opener. I removed the dagger and realized that the hilt could be detached to reveal a USB stick. Ok I thought, now we’re getting somewhere. It must be a new game.

A Malwarebytes scan said it was clean, so I popped it in to my computer to find out what was on it. It wasn’t a game; it was a bunch of PDF files. Random items that didn’t seem to have anything to do with one another. How to prepare Regicide Stovie? Sumerian Astrology? The Lost Manuscripts of the Obsidian Eye? More nonsense, this guy really lost it. There was no contact information or instructions, just a folder full of this junk.

I continued to open the files to see if I could find a clue. I can’t really explain what happened next.

Observation

As I acclimated myself to a new world, I noticed the changes incrementally. The lack of necessities that I once took for granted but could never forget, eating and sleeping were no longer required and almost seemed impractical. The effects of weather no longer caused me to seek shelter and I had lost the ability to feel physical pain. My strength and reflexes had increased along with my overall health. Gone were the aches and soreness associated with aging. I had become something other than human. I had become an Avatar.

I was sustained by the world, free to explore where I wished or reflect on my thoughts for as long as I needed. It was so relaxing I quickly lost all desire to return to the world in which I had lived for the last 41 years.

Time moved much faster than I was accustomed to, as day became night and night returned to day with suspicious regularly. Sometimes I would catch myself waiting for the cycle to reset as if someone were manually pulling up the sun and lowering the moon using a series of complicated ropes and pulleys.

I was alone but for a few other inhabitants that either shared my perspective or appeared incapable of sharing it. There were the others, Avatars much like me. Travelers from different worlds, though I had not met anyone that had not come from Earth.

There were also the locals, native to New Britannia, static husks compared to Avatars. They spoke, they walked, sometimes they even fought, but they were not like us. They moved and reacted slowly or often not at all. Calling them zombies would be too kind, they were not that sophisticated.

Hello everyone! Welcome to persistent game play! Here is the news of the week!!!

* World Start – Play Release 32 Now!

* World Starting Gift to all Backers: Portable Aether Vibration Amplifier

* Behind the Scenes: Spite Waterfalls

* Summer Telethon of the Avatar Part 1 Results

* Shroud of the Avatar in the News

* Bank Upgrades Increased to 100

* Bundle Store Updates

* 15% Bonus and 24 Day Countdown to Summer 2016 Expiration Event, Part 2

* The Sword of Midras SotA Novel for Hardcover, Kindle, Nook and Audiobook

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* Upcoming Events

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* ONBE Shipments and Backer Shipping Addresses

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone – here is the last newscast before FINAL WIPE!! Hope you are looking forward to it as much as we are!!

Here is the news of the week:

•Xenos Reborn

•Brittany Central Housing Expansion

•Renovating Spite

•Rock Paper Shotgun’s 2016 RPG List

•Next Dev Heading to SotA Con – Berek!

•New Bundle Store

•15% Bonus and 5 Day Countdown to Summer 2016 Expiration Event, Part 1

•The Sword of Midras SotA Novel for Hardcover, Kindle, Nook and Audiobook

•Upcoming Events

•Community Resources – Players Helping Players

•ONBE Shipments and Backer Shipping Addresses

•Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone! Here is the news of the week!

* Massively OP Picks Shroud as “Most Exciting Developments”

* Summer Telethon of the Avatar Part 1

* The Re-Making of Spite

* Fancy Riding Outfit

* More Pipes for the Enthusiast

* Updated Lot Selection Group Numbers + Deadlines for Transfers & Upgrades

* 15% Bonus and 12 Day Countdown to Summer 2016 Expiration Event, Part 1

* The Sword of Midras SotA Novel for Hardcover, Kindle, Nook and Audiobook

* Upcoming Events

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* ONBE Shipments and Backer Shipping Addresses

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with more of this wonderful story from Ulf Berht, entitled

Virtue’s Forge

Background music by Smartsound.

Chapter 5, “Port Graff”

The wind had shifted sufficiently west to make this the last tack into Port Graff, still a dozen miles off.

“Sail Ho! North by northeast.”

“Be it the same craft we had eyes on before?”

“Aye sir, judging by the sail ’tis the same. A large triangular black sail, it be damned hard to make out her heading,” the lookout replied.

“Suspicious, I warrant,” said Captain Anton. “But no threat. We will be hoisting ale before she could be upon us. Two hours lads, and our feet walk the land.”

Why is that boat so unsettling to me, thought Ulf. Perhaps it was the fear that Arab Dhows had evoked in him, memories of his youth as a slave and the poor unfortunates shackled below decks. He recalled that the difficulties of handling the large lateen sail restrained the size and armaments of such ships. He also remembered that they could sail into the wind better and excelled in ocean crossings. Couriers, spies, and assassins favored the dhow for its speed.

Anton was correct; within the two hours they were docked and shortly after that enjoying mugs of ale in the tavern.

“Enjoy some food and drink, Ulf. I will arrange for rooms. We have much to discuss but all can wait until later,” said Merlin as he left the table. “I’ll leave you in the good hands of our new friends.”

Ulf and Anton exchanged glances, waiting for Merlin to be out of ear-shot.

“So, you’ve not discussed our plans with the wizard, I see,” said Anton.

“Nor do I have any wish to. Given that all I need is at hand, I can produce the inserts in a day or two, and then you can test them out. I need funds for food and shelter but have little in the way of security. It is my hope we can arrange for something so I can be rid of him.”

“Fear not, Ulf. I have no doubt your idea has merit and an advance will be forthcoming. Of all virtues I hold dear, honesty is paramount. We will all derive benefit from this and I perceive, you will become a man of means. For some reason, honesty and wizardry are not companions. Tomorrow we meet honest men in pursuit of honest trade.”

“Before I can retire, I must erase from my body the kinks of long days confined in your fine vessel. You have knowledge of these parts. Can you suggest a route for such a walk?” asked Ulf.

“I would recommend that you walk east from the docks to the palisade that encompasses the town. Follow the interior of the wall until you return to your start. That way you will become acquainted with the lay of the land. Take this ring and present it to any who may challenge you. I am known to all the guards and you may explore at will.”

Ulf stood. They clasped each other’s shoulders before Ulf left. The night was clear and the shattered moon unrisen as Ulf made his way to the docks. In the starlight, Ulf could just make out a dark unlit ship that was ghosting into the harbor, where it dropped its black sail and anchored. No boat was put out nor any activity appeared on deck.

Chapter 6, “Immortality”

“Merlin, I have only just become less suspicious of your motives,” said Ulf. “But now, if I understand you correctly, you say I must die in order to test your theory that we are now immortal?”

Nightfall was darkening the waters of Spinthrift Bay and lights on Graff Island twinkled in the distance. The old lamplighter continued carefully up the cobble stone streets of Port Graff.

“Quite so, brother, for we have now found ourselves in a realm very different from the one of our births. You yourself have said that death is everywhere,

Hello everyone! Here is the news of the week! Welcome back Asclepius!

* R31 Postmortem Recap

* Lord British and Darkstarr Blood Reliquaries

* News about the Blood Reliquaries

* The Re-Making of Spite

* Pipe Smoking

* 15% Bonus and 19 Day Countdown to Summer 2016 Expiration Event, Part 1

* The Sword of Midras SotA Novel for Hardcover, Kindle, Nook and Audiobook

* 26 Day Countdown to Summer 2016 Expiration Event, Part 1

* Upcoming Events

* The SotA Dating Game (Community Event)

* Owl’s Sky Arena PvP Tournaments (Community Event)

* The Order’s Auction Hall (Community Event)

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* ONBE Shipments and Backer Shipping Addresses

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with more of this wonderful story from Ulf Berht, entitled Virtue’s Forge

Background music by Smartsound.

 

Chapter 3, “Underway”

“The captain has determined that trying to sail further south is futile. We call these currents Polars. It is rare to be becalmed at the same time as a Polar, and because we are, we can no longer fight the current. Once the Northern Polar flow has started, it can be weeks before there is any slackening. As soon as we alter course, we will go with the current and no longer need your help at the oars. Once around the headland, Port Graff is but two days sail. The only way now for you to get to Ardoris is overland.” With that said, the crewman returned aft.

“A relief beyond measure for my blistered hands and abused muscles,” said Ulf.

“Overland travel in Novia is fraught with danger. You may not be so enthusiastic in a few days,” said Merlin. “I do believe this will be a grand opportunity to learn more about some of the fantastic creatures so often talked about.”

“It was my understanding that you were aiding me in escaping danger, yet you now have a change of mind. Are you now suggesting some benefit in seeking out hazards? I must also point out that whenever it was your turn to row, the captain invariably found a need to consult with you at some length elsewhere.”

“My dear Ulf, I have no influence over the captain’s schedule,” Merlin said.

“I wonder. After some careful observations, I cannot help but to notice the degree to which others acquiesce to your wishes. It is apparent to me that you have some secret powers of persuasion and, in turn, I ponder the degree to which such powers have been directed at me.”

Merlin said, “I have no wish for others to overhear what I am about to say. Our very existence may depend upon secrecy. The crew is currently busy with this course change, so I must be quick. It is true that there are spells that can influence unprotected minds and that I did use them to encourage you to accompany me, but only to save some time. I cannot magic you into doing what you would not ordinarily do, nor into going against your moral code. Distance yourself three arm spans from me and the influence fades to none. In addition, I have prepared an amulet infused with a counter spell. Wear it and be protected. Why it is imperative that I have your trust I will tell you, once we are away from prying ears.”

“If I believed it to be possible, I would plunge my dagger into your black heart, wizard. I sincerely doubt that anything you will say will cause me to remain in your company, but I will hear you out before we go our separate ways.” Ulf snatched the offered amulet and did his best, no matter how difficult, to get more than three arm spans away from Merlin.

Chapter 4, “Enterprise”

The wind was now strong over the aft quarter. With a full, expertly trimmed sail, the longboat hummed with vitality, slicing through the waves. All on board revelled in the aliveness of wind and wave.

“That is an ingenious mechanism, Captain. What nautical term does it go by?” asked Ulf.

“A rudder,” was the Captain’s gruff reply. “Don’t tell me you did not know this.”

“My apologies, sir, but while in my youth I spent many weeks afloat in longboats similar to this fine craft. We used a steering board affixed to the right hand side of the boat and such placement was, as I recall, often problematic. Why we did not solve the difficulties in this manner is beyond me.”

“Mariners are by nature suspicious of innovation. We carry a steering board in the hold as the mechanism can and does fail. The gudgeon gets worn quite through.”