Echoes from the Caverns

Hello everyone! Here is the news!

* **** UPDATE: Summer 2016 Expirations ****

* The Halls of Artifice (A Work In Progress)

* The Making of Brittany Fields

* Elad’s Lighthouse

* Revamped Headgear

* The Bear, the Bare, and the Maiden, Faire (a Community Event)

* Balloon PoT Connections

* Silver Serpent Pendant Available in a Variety of Metals

* Community Resources – Players Helping Players

* In-game Community Events

* Upcoming Events

* Backer Shipping Addresses

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a wonderful story from Lord Tachys al`Fahn, entitled

Ripped from the Web

Although this is not an Ultima or Shroud related story, I thought was so well written and compelling it deserved to be brought to the community.

Background music by Smartsound.

 

Runner had always been the best hunter in the clan. He always caught his prey, and they were invariably the largest beasts brought back to the meeting-place by any one hunter. This did nothing for him in regards to standing, however… he was ever the outcast, and if he were completely honest with himself, that was the way he preferred it. Even tonight as he gathered with the others to bring in the meat needed by the clan, Runner knew he would soon be silently coursing through the forest alone. Whether it was from envy at his prowess, or some unseen signal they responded to, he knew not, but the result was always the same. They would head off together to find and bring down their prey, and Runner would drag home his singular, and very nearly equivalent, kill on his own. Sure, he still earned the grudging respect of the others, but it was one tinged with uneasiness and fear. There were whispers of something darker, that he was touched by gods, and not for the better.

“Let them whisper”, he thought. “The results will be the same.”

And so it went that under the bloody moon, the hunters surged silently forth into the night, catching prey-spoor on the night breezes. Runner caught the mix mid-stride, holding it in while he sorted through the traces mentally. He knew which one the others would follow, the strength of the musk indicating it was large and virile, yet not the strongest specimen present. Strong, but not enough to present the challenge Runner craved. Another loping stride, another lungful of air rich with scents, and he found the challenge he sought. This scent was from the male that would vie for control soon, young and strong enough to pose a challenge to run down, and a threat if cornered. It was then the hunters sprang upon the herd, scattering the hapless animals to the winds to separate them from the intended prey. Runner helped spring the trap, of course, but that was the end of his involvement with the group: his prey had bolted with the rest of the herd. While his clan mates herded the older and weaker animal off to the eventual slaughter, Runner took off in pursuit of his own quarry.

Through brush and brambles, down established trails and off, the animal led him a merry chase. It tried every trick in its repertoire, but to no avail, as Runner was every bit as experienced as the creature was wily. Then it tried one last trick that few contemplated, and fewer still dared.

It crossed the Black River.

He saw it from his hilltop vantage point, peering out from the edge of the woods a mere stone’s fall away from the cursed concourse of emptiness. It had marked the southern-most border of his clan’s holding for time out of memory with a thick black line of evil and emptiness. Some darker rumors held that it was a haunted thing, as nothing living was ever seen within a hundred long strides of its undulating banks. Desperate indeed must his prey be, then, to have braved its crossing. Well, Runner had never come back unladen, and would not start now. Nor would he return with lesser prey, even could he find it now that the herd had been scattered. His chosen prey was close, and weak unto death, he knew. His decision made long before he ever stepped out of the woods, Runner dashed down the hillside, certain of both safety and success.

Certain he was, until a wailing cry split the night, and the eyes of a river beast suddenly appeared from nowhere, their unnerving corona ripping the certainty, and the courage, from his breast. Before Runner could react, the thing was on him, screaming and rending and tearing at him,

Hello everyone! Here is the news!

* The Making of Valhold (Castle Interior)

* The Halls of Artifice (A Work In Progress)

* The Making of Brittany Fields

* Merchant Outfit Revamp + Fortified Cloth Gloves & Boots

* The Spring Festival of the Avatar Telethon Results

* Shroud In The News: Richard Garriott and Personal Rapid Transport

* Summer 2016 Expirations

* New Kobold Furniture, Pavers, Streelamps, and Gazebo

* Upcoming Events

* Backer Shipping Addresses

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone! Here is the news for April 29, 2016. A huge news release, with so much happening in Release 29! Hope you’re enjoying all the new (and radically different) stuff!

* Dual with the Devs During The Spring Festival of the Avatar Telethon!

* Final 3 Days for 15% Bonus & Spring 2016 Pledge Expirations!

* Play Release 29 Now!

* Brittany Video Walk-through

* Crypt of the Avatar

* Meet the Companions (Offline Feature)

* New Player Run Towns: Coastal and Interior Forests

* Shroud In The News: R29 and Richard Garriott at PAX East 2016

* Finn Staber at the Unity Roadshow

* Final Weekend for The Emperors’ and Empresses’ New Clothes

* New Furniture, Trees, In-Door Plants, and Torture Devices

* In-game Community Events

* Upcoming Events

* Backer Shipping Addresses

* Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a wonderful story from Duke Vallas, entitled

The History of Beran’s Reach: Beran & The Dragon

Background music by Smartsound

 

While the present circumstances of Beran’s Reach are well-known within the realms of New Britannia, the origins of the Metropolis are not so clear. Indeed, despite an exhaustive search of every library and scribe-hold from coast to coast there seems to be little which sheds light on the matter. It is perhaps surprising that the authority on the topic, though I use authority in the loosest of terms, is that of the tavern bards that ply the regions. Indeed, despite a slew of inaccuracies and inconsistencies that I firmly blame on continued efforts to outdo their peers, the tale of Beran divulges the story in interesting detail.

As with many such accounts of old, this one begins with a Dragon. In a time long since past a beast was ravaging the coast, leaving nothing but death and destruction in its wake. One by one the coastal settlements burned and their people devoured, their defenses unable to withstand the assault. One day, the dragon came across a sleepy settlement, barely a score of ramshackle houses huddled together against the winter chill of the wilds beyond. Seemingly unimpressed, the dragon decided to have some sport with the inhabitants, challenging its champions in single combat. The terms were simple, if he were bested then the villagers would be spared, if not then their lives would be forfeit.

Three villagers volunteered to make a stand. The first was an ageing Paladin, long in years and past his prime. The second was a fool, quick in wit yet slow in reasoning. The third was the village blacksmith by the name of Beran, a brute of monstrous size and foul of reputation. Despite their bravery both the Paladin and the fool met a grisly end to both tooth and claw, but the blacksmith, who knew that victory on such terms was impossible, took a gamble on an alternative. Standing before the great beast clad in smithing clothes and brandishing a great forge hammer, Beran proposed a challenge more worthy of such a ‘noble adversary’, a game of wits where the smith would be hunted atop a nearby rocky hilltop. The dragon, vain as any of its kin accepted this proposal, confident that it would provide a worthy distraction before the inevitable victory.

It is at this point that many tales differ. Some bards tell of a game of cat and mouse amongst the deep crags and jagged rocks. Others speak of the hunt taking place in a dense and ancient wood which one grew there. Others even tell of these exploits taking place below ground, amid the lightless depths of the caverns and subterranean tunnels that are rumored to run deep into the mountains. In any case, it is clear that before long the dragon was growing increasingly impatient. After three days and nights of fruitless searching, this impatience had grown into a deep and unrelenting rage. It’s patience faltering, the dragon called out to the smith to show himself and settle the challenge lest its wrath be turned on the village once more. The dragon drew itself to its full height, its head held high and wings unfurled in an effort to demonstrate its might. Perhaps the moment that he had been waiting for, the smith left his hiding position and threw his hammer with such force that the hammer struck the surprised creature to the head with a thunderclap, killing it instantly. As the beast fell, the fires within created an inferno that enveloped the hilltop almost instantly, raising a firestorm that burned intensely for a night and a day. Once the fires had subsided, no sign of the smith remained only the skeletal remains of the dragon that had been felled. Within it, a carpet of glittering gold and jewels that were the remnants of the dragon’s horde.

It is here that the story is commonly brought to a close. It is widely speculated that the village mentioned w...

Another GEM by our star Apoollox!

 

Tragedy by Apollox Evanheart

Music prod by illwillbeatz

 

Tragedy has struck

Now were all F*

Waiting for that moment

That I can get that rush

Waiting for that moment

That I am no longer touched

My inner demons Speak to me

Feel like I’m in the clutch

 

Chorus

Back up

I’m coming off my pedestal

Just set a goal to dominate

The execution is critical

They said I wouldn’t amount to much

Hi im the Lawmen, Jury and judge

 

They say I’m no good

They say I’m ill hearted

Well I’m here to clean the trash

And you just brought all this garbage

Thought you could make yourself well known

Well I think its time to take your ass back home

I hear the dinner bell

I’m getting kind of hungry

I’m eatting up this competition

Sorry to put it bluntly

 

Let me put your mind at ease

I’m a f* cure

And you’re the disease

A plague of men

A scum of this nation

If I was god

Id be embarrassed of my creation

I know your trying to fit in

I think I understand

But I got my Choas in order

And you didn’t have your sh* planned

 

Ladies and Gentlemen

Apollox Evanheart now sentences you to a public execution

You son of a Bi*

 

I’m sorry if you thought I would be polite

I’m a cannibal

An Animal

An executioner of my time

A long list of enemies

Have kept me on my grind

Your blood on my hand

I wont lose sleep at night

 

Chorus

Back up

I’m coming off my pedestal

Just set a goal to dominate

The execution is critical

They said I wouldn’t amount to much

Hi I’m the Lawmen, Jury and judge

 

I find it funny how things evolve

How I can run the streets

Then rule them all

How one day I climb

And the very next you crawl

But watch your back

Not always safe behind stonewall

 

Hello everyone! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar! We have a special guest this week:

Sir Stile Teckel

Male Cloth Armor Revamps

Reconnecting with Underground Scenes

The Halls of Artifice (A Work In Progress)

Final Lord of the Manor Dinner and Tour

Richard Garriott in “Streets by VICE: Austin (6th St.)”

Leostorm’s Church of the Darkstarr

New Home Decorations

10 Day Countdown for 15% Bonus & Spring 2016 Pledge Expirations!

In-game Community Events

Upcoming Events

Backer Shipping Addresses

Recommended Projects to Back

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a thrilling story from Cianna, entitled

They Call her Lady Warrior

Joining me in this podcast I’d like to welcome Solstar as Sir Kenton, and littelgeeklost as Cianna.

Background music by Smartsound

 

 

She stood in the darkness of a tavern corner, watching the man at the bar, a knight, revelling in drunken stupor with his men. She looked again, searching her memory. It was him. She was sure of it.

She approached the bar. “Good sir, I need a word with you.”

The man slowly turned from his drink to look at her, a young woman in an old and tattered cloak, a hat worn low upon her brow. He smiled at the cat calls coming from his men. He looked her over, head to foot, slowly, lingeringly, enjoying every moment of her discomfiture. His men laughed.

“And what can I do for you, miss,” he said, winking. “I haven’t much time, but I’m at your disposal, nonetheless.”

The cat calls got louder. It was all she could do to keep her temper in check. But it would not do to ruin her moment, not when it had been so long in coming.

“I must speak with you in private, sir. It’s a…a personal matter.” She forced herself to look him in the eyes, bringing a small smile to her lips. “Please. It’s important.”

With his men jeering and laughing, the knight stood, bowing to her with mock courtesy. “After you, milady.”

She turned, and led the way from the tavern, hearing him stumble behind her, but not stopping to help. He would follow. They always did.

She led him across the road to the stables and heard him chuckle when he realized where they were going. “Good thinking. There will be a bed of soft hay in there for our merry-making, to be sure.”

She stepped into the dim light of the stable, then turned to watch him enter the building. He closed the door behind him, still leering.

She removed the hat she was wearing so that her eyes were no longer shrouded.

“Hello, Sir Kenton.”

The knight peered at her in the darkness, confusion written on his face.

“How do you know my name? Do I know you?”

“You worked for my father some years back,” she said, an icy tone creeping into her voice. “When he was married to my mother, the Lady Valandra.”

He took a step closer but stopped when she withdrew a blade that had been hidden in her cloak. He searched her face.

“My God, it’s Cianna, isn’t it? I thought you were dead. You should have died along with your….”

“Mother.” She finished the sentence for him. “You only got half of your dirty work done, Kenton. My mother died. I survived.”

In spite of her blade, he was unafraid.

“Well, well. The brat still lives. Your father will be so disappointed when I inform him.”

“You won’t have the chance, I’m afraid. That’s an honor I prefer to reserve for myself.”

“Look, I have to get back to my men. You have something to say to me, little girl, get on with it. I’m an important man and I don’t have time for the likes of you, you half-bred daughter of a whore.”

He turned as if to leave but, faster than lightning, she struck him with the hilt of her weapon. He fell to the ground, gasping for breath.

“Don’t you dare speak of my mother like that, you miserable cur,” she said. “You shall pay a forfeit for her death: your life for hers. It’s fitting, and one of many debts I plan to collect.”

He sneered at her words, then stopped as her blade came to rest just above his heart. “Go on, then,” he taunted her. “Do it. Let’s see what you’re made of, little girl.”

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

Making of Central Brittany

Hangout of the Avatar ~ Release 28 Postmortem

Richard Garriott at Cartoons on the Bay (Venice, Italy)

Richard Garriott at the Explorer’s Club

New (Old) Player Homes

New Boat Decorations

Lot Deed Sale and Player Owned Town Lot Deeds

SeleneNoctua’s Video Walkthrough of Skrekk

The Gallery of Horrors

Longfall’s R28 End of the World Party

17 Day Countdown for 15% Bonus & Spring 2016 Pledge Expirations

Community Resources – Players Helping Players

In-game Community Events

Upcoming Events

Backer Shipping Addresses

Recommended Projects to Back

Heartthrob by Apollox Evanheart

Music by Omnibeats

I’m the gift

That you never knew you needed

Sex appeal with a splash of conceited

Stare at me to long

Think you’ve cheated

Blizzard outside

I just got it heated

Drooling at the mouth

I can understand

Got a boy at Home

But you need yourself man

You got your toys for delight

But what you really need is a Novian Knight

I’ll try to be sensitive

Im there for your needs

Always eager and willing to please

There’s the moment

Its time for me to Seize

Grab your hips, dip and squeeze

Let me take your hand

Show you what I mean

This might be a fantasy

But its not a dream

Damn she grindin real slow

She got me actin like ive never seen this sh* before

She got this place lit on fire

Make a Playa Knight want to suddenly retire

She Whispered naughty things

She seemed wild

A Devilish Look

But a Angel when she smiled

She had me captivated

Had me mesmerized

I’m The Knight but felt like she compromised

The night seemed long

And the music was bumping

The music got aggressive

And our bodies kept rubbing

Filthy Stag was crowded

Party was getting lit

Best time of my life

That’s Safe to admit

A generous Knight

I paid for all drinks

I caught her off guard

She didn’t know what to think

She whispered in my ear

I want to see if its possible

That we can go somewhere

Where cloths are optional

Wow she had me surprise

Wasn’t sure if she wanted the Man or the Knight

I guess I didn’t really care what it seemed

I suddenly wanted Strawberries and the whip cream

I took her back to my place

So we could be fulfilled

Kick back Avatars Radio and Chill

A night a bliss

A marathon a passion

First night met

Filled with compassion

A fire within

A bed set ablaze

Stay in the morning

Ill make breakfast the next day

I’m the Knight of Wizards Rest

I’m Apollox E

You just managed

To sweep me off my feet

A heartthrob

You just made me skip a beat

A Cold Body

You just Turned up the heat